Bible Truth Lion - The Great Tribulation

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

TREATISE FOR THE BIBLICAL RULES FOR TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT

Throughout history, tribulations have had a twofold purpose. One purpose is to punish / destroy [see Amos 9: 10] and / or convert evildoers to God. The other purpose is to purge evil out of God’s people [see Daniel 11: 33-35 and Acts 14: 22 - also see Romans 3: 10-31].

We can’t be exactly certain of when the great tribulation has/will begin, but we can pretty much figure from the time when one entity (satan) claims to the world to be God (Christ The Savior), it will roughly mark the last 5 months of this earth age [see Genesis 7: 24 and Revelation chapter 9 verses 5 and 10]. But, through Scriptures we can also determine nearly when the last three and one half years of the great tribulation will start by the prophecy in Revelation 11: 2-3.

Revelation 11: 2-3

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months [3-1/2 years - The second part of this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. The first part was fulfilled when the Islamic Al-Aqsa mosque (dome of the rock) was built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem].

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days [3-1/2 years - The same time period as the preceding verse; also yet to be fulfilled], clothed in sackcloth.

Those of us who might be fearful seeing all of the uncertainty in the world today, need to keep our hopes up and not be fearful; and absolutely do not emulate the world’s mind set of hopelessness and rebellion against God’s plan. Yet, some who consider themselves to be Christians are also rebelling, cursing, and lashing out at who they perceive to be the enemy [see Ephesians 6: 10-18 and Romans chapter 13]. Remember the Old Testament lessons of those who wanted to escape or fight against the tribulations of their times, only became casualties of war. Through hopeless desperation some eventually committed suicide. Those who respected God’s plan and obeyed His words survived. Besides, we don’t want to go running off before our job is done!

WHO EXACTLY IS THE ENEMY?

(also see Psalms 119: 139)

Ephesians 6: 10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand [Note: This is why we clothe ourselves with the whole armor of God - verses 13-18. A gun is not a weapon to be used against evil spirits].

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth [Truth = The Word of God (The Bible), and confidence that you are truthfully in God’s plan], and having on the breastplate of righteousness [Note: The Lord is our Righteousness and obedience to him is accounted as our righteousness, which means to trust in Him. That brings a breastplate of protection - see Deuteronomy 6: 24-25 ◦ Psalms 31: 1 ◦ Jeremiah 23: 6. To be behind a breastplate means that you never step out in front of that protective armor to do things by yourself];

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace [Note: This means to prepare your path according to instructions from the wisdom of The Holy Bible. Please note mention of “the gospel of peace”. Don’t be drawn into the “gospel of war” which is so prevalent in the world today. To do so would mean that you have taken off the protection of the breastplate of righteousness];

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked [Note: These fiery darts are evil spirited devices projected at God’s people, such as betrayal, lies, and crooked laws. Having faith in God is a shield of protection against such devices].

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God [see Psalms 119: 142]:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

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We see from verse 12 above that the evil spirit of satan is the only enemy which we war against and it’s always been that way. As mentioned, you can’t fight that kind of enemy with a gun. The war is a spiritual war. Remember who Jesus’ enemies were before and during his crucifixion? We know from Scriptures that Judas Iscariot was controlled by the devil. Don’t forget, after Judas betrayed Jesus he repented of his deeds. At the onset, satan began controlling Judas through the funds which the disciples used to perform charity and buy their food with. In short, money was the beginning of Judas’ downfall; i.e., “the love of money is the root of all evil” [1 Timothy 6: 10]. Additionally, we know that Jesus didn’t condemn those who tortured and crucified Him, rather He asked His heavenly Father to forgive them, because they didn’t know what they were doing or even why they were doing it. They were under satanic control for the purpose of finalizing the plan of Salvation. For us, battles against satanic control are always won on the spiritual level [Revelation 12: 10-12]. Yes, Jesus won that battle by defeating satan after His death (satan is death - Hebrews 2: 14-15). Jesus imprisoned satan in the pit after His crucifixion. Jesus led captivity into captivity (satan is the captor) and broke the bonds of death for all who would believe in His Salvation [Ephesians 4: 8-10].

satan has been plying his craft on the kingdoms of this world throughout history by death and war, through a perversion of:

Religion using tainted & unbalanced scales

Trade / Economy using tainted & unbalanced scales

Education / History using tainted & unbalanced scales

Government / Politics using tainted & unbalanced scales

Those perversions weaken the nations [Isaiah 14: 12]. One of the hardest times to resist the perversion of those things is now. But, here is a caveat to the resistance. Whenever the righteous saints went into captivity, God instructed them to be subject to the kingdom of their captivity and not rebel against authority, EXCEPT, when it came to obeying the commands of God and obedience to Him [see Daniel 1: 8 ◦ Daniel 3: 12-18 and verse 28 ◦ Acts 5: 29 ◦ Hebrews 11: 23 and verse 27]. But, in the great final tribulation there is one weapon which will be used against people, and that is there own belly (flesh). No one will be able to buy or sell unless they pledge allegiance to the beast kingdom. If God sees us as a part of the beast kingdom, we shall not enter into Christ’s coming Kingdom. This instance proves that it is better to obey God rather than man [Acts 5: 29].

While examining satan and his power we need to look at pertinent Scriptures, because satan’s power is not solely his own [see Daniel 8: 23-27]. Before I include the following Scriptures, I need to explain the term “Assyrian”. In these verses we are not restricted to a view of ancient Assyria, for the conditions given in these verses also indicate latter day events. Reading Daniel chapter 11 after reading Isaiah 10: 5-15 will make the picture more clear. It’s during the same timeframe overall.

Isaiah 10: 5-15

5 ¶O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets [Note: The hypocrite is one who follows God in error. That type of people walk according to the flesh, not after The Spirit].

7 Howbeit, he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few [Note: This means that satan will go beyond the judgement which God has appointed and do his own will].

8 For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?

9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?

10 As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria [Note: All false religions are founded by satan. Some of those are perverted interpretations of God’s plan];

11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols [Note: As God previously judged the northern tribes of Israel for there perversions, He has and shall also again judge Judah and Jerusalem]?

12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks [Note: After God performs justice on Jerusalem through war and captivity, He shall judge satan immediately afterwards. Actually, God will be performing justice upon the whole world in the end times, but Jerusalem will be the focal point].

13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man [Note: satan’s pride fills his heart after he joins all nations together under his banner. At this time he controls the worldwide economy. We see the preparation of that now]:

14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood [Note: We see here that satan is a tool of judgement in God’s hand. satan begins to feel as if that power granted to him is his own - see Daniel 8: 23-27].

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At any rate, these are exciting times for the end time Christian; sad at times when we see the deception upon people who accept everything fed to their senses, but we can’t force Christ, wisdom, or morals upon anyone. Many prophets and Spiritual elders would have loved to have this opportunity to make a stand for God during the greatest tribulation the earth will ever see. Why? ... They knew we are not on earth as human beings for our own purposes [see 2 Corinthians 5: 15 and 1 Peter 4: 1-2]. We are part of a very large design which has been in progress since before the world began. For example, many people think that God used satan against brother Job, but the fact is, God used Job against satan. The Lord was teaching satan a lesson about the faithfulness of His children. Each one of us is very well known to God and all of heaven’s inhabitants [see Jeremiah 1: 4-5 ◦ Romans 9: 10-13 ◦ 1 Corinthians 13: 12]. satan also knows who serves God. Each of God’s souls were born into a specific time on earth which has been fashioned by the hand of The Lord of hosts. We were individually appointed to a time beneficial for our needs to learn a custom fitted lesson and to also be a purpose to God’s plan. Some souls become enlightened to Truth and some choose to stay in darkness for various reasons. If you would like to get a look at those living in the shadow of darkness, who are willingly ignorant of and rebellious against God’s plan, do some searches on YouTube.com for keywords such as: “NWO, illuminati, Bilderberg, FEMA Camps, etc.“. All of those who follow after Truth have no desire to see people in such a desperate miserable state, but when anyone rejects the plan and warnings from God, they are left to fend for themselves against insurmountable odds. Many, many people do not understand that no one in heaven, earth, or hades can turn the appointed tide of the great tribulation away, disallow it, or escape it. Anyway, all of the nations on earth are nothing more than a mere “drop in the bucket” compared to the omnipotent power of King God Almighty [see Psalms chapter 2 and Isaiah 40: 15]. For people following after the power of God’s Spirit, there is nothing in all of creation to fear [see 1 Samuel 2: 2-10 and 1 Peter 5: 6-7].

Look at the examples of God’s people in the “Faith Chapter” of Hebrews 11. Please let me point out some of the definitive differences of saints in captive tribulations as opposed to those taking part in predetermined warfare. Some were in wars which God ordained to be - in order to achieve His purposes. Others were in tribulations of captivity and were not ordained to war against their oppressors, because as a whole they were being punished for rejecting God and His ways. Deviation from God’s design is rebellion; not rebellion against the oppressors, but rather direct rebellion against God. Fighting against God would bring a hard and terrible destruction. He is right and just, so it is completely safe to trust in only Him.

Since I mentioned “King God Almighty” above, I’ll give you this to think about. God was always as a King unto His people until the people wanted to have a man as their king. God gave them a warning of what to expect from a man exercising power over them [see 1 Samuel 8: 10-20]. They and their families would become enslaved to the desires of a man. Man makes a poor guardian over other men, but the people ultimately refused God and got their wishes for a man-king. The predominant reasons why the people wanted a man as their ruler was to be like the other nations and to have an army to fight battles in their place [see 1 Samuel 8: 19-20]. They undoubtedly felt that if they sinned and God punished them by defeat at the hands of their enemy, then the man-king and his army would be a buffer between the enemy and the common people of the nation of Israel. I said all of this for you to think about this one thing - it is possible for God to be your King. I mean, He is anyway so it is logical to accept and acknowledge it. This does not purpose to break free from and denounce your nation of residence, but this is an inward thing from the center of your heart and the hearts of all of those who can accept this principal. If there are to be any changes made among the nations, that is God’s prerogative, not ours. Look at it this way. You can condition your mind to this by many ways and that is the primary goal. Imagine if you voted in your local elections, but before leaving your house to cast your ballot, you wrote on a piece of paper something to the effect: “GOD is my King”. That makes you a special case in the eyes of God, and if enough people thought that way, I’m certain that God The Father would feel wanted. In the process of changing our minds to fit with God’s ways, who is to say that The Lord will not act upon that. But, we should also allow God to fill all areas of our life to be truly happy and prosperous; such as proclaiming: “God is not only my King, but also my Father, Lawyer, Judge, Teacher, Savior, etc., etc.” He is all things to us [see Isaiah 33: 22].

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Yet, on the converse side of the thoughts above, when people reject God from their lives, He appoints to them negative things which are the opposite of what they desire. Imagine that our mouth speaks of God’s goodness, but our heart is far from Him; or a nation being once a Christian nation which progressively showed the deeds of a backslidden nation instead - rejecting the wisdom of God on how to build and maintain a society. By rejecting God and His words, people invite mischief which eventually corrupts all of society and if evil is allowed to run its course the whole of civilization will eventually become inhabitable for all intents and purposes. Quite simply, when people reject God, satan is always there to pick up the remnants to construct an oppressive perverted extreme on every level. Then comes tribulation. People who want to live in a world without God or satan are living in a sleepy dream world. We can choose either good or evil. There is no possibility of something in between. If a people's heart is against God, then the appointed kingdom which rules over them will be against those people. These two previous paragraphs can be summed up by Jeremiah 17: 5-8.

Jeremiah 17: 5-8

5 ¶Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

SIGN OF THE TIMES PRECEDING THE TRIBULATION

God, through Scriptures, has given us many signs precluding the Great Tribulation. There are reasons for these things to come to pass. The main reason is simply through rejecting God. However, the sign which stands out the most in my mind is given in Ezekiel 7: 10 regarding the end-times.

1. PRIDE

Ezekiel 7: 10

10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded [Note: This “rod” is a staff of wickedness. The budding of pride is a benchmark preceding the end-time. Please read that chapter in Ezekiel to gain a better understanding].

Malachi 3: 15

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

Isaiah 3: 4-5

4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable [Note: When people stop teaching their children to respect God and other people, the affliction of pride causes society to stumble in many evident ways - see Deuteronomy 4: 6-9].

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Today we see some of the most ignorant punk kids boasting themselves to be preeminent above all others. The evil imaginations of their heart are portrayed as confidence and happiness, but, this is not entirely by age distinction. Pride is not discriminating of any certain type of people, neither are the definitions of “children” and “babes” restricted to any certain ones. A child’s mind can be evident in any age group. Consider the characteristics of a natural child’s basic instincts. Better yet, picture two children quarreling. If one child is overcome with rage and strikes out at the other child, what happens? ... Many times the “tit for tat” effect takes over and a recompense of a harder slap is redirected back. We can see these characteristics in adults also. Look at the nature of the way some public officials behave; since verse 4 in Isaiah chapter 3 mentions rulers, it is a sure bet that the mind of a child is at play much of the time in the order of the day. I could give examples, but I’m sure most have discerned this on their own. To be fair, I have in mind those in the public view who are beacons of stability - the same ones I give thanks to God for. Irregardless, even today we are living in the “age of babies” overall; from the least to the greatest.

The following verse portrays a side effect of pride. When the haughty ones feel they do not receive enough respect, they become offended and offensive.

Matthew 24: 12

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

One thing which causes love for others to grow cold is self pride, that means to love ones self above others, including above God.

2 Timothy 3: 1-9

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

The miserable description above of those who reject God can be plainly seen anywhere in the world today. Loving to please the flesh more than pleasing God is one of the most captivating and painstaking paths in the world. This type of pleasure has no joy or peace associated with it - a true emptiness without equal. This leads us to the following section concerning rejection of God.

2. REJECTION OF GOD AND HIS WAYS

Psalms 2

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed [Christ Jesus], saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us [Note: They desire a God-less society or at least desire a god which doesn’t rebuke them; preferably one without outspoken servants].

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Choosing anything whatsoever in this world above God will lead to a blindingly fast moral decay. Thereafter, each and every step taken is away from God, until a nation becomes utterly lost and void of understanding. America is a splendid example of how this effect comes about. Not only are misguided forces set at destroying this nation from within, but they are teaching other nations to follow the same ill examples. Baby-fied punks have set themselves to great heights in their own minds because they have been turned away from the most basic set of instructions for a happy and prosperous life - The Ten Commandments of God. Rebelling also against parents sets one at odds with God and leads to a downward slope into the ill-escaped path of perpetual sin. I do understand there is such a thing as horrible parents, but they too have been many times the beneficiary of a decadent society. This problem is compounded with each successive generation until the only affordable remedy is the horror of a great tribulation. I do hope you haven’t become too attached to this world, because it is about to be utterly broken down and dissolved by God’s hot anger.

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3. THE WISDOM OF THE WISE SHALL PERISH

Knowledge and Wisdom are divided into different categories. By design, Wisdom and Understanding are akin. The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes expound the definitions and origins of each. Suffice it to say there is knowledge of God and there is worldly knowledge. It requires wisdom to skillfully apply any knowledge, but there is absolutely no true wisdom apart from God [Exodus 31: 6 and 36: 1 - Spirit of wisdom = The Holy Spirit]. There is however, a certain “worldly wisdom” dedicated to do evil; which is the direct opponent of God’s way. Of that type there is no regard for Truth.

Let’s look at the example of nuclear technology. Knowledge obtained cannot be properly implemented without the wisdom to cautiously proceed - and only after carefully envisioning all possible related scenarios. Thank God, however, for the wisdom of those in the field of nuclear energy to require back-up generators be in place to cool the core temperature in the event of a system failure, but their predecessors should have had their heads examined for polluting our lands with nuclear technology to begin with. Apparently they were not Bible readers, because they didn’t understand how catastrophic an earth quake could be - as we understand from Japan for instance. Perhaps they didn’t even care, which seems to be the case. Had they have opted to develop an alternative technology based upon the principals applied through uranium nuclear fusion, we would have seen their wisdom, but instead, their foolishness echoes around the world and drifts in the winds and currents.

Let us now look to the book of Daniel for the sign given of knowledge; in Daniel 12: 4.

Daniel 12: 4

4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Through the fulfillment of this prophecy, we clearly understand that we are in the end times. The Internet has certainly played a great part in spreading knowledge. Anyone who cares to, can now extract hydrogen fuel from water while sitting on their back porch. As far as “running to and fro” goes, we don’t need to get in a plane or boat to travel the world. Again, thanks to the Internet, we can virtually visit any place we desire. Yet, it is not much more difficult to physically travel the world, as long as you have money to “burn”.

As for the death of wisdom, let’s look at the Biblical end-time explanation concerning that.

Isaiah 29: 10-14

10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed [Note: Important Scriptures are hidden to the worldly wise who reject God’s wisdom in Christ Jesus]:

12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned [Note: These blinded ones are looking for wisdom in all of the wrong places].

13 ¶Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Why does the wisdom of the wise perish? Many of you have answered correctly - Hypocrisy through rejecting the Word of The LORD.

Jeremiah 8: 8-9

8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain [Note: The Bible is of little use to the “half-hearted” hypocrite].

9 The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them [Note: Without Biblical wisdom the Great Tribulation shall destroy all who reject God. No one can truly have God without Scriptures, neither can they have use of the Scriptures without Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit. All of these things are inseparable, including Godly wisdom]?

I Corinthians 1: 19

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

4. FAMINE FOR HEARING THE WORD OF GOD - REJECTION OF TRUTH

Yes, even after the time when the Gospel has been published to all nations and the Holy Scriptures have been translated into many languages, there comes the time of famine for hearing God’s Word.

Amos 8: 11-13

11 ¶Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

How can there be a famine for hearing the Word of God when there are Christian broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Well, what is actually heard during those broadcasts? ... Much of what is heard is confusing enough to deceive many into thinking they are being fed with Scriptures, but apart from the errors, there is actually very little to do with hearing God’s Word. For those who attend a congregational gathering at least one time per week, which some call “church”, a sermon based upon a single Bible verse is not very satisfying for those who hunger for Truth. So, one Bible verse in an hour’s time leaves the remainder of time filled with man’s words. That is not the same thing as God’s Words. Ultimately, if a person does not study Scriptures for themselves, they are being starved for the Truth of God’s Word.

I spent quite a lot of time on-line watching a well known world-wide Christian based broadcast the other day. What I saw were news report and the same perpetual “pledge drive” which they always have. Story after story was presented of how people were blessed after sending money to this ministry. Okay, the heads of this ministry are now billionaires. They report how they feed the hungry and send aid to different parts of the world after a catastrophe. That is good; patting oneself on the back a little, but surely better than nothing. Thank God for it, but that is not Bible teaching. Bible teaching helps people eventually feed themselves with the Bible and equips them to help others. This ministry also sells DVDs which are somewhat evangelical, but that is not the whole Word of God either. What of the poor in this time of economic woes? They can’t afford these DVDs. If they could, there would be virtually little effect in their lives anyway. After reaching people with a portion of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, people are spiritually and Scripturally starved by these “broadcasts”. That is famine. It takes all of God’s Word to have a lasting effect. This ministry is not alone. Other “ministries” of nearly the same stature do the exact same things. It appears they are fashioning their ministries after what they witness from other ministries. The heads of all of these ministries are certainly very wealthy, but what do their contributors receive in exchange for the support given? Answer: ... Not what they paid for. They expected to help themselves and others with their donation. Donations and tithes are very different. The donors of money are basing what they give on the tithing system from the Bible. If you watch most of these ministries, they mention “donations” mostly, not tithes. Through donations, they are not obligated to provide much of anything to the donors, but if they threw the word “tithe” around, then they would certainly feel obligated to provide substantially more than what they do. Overall, these ministries are mostly enabled to ask for more money 24 hours a day. If you “run to and fro” throughout the world, you shall find the very same pattern applied to most “ministries”. True Bible teachers are few and far between.

Another principal consistently applied by many modern day “ministries” regarding their perception of donations is a perverted interpretation of the word “seed”. Their presentation of that word is synonymous with the words “donation” and “tithe” in their minds. Yet, if we search Scriptures, the word “seed” is never used to denote “money”. “The Word of God” is the analogy related to “seed” in pertinent Scriptures. For anyone to apply a different meaning, I would say they are either totally ignorant or totally deceptive. This sounds exactly like what satan would do. Scriptural “seeds” are not money, but Scriptures are twisted and thrown around to gain money today. How can this be? ...

1 Timothy 4: 1-2

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

The prolonged misuse of Scriptures by some has invariably blinded them to what they are doing. They actually think they are doing good for the kingdom of God by changing the meanings of Biblical precepts. A doctrine of devils comes about by the misuse of Scriptures. satan is now doing some of his best work through twisted doctrines and “money ministries”. Money can’t even buy you The Word of God today unless you purchase a Bible and read it. Again, if we do not study the Bible for ourselves, we shall certainly be neglected by man.

What does God say about these “money ministries” who promise personal gain by helping them “work for God” all the while Scripturally starving us?

1 Timothy 6: 3-12

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

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5. SIGNS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH

I praise God that our house is still standing after the recent earthquakes here. This is highly unusual for our area as well as many other places. I’ve been seeing reports that this phenomenon is extremely widespread. If you search for on-line maps of recent earthquake activities you will see it has in fact been a world-wide occurrence. Never in recorded history has it ever been so to this degree - in diverse places, all at the same time. This in addition to many other prophecies being fulfilled simultaneously gives strong evidence that the “birth pains” of this world are getting closer together and more intense. The birth of a new age is soon coming upon us. This world and all of nature cries out for deliverance. Only precious few prophecies remain to be fulfilled.

If you search through astronomical predictions, you will find that many heavenly signs and wonders are on our “doorstep”, and 2014 is bringing much anticipation of what is to come. The alignment of stars, planets, and constellations allude to occurrences never before seen by mankind and some signs have been estimated to have last happened as long as 25,000 years ago. Everything we see and hear is agreeing with age old prophecies. We are also awaiting an eclipse of the sun and the blood moons which proclaim important benchmarks on God’s timetable.

If I remember correctly, during the 50th anniversary in May 1998, commemorating the Jubilee of the modern state of Israel, the infamous Hal Bop comet was displayed for weeks during the same time period. These types of signs are revelations on God’s calendar appertaining to things which are important to The Heavenly Father. So, the generation which encompasses the reunification of modern Israel will reach the 70 year benchmark in the year of our Lord, 2018. This generation of modern Israel is an important era which makes me think of the prophecy concerning the final generation of earth detailed within the prophecies given by Jesus in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24: 34

34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

All of the signs concerning the end of this age shall be fulfilled during the 70 year generation of the state of Israel. As of this writing, we have four years left in that generation. Our eyes and ears are open. Nearly all who proclaim Christianity as their faith are anticipating what lies ahead in the near future; exciting times indeed.

6. WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS

This benchmark is also contained in the critical end-time prophecies of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It would require a LOT of time to keep up with the evidences concerning this prophecy. So, to cut to the chase, watching the affairs of Israel would be the best “barometer” to tell how high the pressure is.

The wind and waves roar - tossed to and fro?

RULES OF “DISENGAGEMENT” DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Amos 5: 13

13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

Enter into thy chambers

Come out of Babylon/confusion so that you do not take part in the curses coming upon the world.

NOTE: PLEASE DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH ON THE ABOVE THOUGHTS. HOPEFULLY, I WILL SOON COMPLETE THIS SECTION, YET I AT LEAST WANTED TO MAKE MENTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION.

Please don’t join the heathen in blaming God for all of the evils in the world. He is not the cause. God is only good. The devil is the culprit who creates earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, famines, death, war, etc.; then points the finger to God Almighty. Remember when Jesus rebuked the storm on the sea of Galilee? He certainly wasn’t rebuking Father God. When people depart from God and wisdom, they run straight into the arms of the tempter / satan. He will not care one speck for your well being. Instead, the devil will manipulate, deceive, and destroy you through everything under the sun.

Although, when God’s anger brings judgement upon the earth, there will be much fire and fury, but that is reserved for only the time of judgement. Which is to say, it is not the common everyday perils inflicted upon earth in this age of man. In short, when people reject God, He unleashes satan to punish those rebellious ones. If we don’t like to be toyed with by satan, we have the better option to love and accept God our Father. That Great Father will discipline the vanity of earth’s inhabitants. Remember, there are no disciples whom are void of self discipline or beyond being corrected. God does chastise those He loves. Those who are not chastised are reserved for more severe punishment until they learn there is only one God who fills all of heaven and earth. God the Creator deserved to be respected. Doing so is the beginning stage of wisdom (Proverbs 1: 2-9).