The 3rd week of the month we are planning to bring forth teachings from Scripture, you many not have considered, or heard taught in a long time. What does this have to do with Bible Prophecy? It is written, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables-2 Tim 4:3,4. We want to try to help you not only run the race, but, also finish the race with a full reward.
Have You Considered? 2/17/23
Has Anyone Told You To Watch?
During the 1960‐70′s there was a strong urging from the church that Jesus was coming, you better be ready. It was not uncommon to turn on the TV, or radio, even news papers and see, or hear, many Bible Prophecy teachers like (mind you this is only a partial list), Kay Arthur, Dave Breese, Ray Brubaker, J.R. Church, Ed Hindson, Zola Levitt, Charles Taylor, Jack Van Impe—not to leave out the man many believed brought Bible Prophecy to the forefront with his book and movie, The Late Great Planet Earth—Hal Lindsey. And they did not just tell us Jesus was coming, but showed us through Scripture that World War 3 was going to happen, what countries would be involved, and when the latter days began, among other prophecies. They explained the book of Revelation, and parts of Isaiah, Ezekiel and other prophetic books that dealt with Bible Prophecy—it was an exciting time! You wanted to get out your Bible and start reading it for yourself. They also encouraged not only reading your Bible, but memorizing it. Jack Van Impe was called the walking Bible because he could quote so much Scripture. A quote from his website reads, “As a student, Jack found the verses he programmed into his mind were like good friends. They came to his aid when he needed them.” And he was not alone—many pastors not only quoted Scripture, they understood what they were quoting. But today, you may hear from the pulpit that we are living in the last days—but even secular scientist believe the world is coming to an end—if not by climate change than by some other method. Rarely can you find a pastor who is warning his congregation, not only about current events and how they line up with Bible Prophecy (that is rare in itself), but there is an absence in the air regarding the command in the Scripture for God's people to watch.
So if you claim to be born-again, expecting to be with Jesus when you die, what should you be watching for?
The following is an excerpt from The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy, The Latter Days.
So the saints are to be LOOKING (or watching) FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE, AND GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS
CHRIST-Titus 2:13. They are to look, in other words, for the Rapture. In looking for the blessed hope, the saints are to COMFORT
ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS-1 Thes 4:18.
The saints are to WATCH...AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS (the things of the
Tribulation)-Lk 21:36. (The saints are not to) SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS, BUT LET US WATCH-1 Thes 5:6. The Bible warns, IF…THOU
SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE-Rev 3:3. But BLESSED
ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING-Lk 12:37; because UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR
THE SECOND TIME-Heb 9:28. For the saints are to BE...READY-Lk 12:40.
The Lord tells us, Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end-Pr 19:20.
For, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways-ref Ps 95:10. God in His mercy has told us what
the social environment would be before the Rapture. We are not only to look for these signs, but watch that we do not get carried
away with the sins of this generation. It is written:
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful,
arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control,
brutal, haters of good (not loving good), treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to
a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. For among them are those who slip into households
and captivate weak (idle) women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses (lusts), always learning and never able to come to
the knowledge (recognition) of the truth-2 Pet 3:1-7 (NAS).
Watch therefore: for ye know not (you are not aware) what hour your Lord doth come (because of sin—you are not alert). But know this,
that if the goodman of the house (you) had known in what watch the thief (another name for Satan—the one who steals, especially secretly
or without open force) would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house (soul) to be broken up-Mat 24:42,43 (KJV).
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh-Mt 24:44.
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck-1 Timothy 1:19.
The Lord has warned us through His word that we are to watch—being as vigilant as a bride who waits for her bridegroom. Don't be like the 5 virgins that were foolish-ref Mt 25:1-13. Check out this link if you want to learn more.
Sources:soundchristian.com;
yahoo.com-End Of The World Is Coming;
charismanews.com;
jvim.com;
Kresge, Ted. “Spiritual Items Laodicean Church Age.” In, The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy (The Latter Days) Vol 1, p 299 section 752-4F-paragraphs 2 and 4, “The Rapture In Brief By Scripture.”; St Petersburg, Florida: The Gospel Truth of St Petersburg, Inc, 1998.
Photo Design: End-time.com.A Real Picture—No Re-Imaging 2/8/23
In the 1600's there were three European world powers—Spain, France and Britain. However, by the late 1700's a new nation was born—the United States of America. Hardly a world power at that time, but with divine intervention, she had beaten the great British armada sent against her, with some help from the French. Her founders sought to give their descendants an opportunity to live free from the tyranny of a dictator, king, or even unethical judges. Free to govern themselves and free to worship as their conscience dictated—free to speak their mind. The only way a man can govern himself is to have a frame work of moral guidelines, which most of the religious doctrines of that time could agree upon. That there was one God all mighty, that He would be above the government. That the laws of the land would be mirrored from Biblical principles. This is the reason you were more likely to see the 10 Commandments hanging in a court room rather than a church.
However, times change. Most are aware the United States, as a whole, has swayed from the foundational ground their forefathers built for them—but how did this happen? It would be naive to think that everyone in America believes in the American way of life—that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The belief that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. And since they were endowed by their Creator, the Creator was over all.
In 1958, former FBI Agent and researcher, Cleon Skousen wrote a book called, “The Naked Communist”. In it there are 45 goals Mr Skousen warned that the communist party was trying to achieve in America. What does the demise of America and these over 60 year old Communist goals have in common? Let's see. (Note, our goal here is not to include all 45 goals, but to point out how closely some of these points line up with Bible Prophecy. You can check out the 45 Communist goals here).
Goal:
#24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
#25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.
Scripture:
This know also, that in the last days...men shall be...of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith- 2 Tim 3:1,2,8.
Goal:
#26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural and healthy."
Scripture:
And he (Jesus) said unto the disciples, The days will come, when...Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot;
Even thus shall it be in the day...when the Son of man is revealed-Lk 17:22,28,30. How was it in the days of Lot?
Genesis 19:5-8-But before they (Lot and his guest) lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom,
compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot,
and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may
know them. And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you,
brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you,
bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for
therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
Goal:
#27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible
and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
Scripture:
NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith-1 Tim 4:1.
At that time many will turn away from the faith-Mt 24:10 NIV.
Goal:
#28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the grounds that it violates the
principle of "separation of church and state"
Scripture:
THIS know also, that in the last days...men shall be...unholy-2 Tim 3:1,2.
Goal:
#31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that
it was only a minor part of "the big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
#32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture – education,
social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
Scripture:
In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires-Jude 18 NIV. (Note, Remember that America was formed on Biblical principles.)
Goal:
#42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition;
that students and special interest groups should rise up and make a "united force" to solve economic,
political or social problems. (Note, There are some who believe this action furthers the interests of authoritarianism.)
Scripture:
The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms
and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. (Note, this is speaking of the kingdom of
the Anti-Christ.
Check out this link for better understanding.
As we have just reviewed a few of the goals, (you can probably find others that correlate with Scripture) we can see how perfect the Bible is in predicting the future. You doubt? If we are created beings, then it would make sense that the Creator knows the future. Check out this link if you are a skeptic and this link. These communist goals are a good example of Bible Prophecy because, they have mostly, if not all come to fulfillment. The time of the Rapture and Tribulation are so close. Are you positive you are going to heaven? Check out this link.
Sources:archives.gov;
linkedin.com;
people.com;
Kresge, Ted. “Spiritual Items Laodicean Church Age.” In, The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy (The Latter Days) Vol 1, p 265 section 641 to 648-4E-3, #180; “People Would Follow These Sinful Lifestyles.” p 273 section 653-4E-3, #262. “Spiritual Items Leaving The Faith, Falling Away.” p 266 section 642 to 648-4E-3, #186; “The Anti-Christ Growing In Popularity.” p 335 section 870-4G-3, #186; “The Last Empire Would Be An Economic Empire.” p 337 section 876-4G-3; St Petersburg, Florida: The Gospel Truth of St Petersburg, Inc, 1998.
Photo Design: End-time.com.World's Concern With Early Child Development 2/1/23
The European Union (EU) has introduced a new plan for children through it's executive arm, the European Commission. This body has the authority to draw up proposals for new European legislation and establish the EU budget, among other duties. The EU desires to, through its European Child Guarantee, ensure that every child in Europe, at risk of poverty or social exclusion, has access to the most basic of rights. To name a few of their proposals, they want to offer free early childhood education and care, free education (including school-based activities and at least one healthy meal each school day), free healthcare, and adequate housing. Their website indicates they realize most of Europe's children have access to these programs; however, the European Commission intends to make these programs universal—for every child.
But caring for children is not a new idea. For years there have been organizations like, Save the Children and World Vision, among others. Internationally, Hollywood stars and music idols have also expressed an urgent need to help the younger generation, not only because they are the future, but to alleviate the pain, suffering and atrocities of war. Royalty has also sponsored such charities that promote the well being of children such as Queen Elizabeth and of late, the newly appointed Princess of Wales. Even American Presidents wives have had a voice. They include Eleanor Roosevelt who served as chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, always promoting respect toward children, women and ethnic groups. Pat Nixon, Barbara Bush, Rosalyn Carter and most first wives from the 21 century have spoken out, raised awareness and even canvased for the cause. Many world leaders are even unusually concerned with this issue as noted by the 2017 meeting of the UN's, UNICEF and its, “Education Can Not Wait” program. However, the concern at this high profile meeting was not how to feed the millions of starving children, or the mistreatment/trafficking of children. Their present concerns, like the EU, involve education and healthcare. Why is this of any importance regarding Bible Prophecy?
Many children of past generations were raised up in the ways of righteousness—the Bible was the book from which they learned to read. Children did not go to school, but reading, writing and arithmetic was taught in the home. And even when children started to go to school houses that had a teacher, they still learned to read and quote from the Bible. America had the same school text books, (Webster's Blue Back Speller and the New England Primer), for 150 years. These books, though not the Bible, taught Scripture and Biblical doctrines to their students. Quoting from the Founder's Bible, in the 1920's these books were, “abandoned and replaced by a new approach introduced by secular progressives...They moved education away from student-centered learning to an educational philosophy that was oriented on social policy, thus abandoning the former emphasis on individualism and instead replacing it with concerns about thinking and acting as a group”. This way of teaching has been adopted universally—that is, education modeled after secular progressivism—not the Bible.
Norway is one of the worlds leaders for early child development schooling. Like the UK, and most progressive countries, they start teaching in Kindergarten the child's self-worth and self-esteem. Teaching them how to feel and respond to their boundaries; the importance of a good friendship; the feeling of being in a committed community; and what it means to be a good citizen. This may sound proper—however, if you are a Christian, your idea of being a good friend and a good citizen is probably very different because you base your ideas on the Bible. And it would be interesting to know, “What is the community suppose to be committed to?”--Probably not the Word of God. Franklin Graham gave a warning on progressivism, “It is bent on casting doubt and undermining the foundational principles of God’s Word”. And if you know anyone who promotes being a Progressive Christian, Mr Graham further warns, “Progressive Christianity denies the divinely inspired, authoritative truth of the Bible as it intersects every facet of living”.
With child suicides are on the rise all over the planet, youths feel there is no reason to live. The experts on child development would have you think this is a problem caused within the first five years of a child's life. However, the infallible Word of God says, a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame and that the rod and reproof gives wisdom-Pr 29:15. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom-Pr 4:7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding-Pr 9:10. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom-Pr 3:13. Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established-Pr 24:3. Seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring-Num 15:39. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore-Ps 105:4. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified-Ps 40:16. Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts-Zech 8:21. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger-Zeph 2:3. Check out this link if you would like to learn more.
Sources:european-union.europa.eu;
ec.europa.eu;
people.com;
nationalgeographic.com
unicef.org;
who.int;
David Barton, Brad Cummings & Lance Wubbels. “Here Am I—Unleash Your Children To Greatness”, p 443. In, The Founders' Bible: The Origin Of The Dream Of Freedom. Newbury Park, CA: Shiloah Road Publishers, LLC, 2012. thefoundersbible.com;
royalfoundation.com;
decisionmagazine.com;
ncdhhs.gov.
Photo Design: End-time.com.