Podcasts about when israel

As many commentaries have remarked on this passage, “Holiness begins in the home.” When Israel was commanded to be holy, the first instruction was for children to revere their parents. This idea is not only echoed in the New Testament, it is infused with even greater meaning “in Christ.” When we listen to, learn from, honor, obey, submit […]

When Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, Moses took the time to remind them of their covenant with God--if they obeyed God in the Promised Land, they would experience life and blessings; but if they spurned God, they would experience curses and death. We know from scripture that Israel did not follow God's commandments, and were eventually exiled from their land. But when we look at Israel, we see a picture of our own spiritual lives. We are just as self-centered and disobedient. We can only follow God by the strength which God provides, and we need Jesus as our Savior.

When Israel went to battle against the Philistines they assumed that they could bring out the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, and that it's presence would either oblige God to win the battle for them or that the object itself had some kind of mystical power. They were sorely mistaken, and the Philistines promptly defeated them captured the ark. Assuming that their victory is a victory over Israel's God, the Philistines place the ark in Dagon's temple. Time and again, however, the Lord silently causes destruction, catastrophe and misery for the Philistines wherever the ark is taken, until finally, they become so desperate they put it on a cart and send it back where it came from. 1 Samuel 5 - 1:10 . 1 Samuel 6 - 3:44 . 1 Samuel 7 - 8:39 . 1 Samuel 8 - 13:05 . Proverbs 27 - 16:43 .   :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & the Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision.Judges 10 - 1:02 . Judges 11 - 5:00 . Judges 12 - 13:19 . Psalm 80 - 16:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Two judges of Israel follow the death of Abimelech, and we know little about them, except that they each judged Israel for over 20 years with no ruckus to speak of. When Israel turns to idols yet again, they suffer under the Philistines & Ammonites. They cry out to the Lord, but he rejects their pleas. When they confess sin and burn their idols, God begins to become weary of their misery. Later, God appoints a ne'er-do-well named Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Sadly, Jephthah doesn't truly know the Lord or His commands, and he makes a vow to the Lord that is abominable in the Lord's sight, standing in direct conflict with the statutes handed down through Moses. Thinking that he is being faithful to the Lord, he makes a heartbreaking decision.Judges 10 – 1:15 . Judges 11 – 4:56 . Judges 12 – 13:24 . Psalm 74 – 16:27 :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Thomas Lackey and Mr. Adam Minihan to discuss how to read the Bible like Jesus, St. Paul, the Early Church Fathers, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Dante!There are four senses: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. The guys explain Divine Authorship, Dante's thesis that you read his Comedy like you Scripture, and then explain each sense and give examples.Check our thegreatbookspodcast.com for resources on the Iliad, Odyssey, Dante's Inferno, and more!Summary: St. Jerome states, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (CCC 112). In other words, we come to know the reality of Jesus Christ by reading Holy Scripture. Yet, what if we read the Bible incorrectly? If the Scriptures are a source of knowledge about our Lord, would not a wrong reading of the text twist our understanding of Christ? We, especially as moderns, are always in danger of distorting the Gospel to meet our own ideological standards. As Bishop Konderla teaches, “We are called to measure ourselves against the teaching of Christ and His Church, not our own imaginations or standards.” He continues, “We must receive the Jesus Christ who came two-thousand years ago, not create a ‘Jesus' who meets the fashions and fads of this age” (God Builds a House, 6). If we are to discipline ourselves to receive Jesus—and not manufacture a “Jesus”—then a vital part of that reception is a proper understanding of how to know Christ in Holy Scripture. How then does the Church teach us to read Holy Scripture?In the 1300s, the Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote a letter to his patron, Lord Cangrande della Scala, regarding how one should read the Divine Comedy. His answer was simple: you read the Comedy the same way you read the Bible. In summary of Sacred Tradition, Dante explains that there are four senses or ways to read Holy Scripture: literal and three spiritual ways, i.e., allegorical, moral, and anagogical. These four senses were also taught by St. Thomas Aquinas (STI.1.10) and are contained in the modern Catechism of the Catholic Church (“CCC” 115-19). They represent the time-tested wisdom of the Church on how to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the Holy Scriptures.Let us examine each “sense” of biblical interpretation, how it relates to the others, and how they all draw us into a deeper relationship with our Lord.The literal sense of Scripture is also known as the “historical sense.” St. Thomas notes the literal sense is the meaning the author intended. For example, Dante gives the simple illustration of the passage: “When Israel went out of Egypt.” He observes, “If we look at it from the letter alone it means to us the exit of the Children of Israel from Egypt at the time of Moses.” The literal is simply the intended, historical meaning of a text. It is important, however, to interpret the literal correctly, because “all other senses of Sacred Scripture are based on the literal” (CCC 116). Similarly, Aquinas states that the spiritual sense of Scripture—allegorical, moral, and anagogical—is “based on the literal and presupposes it.” The importance of the literal sense of Scripture as foundational to all other senses emphasizes how vital it is that Catholics read commentaries that are faithful to the magisterium. Like a broken foundation of a home, a slanted literal sense can distort the greater spiritual senses built upon it.The allegorical sense is the first of the three types of the “spiritual sense.” In the...

How do you see yourself?  Do you know that the way you see yourself is a reflection of what voice you are listening?  When Israel approached the Jordan the first time, they were divided into two groups.  The first group were the giant killers; Joshua and Caleb.  The second group saw themselves as grasshoppers.  Which one are you?  Do you want to live in the desert of deliverance or the land of promise.  It is completely up to you.  Check it out as Eddie Robertson and Brian Higbee together form this message.  

April 13, 2025 | Bill Street preaches from 1 Samuel 8 on "Choosing the King You Want or the King You Need." When Israel told the prophet Samuel that they wanted a king like all of the other nations surrounding them, they were rejecting God (the King they needed) and exchanging Him for a human king. Which king are you following in your own life: the King you need or the king you want?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Stories from the Old Testament offer timeless wisdom that continues to shape our understanding of God today. The ancient account of the Ark of the Covenant's capture in 1 Samuel reveals profound truths about God's nature and our relationship with Him that remain startlingly relevant.When Israel suffered defeat against the Philistines, they made a critical error in judgment – treating the sacred Ark of the Covenant as little more than a good luck charm they could deploy at will. . For seven months, the Philistines learned through suffering what happens when the true God is mocked or treated as a mere object to be manipulated.This powerful narrative teaches us that God isn't a cosmic vending machine to be accessed only when we need something. What false gods might we be placing before the true God in our own lives? Where have we attempted to manipulate divine power rather than submit to divine will? Take five minutes today to reflect on these questions, and join me again tomorrow as we continue finding wisdom for modern living through ancient truth.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

In the months leading up to the October 7 attacks, Israel was bitterly divided along the tribal lines that had been hardened by the government's effort to reform the country's judiciary. There were major protests, acts of civil disobedience, and boycotts, coupled with enormous frustration, distrust, anger, and resentment among Israelis. Then, as you might expect after suffering so grievous and unprovoked an attack as Israelis suffered on October 7, the country responded by unifying, displaying great civic strength. The invisible filaments that hold a society together were pulled taut by the war. Most everyone was a part of it and most everyone was together: volunteering, cooking, babysitting, working, cleaning, helping, schlepping, driving, organizing. When Israel's men returned to the reserves and left their families, their businesses, their startups, and their careers, friends and neighbors became family and kept each other going. Now, nearly eighteen months into this war, that momentary unity seems like a distant memory. The war continues, and Israeli society is again divided. To discuss these civic tensions, the writer and teacher Micah Goodman joins Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver. Goodman is the author of seven books, most recently The Eighth Day: Israel After October 7, and in the course of the conversation he speaks about what he has learned in the last year-and-a-half about Zionism, the Israeli people, and the precious, resilient state that they've built. This conversation was recorded live in Jerusalem in front of an intimate audience of students attending Tikvah's Israel Fellowship, a program that overseas students studying in seminaries and yeshivot in Israel can use to supplement their religious study, as well as of members of the Tikvah Society.

Return of the Man-Child (4) (audio) David Eells – 3/26/25 Dear Father, we thank You so much for being our Savior. Thank You for guiding us with Your Word. Thank You for encouraging us and for showing us wonders and revelations concerning the times to come. We want to be in agreement with You and You said, “How shall two walk together, except they be agreed?” We thank You for revealing to us Your Word so that we can cooperate with You in the principles that You abide by and we thank You for drawing us, giving us wisdom and opening our understanding. We thank You for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear that this may be possible. Thank You so much, Lord. Amen.  We've been studying out of Matthew some things that show us the truth, That which hath been is that which shall be (Ecc.1:9). We have been looking at the principles of what we know to be not only literally true, but a parable of things to come; and we've been reading in Matthew 2, where we discovered that the Messiah appears as a type and shadow of the coming Man-child Ministry, in whom He will live as the first-fruits.  The Messiah showed up and Herod and all of the people in Jerusalem were troubled concerning this, which is amazing unless you understand that people who are walking in the flesh and enjoying this world really do not want to be disturbed by a Messiah, or by a coming Kingdom, and they don't want their sins to be revealed. God's people have no business being troubled about the coming of the Lord. It should be a joyous thing and it is for all disciples of Jesus Christ. We left off here in (Mat.2:7) Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Goand search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found [him,] bring me word, that I also may come and worship him. (9) And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.Notice that He wasn't a baby anymore; at this point Jesus was a “young child.” (Mat.2:10) And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  (11) And they came into the house (He was not in the cave. He was in a house at this time.) and saw the young child with Maryhis mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (12) And being warned [of God] in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (13) Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. Sounds very much like what we know from the Scriptures in Revelation 12, where the dragon was awaiting the birth of the Man-child to devour him, but the Man-child escaped and was caught up to the throne.  In the same circumstance here, we see that Jesus is about to escape the clutches of Herod. (Mat.2:14) And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; (15) and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son. The Lord has called His Son, and all of His sons, to come out of Egypt, and if we don't come out of Egypt, we cannot be useful in bringing other people out of Egypt. Herod was seeking to destroy the Messiah. The Bible says that Joseph took the young child and His mother and departed into Egypt. Going into Egypt from where they were in Bethlehem would have entailed them going into the wilderness and God said that they were to stay there until the death of Herod. Then He called His Son out of Egypt to come through the wildernessand go to the Promised Land. This fits very well with all of the histories of the Man-child back through the Bible. Moses went into his personal wilderness when fleeing from Pharaoh, only to return after the death of Pharaoh and become a leader of God's people. Now we see the same thing of Jesus going into His own personal wilderness in fleeing from Herod until the death of Herod.  Then, when Jesus came out from His wilderness, He started His ministry very quickly. We're not speaking physically, but you'll see as we continue this study that there is a seeming jump in time and suddenly the child grew up. The Man-child ministry is the same. Many people have had visions and dreams of what occurred here, that the Man-child was born and immediately started walking, talking, and acting in the Kingdom. He grew up very quickly, as we will see. The narrative jumps from the time He was a young child until the time when His ministry started and that's about to be fulfilled. But notice that all the Man-child types went into their own personal wilderness until the death of the king who ruled over God's people and then they came out of the wilderness and started their ministries. Now Herod wanted to make sure he killed this Messiah; he did not want any competition from any other kings. (Mat.2:16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wisemen. As we have learned, the word “Bethlehem” means “house of bread” or “house of food.” Notice that Herod slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem. That's very interesting because Herod was seeking to destroy the Man-child by killing all the people who were in the “house of food.”  I know that some people think that this murder of all the children applies only to something like abortion, but I think it's the other way around. Abortion is just a physical sign of what is really happening in the Spirit. Herod represents the Beast and Pharaoh represents the Beast kingdom. The beasts attempt, like the Dragon, to destroy the promised seed. How is that fulfilled in the earth today? How does the Beast destroy people in the first place? Well, the Beast represents all mankind that walks in the flesh because it is at enmity with God. If a person walks after the flesh, the Bible says he must die (Romans 8:13). If you walk after the flesh, the Beast has destroyed you. The Beast is making a war on the people who are receiving the Word of Life, the “house of bread.” In these days, God is revealing His promise to raise up His first-fruits in His image. There are a lot of people who understand, who know, who want to be a part of this, and are seeking to be full of the food of God so they can grow into maturity. The fact that God uses a child does not mean that He is not seeking maturity. To be mature in the Kingdom is quite the opposite ofthe way it is in the world. (1Co.14:20) Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men. So, according to the ways of the world, we are children, but in mind and soul we are mature.  Jesus said, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (Mat.18:3).We have to be a child in trusting our Father, in being submissive to Him, and that is what maturity is. The Man-child as a corporate body, is very small, so you could see him as a child in that way. We're seeing that Jesus was what the Bible says in Isaiah 7:14. He was “a sign,” an uwth, a sign of something to come; and the Lord has shown us that, as history repeats, it repeats on a larger and larger scale, with larger and larger groups of people. The Man-child Jesus represents an end-time Man-child of a large number of people, but it's still a relatively small corporate body.  Let me say, there are more people called to this first-fruits ministry than are attaining to it. One of the reasons is that some of them are being put to death by the flesh, the Beast. They're being taken out and I've seen myself that people who desired to be in the first-fruits were tricked by their flesh into succumbing to the lusts of the world and so were removed from taking part in this first-fruits ministry. They're slain by the Beast and carried away from the “food” to Babylon; they're carried into bondage. I've seen people who started out with Christ but were taken out by the world. They were taken into bondage in Babylon, bondage to the Beast, and that's what Herod wanted to do – he wanted to capture the Christ-child. This fits with what follows in (Mat.2:17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, (18) A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. This text quoted from Jeremiah 31:15 fits with what I just described, which is going into bondage to the Beast is death. The Bible says, for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die (Rom.8:13). Being in bondage to the flesh, to Babylon, to Pharaoh, is death. That's when the old man is ruling over the spiritual man like it was in Egypt.  So who is Rachel? And what does she represent here? Rachel was the second bride of Jacob, the second, favored bride of Jacob, who was Israel, the father of the 12 patriarchs. Can you think of another father of 12 patriarchs? Yes, that would be Jesus. In this case, Jacob, or Israel, represents Jesus, the father of the 12 patriarchs. The second, favored bride represents the Church, and not only that, Rachel bore Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph represents the Man-child, as you know. He was the one who was taken to Egypt and was basically “crucified,” sent to prison (Genesis 39), where he preached to the butler and the baker about who was going up and who was going down (Genesis 40) and came out of prison to be the king over everything, second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40). Jesus did the same thing as a type. So Rachel was the one who brought forth the Man-child, but some of these people were being slain; people who lived in the same “house of bread” as Jesus did were being slain. Rachel was also the mother of Benjamin, who is the last fruit of the Church. You see, there is another fruit after Joseph, who is the first-fruits. The Bible says, But many shall be last [that are] first; and first [that are] last (Mat.19:30). We know that natural Israel is coming back into the Kingdom, but they are coming in last. When the brothers of Joseph came to meet him in Egypt, Benjamin was the last-fruits of Rachel, and I believe that this is referring to the fruits of natural Israel that are coming into the Kingdom at the end. Let's pay attention to Joseph here. What does Rachel and the death of her children represent, and how can we avoid it?  Let's look at the original text in Jeremiah that's quoted in Matthew: (Jer.31:15) Thus saith the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not. They have in some way died and the rest of the text will reveal to us in what way they've died. In the text, Jeremiah speaks of Ephraim and he refers to the children of Rachel, but how is Ephraim of the children of Rachel? Well, Ephraim was the second-born son of Joseph, and the first-born was Manasseh. When Israel came to bless Joseph's sons, who followed in Joseph's steps, Israel took his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, then he took his left hand and put it on Manasseh's head and he began to bless them (Genesis 48:14). The right hand is always placed on the son of the double blessing, so Joseph was displeased when he saw his father doing this and he tried to move his father's hands. But Israel refused, and said, I know [it,] my son, I know [it;] he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations (Gen.48:19). It says “the fullness of nations” in the original text, so Ephraim represented the fullness of nations. Not only did Rachel represent the Church, in that she was the second and favored bride of Israel, who represents Jesus, the father of the 12 patriarchs, but also her son was the second-born son who received the first-born's blessings. You remember that Jesus came first to give that blessing to the first-born son, Israel, and they refused it, so He turned to the Church, which was made up of both Jews and Gentiles, to receive this blessing. But, by and large, the first son did not receive the double blessing. Instead, the right hand was upon the second son. Joseph's second son (or his born-again son) is God's first-born.  How is that? Because Israel was not born-again. They should have entered into that blessing and they did not. They were not born-again, but the Church was and is born-again. So Joseph's second son was God's first-born. How do I know that? (Jer.31:9) They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Why wasn't Manasseh, who represented Israel, the first-born? Because he was the first-born son of Joseph, who represented Jesus. Everything that happened to Joseph happened to Jesus. So, once again, the doctrine that the Church has about the relationship of the Church to natural Israel is totally wrong. God has from the beginning planned to have a born-again people and the “letter people” were a type and shadow of the born-again people. If you don't understand that, you're going to go around worshipping Israel, which failed. If the Church doesn't have any better sense, they will walk in the steps of those people and fail as well. Now we can continue and find out what is meant for Rachel to lose her children. How did they die? What did it represent? (Jer.31:16) Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. Wow! What is it for them to be dead? It's the same thing we were talking about; it means they were in bondage to the Beast, they were walking after the flesh and so they were dead in the eyes of God. I'll prove it just a little further down. “They shall come again from the land of the enemy.” In other words, they were taken into captivity, serving the old man, like Israel was doing in Egypt or in Assyria when they were taken captive. They were no longer living in their Promised Land.  (Jer.31:17) And there is hope for thy latter end, saith the Lord (Israel must come out of captivity in the latter end and so will the Church.); and [thy] children shall come again to their own border. The Lord calls it “living” when we come back to live in the Promised Land, or live on the promises of God, or live in right relationship to the Presence of God, which was in Zion. That's what He calls “living.” To be in bondage, walking after the flesh in the world, in bondage to your flesh, that's what being “dead” is, according to the Lord. (1Ti.5:6) She that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. God calls that “death” – spiritual death. For us to come out of this bondage is God's plan. Why did God raise up the Man-child? To bring His people from death into resurrection life. (Jer.31:18) I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus,] (Notice, we're seeing Rachel's children here as Ephraim and he represents the “fullness of nations,” the Church, the second-born son.) Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed [to the yoke:] (You know how a calf is if it's unaccustomed to the yoke – they buck and snort, trying to get loose, wanting to do their own thing.) turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. This is grace. Ask the Lord to turn you, to grant you repentance. It's His gift to give. (Jer.31:19) Surely after that I was turned, I repented (That shows grace, doesn't it? If God turns you, you will be turned. Repentance means “turn and go the other way.”); and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.  (Jer.31:20) Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a darling child? for as often as I speak against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my heart yearneth for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. The Lord has a heart to deliver His people out of bondage. Ephraim went into bondage before their enemies. They were taken captive by the Beast. They were reckoned as the dead by Rachel. So, we see this in Jeremiah chapters 30 and 31 where it speaks of this. The whole story is there of God delivering His people out of bondage. Why did Jesus come? He came to deliver His people out of Babylonish, or beastly, bondage so that they could serve God. You cannot serve God while you are serving the Egyptian, while you're in bondage to the old man. God started the story in Jeremiah the same way He did in Matthew. Looking at the previous chapter in Jeremiah, we find where He talks about the woman in travail with the Man-child. (Jer.30:6) Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child: wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Why? Because this is where the whole sequence of events is going to begin. (Jer.30:7) Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. So we're told that it's during the time of “Jacob's trouble,” the Tribulation. Not only that, but He goes on to say of His people that during this time, strangers shall no more make him their bondman (Jer.30:8). In other words, they are going to come out of bondage for the last time. God says they will never again be in bondage. When? The end time.  Then He says, but they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them (Jer.30:9).There is the end-time David that's being raised up because Jesus came to sit upon David's throne (Luke 1:32). (Jer.30:10) Therefore fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. That is being “saved,” not being in bondage to your flesh anymore, not being in bondage to the Beast anymore, not serving the world anymore. That is what the Lord has promised for us. So you're either saved or you're dead. The Bible calls it being “dead in your sins,” and “dead in your trespasses.” Rachel was weeping because her children had been taken away into bondage and were no longer free to serve God. (Jer.30:21) And their prince shall be of themselves (We read that in Matthew 2; then it was Jesus coming and it's also the Man-child coming in the end time.), and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is he that hath had boldness to approach unto me? saith the Lord. (22) And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. The Lord is going to draw these first-fruits unto Himself and that will be the beginning because their job is like Moses' job, which is to bring the people out of Egypt. Moses went through his own wilderness, as we have seen, and then his job was to go back and bring the people through the same wilderness to meet the Lord in the Mountain of God. (Jer.30:24) The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall understand it. So this is a latter-day revelation. God's judgment is part of what brings God's people out of bondage and into their Promised Land, which is the place of safety.  Jeremiah 31 tells us this story of Ephraim coming out of bondage and we saw that was because God raised up the Man-child to lead them out of bondage. We see here the same sequence of events. The prince will be raised up from the midst of the people. (Jer.31:1) At that time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel … “All Israel,” as we know from Romans 11, includes everybody who's abiding in the olive tree. Natural Israel rejected Jesus, and were broken off of the olive tree and the Church was grafted into the olive tree through faith in Jesus Christ. Those true disciples who followed Jesus in the Gospels, who were natural Jews who came into the Kingdom, remained in their olive tree. But it says, “all the families of Israel,” referring to all Jews, Gentiles, and all those who through faith in Jesus Christ are members of the olive tree, which in Romans 11:26 is called “all Israel.”  (Jer.31:1) At that time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. This includes the remnant of natural Jews that is to come back in, which I am calling “Benjamin,” who was the last fruit of Rachel. (Jer.31:2) Thus saith the Lord, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness … There was a sword that came upon Egypt, representing the world, to motivate God's people to be willing to leave the fleshpots of Egypt, to come out from among them and be separate and to worship God in the wilderness. Egypt had to suffer the plagues, while God's people in Goshen were separated from Egypt and delivered from those judgments. Then He moved them out of Egypt and into the wilderness, where God could once again deal with them and teach them faith. (Jer.31:2) Thus saith the Lord, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. God planned to bring Israel into His rest.  (Jer.31:3) The Lord appeared of old unto me, [saying,] Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (4) Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel … You might think that He's referring to the Bride here when He says the “virgin of Israel,” like the virgin Mary, who brought forth the Man-child and also went into the wilderness to be instructed of the Man-child. In Revelation 12, the Man-child was birthed and then he was caught up to the throne of David, which is God's throne on Earth, where He rules over Israel, according to the Scripture. And from that place of authority, He led the woman, who brought forth the Man-child, through the wilderness. (Jer.31:4) Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.When God's people are led out of bondage, it will be a time of rejoicing. (Jer.31:5) Again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy [the fruit thereof]. There is going to be freedom for people who have escaped the bondage of the Beast in the days to come. That's what Moses came to do, that's what Jesus came to do and that's what the Man-child is coming to do: escape the bondage of the Beast and help the Church do the same. Not everyone is going to escape that bondage. (Luk.21:36) But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man.  (Jer.31.6) For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the hills of Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. In other words, the second son is coming out of bondage. (7) For thus saith the Lord, Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. That's a good thing to cry today because here we are again. The Beast is about to bring God's people into bondage and the overwhelming majority of God's people have been in bondage all along. The bondage that we're talking about is more severe persecution, death, and destruction.  (Jer.31:8) Behold, I will bring them from the north country … The “north country” is the place of bondage. That's where Babylon brought them into captivity, that's where Assyria brought them into captivity and that's where the Medes and the Persians ruled over them. It represents the beast in the north. (Jer.31:8) Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth … This is because now God's people are in bondage to the beast all over the world. We are not talking about only little Israel, who is God's people, but worldwide spiritual Israel, who is circumcised in heart and not just in flesh. They're in bondage to the nations in which they live and God is calling them out of those nations to be a part of “all Israel,” one holy nation. (Jer.31:8) Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame (Yes, God's people who are in bondage are quite often blind and lame, and God is calling them to be able to see and to be able to walk straight before the Lord.), the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together (In other words, those who have already borne fruit and those who will bear the fruit of Christ.): a great company shall they return hither. They're going to come back to their “borders,” inside the borders of their Promised Land. The borders could represent the outline of the way you live and you want to stay within the boundaries of God's Word, so to speak.  (Jer.31:9) They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters … Amen! Rivers of living water, which Jesus spoke about in (Joh.7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. (39) But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive … Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. Jesus Himself brought to His people rivers of living water. That's where their life came from – the Word that came out of His mouth. (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.  (Jer.31:9) They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born. (10) Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off … (We are one of those “isles afar off” here in America.); and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as shepherd doth his flock. In other words, the Lord, Who sent His people into bondage in Egypt or in bondage to the nations, is going to draw them out now. This is a time of rejoicing. People are so fearful of the Tribulation, but they don't understand that the Tribulation is the judgment that's coming upon Egypt so that God's Israelites can come out and go into the wilderness to serve God. This is a good time. (Jer.31:11) For the Lord hath ransomed Jacob, and redeemed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Which is which? It's the Beast entity “that was stronger than he.” We are not talking about a man when we say “the Beast.” We're referring to the whole body of the Beast. You're either a part of the Body of Christ or you're a part of the body of anti-Christ. The anti-Christ is the Beast kingdom. (Jer.31:12) And they shall come and sing in the height of Zion … God is drawing His people to come into His very Presence on His holy hill. God told Moses, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be the token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain (Exo.3:12).  (Jer.31:12) And they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow unto the goodness of the Lord, to the grain, and to the new wine, and to the oil, and to the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden(Praise the Lord! This is talking about the Tribulation and God is going to raise up His people to bear fruit and they're going to be blessed.); and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (13) Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. (14) And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord. Then it goes into the text we studied earlier, where Rachel was weeping for her children and God was comforting her by telling her not to worry, as they would return to their borders. They are coming back. Yes, they have been taken into bondage and are serving the flesh and are dead to the spiritual world, dead to the Kingdom of God, but He's going to change all of that. That's what God is saying in (Jer.31:21) Set thee up waymarks, make thee guide-posts; set thy heart toward the highway, (This refers to the highway of holiness that Isaiah 35:8 said leads to Zion.), even the way by which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities. (22) How long wilt thou go hither and thither, O thou backsliding daughter? In other words, while they're out there wandering around in the world, this is where they are supposed to dwell. These promises are the ones they are supposed to live upon.  …for the Lord hath created a new thing in the earth: A woman shall encompass a man. God is bringing the virgin into the wilderness to be led by the Davidic Manchild. The woman encompassing a man is the Bride encompassing the Man-child. Zion was the Bride, according to Revelation. God told John, Come hither, I will show thee the bride (Rev.21:9). And He showed him the New Jerusalem coming down, being born from above (Revelation 21:10). The Man-child David ruled in the midst of Zion, but he also ruled in the midst of the rest of the Church outside of Zion. So there is the larger Church, there is the Bride and there is the Man-child. This is the new thing that God is going to do: “A woman shall encompass a man.” It's not a new thing as far as history is concerned; it's a new thing as far as we are concerned, in our lifetime, because this is an end-time prophecy. (Jer.31:23) Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity …It's an old English way to say it because it sounds like just the opposite in our modern ears. If you would translate that today, you would say, “I will bring them again from the land of their captivity.” It's a good thing to come out of captivity and into the Kingdom of God. There are only two places you can dwell in this world: you are either in Babylon or you are in Zion. We are coming out of Babylon, which is this world. All of the nations of the world were at Babel. They all came from Babel and they're all part of Babylon, but Zion is separate.  Zion is that holy place that we're all going to. God enjoins them to find this highway to Zion. (Jer.31:23) Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity: The Lord bless thee, O habitation of righteousness, O mountain of holiness. Zion represents the place of holiness, the place of separation from the world. That's what “holiness” or “sanctification” means. It's the same word and it means giving up your sins in obedience to following the Lord. If you're obeying the Lord, you're walking in servitude to the Lord and you have matured in that obedience to the Lord. That is what Zion is. (Jer.31:24) And Judah and all the cities thereof shall dwell therein together, the husbandmen, and they that go about with flocks. (25) For I have satiated the weary soul, and every sorrowful soul have I replenished. (26) Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me. (27) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast. (28) And it shall come to pass that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, saith the Lord. While in Babylon, they were living under the curse. Zion is where the curse is done away. So, spiritually speaking, you cannot physically go to Zion because obviously there is no physical Zion. We are not physical Israelites; we are spiritual Israelites and we can spiritually go to Zion. It is the place of holiness, the place of God's presence, and the place of His temple. When we come into the presence of God, that is that place of holiness. Those who were slain by the Beast, by Herod, by Pharaoh, by Nebuchadnezzar, by whatever Beast conquered them, they're going to return to their Promised Land. And living in the Promised Land represents resurrection life, the resurrection of God. This same story is found in Isaiah. (Isa.11:1) And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit. This is the Branch that in Jeremiah chapters 23 and 33 speak of an end-time David ministry that God is going to raise up. We've spoken about this already. This Branch represents the Man-child ministry in the end time, the one in whom Jesus lives, because Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).  I knew a brother years ago who had a dream and he called me about it. His name was Tubby and he said, “David, I had this dream and I was talking to you, and in the dream, I said, ‘David, you remind me of someone I read about in the Bible.' You quoted those verses from Isaiah 11:1-5 and you said, ‘Yeah, I know that person.' Then you quoted these verses.” He was saying that these are going to be an end-time people who are going to come into this image, walking in the Spirit of God as the Branch. (Isa.11:2) And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (3) And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; (In other words, this is a people who are walking in the Spirit and not walking in the flesh, nor ruled by the fleshly senses. They have their senses exercised to discern good from evil, as in Hebrews 5:14.) (Isa.11:4) but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (5) And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. (6) And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. A little child, the Man-child, is going to lead them. Why these beasts? Well, if you remember Noah's Ark and the people who were saved in the Ark, the beasts were also saved in the Ark and they represented the Gentiles. When Peter saw the sheet come down out of Heaven with all the unclean beasts on it, God told him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat (Act.11:7). And Peter said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth (8). But the Lord answered, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common (9). This was when Cornelius had sent his servants to Peter to get him to come and preach to them the Gospel (Acts 10:1-8) and Peter got the revelation of, “Oh, God has cleansed the Gentiles (Acts 10:46,47),” who became the Church. These were people who were members of the body of the Beast – different beasts around the world, as a matter of fact. They had come out of this beast and out of that beast. They were members of those bodies, but now they had come into the Kingdom and they were at peace with one another.  There is nothing that can bring the world together in peace except God's Kingdom. So here you see that God is going to raise up the Man-child. He's going to draw His people out of all nations, out of all beast kingdoms. By the way, they were all called beast kingdoms by Daniel, just as they are in Revelation 7. God was going to draw His people out of bondage and out of all these beast kingdoms to come and dwell in their land, which He called the land of rest, the land of milk and honey, the land of blessings, provision, and everything. Is a little child really going to lead all these beasts to be at peace and go back to the Promised Land? Yes, that's what He's talking about. (Isa.11:7) And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. At the end of 2007, I saw a vision of this happening. In the vision, the Lord was giving me a piece of property and there were all these beasts that were fleeing onto this property from the judgments that were happening outside the boundaries of this property. I saw it. They were all in total peace with one another, all these creatures that normally bite and devour one another, like the nations do. They were at peace and God's Kingdom was there; His peace was there. The Lord gave me a house and money to prepare and provide for these beasts that were coming to this refuge. (Isa.11:8) And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. (In complete safety!) (9) They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain … So where are these beasts? They are at God's holy mountain and a little child, the Man-child, shall lead them. When all the beastly people of the world get saved, when they come out from under the bondage of the Beast and come into God's holy mountain, then what this refers to will be fulfilled. These are Rachel's children about whom she did not have to worry anymore. They are going to be restored. (Isa.11:9) They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (10) And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek (Of course, this is the Lord.); and his resting-place shall be glorious. Amen! That's where they're going – to this holy mountain, His resting place. (Isa.1:11) And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people (Praise the Lord!), that shall remain, from Assyria … That's one of the “beasts” that conquered God's people and brought them into bondage. God is saying, “Come back out of bondage! Come back out of the north! Come back to your Promised Land!” God is telling us to come and dwell in Zion in the Presence of God on His holy mountain. You cannot dwell on His holy mountain without being holy because the highway that goes there is also called the “Highway of Holiness.” (Isa.11:11) And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam(These were all the nations that were round about Israel.), and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. (12) And he will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.  The Lord will gather them out of all the beast kingdoms to come back and dwell in their Promised Land. God is going to do this in the Spirit in the days to come. There is going to be a people who will dwell in safety and be blessed of the Lord. All their provision is going to be sure because they are a holy people. They are not under the curse. Those who walk in rebellion to God are under the curse because the curse was pronounced on the people who walked in their stubborn ways. (Isa.11:13) The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that vex Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. (14) And they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines on the west; together shall they despoil the children of the east: they shall put forth their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. Judgments are going to fall all over this earth where God's people are being persecuted. When they were in bondage in Egypt, the judgments that we see in the Book of Revelation fell upon Egypt, to deliver God's people out of Egypt and into their Promised Land. (Isa.11:15) And the Lord will utterly destroythe tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind will he wave his hand over the River, and will smite it into seven streams, and cause men to march over dryshod. (16) And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria; like as there was for Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.   Praise God!

When Israel finally occupied the Promised Land, the Lord told them to drive out all their enemies, because they defied the Lord and might influence them to worship false gods. But Israel allowed them to persist, holding an ungrateful and careless attitude toward God's commands. So many of our problems, and the reason we often get stuck, is because we refuse to eradicate the enemies of our faith, instead of living in self-sacrifice under Christ's Lordship.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA_Gio9z8g0&t=12s

“Do Not Forget the Lord- Part 2” – “Our Nation Needs to Be Under God!” – Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. * To do great things, the Spirit of the Lord needs to come upon us. * If we want to do things, we need his power. - Samuel's Farewell Address * 1 Samuel 12:14-15 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God--good! But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers. - When Israel served the Lord and followed the word of God they became stronger. * 1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you

Reflection on Numbers 21 Numbers 21 is a powerful chapter in the Bible that highlights themes of judgment, repentance, divine provision, and victory. It chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, their struggles with faith, and God's miraculous interventions. 1. Complaints and the Fiery Serpents (Numbers 21:4-9) As the Israelites journeyed from Mount Hor toward the Red Sea, they became impatient and began to complain against Moses and God, saying: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (Numbers 21:5). In response to their rebellion, God sent fiery serpents among them, which bit the people, causing many to die. This judgment was a direct consequence of their ungrateful hearts. However, when they acknowledged their sin and pleaded for mercy, God provided a way of healing. He commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole, declaring that anyone who looked upon it would be healed. This event is significant because it foreshadows Christ's sacrifice. In John 3:14-15, Jesus refers to this event: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” The bronze serpent represents both judgment and healing—just as Jesus, though sinless, took on the judgment of sin so that those who look to Him in faith might be saved. 2. Victory Over the Canaanites (Numbers 21:1-3, 10-35) The chapter also records several military victories. After their repentance, Israel prayed for deliverance against the Canaanite king of Arad, and God granted them victory. This moment signified a turning point—when the people put their trust in God instead of complaining, they experienced His power. Israel also defeated King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan, securing territory east of the Jordan. These victories confirmed God's promise to give Israel the land and demonstrated that obedience and faith lead to divine blessings. Lessons from Numbers 21 1.Complaining against God leads to consequences. •The Israelites' grumbling led to judgment, reminding us to be grateful even in difficult times. 2.Repentance and obedience bring healing. •When the Israelites repented and looked to the bronze serpent, they were saved—just as faith in Christ brings eternal life. 3.Trusting God leads to victory. •When Israel sought God in battle instead of doubting Him, He led them to triumph. Numbers 21 is a call to trust God in hardships, avoid complaining, and seek His healing and guidance. Just as the Israelites had to look upon the bronze serpent, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, our ultimate source of salvation and victory.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

March 3, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Daily Lectionary: Job 34:10-33; John 11:17-37“…and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What is the First Commandment? You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.Sometimes, a well-meaning person will teach that fear here means respect. We should respect God, well and true, but trust means respect. Fear means fear. When Israel sinned against God in the wilderness, they had very good reasons to be afraid. They sinned, and God sent a plague. They sinned, and God sent poisonous snakes. They sinned, God opened up the ground, and the earth swallowed them whole. It is a fearful thing to stand before God in your sin. God worked these terrifying deeds through Moses. And even though, in our reading today, Moses is now dead, the Lord is still the one to be feared, even as they enter into the promised rest. Likewise, we need to fear the Lord in our sin. We need to know God gets angry when we hurt the people He loves. Even when that person is yourself. If He didn't get angry, then that would show that He didn't care. So fear is an appropriate response when we start thinking that maybe our sin is okay after all.But how far does that fear go? If God is angry over sin, how can I possibly stand before Him when I have sinned? But remember the whole explanation of the First Commandment. We fear, love, and trust in God above all things. We fear because of our sin. We trust because Our Lord has poured out all His anger on someone else. The entire fiery wrath of God is poured out upon Jesus at the cross. The greatest deed of terror in all history. Everything that should have gone to you and me has instead fallen upon Christ. And He willingly went there for the forgiveness of all our sins. Remember, if God is not angry, He does not care. But if His anger falls upon us, then we are lost. God shows His great care for us by both His anger and His self-sacrifice. He gave up all to save you from your sin. We are able to love Him because of His great love for us given first. And given at His cross. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh what blessing to be near You And listen to Your voice; Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice! Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word; But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon. (LSB 589:2)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Numbers 10: The Silver Trumpets and Israel's Journey from Sinai Numbers 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from Mount Sinai, where they had received the Law, toward the Promised Land. The chapter is divided into two main sections: the instructions for the silver trumpets (verses 1-10) and the first movement of the Israelite camp (verses 11-36). 1. The Silver Trumpets (Numbers 10:1-10) God commands Moses to make two silver trumpets for use in leading the people. These trumpets serve several functions: A. Purposes of the Silver Trumpets Calling the congregation (v. 2) – When both trumpets are blown, the entire community gathers at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Signalling movement (v. 5-6) – Different trumpet blasts direct different groups to begin their journey. Sounding an alarm for war (v. 9) – When Israel goes to battle, the trumpets are sounded as a call for divine intervention. Announcing feasts and offerings (v. 10) – The trumpets are blown during appointed festivals and sacrifices as a reminder before God. B. Spiritual Significance The trumpets symbolize God's guidance and order in leading His people. They emphasize the need for clear communication among God's people. The sound of the trumpets is a reminder that God is with them in battle and worship. 2. The Israelites Depart from Sinai (Numbers 10:11-36) After nearly a year at Mount Sinai, the Israelites finally begin their journey toward the Promised Land. A. The Cloud Moves, and Israel Follows (v. 11-13) The cloud of God's presence lifts from above the Tabernacle and moves, signaling the people to break camp. This marks the first major journey since leaving Egypt. B. The Order of the March (v. 14-28) The tribes move in an orderly formation, as instructed in Numbers 2. The Ark of the Covenant goes ahead to guide them. The Levites carry and set up the Tabernacle before the rest of the people arrive. C. Moses and Hobab (v. 29-32) Moses invites Hobab, his Midianite brother-in-law, to join them, offering him a place among God's people. Hobab hesitates, but Moses encourages him, recognising his knowledge of the wilderness. This highlights the importance of wisdom and partnership in leadership. D. The Journey Begins (v. 33-36) They travel for three days with the Ark leading the way. Moses prays whenever they set out and whenever they stop: “Rise up, O Lord! May Your enemies be scattered!” (v. 35) “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.” (v. 36) This shows that God's presence is central to their journey. Key Themes and Lessons from Numbers 10 1.God's Guidance is Clear and Orderly The use of trumpets and the movement of the cloud show that God provides direction in an organized way. In our lives, we should seek and recognize God's guidance. 2.The Role of Leadership in God's Plan Moses ensures that the Israelites march in order and seeks help from Hobab. Leadership involves wisdom, delegation, and seeking help when needed. 3.Faith and Dependence on God The people rely on the Ark and God's presence to lead them. Moses' prayer acknowledges that only God can protect and guide His people. Application for Today Listening for God's direction – Just as the Israelites responded to the trumpets, we should be attentive to God's voice through His Word and Spirit. Moving forward in faith – When God calls us to move, we should trust in His provision and guidance. Recognizing the power of prayer – Moses' prayers remind us to seek God's protection and presence in our daily lives. Numbers 10 is a turning point, showing Israel's first steps toward their divine destiny. It reminds us that God is faithful to guide His people when they trust and obey Him. Would you like to explore any specific part of this chapter in more depth?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Salvation of the Chosen (audio) David Eells, 2/16/25 I have declared the former things from old; yea, they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them: suddenly I did them, and they came to pass (Isa.48:3). Predict means to tell the future in advance. What the world calls predictions rarely come to pass. It seems they have a warped idea of what a prediction is. When God predicts the future, He declares it and then does it. Not only does God's Word show the future but also it brings it to pass. The worlds (Greek: “ages”) have been framed by the word of God (Heb.11:3). The word “framed” in this verse means “to make complete.” The history (or His-story) of all ages was completed before the beginning. (Isa.48:4) Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; (5) therefore I have declared it to thee from of old; before it came to pass I showed it thee; lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. He is a jealous God (Exo.20:5). He will not share His glory with the idol of self or an idol of man's creation (Isa.42:8). God receives glory from telling of His works hundreds or thousands of years beforehand. His works were finished from the foundation of the world (Heb.4:3). Because His works were finished from the foundation of the world, no one can say, “My might, my power, my god has done this.” It is important to God that we know He is sovereign. Our God has done something that no other “god” has done; He accurately tells the future long before it comes to pass. It is hard to live the Christian life without knowing that God is sovereign. Without this knowledge, we will not have the peace, rest, and the fear of God that we need in the midst of trials. We will always be wrestling with people and circumstances and trusting in our own strength, instead of seeing God's hand and trusting in His strength. (Hos.4:6) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Isa.46:8) Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. (9) Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I [am] God, and there is none like me; (10) declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. God does all of His pleasure so that only His counsel comes to pass. The proof, that God is the only God, is that He declares the end from the beginning. All the prognosticators, psychics, seers, and stargazers of the devil have only come up with slightly better than random accuracy on the future because their lord is not sovereign. The devil does have an edge. He knows the prophetic Word better than we do, and he predicts what he plans to do, but God is sovereign and often overrules him. (Isa.46:11)… I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it. God is very self-willed. He has a right to be. His self is not corrupt, but ours is. He brings to pass what He desires because it is right. In the text, God is speaking of Cyrus, the pagan king of the Media-Persian Empire. God raised up Cyrus to destroy Babylon in order to set His people free from bondage. At that time, Cyrus had no idea that the Lord had put the desire in him to do exactly what He wanted. (Isa.44:28) That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. How can God be so sure that a man who has been a pagan all his life will do everything that will please Him? We see here that nothing or no one can resist God's good purpose for His people. God is sovereign over the future of the great empires of the world in order to deliver and prepare His people. (Isa.45:1) Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut: (2) I will go before thee, and make the rough places smooth; I will break in pieces the doors of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron; (3) and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that it is I, the Lord, who call thee by thy name, even the God of Israel. (4) For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. The Euphrates River passed through the city of Babylon. One of the gates spoken of here crossed in the Euphrates River to keep the enemy out. Cyrus by the help of God performed a monumental feat in diverting the Euphrates so that his army could enter the city beneath this gate. After they had entered the city, they discovered that the gates on either bank leading into the city had been left unlocked (by God, verses 1 and 2), which was strange, considering that the Babylonians were at war. After Cyrus conquered Babylon, the high priest showed him these prophecies and more that were written about him hundreds of years before he was born. The Jews say Cyrus was very impressed to see his name and works written in prophecy before the fact and became a believer in the God of Israel. God stated clearly that He was going to open those gates for Cyrus to do His Will. After hearing these revelations, Cyrus knew that God had empowered, planned, and made his way. Christian leaders have turned God into a mere prophet, claiming God sees into the future and then reveals it. Every type and shadow in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament to prove that God sits on the throne and One Mind rules over time and the future. One loose canon, would change everything. According to the law of geometric progression, one change at the beginning makes an immense change at the end. Chance or more than one in control could not possibly bring to pass what we see. The Armenian thinkers teach that God predestines and predicts by seeing into the future then tells us how the dice rolled. “Predestine” means “to determine destiny before it happens.” “Foreordain,” which is the same Greek word, means “to ordain an event before it takes place.” (Eph.1:4) 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. You who are manifesting sonship by bearing fruit have been chosen and are being drawn by God. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (predestined) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. God foreknew and decreed all who come to the likeness of Jesus, but not the apostate. “Foreknew” here does not mean He looked into the future and saw what would be. “Foreknew” here means, “to know before” and is not connected with actions or events, but persons. God knew these people before the foundation of the world because He does not dwell in time. God knows what He creates before He speaks it into existence just as we conceive and design something first in our mind before we make it. “Knew” speaks of intimate knowledge, for instance, Adam knew Eve. Jesus will say to those who called Him Lord but do not do the Will of the Father, (Mat.7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (meaning, from the foundation of the world): depart from me, ye that work iniquity. To the foolish virgins without the oil of the Spirit, Jesus said, “I know you not.” The ones that God intimately knew He “foreordained” before the creation to be conformed to the image of Jesus. God creates us through His gift of faith and the Word in us; His people who are on the narrow road. This is grace. (Rom.8:30) And whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. This says all who are foreordained will be called, justified, and glorified. They will not fall away but will bear the fruit of Christ. Are there others who are called but not foreordained? (2Ti.1:9) Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling… Notice that only the saved are called. Called is from the Greek word kaleo, which means, “to invite.” Called is an invitation given only to God's people (more proof: Heb.3:1; Hos.11:1; 1Ti.6:11-12; Mat.25:14; Rom.1:6-7) to partake of his heavenly benefits in Christ in order to bear fruit. Those who bear fruit 30, 60, or 100-fold will be proven to be the chosen or picked. If at harvest time you have no fruit, rotten fruit, or unripe fruit, you will not be picked. The called are the vineyard of God (Isa.5:7). The chosen are the smaller percentage who bear fruit (Isa.5:10). (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen (Greek: eklektos, “elect”). The called can fall, but the elect or chosen will not. (Hos.11:1) When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. (2) The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them…The Lord saved those that ate the lamb and were baptized in the Red Sea. He then tried them in the wilderness to see who would be a believer in the midst of trials, and only those entered the Promised Land. Jude warned the called of this very thing. (Jud.1:1) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called… (5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. Notice that the called were saved, but some did not continue in faith and were destroyed. Friends, God is not looking for what we loosely call “Christians,” but believers or disciples, as they were called. Jesus gave us very clear examples of His servants who are called but do not come and partake in order to bear fruit. Jesus shared a parable in which a king made a marriage feast for His son. (Mat.22:3) And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden (Greek: “called”) to the marriage feast: and they would not come. They were full of excuses (a farm, merchandise, etc.). (Mat.22:8) Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. Even one who appeared to come did not have on a wedding garment which implies putting on Christ (Rom.13:14) or putting on righteousness (Rev.19:8). (Mat.22:13) Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few chosen. A few of the called are chosen or elect because they bear fruit. (Mat.25:14) For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants (Greek: “bondservants”), and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. Obviously, the man who went away was the Lord, and His bondservants are His people. Two of these example servants brought forth fruit of the talent given them (Mat.25:20-22), but one buried his in the earth (used his talent for the earthly, Mat.25:24-25). When our Lord returns, He will say, And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth (Mat.25:30). The apostle Paul, who said of himself that he was called in Galatians 1:15, also said, But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected (Greek: “reprobated”) (1Co.9:27). There is much more proof that the saved and the called can fall (2Pe.1:9-11; 1Ti.6:11-12; Heb.3:1,6,12,14; Rom.11:1-7,19-23). Friend, you probably know if you are called, but are you chosen? You must be diligent in your walk of faith to prove this. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election (choosing) sure: for if ye do these things (the attributes of Christ, verses 5-7), ye shall never stumble: (11) for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God at the cross has already given us everything that we need to bear fruit through faith. (2Pe.1:3) seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. Faith in the promises in the midst of trials will give us the fruit. (2Pe.1:4) Whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. The called have the power and the opportunity. The called and the chosen, or foreordained, use the power by faith and take the opportunity. The only ones who will ultimately be with the Lord are identified in this verse. (Rev.17:14) These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they [also shall overcome] that arewith him, called and chosen and faithful. Notice that the called that are chosen will be faithful. I did not make these verses up; they are the Word of God. Those who have eyes and ears will see and understand, but the rest will justify their religion and ignore the Scriptures. Before time and the future, God sovereignly spoke the end from the beginning, bringing these things into existence in time. Some would argue, “How could God make a promise to all of His called and then not keep it for those who do not bear fruit?” Every promise in the Bible is useless until someone walks by faith in it. Our part of the covenant is faith; God's part is power and salvation. We can break the covenant through unbelief. (Num.14:11) And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have wrought among them? (12) I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they. Notice that God is saying to His own people who did not believe that He would disinherit them. Lest any believe that God cannot make a promise and then take it back when they do not walk in faith, pay attention to this: (Num.14:23) Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that despised me see it. (30) surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (34)… and ye shall know my alienation (Hebrew: “revoking of my promise”). Unless we mix faith with God's promises, they are void. (Heb.4:2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they (God's people): but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. The Israelites who walked in sin were disinherited and blotted out of God's book. (Exo.32:33) And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. The same is true of the Christians who do not overcome sin. Notice what the Lord said to the Church. (Rev.3:5) He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life…Those who do not overcome will be rejected from the body of Christ. (Rev.3:16) So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. God's people Israel were broken off because of unbelief, and Christians who were grafted in but do not walk by faith will be, too. (Rom.11:20) Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. (22) Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Those who are still grafted in at the end are called “all Israel.” (Rom.11:26) and so all Israel shall be saved… Those who are still in the book of life, still grafted in, are the elect (Greek: “chosen”). (Rom.11:2) God did not cast off his people which he foreknew… (5) Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election (chosen) of grace. A remnant is those who are left. Notice they are foreknown and chosen. Sovereign God will have those who are truly His. Abiding in Christ is where salvation is. Some say God gave us the gift of eternal life so He cannot take it back. In Galatians 3:16, we are told, To Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. So the promises were given to Christ, not to us individually. The only way the promises are ours is if we abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is bearing fruit (Joh.15:1-6), walking as He walked (1Jn.2:3-6), believing the same teachings given by Jesus and the apostles (1Jn.2:24; Jud.1:3; Mat.28:20), not adding to or subtracting from the Word (Rev.22:18-19), not walking in sin (1Jn.3:5-6), and keeping His commandments (1Jn.3:24). In Christ is the only place we can claim the gift of eternal life. (1Jn.5:11)… God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. God does not have to take His gift back; His people walk out of it. (1Co.6:18)… Every sin that a man doeth is without the body…When you walk in willful sin, you are not abiding in His body for in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: (1Jn.3:5-6). For instance, fornication, spiritual or physical, takes away the members of Christ and makes them members of a harlot (1Co.6:15,18). Only Christ and those abiding in Him are chosen. (Eph. 1:4) Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world… Only Christ and those abiding in Him are going to heaven. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven…The manna from heaven, the Word Jesus Christ, who takes up residence in those who love Him, is the fruit that God is coming to choose. By this time, I am sure some are thinking that they do not measure up. We must first abide in Christ by faith accepting the Gospel report that 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 (Gal.2:20). Those who walk by faith that they are dead to sin and Christ now lives in them are accounted as righteous until God uses that faith to manifest righteousness in them. (Gal. 3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. God does not dwell in time, but eternity. He sees the beginning and the end at the same time, therefore, He can answer a prayer before we pray. We do not have to worry that we have waited too late to pray because He can have the answer coming long before we ask. (Isa.65:24) And it shall come to pass that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. I had a friend, who went to the local trade school, offer to take my broken washer for the students to work on. It was only going to cost me for parts. By faith, I told him to go ahead. He called back in a couple of days to say that he would be bringing it back and the cost was $90. My wife and I accounted that we only had $40. In a moment of inspiration, I pointed my finger at the mailbox and said, “$50 is coming in that box today.” In the mail that day was a letter from a brother in Maryland. (I had absolutely no foreknowledge of this incident.) He wrote, “It is after midnight, and I just cannot get to sleep until I obey God and write this check for $50.” I looked at the post date on the letter and discovered it had been lost in the mail for a whole month! Obviously, God had it found at just the right moment. He had it coming a month before I spoke those words of faith. He merely used me to bring to pass what He had already planned. I asked God to do something that I believe He may have changed time to accomplish. Many years ago, this very young girl made a mistake and tested pregnant. As I prayed about her situation, a thought came into my head and right out of my mouth. I asked the Lord to make this girl as though she were never pregnant. I believe that this did not come from my mind, but God's Spirit. Because of the way this prayer came, I received it as a confirmation from the Lord that it was the Will of God. Later, tests proved that she was not pregnant. I do not know what God did with the baby, but I am sure He is taking better care of it than that girl would have. Nothing is beyond God's ability to help us, unless it is beyond our faith. How can God change His mind when He knows and speaks the end in the beginning? Then changing your mind makes you a liar. (Isa.46:10) Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. If He sees all from the beginning, why would He ever need to change His mind? God will not change what is written in His Word. (Psa.119:89) For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. His Word is likened unto a rock, immovable and unchangeable. However, God can change or delay what He speaks to you personally as a warning through prophets, dreams, visions, or His Spirit. When the Word ultimately comes to pass, it will be fulfilled as the Bible says it will. God gave us an example of this in the book of Jonah. Jonah cried and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown (Jon.3:4). God told Jonah to preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee (Jon.3:2), so he did. He was not a false prophet. God spared Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, because they repented. This angered Jonah because Assyria was the mortal enemy of Israel and the prophets had already been prophesying that Assyria would conquer rebellious Israel. He wanted them to be destroyed for what he perceived was Israel's sake. Jonah knew that if he preached to Nineveh and they repented, God would not destroy them, so he fled. (Jon.4:1) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. (2) And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hasted to flee unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repentest thee of the evil. God spared Nineveh around 752 B.C. so that Assyria could conquer the northern ten tribes of Israel around 720 B.C. and then Judah around 701 B.C. Nineveh ultimately did fall around 612 B.C. God knew before He threatened Nineveh that He was going to spare them for the purpose of using them to chasten Israel. From Nineveh's perspective, they changed God's mind by repenting, but from God's perspective, He changed Nineveh's mind and fulfilled His plan from the beginning for them, which was to chasten Israel! Jonah's Hebrew word for “repentest” here is nacham meaning “to sigh” and by implication “to be sorry.” In itself, nacham does not admit evil doing, or even a change of mind, only sorrow. As Father, God must do many things that He sorrows over. When the Scriptures speak of God repenting, it is for our perspective because it appears to us that He changed His mind and did not do what He threatened. As a parent five times over, I have done this many times. The difference between God and us is, He plans and sees the delays and repentances from the beginning. (Num.23:19) God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent. (1Sa.15:29) And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent. Here is another thing that proves the sovereignty of God in time and the future, and that God plans delays or “repentances” beforehand. Israel and the United States share a unique identity. Each was entrusted with the Gospel in their respective time. From 887 B.C., Israel was at war every seventeen years for a period of fifteen cycles until 631 B.C. The United States also has been in a war every seventeen years for a period of fifteen cycles from the forming of the thirteen original states to Grenada in l983-l984. For both nations, in the sixth and tenth cycle there was no war. The only possible exceptions to the parallel are that Israel appears to have had a devastating famine in the forth cycle instead of a war and there seems to be no record for a war in their thirteenth cycle. The cycles could be more exact than our knowledge, but no sane person could think that this is chance. The repetitions of history clearly show that one mind is in control of past and future. Stay with me because I would like to encourage you about your family and loved ones who may be running after worldly desires and not yet saved. No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day (Joh.6:44). Some parents feel very guilty that, though they did the best they could, their children seem to be going the wrong way. The following teaching is not against those who have faithfully served the Lord from their youth but rather for those who feel that the Lord has passed them or their children by. Walk by faith for those wayward children, not sight. Believe in your prayers, expect miracles, but be patient. God has a plan that starts for them long before their salvation. Give some deep thought to this. It will free you from worry, strife, condemnation and self-effort to bring about God's will in them. They will have to be saved after tribulation and failure of their worldly expectations, as we were. Children who are raised knowing about the Lord are sometimes very self-righteous. They think they deserve what they have and do not understand grace. They will also have to see themselves as sinners in order to be the dirt that can receive the Word and bear the fruit of Jesus. God only saves sinners. We have all been one. This is a necessary revelation in order to appreciate the great value of salvation and to be saved by unmerited favor. I remember my oldest daughter when she was three years old going around our lost friends and relatives saying, “God does not like that.” She was quickly deflecting what we had taught her. We thought, “You little Pharisee.” Our heavenly Father has had many prodigal sons just as Jesus' parable shows, but that does not make Him a bad Father (Luk.15:11-32). In this parable, the “good” son who never left home was self-righteous, judgmental, and merciless. On the other hand, the younger son, who spent his inheritance on riotous living, realized his low estate and came to his father very humbly saying, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. (Luk.15:21). The once rebellious son now understood mercy and grace and was a much better man for it. Prophetically, the firstborn son who never left the Father was the righteous among Israel, but they did not understand grace. The younger, second son of the Father who fell away through the dark ages for 2,000 years is the Church, who is returning in these days to understand the grace of God. The Father said to these, Bring forth quickly the best robe (the robe of righteousness [Isa.61:10]), and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand (symbol of authority and of the Bride), and shoes on his feet (the walk of separation from the world) (Luk.15:22). The prodigal son will have more of everything than the first son. Those who have been sinners know their need of God, but many times, those who are raised as God's people do not. (Mat.21:28) But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard. (29) And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented himself, and went. (30) And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I [go], sir: and went not. (31) Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. (32) For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw it, did not even repent yourselves afterward, that ye might believe him. Many times, it is not the son who says he will go to work in the Father's vineyard who actually goes, but the son whose first inclination is to rebel. This rebel who comes to see himself as a sinner goes while the other son who feigns righteousness does not. Many career Christians are bored with the work of God and are distracted by the allure of the world. The publicans and harlots are so appreciative of a place in the kingdom that they throw their whole heart into it, willing to be servants rather than be served. They understand the great value of the gift of grace that is given them and their own unworthiness. In the last days of the Gentiles, it will be the same as it was in the last days of the Jews. There are many self-righteous “Christians” today who are not the creation that the Father desires. Those who have been raised in the church should humble themselves to the Word of God and not religion so that no man takes their crown (Rev.3:11). It appears Jesus had this in mind when He shared this parable. (Luk.18:9) And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. (12) I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get. (13) But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner. (14) I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified (Greek: “accounted righteous”) rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. The self-righteous child who kept all the religious traditions was not accounted righteous while the poor sinner who was repenting of his unworthiness was. Jesus told the Pharisees that He had not come to call the righteous but the sinners. He was after those who knew they had been sinners to be His children. Look at the following verse carefully. (Rom.11:32) For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. God has designed that forgiven sinners become His sons. Those who have been disobedient have a great appreciation for mercy and grace and do not offend God quickly. God has subjected us to this fallen creation for the purpose of a higher creation. (Rom.8:20) For the creation was subjected to vanity (the fall and corruption), not of its own will, but by reason of him (God) who subjected it, in hope (Greek: “firm expectation”) (21) that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. He wants those who have been corrupt, as good soil is, to be delivered to appreciate Him. The children of God can only be created from the fallen creation, and God is the one who subjected them to it to humble them. The Scriptures show us our unfaithfulness and unworthiness so that we might have a reason to truly repent. (Gal.3:22) But the scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. God chose us to be saved in Christ before Adam even fell. (Eph.1:4) 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. He knew we would need a savior before the world was made and Adam fell. He knew the fall would happen, and He went ahead with the creation anyway. From this you can see that the fall was in His plan. Children who are raised with Christ many times take Him for granted and do not really understand grace as unmerited favor. God has a plan for them that may involve the temporary lifting of His grace that has been taken for granted. Do not fear this, or walk by sight, but continue to believe God for them. Peter was Jesus' little one whom He raised up to be a disciple. He self-confidently declared to the Lord that he would never be offended and deny Him but would go with Him to death in (Mat.26:33-35). God hates self-confidence but loves God-confidence. So how does God deal with this sin? (1Co.10:12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Failure is the best treatment for self-confidence. (Luk.22:31) Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat: (32) but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren. (33) And he said unto him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death. (34) And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Jesus prophesied failure for this proud man. Jesus, who had authority over Satan, did not forbid him from sifting Peter. Satan sifts to get what belongs to him. In this case, it was Peter's pride, self-righteousness, and self-confidence. What fell through the sieve was what God wanted, the humbled Peter. The sifted Peter who had “turned again” or been converted, could now establish the brethren. Before this failure, he would have been a good Pharisee. (Luk.7:40) And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon (the Pharisee, not Peter), I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on. (41) A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty. (42) When they had not [wherewith] to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most? (43) Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. (44) And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. (45) Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. (46) My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. (47) Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little. Big sinners make big saints, for they know the value of grace. According to the previous verses, God wants people who are forgiven of their many sins and saved by grace so that they love and appreciate Him much. This is the creation that He wants, not Adam before the fall. The creation that springs from the last Adam, Jesus Christ, is the ones who have fallen and then are saved by grace through faith. We need not worry about our children or loved ones becoming sinners, just “hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised.” We must gracefully sow seeds of truth, as we can, without frustrating them. They cannot be convinced without grace. God “worketh all things after the counsel of His will” and “a man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven,” and “no one comes unto the Son except the Father draw him.” God will do it when the time is right, and He will use our faith because “faith is the substance of things hoped for” (KJV). We can see why sometimes God does not save people until they are a little older and have tried the world and found it wanting. However, if you have faithfully served the Lord from your youth, you have a great reward. God can save anyone anytime He desires. It is important that we not try with our own works to save the lost but first honor God's sovereignty with our faith for Him to do it. (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me… (44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him… Father will draw everyone that He chooses to Christ. God chooses us and gives us a desire to come to Him and only then do we choose Him. (Psa.65:4) Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee], That he may dwell in thy courts… God sometimes chooses the worst in our estimation. If God can save Paul or Mary Magdalene, who had seven demons, he can save those we believe for. Do you remember the conversion of Saul who persecuted the saints with a vengeance? (Act.9:3)… And suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: (4) and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he [said], I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. A monkey would get saved with such an experience, which was totally at the discretion of God. This same omnipotent God says, All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Mat.21:22). God uses His gift of faith in us to manifest the salvation of those He has chosen from the foundation of the world. Pray and thank God for those salvations. I can hear someone say, “Goody, we will believe God to save the devil; that will solve a lot of problems.” I do not think such faith would endure to the end since faith is a gift from God (Eph.2:8), to give or to take, and there is no precedent in the Scriptures for such a request. Besides that, the devil is needed in his job for which he would be totally unfit if he got saved. There is precedent for household salvation though (Act.11:14; 18:8). Paul and Silas offered this to the jailer. (Act.16:31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house. They believed and were saved. (34)… with all his house, having believed in God. Peter preached this, too. (Act.2:39) For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. In Exodus 12:3, the lamb was slain for a household. Unbelieving family members are sanctified by our faith. (1Co.7:14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. Some object that God would be unrighteous to choose some and not others. We are too late for He has done just that. (Psa.147:19) He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. (20) He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. God did not attempt to share His first covenant with any of the world but Israel. The New Testament He shares only with spiritual Israel. (Deu.7:6) For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God: The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. (7) The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples. God is not worried about multitudes, for He has chosen the least. He still only chooses little spiritual Israel on the narrow road. Abraham is the father of spiritual Israel, the Church: those who walk in the same gift of faith that Abraham walked in. (Gal.3:7) Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. Paul told the Gentile church at Rome that the people of all nations who believe the promise were Abraham's children in (Rom.4:16) For this cause [it is] of faith, that [it may be] according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law (natural Israel), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (17) (as it is written, A father of many nations [the Gentiles] have I made thee)… True, spiritual Israel believes the promises even now. (Rom.9:6)… For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: (7) neither, because they are Abraham's seed (naturally or physically), are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. (8) That is, it is not the children of the flesh (natural Israel) that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. Those who believe the promises are born again children of the promises. These are Abraham's seed. A New Testament spiritual Jew is circumcised in heart, not flesh. (Rom.2:28) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly (physical); neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: (29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly (spiritual); and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter… Notice that a Jew now is not a physical Jew. A Jew now has the flesh cut off from his heart through the new birth. (Gal.6:15) For neither is circumcision (in the flesh) anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (16) And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. The Israel of God are they who walk as new creatures. The unregenerate physical Jews who worship in synagogues are not Jews until they are born again through the New Testament. (Rev.2:9) I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan (the same in Rev.3:9). We were not Jews but now are in Spirit. (Rom.9:25) As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved. (26) And it shall be, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God. We were not His people but are now beloved sons of God. (Rom.9:27) And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel (natural or physical), If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved. A remnant of natural Israel will be born again mostly after the elect Gentiles have been saved. (Rom.11:25)… A hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. “In part” here means that the line between Gentiles and Jews is not a sharp demarcation. Neither was it in the book of Acts. Jews are even now being saved more than ever. This is a sign that we are nearing the end of the times of the Gentiles. Most of the physical Jews will come in after the Gentiles. We who sought not after God were given the gift of faith to be spiritual New Testament Israel when natural Israel turned her back on God. (Rom.10:20) And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. God revealed himself to the Church who on their own neither knew nor sought Him. (21) But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. (Rom.11:7)…That which Israel (physical) seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election (chosen) obtained it, and the rest were hardened: (We see here that only the few chosen among the many called of Israel accepted Christ and the New Testament. The rest were reprobated.) (8) according as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day. In that day and in this, those who walk by faith are chosen from among the called to be the eternal people of the living God. Paul said “all Israel” is the physical Jews and Gentiles who are part of the olive tree by faith, not those who are broken off by unbelief (Rom.11:19-25). All have sinned and deserve destruction. Is God wrong for giving some mercy and grace and others justice? All deserve justice instead of unmerited favor.   Letter to a Prodigal Son Anonymous My Son, The Lord has chosen you as part of 3% of this world's population to be His own. I saw this in a vision I would like to tell you about. You are probably wondering, how could this be since I have been through hell? Hell is the best place to learn that you really want to live in heaven. I've loved you since you were a baby and I've known the Lord has too. Even your stubborn rebellion didn't change my mind or His. He has known you from before the foundation of the world. He has a special plan for your life that I would like to tell you about. You think, why would God love me since I have been so sinful? Jesus said, "Who loves much, he that has been forgiven of much or he that has been forgiven of little? Simon said, 'He that has been forgiven of much'". Jesus said that this answer is correct. Since you will be forgiven of much you are now capable now of loving Him the way He wants you to. You might ask, "If He loves me then why has he been so hard on me?" It is the devil who has been hard on you. He hates you and when he is through with you then you are like him, destroyed. God said, "His servants you are whom you obey". It's a simple matter to change Masters and Fathers. It happened to me when I was younger than you. I guess I wasn't quite as stubborn as you. :o) Once when you were younger you asked God to save you. You think He ignored you or forgot about that but He didn't. He was very glad and He took you very seriously but He also knew you were stubborn and would have to know the consequences of serving the devil before you would fear Him as your Father and serve Him. You are almost there. When you get there understand this about Him. He is seeking you and listening to you and if you make one step towards Him, He will be very happy to make ten towards you. You have His Word for that. Luke 15:1 Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (Jesus is now seeking you out where you are.) 3 And he spake unto them this parable, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (He is after you to save you.) 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (He will be very happy to receive you.) 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, [more] than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance. (Your heavenly Father and all of heaven will be happy at your turning to Him.) 8 Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth together her friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of [thy] substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his substance with riotous living. (What God gave you as a child you have now wasted.) 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (Now you are just feeding the flesh and the children of the god of this world, Satan.) 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (Its a hard road and you are near total death.) 17 But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! (You are starving for the bread of His kingdom, the Word of God.) 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: (Just tell Him that you have sinned and you are sorry) 19 I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of thy hired servants. (Tell Him that you know you are not worthy of Him but you will serve Him with His help.) 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (You are far from Him but He sees you when you make a step towards Him and He will run to you in love.) 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (He will meet your needs for righteousness and authority.) 23 and bring the fatted calf, [and] kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: (He will feed you with the best.) 24 for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. (He will give you His life.) And they began to be merry. (...And He will be very happy; more so than over those who are serving him now.) 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these things might be. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 But he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and [yet] thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 but when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine. 32 But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive [again]; and [was] lost, and is found. Please think about this, son. Love, Dad

When Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord again, the military commander Sisera was raised up to oppress them. Barak was called by God to lead a resistance against Sisera, but he refused to go alone. Deborah proclaimed that Sisera would be defeated by the hand of a woman in place of Barak. When the Lord caused Sisera to flee to the tent of Jael for refuge, he was met with the hammer and tent peg of brave Jael. God uses the most unlikely vessels at times to accomplish His greatest victories. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, and He will ultimately bring justice. Nobody has gotten away with anything, and there will be nowhere to run at the judgment. Only in Christ can we be pardoned of what is due us. Have you prepared to meet your God?

When Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord again, the military commander Sisera was raised up to oppress them. Barak was called by God to lead a resistance against Sisera, but he refused to go alone. Deborah proclaimed that Sisera would be defeated by the hand of a woman in place of Barak. When the Lord caused Sisera to flee to the tent of Jael for refuge, he was met with the hammer and tent peg of brave Jael. God uses the most unlikely vessels at times to accomplish His greatest victories. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, and He will ultimately bring justice. Nobody has gotten away with anything, and there will be nowhere to run at the judgment. Only in Christ can we be pardoned of what is due us. Have you prepared to meet your God?

When Israel went out to battle the Philistines and Goliath came out to taunt them, their gaze was on him, and they trembled in fear. In Psalm 121:1-2 David tells us to lift our eyes up to the mountains or hills where our help comes from, the LORD Who made heaven and earth. In this sermon, Pastor Dwayne will show how our eyes need not be on our outward circumstances, but on the Lord. When we do this, we have victory over sin and death. We walk by faith and not by sight.

Exodus 23 has three chapter directions - verses 1-9 are about honest dealings between Israelites and with strangers (the reason is stated in verse 9 to remember your powerless position when the Almighty became your protector). Verses 10-19 laws about the Sabbaths and the major Festivals; and two sundry laws about principles of living. Verses 20-33 the conquest of the Promised Land is guaranteed and some vital instructions about Israel's behaviour once they have taken the Land. The theme which ties this chapter together is the love and care of their Father for His children. This must be seen in their actions honouring Him and showing compassion in dealing with other people. Returning to the start of the chapter tells us that malicious tale bearers are not to be tolerated. Justice must equally apply to all, rich or poor. The care of property was essential among all Israelites. God will hold His people accountable to ensure these standards are applied throughout His kingdom. They must never take a bribe. The LORD had cared for them when no one else had. Verses 10-11 tell us agricultural laws which ensured that the land observed Sabbath principles, which benefited everyone. Verse 12 says that the Israelites were to keep a weekly Sabbath. Verse 13 forbids idolatry. Verses 14-17 speak of the observance of the three major Festivals - first the Passover, then the Feast of Weeks: called Pentecost and thirdly Tabernacles. These feasts, or convocations occurred at their set, ie appointed times. Verse 18 tells of matters relating to sacrifices (no leaven; ie corruption was not allowed to be present with the offering). Verse 19 is a curious one here - it speaks of the sensitiveness relating to what was to be eaten. This implied the need to preserve life; that it might be allowed to continue (since the life of human and animal all belong to God). In the next section the Almighty promises His people angelic protection during their journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites must not take this care for granted, but need to be obedient to all that their Creator has commanded. When Israel entered the Land they must not have anything to do with those nations that God had commanded to be utterly destroyed. Those nations were to be totally removed . The LORD would do it gradually so that the wild beasts, which shared the Land, would not take over. In verse 28 the Almighty promised to send hornets into the Land before their entry - this may be a reference to the Pharaoh Amenhotep the third (known as "the hornet"), who made many raids on Canaan at this time. The boundaries of the Land are given and verse 31 - these are the same boundaries as those promised to Abraham. Failure to follow God's instructions would result in Israel's destruction.cont...

When Israel did evil, the Lord strengthened the oppressive king Eglon against them. Many people have an Eglon in their life as a consequence of sin. After 18 years, Israel cried unto the Lord, and He raised up Ehud to deliver them. Ehud follows their repentance. How long have you been under the oppression of Eglon? Ehud does what they could not do, kills Eglon, and sets Israel free. Jesus was sent by God to set the captive free from the tyranny of the bondage of sin for all who will repent and call upon His Name.

When Israel did evil, the Lord strengthened the oppressive king Eglon against them. Many people have an Eglon in their life as a consequence of sin. After 18 years, Israel cried unto the Lord, and He raised up Ehud to deliver them. Ehud follows their repentance. How long have you been under the oppression of Eglon? Ehud does what they could not do, kills Eglon, and sets Israel free. Jesus was sent by God to set the captive free from the tyranny of the bondage of sin for all who will repent and call upon His Name.

With extreme tenderness, the Lord says in Hosea 11:1, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him." Looking into the faces of children causes us to contemplate what great things can be done with life. Too often, at the end of life, we are only thinking of what could have been. What promise there was when Israel was a child, loved of God!

After Israel had conquered Jericho, they were instructed to devote the spoils to The Lord. Upon seeing the silver and gold, Achan coveted and took some of it and hid it in the ground below his tent. When Israel lost a battle, Joshua sought The Lord for the reason. It was revealed that someone had disobeyed The Lord and taken some of the spoils. The offender was found to be Achan, and he and his family suffered the consequences. Many people are losing battles in their lives due to buried sin. True and immediate repentance is an urgent matter. What is beneath your tent?JOSHUA 6:17-19JOSHUA 7:1JOSHUA 7:2-5, 10-13JOSHUA 7:14-23JOSHUA 7:24-26

After Israel had conquered Jericho, they were instructed to devote the spoils to The Lord. Upon seeing the silver and gold, Achan coveted and took some of it and hid it in the ground below his tent. When Israel lost a battle, Joshua sought The Lord for the reason. It was revealed that someone had disobeyed The Lord and taken some of the spoils. The offender was found to be Achan, and he and his family suffered the consequences. Many people are losing battles in their lives due to buried sin. True and immediate repentance is an urgent matter. What is beneath your tent?JOSHUA 6:17-19JOSHUA 7:1JOSHUA 7:2-5, 10-13JOSHUA 7:14-23JOSHUA 7:24-26

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany St. Matthew 8:1-13 by William Klock   Have you ever met someone with leprosy?  Probably not.  Today it's extremely rare.  We hardly give it a thought.  But in the ancient world it was one of the most dreaded diseases.  It began with the loss of feeling in your extremities and nodules that would turn into ulcers.  The loss of feeling spread.  The ulcers never healed.  Your hair would fall out and your eyes would go blind.  Ulcers would form on your vocal cords, leaving your voice hoarse and rasping.  Gangrene would set in.  Eventually you would lose fingers and toes and sometimes whole limbs.  Sometimes it led to madness.  Eventually it would lead to death, but not quickly.  Some forms of leprosy would take a decade to run their course and others twenty or thirty years. But as bad, if not worse than the physical misery was the fact that it was contagious.  That made lepers outcasts.  The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that lepers were treated “as if they were, in effect, dead men”.  When a person was diagnosed with leprosy, they were immediately banished from family and community.  In Leviticus 13:46 the Lord had commanded, “He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.”  And people didn't get better from leprosy.  That's why it was a miracle when the Lord intervened to heal Naaman the Syrian of his leprosy.  Consider that in medieval Europe, before he was cast out, a leper was brought to the church one last time so the priest could read the burial service over him.  So to be a leper was, for all intents and purposes, to be dead.  Not, of course, to yourself, but dead to your family, your friends, and your community.  In Israel lepers were barred from Jerusalem and from any walled town or city.  The law described over sixty types of contact that would render a person unclean and contact with a leper was second only to contact with a dead body.  If a leper so much as poked his head through the door of your house, your house would be rendered unclean.  One rabbi boasted that he threw stones at lepers to keep them at a distance, because that's where they belonged.  Keep that in mind as we look again at today's Gospel.  Look with me at Matthew 8:1-4. When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed him.  Suddenly a leper came to him and knelt down in front of him.  “Lord,” he said, “if you want, you can make me clean!”  Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.  “I do want to,” he said.  “Be clean!”  And at once his leprosy was cleansed.  “Take care,” Jesus said to him, “that you don't say anything to anyone.  Instead, go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering which Moses commanded.  That will be the proof to them.”   For the last three chapters Jesus has been preaching the Sermon on the Mount.  So he's been preaching to the crowds about the kingdom of God—what it's going to be like and who's going to be part of it.  And I can imagine the people in the crowd nodding in approval as they listened—but the real weight of it not really sinking in.  It's often like that when he hear God's word.  Something like “Love your neighbour.”  We agree.  We think, “Oh, that's good.”  But the real radicalness of it doesn't sink in.  And then something happens—we're faced with a choice, we encounter a person—and the Spirit brings that lesson to mind and we realise just how much God and the gospel expect of us.  Sometimes we fail the test.  Imagine the crowd that had been listening to Jesus preach, now following him into town and this leper approaches Jesus.  And everything Jesus has been saying about the kingdom is forgotten.  People are thinking, “Stupid leper!  Doesn't he know he shouldn't be here!  How dare he come so close to the rabbi!”  They've just heard Jesus preaching at length about the kingdom, but I expect at least some of them saw the leper and were thinking to themselves that if Jesus were a good rabbi, he would tell this man to take a hike—to obey torah and get out of town—maybe even throw rocks at him. Imagine their surprise when instead of quoting Leviticus at the man and telling him to get lost, Jesus stops as the man kneels at his feet.  That says something right there.  When this leper saw Jesus he saw the Messiah.  Jews didn't prostrate themselves before any old person.  This posture was reserved for the Lord.  In some way, shape, or form he saw in Jesus the God of Israel.  And with his hoarse and damaged voice he rasps out, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean!  Please make me clean.”  And to their horror, Jesus reaches out and touches the man.  The law said that a leper could come no closer to a healthy person than a cubit and Matthew makes a point describing Jesus reaching out, stretching out his arm to its full length across that distance to bridge the gap between himself and the leper, so that he could make contact with him, to touch the untouchable, to draw in the outcast.  And Jesus says to him, “I want just that.  Be clean.” Uncleanness should have passed from the leper to Jesus.  Obviously you couldn't see something like that, but everyone knew that that was the law, ever since the Lord had spoken it through Moses.  Touch a leper and you become unclean.  So imagine their surprise when they did see something happen.  They saw cleanness pass from Jesus to the leper.  As they watched the man was healed.  His sores healed and disappeared.  His sight cleared.  His voice became whole again.  Maybe fingers and toes even grew back before their watching eyes.  The leprosy was gone.  The man was restored.  His death sentence was lifted. Now, the sermon on the mount wasn't just an abstract ethical manifesto that Jesus delivered to a group of people who could have been from anywhere or any time.  It was a declaration that the kingdom of God had come in fulfilment of the prophets, a declaration that the Messiah had finally come to set God's people to rights.  They desperately need and longed for that.  Ever since they had been called in Abraham, ever since they had, as a nation, been adopted by the Lord as his covenant people, they had in one way or another failed him and failed to be the people he had called and delivered them to be.  They gave their hearts to idols.  They gave their hearts to kings.  They put their trust in horses and chariots.  They oppressed the widow and the orphan and took advantage of the poor and the stranger.  Their rabbis threw stones at lepers who dared get too close.  The nation had repeatedly known the Lord's discipline.  The faithful remnant amongst the people had cried out for centuries to the Lord for help and through the prophets he had promised that he would come, that he would deliver, that he would forgive, that he would put his own Spirit in the hearts of his people and turn them away from sin and self and fill them with love for him and for their neighbours. And now, here it is.  There's a reason we read this Gospel during this season in which we recall and celebrate Jesus' epiphany, his manifestation.  Jesus has just preached about the restoration of fallen Israel, the adulterous bride, to her Lord and the first person he meets as he heads down the mountain and into town is this poor man, cut off from his people, for all intents and purposes dead.  He has lost his covenant status.  He has lost his family—not just his biological family, but his covenant family.  He hasn't known the temple or the Passover for who knows how many years.  In the Lord's providence this man is symbolic of the whole nation of Israel.  Israel hadn't heard the Lord's voice or known his presence in the temple for almost six hundred years.  She was governed and oppressed by pagans.  But as he has humbled himself so far as to take on human flesh, to be born of a Jewish woman, to become one of his own rebellious people, to reach out to them, just so Jesus stretches out his hand across the distance between himself and this believing leper and makes him whole.  This lost son who was dead is alive again. And Jesus doesn't leave it at that.  He sends this man—in accordance with the law—to see the priest so that the priest can see that he has been healed and so that he can restore him to the covenant family.  There are other times in the Gospels that Jesus bypassed the temple and the priests to make a point, but early here in his ministry he instead sends this man to the priests.  It backs up the message he had just preached when he said that he had come not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them.  And, too, it sent a message to the priests of Israel.  Like I said, people didn't recover form leprosy.  If they got better and the diagnosis was lifted by a priest, it was probably because it wasn't leprosy in the first place.  I doubt this priest had ever seen a bona fide healing from leprosy.  They might talk about Naaman the Syrian, but no one had ever seen a healing like that for themselves.  And now this man shows up at the home of the local priest—maybe even the priest who had diagnosed him and declared him unclean—and he served as a message from Jesus: the kingdom is at hand.  Israel was about to be set to rights and restored.  And it was all centred in Jesus the Messiah.  The people—and their priests—had a choice before them: Repent and believe in Jesus or find yourself weeping and gnashing your teeth in the darkness when judgement comes—on the outside of the covenant family as this leper had been for so many years.  Repent and believe that in Jesus the Lord was finally here to visit his people, to answer their prayer, and these lost sons and daughters would be invited into their Father's great banquet.  Jesus had come to set Israel to rights. Many of the people in the crowd watched this with joy.  The Messiah really had come.  That great feast Israel had been waiting for was being prepared.  According to one Jewish tradition the main courses at that feast would be Behemoth, the great mythical land monster, and Leviathan, the great sea monster.  Some in the crowd, having heard Jesus preach and having seen the leper healed could already smell the great beasts roasting in the oven like Thanksgiving turkeys.  And then as they reach Capernaum a Roman centurion approaches Jesus.  If the Lord's great banquet was being prepared, this man certainly didn't belong there! Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army and a reminder to the Jews that they were a conquered people.  Matthew doesn't tell us if this centurion was a kind man or a cruel one or how he used his authority.  None of that really matters.  He could have been the kindest man in the world, but he was still a local representative of Rome and a gentile.  He didn't belong in that joyful messianic throng.  But down the main street of the town he came.  Look at Matthew 8:5-9. When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came up and pleaded with him, “Lord,” he said, “my son is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”  And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  But the centurion replied, “Lord, I don't deserve to have you come under my roof!  Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  I know what authority is all about, you know—I've got soldiers answering to me, and I can say to one of them, “Go!” and he goes, and to another “Come here!” and he comes, and I can say, “Do this,” to my slave, and he does it.”   The centurion appeals to Jesus.  Matthew's word choices stress the man's desperation.  He addresses Jesus as “Lord”.  He'd surely heard the talk about Jesus being the Jewish Messiah—the Lord—but being a Roman he probably didn't care about that.  He simply knew that Jesus could heal, that he could fix his desperate situation.  He'd heard the stories.  Maybe he'd even seen the leper, running into town to show himself to the priest.  Exactly who or what Jesus was, that wasn't really his concern.  He simply saw in Jesus a man with power and authority.  A man who could, as Tolkien once put it, make the sad things of this world come untrue, and such a man, Jewish or not, Messiah or not, was worthy of respect.  “Lord, my son is at home, paralysed, sick, and suffering.”  As Luke and John tell this story, the young boy was near death.  But if Jesus could heal others, he could heal this man's son. And Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”  At this point everyone—the Centurion, the Jewish crowd following Jesus, everyone—they stopped and gasped.  They shouldn't have, but I'm sure they did, because that would have been the natural response of anyone when an upright and godly Jew—a rabbi no less—went to the house of a gentile.  The Mishnah declared in no uncertain terms, “The dwelling places of gentiles are unclean,” and even though it came centuries later, we know the Jews of Jesus day thought no differently.  Gentiles were ritually unclean, but everyone present should have known that this wasn't a problem for Jesus.  Jesus touched the leper and instead of contracting his impurity, passed purity to the leper, restoring him to the community of the people of God.  Jesus could enter the home of a gentile and do the same thing. So the Centurion was shocked by Jesus' offer to come to his house.  He refuses with those words so often misused in celebrations of the Lord's Supper: “No.  Don't come to my house.  I'm not worthy that you should come under my roof.”  It's not that the Centurion thought he was personally unworthy, but that he knew the Jewish customs.  His job was to maintain order and the last thing he wanted was a ruckus resulting from a popular rabbi entering his house.  That would just stir up trouble and that was the last thing a Centurion wanted.  His job was to the keep the peace.  And so he says to Jesus, “You don't need to come to my house.  You and I are alike.  We both have authority.  I know how it works.  I have authority over the men in my command.  I send orders for this man to come and he comes.  I send orders for this man to go and he goes.  If you truly have the authority over sickness and demons that I think you have, then you can do the same.  If you order this disease to go, it will go.  If you order that demon to come, it will come.  Give the orders and my little boy will be healed.” Now it was Jesus' turn to be surprised.  Matthew says he marvelled.  He was amazed by what he'd just heard.  Look at verse 10: When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to the people who following him, “I'm telling you the truth.  I haven't found faith like this—not even in Israel!  Let me tell you this: lots of people will come from east and west and join the great feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the children of the kingdom will be thrown into outer darkness, where people will weep and gnash their teeth.”  Then to the Centurion he said, “Go home.  Let it be for you as you believed.”  And his son was healed at that very moment.   Notice how Jesus turns to the crowd, to his fellow Jews.  Here they are, following Jesus down the mountain, ready for him to lead them into the age to come when everything is set to rights, ready to sit in his presence at that great banquet and feast on behemoth and leviathan.  And the parade is stopped by this dog of a gentile who has no place in that feast.  When the day comes, they're thinking, the Lord will take care of men like him.  He may strut around Capernaum, in charge of the place today, but one day he would be out in the darkness, weeping and gnashing his teeth.  Some probably thought—maybe even expected—Jesus to give him a little foretaste of that right now.  But instead, Jesus turns and commends the man's faith to everyone.  (This is why people didn't like Jesus!)  He contrasts the faith of this gentile—a pagan they considered the enemy—Jesus uses it to expose the lack of faith he has seen in Israel.  And he quotes from the Old Testament.  Psalm 107:3 and Isaiah 43:5 (and Baruch 4:37) all speak of the Lord's promises to restore scattered Israel, bringing her lost sons and daughters from east and west.  But here Jesus puts a twist on those prophecies and promises.  “When Israel is restored,” he's saying, “When you sit at the Lord's great feast with your fathers, with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and feast on behemoth and leviathan and celebrate your restoration and the great faithfulness of the Lord, your brothers and sisters from east and west will be there, and this man represents them.  Yes, the Lord will bring Jews from east and west, but he will bring others and they, too, will have a share in the Lord's new covenant and in the age to come.  And many of those who think that by birth alone they have a right to be in that banquet…well…they will find themselves out in the dark, weeping and gnashing their teeth.” Jesus knew that it wasn't yet the time for gentiles to come flooding into the kingdom, taking hold of the robes of Jews, as Zechariah had prophesied, and saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”  But in this centurion he saw a foretaste of that day not so far off.  It was a promise most of his fellow Jews had forgotten—or deliberately ignored—in favour of the promises of the great banquet, the setting things to rights, the restoration of Israel.  But this was the reason for Israel's existence as a people, even if few remembered it.  Simeon was one of those who remembered and having met the infant Jesus at his presentation in the temple he sang those familiar words: Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou has prepared before the face of all people; to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.  (Luke 2:29-32) Jesus would be the glory of Israel in that he would fulfil their mission to be a light to the nations—bringing them to the God of Israel.  In that he would fulfil the law and the prophets and manifest the faithfulness of God.  Again that great theme of epiphany. Jesus commended the centurion's faith and sent him home to his healed little boy, the firstfruits—after a fashion at any rate—of the nations who would see the faithfulness of the God of Israel manifest in Jesus, come to him in faith to give him glory, and would themselves not only be healed and set to rights, but incorporated into this covenant family as sons and daughters of God, seated at the great banquet to feast on behemoth and leviathan. So, Brothers and Sisters, come to the Lord's Table this morning.  In the bread and wine we recall and participate in the great exodus that Jesus wrought at the cross, here we remember and are assured that we belong to him.  Here we take hold of his blood-stained robe and say, “Take us with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”  And here the veil is lifted on the age to come as Jesus gives us a foretaste of the great banquet that awaits us on the day when he will, finally and once and for all, set us and all of his creation to rights.  In the meantime, Friends, take the grace you have found at his Table out into the world and live it for all to see.  Take the good news of Jesus, crucified and risen, with you and proclaim it to all.  As sons and daughters of God, you are stewards of the gospel.  Let every day be Epiphany.  Make the Gospel, make the life of Jesus and the Spirit manifest in what you do and what you say so that the people around you will say, “Take us with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Let's pray: O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Here is the problem: According to the  World Health Organization, 40% of 10,000 people surveyed reported suffering from burnout in 2023. Burnout is a recognized psychological condition that results in physical and emotional fatigue, where we feel tired and lack motivation. It closely resembles depression.Analyzing the Problem:·       Is time our problem?·       What about money? Inside of us is this desire for meaning and for life that is only truly filled by knowing and being known by God. In our pursuit of trying to fill this desire we instead chase pleasure, plenty, and power.1 John 2: 16·       The division in our hearts is one of restlessness and exhaustion. One half of our heart says "I'm tired and I need rest," while the other half says, " I am restless and I want more."·       We know we need to rest, but we don't want to.      In Exodus 13 and 14, God frees the Israelites from the bondage of endless exhaustion. In the chapters that follow, God institutes something called Sabbath ("stop" in Hebrew)·       Later in Amos 8:5 god criticizes Israel for their hatred of rest.·       Israel had one eye on the rest and the other on the clock. This desire for more contributes to our lack of desire to rest. How many times have you felt guilty about taking a break? How many of you sit down only to think about all of the things you need to be doing?When you continuously run stop signs, you will eventually get into a wreck.We go and do without restraint in hopes of finding meaning and life. The way to find life is not through doing more but by doing less.Solution:Jesus presents us with an invitation to his Gospel of rest. His invitation to rest extends to us today.Matthew 11: 28-30 ·       This invitation is to a spiritual rest and a way of life. A rhythm or way of doing life that trusts that God knows my need for rest and will do more in my absence than I could do working overtime.·       When Israel found itself stuck in a cycle of labor and exhaustion, God gave them an exit (Exodus). That Exodus for us is taking time away from the cycle and resting, delighting, and worshipping.·       Jesus gives us an exit. That exit involves resting from our spiritual works AND working into our lives a rhythm of physical rest. Sitting at the Feet of JesusLuke 10: 38-42 1.      Martha was right."But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." Resting is about trusting God with what we need to do so that He can give us what we need.2.      Mary chose the better over the good.This country is great, and the opportunities are good, but Jesus is better.3.      Martha's works could be taken away, but Mary's rest was eternal.Our stuff can be taken from us, Jesus can't. Never trade the eternal for the external

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a special Friday Focus episode, part two of last week's discussion, "Why the IDF abandoned the offensive and ended up with Oct. 7." When Israel's founding prime minister David Ben Gurion envisioned the country's defense forces, he proposed a small standing army and a large reservist force. In the first part of our conversation, we discussed how this model served the state, alongside a doctrine of deterrence, intelligence, and battlefield victory. However, as the state evolved, the standing army was increasingly shrunk alongside an outsized confidence in Israel's air array. How did this lead up to the complete failure of the army to prevent -- and spur -- the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023? This week, we speak about how Israel's army continues to evolve by learning from our current enemies -- non-state actors who don't fight by the rules. We discuss how this generation of IDF soldiers grew up in the shadow of the Disengagement -- and without much ground-operation experience. Finally, we hear lessons the IDF has learned from October 7 and how it is already attempting to implement them. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: IDF forces operation in the Gaza Strip in a handout photo issued by the Israeli military on January 9, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying that Israel messed up time after time after time. It's clear that they are a chosen people, but that doesn't make them perfect. In today's message, Pastor Ken reminds us that God doesn't use perfect people, because He is the only one who is perfect. When Israel messed up, God didn't suddenly change His mind… They are still called to be His people. When you mess up, that doesn't mean that God is suddenly done with you. He wants to help you pick up the pieces along the way.

When Israel invaded Gaza, Palestinian journalist Amal Helles became a war correspondent overnight. In her Freedom Lecture, Helles will reflect on the war in Gaza and the challenges of reporting from a sealed-off war zone.With international reporters barred from entering Gaza, local journalists – many of them women – have stepped up. Among them is Amal Helles, who endured months of Israeli bombardment while reporting the horrors on the ground for British newspaper The Times. Earlier this year, she became one of the few Palestinians to escape Gaza. Now, more than a year into Israel's invasion, Amal Helles reflects on the world she left behind and the challenges of covering Gaza's war from the inside. How do you report from a sealed-off war zone? And what impact are Gaza's many female journalists having on the war reporting?Check out the privacy notice on https://art19.com/privacy and the privacy statement of California on https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was a long-awaited night. Mary had waited nine months, but the waiting had started long ago. Throughout the Old Testament, the Prophets spoke of a coming Messiah. He would be a suffering servant that would save His people from their sins. Year after year the people waited for this coming Messiah. When would He come?Main Points:1. Jesus came at just the right time in God's redemptive plan when the world was perfectly prepared for God's work.2. Sadly, on the night of Christ's birth, it appears that no one was waiting or expecting His birth. Certainly, the Jewish religious leaders were not. As studious as they were of the Old Testament law, and the more than 300 prophecies of the coming Messiah, the religious establishment was not waiting.3. The over 300 Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in Jesus assure us that He is the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah.Today's Scripture Verses:Galatians 4:4-5 - “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”Micah 5:2 - “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.  Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.”Isaiah 7:14 - “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”2 Samuel 7:12-13 - “When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”Hosea 11:1 - “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”Psalm 72:9-10 - “May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Ancient warfare was fierce. It was close, it was personal, it was dirty, it was aggressive, it was violent, and it was in your face. In preparation for battle, soldiers lined up in tight formation side by side with about three feet separating each soldier so that they could move freely. Every piece of the armor was critically important: The belt kept everything he was wearing in its rightful place, the breastplate protected his vital organs, his shoes were designed so that he could stand his ground and maintain his footing, his shield helped protected him from any weapon that would pierce such as arrows or spears, and his helmet kept his head on his shoulders, protected his mind, line of sight, and neck. The part of his armor that was designed to defend and to harm was his sword. The sword used by Romes soldiers between 3BC and 3AD was a double-edged short sword known as the Gladius. Roman legionaries whose shield defended them from the fiery arrows of the enemy received advanced training in using the Gladius to slash the exposed kneecaps or throat of their enemies while in formation and carried their Gladius sword on their belt, or sometimes on a shoulder strap. It was impossible to forget your belt, breastplate, and shoes when marching into battle because those pieces of the soldiers armor were attached to his person. However, it was possible to leave you shield, helmet, and even your sword back in the camp where it was safe and comfortable, but no skilled and experienced soldier would dare enter battle without those parts of his armor he was required to take up and put on, such as his shield, helmet, and sword. A modern equivalent to just how foolish it would be for a Roman soldier to forget any part of his armor is a Russian soldier who became the 2022 winner of the Darwin Awards. The Darwin Awards are those awards given to honor Charles Darwin by commemorating those who improve the gene pool by removing themselves from it in the most spectacular way possible. Here is the description of the unnamed Russian soldier who won this award: You are wearing body armor in a warzone. You spot abandoned Macbook. You want Macbook. Where to hide it? With quick reflexes a Russian soldier slid that Macbook into his chest armor pocket, replacing a ballistic plate designed to save his life. He was killed in Irpin, and his body was retrieved, providing a hearty laugh for all of Ukraine. 'Instant Karma' They reportedly found a stolen iPad as well. Wonder where the iPad was hidden? I am no soldier, and although I love my Macbook Pro and have a great deal of respect for the way it is designed, even I know enough that in a warzone it is best to keep the ballistic plate in the chest armor pocket because a Macbook was never designed to stop a bullet. Yet, when it comes to the armor of God, how often do we intentionally or unintentionally replace that which is designed to protect with philosophies, ideologies, feelings, and practices that serve the enemy rather than our own protection? What is the Sword of the Spirit We are told what the Sword of the Spirit is in the very same verse: It is the word of God. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we are told: All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness... We are told in the Old Testament book, Deuteronomy: ...man shall not live on bread alone, but man shall live on everything that comes out of the mouth of the Lord (8:3), which is a verse Jesus used against the devil when He was being tempted in the wilderness (see Matt. 4:1-11). In the Psalms, we learn of the written word of God: The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes (Ps. 19:7-8). As it relates to the authority of Gods word, we are instructed through the prophet Isaiah: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, so all these things came into being, declares the Lord. But I will look to this one, at one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isa. 66:12). From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. The word of God in written form is contained in the 66 books that make up our Bible. When Paul wrote that all Scripture is inspired by God..., we believe that it is a reference to all of the Old Testament and New Testament books that make up the Bible that were written over a period of hundreds of years with many different contributors who were all guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that what you have before you is a supernatural book unlike any other book, that is without error. It is upon the word of God, both Old Testament (the prophets) and the New Testament (the apostles) that Jesus Church is being built upon (see Eph. 2:19-22). It is the written word of God that has supernatural and transformative power to shape and transform Gods people, for from the imagery of the Roman Gladius the author of Hebrews wrote: For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Regarding the Word of God, Jesus prayed to the Father for His church: I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth (John 17:1417). In just one chapter earlier, Paul said that the way Jesus is purifying and sanctifying His church is, by the washing of the water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless (Eph. 5:26-27). So, we know what the word of God is; the question we must answer is how do we use it as the Sword of the Spirit? How Do We Use the Sword of the Spirit To answer that question, you need to know something about the two words that are used in reference to the word of God, and they are logos and rhēma. Logos is often translated as word or message. Rhēma is often translated word, saying, or statement. In Hebrews 4:12 and Isaiah 66:2 (in the Greek Septuagint) the word logos is used in reference to the Word of God. In Deuteronomy 8:3 (in the Greek Septuagint) and Ephesians 6:17, the word rhēma is used. So, whats the point? Both words are used in reference to the written and spoken word of God and its authority is based on the fact that it has come from God. Listen, every word in the Bible is authoritative because it is the Word of God and is used by the Holy Spirit of God to transform and shape the people of God. When you read or speak out loud the Word of God, as it is given within all 66 books of the Holy Bible, the voice of God is heard through His word. Pauls words in Ephesians 6:17 are calculated and carefully crafted through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; do not miss what is written: Take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God always uses the authority of His own words with the power of His Holy Spirit to transform, change, and divinely challenge! So, how does one use the Word of God as the offensive sword of the Spirit? Jesus showed us how to use it as an offensive weapon when he was approached three times by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-17 and Luke 4:1-13 we are given the details of Jesus 40 days of fasting in the same wilderness that Israel wondered for 40 years because of their failure to believe and obey the word of God. Each of the temptations Jesus faced was like one of the temptations Israel faced and failed, by sinning. When Israel was in the wilderness, they complained about their lack of food (see Exod. 16). The devil came to Jesus and tempted Him with these words: If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus answered with the word of God from Deuteronomy 8:3, It is written: Man Shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:3-4). In the wilderness, Israel frequently put God to the test, so with the second temptation Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and said, If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning You; and On their hands they will lift You up, so that You do not strike Your foot against a stone. The devil even quoted and twisted Psalm 91 to try to get Jesus to fall into the same sin Israel fell into in the wilderness. Again, Jesus responded rightly and skillfully with the word of God: You shall not put the Lord Your God to the Test. (Matt. 4:5-7). In the wilderness and throughout Israels history, they were frequently guilty of false worship. In an effort to get Jesus to fall into the same sin, Satan tried to get Jesus to avoid the cross by worshiping him, to which Jesus responded with the sword of the Spirit: You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only (Matt. 4:8-11). Jesus used the sword of the Spirit to counter the Devils temptations. Did you ever notice that two of the three temptations Jesus faced were not inherently evil; it is not wrong to eat when you are hungry nor is it wrong to expect God to save you from harm. However, the scheming of the Devil was to try and get the Son of God to not trust the Fathers plan but to use a different plan that would have avoided the cross. We often counter our temptation to sin with human reason by believing another way is better than Gods way. Think about the way we reason our way out of obedience to God: I know Gods word says sex is a gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage, but were in love and were going to get married anyway; or Its only a little lie. Sometimes it is more subtle: I know Gods word says, there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking..., but at least it is not a 4-letter word, its not gossip if it is a prayer request, its just an innocent joke... I know that Gods word says that, sexual immorality or impurity is sinful, but its only a few scenes in the movie. Or... It only happens once a month... What if we learned from the way Jesus responded to temptation by countering our own with the Word of God? Imagine what would have happened if, in the Garden, Adam responded to the serpents temptation with the Word of God? You can take up the word of God as the sword of the Spirit or you can leave it in its sheath. Here is the thing though, just as handling a sword effectively takes some skill that can only come if you take it out of its sheath, to handle the sword of the Spirit with skill you must take it out and use it. To handle the Word of God with skill, you need to use it by reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and immerse yourself into it so that it can do what God designed it to do, which is to change you, mold you, cleanse you, and guide you. Just as you will never improve your shooting skills if you do not get out to a range and shoot, or a martial artist will only be as skilled as his time in the dojo practicing his techniques, so it is true with handling the word of God with skill. Just as there are resources to improve your aim, or your skills as a martial artist, so there are resources that God has provided through pastors, theologians, scholars, and Christian publishers to improve your skills in handling the word of God. In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Some think that this verse is only applicable to pastors, but do you know why we know that is not true? How do we know that every Christian needs to strive to be able to accurately handle the word of truth? Because of what Jesus commanded every Christian: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:1920). Conclusion Remember that the schemes belong to the devil, but the armor of God belongs to God! The sword of the Spirit is no exception! The list of Gods armor begins with the belt of truth, and it concludes with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. What we have discovered about the armor of God is that the belt of truth is our identity in Jesus, the breastplate of righteousness is our righteousness in Jesus, the shoes of the gospel of peace is our redemption that Jesus has made possible, the shield of faith is provided through Jesus, the helmet of salvation is the hope of our salvation in Jesus, and the sword of the Spirit is the word of God that points us back to... Jesus! We learn from the Bible that all the promises of God through His word find their yes and Amen in and through Jesus Christ (see 2 Cor. 19-22). In fact, Jesus is not only Gods Yes to all of His promises, Jesus is Gods most perfect revelation of Himself because He is the living Word of God! In the opening verses of the Gospel of John, we learn that as the Word of God, All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.And as the Word of God, He, became flesh, and dwelt among us... (John 1:1-14). Not only is Jesus your belt, not only is He your breastplate, not only is He your peace, not only is He your shield and your helmet... Jesus is your sword! How do you remain strong in the Lord? You must find Him to be your life! In closing, I read something in Iain Duguids little book, titled, The Whole Armor of God, what I am about to read to you is the essence of the Christmas message: As the Word of God, he [Jesus] spoke the world into existence. As the Word of God, he uniquely reveals to us the Father. As the Word of God, he is Gods final communication to this broken and now redeemed world, come to heal the sick, rescue the lost, restore the broken, and lift up the downcast.... The Word of God in its cleansing work serves as a set of shears, a scalpel, and a sword. Ask God to equip you with these three different tools, each one uniquely crafted to help us in the fight against temptation by the world, the flesh, and the devil. All that sanctifying power flows into your life through the work of the Holy Spirit applying his Word. And when you fail and fall, as you often will, the Sword of the Spirit points you back again to the fact that the gospel is still true and Christs power is still sufficient to keep you safe and bring you at last into your heavenly inheritance.[1] [1] Iain M. Duguid, The Whole Armor of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2019), pp. 101-02.

Ancient warfare was fierce. It was close, it was personal, it was dirty, it was aggressive, it was violent, and it was in your face. In preparation for battle, soldiers lined up in tight formation side by side with about three feet separating each soldier so that they could move freely. Every piece of the armor was critically important: The belt kept everything he was wearing in its rightful place, the breastplate protected his vital organs, his shoes were designed so that he could stand his ground and maintain his footing, his shield helped protected him from any weapon that would pierce such as arrows or spears, and his helmet kept his head on his shoulders, protected his mind, line of sight, and neck. The part of his armor that was designed to defend and to harm was his sword. The sword used by Romes soldiers between 3BC and 3AD was a double-edged short sword known as the Gladius. Roman legionaries whose shield defended them from the fiery arrows of the enemy received advanced training in using the Gladius to slash the exposed kneecaps or throat of their enemies while in formation and carried their Gladius sword on their belt, or sometimes on a shoulder strap. It was impossible to forget your belt, breastplate, and shoes when marching into battle because those pieces of the soldiers armor were attached to his person. However, it was possible to leave you shield, helmet, and even your sword back in the camp where it was safe and comfortable, but no skilled and experienced soldier would dare enter battle without those parts of his armor he was required to take up and put on, such as his shield, helmet, and sword. A modern equivalent to just how foolish it would be for a Roman soldier to forget any part of his armor is a Russian soldier who became the 2022 winner of the Darwin Awards. The Darwin Awards are those awards given to honor Charles Darwin by commemorating those who improve the gene pool by removing themselves from it in the most spectacular way possible. Here is the description of the unnamed Russian soldier who won this award: You are wearing body armor in a warzone. You spot abandoned Macbook. You want Macbook. Where to hide it? With quick reflexes a Russian soldier slid that Macbook into his chest armor pocket, replacing a ballistic plate designed to save his life. He was killed in Irpin, and his body was retrieved, providing a hearty laugh for all of Ukraine. 'Instant Karma' They reportedly found a stolen iPad as well. Wonder where the iPad was hidden? I am no soldier, and although I love my Macbook Pro and have a great deal of respect for the way it is designed, even I know enough that in a warzone it is best to keep the ballistic plate in the chest armor pocket because a Macbook was never designed to stop a bullet. Yet, when it comes to the armor of God, how often do we intentionally or unintentionally replace that which is designed to protect with philosophies, ideologies, feelings, and practices that serve the enemy rather than our own protection? What is the Sword of the Spirit We are told what the Sword of the Spirit is in the very same verse: It is the word of God. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we are told: All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness... We are told in the Old Testament book, Deuteronomy: ...man shall not live on bread alone, but man shall live on everything that comes out of the mouth of the Lord (8:3), which is a verse Jesus used against the devil when He was being tempted in the wilderness (see Matt. 4:1-11). In the Psalms, we learn of the written word of God: The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes (Ps. 19:7-8). As it relates to the authority of Gods word, we are instructed through the prophet Isaiah: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, so all these things came into being, declares the Lord. But I will look to this one, at one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isa. 66:12). From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. The word of God in written form is contained in the 66 books that make up our Bible. When Paul wrote that all Scripture is inspired by God..., we believe that it is a reference to all of the Old Testament and New Testament books that make up the Bible that were written over a period of hundreds of years with many different contributors who were all guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that what you have before you is a supernatural book unlike any other book, that is without error. It is upon the word of God, both Old Testament (the prophets) and the New Testament (the apostles) that Jesus Church is being built upon (see Eph. 2:19-22). It is the written word of God that has supernatural and transformative power to shape and transform Gods people, for from the imagery of the Roman Gladius the author of Hebrews wrote: For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Regarding the Word of God, Jesus prayed to the Father for His church: I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth (John 17:1417). In just one chapter earlier, Paul said that the way Jesus is purifying and sanctifying His church is, by the washing of the water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless (Eph. 5:26-27). So, we know what the word of God is; the question we must answer is how do we use it as the Sword of the Spirit? How Do We Use the Sword of the Spirit To answer that question, you need to know something about the two words that are used in reference to the word of God, and they are logos and rhēma. Logos is often translated as word or message. Rhēma is often translated word, saying, or statement. In Hebrews 4:12 and Isaiah 66:2 (in the Greek Septuagint) the word logos is used in reference to the Word of God. In Deuteronomy 8:3 (in the Greek Septuagint) and Ephesians 6:17, the word rhēma is used. So, whats the point? Both words are used in reference to the written and spoken word of God and its authority is based on the fact that it has come from God. Listen, every word in the Bible is authoritative because it is the Word of God and is used by the Holy Spirit of God to transform and shape the people of God. When you read or speak out loud the Word of God, as it is given within all 66 books of the Holy Bible, the voice of God is heard through His word. Pauls words in Ephesians 6:17 are calculated and carefully crafted through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; do not miss what is written: Take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God always uses the authority of His own words with the power of His Holy Spirit to transform, change, and divinely challenge! So, how does one use the Word of God as the offensive sword of the Spirit? Jesus showed us how to use it as an offensive weapon when he was approached three times by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-17 and Luke 4:1-13 we are given the details of Jesus 40 days of fasting in the same wilderness that Israel wondered for 40 years because of their failure to believe and obey the word of God. Each of the temptations Jesus faced was like one of the temptations Israel faced and failed, by sinning. When Israel was in the wilderness, they complained about their lack of food (see Exod. 16). The devil came to Jesus and tempted Him with these words: If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus answered with the word of God from Deuteronomy 8:3, It is written: Man Shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:3-4). In the wilderness, Israel frequently put God to the test, so with the second temptation Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and said, If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning You; and On their hands they will lift You up, so that You do not strike Your foot against a stone. The devil even quoted and twisted Psalm 91 to try to get Jesus to fall into the same sin Israel fell into in the wilderness. Again, Jesus responded rightly and skillfully with the word of God: You shall not put the Lord Your God to the Test. (Matt. 4:5-7). In the wilderness and throughout Israels history, they were frequently guilty of false worship. In an effort to get Jesus to fall into the same sin, Satan tried to get Jesus to avoid the cross by worshiping him, to which Jesus responded with the sword of the Spirit: You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only (Matt. 4:8-11). Jesus used the sword of the Spirit to counter the Devils temptations. Did you ever notice that two of the three temptations Jesus faced were not inherently evil; it is not wrong to eat when you are hungry nor is it wrong to expect God to save you from harm. However, the scheming of the Devil was to try and get the Son of God to not trust the Fathers plan but to use a different plan that would have avoided the cross. We often counter our temptation to sin with human reason by believing another way is better than Gods way. Think about the way we reason our way out of obedience to God: I know Gods word says sex is a gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage, but were in love and were going to get married anyway; or Its only a little lie. Sometimes it is more subtle: I know Gods word says, there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking..., but at least it is not a 4-letter word, its not gossip if it is a prayer request, its just an innocent joke... I know that Gods word says that, sexual immorality or impurity is sinful, but its only a few scenes in the movie. Or... It only happens once a month... What if we learned from the way Jesus responded to temptation by countering our own with the Word of God? Imagine what would have happened if, in the Garden, Adam responded to the serpents temptation with the Word of God? You can take up the word of God as the sword of the Spirit or you can leave it in its sheath. Here is the thing though, just as handling a sword effectively takes some skill that can only come if you take it out of its sheath, to handle the sword of the Spirit with skill you must take it out and use it. To handle the Word of God with skill, you need to use it by reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and immerse yourself into it so that it can do what God designed it to do, which is to change you, mold you, cleanse you, and guide you. Just as you will never improve your shooting skills if you do not get out to a range and shoot, or a martial artist will only be as skilled as his time in the dojo practicing his techniques, so it is true with handling the word of God with skill. Just as there are resources to improve your aim, or your skills as a martial artist, so there are resources that God has provided through pastors, theologians, scholars, and Christian publishers to improve your skills in handling the word of God. In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Some think that this verse is only applicable to pastors, but do you know why we know that is not true? How do we know that every Christian needs to strive to be able to accurately handle the word of truth? Because of what Jesus commanded every Christian: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:1920). Conclusion Remember that the schemes belong to the devil, but the armor of God belongs to God! The sword of the Spirit is no exception! The list of Gods armor begins with the belt of truth, and it concludes with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. What we have discovered about the armor of God is that the belt of truth is our identity in Jesus, the breastplate of righteousness is our righteousness in Jesus, the shoes of the gospel of peace is our redemption that Jesus has made possible, the shield of faith is provided through Jesus, the helmet of salvation is the hope of our salvation in Jesus, and the sword of the Spirit is the word of God that points us back to... Jesus! We learn from the Bible that all the promises of God through His word find their yes and Amen in and through Jesus Christ (see 2 Cor. 19-22). In fact, Jesus is not only Gods Yes to all of His promises, Jesus is Gods most perfect revelation of Himself because He is the living Word of God! In the opening verses of the Gospel of John, we learn that as the Word of God, All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.And as the Word of God, He, became flesh, and dwelt among us... (John 1:1-14). Not only is Jesus your belt, not only is He your breastplate, not only is He your peace, not only is He your shield and your helmet... Jesus is your sword! How do you remain strong in the Lord? You must find Him to be your life! In closing, I read something in Iain Duguids little book, titled, The Whole Armor of God, what I am about to read to you is the essence of the Christmas message: As the Word of God, he [Jesus] spoke the world into existence. As the Word of God, he uniquely reveals to us the Father. As the Word of God, he is Gods final communication to this broken and now redeemed world, come to heal the sick, rescue the lost, restore the broken, and lift up the downcast.... The Word of God in its cleansing work serves as a set of shears, a scalpel, and a sword. Ask God to equip you with these three different tools, each one uniquely crafted to help us in the fight against temptation by the world, the flesh, and the devil. All that sanctifying power flows into your life through the work of the Holy Spirit applying his Word. And when you fail and fall, as you often will, the Sword of the Spirit points you back again to the fact that the gospel is still true and Christs power is still sufficient to keep you safe and bring you at last into your heavenly inheritance.[1] [1] Iain M. Duguid, The Whole Armor of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2019), pp. 101-02.

If you're curious about how to become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (this is an EXTERNAL resource, not owned by the Morning Mindset. Please do not leave messages for Carey there. See below for contact info).   ⇒ Listen to our other podcasts: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: HOSEA 11:1 - When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. MATTHEW 2:13-15 - Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SUPPORT OUR WORK: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACT US AT: Admin@MorningMindsetMedia.com 

The dramatic words of v7-10 were spoken at the Gates of Jerusalem, when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to God's earthly holy Hill in a procession (2Sam 6, 1Chr 15). This was the ascension of the Lord Himself, enthroned on the Ark (Ps 132:5-8) to His chosen resting place in the city of the great King (Ps 48:2, Matt 5:35). Thus, it's a type of Christ's Ascension to His throne in the New Jerusalem, God's heavenly holy Hill, as well as His ascension to sit on David's throne at His 2nd Coming. It's a Messianic Psalm ultimately fulfilled in His Ascension. v3-6 poses & starts to answer a big question: “Who may ASCEND into the Hill of the LORD or STAND in His Holy Place?” (v3). God's requirement to ascend & stand in His Presence is perfection (v4), so it's impossible for us, but God provides salvation by grace (v5-6). In v7-10, He answers the big question, revealing the unique perfect Man, Christ, who ascended to Heaven, the King of Glory, mighty in battle who defeated all foes & accomplished our salvation. It reveals that with Him many will ascend, showing how God provides us salvation by grace (v5). We can't climb to God, but He came down to us, so we could rise with Him (Heb 2:10). He fulfilled the conditions of v4; then ascended to Heaven (v7-10), to make a way for us to rise with Him. Before this no man ascended to Heaven (John 3:13). He alone fulfils God's standards. The scene describes this glorified Man ascending to Heaven & coming to its Gates to request access. v7-10: “Lift up your heads, O you Gates! and be lifted up, you everlasting Doors! and the KING of GLORY shall come in. Who is this KING of GLORY? (God does not seek entrance to Heaven, so this refers to Christ, His anointed human King). The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle (He's the Lord God, who became a man, fought the battle & won the victory for us). Lift up your heads, O you Gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this KING of GLORY? The LORD of HOSTS (armies), He is the KING of GLORY. Selah.” v3 asked: 'Who can ascend?' Here is the answer. He lived a perfect life, defeated all foes & ascended, but not on His own. He's the Lord of armies. When He enters thru the Gates, His army of saints enter with Him, united to Him by faith. He gained access to Heaven for all under His command. Thus Ps 24 deals with the issue of salvation, asking & answering: “Who may ascend?” (v3). To enter requires moral perfection (v4). When we receive Him, we receive His righteousness, so in Him we ascend into God's Presence & receive His blessing (v5). He's the Head and we, His Body, rise with Him. He rose as our representative, so we ascend in Him. Thus Christ, the Righteous One, is the Way to God (John 14:6,12). Moses' Tabernacle teaches our access to the Holy Place (v3) is only by His Blood. Ps 24:7-10 also reveals His future earthly ascension to David's throne. He humbly offered Himself to Israel as her King with salvation, but the leaders didn't receive Him. He said He'd only return when they repent & receive Him as King (Matt 23:37-39). They'll do this at Armageddon & then He'll return as King of Glory to Zion, save them from their enemies & establish His Kingdom (Zech 14:3-4). When Israel receives Him as King, He'll manifest His glory to, thru & for her. Notice, He didn't force Himself into Heaven, or force His reign on Israel, and He doesn't force Himself on us. We must receive Him as our King, and then He'll manifest His glory in & thru us. He reveals & offers Himself to us to be our Lord & Saviour. When we open the gates of our heart to Him, He comes in with His glory, 1st into our spirit, then into different parts of our soul. So v7-10 can be applied personally. He fulfilled it by ascending into the Heavenly Temple, but we're also God's Temple & He has the right to enter our holy of holies & be enthroned there. The Gospel declares v7 (Rev 3:20). By these words, He seeks access to our Temple, and we must open our gates & let Him in. When we do, He enters our spirit & imparts His glory (manifested nature) to us, as a free gift, making our spirit righteous, holy, full of His life & light, enabling us to ascend into God's Presence in Him. Since He's already ascended, as soon as He enters into us, we automatically ascend in our spirit to the Father thru our union to Him, by His power & righteousness in us. He comes in as the Lord, delivering us from the power of darkness & translating us into His Kingdom. Then His glory (love) works in our souls from within, changing us from glory to glory, so we increasingly fulfil His righteous requirements (v4). As we increase in holiness, the more we can ascend into His Presence to commune with Him (v3). He continues to ask for more access to every part of our soul, with the words of v7, so as we open our doors, inviting Him in to reign, He manifests Himself in us as the King of Glory, the Lord strong & mighty in battle, releasing His power & victory in us.

The Abraham Accords marked a significant foreign policy achievement for President Donald Trump at the end of his first term in 2020. What's next for the Abraham Accords under a new Trump administration?  Joining us is Rob Greenway, Director of the Allison Center for National Security at the Heritage Foundation and former senior director for Middle Eastern and North African Affairs on the National Security Council, to discuss the opportunities and challenges President Trump will face in the Middle East. Guest hosted by Benjy Rogers, AJC's Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, Greenway draws on his firsthand experience with the Abraham Accords to explore how these agreements can be expanded and how security and economic cooperation between Israel and its neighbors can be strengthened. Resources: AJC Experts Assess the Global Impact of Trump's Election What President-Elect Trump's Nominees Mean for Israel, Antisemitism, and More The Abraham Accords, Explained Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: with Hen Mazzig, Einat Admony, and more. People of the Pod:  Honoring Israel's Lone Soldiers This Thanksgiving: Celebrating Service and Sacrifice Away from Home The ICC Issues Arrest Warrants: What You Need to Know What President-Elect Trump's Nominees Mean for Israel, Antisemitism, and More Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. __ Transcript of Conversation with Rob Greenway: Manya Brachear Pashman: The landmark achievement of the first Trump Administration was President Trump's ability to successfully broker peace treaties between Israel and the Arab countries of the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. While much has changed since the September 2020 signing of the Abraham Accords, there are high hopes that a second Trump Administration will once again focus on brokering Arab-Israeli peace. This week, my colleague Benjy Rogers, AJC's Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, invited an expert from the first Trump administration to share his insights on what to expect. Benjy, the mic is yours.    Benjamin Rogers:   What can we expect from the incoming Trump administration, particularly when it comes to the committee's policy and the future of the Abraham Accords and regional integration? To help us break it all down, we're joined by someone who's been at the center of these historic developments, Rob Greenway.  Rob is the director of the Allison Center for National Security at the Heritage Foundation, where he formulates policy to defend American freedom and prosperity. Rob has first hand experience with the Abraham Accords, having served as Deputy Assistant to the President and senior director of the National Security Council's Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Directorate during the first Trump administration.  Rob has more than 30 years in public service, including as President and Executive Director of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, advocating for the expansion of the agreements he helped craft. Rob has also served as Senior Intelligence Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and is a decorated combat veteran within the US Army Special Forces.  Rob, welcome to People of the Pod. We are honored to have you here. Rob Greenway:   It's my great pleasure. Thanks for having me. Benjamin Rogers:   Let's jump right into it. Much has changed in the Middle East since the last Trump administration, while the hope of the Abraham Accords continued into the Biden administration, the horrors of October 7 in its aftermath have transformed the region.  How do you think the next Trump administration will address the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and do you see renewed hope for continuing to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords? Rob Greenway:   It's a great question. I'll start in reverse order, because that's the optimistic part, right? The hope in all of the relatively dark circumstances and the escalation of the conflict that's really accelerated, but didn't begin in October the seventh, but it certainly accelerated dramatically. I certainly judge that there is hope. And there's hope because the shared interest between Israel and its neighboring countries is, in fact, very strong.  And that the US fundamentally, and certainly under a Trump administration, I think, will reprioritize efforts to normalize Israel's relations with its neighbors, to confront shared adversaries, which obviously is Iran, its surrogates and proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah. But also because the economic potential has to be unlocked through integration of Israel and its neighbors and the countries within the region.  They all know this, and they all recognize the intrinsic importance of it, so both for security purposes and for economic reasons, the normalization process will be resumed, certainly under a Trump administration as a matter of policy. It is, in many ways, the solution to the problems we're seeing in the region right now. Benjamin Rogers:   Say a little bit more about that, Rob, if you would, what particular solutions do you think can come as a result of expansion of Abraham Accords, regional integration? Rob Greenway:   Sure. On the one hand, the practical side of it is Israel's defense is better done working with and through with other partners, not just the United States, but its neighbors, so the extent to which cooperation could be expanded, they can jointly meet the threat from Iran, and will, in fact, have to do so.  Iran, unfortunately, has been fed too long by appeasement the last four years. It's flush with cash. It's at nuclear threshold. The only way for Israel to effectively defend itself is more often than not, working with like-minded partners, and certainly the United States. Together, I think it's easier to provide a defense. Remember the ballistic missile attacks against Israel, which now unfortunately, have happened twice. It took a regional neighborhood response to that in order to effectively detect and intercept the range of missiles and drones and cruise missiles coming from Iran. That's a picture of what the potential is and should be.  It's also a strong deterrent. When Israel's standing with its partners and allies in the region, it discourages the escalation that Iran is responsible for. And again, the economic potential is also critical, and it's so important that they would protect and defend the relationship, because it's so vital to all of their future potential. Benjamin Rogers:   I appreciate what you said on defense, and I think that makes a lot of sense, but I want to drill into a little bit more on the economic side of things, because it's easiest to say, hey, look, there's greater ties, there's greater business. This is a region that, little over 10 years ago, went through the Arab Spring. This is a region that is not all the Gulf. This is a region where there's lots of poverty and there's lots of struggles. A region that is impacted by the daily changes throughout the globe. How does economic cooperation address some of those concerns? Address some of those issues? How does a more integrated Middle East, will it actually make your average person on the streets, life better? How do you get there? Rob Greenway:   So first, a couple of points. If you talk to countries in the region. They all share similar concerns. They look a little different, but they have similar concerns. One is the security environment. Again, each of them have a different focus, but they're all concerned about the security environment, largely again, the threat from Iran.  Second is that they've got a domestic population that, in all too many cases, ultimately will have difficulty finding employment for its large youth population, growing population below the age of 25. They're all very cognizant of this, and they know that the solution is economic integration, regionally and perhaps globally. And so they know that they have a problem. They know that the solution is better integration. It's historically not been the case. Intra-GCC trade has always been less than 15% historically, Europe and Russia are probably still trading more than that now, even though they're at war essentially in Europe, but the GCC has not done so, but they know that they can't sustain it. Second, how it helps average individuals. The employment opportunities. And look, it's not just integrating the country's economies. The reality is, the strongest economic potential is allowing market markets to be connected between Europe and Asia, through the Middle East. So to move goods and services between Asian and European markets, the Middle East has to be transited.  If you integrate the countries from a transportation standpoint and from an economic standpoint, the potential becomes vast. That's the real economic promise. Integrating a company's bilateral trade with UAE, with Israel, is absolutely spectacular to watch, but that's the beginning. The end is to better integrate economies and markets globally through which the region is a critical transport link. It can happen. They want it to happen, and I think we can make it happen, and I hope we do.  Benjamin Rogers:   That's fascinating. I think it's just such a stark difference in the way we've been approaching the region recently, which is doom and gloom. This is cause for hope. This is a cause for a way forward.  But October 7, we saw, and you've mentioned this country repeatedly, we saw how spoilers can completely upend this hope. You mentioned a little bit, but can you say a little bit more about how the Trump administration is thinking about countries like the Iranian regime, how the Trump administration will ensure that terror organizations like Hezbollah, like Hamas, will not ever be able to threaten this, this pretty remarkable vision that you're sharing today. Rob Greenway:   It's a great question. Maybe the central question. First, we didn't see this threat manifest itself, even though it was there, latent. It didn't just come into creation on October the seventh. Obviously, it existed during the first Trump term, but it never manifested itself this way because it had boundaries. The boundaries come in two ways. First is an absolute, demonstrable commitment to Israel's security, not question, not speculative, not changing or dynamic as it is now and unfortunately, wanting in too many cases, it was ironclad. Everyone in the region knew it, and everyone saw it, and that's an incredibly important part of deterrence. The second and perhaps even more important is denying resources to your adversaries. It sounds fundamental. You shouldn't pay your enemies to attack you, but that's what appeasement is, and that's what's happened in the last four years of the Biden administration.  You can't give the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism $120 billion of excess revenue and not expect them to engage in terrorism. And so they did. The principal applied the first Trump term will absolutely come back in the second and that's denying them the resources. And so for us, you know, I watched Hezbollah for decades, and to see them ask for members to donate their organs to raise funds at the end of the maximum economic pressure campaign, by the end of 2020, as a sign of success, in a sense that they were they were deprived and unable to conduct attacks and enter into that risk. I know that that will have a similar result. It's going to take a while to get back to it, but I strongly believe it has to happen, and I believe that it will happen. Benjamin Rogers:   Thanks Rob. I want to also dive into what's been front and center on a lot of people's rights now, which is Israeli-Palestinian relations. What do you think the Trump approach will be? And this, to me, is particularly interesting, because, you know, we saw early in the Trump administration, the focus on the deal of the century, focus on peace and prosperity. We saw an initial rejection by the Palestinian Authority, by the PLO to any sort of agreement.  We know that many in the Israeli government have a range of views, quite strong views. And I would say the population as a whole, any mechanisms of peace while an ongoing war is happening, particularly in the aftermath of October 7 and something that is more challenging than ever to talk about. How do you see the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and how do you see a Trump administration approaching it? Rob Greenway:   I believe I've read somewhere. I'm sure you did too. There's nothing new under the sun. And in most cases, there are precedents and examples. Look, for over four decades, people pursued the Israel-Palestine conflict as the central issue in the region, and they made no progress on either front. The region didn't get better, and Israel's relationship with the Palestinians didn't improve, empirically and objectively.  The approach in the Trump administration was, what are the most pressing threats to our interest in the region's interest, including Israel? The answer is Iran, its surrogates and proxies. And ISIS in 2017 as you recall. And so the premise is, start with the highest order of threat. If you get the sequence wrong, you know you're going to inevitably have adverse consequences.  You can't paint the kitchen when your house is on fire. It's not a perfect analogy, but the idea is, we have to deal with the most primary threats first, and if you don't deal with Iran as the principal source of instability in the region, you can't make progress on anything else, including this issue. Second, as we heard from, John Kerry's famous remarks in 2016, deeply held belief then, and I fear still now, you cannot make progress on Israel-Arab relations without making progress on the Palestinian file. And he emphasized, you can't. And obviously you can. We proved it in the form of the Abraham Accords, and President Trump led the way. And I think that will come back again. And that, I think, is the key to success. But everyone I talked to in Israel tells me the same thing, the two state solution is dead after October the seventh. At some point it may resurrect itself. I think at the end of the day, we focus on the primary threat, build a stronger relationship between Israel and its neighbors, and then we can also improve the lives of the Palestinian people in a variety of ways, which the Abraham Accords were designed to do and its members insisted on.  And second, as you mentioned, the peace to prosperity plan, I think we'll end up leveraging the work done there, the fantastic work that Jared did, just he did with the Abraham Accords, and resurrect that for what needs to happen next in places like Gaza and South Lebanon. And I think that will improve the lives of the Palestinian people. So it's a reverse sequencing, essentially. I think that gets to a different outcome. But if you start with an impossible, intractable problem, everything else becomes difficult. Benjamin Rogers:   Fascinating. Saudi Arabia. What do you think can be done? What do you think relations are between the US and Saudi Arabia, between Israel and Saudi Arabia. I know there's been strong comments that have got a lot of attention as of late, but where do you see that relationship going? Rob Greenway:   I think the good news is that President Trump's relationship with the kingdom and with Saudi leadership like the region, was exceptional. His first visit as President of the United States on May 17, was to Riyadh and then to Jerusalem, and then to Rome, very deliberately and very intentionally. And the policies he set forth were what we carried as guidance for the four years that followed. And I think it bore fruit.  That relationship is key, and I think it's going to be restored. It was deeply damaged on a number of fronts under the Biden-Harris administration, I think that damage is going to be undone by a different relationship and approach. And second, look, we've had decades, generations of cooperation with Saudi Arabia, as we have with Israel, and that puts President Trump in a unique position to be able to broker the inevitable peace between the two.  But I think it's something that, like most negotiations, and certainly in the Middle East, we should give space for the new administration to do this privately and not have a public negotiation, because all that's going to do is complicated for all parties, and it'll make the end objective more difficult. I think it'll happen. I think it needs to happen.  Last thing I'll say is, it isn't as much about security, although that's certainly a critical part of it. It's also, again, about managing global markets between the United States and Saudi Arabia, because this is what, obviously, for our purposes and for the region's purposes, we've got to be able to do. As long as China is dependent upon Middle Eastern oil and gas, we've got to be able to exercise some control over it. And we can't let Russia, as an exporter and our partners and allies in the region, manage global exports to China.  So this isn't limited to the region itself. Our relationship with Riyadh is vital. It is strategic. It is necessary. It helped us prevail in the Cold War against the Soviet Union. It'll be absolutely vital in competition with China and with Russia. So it's critical on a number of fronts. President Trump instinctively understands this better than I think anyone, and I think he's in a unique position to close the real deal of the century. Benjamin Rogers:   Staying on this topic, for a little bit, where else, what other countries in the Middle East do you think are going to be of a particular focus to the incoming Trump administration? Rob Greenway:   So not surprisingly, Riyadh would unlikely be the only country to join the Accords, not followed by others. So I could think of most other countries in the Gulf would be good candidates. But I also think it's not limited to the region, right? There are a number of other Muslim majority countries that are not necessarily Arab, that reside outside the region that would be enormously beneficial from an economic standpoint and from a diplomatic standpoint. And we had a number of conversations with many countries that fall into this category.  So there's, I think, a new vista that opens with the successful conclusion of getting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish normalized diplomatic relations. And again, I think if you confront Iran, this becomes possible. If you don't confront Iran, it's virtually impossible. Benjamin Rogers:   I want to zoom out, but before I do, you have, you have explained how you've explained in detail, where the Trump administration may go. You've expressed some criticism of the Biden administration. Is there anything related to Middle East policy that the Biden administration pursued?  Things like the Negev Forum, things like the concept of I2U2, of IMEC, things where do you think those are actually helpful mechanisms that may continue into a Trump administration? Or do you think this is essentially going to be a return to priorities that were started in the first Trump administration? Rob Greenway:   I think it's going to be more of the latter than the former. Negev ultimately was taking the Abraham Accords and introducing it into a multilateral fora. But the attempt, I think, was ultimately not successful, not because of October the seventh, but because one they made it a diplomatic conference, which we deliberately didn't do with the Abraham Accords. We were more focused on getting the businessmen together and the parts of the government that dealt with trade and concrete relationships, because that's what they wanted.  So we didn't try and impose a forum on them. We tried to allow it to grow organically in the areas where they were interested, and, frankly, where you could measure the progress. I mean, as you know, having a diplomatic conference is not a difficult thing to do. Having one with an outcome might be a bit of a challenge. So we were inclined to approach it from an economic perspective. Ultimately, we'd like to see it get to the security domain. I think there is a difference. But again, it's an extension of the Accords that were built during the Trump administration. They also intended to insert the Palestinian issue into the equation, and they worked to get it introduced into the forum. I don't know the wisdom behind it, and ultimately, I think it became an impediment, but I will say that ultimately, they did come to the conclusion the Abraham Accords was a good thing. The Abraham Accords was beneficial to the region, and the region wanted to see the US invested in it.  Unfortunately, I think it came too late, and it was overshadowed by the intrinsic policy contradiction of feeding Iran and attempting to deal with the consequences of it. So you can't feed the greatest threat to instability in the region and attempt to work together towards normalization at the same time, the two objectives are in complete opposition to one another. And so they were working across purposes, and the region saw it, and I think they were unable to get progress because of it.  Sudan is probably the only accord member country that unfortunately has collapsed into virtual civil war, which was again a very tragic and unnecessary result of bad policy choice. And it can and it must be reversed. And I trust the Trump second Trump administration would make that a priority as well. Benjamin Rogers:   I'm happy to hear that, because that's an area that we have focused on, and I think absolutely heartbreaking to see what's unfolding in Sudan right now.  I'd be remiss if I didn't make a plug for AJC Center for a New Middle East, which is something our CEO Ted Deutch announced in June, and essentially our concept is, let's take the decades of trust that AJC has cultivated over the last 70+ years. Let's take the network that we have in places like Europe, in the Middle East, with our office in Abu Dhabi and in Jerusalem. We have offices across Asia. We've got offices in Africa.  How can we use that architecture to be a helpful model in bringing people together? So I wanted to ask you, as someone with so much experience on this, what role do you see for civil society organizations in being able to help cultivate, reinvigorate, bring together more hope to a region that is really reeling? Rob Greenway:   Having come from the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, where this was our purpose, and having worked with your offices and your organization and many others, I'm convinced that there is an absolute necessity for private organizations to help contribute to and to ensure that there's continuity and successes are sustained. Especially in the people to people contact, but areas like education, in sports and athletics, enormous potential. And it will require private organizations. This is one of many areas where government doesn't do it well. So I think government has opened a door. It can open others.  Private organizations ultimately are going to determine success and failure, and that includes, of course, businesses. So I think it's absolutely essential, and I think that organizations like AJC and others are uniquely positioned to be able to translate the potential into concrete success in a number of different fronts that either government can't do or it's just not well equipped to do.  So 100% agree, and in fact, again, this is too, where more people external to the region can really make a contribution, and small ways can have a massive impact. And we had the luxury of being able to work on a number. And we saw the fruits of that, and I think we'll continue to see. Some of them take decades to materialize, but it's worth it. Benjamin Rogers:   Amazing. Thanks, Rob. So I promised I would zoom out a little bit, because I know you're not only an expert in the Middle East, but look at the whole globe. Outside of the Middle East, where do you think when it comes to foreign affairs, the Trump administration will be focused?  How will it address issues like Russia, Ukraine? How will it address issues like China?  Rob Greenway:   So if you just consider the staggering array of security challenges that the new Trump administration is going to inherit and confront, it can be overwhelming. For two reasons. First, because it's happening on virtually every continent, right, in every cardinal direction you look, there's not just a crisis, but in many cases, a conflict that is unprecedented or hasn't been seen at this level in a generation. First land war in Europe since the Second World War, a Middle East that hasn't been this unstable since, I think at least 1979, perhaps earlier. These are generational challenges. And I could add to that, of course, China in both the first second island chains and the potential threat against Taiwan. Massive challenges to the international order and the US vital national security interests.  Number two, they're not just connected in a temporal space. Yes, unfortunately, Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, are working together in unprecedented ways. The provision of ballistic missiles and drones from Iran, nuclear technology going in the other direction. All horrible. But the fact that they are connected in ways that are impossible to segregate, so you can't solve one problem while you're waiting to solve the other two. Because the solution to each is integrated to the problem in the other.  And energy, as I mentioned already, is just one of those ways, and perhaps one of the most important.  So if you want to restore maximum economic pressure against Iran–and we have to–you're going to be taking them gradually off the international market. Without disrupting prices in everyone's economies, including ours, you've got to compensate for it. There are ways to do it, but Russia is an exporter too, and China is a consumer. So you think about the sequencing behind how to confront these challenges, it is going to be absolutely one of the most complex I think any presidential administration has faced. And again, economic insecurity is integral. And I say that too, because the Trump administration thankfully at the top, with the President himself and many of his trusted advisors and cabinet officials come from a business background, and they understand the economics, because that's the world in which they grew up in. As well as the security domain.  And I think they're uniquely configured to be able to solve this. And they have the experience of working in these regions. A daunting series of challenges. And I think all of us watching this progress need to give them time and patience, because the scope of these challenges are massive. And I didn't mention, you know, the interior crisis at the border and the millions of illegal immigrants, tens of thousands of which are terrorists or known criminals. And that just adds to the complexity, and also can't be addressed in isolation. So massive challenges, all of them connected, security and economic standpoint, and it's going to take time, but this team and the president, I think, are uniquely postured to be able to do it. Benjamin Rogers:   Rob, I really want to thank you for everything today. Before we conclude, any final thoughts? Rob Greenway:   So I'd like to end again on a positive note, because it's easy to get distracted with the crises. The solution to these problems are what make them possible. Seeing the potential is what gives you the drive, the resolve, to fix it, and it also makes it possible. So if there wasn't a good solution to these problems, they would persist.  The reality is that integrating the Middle East and Israel and its neighbors and connecting global markets is key to solving these problems. It's also what's going to prevent it from happening again. If we can lean into it and do it successfully and follow through on what was started, we'll be able to see not only a cessation of these problems, we'll be able to see a real improvement in regional quality of life, and hopefully peace and prosperity will again dominate, rather than conflict and chaos.  Benjamin Rogers:   Alright Rob, thank you so much for your time. We really appreciate it. Rob Greenway:   My great pleasure. Thanks for having me.

DS FEMA Prepares the New Madrid Quake (audio) David 11/20/24 (David's notes in red) (Note: The recent history of FEMA shows that it stages their troops around a disaster the DS are planning to cause so they can steal the resources, especially lithium. They then rob and kill and traffic the people just like in North Carolina and south, Lahaina Hawaii, Paradise, etc.     FEMA Setting Up Around New Madrid Fault Line — They Are Going to Set it Off! RichieFromBoston (11/15/2024): beforeitsnews.com/prophecyFEMA-NewMadridFaultLine  (In part below) It's the 15th of November 2024. I have talked to a whole bunch of people that live in the area in Michigan, two people that work at the airport in Michigan and three people that are actively doing search and rescue down in Asheville, NC. I've spoken to these people, these are not videos that I've seen, etc. There are no FEMA trucks at the airport in Michigan, yet. This is what I got. (Reading from an email) “Richie, I've been a subscriber for a long time. Nothing is onsite currently, but we'll share when it does happen. Local citizens have been wondering about the same question as you and your followers have about this topic…” So I wanted to know, are they there as of yet, right now? And no, they're not. But here's what's going on at the FEMA camp that they say doesn't exist down in North Carolina. He plays video clip - Transcript: FEMA Supervisor: (Being recorded) “I can't tell you.” Local guy: “You can't tell me, or you don't know?” FEMA Supervisor: “Can't tell you.” Local guy: “Because they're saying they're FEMA and they're not.” FEMA Supervisor: “Ok. Have you called your local law enforcement?” Local guy: “No, we've called Washington, DC and FEMA said no, we don't have a site there.” FEMA Supervisor: “They'll never tell you where we are.” “We've had congressmen run up on our people and talk to them crazy. We've had people jump out with machine guns and AK's and machetes and handguns and all types of stuff. So, we're jumpy as hell right now.” Local guy: “Oh, I get it; I believe it.” “Well, nobody here to my knowledge wants to hurt you. It's up in the mountains where people want to stay alone. ‘Leave us alone,' you know, ‘We don't need your help.' FEMA Supervisor: “We've been up there too.” Local guy: “I was trying to clean things up because, for one, your safety and ours (FEMA interjects: “it's important,”) is reflected on somewhere where they're saying they're doing something, and if they're not really doing that, then that affects us and you.”  FEMA Supervisor: “An excellent way to find out if you've got a legitimate federal employee is say, ‘Hey, can I take a picture of your badge?' and watch that person step out…” Local guy: “Right.” “That's the thing, multiple times, this same facility with other people…” FEMA Supervisor: “We've had problems with that facility where people were going in, they had on body cams, they had fake uniforms on with ‘FEMA'. And they were going through asking questions and walking through. So the reason why is because the security already had to deal with that and had to do a security sweep. So they're very alert, extremely alert. A lot of those guys come out of a correctional office, probably correctional jails, and federal facilities. So they're jumpy as hell and they're looking for a reason to box somebody up. They want that body.” End of clip. Back to Richie: You see what he says here? Correctional officers, federal facilities. They're jumpy as hell. They're looking for a reason to box somebody up. They want that body. They want to kill somebody. He shows another video here: This is from JW TV. Somebody sent me this footage earlier, but it's easier where I'm at in my current studio to steal his video. JW. TV. He drives around in the van and makes videos. But this is the FEMA facility in North Carolina and its massive and it looks exactly what was described that's going to be at the airport in Michigan. And I know the reason why; I know the exact reason why. This makes complete military sense. You see this? There's no homeless people, there's no people that were being rescued from the waters. There's no homeless children here. You know what I mean? They're not helping people here. They're staging. They're staging here... Well, let me explain it to you. (He shows a map with a circular colored graph around the New Madrid noting ‘slight damage', ‘moderate damage', ‘severe damage' and ‘catastrophic damage' that the effect of an earthquake would make in circumference to the epicenter.) He goes on to say, pointing on the map, they're staging here, and then they're going to stage here. Michigan is up here in the ‘slight damage' or ‘Green Zone', and down here in North Carolina is also the Green Zone. They're going to set off the New Madrid fault line. I said this about a month or so ago when the rain started. I said these guys are purposefully flooding out the entire New Madrid fault line (zone). They're oversaturating the land with water, and they've been doing drills there four times this year. (Saturation by weather manipulation empowers the quake. They are trying to saturate areas they want to spread the damage to. Water is heavy and it does not compress.) In 2024, the Army Corps of Engineers have done drills there. They're drilling there because they're going to set it off and they're going to set it off because of many things. It'll kill a lot of people. They're not there to help people. They're not staging ahead of time because they know an earthquake is coming. It doesn't work like that. They're going to set it off and maybe this will help you make more sense out of it. Check this out. Another video clip The Caption above in video: “The operation involved military grade logistics, including the coordination of routes, detention facilities, and staging points. Our source confirmed that FEMA's actions in Michigan are following this same exact blueprint. The maps don't lie.” Transcript: “But we're going to take whatever we have and head out to the second safest state, second or first safest state in the United States when it comes to disasters. Now, I know I keep saying that, but that's very important. But how would they know that the New Madrid fault line is ready to go in a very big way? Well you see, they, like I said, they have been running constant drills on this fault line as of 2024. More than they've ever done in previous years, and FEMA has actually been crunching the numbers. They've been crunching the totals of how much everything will cost; the disasters, the people that would lose their lives and so forth. The University of Kentucky created a 57-page PDF that calculates and tells us everything that would occur if an 8.0 or greater earthquake were to strike the New Madrid fault line. And I'll go ahead and pin that in the comment section below and also pin that in the description of this video. That PDF will be very, very important.” “So what is the goal here? What is the agenda? Why do certain organizations know that this fault line is going to go well in advance. Well, let's go ahead and take a look at something. This simulation, and like I said, there's been a lot of simulations in 2024 on the New Madrid fault line computer and physical simulations. But let's take a look at this computer simulation created by the USGS on April 4, 2024. Take a look at the simulation. You can see the earthquake starting in Blytheville, and as the earthquake starts to spread out, the heaviness of this earthquake, the intensity of the earthquake starts to fade away, heading in multiple locations. But the brunt of this earthquake, the intensity of this earthquake,  heads directly to Little Rock, AR; South Arkansas.” “Now, isn't it rather interesting that a month ago news broke out, letting us all know that Arkansas has a giant hidden source of lithium? (The same reason they struck NC.) Matter of fact, Arkansas has the world's most lithium. Looking at this map, this is where the world's most lithium is located, and looking at the USGS simulation of this earthquake well, again this is where the intensity of this earthquake will be heading. Is this a coincidence? I don't know.” “Well, here is a rather interesting article by the USGS. The same USGS that gave us this very interesting simulation. This article was published on October 21, 2024, a little less than a month ago. It is titled: Unlocking Arkansas' Hidden Treasure: USGS Uses Machine Learning to Show Large Lithium Potential in the Smackover Formation. This Smackover Formation again, is located in South Arkansas. Reading from the article, it says using a combination of water testing and machine learning, a U.S. Geological Survey led study estimated between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium reserves are located beneath Southwestern Arkansas. If commercially recoverable, the amount of lithium present would meet projected 2030 world demand for lithium in car batteries 9 times over.” End of video clip Back to Richie: OK, because of my limited studio right here, you're gonna have to look up the Army Corps of Engineers doing 4 separate drills on the New Madrid fault line this year alone. The army doesn't do that. They'll do a drill. You get one and that's it. They're doing this drill, where they should be over in Asheville, recovering people, but they're not going to recover people. I spoke to somebody who's been doing real search and rescue in Asheville the entire time. They've got over 10,000 bodies. The MSM doesn't even talk about it anymore and they left off telling us a number of 200. Ten thousand people got murdered. These people were standing there and all of a sudden a wall of water just washes them away. I mean, it's horrific; it's heart wrenching. And they're going to do this to a massive area and they're going to do this soon because, A: They're staging FEMA. There'll be another state over here in the Green Zone that we won't hear about because the guy that works at the airport up in Michigan spilled the beans. How do we know that? Because he was giving a press conference. He was just talking matter of fact, no big deal. ‘Yeah, FEMA is coming here, they're taking over the building. We have got to move someplace else.' Well, they're going to be above, all the way around it… (the New Madrid Seismic zone.) And now all of a sudden they cannot stop, absolutely oversaturating the land that they're simultaneously doing drills on, that they're coincidentally staging all the way around. They're going to do this, and they're going to do it soon because they got the land prepared and they're prepping. (For the Big One.) They're preparing. They're not preparing for you. You heard the dude, you heard the FEMA supervisor. “All the people we've got here at the FEMA campground, they're just looking to put somebody in a box.” They're looking to ‘body', somebody. What!? You know what I'm saying? (Although the New Madrid zone will go off, God's angels are taking out FEMA murderers.) But this is where we live. Agenda 2030 has sped up. (I removed here his opinion that Trump must somehow be involved in this, which is false.)  Trump didn't mention the DoD directive, September 27, 2024, where troops can fire on American citizens. … (The DS has made it legal to kill citizens.) This is a new map, FEMA, I mean. FEMA basically just put this out. You see what I'm saying? But listen to this: Continuation of previous video clip Transcript: “…2030 and we do know that the United Nations has a 2030 agenda, that they are really pushing and we know that they are expediting the 2030 agenda because the World Economic Forum and the United Nations met in September of 2024 to speed up the 2030 Agenda. But make no mistake about it, this lithium is not just for electric car batteries. It's also for these Smart Cities, it's for these robots; it's for a lot of other technology that will be pushed on us, and they really need it for their 2030 agenda. They need a lot of it.” “So we have the same USGS finding anywhere between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium that will help supply the world 9 times over to help push along the 2030 agenda. While at the same time they are saying this is the exact location they are projecting to take the brunt of a New Madrid earthquake. You can't make it up. You cannot make this up even if you wanted to. And at the same time you have FEMA located in a state perfectly nestled in a spot to where they can roll out to these states that were affected by the New Madrid earthquakes.” Back to Richie: Now FEMA is positioning himself all the way around the New Madrid Fault line (zone), and it isn't to help you, it isn't to help you. You've already seen all the military trucks. You see what's going on. You have to. If you live in this area, revert back to what I've been telling you for the last 15 years and prepare yourselves. Prepare yourselves in every way you possibly can, but the most important way possible, the most important thing you can do is prepare yourself spiritually. I cannot stress that enough…     DS Scientists Conspire to Set Off Huge Earthquakes Sandy Shaw - 10/18/11 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was sitting and listening to a group of scientists argue and they were talking over my head with their scientific words. Half of the scientists were arguing, "We should not do that because we don't know what the ramifications of that are, nor do we know what chain reactions will take place". In the dream, I didn't know what "that" was referring to. The other half of the scientists begin arguing that they do know the outcome of that, as they have calculations and results from the previous times they have done it. One man from the group speaking against it interjected loudly with, "Not of this magnitude!". (Magnitude of course speaks of earthquakes. Will they set off a “chain reaction” of faults that all effect one another. They prepared them to do this. Sandy Shaw and Rick Sergent had almost the same revelation that quakes would cross the US in a chain reaction. Eve Brast had a revelation that 7 big quakes would go around the world. I believe they would use here a combination of HAARP, fracking, and their underground tunneling and explosions down those tunnels to connect faults as they have already done. Two of our brethren watched them deep penetration bombing the eastern fault line to get a portion of it ready. Also, they would use their Tesla frequency earthquake machines that they have underground.) There are many scriptures, dreams and visions that speak of Jesus coming in the Man-child body of reformers at the time of large earthquakes crossing the US. From scripture we see that history always repeats. Ecc 1:9 That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us. Jesus was the first New Testament Man-child who was a type for the coming Man-child body of reformers. Scripture shows that Jesus died with an “earthquake” and was risen to the throne with a “great earthquake” after three days. Jesus' resurrection was also accompanied by the “out resurrection” of saints who appeared to the people and history repeats. Php 3:11 if by any means I may attain unto the out-resurrection from the dead. (The Numeric pattern is in the original Greek words out-resurrection. Isa 64:1-4, Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence, (God's presence is coming with quakes. He is coming in His Man-child body by Word and Spirit, as it was with Jesus, as time will surely tell. They will come world-wide because the Church is now world-wide.) 2 as when fire kindleth the brushwood, and the fire causeth the waters to boil; to make thy name known to thine adversaries (This will be a great judgment on the wicked of the U.S. and the world.), that the nations may tremble at thy presence! (A great revival will spring from this. Many lost or apostate will turn to the Lord of the Bible.) 3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains quaked at thy presence. 4 For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. (The righteous will be exonerated as judgment finally comes to the wicked who oppressed them.) Psa 97:5 The mountains melted like wax (Volcanic activity often follows earthquakes.) at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. I received this text that points out that when the Lord comes in spiritual Judah as the Man-child, the waters recede. Psa 114:1-8 When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language; 2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. 3 The sea saw it, and fled; The Jordan was driven back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs. (The presence of the Lord causes earthquakes and the sea to flee away.) 5 What aileth thee, O thou (Red) sea, that thou fleest? Thou Jordan, that thou turnest back? (Looks like an earthquake and tsunami.) 6 Ye mountains, that ye skip like rams; Ye little hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters. I received this about a witness showing the gulf waters receding at least a half a mile out of Tampa Bay and Coral bay and other areas for over 12 hours. (This is proof that God can do this. This was seen in areas of the world where there wasn't a hurricane too, like it was at the Red Sea)  HURRICAN IAN UPDATE - NO WATER AT THE COAST IN THE GULF OF MEXICO We will notice that the great shaking is accompanied by the coming of Jesus in the Man-child and the change of fortunes for God's people as they go into the wilderness. It is all coming soon and we need to be ready. Hag 2:7 and I will shake all nations; and the precious (or desire) things (Things has No numeric pattern) of all nations shall come (Jesus in the Man-child is typed by Zerubbabel in this chapter and He comes with the shaking.); and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts (As we have seen Cyrus conquered Babylon and freed God's people giving a gift of Babylon's gold and silver to rebuild the temple which is now God's people) 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place (The true house of God) will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts. This shaking of all nations happens at the birth of the Man-child reformer ministry. It is only to happen once more since the time Paul wrote of it in Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven: 26 whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made (I.e. by man), that those things which are not shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (The Kingdom of heaven is where God rules and we submit.), let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: Back to 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? (i.e. The Church, the house of God, is a fake mess because it has departed from His Word.) 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel (meaning: "born from Babylon" who represents the first fruits Man-child leadership to come out of Babylon apostasy to rebuild the Kingdom), saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; 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 (through the Red Sea where the wicked were judged), 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 (As we saw this was also spoken of by Paul in Hebrews 12:25-29 as the great shaking that separated those manmade church kingdoms who could be shaken from those who could not for they are in the Kingdom of God.); and the precious (desired) [things] (not numeric) of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. (This is the glory of the Lord's presence in the rebuilt temple of God's people) 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts. (Cyrus'/ Trumps gift.) 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, (Because the Latter Rain is greater than the Former Rain) saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts... 21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; 22 and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms (The Deep State throne in the nations is falling now); and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; (The beast army is destroyed as at the Red Sea), every one by the sword of his brother (As when the nations came against Jerusalem, the Bride). 23 In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts. (A signet is a sign of Authority such as Mordecai and Joseph received as types of the Man-child body.) I am convinced that we must be entitled to the Passover of this judgment, which was paid for by Jesus, when it does come. Make sure your heart is right with God and your brethren by abiding in Jesus Christ.)   Earthquakes & Refuge Dream by Sandy Shaw - May 2011 Notes: [David | Deb Horton] In a dream, I saw the NYC skyline from a distance and it was shaking. All the skyscrapers and buildings were going back and forth. (This is the eastern fault line and the second most populous area in the US. God heard the prayers and it will not happen except for a small portion around TN.) I was taken near to the center of the nation where I could see both coasts of the country and I was hovering over a large crack in the ground. (New Madrid) I was facing south, with the Great Lakes behind me and the crack went all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The ground began shaking and the new cracks began forming going back toward the East coast, moving in all directions like a fan very quickly. The shaking was constant from this point on but at different times it slowed down, becoming soft like tremors, and at other times it was shaking hard, violently. As the cracks were moving, they reached about half of the distance of the large crack (New Madrid) and then my attention was drawn to the right of me and I looked west of the New Madrid crack and saw cracks going in all directions toward the West Coast. They were cracks of many different sizes and they stopped at different places as they hit other cracks and then headed in different directions and some went all the way to the San Andreas fault in California. As these cracks hit the San Andreas, the ground was rising and falling to meet each other like hands coupling together as they join and then separate. California was shaking hard and at the same time so was the New Madrid area. The cracks began separating the areas where Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky meet and went all the way over to North Carolina. These cracks and many more are what isolate the boat-shaped piece of land in the Tennessee Valley and then I saw the crack around the boat fill with water. (Note: Although this italicized portion is a true prophetic dream, by God's grace it will not come to pass at this time, to the DS's dismay.) This is where I turned around to look at the Great Lakes, or where they were supposed to be, and all the water began rushing down, filling up all the areas in the center of the nation that have been affected by all the quakes.   It emptied these areas that split the U.S. Water flooded in from the Gulf of Mexico, as well. When all the flooding was done, many portions of the US were under water (the map below of dark areas roughly drawn). (Sandy said some of this water may be temporary but some will stay.) (This Italicised is not coming now.) ...During this dream, everything was happening in fast motion, but I knew that in reality it would happen over a slightly longer period of time. (We have heard that the Craton plate is drifting to the West, which would open up some faults that were before slip faults. This could be happening over a short period of time.) I had the exact same dream three times over a period of three months. This is important. Joseph said: Gen.41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. To sum this up, Sandy said that the New Madrid began to quake and then the West coast began to shake and Tennessee shook. Sandy said this sequence would happen over a longer period of time than in her dream but she didn't believe it was a very long period.     Confirmation of Earthquake Sequence Rick Sergent In March of 2011, I was given this vision from the Lord: I saw the word “Earthquake” suspended over a map of the United States. Three golden rods came from the word Earthquake. (Again, the Italicised is not coming now) One pointed to what I thought was just north of Washington, D.C. but was difficult to determine because it was more like a geography map and not showing cites. (The Eastern fault literally damaged the Washington Monument but the Lord annulled this major quake.) The second pointed to the Midwest (the New Madrid) and the third pointed to California. This seems to indicate the possibility of a series of quakes indicated in Sandy Shaw's dream, in a simpler form in my vision. (She mentioned these same places plus a lesser-known seismic zone in a boat shape in the TN Valley. I believe FEMA will not operate in the TN valley because Tren De Aragua terrorists have been sent instead. https://fox17.com/news/local/tbi-names-major-cities-in-tenn-infiltrated-by-violent-venezuelan-gang  However the Lord has said His angels have taken them down in Nashville and in Knoxville and Chattanooga in the East TN Valley.)     Confirmation Alenna Timoshchuk - 9/5/21 (David's notes in red) In my dream I started watching the weather report. I saw a map of the United States. There were three red dots on the right side of the U.S. going in a line from up to down. (This confirms Sandy's N.Y. quake dream that revealed that the large quakes would begin on the East Coast at NY in the U.S. This one was prayed down when the asteroid was to hit the fault line at Puerto Rico but God veered it out into space.) Then many red, zig zag lines spread out from each dot. It showed a great earthquake that was about to happen. (This is the New Madrid quake that is coming.) The weather man mentioned 3 states but I only remember Virginia and Louisiana, although when I looked up the map, Louisiana didn't make sense to me because that's not where the third dot was in the image I saw in my dream. (I believe her red dot was on the upper part of the eastern fault line. This old fault line is the NY/Alabama anomaly which goes through “Virginia” (confirmed) and it was found later to go through Alabama to “Louisiana” (confirmed) and into the Gulf where the BP oil well blew out under extreme pressure. This may have well lubricated this fault. I believe only a portion of this fault line will fall away which is where our two brethren saw them bunker buster bombing it in the Eastern TN Valley. But also Louisiana is around the Mississippi River coming from the New Madrid.) Then I saw the U.S. splitting from the point where those 3 dots (now 2 dots) were, moving in the shape of an L, going upwards. I was paying close attention to part of Tennessee because it looked like it was becoming an island (The TN Valley becomes a peninsula, almost an island.), and I wanted to make sure the state where we lived would be okay. Then I woke up. (Heb 12:26, ...Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven.) More confirmations of the Lord coming in His Man-child body of reformers in the midst of great earthquakes. Psa 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations also of the mountains quaked And were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, And fire out of his mouth devoured: Coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; And thick darkness was under his feet. Isa 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more rare than fine gold, even a man than the pure gold of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will make the heavens to tremble, and the earth shall be shaken out of its place, in the wrath of Jehovah of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (The Day of the Lord's wrath is twice, after the tribulation of the Bride at the beginning of the tribulation and after the tribulation of the Church at the end of the tribulation.) Isa 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs: Glory to the righteous. But I said, I pine away, I pine away, woe is me! the treacherous have dealt treacherously (The DS Judas' destroy their own people.); yea, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously. 17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. 18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble. 19 The earth is utterly broken, the earth is rent asunder, the earth is shaken violently. 20 The earth shall stagger like a drunken man, and shall sway to and fro like a hammock; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again. (I believe we have learned that it will fall past the 23.5 degree where it is now.) 21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will punish the host of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. (The DS leadership is being destroyed) 22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall they be visited. (At the end of 1000 years they will be visited and brought to the Great White Throne Judgment.) This text is spoken against the King of Babylon DS, in Isa 14:4, the DS leadership, who are satanists under satan. Satan was cast down from heaven with his angels in Rev 12 by the warfare of the saints and also in Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations! (As Satan has used Babylonish DS to do using the might of the U.S.) 13 And thou saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God (usurping authority over the saints.); and I will sit upon the mount of congregation (He wants Mt. Zions authority), in the uttermost parts of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to Sheol, to the uttermost parts of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall gaze at thee, they shall consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (Notice: A “man” representing a corporate man in the earth inhabited by Satan.) 17 that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the cities thereof; that let not loose his prisoners to their home? 18 All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, every one in his own house. 19 But thou art cast forth away from thy sepulcher like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, that are thrust through with the sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a dead body trodden under foot. 20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, thou hast slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall not be named for ever. Joel 3:15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 16 And Jehovah will roar from Zion (Notice His presence is on the earth in Zion.), and utter his voice from Jerusalem (The Bride); and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. Nah 1:5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him. 7 Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him. As in Psalm 91; claim it.

The Lord had miraculously and faithfully proven His Personal provision to Israel, but after the Red Sea, they started to complain and doubt Him. When the Amalekites attacked them, Moses relied on God's power to give them victory, utilizing the support of others. When Israel won because of the Lord's help, Moses built an altar called "The Lord is my Banner". indicating their humble confidence in Him, and seeking His leadership, protection and victory going forward.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itqWo65r-tE&t=1265s

The Old Testament Law given to Moses after Israel's deliverance from Egypt was filled with rituals and sacrifices. All of this was designed to teach God's people two very basic principles. These principles are fundamental for any civilization that seeks to perpetuate itself. The first principle is to comply with righteous and just rules that transcend human desires. For Israel, this meant they could have the favor, protection and leadings of God if they remained in harmony with His commands. This required sacrifices. The second principle is to live with humble gratitude for the freedoms that righteousness and justice provide. Israel was to learn this power of thankfulness by practicing heart gratitude towards God for all of His mercies. All of this required animal sacrifices. Why? In the Old Testament, it is hard to avoid animal sacrifices. They first appear in Genesis after Adam and Eve sinned. The Bible tells us God provided them with animal skins as clothing. This would be an obvious reference to the fact that covering humanity's sins could only be done through a sacrifice. This one example lays out how God would illustrate the need for justice to be satisfied up until Jesus came. What about the Tabernacle? When Israel was wandering in the wilderness, God instructed them to build the Tabernacle. This would be their portable place of worship. It would be the place where God's presence could be felt, and His favor would be evident. It was within this structure that many different kinds of sacrifices took place. There were sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings and wave offerings just to name a few. As we look at this from our 21st century perspective, we wonder why. What was the point of all these rituals? This is a really good question. Though detailed, the answer is even better. Let's start with the sin offering made on the annual Day of Atonement. These were the very basis of all the rest of the sacrifices, as they were in place to satisfy justice, to cover the people's sins. The sin offering made annually was a specific requirement to maintain God's favor. Without them, any and all other offerings could not have been acceptable to God. Comprehending the importance of this piece helps us grasp how the other pieces fit into the puzzle. Check out our November 04, 2024 podcast, “What's the Difference Between Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings?” for more. We clearly define the how and why of the sin offerings, including what they represented for Christians. We then look into how the burnt offerings are different and what they represent for us as well. Further, we examine what a peace offering is and how it's given based on these other sacrifices. What we find is a startling explanation that unfolds how God's plan unfolds through Jesus. The connections are amazing! Join us as we make what sound like complex ancient rituals simple and meaningful!

In Samson's life, we saw the glorious character of God revealed. When Israel was unfaithful, God remained a covenant-keeper. He disciplined Israel and sent the help they didn't ask for. When Manoah's vision was small, God revealed himself as "too wonderful." He accepted their offering and promised a baby boy. When Samson wanted to marry a Philistine, God's plans were not thwarted. He used Samson to judge the Philistines, removing a portion of their fighting men and destroying their food supply. Samson's life also pointed to Jesus, our better judge. Jesus was also announced by an angel as the Promised Son and Deliverer. Jesus never defiled himself, as Samson did. He died to make others pure. Jesus was not content that his people should live under oppression. He paid the price to deliver us from bondage to sin. Jesus did not forsake his bride when she turned traitor, but he was forsaken on the cross so that she might be with him forever. “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” —Psalm 145:3

A Fake Christianity (2)   (audio)   David Eells 10/27/24   I'm going to continue to speak to you about a fake Christianity in the church. I've got some revelations to share of judgments coming to the fake church and a powerful Word at the end.      Babylon's Mega Church Destroyed   Garrett Crawford - 02/3/2007 (David's notes in red)   I took a nap for a few hours. During this nap I dreamt I was in a shopping mall; this was like a mega mall. As I was walking through it I saw all sorts of stores and restaurants. While I was in what seemed to be the food court, I saw a woman that was scantily clad standing in front of a restaurant entrance. I think this was a steak house, but I am not totally certain. It seemed her job was to entice people to come into the restaurant. (After much meditation on this I feel this is symbolic. The restaurant that served steak represents serving the flesh, and the harlot trying to entice people to come in is like the foolish woman in Proverbs 9:14-15 who sits at the door calling the simple to come in and sin with her.)   After the encounter with the woman in front of the restaurant something led me to go outside. I began riding a bike around the building and I was accompanied by another guy my age and he was on a bike as well. On one side of the mall, we came to this big, huge construction project. It was an addition to the mall, but it was a church! It was really big, 3 or 4 stories tall, which wasn't completely finished yet. While I was walking through it I saw a group of men that were standing around and admiring the uncompleted structure. They were going to be members of the church once it was built. They thought that this church was going to be the best thing ever. I questioned their discernment because building a church and connecting it to a mall seemed very wrong.   When I voiced my opinion on the matter they quickly scorned me and started making excuses why this was needed. I was really turned off by the idea of this church to say the least, but they seemed to love it and could not wait until it was open to the public. While I was standing in the unfinished building's nursery or children's room, I was given a vision. In an instant the scenery changed, the room I was standing in was finished, it had drywall, carpet, and the walls were freshly painted. I was shown how it would look when finished. I had the revelation at this time that around 3 months after being completed the whole church building would be destroyed by God. I was amazed at this revelation, probably because this was no small project, and all the work these men were doing was basically in vain, because they would only get about 3 months' use out of this church building.   (The mall represents the business of buying and selling in the new World Babylonish Religion that is being built. The enticing woman represents their tolerance teachings that appeal to the lusts of the flesh, which will draw in apostate Christianity. 2Pe.2:18 For, uttering great swelling [words] of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.   20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. 21 For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. The restaurant is where they feed appealing food, a fleshly, letter-understanding of the Word.   The church front on the mall is a way to trap the religious people into a system that is of the world. When their discernment was questioned by the real Church, meaning “called out ones”, they moved quickly to persecution as it will be. Garrett said that something led him to go outside where he rode a bicycle. This represents those who will inspect but depart from their religious system. The bicycle represents coming to a true balance. Rev.18:4 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.   God will use the beast to destroy their Babylonish temple not long after it is completed whether this is a literal three months or three years. Rev.17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest, and the beast, these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her utterly with fire.)      Jezebel Churches     Darrell Simer - 08/01/2008 (David and R.V.'s notes in red)   These following two dreams are connected and show the sad state of the Jezebel Church.      First dream   I see the beautiful young girl in her mid-20s, and she appears to be dressed in an old-fashioned Spanish or ballroom-type dress; she is dancing and doing spiritual battle and making proclamations. She has this long, elegant sword that she is dancing around with, to make her proclamations. I get right up to her and I notice the sword is made out of PLASTIC; it was just a toy. End of dream. (David: The Spirit in this dream seems to be saying that the making of proclamations in the church by the spirit of Jezebel is powerless; play acting. (R.V.: After reading the first dream the Lord spoke to me and said, “This is the present condition of the church that comes to Me day in and day out, and they think for their fancy outward appearance and knowledge of My word they can wield my Word and have the victory... I say unto them their words will fall at their feet and will not accomplish that which they speak, for with their mouth they speak great flowing, flowery words but they are void of My Spirit and anointing.”   Psa.5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue. Psa.59:7 Behold, they belch forth with their mouth; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?” 8 But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. Jer.9:7 Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, I will refine them and assay them; For what else can I do, because of the daughter of My people? 8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow; It speaks deceit; With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor, But inwardly he sets an ambush for him. 9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “On a nation such as this Shall I not avenge Myself?” Isa.29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, “Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men”)   Second dream   I am sitting on the right side of the second row, up front in a church setting. This woman speaker is going over the announcements of the church events and then pulls out this paper, saying, “Someone else please read this”, and then hands it to this girl sitting in front of me. She sticks out her hand and says, “Oh! No, no, I don't want to stand up and read in front of all these people”. So the paper is placed in my hands. (R.V.: This body is out of order with its head as a woman. He has revealed to them their error but they do not want to turn: Rev.2:20 But I have [this] against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication (which is receiving the seed or word of the world), and to eat things sacrificed to idols (of man's religious organizations). 21 I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.   22 Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. The Word is the Word is the Word and He will not change it for anyone; passing the buck to someone else will not be an excuse. He revealed His will to the woman and how out of order she was. She decided to hand it to another woman, but He revealed the same thing to her. At this point they chose to hand off to a man.) (David: Isa.3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. 1Ti.2:12 But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.)   Back to Darrell's dream: I looked at her and said the same thing: “I don't want to stand up and read in front of all these people”. I turn to my wife (who's very knowledgeable with big words) and ask her if she will read it, she says, “No, it was handed to you. You read it”. (R.V.: The man wants to hand off to his wife but she knows her place and refuses to usurp his authority. This is a type of how the true body is to operate. 1Cor.11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.)   I don't want to read in front of everybody either, but I know it must be read, so I stand up to read it to the assembly and I notice the words are extremely long and most of the words I don't even know, much less try to pronounce. So I tell everyone, “Please bear with me and I will do my best at reading this”. I look at the paper and I tell everyone, “Say, if you all don't mind, I'm going to read it, but I'm going to use my prayer language”. (David: In other words, I am going to let the Spirit speak.) (R.V.: Rom.8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 1Cor.14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful”. When one prays in their spirit it bypasses the mind and allows one to pray without flesh and therefore not tainted by the mind and what it knows.)   All of a sudden the spirit of GOD comes upon me and instead of reading the paper I give a word of knowledge and sense I'm rebuking the entire assembly. I find myself listening to the words coming out of my own mouth and I am quoting scripture word for word. (David: If the anointed men will take their position by faith, the Word of the Lord will come forth from them and it won't just be a lifeless exercise.) (R.V.: This is a true dream from the Lord and it reveals the condition of the present-day church and the Jezebel it has turned into, and its pride of wanting to remain as it is and not turn or repent. This open rebuke is an end-of-the-hour cry of the Lord to His body to turn and repent or His hand of judgment is coming to her. He will put a hook in her jaw and take her to a place she wishes not to go and a fate that will shake her dry bones and harlotry to the core.)   Luk.13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'”      Spiritual Earthquake for the Church     Sean Starr - circa 05/14/2012 (David's notes in red)   5/14 is a clue because this is when we had a spiritual earthquake at local UBM in 2011 and God separated some factious people from us. It appears this is coming to the whole church.   From an elevated view (a spiritual view) I looked down at an angle upon a big city at night. The city's many, very tall high-rise buildings were center point of my view. (The city could well represent Babylonish U.S.) I understood that there was going to be a great earthquake that would have devastating effects and great casualties. I had the sense that I had been repeating the warning, but if not, I was certainly heeding it, as it was my intention to keep my distance from ‘the strike zone.' (Come out from among them, saith the Lord.) It was also in the back of my mind as to the certainty of the warning - would this be another ‘Jonah prophecy' or Micah's 3rd call? (Would they heed the warning and escape judgment?)   The bull's-eye seemed to be the city's stadium, which was fixed a bit to the right of my position, or what I would understand to be the east side of the city. At the stadium there was a congregation of sorts. It strikes me now as a certain mega TV church, a ‘pay as you play, Sunday go to meeting', church. (A stadium is usually people from all over and could represent the US apostate church.) At my elevation I see Michael Boldea walk in front of me -- from right to left (or east to west) -- as though he had just come from the stadium. Shaking his head, dejected, frustrated and most notably exasperated, he spoke words to the effect of, ‘I told them... They won't listen. I told them.'   (The worldly church is not taking the warnings of judgment to repent so a great shaking is coming.) Heb.12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned [them] on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape] who turn away from him that [warneth] from heaven: 26 whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven.   The following verse is taken from the Numeric English New Testament because it shows rightly so that the word “things” was not in the original Greek here. 27 And this, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of the [things] shaken, as of [things] made, that those not shaken may remain. We have personally seen an example of this removal since 2011. Notice that the people who are shaken will be removed by it so that those who are not shaken will remain are not leavened. This is a spiritual earthquake made up of many tribulations that will cause a falling away from the Church because of disobedience to the Word. The Lord says that judgment begins there.   28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: 29 for our God is a consuming fire. And Father will burn up the wood, hay and stubble in our lives OR He will NOT have us in His Kingdom. This Kingdom is where He rules.)   It seemed like someone (from the stadium?) said to him, ‘Where are you going' or ‘Stay', to which he replied, ‘No. I'm going home to be with my family -- where it's safe.” (2Co.6:17) Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you... It is not safe among the apostates where judgment will fall but among the true disciples of Christ who walk in sanctification there is safety.   From my relatively fixed position, I watched and waited for a moment. It wasn't long before the earthquake came. The [religious] stadium was the epicenter. A report came quickly – ‘It was a 6.9'. That is a sizable quake, especially for a big city, but there were no (physical) deaths. Then I woke up. (We see in this dream that “a great earthquake that would have devastating effects and great casualties” but has “no (physical) deaths” must be spiritual casualties and devastating effects to the “pay as you play Sunday go-to meeting church” crowd that people like Michael warn about. A spiritual earthquake is a shifting of the earth of lives.   I suppose the judgments that are coming, like the economic collapse, natural earthquakes, war, martial law, loss of jobs and homes, loss of freedom, loss of political and spiritual influence in the U.S., while there is no pre-trib rapture, and disappointment in the failure of their prosperity doctrine, could well bring a lot of casualties as far as a falling away. Romans is the sixth book and the ninth chapter [i.e. a 6.9 quake] and it speaks of the falling away of the non-elect like a shifting of the earth, while the elect bear fruit. Whereas the first mention of 6:9 -- in Genesis -- is Noah being called out to build an ark to save his house from the flood. And the first mention in the New Testament, Matthew 6:9, is Jesus teaching His disciples to pray to the Father to be forgiven and delivered from evil.)   This is my first dream where a personal/family warning or admonition is not the focal point. I don't know the city, or Brother Michael Boldea. (I believe this is a personal family warning for the worldly Church to repent and humble itself and consider true discipleship before the greater falling away comes.)   This text was given to me concerning this: Isa.29:1 Ho Ariel (meaning: the lion of God), Ariel, the city where David encamped (Zion/Jerusalem)! add ye year to year; let the feasts come round (a time of coming judgments): 2 then will I distress Ariel, and there shall be mourning and lamentation; and she shall be unto me as Ariel. 3 And I will encamp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with posted troops, and I will raise siege works against thee. (In the natural this was the Assyrian army encamped around Jerusalem which failed to conquer her. In the spirit this is the demon possessed beast people who war against Zion, the Bride.)  4 And thou shalt be brought down (or humbled), and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust; and thy voice shall be as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. (Zion will be crucified and humbled before God, which is good, but their adversaries will be destroyed.)     5 But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be in an instant suddenly. (In the natural, this was the 185,000 men who died of Sennacherib's army while warring against Zion. In the spirit, it is those who die spiritually warring against Zion.) 6 She shall be visited of Jehovah of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire. (To burn the wood, hay and stubble so the gold and silver and precious stones may remain.)     7 And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her stronghold, and that distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night. (They will vanish.) 8 And it shall be as when a hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. (Notice: Ariel is Zion, which the nations of the harlot and beast will seek to devour but will be greatly disappointed.)      Crucifying the Church in Tribulation   B.A. - 11/17/2012 (David's notes in red)   Jer.18:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he was making a work on the wheels. 4 And when the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith Jehovah. Behold, as the clay in the potter's hand, so are ye in my hand, O house of Israel.   I dreamed I was in a dungeon with six other women (I believe all these women represent the seven churches) and we were in fetters and chains. It reminded me of Paul and Silas: Act.16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them. I was trying my best to comfort these women and encourage them not to give up, but to have faith and trust in the Lord's promises and mercy. They asked me, “How can you be so positive? Look at this place; it's wet and damp and cold, and it stinks! They are probably going to starve us to death, as well!”   Wow! Talk about a tough crowd! But I knew this is what the Lord had been preparing me for these past several years. Don't listen to their bad report; remember Joshua and Caleb. They got to enter the Promised Land because they believed God! Num.14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that spied out the land, rent their clothes: 7 and they spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land. 8 If Jehovah delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it unto us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not.   And in Heb.3:7 Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, Like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tried me by proving me, And saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was displeased with this generation, And said, They do always err in their heart: But they did not know my ways; 11 As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. 12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God.   I was praying in the spirit and praising God when I heard the large outer dungeon gates squeak open and two jailers came and released us from our bonds, and told us to come with them. We were taken up a spiral stone staircase that seemed to go on forever (coming out of the darkness into the light). Suddenly, we reached a landing and a door to my right sprang open and the jailers took us through the door. We found ourselves in a large dome-like room filled with a bright light. There was a red runner (the blood of Jesus) on the floor like you would see at the academy awards for the actors to walk on. Mat.26:28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins. There was a large man (Jesus) standing on the red runner with a vessel in one hand and a large, thick rod in the other. (The vessel is the flesh that must be broken and the rod is the rod of chastening that breaks it.) I stood praying for all of us, as I knew something was about to happen to us.   The man with the vessel and rod pointed at each one of us and lined us up. Then he commanded the first woman to come forward and stand before him. He dropped the vessel onto the floor and it broke into many pieces. He then ordered the woman to bend down and pick up all the pieces. As she bent down to pick up the pieces, the man took his staff and hit the woman across her back as hard as he could. I heard the woman's shoulder blade snap in half and she fell very hard onto the floor; the pieces of the vessel gouged into her flesh and blood gushed out of her body. She was not able to get up and the two jailers came and carried her away.   Then, he commanded the second woman to come forward. Again, the man dropped the vessel on the floor and it broke into many pieces and he commanded the woman to bend down and pick them up. Just as she bent down, the man took the rod and hit the woman as hard as he could on her back. Like the first woman, she fell to the floor onto the broken pieces. I did not hear any bones break and she did not appear to be bleeding as badly as the first woman. She was able to get up on one knee. The two jailers came over and carried her away. (Some may think this harsh but so is the tribulation on those who are not yet sanctified; it will be a crucifixion of self.)   This process went on and on with each woman. I noticed as each woman was called up, they seemed to be less and less injured. Then, it was my turn. (A quick read of Revelation 2 and 3 shows this breaking of the six churches, some more, some less in the coming tribulation.) The man looked at me and said, “Come and stand before me”. So I did. As I was walking toward this man, I was actually joyful and confident, as I knew his rod was not going to hurt me. I watched as he dropped the vessel onto the floor and then ordered me to bend down and pick up the pieces. So I bent down and then I saw the rod pass right through my body and to the floor with a bang. I thought, ‘Cool. Not even so much as a scratch. Thank you, Lord!' Then, as I reached down to pick up a piece of the vessel, it was instantly put back together right before my eyes, like it had never been broken; it was a perfect or perfected vessel.   You see, in this revelation, I had already gone to my cross; I was already dead to self. 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. (Revelation 3:7-13 shows that the Philadelphia Church will escape the hour of trial that would “try them that dwell upon the earth”, rather than “in Heavenly places in Christ”. This Church represents the Bride who, like the Shulammite in Song of Solomon, the Bride in Esther and the Bride in Psalm 45, will escape, being in the King's house on earth. This is no pre-trib rapture, for the Bride will raise up the virgins, as in these cases.)   B.A.'s note: I believe this to represent the condition of the seven churches. Some have not died to self at all and need a crucifixion. And some had died a little but still have a long way to go. The tribulation will perfect those who are willing to go to their cross for their crucifixion. We must lose our life in this world as it says in Mat.16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.      Church Oblivious to Judgment at Hand     C. L. Gregory - 07/28/2010 (David's notes in red)   A few days ago, God spoke a verse to me and since then it has led to other verses and thoughts, and they all consist of the last days and the state of the church and this nation.   Long story short, last night I was going to bed, when I asked the Lord to show me what He was trying to tell me and I believe I got my answer.   I dreamed I was driving at night up a road much similar to a rural area of a Tennessee mountain town. In the passenger side was my grandmother (why she was in the dream was beyond me). (Like old grandmother, the Church has been with us for many years. We may have been born there but left because there wasn't much life there.) As we drove, I noticed we approached a hill and there was a small gas station on the left side of the road, but what I saw farther up the road shook me with fear.   As I was nearing the very small station, I saw up the hill and over the top was a large mountain, a volcano, which was erupting but there was no sound, no thunder, no nothing. Imagine the night image of a volcano with a large mushroom cloud as flakes of ash are falling down. (A quiet, unheard of judgment from hell is in the direct path of the end-time fruit of the woman Church, represented by Gregory.)   I turned into the gas station and ran over to the woman attendant and told her to run, get away, for the volcano had erupted. (A warning to those who, like the “small” old Church, have only “a little power”, represented by the “very small gas station”. A few will escape when they hear the Word from people like Gregory.) What got me was my grandmother, old and wise in her years, was alert at first and was telling me advice about life and things, but then she fell asleep. (Many of those who only know the teachings of the old Church have fallen asleep and they are ignorant of the judgment that is coming.)   For some odd reason, I could not drive the car away, for only she could drive it, but she kept falling asleep, but I had to act quickly. (Those who are members of this old Church must awaken to escape on their own but we can help them by our strength through faith and prayer.) I picked my grandmother up into my arms. She still would not wake up, even though the danger was nearing us. In my spirit, I knew that the most dangerous event was the volcano's silence. As we left, I peered out of the mirror and the volcano was getting more violent. (We must repent, meaning turn around and escape, putting the judgment in our rear-view mirror.)   We finally made it to a shelter (Refuge in Christ and for some, in the TN mountains.), when my grandmother awoke, but the reality was, she could not warn the others before, for she had fallen asleep. We watched as the lava reached down alongside of the buildings and homes of every sort, which had been on the wall of the volcano and I said, within my dream, “Thousands will die from this tragic event, all because we could not and did not warn them”. (And because the rich and political powers have hidden these things from the public so that it is a quiet, fiery judgment coming upon the world. Many are caught in the deception of a false prosperity gospel and they have no spiritual discernment of the season we currently are in.)   Then the dream ended.   The meaning: It was earlier today, which I felt God speak to my spirit and revealed to me that the volcano I saw was an impending judgment that was about to come. My grandmother, I believe, represents the church: wise, old and established but has fallen asleep. The fact remained, I believe God was showing me that something IS coming and the church is so busy caught up into the cares of this life that it does not see the mountain before them which is about to blow, and when it does, they won't know it until AFTER it comes.   I believe wholeheartedly that there is something tragic coming on this nation, but the church, which should be praying, preaching the truth against sin and immorality, and warning the world of God's anger, is asleep.      It Is Judgment From the Father, Church!   Ellie McBride - 09/04/2008 (David's notes in red)   I dreamed I went to my parents' home. Upon arriving, I learned that their neighbor was having a party and that mom was at the neighbor's house. I walked next door to their neighbor's house and found my mom; she was drunk. So I escorted her home. (Ellie's mother is the old church, which is drunk on the world and not in touch with reality and not abiding in the Father's house.)   As I was leaving my parent's house I heard my mother cry out. I ran back to find my father was angry with her and had his hand raised to hit her with a silver-colored hanger in his hand. I immediately got between them and prevented him from hurting her. (The Father is angry with the church. A hanger is for clothes that are in a closet not being used. Rev.19:8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. It is misguided to try to save the church from the Father's chastening but by intercession on their behalf God could grant repentance and then deliverance that is needed.)   I decided to take my mother with me. As we were about to walk out the door I looked down at her and saw that her bottom lip was quivering like a child who knew she was in trouble and wanted to cry. (The church will experience grief for their rebellion when they find the Father is not pleased with them being stuck in their idolatrous ways.)   Then like a magnet she returned to my father's side, and I as well. She was looking up at him and appeared very sad and remorseful. I began to say to my father, “Look at her, Father, she is sorry; she is sorry”. “Forgive her, Father; forgive her”. Then he embraced her and the dream ended. (Oh, praise God! This appears to be a promise that through chastening the elect in the church will repent and be saved from further judgment. Repentance is necessary to withhold judgment.)      The Chosen Leave the Universal Church   Lisa C. - 03/20/2010 (David's notes in red)   My niece, Corin, told me of a dream she had a few days ago. She was going to meet a friend, Sarah, at a dance/prom. However, she was surprised when her grandmother dropped her off at a Catholic (meaning universal) church where she met Sarah. They heard the pope was about to be renounced. (My niece attends a Catholic school that her grandmother pays for. Also, she mentioned that she did not know the meaning of the word “renounced”.) (There are two applications to this dream. The Pope here represents the leadership of the Catholic Church in the natural but spiritually represents the corporate leadership of the universal, apostate “Christian” religion. This church is the mother of many protestant religions. After receiving this dream, the pope of that time was renounced by many for actions taken many years earlier when he was a priest. He was accused of enabling a pedophile priest to continue to molest children and some are leaving the Catholic church because of this. Likewise, many are about to leave the universal, apostate “Christian” religion after realizing they have been raped by their apostate leaders. Of late, 2024, the pope has spoken some reforms which are encouraging. Pray for Him.)   There were many people in the church. She saw the pope in his garments of white and gold; with the hat he normally wears, but she saw him holding two gold rods with his arms crossed like Pharaoh. (Like Pharaoh, the apostate leadership of the apostate church has held God's people in bondage long enough. It is time for Moses who was raised under Pharaoh to lead them out. More importantly, the apostate church will be renounced by multitudes of the elect who will come out to join the people of God in the wilderness tribulation.)   He told the people he was going to bless them with the Holy Spirit. When he did, she began to shake. (My niece was baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues several weeks ago. She began to shake and fell out under the Spirit speaking in tongues.) She said that the shake in her dreams was a shake that she was forced to do. She said that her friend began laughing and that she told her friend she could not stop shaking and that it wasn't funny. She compared it to the first time she shook and said she knew the Holy Spirit was doing it but in her dream she could feel her body forcibly shake. (So we could pray this reformer pope would pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Years ago there was another pope who received the Holy Spirit and was a Charismatic pope playing the guitar in Charismatic services.)  2 (The Holy Spirit is going to forcibly shake His people in both the natural and spiritual Catholic church and they will come out from among them. Hos.11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2 The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images ... 11 They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.)   Then she turned and saw Oprah Winfrey drive up to the church in a black Hummer. She did not know why Oprah would come. (Oprah is a representative of a universal, generic god religion that is holding people captive, and she is also part of the child trafficking DS pedophiles whom people will renounce.)   A shaking will come to God's chosen people who are captive to the worldly churches and they will see the light and come out from among the multitudes who love not the truth of God's Word.      Turning to the Home Church   Jared Smith - 12/28/2008 (Thoughts in italics) (David's notes in red)   My dream started out like this: I was walking around the main, well-lit auditorium of the church I had attended for four years before I left last May. There was something different, though. There was no stage, no pulpit, no band, no choir and no musical instruments. There was just an auditorium. (When the church goes underground all of this will not be possible.) All around I saw groups of people, 8-10 in size, having their chairs circled around one another and sharing about the Lord and what He was doing in each of their individual lives. There were no leaders in the groups; everyone contributed his or her own testimony and part in the group discussion. The subjects of the multiple conversations would change at any given time and there would be polite interruptions here and there, at least from what I could overhear. I was in the presence of something amazing. I was in the presence of a mass home church gathering inside a once-popular traditional church auditorium.   Up until this part in the dream, I believe that I may have been in a place in time of the future. This time may be once the Man-child ministry is birthed as well as the Two Witnesses. What I mean is that the traditional everyday way we do church compared to the unpopular uncommon way of doing home church had taken a role reversal, where home church is now the most common and popular way. (This will come about during the first 3 ½ years of the tribulation to prepare for the second 3 ½ years when large gatherings will not be permitted for the beast will make war on the saints. The church will go underground. The five-fold ministry will travel from group to group although not altogether.)  As I was marveling at this magnificent and encouraging sight, I was walking away from the auditorium and made my way through the doors to the rear foyer. There was a door to my right that was a hallway running along the rear of the auditorium. I went through this door and noticed complete darkness, as there were no lights on. This was contradictory to the well-lit auditorium where the mass of the Body was fellowshipping. I noticed to the left of the hallway the silhouette of office doors that had light shining through. The light was not as bright as the main auditorium's lighting, but there was just enough to show that there were doors to those rooms. I began to walk down the hallway and entered one of those rooms. To my amazement, I saw the leader who was “over” me the four years I went to this church. He had a group around him, though not as large as the groups I saw in the main auditorium. This group was maybe three or four in size.   Let me pause here to share my thoughts. I believe that the well-lit auditorium and the fellowship that was taking place was the “new mainstream” Christianity that is going to happen during the Man-child and Two Witness ministry. The darkness that I sensed in the hallway was the lack of God's Spiritual Light and Blessing that many had followed because they could not accept the “new way” of Christianity. They continued in their traditional practices, and eventually became the outcast. Yes, there were spiritual principles still being preached, which may explain the small hints of light within the office rooms, but nothing of the magnitude (revelations, dreams, visions, prophecies) as in the main auditorium. (The Man-child and two witness ministries will be impromptu and unplanned gatherings as it was mostly in the bible. The powers that be are unable to plot against these meetings  The topic of discussion (of course the leader was running the show) was how to build a model train set. (In other words, let me tell you how the cars should follow in the leaders tracks.) I found the topic interesting in that I used to build model train set layouts with my dad back in the day, so I knew a little about how to build a layout and what materials were needed. I slowly made my way into the room and sat down, unnoticed to anyone. I sat there for a few minutes and listened to the conversation on how to build this model train set. After hearing what I heard, the group was planning things all wrong. The materials were not right. The amounts of materials were not right. The layout planning and blueprint were not right. What was going to be built based on this wrong planning was going to be a disaster. I felt led to speak up and try to correct the matter. I did so. I forget exactly what I said, but I was immediately corrected by the leader and was told to be quiet.   What is unusual about this is that my presence was not made known until I spoke up. In the same sense, we as Christians (Saints) need to profess and speak up to the traditional church and tell them of what is to come. Let our voices be heard and our presence be known, with boldness. This is the first time I was rejected and corrected by the leader at this point in the dream.     I obeyed, and rested against the back wall, again disappearing out of the conversation and what seemed to be the small group within the office room. I was ignored and then seemingly forgotten about. So the leader went on and on and kept on messing up the planning of the layout of the model train set. I endured and lasted only a few minutes, until the time that I HAD to speak up again. I did so. This time I received an even sterner rebuke and correction from the leader, saying I should shut up and not be heard.     Notice that I seemed to disappear from the conversation and even the group because my voice was not heard anymore. The next time you hear me say something, I immediately become known again, and corrected and rebuked as such. This was the second time I had been done so up until this point.    So I sat back AGAIN and this time I was somewhat irritated because of my lack of opportunity for my voice to be heard. These people and this leader were messing things up and I KNEW the right way to build a model train set, but yet they did not want to listen to me.   Use of the model train set as a metaphor of the truths we hold inside our hearts as Saints, preparing for the Tribulation, the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Man-child and Two Witness Ministries… We are silenced and looked upon as crazy when we talk about these truths to traditional go-to-church-on-Sunday-and-tithe Christians...    I could not hold it in any longer. I HAD to speak up yet again, but this time more than the other two times. I HAD to tell these people their method and process was all WRONG. I was going to tell them the RIGHT way, the way that would build a successful and beautiful model train set layout. I rose to speak, but this time, the leader knew of my presence before I spoke a single word. His eyes were filled with anger and rage, and he was about to give me the harshest of rebuke and corrections for interrupting HIS presentation and discussion... when all of a sudden these words came out of my mouth: “Before I am corrected and rebuked AGAIN...”   At the spoken word “AGAIN”, the entire group, as well as the leader, were silent and looking at me with their jaws dropped and having a sense of fear among them, as if, what is he going to say next? I guess one could associate this with the TRUE REVELATION of the real truth made known to a traditional church-going Christian, how one could be at awe and amazement and fear of having these truths being revealed to them.     At this point I had the floor. I spoke for a good while on the proper methods, procedures, materials and processes of building a beautiful, successful model train set layout. The group members were stunned at my knowledge of model train set layouts. They could do nothing but sit there motionless and listen to my words. The leader was disgusted, jealous that all the attention was taken away from him and that no one was listening to him. By the time I was done giving my presentation, I opened the door to exit the room. To my amazement, the three or four in the group followed me into the main auditorium. The leader was left in the little, dim office room alone. Before I left the room completely, I spoke directly to him and said, “And you, sir, are an ass!!!” Which is not my normal vocabulary. This was the end of my dream.   You may be wondering where the “ass” part comes in. I am reminded of a Scripture that was a prophecy in the Old Testament of the Messiah riding into the city atop a donkey's colt. An ass is a male donkey, very stubborn in his ways. In the same sense, the Messiah Jesus Christ will have “dominion” over the ass (old, stubborn, traditional way of church even in the End Times). Christ sits atop the old way and has dominion over it. Straight and narrow is the way unto the Kingdom of God. Enter in through the Door, which is Jesus.    Now, here are my final thoughts. Christ was denied three times by Peter during His crucifixion. I was denied three times by this leader during my attempt to show the truth. Once one breaks past the barrier of religious teachings and practices of the traditional church with boldness that can only come from the Spirit of God, it becomes easy to speak to traditional church-goers on the real truths the Bible shows. They will marvel at what you have to say, because it is contradictory to what they have been taught their entire church lives. It is truth. It is the Word of God. It is the coming of Christ in His Glory and the events that transpire prior to His coming. It will attract the hearts of the people who are hungry for God through this time to come.   The leader, who represents the old traditional church ways that survived through the time of the Man-child and Two Witness ministry to come, will be disgusted and jealous and will do everything to prevent the true Word of God from being preached. It is this ministry of old traditional ways that the Antichrist will use to deceive people when the Outpouring occurs. Be cautious and be alert to the enemy's attacks. This will be a major part of it, I believe.   (This is happening on a smaller scale now. We have been in contact with many home churches that are not satisfied with the status quo and are searching for themselves. This is great because they are discovering what the false elders are not gifted to discover -- THE WORDS OF GOD. But we are also encountering a problem that is not addressed in this dream. The groups who have no local elders are targeted by slick talkers anointed by false spirits to gain a following for their own ego. In some cases it is not hard to lead the young back to Babylon since they have not departed very far from its glitter. According to Paul, the five-fold ministry is needed for the perfecting of the saints. Just coming out and sitting in a close circle and sharing insights and experiences is not enough. The elders raised up by the two witnesses, which are disciples of the Man-child going forth two by two, will travel around to these underground groups to share a many gifted revelation they could not get in the nicolaitan pastor only church.    We do our best to fill the gap by Internet, broadcast, Podcasts, and YouTube, but it is not enough. We know the teachings are giving many people knowledge but wisdom is on a longer curve. Until it catches up, we are going to need many more elders. This, of course, is what God will raise up in the next move of anointed reformers spoken of. Ordaining elders is hard when you haven't enough personal contact to know them. This is where the stronger anointing will be more than enough to take up the slack. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Meanwhile, the saints who gather need to be praying for wisdom and discernment and not be quick to form their own governments, which the worldly gifted and domineering types always take advantage of. We don't want to copy the old system or we will be part of it. May our Father be with you.      Judgment of the Church   Dee Hoetmer - South Africa - 06/10/2008   I was pacing the floor, not willing to give forth this Word and the Lord gave me Ezekiel 33.   Ezekiel 33:1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.   6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth. And warn them for me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; If thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand.   9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? 11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: Turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, o house of Israel?   For the Lord has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst for she desired not the truth in her innermost parts. She desired the trinkets and baubles of ministry, to be seen and heard and not that I be seen and heard. She desired to be looked up to instead of the cross looked upon; the sacrifice of My Son that would bring all to true righteousness, humility, compassion and truth if the work of My Son was truly understood by them. The work of redemption was completed on the cross and it is only as My children live a crucified life that they are fully sanctified and fit for My use. But those with a perverse spirit do their fleshly works from unclean hearts and call it MY Ministry?   I have allowed the perverse spirit in her midst to come into full bloom, so to speak, for now it will reap the full reward for such unclean works. The works of the flesh mingled with the moving on My Spirit; the mixture, the uncleanness of My church has become a stench in My nostrils and her cup of abominations has reached the Throne Room. Shall I then not recompense into her bosom all her unclean works? Should I stand by forever while the name of My Son is profaned?   Should I stand by when the harvest is ripe but all the while My church is full of abominations? No I will utterly destroy those of unclean hearts, with perverse spirits and make an utter end of their abominations! I will bring to an utter end all of her house and her perverse children and doctrines that they have spawned and spewed forth throughout the earth. I will make desolate the places where they thought they were fat and rich with the things of the spirit and the things of the world and uncover their skirts so that the world will see their shame.   1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.   I will make an utter end of those who have denied the wooing of My Spirit to came back to the ancient paths, I will make an utter end of her and her household who have chosen to remain unhealed due to their pride and self-love and I will bring judgment and correction to the many who have spurned and denied the words, My Words, through My true prophets.   A perverse spirit has long ruled in many of My churches and congregations and the cup is full of their vain imaginations, vain glorious ways and self-exaltation. The cup of My wrath is also full of their unjust judgments, harsh and critical ways both towards the true children of the Most High Lord and Father and towards those they esteem lesser than themselves. What a putrid stench reaches My very Throne Room. It is not only the sins of the world and their love of mammon that I came now to judge but also those of My own household who walk in the same spirit as the world.   Would I as Righteous Judge shake the Babylonian systems of the world and not shake My church who have become as the world? Will I judge one and not the other; but NO My Word says I will judge My own household first. I will uncover all the hidden things and expose you to the world for your hypocrisy, for your lack of love for the widows and orphans, for you have feathered your own nest first and given only the crumbs to the needy and the poor. You have exalted yourself and your ministry. Was not the ministry of My son to the wretched, the poor, the lepers and the outcasts of society? Did not He lay down His life for others?   Now you begin to see just how wretched, poor and naked you truly are. You have stored up treasures for yourself on earth and not in heaven. You gave not that cup of water to the beggar, you stopped not to dress the wounds of those bloodied and you did not stop to bind up the broken hearted. My true people are servants of even the most wretched and yet you wouldn't let the wretched into your churches for fear that they may stink up your pews.   Do you not see that you have become wretched, poor and naked while you thought of yourselves as blessed because you had no material need? You have been blinded by the prince of this world and although i have wooed you and wooed you, you have not answered. There is no fragrance of My Son emanating from many in My church but rather a stench of mixture and pride, of control and manipulation, of lust and greed. What has my son to do with any of these unclean things?   Repent o'mighty man, repent o‘mighty woman of all uncleanness, of all mixture in your lives for how will I judge and shake the earth and not judge those of my own household? The doctrines you have taught have made many under you teaching twice the sons of the devil than you are! They have become blinded by the prince of the air and know it not, for you have not taught them well. Humility is what I desire and not vain glory; mercy is what I require and not indiscriminate judgment; selflessness is what I require and not selfishness.   Do you not now see just how far you have left my word, for you have taken only portions of my word and made it doctrine but it is in the sum of my word that my whole truth lies! You have taken that which suits your flesh and made it the complete gospel and conveniently left out the scriptures that speak of humility, of not laying up treasures for yourselves on earth, of loving one another.   Did not Ananias and Sapphira think they could keep things hidden? Did not My Son call the religious leaders of His day a generation of vipers and filthy whited sepulchers and tell them they were of their father, the devil? Was not Jerusalem utterly destroyed? So why then do you think in your hearts that this is a false word from a false prophet? Repent and return to me with you whole hearts so that you may be spared from the coming judgments, the likes of which have never before been seen.   Mat.23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?   Mat.23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.   Act.5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.   Mat.23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, 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. 

Judges 6:7-24 When circumstances sink so miserably low, we grow accustomed to it and can't see how things can ever change.  WE FORGET!!!  Every revival has begun from the place of low ebbs!! Moses didn't come on a fluffy cloud with a bolt of lightning to deliver Israel.  Where did God find him?  In a place of low ebb, his people were oppressed and enslaved by the Egyptians!  In the days of Gideon, it was the same.  The Midianites were instruments of humility to turn the hearts of His wayward people back to Him.  When Israel cried out to God, God raised up a deliverer!  From whence did God find this man?  In the palaces of power and influence?  On the contrary; God found His instrument of revival by the winepress, threshing a handful of wheat and hiding in fear.  Men love to look on the outward appearance, but have yet to look where God's eyes are found – on the heart!  This sermon is an encouragement for believers.  It matters not how incapable you may feel you are. God has a work for you to do in His power!

Ezekiel 18:20 –“The person who sins will die.  The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself; and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.” Exodus 20:5,6 & Deuteronomy 5: 9,10 – God says about idol worship: You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, visiting the iniquity of the father on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam starting at 14:36 mark.These verses seem like contradictory, but when we go deep into it and try to understand it, the meaning will be clear.  People have the tendency to blame every problem on some sort of generational curse.  This is not biblical. According to the Old Testament Law, God visited iniquities on future generations for the specific sin of idolatry. When Israel turned from idols to serve the Living God, the curse was broken and God blessed  them.  When a person sins against God, God will double check on three to four generations to make sure if anyone repeats that sin.  If that sin is repeated, they will be punished.  The four generations will not be aware of the sins of the forefathers.  That is why every person should repent about own sins, pray for forgiving the ancestors, follow the commandments of God and lead a clean life always. Personal stories of punishment on children for parents' iniquities as well as for their own iniquities against parents, due to lack of repentance are shared.My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.com

Several students and friends asked me to discuss Hezbollah.  I did not feel I was the best person to do this, but agreed to share what insights I had.  I hope you find this podcast useful.  I have a Hezbollah flag in my attic.  A student gave it to me in 2000 when Hezbollah, under the leadership of Hasan Nasrallah,  beat the IDF after  a deadly 18 year-long fist fight.   It was the first time that an Arab army had beaten the IDF.  I cannot tell what is going to come next.  Israel is pounding Lebanon, including Beirut.  1400 people have been killed in the last month.  As I type this note, news reports say that Israel has flattened an apartment complex in downtown Beirut.  They have also hit a UN Peacekeeping group.  This at the same time they are asking the UN to step in with more peacekeeper forces to stabilize the area south of the Litani River.  It is hard to see their logic.  And a few days ago they blew up a Red Cross/Red Crescent medics tent and killed ten medical personnel.  Six were cousins of one of my favorite former students.  And they are threatening to turn Lebanon into another Gaza.  That sounds very ominous. Moreover, they are preparing something deadly for Iran.  When Israel killed Nasrallah, Iran responded with a barrage of missiles.  Most were intercepted or landed without serious damage.  Now Israel is preparing to respond for the response.  Their Defense Minister says their strike will be "powerful, precise, and above all--  surprising.  They will not understand what happened and how it happened."  To be honest, I am very nervous.  

I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. — Ephesians 4:17 In some translations of the Bible, this passage tells us not to live “as the pagans do.” That term “pagans” might make you think of primitive tribes, with idols and all sorts of superstitions and outdated religious rites. But Paul thinks differently. In this passage, “pagans,” or “Gentiles,” are people who get stuck in idle thoughts and unrestrained behaviors associated with greed. The idols of these people are mainly in their own hearts. This problem is subtle; it hides behind all sorts of modern-day expectations and appearances. The behaviors associated with greed are complacency, the need to be in the limelight, material comforts, popularity, fashion, freedom, and more. And all of these are idols. When Israel entered the land of Canaan, God warned them not to imitate the neighboring peoples in their pagan behaviors (Deuteronomy 8:17-20). And Jesus prayed for his disciples, knowing they were still in the world but “not of the world” (John 17:16). In Ephesians, Paul reminds us again that the Lord calls us to follow him and to leave our old, pagan ways behind. What types of idols call out to your heart today? How can the community around you—your school, church, or family—help you to live a different life for Jesus? Dear Lord, thank you for calling us into new life with you. Please protect us from the idols of our hearts. Help us to be your faithful followers. Amen.

God enables us to do what He asks us to do. When Israel left Egypt with abundant riches, God wanted His people to learn how to give. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shares two vital lessons from the Exodus about giving. The more willingly we give, the more willingly we worship. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

God enables us to do what He asks us to do. When Israel left Egypt with abundant riches, God wanted His people to learn how to give. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shares two vital lessons from the Exodus about giving. The more willingly we give, the more willingly we worship. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

In one of the most important and timely conversations on our podcast, Izabella Tabarovsky shares her research in tracing the roots of anti-zionism rhetoric to the Soviet Union. Izabella's article,  “Zombie Anti-Zionism” for Tablet magazine shares the striking similarities between today's anti-Israel language and Soviet propaganda from the 1960s to the 1980s, revealing a dangerous connection that many are unaware of. Izabella explains how this rhetoric, which demonizes Zionism and Israel, has been meticulously and expertly transmitted to the West and passionately adopted by the global left.  We discuss Izabella's process of tracing the origins of anti-zionism to the communist party of the Soviet Union and cover some of the channels, major players, publications and methods that allowed it to infiltrate American society. Izabella's research shows the explosive growth of this rhetoric after the 1967 Six day Arab-Israeli war.  When Israel won the war, the Soviet Union started to see that there was an Israeli and US alliance, with Zionists firmly aligned with the West against the USSR and its allies. Izabella shares the significant influence of Soviet propaganda, the role of third-world publications, and the geopolitical chess moves that led to the widespread, and highly successful adoption of anti-Zionist rhetoric as a “peace movement”. Similarly to the discredited and fraudulent Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the anti-zionist rhetoric coming from the modern left, is an echo of Soviet led propaganda that equated zionism with fascism, colonialism, and portrayed zionists as traitors to their homeland.  If you want to know the historical context of the propaganda around the Israel-Gaza war, and the origins of today's anti-Israel, anti-zionist movements, do NOT miss this conversation, and please share it with a friend.  https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/zombie-anti-zionism (08:26) Why did the Soviets invest such an incredible amount of resources into propaganda (14:23) More people from the former Soviet Union know about Angela Davis than Americans do (19:30) Mahmoud M. Abbas and the Soviet Union Connection (24:21) How Anti zionist language came  from the Soviet Union (31:51) Today's language is even more radical than we had in the seventies and eighties Please stop by and say hello to us on Instagram @meantforit.   Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here on substack. or email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we do a happy dance  when we get listener emails .   Quotes: "What we hear on college campuses is not criticism, it's demonization of Zionism in Israel." "The Soviets invested an incredible amount of resources into this propaganda." "The Soviets had geopolitical interests in targeting Israel, and in targeting Zionism as an ideology." "So today, essentially, the dividing line is that Zionists are people who believe that Israel has a right to exist." "The Soviets completely redefined the word Zionism." "For us, the United States most certainly was a force for good."  

When Israel begs for a king, Yahweh makes sure they know what they're asking for. Text: 1 Samuel 9Players: YahwehSamuelSaulWhat's Spooky: Not much in this oneCredits: Research, Writing, Narration, Sound Editing: Justin GerhardtManuscript Editing: JL GerhardtIntro Music: "Winds of Change," Four TreesOutro Music: "Fine-Toothed Chrome," Sam BarshLinks:—Give to enable the exciting next chapter of Holy Ghost Stories—Sign up for The Latest, an email Justin sends twice a month with behind-the-scenes info about each episode and interesting things from around the internet. —Become a Patron of Holy Ghost Stories (it's tax-deductible!) and great stuff like bonus episodes, remixed scenes, full scripts, discussion guides, and—above all—the joy of partnering with Justin to tell good stories.—Get your copy of Bonfire: A Guide to Encountering God in the Exodus—Find out about Holy Ghost Stories or contact Justin Gerhardt at holyghoststories.org