Month: August 2015

The Evil of Replacement Theology, Part 1

Published on Aug 25, 2015
Who taught the Christian Church to despise the Jewish people? Find out with Dr. David Reagan on the show Christ in Prophecy.

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. ” (Deuteronomy 7:6)

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Deuteronomy 7:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

A Chosen People

6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

In The Presence Of Jehovah – Draw near to the Lord Jesus. Consider the view of the throne room in heaven that was given to John the Apostle. Consider the apostle’s view of the seven-fold fullness of God, as stated in verse 5. Consider the “glory and honor and power” of God, and all that is entailed in that brief description of our Lord’s Holy attributes, as stated in verse 11. Consider our nation. Consider our leader. Consider heaven without the presence of our president. Prayers are needed.

Leader And Nation, Draw Near To The Lord Jesus

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Revelation 4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Scene in Heaven

1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

The Throne and Worship of the Creator

5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 6 and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”

9 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

.”I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3)

God Is Holy; Consider His Holiness

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Isaiah 10:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Returning Remnant of Israel

20 And it shall come to pass in that day
That the remnant of Israel,
And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob,
Will never again depend on him who defeated them,
But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob,
To the Mighty God.

Isaiah 6:1-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”
4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it,and said:
“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Psalm 99:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the Lord our God is holy.

Psalm 99:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.

Psalm 97:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Psalm 47:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 God reigns over the nations;
God sits on His holy throne.

Psalm 33:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Psalm 30:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Psalm 28:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Hear the voice of my supplications
When I cry to You,
When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

Psalm 24:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalm 22:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Nehemiah 8:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

2 Chronicles 30:27 New King James Version (NKJV)

27 Then the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard; and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.

1 Chronicles 16:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
11 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!

1 Kings 8:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Nothing was in the ark except the two tablets of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
10 And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 “No one is holy like the Lord,
For there is none besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.

Joshua 5:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Deuteronomy 28:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.

Deuteronomy 14:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

Numbers 29:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing the trumpets.

Leviticus 20:26 New King James Version (NKJV)

26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.

Leviticus 20:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

Exodus 3:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

Hebrews 12:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Psalm 29:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

1 Chronicles 16:29 New King James Version (NKJV)

29 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!

Exodus 15:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

“if My people who are called by My name will “humble themselves,” ………..and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

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2 Chronicles 6 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Then Solomon spoke: “The Lord said He would dwell in the dark cloud. 2 I have surely built You an exalted house, And a place for You to dwell in forever.”

Solomon’s Speech upon Completion of the Work Of The Temple

3 Then the king turned around and blessed the whole assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel was standing. 4 And he said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

12 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands 13 (for Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and he stood on it, knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven);14 and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.

18 “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! 19 Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You: 20 that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. 21 And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.

22 “If anyone sins against his neighbor, and is forced to take an oath, and comes and takes an oath before Your altar in this temple, 23 then hear from heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.

24 “Or if Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this temple, 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to them and their fathers.

26 “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them, 27 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.

28 “When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; 29 whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple: 30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men), 31 that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.

32 “Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray in this temple; 33 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.

34 “When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You toward this city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name, 35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

36 “When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to a land far or near; 37 yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’; 38 and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried captive, and pray toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and toward the temple which I have built for Your name: 39 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. 40 Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.

2 Chronicles 7 New King James Version (NKJV)

Solomon Dedicates the Temple

1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” 6 And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the Lord, which King David had made to praise the Lord, saying, “For His mercy endures forever,” whenever David offered praise by their ministry. The priests sounded trumpets opposite them, while all Israel stood.

God’s Second Appearance to Solomon

12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” Habakkuk 2:20..”Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34-35..It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord,so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord”..1 Kings 8:10-11…”in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord saying, ‘He indeed is good for His loving kindness is everlasting,’ then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:13-14..”But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3..”You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:22-24.

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https://youtu.be/bNu3bKsrAiU
Monday morning is rolling in (early) on the eastern seaboard of the “good ole’ USA.” God has been good to me today/or was it yesterday? He gave me some amazing ideas. My post on the Marriage and Wrath of the Lamb is one that God gave to me in bits and pieces throughout the day; I am really blessed. This video is one of “those spiritual accidents;” one that I, “just sorta ran into. (It “is” midnight) I will have to say that it was a “good spiritual collision.” I have really been blessed by the song, the soloist, and the congregation. I trust that God will richly bless this body of believers, “red and yellow, and, black and white,” (please! somebody! tell Washington!) Well, you know the end of the “red and yellow – black and white” saying; it is very, very true. And, yes! Jesus loves us. And, yes! The Bible told me so… So, for those of you who are living in the four corners of God’s created world (there is no mother nature!), let me wish you a wonderful day, and a very blessed day in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

The Cathedrals – Wedding Music

The video, “Wedding Music,” deals with the marriage of the Lamb to His bride, who is the Church. That sacred ceremony takes place in heaven, per Rev 19:7-8. This post will discuss the Marriage of The Lamb, as well as the Wrath of The Lamb. The purpose of the discussion will be to show that the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the born again believers in Christ, will be present at the marriage of the lamb in Heaven, as opposed to being present in the tribulation, and experiencing the Lamb’s wrath that will be poured out on the whole world of people who have been left behind from when the catching up of believers took place to take “the bride of Christ,” out of the world.

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Revelation 19:7-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Marriage of the Lamb

7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

The marriage of the lamb takes place in heaven before Jesus escorts His bride back to earth from heaven; the destination will be the prophetic Battle of Armageddon. It will be a quick victory for the “Lamb of God,” per Rev 19:15.

Revelation 19:15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

“I Believe He’s Coming Back”

The video, “I Believe He’s Coming Back,” tells us, who are born-again believers in Christ, how we will find ourselves in heaven where we will meet the Lord Jesus, The Lamb Of God, The Lion Of The Tribe Of Jesus, for the wedding of all weddings. The scripture references that are a part of the song provide that answer.

Acts 1:9-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB) – The Ascension Of Jesus –

Angels tell the disciples that Jesus will come back for them, and will take them to heaven.

9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

In John 14:1-3, Jesus had previously told His disciples that He would come back for them, and that He would take them away to be with Him in Heaven.

John 14:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

In Matthew 16:15-18, we see the words of Jesus, “I will build My Church.” Why did Jesus make that statement? It was because there was no church. Jesus said that upon the confession of Peter, “NOT PETER,” that Jesus would build His church. The church of Christ would become a spiritual body. The spiritual body of Christ would meet in buildings, but not all people who would meet in “church buildings” would necessarily be those who are “the Church.” “Unless one is born again, he can not see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him,“Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

The message of the New Testament is that of Christ and the Church, per Ephesians 5:32.

Ephesians 5:32 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Per Colossians 1:18. Jesus is the head of Church

Colossians 1:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

As born-again believers in Christ, we constitute His body, which is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 12:27 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

The promise of Jesus, that He gives to “the church, His bride,” is that of a faithful groom to His loving bride, who is “we, the born again believers in Christ.”

In Ephesians 5:25, we read that the love of Christ for His bride, who is the Church, is an example for husbands in marriage. But, this illustration also explains the amazing love that Jesus has for “His” bride. He gave Himself for his bride, which is “us,” who are the born again body of Christ.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

In the video, “I Believe He’s Coming Back,” the words of 1 Corinthians 15:52 explain the event that will raise up believers in Christ, whether “dead of alive,” at the sound of the trumpet’s call.

1 Corinthians 15:52 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

The following verses relate to the “catching up,” to the “dead in Christ,” and “we who are alive and remain.” This promise is to those who are “in Christ,” who have been born again. The promise is not given to those who have not been born again, such as the unbelieving Jews of Matthew 24. Again, this promise has been given to “us, the born again believers in Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The videos of “Wedding Music” and “I Believe He’s Coming Back” tell a story of comfort for those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The promise of being “caught up” to be with Christ was given to the disciples, who have become apostles of Christ, in John 14:1-3, and verified by the angels in Acts 1:9-11. The coming of Jesus “in the air” to catch up His church” is known as the “rapture of the church.” There is now the question of how the rapture of the church differs from the “second coming of Christ.”

The rapture of the church “takes believers away,” for spiritual gifts and for the wedding of the Lamb.” Read, very carefully, the words of this passage. Nothing is mentioned about “motives.” We receive rewards, or lack of rewards. It is important to not relate this passage to other scriptures that do not have this context of “rewards, or lack of rewards,” for what we have done,” whether good or worthless.” It is also important to know that other references to this event clearly relate to this “Judgment Seat Of Christ,” for rewards, or lack of rewards.

2 Corinthians 5:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

10 For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.

“We, “the bride of the Lamb, the bride of Christ,” are treated with the greatest of respect that Jesus demands of husbands for “their wives,” (“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her,” Eph 5:25). Relate this time in heaven, after the church has been raptured up, to the time that an earthly bride awaits her wedding to her earthly groom. How is the earthly bride treated as she awaits the wedding. Is her earthly groom going to “grill her” immediately prior to their wedding ceremony, on her motives? As was said earlier, the marriage of the Lamb takes place in Revelation 19:7-8, while the bride, the church, is still in heaven, after having been caught up to be with Jesus.

Zechariah 14:1-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The second coming of Jesus to earth, is described in the following verses of scripture where He will ,”stand on the Mount of Olives,” and that He will “come with all the holy ones with Him.” This event is the same one of Revelation 19:15, where Jesus defeats the enemies of God, in a spiritual victory in the Battle of Armageddon. We, the caught up “holy ones,” accompany Jesus. The battle is a spiritual one” (Zechariah 14:3, “Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations as He fights on a day of battle;” also Rev 19:15, “From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations.”)

The Lord’s Triumph and Reign (Zechariah 14:1-5)

1 A day of the Lord is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence. 2 I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations as He fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, forming a huge valley, so that half the mountain will move to the north and half to the south. 5 You will flee by My mountain valley, for the valley of the mountains will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come and all the holy ones with Him.

The catching up of the church where the saints of Christ are taken away from earth, is not the same event as the second coming of Christ, where He will stand on earth at the Mount Of Olives, where He will set up His millennial kingdom. It is important to note 20:4, “those who had been beheaded,” refers to those who had accepted Jesus during the tribulation, “because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God.”

Revelation 19:11-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Coming of Christ

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

Doom of the Beast and False Prophet

20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20:1-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Satan Bound

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.
4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

More will be discussed about the time of the second coming of Christ which takes place at the end of the time of tribulation. The following statement is very important!!! There are signs of the second coming of Jesus; no signs are given that tell of the rapture of the church.

Matthew 24:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The times of tribulation will be much greater than anything that will have ever happened. It will not be the purpose of Jesus to put “His bride,” in the midst of such a time.

Matthew 24:21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.

The purpose of the tribulation will be to judge sin and to bring unbelieving Jews to acceptance of Jesus as Messiah, as follows:

Daniel 9:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Seventy Weeks and the Messiah

24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.

The church, the bride of Christ, has no purpose in the tribulation. There is a great purpose for unbelieving Israel to come to faith in Jesus. There is also a great purpose for God to judge sin. We, who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, have no need to be tested; “we have passed the test when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.” “Dwellers on the earth,” relates to unbelievers, and is mentioned throughout Revelation as those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. As believers in Christ, “our citizenship is in heaven,” Philippians 3:20. Dwellers of the earth have an allegiance to things of the earth, as opposed to the “heavenlies.” (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3)

Revelation 3:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

10 Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

The time of tribulation will be much worse than that of anything that has ever happened in history. Consider the bomb that exploded over Hiroshima that ended World War II. Consider the great world-wide flood of Noah’s time. The tribulation period will be greater than anything that our minds can imagine. The wrath of God’s judgment on sin and unbelief will be poured out on the earth, as is described below. God will not be a “bystander;” He will be “in charge” of everything that happens.

Revelation 5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Book with Seven Seals

1 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

Revelation 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The First Seal—Rider on White Horse
1 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals

The Second Seal—War
3 When He broke the second seal

The Third Seal—Famine
5 When He broke the third seal

The Fourth Seal—Death
7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal

The Fifth Seal—Martyrs
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal

The Sixth Seal—Terror
12 I looked when He broke the sixth seal

It is not God’s purpose for His church, the bride of Christ, to endure the wrath of God which will be poured out on the whole earth, which will affect all of those who are left behind; those who did not accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

The following video tells of the salvation of Jesus that is given to all who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior, as opposed to the condemnation that is the penalty for unbelief.

John 3:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus Saves

Amen.

https://youtu.be/HEGBAyjKyuM
https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/
(Click onto the above link to see the video and other posts.)

19 Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. 20 Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21 Honor Christ by submitting to each other. 22 You wives must submit to your husbands’ leadership in the same way you submit to the Lord. 23 For a husband is in charge of his wife in the same way Christ is in charge of his body the Church. (He gave his very life to take care of it and be its Savior!)24 So you wives must willingly obey your husbands in everything, just as the Church obeys Christ.

25 And you husbands, show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the Church when he died for her, 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s Word; 27 so that he could give her to himself as a glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault. 28 That is how husbands should treat their wives, loving them as parts of themselves. For since a man and his wife are now one, a man is really doing himself a favor and loving himself when he loves his wife! 29-30 No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body the Church, of which we are parts.

31 (That the husband and wife are one body is proved by the Scripture, which says, “A man must leave his father and mother when he marries so that he can be perfectly joined to his wife, and the two shall be one.”) 32 I know this is hard to understand, but it is an illustration of the way we are parts of the body of Christ.

33 So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband—obeying, praising, and honoring him. (Ephesians 5:19-33, Living Bible)

Nothing in the above passage identifies “screaming,” individually or as a “two-some,” as being a way to strengthen a marriage. Click onto the following link and watch the full Fire Proof movie (Courtesy of Trinity Broadcasting Network). Look for yourself. Are you Caleb? Are you Catherine?

http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/ZnbHd5MjpV6MHBU6z-BNtr_CTBXM1b_y

As part of my tenth grade speech class training, I was taught to: 1. Tell ’em what you’re gonna tell ’em. 2. Tell ’em. 3. Tell ’em what you told ’em. Parts 1 and 2 have been taken care of for this post. Now, here comes part three. The following link is: “tell ’em what you told ’em.” (Please forgive “em,” it helps to quicken speech.) Remember Ephesians 5:33.

http://thelovedarebook.com/fireproof

The First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida is the scene of the songs of worship and praise that were sung by Daniel Crews. The Senior Pastor of FBC, JAX is Dr. Mac Brunson. The congregation is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. Revelation Song/Holy, Holy, Holy was performed by Daniel Crews with the choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. (Pastors’ Conference 2012).

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/
Click onto the above link to see the video of the post.

This evening has been a good time of worship and praise to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. It was a blessing for me to research videos for songs that fit the spiritual design that God’s Holy Spirit has provided for me. Now, it’s time for the reason to be revealed for this evening’s time of worship. Consider our personal, and our nation’s, need for a “Solemn Assembly.” Consider the situation that the prophet Joel made known to the people of Israel.

Joel 1:14-15; New American Standard Bible

“Consecrate a fast, Proclaim a solemn assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land To the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty. ”

Beginning this Thursday (August 20) CCM will begin a series of Solemn Assemblies. We hold this time of meeting at our Elm Street location; our time for the Solemn Assemblies will be from 11:00 A.M., and will continue until around noon. If anyone would like to stay later, that’s okay; no one will be “run out” due to a time piece. God has been impressing upon me the need to have such Solemn Assemblies for quite some time. The focus of our times of meeting will be holiness, confession and repentance. There is an obvious reason for us to humble ourselves before our Holy God and confess our sins, both personal and national. Consider the order of repentance that we find written in the following scripture.

2 Chronicles 7:14; King James Bible

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The words of God to Solomon are very clear if are to find personal and national healing. 1. Realize that God is the One who is calling us. 2. We are being called to approach Him in a state of humility. 3. We are to pray to God, with no barriers limiting our honesty with Him. 4. We are to seek the face of God, with no barriers blocking us. 5. We are to change our life from sin to holiness.

It is my prayer that the desire to return to God will be realized by many people in our local community. For those who do not reside in our fair city, I encourage you to set aside a time for your own time of spiritual replenishing. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to be a part of our extended Solemn Assembly, regardless of your location around God’s created world. Consider Joel’s second appeal for a solemn assembly.

Joel 2:

15 Blow a trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly,
16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and the nursing infants.
Let the bridegroom come out of his room
And the bride out of her bridal chamber.
17 Let the priests, the Lord’s ministers,
Weep between the porch and the altar,
And let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord,
And do not make Your inheritance a reproach,

Remember: Proclaim A Solemn Assembly – Call for “Holiness, Confession, Repentance.”

https://youtu.be/iXeyrNtQfrs
Published on Nov 24, 2012
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord O My Soul). Sunday Service Sep. 9, 2012 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX.

https://youtu.be/qH9AzyOP77A
Uploaded on Oct 16, 2010
Taken from our Sunday service on 9/19/10. One of my favorite songs on the new CD project “You Reign” from the Prestonwood Choir and Orchestra.

https://youtu.be/4ymhsGysBw8

Uploaded on Jun 2, 2009
Thou Oh Lord – Prestonwood Choir & Orchestra

https://youtu.be/6xkf1FeUYZ0
This is one of my favorite songs of worship and praise. Prestonwood Baptist Church has three locations in the area of Plano, Prosper and Dallas, TX (Ft. Worth – Dallas area). This particular choir has 500 voices. Prestonwood Baptist Church is a congregation of the Southern Baptist Convention. Its Senior Pastor is Dr. Jack Graham; he will speak briefly at the end of the song. I trust that you will receive a rich blessing from this song of encouragement for believers in Christ.

Uploaded on Oct 11, 2009
Solo by Andy Edwards with Dr. Jack Graham, The Prestonwood Baptist Choir and Orchestra. Taken from one of our Sunday Services.

This is one of those moments where you can almost look up to heaven and see Jesus Coming. Andy just pours out his heart and soul, Bradley is playing the keys off the keyboard and the choir is just about ready to jump out of the choir loft. Praise to God I got to sing that day

This is my last post for this wonderful night that “the Lord hath made.” When I am awakened by the dawn’s early light, I will say, “this is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

So, to my special blog friends who are seeing differing views of our Lord’s wonderful creation around the world, let me wish you a very special good night from the eastern seaboard of the USA. May our Lord Jesus richly bless you.

Genesis Chapter 1 New King James Version

The History of Creation

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Chapter 2

1 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

https://youtu.be/oHDPxHy4pzw
“To Him Who Sits On The Throne, And Unto The Lamb.” The One who is seated on the throne is none other than “The Lamb Of God,” who is now “The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah,” the Redeemer of mankind, the Messiah, the Savior, Immanuel; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is none other than “Jesus!” JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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Click onto the above link to see the video for the post.

Revelation 5 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Lamb Takes the Scroll

1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Worthy Is the Lamb

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

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https://youtu.be/eOW4oWMuH-I
“Even so, come Lord Jesus” The next to last sentence in God’s Holy Word! Such words of anticipation and comfort!

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Click onto the above link to see the video for the post.

“Even So, Come Lord Jesus”

Revelation 22 New King James Version (NKJV)

The River of Life

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Time Is Near

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Jesus Testifies to the Churches

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A Warning

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

I Am Coming Quickly

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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Click onto the above link to see the post, as it is shown on the blog. You will see a clear view of the post, as well as the opening video, and others that may be included in the post. You will also see prior posts. If you have a forwarded copy of the post, you can also click onto any blue line, letter, number or symbol to see the video and other posts and videos that are posted on the blog. If you don’t see the post that you desire, look at the bottom of the right side of the page. There, you will find a “search window.” In that window, type the name of the post, click onto it, and the typed post will appear.

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer.” Job knew of the Redeemer. The song has been around for a long time, but its message is fresh – for today. Music video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” (feat. Shane McConnell and Larry Ford)

Sermon Notes: Genesis 3:15 And Forward – Jesus, The Redeemer (August 15, 2015)

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/
Click onto the above link to see the video for the post.

Genesis 3:15 New King James Version (NKJV) The first prophecy of the virgin birth of the Messiah/Redeemer/Savior/Jesus and of the doom of Satan.

15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

Genesis 3:17 King James Version (KJV) The penalty of the fall of Adam was the curse, which has affected the totality of God’s creation. Anything that is not like it would have been in the Garden of Eden is a result of the fall and resulting curse. Consider all of the horrible things of the world in which we live; things of life, things of nature, anything that dies, anything that creates death. You can add to this list, based on your own life’s experiences and observations.

17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Job 19:25 New King James Version (NKJV) Job knew of the Redeemer and of His triumphant return to earth to bring deliverance.

25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;

The Day Of The Lord

Zechariah 14:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) – The fulfillment of Job 19:25

1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.

The Redemption. The sheep of the Shepherd. Other sheep.

John 10:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV) – Israel is God’s chosen; Gentiles will also be called and chosen.

14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Death in Adam; Life in Christ

Romans 5:12 New King James Version (NKJV) – No death before the Sin of Adam.

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 New King James Version (NKJV) – Death came by Adam. Eternal life came by Christ.

21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

John’s Special Relationship With Jesus – Consider the writings of John The Apostle.

John 13:23 New King James Version (NKJV) – An obvious intimate relationship between Jesus and John.

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

John 20:31 New King James Version (NKJV) – Proof of salvation is by belief in Christ.

31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Revelation 1:3 New King James Version (NKJV) – The truth of the blessings of reading Revelation.

3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

The Lamb Of God

John 1:29 New King James Version (NKJV) – The sin of the world, not the sins of the world.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV) – The spiritual new birth gives eternal life.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 3:3-8 New King James Version (NKJV) – The born again experience is necessary for eternal life. Only God’s Holy Spirit can bring about the new birth.

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

This is not referring to water baptism, but to a spiritual cleansing of a flawed spirit. Everyone who has been born into this world, or who has been conceived, has a flawed spirit which must be regenerated, cleansed, born again.

John 3:15-18 New King James Version (NKJV) – The sin of the world (Jn 1:29) is unbelief. The unpardonable sin is that of “unbelief.” The purpose of Jesus coming into the world was not to condemn but to call flawed people to Him for eternal life with Him.

15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36 New King James Version (NKJV) – The wrath of God awaits those who die in a state of unbelief, and those who find themselves missing the rapture of Jesus and present in the time of Tribulation (Matt 24; Rev 4-19)

36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 4:22-24 New King James Version (NKJV) – God chose the Jews to bring the Savior (Deu 7:6)

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

Deuteronomy 7:6 New King James Version (NKJV) –

6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

NOT “HOLY GHOST:” Matt 28:19; Mk 1:8; Lk 3:22; John 14:26. HOLY SPIRIT IS CORRECT. GOD IS NOT A GHOST.

Worship in spirit and in truth. “All of us for all of Him.”

John 17:3 New King James Version (NKJV) – A text book definition of eternal life. “Knowing God, intimately.” The word “know” is the same as in Gen 4:1 (Adam knew Eve and she conceived.) and Matt 1:23-25 (Joseph did not “know” Mary until after Jesus was born.) Eternal life begins when we have an intimate relationship with God, (“Father, Son, Holy Spirit”). This is accomplished by the new birth. If we are born again we believe. If we believe we have been born again.

3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

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6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6). John Osteen passed from this life to Glory in January 1999. John Osteen never shied away from the truth of Jesus being the only way to salvation.

Dr. Osteen founded Lakewood Church in 1959 in Houston, Texas and developed Lakewood into a body of approximately 15,000 members with active ministries in televangelism, conferences, missionary support, and food distribution. He hosted the weekly John Osteen television program for 16 years, reaching millions in the U.S. and in many other countries with his preaching. On January 23, 1999 he died after a heart attack at the age of 77. His youngest son Joel Osteen later succeeded him as pastor. The congregation was started from scratch by the senior Osteen and his wife, Dodie. Since his passing, the weekly attendance has grown to more than 43,500.

John Osteen was a very knowledgeable and firm preacher of the gospel of Christ. His sermons consistently dealt with righteousness and sin, belief and unbelief, Heaven and Hell, Jesus and Satan, and the need for all people of the world to be born again in order for them to enter into Heaven. The sermon that is shown as a part of this post is the last one that Dr. Osteen preached before he died. All of the topics that are listed in this paragraph were parts of that sermon. It is amazing how the attendance of Lakewood Church has grown so much under the preaching of its current pastor.

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https://youtu.be/7cU780bEN8k
2 I made up my mind that I would talk about only one thing while I was with you. That one thing was Jesus Christ and his death on a cross. (1 Corinthians 2:2.) 34 Then the man from Ethiopia asked Philip, `Please tell me, who is the prophet talking about, himself or some other man?’35 Then Philip told him about Jesus. He began with what the man read in the book. 36 While they were going along, they came to some water by the road. The man said, `See, here is water. What is there to stop me from being baptised?’ 37 Philip answered, `If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptised.’ The man said, `I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ 38 The man told the driver to stop. Then both he and Philip went down into the water, and Philip baptised him. (Acts 8:34-38) (Both passages are from the Worldwide English New Testament). In the above scriptures we see two examples of effective ministry. In 1 Corinthians, Paul said that his message was that of Jesus. In Acts, Philip “preached Jesus.” Dr. E.V. Hill was a preacher of the Gospel of Christ who maintained a ministry of telling people about Jesus. Oh, how we need such a Pastor to minister to the leader of the United States Of America!

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https://youtu.be/sWJh9h1ijSg
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (NASB)

Prepare yourself. Enter into the throne room of Heaven and fall down and worship God. Revelation, Chapter 4:11, Our “Lord,” Kurios, Master, Sir; the Lord…Our “God,” Theos, Creator and Owner of all things.

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Our “Lord.”

kurios: lord, master
Original Word: κύριος, ου, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: kurios
Phonetic Spelling: (koo’-ree-os)
Short Definition: lord, Lord, master, sir
Definition: lord, master, sir; the Lord.
HELPS Word-studies
2962 kýrios – properly, a person exercising absolute ownership rights;lord (Lord).
[In the papyri, 2962 (kýrios) likewise denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights.]

Our “God”

theos: God, a god
Original Word: θεός, οῦ, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: theos
Phonetic Spelling: (theh’-os)
Short Definition: God, a god
Definition: (a) God, (b) a god, generally.
HELPS Word-studies
2316 theós – properly, God, the Creator and owner of all things (Jn 1:3; Gen 1 – 3).
[Long before the NT was written, 2316 (theós) referred to the supreme being who owns and sustains all things.]

Revelation, 4:1-11 (HCSB)

The Throne Room of Heaven

1 After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne, 3 and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. 4 Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. 5 Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 6 Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne. Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were in the middle and around the throne. 7 The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop,saying:

Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God, the Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is coming.

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever, 10 the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne, and say:

11 Our Lord and God,
You are worthy to receive
glory and honor and power,
because You have created all things,
and because of Your will
they exist and were created.

http://youtu.be/gwq461GHZGs

Let’s consider love – God’s love. Sometimes, “it’s hard to explain.” When we consider the scope of God’s love, it goes “far, far, away,” from the place that we live, to the great expanses of outer space” (good news for astronauts). God’s love is truly, “beyond this world,” which explains “how much He loves us.” Let us now relate these thoughts about God’s love to the tender love story of a young man and young woman in the song and movie that are a part of this post. This subject has been posted in times past. I trust that you will learn a bit more about me through the things that I write, especially in this post.

The year was 1962. I was fourteen years old. My home was in New Orleans, Louisiana, actually Gretna and Algiers. One afternoon, I looked at the movie section of the New Orleans Times Picayune and tried to figure out a good movie to see. There were many theaters in “The Crescent City,” so it took a while to decide on which one would have the best movie. I decided on the Avalon Theater, which was located in the downtown area of what is now known as “Algiers Point.” I road a city bus from the Mc Donoughville community of Gretna, where I lived, all the way to the theater. That is a time in my life that I will never forget, and would not want to forget.

The movie that was being shown was “Rome Adventure.” At my “tender age,” I was in love with the idea of being in love. The movie was about a young woman whose name was Prudence. She worked as a librarian somewhere in America. She wanted to go “to where they really know what love is all about – Italy.” So, she went! The role of Prudence was played by Suzanne Pleshette.

Almost magically upon her arrival in Italy, Prudence met a young man who had recently broken up with his girl friend. That man was Don, and was played by Troy Donahue. Love was truly in the air as Prudence and Don toured Italy together. As is shown in the movie, the love grows between Don and Prudence – love that is tender and innocent. You can not imagine how much I would love to have been Don as he was gaining the favor of the beautiful Suzanne Pleshette.

The Rome Adventure theme song, Al Di La, has been in my mind throughout the years. While Don and Prudence were on a date, and listening to Emilio Pericolli sing that song, Prudence asked Don to explain the meaning of “Al Di La.” He explained it like this. “It’s hard to explain. It’s “far far away, beyond the beyond, beyond this world; that’s how much he loves her in this song.”

Rome Adventure was truly a love story, because it was just that – a story about love – young love. There was nothing out of taste or character for either Suzanne Pleshette or Troy Donahue; oh how we need movies like that today. To help you to understand some of my thoughts about this movie, I have provided two links. The first, and opening, one will take you to the scene where Al Di La is being sung. The second one will show various film clips of the movie. I trust that you will get a feeling deep inside of you that will help you to remember, or appreciate, such a time in life.When we also consider the love story of Naomi and Ruth, and the illustration of God’s love, may we never forget the following scripture:

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Troy Donahue and Suzanne Pleshette later married, although I am not certain how long the marriage lasted. They are both dead now; such a great loss for the world.

http://youtu.be/RNXlIoptMWU
Film Clips – Rome Adventure

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“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). During these times in which we live, there is a great lack of respect for those who have served our nation in the military services. May we never forget to honor and thank those who have served in all of our nation’s wars and other military campaigns. This post has been published two or three times in the past. It’s subject matter is still fresh in my mind.

The innocence of the 50s and early 60s had come and gone. Our nation was at war in Southeast Asia, or better known as Vietnam. The movie, “Good Morning Vietnam,” shows how a group of radio disc jockeys tried to make things better for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who were spending a year of their life trying to hold back the communist forces of North Vietnam. Robin Williams plays such a dj. I was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. My time was spent in Thailand and The Republic of The Philippines, in support of the war effort, so I was very blessed and thankful that I didn’t have to enter an area of combat. I can remember the great service that the djs of the Armed Forces Radio And Television Service did to strengthen the morale of our military and civilian folks who were assigned to areas of Southeast Asia. Armed Forces Vietnam Network, and other AFRTS organizations did a great job of bringing the music of “back home” to a land that was a third world country. In my Air Force barracks in the Philippines, we had a group of those wonderful djs living with us. They were members of the Army, Navy, and of course, the Air Force. I can remember a great Navy dj; I think that his name was Ray Lorio. I trust that life was good to him after he left the Philippines. My tours of duty ended in 1971 in the Philippines, and 1974 in Thailand. Please consider the value of the video. It shows scenes from a movie that was about a very unpopular war. Horrible things were happening, as the movie shows, and the song may seem to be out-of-place. But, such songs were very important to our troops who would be spat upon once they returned home, due to the war’s unpopularity. So, sit back for two minutes and thirty-nine seconds and view a video about a very telling movie that starred a great actor, entertainer, and comedian, Robin Williams. Following the video, you will find a link to a site that will tell you more about the hero djs of the Vietnam War.

AFVN – American Forces Vietnam Network Home Page – OoCities
http://www.oocities.org/afvn/ – View by Ixquick Proxy – Highlight
Hear AFVN Vietnam military radio again or watch military tv news again on your computer – authentic shows heard or seen years ago. See pictures of the GI’s …

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The True Vine vs the false vine – True believers vs false believers

“I am the true vine – My Father is the vine dresser – Abide in Me, and I in you – he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit – My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit”

John 15:1-11, New American Standard Bible)

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Scofield’s Reference Notes

Verse 1
true
“True” in contrast with Israel. Isaiah 5:1-7.

Verse 2
purgeth
Three conditions of the fruitful life: Cleansing, John 15:2; John 15:3. (See Scofield “John 13:10”), abiding, See Scofield “John 15:4”, obedience, John 15:4; John 15:10; John 15:12 (See “Law of Christ,”) Galatians 6:2. See Scofield “2 John 1:5”.

Verse 4
abide
To abide in Christ is, on the one hand, to have no known sin unjudged and unconfessed, no interest into which He is not brought, no life which He cannot share. On the other hand, the abiding one takes all burdens to Him, and draws all wisdom, life and strength from Him. It is not unceasing consciousness of these things, and of Him, but that nothing is allowed in the life which separates from Him.
See “Fellowship,” 1 John 1:3. See “Communion,” 1 Corinthians 10:16.

Verse 8
much fruit
Three degrees in fruit-bearing: “Fruit,” John 15:2, “more fruit,” John 15:2, “much fruit,” John 15:5; John 15:8. As we bear “much fruit” the Father is glorified in us. The minor moralities and graces of Christianity are often imitated, but never the nine fold “fruit” of Galatians 5:22; Galatians 5:23. Where such fruit is the Father glorified. The Pharisees were moral and intensely “religious,” but not one of them could say with Christ, “I have glorified thee on the earth” John 17:4

Reformation Study Bible Notes – Dr. R.C. Sproul, Editor

15:1 I am the true vine. As elsewhere in this Gospel, “true” means “genuine.” Jesus is the final, real “vine,” as compared to Israel, which was a type foreshadowing the reality. Israel is called God’s “vine” or “vineyard” in the Old Testament (Ps. 80:8–16;Jer. 2:21). Israel is judged for not bearing fruit, while Jesus is and does what the type signified. This is the last of the “I am” sayings in the Gospel (6:35 note).

15:2 does not bear fruit. No branch that is Christ’s can be wholly fruitless. But branches that belong to Christ will bear fruit, and undergo the pruning necessary to increase. The lack of fruit described in Ps. 80, Is. 5:1, and Jer. 2:21 is failure to be obedient to God. These Old Testament discussions of the vine and its fruit, combined with Christ’s command to love in this chapter, indicate that “fruit” refers to a Christ-like life produced by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23), rather than to the number of people converted under a believer’s ministry.

15:4 Abide. Jesus emphasizes permanence and steadfastness in His relationship with the disciples. “Abide” is repeated ten times in vv. 4–10. The metaphor of the vine illustrates the point; it is only when nutrients flow freely to the branches that fruit can be borne.

15:5 apart from me you can do nothing. The total inability of the unregenerate sinner makes saving grace absolutely necessary for the beginning, the development, and the completion of salvation.

15:6 If anyone does not abide in me. Those that do not remain show that they never had a saving relationship with Christ. Their destiny is described with the language of damnation (cf. Matt. 3:12; 25:41; Jude 7; Rev. 20:14).

15:8 so prove to be my disciples. The works spoken of are not the ground of acceptance with God, but the result of a saving union with Christ received through grace, not merit.

15:11 my joy. Many imagine that obedience to Christ is burdensome because it requires sacrificial self-surrender and service (Rom. 12:1, 2). Jesus teaches the opposite, associating obedience with joy.

Consider my Blog Page , “About Equipping The Saints, John 17:3,” for a discussion of “Abiding In Christ.” (check immediately below the large photo of the “Right To Life March.”)

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“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

The Perfect Stranger – Introduction

“THE PERFECT STRANGER” tells the story of Nikki, a troubled attorney who one day receives a mysterious dinner invitation from a man claiming to be Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout their evening of conversation, arguments and spirited debate, Nikki learns things she never knew about life, the universe, and most importantly, herself. Written by Pate Walters.

Consider how you would react if you were to have an invitation to have dinner with Jesus. What if you had been having a bad day? What would you think about the invitation? What would you think about your first meeting with Jesus? Would you have any questions for Him? What would those questions be? The introduction to the movie, “The Perfect Stranger,” will prepare you for the complete movie that will follow. Follow the way that Jesus relates and reacts to the situation at hand. It is important for us to understand the meaning of the scripture:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).

As you watch “The Perfect Stranger” consider the way that Jesus approaches Nikki and presents Himself as God. If you were to have a similar encounter with Jesus, what would you expect it to be like? Consider that Jesus is “God with us,” and that God’s Holy Spirit is involved in every incident where an unbeliever is being drawn to make a decision as to whether they will accept or reject Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The invitation is easily accepted:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16).

The link to the movie follows:

http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/M5bWUxMzqwrZvRU2mVCTq80dclW7XdNm

The Perfect Stranger – Full Length Movie – No Commercials – Courtesy Of Trinity Broadcasting Network

Consider the news reports from all around the world.
HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE MISSING ! WHERE ARE THEY?
Airplanes crashing – flight crews missing! Cars and trucks colliding – drivers missing! Hospitals report, “No babies anywhere!”
School teachers frantically looking for children! Clothing seen in restaurants and businesses where people had been seated!
Chaos everywhere! Network news anchors and theologians attribute the situation to global warming and alien abductions!
Many pastors can’t be found – many others are being interviewed by radio and tv news crews!
America’s President calls for state of emergency!

WHERE WILL YOU BE FOUND?

Consider a day like the one that is described above. Some people who are reading this post have no understanding of the event that is being described. That is sad because most readers of my posts consider themselves to be believers in Jesus. Far too many Christians can not explain the essential elements of the Rapture of The Church, the Tribulation or of the Second Coming Of Christ. Many Christian parents don’t know enough about this subject to tell their children about it. Far too many pastors are not teaching the things of the end times to their congregations. It is important for all believers in Christ to know that they are secure in Christ for salvation, and that they will be kept “from the tribulation,” and will not have to “go through it” (Rev 3:10). It is also important for believers in Christ to be able to know and explain how and why they have been saved, and how and why they will escape the tribulation. This subject appeared in one of my prior posts, which has since been deleted. As you read the details of this post you will find situations of repetition, which are included for emphasis.

The year was 1977. The pastor of the church that I was attending was teaching a subject of scripture that was new to me. The subject was “The Rapture Of The Church.” Consider the scripture reference, as follows:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from ” heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

The Ryrie Study Bible explains the word, “rapture,” as it relates to the term, “caught up,” in verse 17.

vs 17. “caught up.” From the Latin for “caught up” comes the term “rapture.” The rapture, or catching up of believers, described here involves both those who have died and those who are living when the Lord comes. His coming here is “in the air,” not to the earth, and will occur just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation (see 1 Thes 1:10; Rev 3:10). That period will end with His coming to the earth (see Matt 24:29-30; Rev 19:11-16). The event here described includes (1) a return of Christ in the air, (2) a resurrection of the dead in Christ, (3) a rapture of living believers, and (4) a reunion with those who have died.

My note: The “dead in Christ,” are already present with God (2 Cor 5:8, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”). Their deceased bodies are buried, cremated, or elsewhere. At the time of the rapture, those bodies will be raised from the graves, etc, and “caught up” to be reunited with their souls and spirits which are present with the Lord. (Ps 23:6; Lk 16:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Those saints are of the New Testament period. The Old Testament saints also have their spirits, “dwelling in the house of the Lord,” (see Ps 23:6), but their deceased bodies will not be raised until after the end of the tribulation period (Dan 12:1-3). (Per Dr. John F. Walvoord, Dr. C. I. Scofield, Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, Dr. John MacArthur.)

Getting back to 1977, our church was watching a movie on the rapture. During the movie, a statement was made by a news reporter, “the President is missing.” President Carter was in office, and he had said many times that he had been “born again,” so it seemed natural that he would also be raptured with all of the other saints. (Jesus said that we “must be born again to see the Kingdom of God, John 3:3). If a person has been born again, they will show spiritual fruit in their daily lives (Gal 5:22-23). Any governmental leader who supports abortion on demand and same-sex marriage does not show that he, or she, has been born again. Consider those who are in office in our nation’s government, and think about the ones who support abortion on demand and same-sex marriage. There is no way that such people have been born again. Consider the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled that same-sex marriage is the law of the land. Neither our nation’s leader, nor any elected official in his party, (NOT A ONE!!! NOT A ONE!!!), spoke out against such an ungodly act of the highest court of our country. It is easy to see why so many ungodly decisions have come from our Supreme Court. From the Carter administration forward, democrats in the White House have appointed liberal judges to the federal courts. Those liberal judges have made many decisions that favor the mindset of those who appointed them, with their rulings not being based on the principles of the Judeo-Christian teachings, but often in conflict with Godly precepts. A person may ask why so much emphasis is placed on ungodly character and the rapture of the church. The answer is very simple. It is very clear that the presidents, members of congress, judges and supreme court justices who have a lifestyle pattern of violating God’s laws do not have a saving relationship with God. To go further down this road, people who continue to vote for presidents and members of congress who appoint judges and supreme court justices who violate God’s laws, are people who also show no evidence that they have a saving relationship with God.

In the 2008 U.S. election, a majority of people who called themselves “Christians,” voted in sufficient numbers to put in office a president, vice-president, senate majority leader, house majority leader and secretary of state, all of whom see nothing wrong with same-sex marriage and abortion on demand. That former secretary of state is now running to lead our country. Her replacement also shares the same views on same-sex marriage and abortion on demand, as do the his superiors and every other elected official in their party, the democrat party, who have party planks that support same-sex marriage and abortion on demand.

We are told that we should pray for those who are in authority over us. Consider the following passage of scripture.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-2, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

So, do you think that we are being directed by God to pray for ungodly men and women to continue leading our nation in ungodly ways? Or, do you think that we should pray for all of those people to come to Jesus as their Lord and Savior? The people who I have mentioned, who support abortion on demand and same-sex marriage, show no evidence that they have a saving relationship with God, through Jesus. So, unless some changes are made in their lives, they will miss the rapture of the church, and will be present on earth when the tribulation begins. After the tribulation, if they have not placed their faith in Jesus, they will face The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 21:11-15, and will be thrown into an eternal lake of fire. As long as those people continue to support abortion on demand and same-sex marriage, they will be exhibiting a lifestyle that shows that they do not have a relationship of saving faith in Jesus. Those people have an attitude of selfish pride. They show no desire to come to saving faith in Jesus. Consider their children, who are being told that it is okay for two people of the same-sex to be married, and that it is okay to murder a baby who is still in the womb of the mother. The crowd that will miss the rapture is growing.

There was no great demand by Americans for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on same-sex marriage. Thirty-one states had already voted that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. The affirmation for same-sex marriage came by the public vote of only three states, and the District of Columbia. But, court decisions in 26 states, and state legislatures in 8 states, brought about the change in definition of marriage that has always been between one man and one woman. It is important to restate the reason for such a miscarriage of justice. Democrat presidents appoint liberal judges to the federal courts. Those judges rule against popular votes when such votes have been in opposition to abortion on demand and same-sex marriage. State legislatures have also enacted legislation that has not been in accordance with the desires of the people in their states. Another restatement is necessary about those who will be left behind when the rapture takes place. Those people in our world who have a great disregard for the laws of God, also have a great disregard for God, “Himself.” Such a statement points to all political leaders, who defy God’s Word, and to all who continue to vote for such leaders who defy God’s Word.

Following the video about those who will be left behind, consider the news-related articles that explain the ungodly actions and decisions that have been made by people who have been put in places of national trust. Many of those people will miss the rapture, and will find themselves present during the time of tribulation.

The events that lead to the rapture of the church, and the following tribulation, are explained by Jesus, as follows:

Matthew 24:3-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Consider the things that Jesus told His disciples, soon to be apostles. He was speaking specifically about the things that will happen to the Jews who will be “left behind” after the rapture occurs. But, we can see that such things may be in their early stages now, and may also affect Christians before they are raptured. Consider vs 7. “Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes.” Can you relate to those things? Consider vs 9. It is increasingly becoming more dangerous for Christians and Jews in today’s world. Consider vs 12. “Lawlessness” is becoming more accepted by our nation’s government, and is not being controlled in other countries around the world. All you have to do is to watch the daily news reports to see how great lawlessness has become. A preview of the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog and Magog conflicts on Israel is taking place in the world today.

Consider the severity of the tribulation that Jesus mentions in verse 7.

Matthew 24:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

The time of tribulation will be far greater than anything that has ever been an assault on God’s people. Such tribulation will face the Jews who are “left behind,” as well as any other people who miss the rapture, due to their lack of faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Those who have been “left behind” may come to confess Jesus as Lord during that seven-year period that leads to the Battle Of Armageddon (Rev 16: 12-16), and the Second Coming Of Christ “to the earth,” (Rev 19:11-21; Zech 14:1-9), to set up his Millennial reign (1,000 year reign of Christ) (Rev 20:1-3). Such tribulation saints will also have to contend with the murderous persecution of the Anti-Christ, as is discussed in the following paragraph.

During the time of Tribulation, God will be judging sin, and calling Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah (Daniel 9:24). The Anti-Christ will be trying to rid the world of God’s people (Matt 24:22). Anyone who misses the rapture (1 Thes 4:16-17; 1 Cor 15:50-53; John 14:1-3) will have to deal with the seven Seal Judgments (Rev 6:1 – 8:6), the seven Trumpet Judgments (Rev 8:7 – 9:21), and the seven Bowl Judgments (Rev 15:1 – 16:21) that will be used by God to judge sin. God does not have a problem with those of us who have been born again. We, the church of Christ, are the bride of Christ. A bridegroom loves and protects his bride, and does not commit her to wrath. Our spirits have been made new and are sinless, and are as pure as the Spirit of God (2 Cor 5:17; 1 John 1:5), and are present with God, in Christ (2 Cor 5:17; Col 1:27). We will be removed from the world by God, so that we will not have to face the wrath of God that will be poured out upon the sin filled world (Col 3:6; 1 Thes 5:9-10). The key to being raptured and missing the tribulation, is to be born again (John 3:3-8). Based on John 3:16-18, if we believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be saved from the penalty of sin and will have an eternal life with God. There is a correlation that shows that if we are born again, we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And, if we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have been born again.

Let’s go back to my question. After the rapture has taken place, where will you be found? Will you be caught up with the other saints of God and miss the tribulation, and the wrath of God. Or, will you miss the rapture and be “left behind,” and find yourself in the tribulation? Think about the question. It has eternal implications. As much as I have mentioned those in public office who have voted to support the ungodly acts of abortion on demand and same-sex marriage; I am also pointing to the people who continue to vote to keep those people in office. It is common knowledge in today’s time in history that a vote for a democrat is also a vote for abortion on demand and same-sex marriage. No elected democrat, or one who is running for elected office, is going to speak out, or vote against, same-sex marriage or abortion on demand. The last democrat Governor who was pro-life was Robert (Bob) Casey, who was the governor of Pennsylvania from 1987-1995. As a pro-life democrat, he was never able to speak at the democrat national conventions. (This former democrat has a great desire for more “Bob Caseys” to be found in the “party of abortion.”)

The “Left Behind” series of books was written by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. Three movies were produced that were based on the “Left Behind” book series. The first movie was called “Left Behind,” and is shown at the bottom of this page. It shows the events that lead up to the rapture, and the tribulation that follows. The movie is a good representation of what those events will be like. Consider where your place would be if the rapture were to happen today. It is time for people who say that they are Christians to show that such a statement is true about them. It is time for such people to stop giving their votes to democrats, until democrats can get their party under control and begin following the precepts of God. There are republicans and independents, though not as many as democrats, who don’t seem to follow God’s laws either; “they need to be voted out of office, too!” We’ve all heard liberal politicians who were trying to talk out of both sides of their mouth at the same time; they might fool the voters, but they won’t fool God. Hell is going to be a real place. Life on earth during the tribulation may seem like hell to those who come under the persecution of the Anti-Christ. Don’t let anybody try to fool you about that truth. Don’t put your trust and belief in people who are clearly defying God’s Word. Don’t allow your indifference to God’s Holy Word keep you from coming to saving faith in Jesus and from being born again. My desire is for the democrat party to get its house in order. At this time, though, the house of the democrat party is one that is void of the presence of God. Don’t go into that house! Don’t miss the rapture!

https://youtu.be/HulMNcRD3Rw
Left Behind

Consider the following information that relates to our nation’s leaders voting, not only against the teachings of God’s Holy Word, but also against the citizens of our nation.

Thirty-one states had public votes that banned same-sex marriage, per the following news article.

http://themonkeycage.org/2012/05/if-same-sex-marriage-is-so-popular-why-does-it-always-lose-at-the-ballot-box-includes-state-level-data-on-support-and-legislation/

Since all 31 states that have voted on constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage (SSM) have passed them, typically by overwhelming popular votes, should we be skeptical that half of Americans really support same-sex marriage ? Probably not. Most bans passed when opposition to SSM was much stronger, and SSM opponents have targeted constitutional amendments for votes in states where support for SSM is weakest.

Thirty-six states have same-sex marriage. Only three states voted to approve such changes in the definition of marriage. Court decisions in 26 states, and state legislatures in 8 states, brought about the change in definition of marriage that has always been between one man and one woman. The District Of Columbia voted to approve same-sex marriage.

Florida becomes the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriages. With nearly twenty million residents, Florida is one of the most populous states to allow same-sex marriages. Over two dozen states have legalized same-sex marriage through court rulings. Eight states approved gay marriage through the legislature. Three states (Maine, Maryland, and Washington) passed laws permitting same-sex marriages through voter initiatives.

http://gaymarriage.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004857

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/700-kenyan-evangelical-pastors-urge-obama-not-to-preach-gay-marriage-support-during-visit-archbishop-accuses-obama-of-ruining-american-society-139238/

37 States with Legal Same-Sex Marriage Prior to the June 26, 2015 Supreme Court Ruling gay marriage icons legal
26 by Court Decision
Alabama* (Feb. 9, 2015), Alaska (Oct. 17, 2014), Arizona (Oct. 17, 2014), California (June 28, 2013), Colorado (Oct. 7, 2014), Connecticut (Nov. 12, 2008), Florida (Jan. 6, 2015), Idaho (Oct. 13, 2014), Indiana (Oct. 6, 2014), Iowa (Apr. 24, 2009), Kansas (Nov. 12, 2014), Massachusetts (May 17, 2004), Montana (Nov. 19, 2014), Nevada (Oct. 9, 2014), New Jersey (Oct. 21, 2013), New Mexico (Dec. 19, 2013), North Carolina (Oct. 10, 2014), Oklahoma (Oct. 6, 2014), Oregon (May 19, 2014), Pennsylvania (May 20, 2014), South Carolina (Nov. 20, 2014), Utah (Oct. 6, 2014), Virginia (Oct. 6, 2014), West Virginia (Oct. 9, 2014), Wisconsin (Oct. 6, 2014), Wyoming (Oct. 21, 2014)
8 by State Legislature
Delaware (July 1, 2013), Hawaii (Dec. 2, 2013), Illinois (June 1, 2014), Minnesota (Aug. 1, 2013), New Hampshire (Jan. 1, 2010), New York (July 24, 2011), Rhode Island (Aug. 1, 2013), Vermont (Sep. 1, 2009)

3

by Popular Vote
Maine (Dec. 29, 2012), Maryland (Jan. 1, 2013), Washington (Dec. 9, 2012)

We have heard those of the party of the White House say that people should be able to marry “those that they love.” But consider the following information. Homosexual relationships are not necessarily stable, per the following article.

https://carm.org/statistics-homosexual-promiscuity

28% of homosexual men had more than 1000 partners:
79% of homosexual men say over half of sex partners are strangers
Modal range for homosexual sex partners 101-500
1978 study, 78% of gay men had more than 100 partners, 28% more than 1000
There is an extremely low rate of sexual fidelity among homosexual men as compared to married heterosexuals

https://carm.org/statistics-homosexual-promiscuity

28% of homosexual men had more than 1000 partners
79% of homosexual men say over half of sex partners are strangers
Modal range for homosexual sex partners 101-500
1978 study, 78% of gay men ad more than 100 partners, 28% more than 100
There is an extremely low rate of sexual fidelity among homosexual men as compared to married heterosexuals. Among married females 85% reported sexual fidelity. Among married men, 75.5% reported sexual fidelity. Among homosexual males in their current relationship, 4.5% reported sexual fidelity. (Sources:Laumann, The Social Organization of Sexuality, 216; McWhirter and Mattison, The Male Couple: How Relationships Develop (1984): 252-253; Wiederman, “Extramarital Sex,” 170. This is extracted fromhttp://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=IS04C02)

Consider the following information that relates to the low percentage of Americans who say that they are homosexual. Other interesting data is provided that refute the argument that homosexual life is on par with heterosexual relationships.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/15/health-survey-americans-gay_n_5587696.html

Health Survey: About 2 Percent Of Americans Are Gay Or Lesbian

A federal report released Tuesday says just 2 percent of Americans over the age of 18 identify as gay or lesbian.

The report, released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), relates to sexual orientation and health among U.S. adults.

The NCHS used statistics gathered from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual health study including 34,557 adults aged 18 and over. The aim of the new survey was to determine the disparities in health-related behaviors, health status, health care service utilization, and health care access among participants based on sexual orientation.

The NHIS included sexual orientation-based questions, such as, “Which of the following best represents how you think of yourself?” Male respondents could choose from the following responses: “gay;” “straight, that is, not gay;” “bisexual;” “something else;” and “I don’t know the answer.” Female respondents could choose from: “lesbian or gay;” “straight, that is, not lesbian or gay;” “bisexual;” “something else;” and “I don’t know the answer.”

This is the first time the NHIS has “included a measure of sexual orientation, thereby enabling researchers and data users to examine how the prevalence of a wide variety of health-related behaviors” in its 57-year history.

According to the results, 96.6 percent of respondents identified as straight, 1.6 percent identified as gay or lesbian and 0.7 percent identified as bisexual. The discussion section notes, “Many of the associations between sexual orientation and various health outcomes found in this analysis are similar to those found in past research.”

“[A] higher percentage of women aged 18–64 who identified as bisexual had experienced serious psychological distress compared with those who identified as straight…”
“[A] higher percentage of adults aged 18–64 who identified as gay or lesbian, or bisexual had five or more drinks in one day in the past year and were current cigarette smokers compared with adults aged 18–64 who identified as straight…”
“[A] lower percentage of women aged 18–64 who identified as gay or lesbian, or bisexual had a usual place to go for medical care compared with women aged 18–64 who identified as straight, whereas a lower percentage of adults aged 18–64 who identified as straight failed to obtain needed medical care due to cost compared with adults aged 18–64 who identified as bisexual.”
“[A] higher percentage of men aged 18–64 who identified as gay received an influenza vaccination in the past year compared with men aged 18–64 who identified as straight.”
[“A] Among men aged 18–64, a higher percentage of those who identified as gay or bisexual have ever been tested for HIV compared with those who identified as straight.”
The reported number of less than 2 percent is lower than some figures released in previous years. Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey popularized the “10 percent” figure when his Kinsey Report claimed “10 percent of males were more or less exclusively homosexual” in his 1948 book Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. In 2011, demographer Gary Gates reported that 9 million American adults, or 3.8 percent, identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

However, Gallup has highlighted issues with surveys and estimates that relate to sexual orientation:
There is little reliable evidence about what percentage of the U.S. population is in reality gay or lesbian, due to few representative surveys asking about sexual orientation, complexities surrounding the groups and definitions involved, and the probability that some gay and lesbian individuals may not choose to identify themselves as such.