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Throughout history, kingdoms rise and fall—but God promised a kingdom that would never end. In this message from Daniel, Jeremy Smith walks through Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the prophetic promise of a kingdom not built by human hands. From the coming of Christ to the ongoing growth of the gospel, we see how God's eternal kingdom has already broken into history and continues to expand across the world.
Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!This is an encore episode. The original "Werewolves" aired as Episode 237 on October 26, 2023. The story of the werewolf is a metaphor for the battle of good and evil within all of us. Are you human, or are you an animal? You get to choose.This week we will discuss the closest thing to a werewolf the Bible has to offer; the original werewolf and his modern kinfolk; my own checkered history with Halloween and trick-or-treating; and a dark, stormy night full of werewolves that brought a smile to the face of all the Hammonses.Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.
This week we'll be in Daniel chapter 3, a passage that confronts every generation with a question we can't avoid: Who, or what, are you really worshiping? Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays; it's what we assign ultimate worth to, and that shapes what we love, fear, and obey. By chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are no longer anonymous exiles, they are leaders in Babylon. Their earlier faithfulness brought promotion, not persecution. But now obedience to God comes with a clear cost. King Nebuchadnezzar constructs a massive golden image and demands public allegiance. The choice is simple and terrifying: bow, or burn. This moment didn't come out of nowhere. Previously, God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom was a head of gold, glorious, powerful, but temporary. Chapter 3 shows the king's response: he builds an image entirely of gold, as if to say his rule will never fade. The dedication ceremony is overwhelming - music, officials, crowds, and pressure to conform. When everyone bows, three men remain standing. Their refusal isn't loud or rebellious, but it's unmistakable. They will not worship what God has forbidden, even when the threat is death. And when the king offers a second chance, they respond with breathtaking clarity: God can save them, but even if He does not, they will not bow. This story isn't just about courage long ago; it's about settled faith today. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us what it means to love God for who He is, not for what He gives. They trust Him without presuming on the outcome. The furnace still burns. The pressure doesn't disappear. But God meets them in the fire, and in doing so, He reminds us that faithfulness does not guarantee deliverance from suffering, but it does promise God's presence in it. When the music starts and the heat rises, it's too late to decide whom you will worship. Daniel 3 calls us to decide now.
Cleansing and Rebuilding the Temple (1) (audio) David Eells, 3/8/26 Jerusalem & Temple Destroyed & Born Again B. A. - 06/04/2014 (David's notes in red) (Eze.13:14) So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (15) Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar; and I will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; 16 to wit, the prophets of Israel that prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and that see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord Jehovah. Just as people must die to self and be born again from above, so must Jerusalem and its temple. Why was rebellious Jerusalem, the capital of the Jews, torn down with its temple and its people crucified and killed in heaps? Their temple represented them and Jerusalem those who were to be the Bride. Josephus, the historian who wrote their history, said it was because of the way they treated Jesus and His disciples. It appears that Josephus believed that Jesus was the Messiah. This is a type that is coming to pass in our day in the so-called Church. For Paul said to the mostly Gentile Church that what happened to the Jews was a type for what will happen to the mostly Gentile Church at the ends of the ages. (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example (Greek: “shadow” or “type”); and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. So what happened historically is a type for this day. Today, in the end of this age, the rebellious leadership of God's people, the false Man-child and Bride, represented by unregenerate Jerusalem, have crucified Jesus as He said, (Mat.25:40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me. As the Dragon, Satan's body, including this false leadership, seeks to devour the Man-child and destroy the Bride for its own egotistical reasons. God has set them as a mark for the Beast to conquer. The Beast, which in Revelation 17 is inhabited by a body of spirits from the abyss, represents a body of people outside of Christ that will be used as a vessel of dishonor to destroy spiritually and, in some cases, physically these rebellious religious leaders and their people from the different sects of apostate Christianity. Some would say, “David, doesn't Jerusalem get destroyed after seven years, as a type of the 70 years?” Yes, but in a spiritual way, it is happening now as the leadership of apostate Christianity becomes more and more devoured by the mind and spirits of the Beast. As Jesus said of these evil leaders, (Mat.23:27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (28) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (29) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, (30) and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. (31) Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets. (32) Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. (33) Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell? (34) Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: (35) that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth (this was also said of the Harlot in Revelation 17:24), from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. Clearly, the Harlot has been around since Cain killed Abel. (36) Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. As Jesus said of these hypocrites and their city and temple, (37) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (38) Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (39) For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (24:1) And Jesus went out from the temple and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. (2) But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Gal.4:22) For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. (23) Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. (24) Which things contain an allegory: for these [women] are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. (25) Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children. (26) But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. (Rev.3:12) He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh (present tense) down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. (Jer.3:12) Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep [anger] for ever. (13) Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah. (14) Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: (15) and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (16) And it shall come to pass, when ye are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith Jehovah, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Jehovah; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more. (17) At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations (Gentiles) shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem (notice that this heavenly Jerusalem will be synonymous with the name, meaning “nature, character and authority” of the Lord): neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. (18) In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the North (Beast captivity) to the land that I gave for an inheritance unto your fathers. (19) But I said, How I will put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the nations! and I said, Ye shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. (20) Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah. (21) A voice is heard upon the bare heights, the weeping [and] the supplications of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Jehovah their God. (22) Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God. B.A.'s dream: I dreamed that I was in Jerusalem (Zion) and I was watching as Titus and his army (of the Roman Beast of that day) were tearing down the temple with battering rams and large ropes. I listened as Titus gave orders to his army: “Tear these walls down! I don't want one stone left standing upon another!” (Luk.19:41) And when he (Jesus) drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, (42) saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. (43) For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, (44) and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. Titus said, “This temple is a mockery and must be destroyed!” (Jer.6:15) Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah. (16) Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein. (Jer.14:15) Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. (Mic.1:6) Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will uncover the foundations thereof. My thoughts: (Act.17:24) The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. (Jer.7:3) Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. (4) Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah (which had become corrupt), the temple of Jehovah, are these. (5) For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor; (6) if ye oppress not the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt: (7) then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, from of old even for evermore. (8) Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. (9) Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods that ye have not known, (10) and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered; that ye may do all these abominations? (The Temple of the Lord had become corrupt.) (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, saith Jehovah. (12) But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. (13) And now, because ye have done all these works, saith Jehovah, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not: (14) therefore will I do unto the house which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh. (15) And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. (16) Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee. (17) Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? B.A.: Titus had such a stern (determined) look on his face, like he was being driven to destroy this useless temple (made by man's hands, the hands or works of the flesh) and I found myself agreeing with him. I began shouting, “Yes, tear these walls down! This isn't the house of God! Jesus isn't in this place! This place is just a den of thieves! (Mat.21:12) And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of he money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; (13) and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers. (Is it not so today? Look how the leaders live after the lusts of their flesh. This did not Jesus and His disciples do.) Soon it was over and all those useless stones (apostates and their leaders who had been robbing God's people) were torn down, and they littered the ground. This reminded me of the “Third Vision” in The Shepherd of Hermas: “Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church, and the Various Classes of Reprobate Men”: And then she again took hold of me by the hand, and raised me, and made me sit on the seat to the left; and lifting up a splendid rod, she said to me, “Do you see something great?” And I say, “Lady, I see nothing”. She said to me, “Lo! do you not see opposite to you a great tower, built upon the waters, of splendid square stones?” For the tower was built square by those six young men who had come with her. But myriads of men were carrying stones to it (We are the living stones of the true house of God.), some dragging them from the depths, others removing them from the land, and they handed them to these six young men. They were taking them and building; and those of the stones that were dragged out of the depths, they placed in the building just as they were: for they were polished and fitted exactly into the other stones, and became so united one with the another that the lines of juncture could not be perceived. And in this way, the building of the tower looked as if it were made out of one stone. (Representing those who have been baptized in the water of the Word unto death to self.) Those stones, however, which were taken from the earth suffered a different fate; for the young men rejected some of them, some they fitted into the building, and some they cut down, and cast far away from the tower. (reprobated) Many other stones, however, lay around the tower, and the young men did not use them in building; for some of them were rough, others had cracks in them, others had been made too short, and others were white and round (too much flesh or wealth), but did not fit into the building of the tower. Moreover, I saw other stones thrown far away from the tower, and falling into the public road; yet they did not remain on the road, but were rolled into a pathless place. And I saw others falling into the fire and burning, others falling close to the water, and yet not capable of being rolled into the water, though they wished to be rolled down and to enter the water. (Those needing God's will in them to love the Word) The old unregenerate temple must die and be born again. (Zec.6:12) and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah (Jesus in the Man-child ministry of Revelation 12 as spiritual sons of David); (13) even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (14) And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah. (15) And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. (Jesus is coming as the epiphany (or shining forth from) in His new leadership.) And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God. Our spiritual forefathers came to heavenly Jerusalem when they walked in the steps of Jesus in truth and righteousness, but the fleshly church was driven from the land by the beastly flesh shortly thereafter. The restoration is beginning again. (Heb.12:18) For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; (20) for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; (21) and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: (22) but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels. B.A.: I was so happy, as I knew that this temple (apostate leadership) would no longer be able to inflict anymore pain on God's people. (Eze.14:4) Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols; (5) that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. (6) Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Return ye, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. (7) For every one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that separateth himself from me, and taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Jehovah will answer him by myself: (8) and I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (9) And if the prophet be deceived and speak a word, I, Jehovah, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. (10) And they shall bear their iniquity: the iniquity of the prophet shall be even as the iniquity of him that seeketh unto him; (11) that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord Jehovah. For the past several days, I've been hearing in the Spirit, “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord”. (Jas.4:10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you. Temple of Crucified Saints B. A. - 03/21/2014 (David's notes in red) I had a little dream this morning. I had a similar dream several years ago, but I was not with any group of people. When I first had this dream, I was confused because I did not have the understanding that I do now. It wasn't until a few years later that the Lord revealed the meaning to me, and now I had the dream again. This time, I dreamed I was standing in the midst of a special group of people (Man-child/Bride corporate body) and we were all dressed like they were back in the days of our Lord, Jesus. (Job.29:14) I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem. (Rom.13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Gal.5:16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Col.3:12) Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; (13) forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: (14) and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. I watched as people came up to our little group, one at a time. As each individual approached our group, they went up to the elder (Jesus) who was standing at the front of the group, and they showed the elder their hands and their feet. I watched as the elder took hold of their hands and looked for the “nail holes” in their hands, and then he looked down at their feet to see if they also had nail holes in their feet as well; there had to be a “total crucifixion” (of self), or they could not join our group. (Rom.5:6) For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. (Rom.14:7) For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. (1Co.6:17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (2Co.5:14) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; (Gal.1:4) who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: (5) to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. I watched as one person was turned away, and I prayed for him, as he was very sad because he had not been accepted. Suddenly, I heard the elder (Jesus) shout, “Saints, we are now ready (or qualified)! Let's go restore the temple of God! (Those crucified with Christ are ready to be the stones of the foundation of the temple of God. Cyrus, whom the Lord called His anointed shepherd or Messiah shepherd, as a type of Jesus in Isaiah 44:26 - 45:1, is prophesied to build Jerusalem, the Bride, and lay the foundation of the temple. Cyrus/Jesus set the first-fruits of Judah/Benjamin free from Babylonian captivity, as a type of crucifixion, to go and do this.) B.A,:(Ezr.1:1) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (2) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. (3) Whosoever there is among you of all his people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem (the Bride). (4) And whosoever is left, in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, besides the freewill-offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem. (5) Then rose up the heads of fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem. (6) And all they that were round about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. (7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of Jehovah (The holy people of God), which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put in the house of his gods; (8) even those did Cyrus king of Persia (A type of Trump) bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. (These are the days of Cyrus(9) And this is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, a thousand platters of silver, nine and twenty knives, (10) thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand. (11) All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar (The Man-child) bring up, when they of the captivity were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. (Ezra means “help or court”, and I thought it was interesting that Ezra chapter 1 ends with verse 11, (1:11) or “111” and many of us are seeing 111 almost daily.) (111 is the Gematria for the birth of Jesus in the New Testament and type of the end-time Man-child body. For years, I would ask for a word for myself through random faith and often was given the same verse many times until I quit counting: (Ezr.6:5) And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to its place; and thou shalt put them in the house of God. At other times, I received: (5:15) and he said unto him, Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in its place. These gold and silver vessels are the first-fruits people of God who build and are the foundation of the temple.) Another text we have received concerning this is in Haggai. In chapter 1, the people were exhorted to stop building their own houses and build God's house, and they obeyed, for which God rebuked the devourer and blessed them mightily in chapter 2. Also in chapter 2, He compared their coming out of captivity to build God's house, like when their fathers came out of Egypt to build the tabernacle in the wilderness. Of these two times, He spoke of a great shaking of Heaven and Earth, which is a type for us today who are about to build Father's temple made without hands. A great shaking is now coming. (Hag.2:3) Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel (meaning “born from Babylon”; a type of the Man-child), saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest (a type of Jesus with the Man-child); and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts, (5) [according to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; (7) and I will shake all nations; and the precious things (Hebrew: “desire”; i.e., Jesus in the Man-child) of all nations (of God's people) shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. We can see that the great shaking will begin with the laying of the foundation of God's temple with those who are crucified with Christ. (8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts. The silver and gold of God's people have become His at this time. Also, gold and silver were given to Israel as they were leaving Egypt, as it will be today, to build the temple of God, His people. (9) The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts. The first house was letter and physical; the last house is spirit, made without man's works. B.A.: Then, at the end of this dream, I saw the “Spirit” of Jesus. Three years ago, I had this very same vision. But I was a young believer at the time and I didn't have the revelation of what the vision was about until much later, as I grew in the Lord. Vision: I saw the Spirit of Jesus. He was very tall and light was illuminating out of His Spirit all around Him. I watched as little particles (which later were revealed to me to be DNA cells) were coming from every direction and attaching themselves to His Spirit. I got the revelation that as each one of us is crucified with Jesus Christ and dies to self, we are part of His body, and we go back to Him because we came from Him (Because our born-again man is created by His Word, which is His DNA.). Come, Lord Jesus, come! I asked the Father for a verse for the dream, and He gave me (Act.3:21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old. (When we are restored, it is Jesus manifested in us in spirit and soul. He said, He was coming as the Latter Rain outpouring after two days or two thousand years on the morning of the third day. Hos 6:1 Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. 3 And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. Jesus the Man-child type was the first to receive the Former Rain and Jesus coming in the Man-child body is coming as the Latter Rain.) Man-child Will Purify God's House C. P. 02/25/21 (David's notes in red) In this dream, I was in our house with my husband and David Eells (Representing the first fruits David Man-Child reformers) was there too. He had white hair down to his shoulders and looked more like Moses than himself. He was wearing an ancient sort of clothing. (David's hair represents the increasing glory – 30, 60 and 100 fold; (Mar.4:20) And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.) He covered his white hair with a little black/dark hat.) (Moses' face shown with the glory of God so bright that he had to veil that glory when He went before the people. But he took the veil off when he went before God in order to receive more of His glory. The reason the David Man-child reformers look like Moses is this: (Act.3:22-23) Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. (23) And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. You would probably say, but Jesus fulfilled that and I would say you're correct. But Jesus said He was coming a second time as a Man-child born to a woman and this is in Revelation 12. We read in (Joh.16:21-22) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. Jesus first came in a body of the Son of David, and so He will be now in a corporate body of spiritual Davids, the man-child, by His Word and Spirit. History always repeats with larger groups of people. In a vision I have shared parts of, I saw the Man-child body of 144,000 at the throne of God to be anointed.) C.P.: David was walking through our house, making sure everything was white – furniture, walls, etc. He had a paintbrush in his hand. (This is pointing to another dual fulfilled prophecy with Jesus starring in this, too. (Mal.3:1-3) Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts. (2) But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: (3) and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer unto Jehovah offerings in righteousness. Representing the white House of God with Jesus as the head.) C.P.: Some other people – perhaps younger women- were walking behind him, asking him, “Why are you doing this?” (The more immature women in Song of Solomon did not understand the Brides radical running after the Groom.) He replied, “It's got to get done”. I said to him, “David, everything is already white. We've already painted it. The exterior of the house is old, but it, too, is white”. David replied, “Yes, but we must get rid of the cracks”. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. When the Man-child is anointed, Jesus will complete the work in us. Also, when David became king, he destroyed the Edomites who factioned or separated people against their own brethren. The factious represent the cracks that separate God's people.) C.P.: David then went into the dining room and gave our already white dining table another coat of paint. He repainted our already white chairs white again and even painted the chrome-colored chair legs white. (The dining room is where the unleavened bread, the spiritual food of the Word, is served. (1Co.13:9-12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. (12) For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.) C.P.: Then David looked at the only wooden unpainted piece of furniture – a side buffet table, and with his paintbrush, he painted it white. Someone asked him, “Why does this also need to be painted? It's never used”. He replied, “I can't wait for someone else to do it. I must do it now”. (Everything that displays the unleavened bread of the Word must be purified. The Man-child will be first in our day with the pure Word by Father's grace. Jesus said in (Joh.9:4-5) We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (5) When I am in the world, I am the light of the world.) C.P.: (Psa.51:7-13) Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (8) Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (9) Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities. (10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. (12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. (13) Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee. David was working the whole time feverishly, his body so energetic, his steps were energetic and fast paced, his hands were nimble and quick. But he was calm and spoke quietly. He was smiling and was at ease doing this job. (It is Jesus in the Man-child Who will do the Work. (Mat.12:18-21) Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles. (19) He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets. (20) A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. (21) And in his name shall the Gentiles hope. (Mat.10:19-20) ...be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. (20) For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.) C.P.: Then he said, “Come, we need to sit under the table and pray for protection”. So my husband, David, and I, and these other young women whom I did not know, sat under the table, as if we were preparing for an earthquake. (Great earthquakes, spiritual and physical, are coming and many will die. The Man-child Jesus was resurrected with a great earthquake. Being under the authority of the food of God's Word on the table will bring growth and protection. (Psa.27:5) For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock. (Psa.91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. (3) For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. … (7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. … (10) There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. … (14) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, And show him my salvation.) C.P.: My husband took his phone out and showed me how the screen was now completely white. (We are not to look upon evil, deception, or impurity for the eye is a gateway to the soul.) There was a simple definition in black newspaper font typed on the screen: Christian (n): They will be destroyed because they worshipped another Messiah (a False Jesus and Word). (The flesh wants only a flesh-pleasing Jesus, and religion is the same, but we are not to look on such deception, but only God's pure Word. There will be no protection for those who depart from the pure Word and its promises. (Isa.8:20) To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. (Rev.22:18-20) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. (20) He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.) C.P.: I woke up and received the following by faith at random, and my finger landed on “watch out” and “Life does not consist” in Luke 12:15 (NIV). Here is the ASV version: (Luk.12:15) And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (This is a very important warning for the true people of God at this point in time for great prosperity will come to test you. Please read this carefully: (1Ti.6:5-10) wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain: (7) for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; (8) but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. (9) But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.) Filling in the cracks in this dream to perfect the house and purify it reminds us of this revelation of Hermas. The Shepherd of Hermas: Vision of the Tower Chapters 5-7 “The building of the tower will be finished, and all will rejoice together around the tower, and they will glorify God, because the tower is finished.” I asked her, saying, “Lady, I should like to know what became of the stones, and what was meant by the various kinds of stones?” In reply she said to me, “Not because you are more deserving than all others that this revelation should be made to you … Tell them that all these things are true, and that none of them is beyond the truth. All of them are firm and sure, and established on a strong foundation.” “Hear now, with regard to the stones which are in the building. Those square white stones which fitted exactly into each other, are apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons, who have lived in godly purity, and have acted as bishops and teachers and deacons chastely and reverently to the elect of God. Some of them have fallen asleep, and some still remain alive. And they have always agreed with each other, and been at peace among themselves, and listened to each other. On account of this, they join exactly into the building of the tower.” “But who are the stones that were dragged from the depths, and which were laid into the building and fitted in with the rest of the stones previously placed in the tower?” “They are those who suffered for the Lord's sake.” “But I wish to know, O Lady, who are the other stones which were carried from the land.” “Those,” she said, “which go into the building without being polished, are those whom God has approved of, for they walked in the straight ways of the Lord and practiced His commandments.” “But who are those who are in the act of being brought and placed in the building?” “They are those who are young in faith and are faithful. But they are admonished by the angels to do good, for no iniquity has been found in them.” “Who then are those whom they rejected and cast away?” “These are they who have sinned, and wish to repent. On this account they have not been thrown far from the tower, because they will yet be useful in the building, if they repent. Those then who are to repent, if they do repent, will be strong in faith, if they now repent while the tower is building. For if the building be finished, there will not be more room for anyone, but he will be rejected. This privilege, however, will belong only to him who has now been placed near the tower.” “As to those who were cut down and thrown far away from the tower, do you wish to know who they are? They are the sons of iniquity, and they believed in hypocrisy, and wickedness did not depart from them. For this reason they are not saved, since they cannot be used in the building on account of their iniquities. Wherefore they have been cut off and cast far away on account of the anger of the Lord, for they have roused Him to anger. But I shall explain to you the other stones which you saw lying in great numbers, and not going into the building. Those which are rough are those who have known the truth and not remained in it, nor have they been joined to the saints. On this account are they unfit for use.” “Who are those that have rents?” “These are they who are at discord in their hearts one with another, and are not at peace amongst themselves: they indeed keep peace before each other, but when they separate one from the other, their wicked thoughts remain in their hearts. These, then, are the rents which are in the stones. But those which are shortened are those who have indeed believed and have the larger share of righteousness; yet they have also a considerable share of iniquity, and therefore they are shortened and not whole.” “But who are these, Lady, that are white and round, and yet do not fit into the building of the tower?” She answered and said, “How long will you be foolish and stupid, and continue to put every kind of question and understand nothing? These are those who have faith indeed, but they have also the riches of this world. When, therefore, tribulation comes on account of their riches and business, they deny the Lord.” I answered and said to her, “When then, will they be useful for the building, Lady?” “When the riches that now seduce them have been circumscribed, then will they be of use to God. For as a round stone cannot become square unless portions be cut off and cast away, so also those who are rich in this world cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches be cut down. Learn this first from your own case. When you were rich, you were useless; but now you are useful and fit for life. Be ye useful to God; for you also will be used as one of these stones.” “Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking, then, that they could find a better, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned are those who have departed for ever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed. Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? These are they who have heard the word and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back and again walk after their own wicked desires.” She finished her exposition of the tower. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “Is repentance possible for all those stones which have been cast away and did not fit into the building of the tower, and will they yet have a place in this tower?” “Repentance,” said she, “is yet possible, but in this tower they cannot find a suitable place.” (In other words, they will not be among the first-fruits but will have to be crucified of their sinful nature.) “But in another and much inferior place they will be laid, and that, too, only when they have been tortured and completed the days of their sins. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have partaken of the righteous Word. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the thought of repenting of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” House of Idle = Idols Sandy Shaw - 08/29/2011 (David's notes in red) Sandy Shaw called me on 3/14/21 and said the Lord told her that this dream is to be shared for the time we are in now. On 3/13/21, Sandy said, “I woke up at 3:33 am and was having trouble going back to sleep, so I started praying and was able to go back to sleep. I then dreamed I was sitting on a bench under the shade of a tree on a really sunny day. I was looking across a field when, all of a sudden, I felt the presence of God behind and around me. I was terrified to turn around and look. He placed His hand on my right shoulder and said, “Sandra, remember your Idle/Idol dream? That's for now! Share it.” When I woke up, the clock said 5:55 am. (God will give grace to overcome) So here is the dream below that the Lord was saying is for NOW: In a dream, I was standing in front of a house with Spanish-style stucco. (This represents the house of apostate Christianity. Jesus warned us that the house that was built on sand would not survive the storm of life, and the three little pigs warned us that houses of inferior material wouldn't stand up to the big bad wolf. He warned that the house built on obedience to the Word will stand. The stucco in this house is like untempered mortar. (Eze.13:8-11) Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have spoken falsehood, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Jehovah. (9) And my hand shall be against the prophets that see false visions, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah. (10) Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one buildeth up a wall, behold, they daub it with untempered mortar: (11) say unto them that daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. … (14) So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. (Eze.22:28) And her prophets have daubed for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken.) There was a patio to get to the front door of this house. I saw people on the patio talking on cell phones and playing games on the Internet. Girls were talking to their boyfriends, making idle chit-chat, etc. I noticed a man standing next to me and I didn't know who he was until he spoke and asked, “How does this edify Me?” Realizing that it was Jesus talking, I said, “Lord, forgive us; we don't realize”. (The house or tabernacle being covered with Spanish-style stucco represents our old nature that is foreign to the Lord and the self-delusion that is contrary to righteousness in serving a false Jesus of our own making. (Eze.22:24-30) Son of man, say unto her, Thou art a land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. (25) There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in the midst thereof. (26) Her priests have done violence to my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they caused men to discern between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths (ceasing from our own works), and I am profaned among them. (27) Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain. (28) And her prophets have daubed for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken. (29) The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery; yea, they have vexed the poor and needy, and have oppressed the sojourner wrongfully. (30) And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.) We walked across the patio and through the front door into the house. To the left was an area full of people watching TVs. All different types of TVs: old consoles, new flat screens, etc. -- all sizes. I saw old TV programs: Father Knows Best, The Patty Duke Show, The Andy Griffith Show, and an old game show. (Oh, how things have changed!) I heard “Queen for a Day”. There were soap operas on. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “I'm sorry, Lord”. (Rev.18:2-8) ...Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird. (3) For by the wine of the wrath of her fornication all the nations are fallen; and the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich by the power of her wantonness. (4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: (5) for her sins have reached even unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (6) Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double. (7) How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning. (8) Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her.) To the right side of the room was an area full of computers: new, old, big, small, fancy, iPads, etc. Children were doing homework on Facebook and MySpace — social chat sites. People were playing games and doing work. I got closer to their faces and saw their eyes were big and round like silver dollars, staring at the screen. A big clock is seen with its hands spinning quickly, as if to say, 24-7, this is going on. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, forgive me, for I myself am guilty of this”. (These things happening on the right represent God's people justifying themselves and compromising. Saying, “It's okay to spend extra time on these devices because they aren't TVs and we must do our work on them as well. So the line in our conscience gets blurred. This can also represent justification by our own works and essentially is like worshipping a false Jesus that allows compromise contrary to His Word. (2Co.1:2-4) For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. (3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. (4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him.) Standing in the middle of that room, I looked up and saw there were different levels to the house where the activity got worse, physically and spiritually. I saw and heard people speaking filthily. I didn't see it, but knew that it was pornography, and scary movie sounds were also in the background. People were cursing and saying all kinds of bad things. People were laughing at it when it was not funny. The Lord asked, “How does that edify Me?” (The different levels of the tabernacle represent people's spirit, soul and body. If these activities are occurring in the spirit and soul, they bring a curse on the bodies of these people and death. Spiritual death is reprobation, and it becomes impossible for them to be renewed again unto repentance. Their consciences are seared. They have become reprobated. (Heb.6:4-8) For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, (6) and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.) We went into another room on the left, and I heard different conversations. One person was trying to tell another something, and he said, “I know”, not letting the other finish because he already knew. (Pro.18:13) He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.) In the same crowd, educated people were having conversations with others, but the educated person never heard anything anyone else said because they were puffed up and boasting that they had a degree in this or a doctorate in that. They knew it all and yet knew nothing. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” (1Ti.6:3-5) If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth… (2Ti.3:1-9) But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (5) holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. From these also turn away. (6) For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, (7) ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (8) And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. (9) But they shall proceed no further. For their folly shall be evident unto all men…) To the right in that room were people bickering over trivial matters. One conversation that stands out is, “Who took my Kool-Aid?” I looked around and realized that all these people were carrying Bibles, and I realized they were all 'Christians'. The whole house was full of people professing to be Christians. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, forgive us”. (Many worldly people associate 'religious fanatics' and cult members with Jim Jones. And they say things to Christians like, “Don't drink the Kool-Aid!” In other words, don't fall for the deceptions and traps of religion. James Warren Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) was an American cult leader, preacher, and self-professed faith healer. He launched The Peoples Temple in Indiana during the 1950s. Jones and his inner circle orchestrated a mass murder-suicide of himself and his followers in his jungle commune at Jonestown, Guyana, on November 18, 1978. Jones ordered and likely coerced the mass suicide and mass murder of 918 commune members, 304 of them children, almost all by cyanide-poisoned Flavor Aid (or Kool-Aid). (1Pe.5:8) Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;) We went into another room and stood in the doorway. Small children were running around the room, jumping on chairs, sofas, pulling down curtains, and being very mischievous. Their parents were in the middle of the room, oblivious to what the children were doing -- “running wild”. They were so self-absorbed in what they were doing and their own desires that they were blind to what their children were doing. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” I said, “Lord, I'm sorry”. (Many of God's people are not self-disciplined to stay in God's Word; therefore, the fruit that they bring forth is disorderly confusion and does not effectively edify the Body of Christ. (Isa.26:3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…) We went into another room and saw people holding their Bibles. They tried to step forward, saying, “Yes, the Lord has told me to do this”. But before they stepped forward, they stepped right back and said, “No, no, He didn't tell me”. I saw people holding their Bibles open, saying, “The Lord has shown me this”, and then saying, “No, no, He didn't show me anything”. Then I saw people holding phones, saying, “The Lord told me to say this”, and then, “No, no, never mind; He didn't say anything”. They were never sure of anything they did and were procrastinating in the name of the Lord. The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” (Jas.1:5-8) But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.) We then went through sliding glass doors and saw a man sitting in a chair covering his face with his hands. He was being attacked by Christians who were standing around him and yelling, “How do you know that you know the Lord?” “Why did He tell you that and not me?” “Why do you think you are so privileged that you know and hear the Lord?” “Do you think you are somebody?” “You don't know your Word”. “You don't know God”. “Who do you think you are?” “How do you know you are not hearing demons?” The Lord asked, “How does this edify Me?” (Gal.5:13-21) For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.) I felt such conviction during this dream for not praying, fasting or reading my Word. (These are actions which would warn us away from dangers to come.) I have been guilty of letting my time be idle = idol. A few days later, on 9/04/11, (911) I received Ephesians 5 as a reminder. Briefly this chapter is about: (Eph.5:1-2) Exhortation to brotherly love. (Eph.5:3-14) Cautions against several sins. (Eph.5:15-21) Directions to a contrary behavior, and to relative duties. (Eph.5:22-33) The duties of wives and husbands are enforced by the spiritual relation between Christ and the church.
South Side Baptist ChurchAbbeville, South CarolinaPastor Joel BradberryMarch 8, 2026Sunday AM Servicehttps://www.southsideabbeville.comSermon Notes:1. Theophilus2. Gabriel and Zechariah3. Gabriel and Mary 4. Mary and Elizabeth5. The Magnificat6. John is born7. Jesus is born8. Jesus' dedication9. Jesus' childhood10. Jesus at 12 years11. John prepares the way12. Jesus' GenealogyProvidence: God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that He (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which He created them [Preservation]; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do [Concurrence]; and (3) directs them to fulfill His purposes [Government].Preservation: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3)Concurrence: God causes all that comes to pass—together with His creation.“[God] accomplished all things according to the counsel of His will.” (Ephesians 1:11)1. Creation:For to the snow he says, “Fall on the earth, like wise to the downpour…“ (Job 37:6)From His chamber comes the whirlwind and cold from the scattering winds. (Job 37:9)Whether for correction of for His land or for love, He causes it to happen. (Job 37:13)2. Animals:Look at the birds of the air, they neither reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26)3. Random or “chance” events:The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33)4. Primary and Secondary Causes:God=primary causeWhat is observed=secondary causes5. Nations:Daniel 4:34–35 (ESV) — 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”Daniel 2:21 (ESV) — 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;6. Every part of our lives:Isaiah 43:6–7 (NKJV) — 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!' And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”Concurrence and human choices: God causes all things to happen, but He does so in such a way that He somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices, choices that have real and eternal results, and for which we are held accountable.Government: God has a purpose in all He does in the world and He providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish His purpose.Romans 8:28 (NKJV) — 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.So, what?
Daniel 2: 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Don't Bow to the Beast (1) (audio) David Eells 3/4/26 I want to talk to you about refusing to bow to the Beast, but we will first go over a little background. Many Christians are deceived about the Bride and the leadership of the church. We know God is raising up a new leadership, a Man-child ministry in these days that's going to be the first fruits of those to walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 16 that He was going to come again as a baby, a Man-child, born to a woman. We read in Revelation 12 that the Man-child is born at the beginning of the Tribulation Period and that the Man-child leads the woman through the wilderness. In studying the Book of Esther, we've learned that “Mordecai” in Hebrew means “little man” and in Persian means “little boy.” Persia was the Beast kingdom that he was under at the time. Both of those mean “Manchild.” In Esther 2:5, it says that Mordecai was in Shushan, the palace. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a ruler, somebody under the king who probably had to do with ruling over God's people. In Esther 2:19-20, it says that he also sat in the “king's gate,” which was the place of government, where the rulers of the conquered nations gathered before the king. Mordecai raised up Esther as the Bride and he “nourished her,” the original word says. He prepared her for this time and he continued to guide her steps all the way through the Book of Esther, all the way through their tribulation. Also, Hegai, the king's chamberlain, was very pleased with Esther, and she required nothing but what Hegai provided. And we need nothing but what the Holy Spirit provides us with. (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. This Bride and Man-child are the “sons of God” for whom the creation has been awaiting, the fullness of the sonship of Jesus Christ manifested in His people. In fact, the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, the Bride who was chosen from among all the fair virgins of the kingdom, was called his “perfect one” (Song of Solomon 5:2). God is going to perfect, to mature His people. Esther was chosen out of all the fair virgins of the kingdom “because the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her Queen” (Est.2:17). But even then she was under the guidance of Mordecai and in verse (20) … Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. So we see that the job of the Man-child is to raise up the Bride and guide her. The Man-child is the head of the Bride, much like the False Prophet is the head of the Harlot. There is a corporate body of apostate people, called the Harlot, and the head of that body is its so-called Christian leadership, which is leading it astray. The Bride is Jerusalem and David was the head of Jerusalem. When Jesus came, He sat upon the throne of David and He was the head of the Bride. John the Baptist said, He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (Joh.3:29), as he saw Jesus leading the disciples. That's a short background, somewhat, and there's much more to the Book of Esther. (Est.3:1) After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. These princes were the people who ruled over the kingdoms over which Ahasuerus ruled, and among those princes was Mordecai, who was over the people of God. Now we see that Mordecai and Esther are two entities whom God uses to save the rest of the people of God from destruction by the Beast. The Beast that was to destroy them is represented here by Haman, who is a corporate body, just as Mordecai represents a corporate body of people. Why would God advance Haman above the other princes? Because throughout history, God has raised up a Beast kingdom over His people in times when His people were in apostasy. Why is God calling His people out of the Harlot? (Rev.18:4) … Come forth, my people, out of her…. It's because there is such an apostasy in the Church, and they've turned away from the Word; they've gone after religions. They are in apostasy and God is calling His people out of that. This is what the Tribulation is for. Every time God's people have become a harlot, He raised up a Beast to come against them: from Egypt, to Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and now the end-time Rome. We're seeing a worldwide revived Roman Empire being raised up again for the purpose of sanctifying His people and bringing them to repentance. The raising up of Haman, with his authority to destroy the people of God, is what brings God's people to repentance. (Est.3:2) And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate (That's the place where government was, where all the representatives of the nations saw the face of the King.), bowed down, and did reverence to Haman (the Beast); for the king had so commanded concerning him. In Rom 13 we are told to submit to the powers that be. He had given Haman authority over God's people. People don't think that the Lord gives authority to evil in the earth, but He does, and it's for the purpose of bringing repentance. (Job2:10) … What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil… God does bring evil against His people as a chastening and a method to bring them to repentance. So all the King's servants who were in the King's gate bowed down to the Beast, But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence (Est.3:2). I would say bowing down with reverence should be given nly to God. However, submitting to man's kingdoms is necessary to obey the Lord. This is something we find all through the Scriptures. Mordecai, as a type of the man-child, refused to bow down to the Beast. We see the example of Joseph, who was sold into bondage by the Harlot, Potiphar's wife, and came to the position of authority like Mordecai. We see the example of Jesus, who didn't bow down to the Beast; and Moses, who didn't bow down; and Daniel – all these are types of the Man-child, who refused to bow down to the Beast. (3) Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (4) Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Who is this accusing Mordecai to the Beast? You remember throughout history how the apostate brethren of Joseph persecuted and came against him and sold him into the hand of the Beast; and the apostate brethren of Jesus, the leadership of apostate Israel, accused Him to the Beast. We're seeing the same thing here; history keeps on repeating. We're not talking about rebellion against Constitutional, political authority here. We're talking about rebellion in terms of not bowing down religiously, of not worshipping the Beast as God. Today, there is a spirit of worship of the Beast by Christians, and there has been for many centuries. Patriotism, pledging allegiance, all these things that saints in past days would never have thought of doing, God's people today think nothing of. They don't understand that there's only one Kingdom – the Kingdom of God – which we should be representing. (5) And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. (6) But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. Notice that the head over all God's true people is represented here by Mordecai. In the rest of the story, Mordecai and Esther save all of these Jews from the Beast. Does that mean that all of what we loosely call Christians are going to be saved from the Beast? No, but the true Jews, those who are circumcised in heart, not in flesh, are all going to be saved. All Israel (Romans 11:26) is going to be saved – everybody who is grafted into the olive tree called “all Israel.” They'll be saved from the Beast in one form or another. We see here that Mordecai is one of the princes who sat in the king's gate to represent his people. He was among the other princes who were accusing him. In Ezekiel 17, I've shared a revelation the Lord gave me concerning the Beast of D.S. Babylon, who has brought God's people into bondage. We know that when Babylon conquered the nations, it not only brought apostate Israel into bondage, but they brought people like Daniel and the Hebrews, who were appointed people of God in their time, under the thumb of the Beast kingdom. When we talk about Mordecai, we're talking about the good leadership, but what about the bad leadership that accused him? (Eze.17:2) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; (3) and say, Thus saith the Lord God: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar: (4) he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it unto a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. This represents the Great Eagle of America which is the head of D.S. Babylon, bringing the leadership of God's people into bondage. In the natural, it's happening; natural Israel is more and more under Kazarian D.S. dominion. Something else is also happening, and that is, that spiritual new testament Israel said to be circumcised in heart is being brought more and more under the dominion of the latest Beast government. Media-Persia of Cyrus/Trump is conquering Babylon, thank God. In fact, as we keep reading, it says (11) Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, (12) Say now to the rebellious house…. Why is it that God is permitting Beast governments to bring under their authority the spiritual people of God and the “letter” people of God, the natural Jews? It is because they are rebellious houses. The letter Israel is a type and shadow for spiritual Israel. They've rebelled against the covenant that God has given. (12) Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and brought them to him to Babylon. So the king and the princes of both spiritual and natural Israel have been under the dominion of Babylon. What makes a beast a beast? The flesh is in control over the spiritual. The Alliance of nations under Cyrus/Trump is about to be a GESARA covenant. Although we will benefit from this covenant to rebuild the Kingdom of God, it will not last. The next seven verses go on to talk about a covenant that was broken in the middle, exactly as we would expect if it were Daniel's 70th-week covenant of the end-time broken in the middle. God also rebukes them for breaking His covenant and then He talks about another leadership that He's raising up. We just saw the apostate leadership, the king and the princes, brought under the dominion of Babylon, but He talks about a new leadership here. (22) Thus saith the Lord God: I will also take of the l7ofty top of the cedar (An evergreen type of eternal life), and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain. That's referring to the mountain representing the Kingdom of God, spiritual Mount Zion. This was the same description (cropping off the topmost twigs) that God gave in verse four here, referring to the apostate leadership of Israel/Church, but now the Lord speaks of a type of the Israel/Church's new leadership. So, once again, He is talking about a new leadership, “the topmost twig.” (23) In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell. (24) And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it. God is bringing down a false leadership over the true people of God, and He's raising up a new leadership. This is just as it was in the days of Jesus and Moses, when the apostate leadership persecuted the Man-child Jesus and then His disciples. In the same way, in the end-time, God is going to bring down the high and the lofty and raise up the lowly to take that position who will walk in the steps of the Lord Jesus, the Man-child of Revelation 12. He came as a Lamb but now as a Lion. We just had a prophecy of the coming Lion, who come manifested in His Man-child body. So we see here two groups in captivity. In the time of Esther, there were two groups in captivity, and the one persecuted the other, just as the False Prophet in Israel, the Sanhedrin, persecuted the Man-child ministry of Jesus. We see the same thing with Mordecai and these servants of the king who accused him to the Beast. Jesus was accused to the Beast by the corporate False Prophet of Israel. Also, we can go to Daniel and see that when Babylon took God's people into captivity, there was the good thrown in with the bad. (Dan.1:1) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (the “Great Eagle” in Eze 17.) unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. (2) And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god. (3) And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in [certain] of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; (4) youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace…. There it is! These are people whom God is raising up who are spotless and blemishless, and they're not equated with the Jewish king and his princes, who were also taken captive. That's the way it was with Daniel. (6) Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (7) And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave [the name of] Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, [of] Shadrach; and to Mishael, [of] Meshach; and to Azariah, [of] Abednego. Next, these four had to be proven because they wouldn't be defiled by eating the king's food. They wouldn't partake of the Babylonish king's dainties and, since they wouldn't be defiled, they also didn't bow down to the image of the Beast. It's important to know that what we eat is what we are, and if we partake of a beastly doctrine that enables our flesh to rule, we will become a member of the Beast. Our flesh is a member of the Beast kingdom – it is an enemy of God; it's at enmity with your spirit. Partaking of fleshly doctrines is partaking of the Beast's dainties. Anyway, there was nothing but good said about these four Hebrews. (17) Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. … (20) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. (21) And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. What we see in the Book of Daniel – twice, in chapters 3 and 6 – is exactly what we see concerning the accusations against Mordecai, the Man-child, by the other leaders. What happened in Jesus' day, when He was accused by the other rabbis, the apostates (and accused to the Roman Beast, too, by the way), we see also in Daniel. The three Hebrews represented the people who would not bow down. Daniel was obviously in leadership, but the three Hebrews refused to bow down to the image of the Beast in Daniel chapter three. It was the image of the Beast because it had the number of the Beast. (Dan.3:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore (60 - there's “6”) cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits (there's “6-6”): he set it up in the plain of Dura…. “Dura” means “a circle,” which reminds us of the earth, and the Gematria for “the earth” or “the world” is 600. So there you have a representation of the world adding up to 666. We're talking about the image of the Beast, and it's made up of, if we look carefully in chapter two, all the peoples and all the kingdoms, one right after another. Now notice who was commanding the people to bow down to this image: (4) Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages…. The word “herald” is the only Greek word in this text, and it's the New Testament word for “preacher.” So we have apostate preachers over the people of God, commanding them to bow down to the image of the Beast. This is like pledging allegiance. Not everybody bowed down, just as we saw with Mordecai. The other servants of the king who stood in the king's gate bowed down. This was the leadership of the apostate people of God, or the False Prophet. They bowed down to Haman, but Mordecai, the Man-child, refused. We see that they commanded them to bow down, and the people all bowed down, except for the three Hebrews. (8) Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. They were accused because they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast. Now, God saved them and brought a witness through them of His power to save, even in the fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter, as in the seven years of the Tribulation Period. “Times” is used in Revelation 12:14, for instance, as in “a time, times, and half a time,” speaking of years. So “seven times” in this text speaks of the Tribulation Period. The three Hebrews refused to bow down. They served the king, obeyed and submitted to the government of the king, but when it came to bowing down, they refused. The world is going to demand this; they're going to make their generic god, and everyone is going to have to serve it and be at peace with others and not witness to others and so on. We have another witness of Daniel himself, who was a type of the Man-child. Daniel refused to bow down, and the same situation happened. There were others with him, who were leaders, who accused him before the Beast: (Dan.6:1) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; (2) and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one (“Throughout the whole kingdom” could be an application of what we loosely call “the Kingdom of God.”); that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. (3) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (4) Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Praise God! Those were the false prophets who corresponded to the false prophets in Jesus' day, who sought occasion for false witness against Jesus, and since He had committed no sin, they had to falsely accuse Him. It was the same with Daniel here. The head of the Harlot was the false prophets and false leaders who were accusing Jesus, How is the faithful city become a harlot! … (Isa.1:21). God's people had become a harlot because they had apostatized and were committing fornication with the world. They were receiving the seed of the world, the seed of the Beast kingdom. (Dan.6:5) Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (6) Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. (7) All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel only bowed down to his God; he only asked of his God; he wasn't going to treat the king or the Beast as a god. (8) Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (9) Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. (10) And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. So he only knelt down to the God of Israel. He refused to bow down to the image of the Beast. (11) Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (12) Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (13) Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (14) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him. Notice that it wasn't the Beast that wanted to destroy the Man-child; it was his own brothers. Joseph's brothers were the ones who sold him into bondage to the Gentiles. And, accordingly, Pilate wanted nothing to do with crucifying what he called Jesus, this righteous man (Mat.27:24). The apostates twisted his arm, exactly as they are doing here. We are headed to the exact same time, when the false leadership over God's people is going to be used to persecute the true leadership. Although all of them are going to be under the same Beast government rule, the leadership of the apostate people of God, just as we saw with Mordecai, is going to bow down to the Beast. Amazingly, people whom you and I have called Christians and thought were Christians will be part of a great falling away. The 10 northern tribes worshipped the image of the beast and were part of a great falling away. They bowed down to the golden calf, or the image of a beast. Now the same thing is happening to what we loosely call Christianity; they have built and bowed down to their golden calf. It's a work of man's hands. It has nothing to do with God or His Word that He created in the very beginning, as far as Christianity is concerned. It's something that they have made themselves, and because it's their own, they're going to want to protect it and defend it and their livelihood along with it. The Man-child ministry is going to be a threat to that because of the truths that will come forth, just as they came out of Jesus. The Bible spoke about Jesus, how He opened His mouth, and things that were hidden from the foundation of the world were revealed. Things that have been hidden are going to be revealed, but also, things that have been hidden in God's people are going to be revealed by this great falling away and by the apostates' siding with the Beast against their brethren. They are Judases, sons of perdition, false prophets. The point here in Daniel is that he still refused to do anything but bow down only to the real, true God, not to just any ruler or generic god, not even to any god that they might call “Jesus.” Many religious images of Jesus are not Him at all. When we read the Bible, we see the true Jesus and His crucified life. That contrasts with what we see now in Christianity. Will the current leadership continue to bring a reproach on Christianity by living so lavishly and fleecing so many people? That's not walking in the steps of Jesus; that's not the crucified life. These people defend that lifestyle as spiritual, and it's a shame. How many airplanes can a person use? God is sending the Beast not only because of the leadership, but also because of the people who don't understand that they should not support people who do such things. The crucified life that Jesus and His disciples walked was a simple life without all the accoutrements of Babylon. They didn't have the fancy temple and the big synagogues, but they had the truth. That was part of the trial. There is a great apostasy, a rebellion, in the church. They're in love with the world, and the things of the world, and the Bible says, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jn.2:15). God is proving just who it is who loves Him. The Bride, in the Song of Solomon, ran fanatically after the Bridegroom, so much so that she surprised the other queens, virgins, and concubines. They thought that one Jesus was just as good as another. But the other Jesus' are made by man. They give Jesus a character that's contrary to Scripture, a contrary doctrine, and so on. Well, Daniel wouldn't bow down, so he had to be thrown into the lion's den and, as you know, God preserved him. God sent His angel. (Dan.6:18) Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. (19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (20) And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (23) Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den. That's very similar to Revelation 17:16, where the Beast devours the Harlot. The apostate leaders who accused Jesus were then destroyed, and as we know, there's a great and terrible Day of the Lord coming, when that's exactly what's going to happen. The Beast is going to devour and destroy the Harlot and burn her flesh with fire. So the Beast was basically made a believer in the God of Daniel, just as in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; and, by the way, Daniel chapter seven speaks of the end-time. We know the timing of Daniel's Tribulation because he gets a revelation of the four Beasts, and from his time, which was the time of Babylon onward, is when his revelation started. His vision didn't start with the Egyptian and Assyrian Beasts, which were two that came before Babylon. The Beasts of Revelation, however, start with those two that came before Babylon. Daniel mentions the four Beasts that lead up to the end-time Beast. There was the lion with eagle's wings (Babylon) that was conquered by the Media-Persian bear, then by Greece, then Rome. He was prophesying again of the image of the Beast. In today's end-times, these entities are still with us. The Lion with Eagle's wings is the British Empire, and the Eagle's wings are the present head of the British Empire and America. This is the Great Eagle, which was then and will be today conquered by the Medo-Persian Bear. So not only were these historic, from Daniel's day on, but they're also an end-time revelation of what's going to happen. We find that this last Beast that he talks about, which was Rome, devours the whole earth. The last Beast, he tells us, was headed up by 10 horns, exactly like Revelation 17. The 10 horns are the ten kings that rule over the Beast kingdom. Among those 10 horns comes up a little horn (Daniel 7:8) that's different, it says, from the rest of the horns. That little horn is a ruler among rulers that will be diverse from all of the 10, and it is the corporate False Prophet. (Dan.7:21) … The same horn made war with the saints…. There it is again! They'll make war on the Man-child and the saints, which is exactly what we see in the rest of the Book of Esther. (Dan.7:23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth…. We have had the United Nations, whose place is being taken by the Alliance of nations. The whole earth is inside the body of the last Beast. GESARA Law was signed unanimously by all 209 countries in 2015. Remember that in Daniel's vision of the legs of the image of the beast, Rome lasted from the thighs all the way down to the toes – the iron that was mixed with the clay. It is different in these days because now it has covered; it has devoured, the whole earth. And among those 10 kings is the little horn that comes up to make war on the saints. (Dan.7:20) ... Before which three fell, even that [horn] that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (22) until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. So we see the Beast has been given authority to crucify Christ once more. It says that he “prevailed against them.” This False Prophet and the Harlot beneath the False Prophet have been given authority to crucify the flesh of the saints. It doesn't necessarily mean that all will die; that's not the point here. The point is the crucifixion of the flesh of the saints. The Church is in rebellion because the flesh rules. The Beast, in a spiritual way, is ruling over them already because their flesh rules over them already. There has to be a crucifixion for us to bear fruit and come into the Kingdom; therefore, God is raising up this whole worldwide kingdom to come against His people. The little horn represents a religious entity because it's different from the other horns. They are corporate bodies of secular rulers, but the little horn is a corporate body of religious rulers who will bring God's people to their cross, much like they did to Jesus in His day. This is the seed of that same Sanhedrin that's being raised up in our day, no different from the earlier one. The Sanhedrin in natural Israel has been raised up again, and the Sanhedrin in spiritual Israel has been raised up again, too, to crucify the body of Christ again. God just repeats history in larger and larger ways. The spiritual man is not going to be conquered, and the quicker we learn to submit, the more we will be like Daniel, in that the lions' mouths will be closed. The Beast will not be able to devour Daniel. The fire of the fiery furnace, heated seven times hotter, will not be able to devour the three Hebrews because they have refused to eat the king's dainties and they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast, just like Daniel. What we see in Esther is clearly a prophecy of the end-time. The persecution that was raised up against Mordecai, who was over all God's people of the kingdom, will be repeated in our day. Remember, the Beast decided to kill the people of Mordecai. The people of Mordecai, of whom we are speaking, include the Bride, but just as Jerusalem is only part of the Kingdom, the Bride is only part of the people of Mordecai. Not everybody in the Church is going to follow the Man-child. All the righteous Jews in the rest of the kingdom will be delivered from the Beast through the righteous leadership of Mordecai, the Man-child, and Esther, the Bride – a leadership that refused to bow down and a people that refused to bow down, respectively. The true people of God will not bow down. The rest will worship the image of the Beast; they will bow down. God is sending a separation in the form of this image of the Beast. The people who have no faith in their God, no commitment to their God, will find it easier to justify themselves and bow down to the image of the Beast, even change their doctrines, if necessary, and submit to the Beast kingdom. The true people of God are represented by the people of Mordecai, who discover that this leadership is truly the right leadership, like the people who followed Jesus in His day. This represented a people from among natural Israel who were a first fruits to follow Jesus diligently, just as it will be in our day. (Joh.3:29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom…. Even if a person didn't come up to the standard of the Bride which Jesus raised up, He sent them forth unto every place He was about to go to fulfill the Great Commission. The apostles raised up the five-fold ministry as the leadership for the rest of spiritual Israel, just as the latter-day apostles will for the Church. We have some great days coming, some wondrous days. In Esther 3:7-8, it is also revealed that God's people had been rebellious, and that's the reason this is coming today. The best thing we can do is learn to serve the true and living God. Don't bow down to the Beast.
A Deeper Look at Pride - Series Info Pride is the quiet enemy that whispers we're self‑sufficient. In today's episode of A Deeper Look at Pride,Pastor Nunn peels back the layers of that hidden self‑reliance. He shows how pride sneaks into everyday attitudes—refusing apology, acting superior, or ignoring God's voice—and how it steals our joy, peace, and fruitfulness. Thanks For Listening, Join Us Sometime Did you enjoy the message? Please subscribe, share, and visit us at TruthAndLoveMinistries.org Intro and Outro Music: "Egg Rollz" by "Baegels"
Andrew For America welcomes back to the show the host of the According2Sam podcast, Sam Winchester. Andrew and Sam cover a wide range of topics including: the situation in Minnesota, the state's fraud, some biblical history including Nebuchadnezzar‘s dream, the stories of Solomon‘s temple, and why this time period is so important to the Freemasons, good versus evil, propaganda, occult history, world democracy, how the US Constitution came into existence, the 3/5 compromise, AOC embarrasses herself in Munich, 911, Alex Jones, Bill Cooper, and Sam offers a great idea that politicians need to sign a “pledge!”Visit allegedlyrecords.com and check out all of the amazing punk rock artists!Visit soundcloud.com/andrewforamerica1984 to check out Andrew's music!Like and Follow The Politics & Punk Rock Podcast PLAYLIST on Spotify!!!Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y4rumioeqvHfaUgRnRxsy...politicsandpunkrockpodcast.comFollow Future Is Now Coalition on Instagram @FutureIsOrgwww.futureis.org
Pride doesn't always look loud. Sometimes it's impressive. Successful. Even spiritual. In Week 5 of our Against The Flow series, we dive into Daniel 4 and the powerful testimony of Nebuchadnezzar — a king at the height of influence who discovers that the greatest threat to his life isn't an enemy… it's pride. From the rooftop of his palace, he declares, “Look what I built.” Seven years later, he lifts his eyes toward heaven and declares, “Look what God has done.” What changed? This message explores: Why pride is called the “number one killer” of spiritual growth How pride can masquerade as humility The difference between rooftop living and upward surrender Why God opposes the proud — but gives grace to the humble How intimacy with Jesus produces true humility God's patience is not His permission. And His discipline is not destruction — it's restoration. The question isn't whether pride tempts us. The question is: Which posture will we choose? Rooftop pride? Or upward dependence? Let this message challenge you, humble you, and draw you closer to Christ.
Join Mondo and archaeologist Titus Kennedy as they discuss groundbreaking discoveries confirming 124 biblical figures, including King David, Nebuchadnezzar, Caiaphas, and even evidence surrounding Jesus.This isn't blind faith—this is evidence you can hold in your hand.
In this session, we delve into the stories of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, two Babylonian kings who faced God's judgment. We examine Nebuchadnezzar's 7-year humiliation and eventual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. We discuss Belshazzar's misuse of sacred items from the Jerusalem Temple during a feast, which leads to his downfall and the end of his kingdom. The Babylonian Empire falls and the Medo-Persian Empire rises. Soon, Cyrus king of Persia issues an edict allowing the return of the exiles to the Land of Canaan.Bible ReadingsDaniel 4:28-37Daniel 5:1-312 Chronicles 36:22-23Hebrews 12:5-11Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...
2:38 - Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? / 10:53 - Prayer request following my wife's death and guilt over how I treated her. / 19:28 - Comment on the fig tree being out of season. / 22:26 - Is it possible to restore your testimony after backsliding? / 35:03 - What is a therian, and was Nebuchadnezzar the first one? / 48:33 - What is the tree of life after the tribulation, and does it mean we'll be immortal?
In Part 2 of The Epic of the City, we explore one of the most powerful themes in Scripture: the battle between pride and humility. Using the unforgettable story of Larry's lawn chair flight — a man who tried to soar 16,000 feet with weather balloons — this sermon illustrates the danger of self-elevation and the consequences of building our lives on our own glory. From Babylon to Jerusalem, the Bible presents two archetypal cities. Babylon represents self-glory, arrogance, and the pursuit of being “like God.” Jerusalem represents humility, worship, and lifting up the name of the true King. Through Isaiah's vision, the fall of the king of Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar's humbling in the book of Daniel, we see a clear pattern: internal pride always leads to external collapse. As Augustine wrote in The City of God, the internal fall always precedes the external fall.
Can God change your circumstances instantly? Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe unveils the shocking truth about spiritual madness and divine sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar’s dramatic story demonstrates how the insanity cycle breaks when we humbly acknowledge that heaven rules. Experience restoration by surrendering control ... listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of GodBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsightsDaniel 4 is one of the most surprising and underrated chapters in the Bible. In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) and Dr. Nathan French (PhD in Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East) walk through this wild and deeply edifying story line by line, exploring Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, Daniel's bold counsel, the mysterious “watchers,” and the king's humbling descent into madness. Along the way, we uncover foundational biblical themes: the danger of arrogance, the necessity of humility, God's kingship over the universe, and His persistent desire to lead people toward repentance and restoration. Daniel 4 reminds us that no one is too far gone for God's mercy—not even the king of Babylon—and shows how true repentance leads to restoration and renewed allegiance to God. This chapter is both gripping and accessible, making it an incredible text for personal study, church teaching, and small groups.Chapters0:00-4:52 Intro4:53-11:42 Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream11:43-20:31 Why is the king of Babylon a great tree?20:32-23:29 Daniel's Counsel23:30-26:29 The “Watchers”26:30-35:55 Why the punishment of becoming like an animal?35:56-48:51 Incredible Repentance and RestorationJoin our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com
Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville The Call and Message of Jeremiah Chapters 1-2 Introduction: Jeremiah is a unique prophet in many ways. God called him when he is young, at least in his early twenties. He is called to live a hard and difficult life. He is hated by his own people, and kings desired to kill him in spite of the fact that his message was intended to save them. The heart of Jeremiah is what is most moving. In reading the book, it is not long before your heart becomes wedded to his and that every emotion he feels and every hurt he endures, becomes your emotion and your hurt. Soon you realize that what you are experiencing is not just Jeremiah's heart, but the heart of God himself reflected in his prophet. Please participate in the readings this year. You will travel through great valleys, but in the end you will ascend to the mountain top with God. Overview of the last kings of Judah during Jeremiah's ministry Reigns of the final kings of Judah Manasseh: 696–642 Amon: 642–640 Josiah: 640–609 (Jeremiah's ministry begins in the 13th year of Josiah: 627–586) Jehoahaz: 609 (3 months). Deported to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho Jehoiakim: 609–597 Put on the throne by Necho 605: Babylon defeated Egypt at the battle of Carchemish Jehoiakim served Nebuchadnezzar until 597 when he rebelled and is killed Jehoiachin 597 (3 months): taken and imprisoned in Babylon for 35 years until Evil-merodach mercifully freed him (2 Kings 25:27) Zedekiah 597–586: Puppet king to Nebuchadnezzar. Rebels in 588 and after an 18 month siege, Jerusalem and the temple are overthrown. Though the first half of Jeremiah's ministry is during Josiah's reforms, it is evident by Jeremiah's message that the heart of the people is unchanged. The message: External reforms did not achieve the change of heart God demands. The last half of Jeremiah's ministry (chapters 21ff) are the worst for him since he is now dealing with the wicked sons of Josiah as kings. Jeremiah is treated as a traitor and accused of treason for urging Zedekiah to submit to Nebuchadnezzar according to the word of the Lord. But Zedekiah's advisors believe that Jerusalem cannot be conquered, and therefore their rebellion becomes the demise of the nation. Key Messages & Lessons: Chapter One 1:4 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…I consecrated you…” Do you believe that could be said of you? Has God formed you, knew you, and consecrated you before you were born? “…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:4-6) Go home and look in the mirror. Look deeply and carefully. You have a purpose. You were created for a purpose. Consider the amazing blessing God desired for you and planned for you. He specially appointed and chose you to be a part of an eternal plan and to exalt you above the angels. You may look in the mirror and see someone you do not like, someone who you know has failed the purpose for which God created you. We've all been there. Now is the time to step up and meet that purpose. One day at a time, rebuild your life to please God. The above is so easily said, but the effort needed is very difficult, especially in the beginning as you change old habits. Here is a “simple” daily schedule that must be followed if you are to succeed: Prayer! “Ask and you will receive…” Read one chapter a day with a pencil, with notes of discoveries in a journal. Uncomfortable at first? Yes, if you've never done it. But this is absolutely necessary if God is going to renew your mind! 1:6-8 “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth…do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” God accepts no excuses! Jeremiah was young, very young—barely in his twenties. He had a lot of reasons why he shouldn't be the one who challenged kings. But that is the point! God never has looked for the “mighty” and the “talented.” God uses those who know that the power resides in God alone. We are nothing. But with God and the faith of the grain of mustard seed, mountains are moved. Do not look to yourself. That will only demoralize you and cause you to lose hope. Look to God. There is no failure with God. Never has been! 1:16 “And I will declare my judgments against them; for all their evil in forsaking me.” It is important that we always ask ourselves this question: Am I forsaking the Lord? There is a simple rule of thumb here—when our hearts are turned to other things, and the Lord is not our priority, we are forsaking him. The only outcome is our own failed idolatry. Key Messages & Lessons: Chapter Two 2:1-3 The violation of love and the marriage covenant This is a picture of love and the initial covenantal marriage of God with Israel. It is important to feel the Lord's heart and love as he looks back on the time in which he called the to follow him and be wedded to him. It is a heart-breaking scene. “Israel was holy…” This statement indicates the special purpose God had for Israel. They are set apart beyond all other nations. They are intended to display the holiness of God so that the nations would also turn to him. “…the firstfruits” changes the metaphor to picture why Israel was chosen. “Firstfruits” were a special offering to God of thanksgiving. “All who ate of it incurred guilt…”— thus Israel is God's and enemy nations would not be allowed to devour them. To be “Israel” was truly an unparalleled blessing. “Firstfruits” also indicated a greater harvest to come. What could this greater harvest be? It is the nations—a picture of God's promise to Abraham that through his offspring all nations would be blessed. The failure of Israel should be a strong reminder to us of our calling and purpose. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The failure of Israel should also remind us of the deep love God has for us and the extreme hurt we cause the Lord when our love for him wanes in favor of following earthly and worldly desires. To emphasize this God even required Hosea to endure the adulteries of his wife so that he could relate to Israel the deep hurt and anger God felt by Israel's adulteries. Summary of God's Message God remembers these early days in which he delivered them from bondage and made them is own at Sinai. Their hearts had trembled when he spoke to them and they made a promise to him that all he commanded they would do. But the contrast is seen in the rest of the chapter. They completely turned away, from kings, to priests, to prophets (2:8), “on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore” (2:20). 2:11-13 It is unheard of that a nation would change gods. But Israel was unique among the nations, not only changing gods but rejecting the true God who done so much for them in favor of gods that cannot give them anything. They gave up the fountain of living waters and instead dug out cisterns that cannot hold water. Will we learn from this? How foolish to turn to the worldly, idolatrous desires that are based on the weakness and do not last and reject the God who has never failed us and brings us through every trial. Question: Are you drinking from the fountain of living waters? Did you drink from that fountain each day last week? Or are you digging your own cistern and expecting your thirst to be quenched? 2:26-27 is a vivid illustration of this foolishness. God is our Creator. Should not that which is created turn to the One who formed him? 2:27-28 illustrates the day of need and calling to God for help. Ha! Turn to the idols you have served and see if they can save you! 2:34-35 The callousness of sin is illustrated by their claim of innocence in spite of their utter wickedness and murder. 2:23-25 A good illustration of the addictiveness of sin. Israel is like a restless camel, never content. She is like a wild donkey in heat sniffing the wind and eager to mate with any males that are willing—it will not be difficult to find her. Look at her! A holy nation turned to animal instincts! When Israel is told to repent, her answer is that it is hopeless, she loves strangers and after them she will go. This is exactly what Satan does to us when we persist in sin! It doesn't have to be “a lot of sins.” Just one sin will do. Just one sin that eats at our minds and corrupts our hearts. Soon we look at ourselves and say, “It is hopeless. I am what I am and I cannot turn away!” Conclusion: Just as in Jeremiah's day, it is time to make a choice. Judgment is coming. In spite of Israel's many denials that the Babylonians would enter the city and massacre them, God's word held true. Will we ready ourselves for our coming Judgment? Or will we keep living in denial? Berry Kercheville The post Jeremiah 1-2: The Call and Message of Jeremiah appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
Preparing, for the Man-Child (1) (audio) David Eells 2/8/26 What's Hidden in the Barn of Our Life? Linda Smith - 11/16/2011 (David's notes in red) I had this dream, and after a few minutes, I got up and wrote it down while it was still fresh in my mind. My brother and I were putting some tools in my car. We were going somewhere to do some work. There were two hammers, some screwdrivers, saws, and some other tools in a small cardboard box. Then my brother handed me a new level and said, “Here, we might need this level”. Then a friend walked over to my brother and me and asked, “Do you really think you guys are going to need that level?” (The level is the standard of the world to build natural things on a plane with it; i.e., in agreement with it. However, Father is going beyond our worldly understanding to build hidden spiritual things that are on a plane with His Kingdom. (1Sa.16:7) ... man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.) We both agreed that it could be needed, so we would just take it along. Our friend hugged both of us and said, “I'm praying for you guys to be safe and hurry back”. We got in the car and drove off down the road. We had been driving for many miles and then drove up a big mountain. (The big mountain here represents the Kingdom of God and a place of far-reaching vision. Here they “leveled” out.) As we got to the top and leveled out, we could see some old, old buildings just up ahead on the right. (The sheep go to the right.) So my brother said to me, “Let's stop and look around, but we can't stay very long”. He pulled over and parked the car about 30 feet from an old barn and we got out. As we got to the opening of the barn, we could see eight new 6x6 beams, where someone had replaced the old beams. (The support of the barn is 6X6, representing our humanity and 8 represents Jesus, who is sown in and uses our humanity to bring forth fruit. Jesus' name in Greek equals 888 in gematria. It is fitting that Jesus would be the strength of the barn of our natural life to hold it up and together.) The roof of the barn seemed to be the original roof in fairly good condition. (The roof is the barn's “original” shield of faith, which protects it from the heat of the Sun and the storms of life.) As we entered the barn, there were some very old boards on the floor. They were two inches thick, and each board was 12 inches wide with a half-inch space between each board. It had to be the original old flooring. (Representing the “original” walk in the steps of Jesus at this head of the Kingdom.) There were a few cracks and some holes in some of them. Looking down through the cracks and holes, we could see parts of the foundation and it looked strong. We saw very large stones upon other very large stones (representing the foundation of the solid Rocks of the Word) with concrete holding them together. (Jesus, in Paul, laid such a foundation in the lives of the believers. (1Co.3:10) According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. He is the Word we must be founded on.) Now, looking all the way through the barn from where we were standing, there were other types of buildings and they reminded me of an old western town. There were eight buildings side by side with a long wooden-plank walkway in front connecting all the buildings together, but each building had its own roof. (These 8 buildings are the local Body of Jesus, which Linda belongs to. They are connected as one in Him, yet each with their own faith or roof. (Eph.2:19) So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, (20) being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; (21) in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; (22) in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.) We had to walk on through the barn to get to those other buildings. When we walked out of the barn, there was a man standing outside (Jesus). My brother, not seeing the man, walked on, going to look at the other buildings. But the man standing outside spoke to me and said, “Well, you finally got here”, and he smiled. I asked him, “What do you mean, sir?” He replied, “You've come a long way. You are going to look at this barn I'm working on, aren't you?” “Well, sir, I already have, sir, but I do have some questions, if it would be ok to ask you, sir”. “Sure, go ahead and ask me”. “Well, sir, why did you leave all those old boards on the floor?” He smiled and said, “They hold the past history of the barn and I wanted to show the people who came by here, so they can see the hardships the barn has been through”. (The early saints suffered for righteousness' sake as will we.) “Yes, sir, but these old flooring boards have holes and missing pieces in the boards, leaving cracks and holes all through the floor”. “Yes, I know”, he said. “Even in your walk through your own life, there were good times and bad times, things and places you remember. And then there are those holes or missing pieces in your mind of places, things, and times that you don't remember, but they are all there in your mind stored away”. (And God can bring them to remembrance or just use them subconsciously in our daily walk.) “Yes, sir”, I smiled and said, “I guess you're right”. Then he said, “If we look, we can see through the holes in the floor and see some of the foundation. The owner of this barn has built on this strong, solid foundation”. (Our Father is the owner.) “Oh, yes, sir, I can see the foundation; but, sir, why is it dug out under the barn like a basement?” He smiled and said, “That is the root cellar where the owner can store and keep canned food, cheese, and grain for bread, provisions for winter times and hard times. (Spiritual food that is preserved in our hearts for God to use in tribulations. Good roots make a healthy plant.) It is kept down there, where it's always cool to support a healthy life and healthy bodies. Kept and stored each year for many years. It's just like when you read and study the word of God; the word will always be there to nourish your spirit, soul, and body, and to support you in your walk with the Lord”. “Yes, sir, I believe that”. He smiled and said, “Now, the owner of this barn has good soil here to build on and a strong foundation, making the whole barn strong”. (The barn, which is used for a harvest, is supported by the spiritual food of the Word, its roots.) Then I asked him, “What about all the new beams and the new lumber on the walls that you've put in? Won't that take away from the original old look of the barn, sir?” “Oh, no! The beams and the lumber are also barn wood that will quickly turn gray like the original wood. I used them to restore the barn for its future use. I have made this barn stronger and more usable to store and to keep the new wine in this barn (the new wine skin for the new wine of the life of Christ), for the one who owns this barn. (The Father, Who has “kept the best wine for last.” The time of the manifestation of the Sons of God.) I have restored and made this barn strong by my own will as it pleased me.” (This identifies Jesus as the carpenter of this barn. (Jas.1:18) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ... (1Co.12:18) But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.) “Yes, sir, I believe you are the true craftsman, sir”. Now, as I was looking one more time at the inside of the barn, I saw for the first time that there was lots of detail work in his artwork; in all the woodwork, such beautiful craftsmanship all around. (Jesus is doing a good work in each of us. From the world's perspective, on the outside, it's a barn like any other barn, but from Father's perspective, on the inside, it's a temple.) There was light shining throughout the whole inside of the barn. (The light of the Word of life in man is Jesus. (Joh.1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.) The light was giving off a crisp, clean glow and there was a feeling of love, joy, and peace in this beautiful, peaceful environment. (The life of Jesus inside the barn.) Then, as we stepped out of the barn, I looked up at the outside of the barn, and it was just that natural, old gray barn. (According to Romans 8, the whole creation is awaiting the “revealing of the Sons of God,” and all the while they are hidden in plain old flesh, just like their prototype, Jesus, was. Joseph looked like the Egyptians on the outside to his brothers but inside he was a son of God.) Then my brother was back at the car, and he was calling out to me, “Come on. We need to be going on our way now.” I turned to the man with whom I had been talking and said to him, “Sir, it was so great talking with you, and thank you so very much, sir, for taking the time to show me and to explain to me all about your barn, sir”. And he smiled and said, “Oh! But this is your barn I'm working on”. (Joh.14:1) Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also... (1Co.2:9) but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And [which] entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.) I was so humbled by the words he spoke. I began crying and crying because the words he spoke were blessing me. And I woke up. My face was wet with tears and I was still weeping. Thank you, Lord, for this dream. (This is a great promise for Linda and others that the Lord is doing wondrous hidden things that we can't see or imagine in our lives. Many times, we just see the old barn from the outside and the holes in the floor. Keep on believing for the finished work of the hidden man of the heart and don't worry about what the natural man looks like. (1Pe.3:3) Whose [adorning] let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; (4) but [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible [apparel] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1Co.4:5) Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. And Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:) Walk by faith and not by sight. The farmer doesn't dig up the plant every few days to make sure there is progress. The woman doesn't get an ultrasound every day to see if the fruit is still in the womb. Like the plant, the baby Jesus must mature in the unseen parts of us before He is manifested before men. (Mar 4:26-29) And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth; (27) and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. (28) The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. (29) But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Jas.1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. (23) For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: (24) for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ... (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Barn of Our Life Charles Smith (Linda's brother) - 07/06/2012 (David's notes in red) In the dream, I was suddenly standing in a wooded area, on a narrow, smooth dirt road about 8-10 feet wide. (Our wilderness walk.) Straight before me was a much smaller dirt road about 4-5 feet wide, going through some woods. (The narrow road gets ever narrower to constrict us into the walk of Jesus.) The road was level and smooth, side to side, as it gradually went up to a small hill. As I walked up the narrow road, I saw through the trees a large structure or building. As I followed the narrow road around the trees, I saw that the building was a very old barn. (Like Linda's barn.) The way the barn was built, that is, its structure, was different from any barn I had seen before. I was looking at the left end and the back side of the barn. Walking around the left side of the barn, I was then facing the front side of the barn. I saw a large door opening, about 10 feet wide, with double doors opened to the outside. The barn was built with very large timbers and heavy beams. (Like Linda's barn, in which Jesus was the beams.) The outer walls were of wide planks, each plank being about 18 inches wide, standing upright. Suddenly, I thought, I hope no one is here; they may not want me looking around. Then, as I began looking at the surroundings, I saw tall, huge trees, some about six feet in circumference, and more than 120-150 feet tall. Not seeing anything like this before, I stopped and asked myself, Where am I? I realized that this place was somewhere else; it was very different. It was so tranquil, so very quiet, no distractions, no noise of any kind, except for an occasional songbird singing in the distance. No planes overhead, nothing -- totally quiet. I found myself being filled with great and total peace, total rest, and a sense of being totally safe here. Every fiber of my being (spirit, soul, body) was at peace and rest, something I had once experienced when I was “born again”. I thought to myself, I must tell Linda and we will come here and live. While looking at the barn and its surroundings, wondering who might live here, my head slowly turned to my left, and I saw a very old, fairly large two-story house a short way from the barn, maybe 150 feet away. The old house was very beautiful with its grounds, its huge, tall trees, and dark green tall grass about four inches tall. It was immaculate, very well kept. There was clearly a lot of thought and detail put into the architecture of this house. I had seen older homes somewhat similar to those from the Civil War years, but, friend, nothing I had ever seen could compare to this house. It was very different. Looking toward the front of the house, I saw that the house was built with wood lapboard about six inches wide running from side to side. The house also had a 12-pitch roof and a small front porch about 6x6 feet, with two steps coming off the porch down to a narrow dirt walkway or path that was maybe 12-14 inches wide. The walkway leaving the porch and crossing the yard in a straight path ended at the narrow road or driveway out front. Matthew 7:14 came to me: “Because narrow the gate, and straitened the way (like a walkway) that leadeth unto the life, and few are they that find it”. Also Luke 3:4-6: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight,... and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”. Read Isaiah 40:3-5, verse 5: “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it”. Also, the narrow path was not only straight, but it was like the narrow road was smooth. There is something else I would like to share about this house that stood out to me. It was the windows. The windows on this fairly large house were really narrow, about two feet wide by five or six feet tall. (To let out heat but let in light.) As I stood studying this house and its surroundings (I was still standing on the narrow road in front of the house), I saw a man coming from the barn, leading a horse. The man passed by in front of me, leading the horse down the narrow road. (The spiritual man leading the harnessed beast of flesh out of the barn of our life and down the narrow road of truth and righteousness.) I was waiting for the man to speak, but he did not; he just kept his eyes straight ahead and went on. I was standing there watching when my attention was drawn back to the house. The house was now the center of attention. From the house, I saw a young woman, perhaps mid-20s in age, coming off the front porch and down the dirt path walkway to the road where I was standing. She walked to my right and went on. What seemed to be about two minutes later, there came two young boys, maybe 11 or 12 years old, walking together on this narrow road. They walked past and in front of me and kept walking. No greeting or anything. I followed the boys with my eyes as they walked past me down the road. Two things caught my eye: 1) The boys each wore long-sleeve shirts with pants rolled up below the knees and were barefoot; 2) the boy on the far side, the right side of the road, had a small stick or pole about four feet long on his right shoulder with a pail hanging at the end of the pole or stick. I thought, Where are they going, this man leading the horse, the young woman, and the two boys; where have they gone? While standing in the same place, on the narrow road, for what seemed to be maybe two or three minutes, my attention again was drawn to the house. This time, I saw a young woman, young yet older than the first woman. She looked about mid-30s in age. Both women wore long dresses with long sleeves from the neck down to about two inches from the toes of their shoes. She came out of the house, stepped off the porch, and came down the small path to the narrow road where I was standing. She walked up to me, smiling and with a glow on her face, and nodding her head. She communicated with me, but not with her mouth. In fact, her mouth never moved, yet she spoke to me. We communicated! I asked the woman, “This house and barn, they are so old. Were they built during the time of the Civil War?” I asked her this because the house and barn were indeed very old but very beautiful. They had to have been around for a while. I had never seen structures like this before. So I told her they looked in some way as if they had come from this time period. The woman smiled and answered, “Oh, no. This house and barn were long before the Civil War”. I told the woman, “I have never seen buildings like these buildings; I have never seen a place like this place, full of beauty, so peaceful and at rest”. She just smiled. I asked the woman how much ground or land went with the house. Turning from me, the woman took me down the little, narrow road that we were standing on, in front of the house. She took me a good way, what seemed like a mile or more, in a second of time. From here we could see a great distance. She showed me a very large parcel of land. Some parts of the land had large fields or woods or a little of both, but all were beautiful. Then she pointed to another parcel of land. There were many acres before me. The woman said, “See that parcel of ground?” I answered, “Yes, I do”. She said at the time of the Civil War, all this land was lost; it was sold. She said the other owner of the land plowed this field, sowed his seed and brought forth their own crops. (As Jesus said the devil did in Matthew 13.) She said, “This part of the inheritance was sold (Esau sold his birthright by walking after the flesh), but this land, this possession, shall be redeemed and returned shortly”. (The latter rain will bring the renewal.) It will be brought back; it will again become part of the inheritance of this house. I asked the woman, “Did the Civil War, this rebellion, cause much bloodshed and even death here?” The woman answered, “Yes, to many”. (Unforgiveness, rebellion, hatred, anger, fighting, sells our birthright, our inheritance, our land. Also, there is a civil war in our day being spoken of: (Gal.5:17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. Many have lost ground in this civil war because of giving ground to the lusts of the flesh. Jesus redeemed all that was lost, and Joel said it would all be restored in the end.) The Hidden Riches of Christ, the Word Matthew Stewart - 1/2/19 (David's notes in Red) In my dream, there was a dirt path leading to and around a barn. (A barn is a place for the farmers' creatures to abide. Abiding in the Word is provision for all things.) The barn was weathered-looking and old. There was a story about this barn, that there was lots of gold hidden in it somewhere, and lots of people had looked for it but couldn't find it. (Many are not patient or diligent enough to find the massive gold stashed in God's Word.) So, I went to find the treasure in the barn. I went to the front door and opened it, and right there in front of the door on the inside was a spot where you could tell that previous people had dug, looking for the treasure. So I started to dig there, too, but then noticed some people coming down the path, so I just hid the shovel and acted like I wasn't digging, because I knew this was a big tourist attraction. After they passed, I started digging again, and then some more people were coming, so I hid the shovel and again acted like I wasn't digging, but just looking around. Then they came, took a look inside, and continued on down the path. (Where the multitudes walk, you will not find the gold.) After they left, I continued digging. I was getting pretty deep when I noticed some more people were coming. Then I realized that this hole was really noticeable and that someone could fall in and hurt themselves, and I didn't want people to claim the treasure, either, so I filled in the hole. Then I went around back, and Anna was there. There was a ladder going up to the second story, so I climbed up, but Anna stayed down below. I got to the second story, and there were toolboxes full of old tools, axes, and saws lying around. (Our tools for building the house are the Word of God, which so many neglect.) As I was looking through the toolboxes, I heard a brother talking to Anna, and he said, “My grandparents left this place with a billion dollars, but they left a million dollars' worth of gold behind.” (Our forefathers found much gold in God's Word but there is much that is sealed up for us to find in these days. Gold represents the value of the nature of God given through the Word. (Col.2:3) in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. (Mat.13:44) The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Luk.16:11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Rom.11:33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! (1Co.2:7) but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory: (Php.4:19) And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (2Ti.2:20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. (1Pe.1:7) that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: (Rev.3:18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold (by giving up your old life and time) refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.) The end of the dream. We Can Enter The Inner Court Sandy Shaw, 12/28/18 (David's notes in red) This dream starts with me having my head down, and light curtains were moving with the breeze. All of a sudden, the Lord takes my hand. I walk with Him into the inner court. We bowed down and we were praying. He said, “Tell them when they pray, do not come short of entering My court.” We prayed a little more, and I opened my eyes. (The outer court is where the flesh is sacrificed. The inner court is the holy place where the incense representing prayer is offered. Then, behind the veil is the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of God's presence is. Jesus' sacrifice rent the veil, which represents His flesh, so we could be in God's presence through faith and prayer.) I was standing (She had lost a leg) in a meadow, and I heard Curt say, “Hi Sandy!” (I knew it was Curt and I could see through him) (He had passed on so he was spiritual.). I said, “Curt, how am I standing?” He said, “Because you're standing on the Word of God. Look over there!” And I saw my leg. Curt said, “There's your leg! Just a little while longer. Keep enduring in your fight. You are strong in Him.” The Lord said, “Tell David, he already knows!” (If the Lord is speaking of the time of revival and miracles, I believe it will come after Joel's northern Army is defeated by God, which we are seeing as the DS falls, and the Earthquakes come and the Holy Spirit is poured out in Joel 2. However, the satanists, who all later died, were casting witchcraft at her and her husband was an unbeliever who killed her with remdesivir and respirator like so many others died in the Covid scam.) He said, “Tell Michael Hare, he's on the right track. But he needs to wait for the Lord and let Him hold his hand.” (Hold my hand, too, Lord!) “Tell Brandy not to fret. For the Lord has heard him and everything he's prayed for will come to pass.” “Tell them all, very soon things will come to pass. And if what they pray for is good for them and lines up with the word, they shall have it.” End of dream. I asked for a word by faith at random and got: (2.Cor.4:11) For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake (Sacrifice of the flesh happens in the outer court. Then we enter the inner court where the altar of incense [prayer] is given before the veil, which is now opened by the sacrifice of Jesus. Here we can receive all grace to walk in His steps.), that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (Act.15:7) And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. (8) And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did unto us. John the Baptist Ministries Kendall Remmick - 02/07/2010 (David's notes in red) About three weeks ago, the Lord sent me a short dream. I figured that I shouldn't take any dreams from the Lord lightly and that I should share it. I was walking down an old, familiar street with a friend whom I never did see in the dream. I knew the person standing next to me was a friend, but I did not know who. This street is the one I used to walk home on every day from school when I was in first and second grade. (A revelation of the path of immaturity.) My friend and I walked by one house that had some low evergreen bushes in front of it, about two feet high. There was a woman sitting on a chair in the midst of the bushes. She was pregnant and had her hands on either side of her stomach, in anticipation of giving birth. In appearance, she was actually a silhouette of a woman, yet still three-dimensional. Inside the silhouette was black darkness like deep space, with no stars (outer darkness). Staring at her was like looking through a portal into darkness. (The apostate, immature church in whom is the absence of God's light.) As we walked past her, either my friend or I said, “She is about to give birth to Twins”. (The twins represent the end-time Jacobs and Esaus born to the immature church. Jacob is the father of the 12 patriarchs, like Jesus was the father of the patriarch-apostles to the end-time Church. Esau represents those who have sold their birthright. These two types will be separated at birth, and Esau will persecute Jacob the man-child.) At this point, we looked away and continued to walk forward a few steps. I then stopped and noticed I had a very small lawnmower in my right hand. The woman who was in the small hedge was behind us now, and the yard had gotten very big. The grass needed to be mowed, but it wasn't green; it was a golden, yellow-brown-like wheat, and I realized we were there to mow the lawn. (Peter said, “flesh is as grass”. The time of harvesting or cutting down the flesh of the church in repentance to prepare for the coming of the man-child ministry.) I looked down at the little lawnmower in my hand. The top side of it looked like a regular lawnmower, but the bottom side, where the blades were, looked like a house fan with a safety screen on it. (A corporate John the Baptist ministry will breathe out the winds of the Spirit to cut down the flesh of the apostate church before the birth of the man-child ministry.) I began to laugh and said, “I can't mow this lawn with this little thing! This lawn is huge!” (Meaning the flesh is abundant in the worldwide church.) My friend said, “Well, set it down on the grass and let's see how it does”. So we sat it down on the grass. (These ministries will be tested before the anointing.) Surprisingly, it cut well, but we realized that the lawnmower was too small, so we agreed we needed to go home and get a bigger lawnmower. Then I woke up. (When the anointing comes on the worldwide John the Baptist ministries from “home”, or heaven, the people will be prepared for the coming Man-child ministries. (Mat.11:10) This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.) When I was writing this, this verse came to me: (Amo.7:2) And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass (the beast will devour the grass, or flesh, of God's people, as Nebuchadnezzar did for seven years.) of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small (immature). The lawnmower is the ministry before the latter rain. (John the Baptist ministries will baptize for the death of the flesh before the Man-child brings the latter rain.) The dry grass is the saints who will die to their flesh, unlike the wild grapes, as a type of the sinners filled with the world. John the Baptist came in the anointing of Elijah and is also coming again in our time to fulfill this revelation: (Mat.17:10) And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come? (11) And he answered and said, Elijah indeed cometh, and shall restore all things: (meaning everything the Church has lost)(12) but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but did unto him whatsoever they would. Even so shall the Son of man also suffer of them. (13) Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. Apostates Will Bear Fruit G. C. - 11/26/2010 (David's notes in red) David and I had met a woman who was in charge of some property. The property that she oversaw was a place in the country that had become famous for sightings of Mary. She took us to the property and we pulled up to a gate and guard shack at the entrance; there was a man inside taking admission fees. (Those caught up in the false and empty religion of Babel, paying their tithes in a vain effort to see a glimpse of one who brought forth the fruit of Jesus.) As we entered the property, it was more developed than what I could see from the road: there were a few buildings on the lot and roads. There were a lot of people with campers alongside the road, inside the compound. Many others were in their cars. All of these people were desperately waiting to see an appearance of the Virgin Mary. Most of the crowd was older and tired-looking. I looked at some of the people's faces, and they looked desperate and lost, trying vainly to see this supernatural sight that I knew would never happen again. (The mother of all harlot “Christian” religions, among whom are some desperate to see fruit. Multitudes are in Maryolotry.) (I believe David wanted the land or to use the land. He wasn't interested in what the land was currently being used for; he had other plans for it.) (That we could sow the seed of God in the land, or the life of the people, so it would bear the fruit of Jesus and not fake religion. (Heb.6:7) For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. (9) But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.) The overseer/woman seemed like a Christian who was excited about the Lord, but she was off in a lot of areas. (There are so many among them who desperately need to be a part of the real virgin birth. They must be virgins in that they refuse the seed of man to receive the seed of God's Word and bring forth Jesus in their lives. Jesus said that he who does the will of the Father is my mother.) David noticed this in her and was kind to her. I remember David wanting to make some kind of deal with her, not sure what it was about, but he treated her as a sister, and we all prayed together. (Ignorance is not a sin in the New Testament, and these brothers and sisters need to be treated with respect. (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.) He wanted to show the land to his wife and kids and asked the lady if she would waive the admission fees for them to come and see it. He called the admission fees “tithes”, which caught me off guard, but she agreed to waive the fees. (The true children of the corporate mother church do not have to pay to bear fruit or see those who have.) After praying, we left. I had the feeling that David was not done with this lady or her property. (God will give us the fruit of the apostates' land. PTL! Many will come out from among them to serve the King and His Word.) I remember David or someone else in our group who traveled with us made the comment that the property was owned by the government -- the United States Air Force -- to be exact. He told us they had certain restrictions concerning what could be done there. He said there were two things that we would have trouble doing there because of the rules. (The 501(c)3 churches are under the authority of “the powers of the air” force through the beast government in what they teach and do. (Eph.2:2) wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; (3) among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.) This is a great promise to open doors to the apostate church for the real Gospel to bear the fruit of Jesus. Let's pray to that end. Defending Yourself with the Word Bethany Mize - 07/30/2015 (David's notes in red) Last night in service, the Lord gave me a vision. In this vision, I saw myself standing in a deep valley, alone. The ground and sides of the valley were a clay-like substance, murky and cracked. As the shofar blew, the Lion of the tribe of Judah walked to the edge of the cliff and kept His gaze upon me. His eyes were so full of love. I was humbled and still in His presence. As I looked into His eyes, the tears began to roll down my face. I bowed my knees to Him. In doing so, the Word of God lay before me, and I began to devour it. Beneath the Word was rich, thick green grass, but nowhere else but where the Word of God lay. (Peter said, “All flesh is as grass.” Obeying the Word is health and life to our bodies. (Pro.4:20) My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh. When judgments are coming, we need a clear conscience and faith in His provision of protection.) (Bethany has a couple of meanings: “house of God” or “house of figs”, which have a very similar spiritual meaning: the true people of God.) As I digested the seed of the Word, small pieces of metal armor began to attach themselves to my shoulders, down my back, around my arms, until I was completely covered in armor. I knew I was in a time of preparation; it was not to be taken lightly. (Major judgments are coming and many are not prepared to escape for lack of the armor of God. We must pray for them now.) I stood to my feet, keeping my eyes on the Lion, with no words spoken, but just a knowing. He told me to wave my right arm across the ground. As I did, green grass began to grow wherever the shadow of my hand stretched above it. (With the armor of God's Word on, we have authority to protect this body.) In the natural, we began to sing in service, “Our sons and daughters shall prophecy.” As I sang this, my three-year-old daughter appeared to my left in the vision, fully armed. I was filled with joy that she rose from her knees, armed, as I was. (Children need to be taught this, too.) Then, in the last verse, we sang, “Let the rivers flow down.” In singing this, I knew it was time to stand firm. Then a large wave of moving water rushed toward us from the right. I grabbed my daughter's hand with my left hand and lifted up my right arm toward the water, like a shield. Then, as I bent my elbow back, the water went over us and crashed all around us, but never touched us. My armor (the Word of God) is what kept us in that secret place of the Most High. We were not fearful but full of boldness toward the oncoming water. It was a wonderful sight! (The Lord has had me move my hand in a sweeping motion like a knife to cut off the rain as it stopped immediately.) Later in the service, Jonathan spoke, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will raise up a standard.” Just wanted to encourage the brethren with what the Lord used to encourage me. The seed of God that goes into us is what will preserve us. The Lord is coming, manifested by Word and the latter rain, as He said in Hosea 6:1-3. He will be manifested in His Man-child ministry at the beginning of the tribulation. The story is in Ezekiel 34, where He will cut off the evil shepherds and will come to feed His flock with His David / Man-children. The Bible says of the Lord's coming in judgment that His recompense will be before Him at least twice. I received this text yesterday: (Isa.40:10) Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. (11) He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. This is seen again in (Isa.62:11) Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. It appears the recompense is mentioned just below this concerning the Lord's judgment of Edom, the son of Abraham, who persecuted his brother Israel as a type of the Church. (Isa.63:1) Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. (2) Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? (3) I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment. I want to share this revelation with you; from memory: Pam's three-year-old grandchild, Benjamin, just recently suddenly heard something and ran to the window and opened the curtains. He said, “Babbu, God is almost here”. She asked him, “Did you feel this or hear this”? He said, “Heard”. She asked, “Did someone say this to you?” “Yes”, he said, and on further questioning, it was from very big men outside. Later, he asked her, “When will God be here?” We have heard that the Lord will give a short warning to His disciples to get off the coast. This could come in dreams or in other ways. We have been sharing these warnings, so pray and get direction from Father. We have been hearing in our morning prayer time that we are to fast and pray and cry out for the elect in harm's way and those we have prayed for to know the Lord, and that we would be hidden in this time of judgment. Also, we need to pray for the spiritual Edomites that an elect will repent and return to the Lord. And for the church, which is about to go into captivity because of this judgment, whenever it comes. Some words I received at this time were: (Isa.22:12) And in that day did the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: (13) and behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die. (14) And Jehovah of hosts revealed himself in mine ears, Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you till ye die, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts. Also, Matthew 9:15, “then will they fast”, was received three times. (Jer.6:26) O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; for the destroyer shall suddenly come upon us. (Zep.2:3) Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger. Several people locally got confirmations to fast and pray. So fast and pray regularly, saints, for these things and those you know who are in spiritual need until this comes. Jesus Is Coming in Flesh Again Bill Steenland - 12/10/2014 (David's notes in red) I just listened to a brother talk about a visitation of God to His people. There is an awesome type and shadow for the coming Man-child, as Joseph the Man-child held back who he was until a dramatic revealing. I dreamed I was in a white, slightly grayish room. In the dream, I thought it was an elevator. I knew it as the elevator room. (An elevator is like abiding in Christ and the Word. It is a place of being caught up into “heavenly places in Christ Jesus”.) (Eph.1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. (Notice that only abiding in Christ, the Word, can we be in heavenly places in order to manifest His holiness and sonship. Whitish gray is the color of the heavens many times, if you are under the first heaven with clouds and chemtrails. The higher you go, the clearer the heavens become, which is why they put telescopes in space.) I was sitting next to a man I work with named Ben. (Benjamin was Joseph's younger brother by Rachel, but he had not yet met Joseph. Joseph, as a type of Jesus and the Man-child body, was sold by his brethren into prison but came out to rule over all. Benjamin's eyes were opened to see Joseph, who first appeared dressed as an Egyptian. At first, Joseph's brothers did not know that Joseph, as a type of Jesus, was in that Egyptian-looking body, and so it will be today. (Gen.45:1) Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. (2) And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard. (3) And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. (4) And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. (5) And now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.) Ben was so excited and talking about meeting Jesus! He said, “Yeah, man, one day soon, we will be talking to Jesus, just like you and me are talking right now”. He was going on and on about talking to Jesus in person. He said, “Yeah, man, it's going to be so great! Oh, my God! Face to face, man, just like me and you are talking right now. Face to face with Jesus!” (Yeah, that makes me really excited, too. Many will talk face to face with Jesus in these days, but He will look different in flesh because He is coming to be manifested in His second corporate body, like He was in the early disciples when they were called Christians. (Luk.10:16) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me. (Mat.10:40) He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. (Luk.9:48) and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great. (Joh.13:20) Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. We see in the last verse a perfect example that those who saw Jesus saw the Father Who was manifested in Him. The Father had taken on a body, just as Jesus is doing. (Joh.14:9) Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father? The latter rain will empower many to manifest Jesus in their life.) Ben is not saved, as far as I know, and has even mocked me a little bit when a Christian brother and I were talking about the Lord. But Ben is a very funny guy and jokes about everything. So in the dream, I thought to myself, “Um ... Ben, maybe we should deal with some stuff first”. I was thinking along the lines of basic repentance. End of dream. (Yes, the John the Baptist ministry of repentance is first to prepare the lost to see Jesus in the Man-child and then the body. The lost will see Jesus before many Christians will.) The Lord encouraged me and reminded me of the dream last night as I was reading the final chapters of the Gospel of Luke. He put these scriptures of the chapter on my heart about the dream. I underlined the scriptures that specifically talk about His appearance to the disciples. (Luk.24:15) And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. (16) But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. Why were their eyes not able to see that He was Jesus? Could it be because He looked different, like He will in these days as He walks in His body, those in whom He is glorified through His Spirit and Word? (2Th.1:10) when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. As you can see, if we do not believe and walk in the Word, Jesus will not be manifested in us. (11) To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power; (12) that the name (Greek meaning “nature, character and authority) of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.) (17) And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad. (18) And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days? (19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: (20) and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. Because they knew Him not, they thought Him to be a son of Joseph, instead of the Son of God. The same mistake will be made by the apostates today. (21) But we hoped that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yea and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things came to pass. (22) Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb; (23) and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. (24) And certain of them that were with us went to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. (25) And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? (“Christ in you the hope of Glory”) (27) And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (28) And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go further. (29) And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them. (30) And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them. (31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. He became known to them in the breaking of the Bread of Life, the Word. The One in whom the Word dwells is His body. (32) And they said one to another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures? (33) And they rose up that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, (34) saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (35) And they rehearsed the things that happened in the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of the bread. So it is today, we will know those in whom Jesus lives by becoming familiar with the Word that is an expression of Himself. He is the Word made flesh, and so should we be. (36) And as they spake these things, he himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit. (38) And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and wherefore do questionings arise in your heart? (39) See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having. (40) And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. His body will have the same signs of crucifixion in the hands, meaning works, and the feet, meaning walk. (41) And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here anything to eat? (42) And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish. (43) And he took it, and ate before them. (44) And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. (45) Then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scriptures; (46) and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; We are once again at the third day when Jesus will first be manifested in the Man-child who is going through crucifixion at the hands of His own brethren, just like Joseph and Jesus did. Then this will happen to the whole body of true Christians. (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. For this to happen, a much larger corporate body is needed -- Jesus in His Saints. It will begin at born-again Jerusalem because that is the Bride led by the Man-child. (48) Ye are witnesses of these things. (49) And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high. (50) And he led them out until they were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. (51) And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. (52) And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: (53) and were continually in the temple, blessing God. This teaching of Jesus coming manifested in You can be found with much scripture in our book, Hidden Manna For the End Times. There, we can also see that Jesus is coming for His saints after this. Bill goes on with (2Co.5:16) Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. Very interesting parable about not knowing Christ by His flesh and by sight. Jesus was ministering the Word of God or spiritual food to them, as in verse 32, where their heart was burning as He opened the scriptures to them. We know that the love of God was being shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit before He vanished away. (The Holy Spirit's job is to manifest Jesus in us.) Making a point that the Spirit is the truth (John16:13) and reveals “all truth” (Who is Jesus). (2Co.3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (This is the real Gospel, that Jesus lives in you by faith, and the Spirit will manifest this because of your faith.) (Joh.6:51) I am the living bread (the Word) which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh (the Word made flesh), for the life of the world. (52) The Jews therefore strove one with another, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? (53) Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves. (54) He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (55) For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (56) He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him. (Heb.5:13) For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. (14) But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
In Today's Secular Uncertainties, God is Sovereign; and God “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he {God} will” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Political discord and health care uncertainties surround us in all directions today. Without Jesus in our lives, we have reasons to be anxious and fearful. However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31: “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”. The future years may hurt our pride, wallets, and/or our freedom. On the other hand, we should not let the current secular political environment and culture hinder our resolve to continue in our fearless faith in the truth; our constant hope in the future; and our radical love for our neighbors. God has a plan; and, regardless of how things look from our eyes, we must remain faithful to His purpose. Now is the time to draw near to Jesus and to advance His Kingdom. Our gaze must remain on Jesus if we want to walk on the water during the storm. God is the King of Kings and the Sovereign God of the Universe. As Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 4:17 when God told Nebuchadnezzar: “to the end that the living may know that the Most High {God} rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he {God} will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”. God is always involved in our lives, and He gives the government offices “to whom he will”, even if the political processes produce “the lowliest of men {or women}”. Sometimes, we receive the elected officials we need, and sometimes we receive the elected officials that we deserve; but God is always Sovereign and faithful. TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be a complainer (Philippians 2:14). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:31; Philippians 4:5-7; Daniel 4:17; Psalms 106c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 2 – More than Just a Man”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. In chapter 5, the scene changes from Nebuchadnezzar's praise and extolling of the King of heaven to a new king, Belshazzar. King Belshazzar does not honor the King of heaven as seen in the desecration of the "golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem."
On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. In chapter 5, the scene changes from Nebuchadnezzar’s praise and extolling of […]
In this episode I discuss Paul's statements in Romans 13:1-7 that governing authorities “are established by God” (Rm. 13:1) and that “rulers are servants of God” (13:6). I explain the need to understand the function of Romans 13 before drawing any conclusions regarding its meaning, and how it must correspond with the rhetorical context of Romans and Paul's thought generally. I then explore the promises of a coming Messiah made in the Old Testament, particularly 2 Samuel 7, and argue that Paul believes those promises have been fulfilled in Christ. I then examine two passages in the Old Testament in which the prophets refer to pagan emperors as “servants of God”. In Isaiah 10, the Assyrians are God's servants for the purpose of punishing Israel but will be destroyed, and in Jeremiah 25 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, also execute God's justice before being himself judged by God. The final two oracles of woe in Jeremiah 50-51 envision the destruction of Babylon, and both Isaiah and Jeremiah proclaim the future day when David's house will be restored and a Davidic king will sit on the throne forever. Paul knows this tradition and is not legitimizing human government as an eternally valid institution. In fact, Paul is suggesting, ala 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, that time is running out for the authorities believers must pragmatically obey. Media Referenced:Everyone is Wrong about Romans 13 episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/ Ascension, Kingdom, and Eschatology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-235-ascension-kingdom-and-eschatology/ The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show's profile! Thanks!
Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar both were faced with undeniable evidence of the true God they did not know but their responses and the outcomes were vastly different.
Life doesn’t always give us time to plan—and that’s often where God’s provision becomes most visible. This Crosswalk Devotional centers on Exodus 12:31–39, reminding us that when preparation is impossible, God still provides exactly what we need. The Israelites left Egypt abruptly, carrying unfinished dough into an uncertain future, yet God faithfully supplied every step of their journey. Their hurried departure wasn’t an oversight—it was an invitation to trust. This Christian devotional speaks to seasons of disruption, loss, and uncertainty, when routines fall apart and control slips through our fingers. Whether facing sudden change, grief, or exhaustion, Scripture shows us that God uses moments of unpreparedness to reveal His character. When we can’t rely on our plans, we learn to rely on His promises. Highlights God often works powerfully in moments when we feel least prepared The Israelites’ rushed escape reveals God’s intentional provision Loss of control can become an invitation to deeper trust God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances or planning Seasons of uncertainty help us remember we are God’s children, not slaves Dependence on God strengthens faith and reveals His faithfulness When preparation fails, prayer becomes our lifeline Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God Provides When We Cannot Prepare By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. - Exodus 12:31-39 Our family recently traveled 300 miles north to spend the holidays at home, where my husband and I both grew up. Though we had planned for an extended stay, we did not sleep well on the first or second night, and on the following morning, my husband woke with a terrible bout of food poisoning. Exhausted, exasperated, and with a terribly achy back, I couldn’t imagine being away from home for even another moment. Before the sun had even risen, I announced, “That’s it. We need to leave—today.” In a rush, I threw apples and slippers and dog food into any spare bag I could find. I stuffed dirty clothes back into suitcases and rummaged in the fridge for anything that could qualify as breakfast for the kids. I promised myself we’d all brush our teeth later. And then, with our odds and ends shoved into every spare crevice of the car, we sped off, not even stopping to say goodbye to our family on the way out of town. All day, I felt unsettled. Our luggage was disorganized, we were subsisting on a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans, and, as I discovered later, two out of our three kids weren’t even wearing socks! Our careful routines—and my sense of any control—had gone out the window. And it was deeply uncomfortable. It made me sympathize with the Israelites, who were pushed out of Egypt in such a hurry that they weren’t even finished making the dough for their bread; they swept it up onto their shoulders and lugged it off into the great unknown. They did not have time to prepare provisions for themselves. But their journey was more than just one long day down the interstate. It was forty years of wandering. Forty years of being unsettled. Forty years of not being in control. Forty years of having to depend on Someone Else to provide for them. I think their rapid departure from Egypt was an intentional move on God’s part. I believe he wanted to make sure they did not have time to prepare—not because he wanted them to feel uncomfortable, but because he wanted to show them that he would provide everything they needed. He wanted to show them what it meant to be the people of the One True Living God. He wanted to position them to understand that they were not slaves any longer: they were his children, and they could trust him to take care of them. Intersecting Faith & Life: There are times in our lives that we simply cannot prepare for. A loss of a job. The death of someone we love. Or maybe just a husband waking up with food poisoning. Though we might despise the situation and wish to cling to control with everything we’ve got (which are very natural and human responses!), in moments of disquiet, may we find the courage to look at God and ask him what he wishes to show us about his character in these times. When he puts us in positions of total abandon—where our illusions of control and carefully measured procedures have been stripped away—may we learn to pray: God, Show me your goodness. I have nothing. You are in control. I need you. Please provide. Amen. Further Reading:Throughout the Bible, people find themselves in situations where their only hope is to trust God to provide. Consider: Daniel telling Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his dream (Daniel 2) Joshua’s army marching around the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) Mary learning that she will give birth to Jesus (Luke 1) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeply revealing, join us as we explore one of the Bible's most outstanding and wonderfully precise prophecies: the downfall of the great merchant city of Tyre. In this insightful presentation, we delve into the rich expositional details of Ezekiel's prophecy, tracing its remarkable fulfilment across centuries. Witness how scripture's accuracy triumphs over criticism, revealing a God who declares the end from the beginning.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Precision of Bible Prophecy00:14 - The Case of Tyre: A Challenge to Critics?01:07 - Consulting Christadelphian Scholarship: The Testimony Archive03:07 - Tyre's Ancient Power & Influence06:25 - Examining the Critic's Claim: Was Ezekiel Wrong?07:23 - Ezekiel 26: A Detailed Prophecy of Destruction11:45 - Reading Carefully: "Many Nations" and the Wave Prophecy14:27 - Nebuchadnezzar's Partial Fulfilment16:54 - Alexander the Great: The Next "Wave" of Fulfilment24:36 - Scraping the Dust: An Amazing Fulfilment in Detail30:15 - Where Was "Old Tyre"? Archaeological and Historical Evidence37:34 - The Site Today: A Refuge for Nets and Birds42:50 - Ezekiel 27: Tyre, the Ship of State48:35 - Ezekiel 28: The Diabolical Prince of Tyre51:33 - The Prince's Blasphemous Claim: "I am a god"55:32 - The Pattern for Apostasy: From Tyre to the Man of Sin1:02:10 - Revelation 18: Tyre and Babylon United in Symbolism1:04:51 - Conclusion: The Supreme Accuracy of God's Word**Bible Verse Category:**
On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. In chapter 4, we read of the dream given to Nebuchadnezzar wherein a large protective tree bearing much fruit is chopped down, it's branches lopped off, it's leaves stripped, and it's fruit scattered. What's all this about? Well, Daniel provides yet another interpretation for Nebuchadnezzar.
On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. In chapter 4, we read of the dream given to Nebuchadnezzar wherein […]
A @Christadelphians Video: **[Inspiring]**Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful expositional journey as we explore the compelling historical and archaeological evidence for the accuracy of Bible prophecy. In this outstanding presentation, we delve into the remarkable case of ancient Babylon, revealing how its prophesied downfall stands as a powerful witness to the reliability of Scripture.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Foundation of Our Belief05:27 - The Heart of Belief: Faith Beyond Fact10:38 - Babylon's Origin: The Tower of Babel and Human Ambition17:02 - Modern Parallels: The New Towers of Babel20:37 - Prophecy Under Scrutiny: Isaiah's Forecast of Babylon's Fall28:41 - The Prophetic Method: A Gradual Demise Like Crumbling Waves33:08 - Nebuchadnezzar's Pride: Archaeology Confirms the Biblical Account41:56 - Belshazzar's Feast: History Validates the Biblical Narrative48:50 - Cyrus the Great: The Prophesied Conqueror52:22 - The Unfolding Judgment: The Waves of History Over Babylon56:15 - Conclusion: A City Sunk Without a Trace**Bible Verse Category:**
Daniel 3:24-25 (ESV)24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”Today, I will be taking my story out of the book of Daniel. We will be looking at the specific posture of faith these men took that positioned them for God's intervention.Summarizing the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:Jerusalem was taken captive by BabylonKing Nebuchadnezzar wanted to educate their best youth in the literature and language of the Chaldeans (highly educated class of men who serve the king)Three of the youths we know as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; who were later appointed over affairs of the provinceKing Nebuchadnezzar decided to make a statue of gold for all in Babylon to worshipShadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to obey the king's commandThe Chaldeans maliciously accused the Jews of being insubordanate to the king's orderThe king was furious at this and threatened them Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrews thrown into the fiery furnaceHe looked and saw four men walking around, unharmedNebuchadnezzar declared the God of Shadrrach, Meshach and Abednego delivered his servants who trusted in Him3 Faith Postures In My “Fiery Furnace” Experience1. Faith Obeys God Even Under PressureDaniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image, even though disobedience meant death in the fiery furnace.Key truth: Biblical faith chooses obedience to God over cultural pressure, fear, or consequences.Acts 5:29 (ESV)“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”Romans 12:2 (ESV)“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”Cliche -”WWJD?” - But I find myself asking that often.2. Faith Trusts God's Power—But Submits to His WillDaniel 3:17-18“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but if not, we will not serve your gods” Key truth: Faith believes God can act but also trusts Him even if He doesn't act the way we hope.Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”Matthew 26:39 (ESV)“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'”2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”3. Faith Experiences God's Presence in the FireDaniel 3:24-25God didn't keep them out of the fire—He met them in it. A fourth figure appeared with them, and they were unharmed.Key truth:Faith does not promise the absence of trials, but the presence of God in them.Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”Psalm 66:10–12 (ESV)“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”Matthew 28:20 (ESV)“And behold, I am with you always…”Hebrews 11:11-12 (ESV)11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
The times we are in increasingly reflect the prophesy of Daniel and the rise of the Stone Kingdom. That demands of us to lean more heavily into God for clarity. Trump could be walking the path of Nebuchadnezzar, yet we are called to pray for clarity, understanding our role and to pray that God's hand bring Trump back to righteous path. The temptations of Zionism are significant and are steering a nation away from the blessings of a God. Our role is important and not passive. #BardsFM_DiggingIntoTheWord #TheBookOfDaniel #LeanIntoGod Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939. White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS BardsFM CAP, Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: https://ambitiousfaith.net Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS: TreadliteBroadforks.com No Knot Today Natural Skin Products: NoKnotToday.com Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: AngelineDesign.com DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR 97479
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Send us a textHeadlines out of Davos say the liberal international order is finished, replaced by a rising world of civilizational spheres. We take that bold claim and hold it up to Scripture, asking whether a multipolar map—organized by culture, faith, and tradition—could be the very stage Daniel and Revelation anticipated. Rather than hunting for a perfect fit in a single union or continent, we explore how ten centers of power might emerge as the prophesied Ten Kings of Revelation. We trace how this model reframes earlier theories tied to the European Union and why Huntington's civilizational categories feel newly relevant. Fold in AI's reach—an image that speaks, scores, grants, and denies—and the machinery for swift, global alignment looks less like fantasy and more like a plausible operating system.Through it all, we keep our footing where it belongs: God's sovereignty over leaders and timelines. Historical parallels to Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar remind us that power players can be instruments without knowing it. We close by reading Daniel 7 and fixing our hope on the Son of Man, whose kingdom will not pass away. If civilizational blocs harden and digital control expands, we respond not with panic but with discernment, courage, and trust in Christ's enduring rule.If this conversation sharpened your thinking, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review with your take on the “ten kings” question. Your insights help shape where we go next.Support the show
As the king walked on the palace roof, he said, “Is not this great Babylon I have built?” A voice from heaven said, “Your kingdom is taken from you.” Later, Nebuchadnezzar said, “I praised the Most High. His kingdom is eternal. He does as He pleases. All His works are right.” Nebuchadnezzar's story is a living parable of Jesus' teaching on humility and the danger of pride. Daniel 4:29–32, 34–35, 37At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.”At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth;and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.Luke 14:7–11Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
What is in your spiritual crock pot? In this episode, Mike talks about Love, Sonship, and voting for dictators. This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him." -- Jeremiah 27
Friday Bible Study (1/9/26) // Ezra 6:1-12 (ESV) // The Decree of Darius6 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored. 2 And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits[a] and its breadth sixty cubits, 4 with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. 5 And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place. You shall put them in the house of God.”6 “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your[b] associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. 7 Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. 9 And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, 10 that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. 11 Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. 12 May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”Footnotesa. Ezra 6:3 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimetersb. Ezra 6:6 Aramaic theirWebsite: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW USFacebook: / mbc.chicago Instagram: / mbc.chicago TikTok: / mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...
Send us a textPower can look like blessing, but Scripture warns us to slow down and test what we see. We trace Job's stark language—God removing speech from the trusted and understanding from elders—to show why sovereignty never equals endorsement. From Pharaoh to Nebuchadnezzar to Rome, God has raised rulers who opposed Him, yet He bent their plans to serve His own. That lens frees us from the myth that political momentum measures spiritual health and helps us hold the line when charisma and crowd size try to pass for truth.We share personal moments of answered prayer, push back on the urge to read prosperity as approval, and unpack why Christ's humiliation under corrupt authority was not a detour but the very road of redemption. His kingdom is not fragile; it is steady, present, and advancing by the Word. That's why we confront false teaching—like claims of angelic mediation—with clarity and conviction. Love for people means honesty about doctrine. We call out analysis paralysis, naming fear as the culprit behind our silence, and offer a simple path to readiness: stay close to Scripture, pray with purpose, pursue fellowship, and speak when the Spirit nudges.You'll hear a candid critique of political idolatry and the way allegiance to leaders can eclipse loyalty to Jesus. We don't deny the weight of public life; we refuse to worship it. The takeaway is simple and demanding: trust the God who appoints and removes, measure teaching by the Bible, and stand for truth even when it costs. If you've felt the tug to speak but hesitated, this conversation will steady your heart and sharpen your voice.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. Your reflections shape what we explore next—what truth will you stand for this week?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Dialed In for 2026 // Fasting for Mind, Body, and SpiritPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonMatthew 6:16–18 NIV16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”1. Fasting Helps Dial in Your MindDaniel 1:15–20 NIV15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your SpiritBIBLICAL FASTING - refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”Fasting is a chosen wilderness that helps to teach your spirit Who sustains you.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.- Biblical fasting should align us with God's heart and mission.Isaiah 58:3–10 NIV3 ‘Why have we fasted,' they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit
Когда я утешаюсь Господом? / When Do I Find Comfort in the Lord? Даниил 2-7Даниил 16А. Сон – история языческого царства (2 глава) / The Dream – History of the Pagan Kingdom (Chapter 2) B. Спасение друзей Даниила (3 глава) / The Deliverance of Daniel's Friends (Chapter 3) C. Смирение Навуходоносора (4 глава) / Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling (Chapter 4) C'. Гордость Валтасара (5 глава) / Belshazzar's Pride (Chapter 5) B'. Спасение Даниила (6 глава) / The Deliverance of Daniel (Chapter 6)А'. Сон – история языческого царства (7 глава) / The Dream – History of the Pagan Kingdom (Chapter 7)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said, “Our God is able to save us—but even if He does not, we will not worship the image.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking unharmed in the fire, and one looked like a son of the gods. He said, “Praise be to the God who rescued His servants!” The fiery furnace and the call to follow Jesus both demand courage and a willingness to suffer for faithfulness—knowing God is with us. Daniel 3:16–18, 24–25, 28Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.Luke 9:23–26And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Friday Bible Study (1/2/26) // Ezra 5:6-17 (ESV) // Tattenai's Letter to King Darius6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and his associates, the governors who were in the province Beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. 7 They sent him a report, in which was written as follows: “To Darius the king, all peace. 8 Be it known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. It is being built with huge stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?' 10 We also asked them their names, for your information, that we might write down the names of their leaders.[a] 11 And this was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But because our fathers had angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried away the people to Babylonia. 13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree that this house of God should be rebuilt. 14 And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, these Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 15 and he said to him, “Take these vessels, go and put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its site.” 16 Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished.' 17 Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter.”Footnotesa. Ezra 5:10 Aramaic of the men at their headsWebsite: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook: / mbc.chicago Instagram: / mbc.chicago TikTok: / mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #Ezra #DanielBatarseh #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained
Judah is in Exile. After the Babylonian Empire conquers the Southern Kingdom of Judah, many find themselves exiled to Babylon, including a faithful man named Daniel. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remains devoted to God and is blessed with wisdom and understanding. When King Nebuchadnezzar has a puzzling dream, Daniel interprets it as a vision of future kingdoms and the ultimate reign of God's kingdom. Daniel also receives a vision of God's future timing for world-shaking events.Suggested Readings:Daniel 2:27-45Daniel 9:20-27Episode Highlights:Daniel's unwavering faith and divine wisdom in BabylonThe interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's statue dream and its significance for world kingdomsThe prophetic revelation of the 70 sevens and God's future timelineGod's sovereignty over human kingdoms and historySupport the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...
When President Trump ordered a military operation into Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York, he crossed a line that America has talked around for decades but rarely states out loud in plain English: we removed the ruler, and we intend to manage the aftermath. And then Trump removed any remaining ambiguity by saying the United States would “run” Venezuela at least temporarily, while openly tying the “transition” to oil, infrastructure, and U.S. leverage. If you've spent years hearing people call Trump “a modern Cyrus,” this moment should stop you cold. He's not Cyrus by a long shot.“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Revelation 17:17 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, In the 2025 National Security Strategy, the White House explicitly says the U.S. will “reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine” to “restore American preeminence” in the Western Hemisphere, and will deny outside powers the ability to control “strategically vital assets” in the region. This is the exact opposite of promises he made when running for election and then reelection. If Trump is playing Cyrus, who exactly is being restored in Venezuela right now—and who is holding the keys? Because the public messaging is not “Venezuelans will govern themselves immediately.” The public messaging is “we'll run it,” “boots on the ground,” and “oil will pay for it.” This is no Cyrus we're looking at, it's Nebuchadnezzar.
Mary Danielsen Mary takes some time today to focus on the end game, geopolitically – and at what point the world runs out of real estate to do a global build-out designed for the final rebellion against Jesus Christ at His coming. The image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the metal man depicting the significant world powers that will succeed each other from Babylon to Rome, is one of the greatest, most astonishing prophecies the world has ever been privy to. The end of the matter tells us that in the days of those Roman Empire kings, the toes of the image, the revived Roman Empire – God will set up His everlasting kingdom. As joyous as that is to think about, the process involves going from Satan’s kingdom of man that has ruled for millennia, to the righteous Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is often depicted as the birth process, birth pangs – that increase in frequency and intensity. It also can be summed up this way: “expect turbulence”, and you frequent flyers will understand that. We look at how Satan even got this world as a prize, how he fell, why he was able to offer it to Jesus – and maybe why he has saved his most awful bag of tricks for this late hour. We also look at the importance of Genesis in interpreting Revelation. Most churches don’t pay any heed to their connection, but it is incredible to see all the events that begin in Genesis having their fulfillment in Revelation. As we are on the verge of a new year, let’s be found watching and waiting, and building up our knowledge and understanding of why things are the way they are. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A
On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. In chapter 4, we read of another dream given to Nebuchadnezzar wherein a large protective tree bearing much fruit is chopped down, it's branches lopped off, it's leaves stripped, and it's fruit scattered. What's all this about?