2020 Vision: 2020 Heart

As the new year 2020 begins, we want to dedicate ourselves to having 20/20 vision regarding God's Word and His will for us, and a 20/20 heart dedicated to fulfill His purpose for our lives. We can start by looking at some 20:20 verses in order to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, by the washing of our minds in His Word:

2 Chron. 20:20- "And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."

Judah and Jerusalem were threatened by three enemy armies. The king sought the will of God: Should they go out to fight these enemies? The answer came through the prophet of God who said, "...the battle is not yours but God's...Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you....fear not, nor be dismayed; for the LORD will be with you." (v. 14-17). The king and all the people received this prophetic promise and bowed with face on the ground, and worshipped God. The next day, the king commanded that singers go out before the army, singing praises to God. The LORD set ambushments for the enemy armies, and they were smitten.

Have you sought the vision of the prophetic word for your life? Have you trusted in the LORD with all your heart for that vision? 2020 is the year to seek and fulfill these things with all your heart.

Acts 20:20- "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house (testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ - v.21).

This is our walk: repentance and faith. This is our effort: to fulfill our purpose in God.

Paul was speaking to the elders of the Church at Ephesus, describing how, through tears and persecutions, he received the vision, and has faithfully carried out his service to God, teaching without compromise all that they needed for their spiritual profit. He was about to go to Jerusalem, where a perilous future awaited him. Yet he was determined to finish out his ministry and purpose which he received from Jesus Christ, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Because of his faithfulness to God's purpose for him, he says, "...I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." v. 24-27

All of us have been given a purpose in God's kingdom. Do we have the vision of His purpose for our lives? Are our hearts dedicated like Paul's to fulfilling that purpose? 2020 is the year to find that vision and dedicate our hearts fully to it.

Ex. 20:20- "And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not."

The LORD had just delivered His Word, the ten commandments, with great signs upon the mountain: signs that caused terror in all the children of Israel, whom He had delivered out of Egyptian slavery. The LORD said to tell the people, "You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." (v. 22). The LORD delivers His Word to us very effectively. Are we taking His Word seriously? Or have we put aside His Word in order to follow our own ideas and desires into sin. 2020 is the year to re-focus on the vision He has delivered in His Word, and decide to follow it with all our hearts.
Jeremiah describes the blessings upon those who trust the LORD:
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 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."  Jer. 17:7-8
What causes us to miss the vision and the trust to carry out that vision of God? God's people have a heart problem. Jeremiah wrote in the verse following, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (v. 9). We need to deal with this heart problem. If we sincerely desire to fill our hearts with God's vision, Word, and will, the LORD promised a reviving work in us, that He will give us a heart to know Him "...for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." (Jer. 24:7). David understood the importance of repentance and rededication of his vision, and his heart as he identified the sin that dwelled in it (Ps. 51). The transformation that David sought is a work that only the LORD can do in us when He sees our hearts turning back to Him. Psalm 119 speaks about a man who is determined to set his vision and his whole heart towards the LORD:
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (v. 2, 9-11, 34, 69-70, 145).
Jesus also taught from the portion of the Torah which tells us the following, and commands us to teach the same to our children in all circumstances:
"Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart."  Det. 6:4-6
This must be our 2020 vision, and our 2020 heart.

*The above is based upon the 12/29/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  

 



For Such A Time As This*

 

The title of this message comes from the Book of Esther. In this Book, the saving of the Jews from destruction falls into Esther's hands, as the queen. She, as a hidden Jew, has been asked to approach the king as an intercessor on behalf of the Jews. She is reluctant for fear that it will cost her life. Her kinsman pointed out to her that this is a divine purpose, and probably the reason why she miraculously became queen in the first place: "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"   Est. 4:14

The Book of Esther is also a prophetic picture of Christ and the Church, His Bride. As with Esther, the Church, the Bride of the King, Jesus, miraculously came into our position. If we hold our peace at this precipitous point in God's timetable, God will still save the Jews as He has promised, but we will have not played the role that we have been specifically placed in this position to play. As this prophetic verse from Esther suggests, could our refusal to act on behalf of the Jew and Israel even lead to our own destruction? Let's look at God's prophetic promises to Israel and to the Jews in this regard, and see what the Word requires of us in this time.
The prophet Ezekiel wrote about a time when, after the children of Israel have come back to the land to dwell in peace (fulfilled in 1947, 1967), a group of nations would form evil plans from their thoughts regarding Israel (Ezek. 38:9-12). This group of nations and princes about which Ezekiel prophesies, comes right out of today's headlines regarding the turmoil and threat in the Middle East against Israel: Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal (all referring to the Russia of today), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (Germany), Togarmah (Turkey area). Russia has become more involved in the Middle East. Some of the other nations mentioned are actively involved in supplying and supporting terrorist attacks against Israel and elsewhere. Germany has recently released a statement supporting the Palestinian claim to the West Bank, and said that the two-state solution is the only solution possible in the conflict. Palestine has invited Germany and Europe to play a larger role in negotiations, citing the "bias" of the United States for the reason. As you can see, Ezekiel's prophesies are coming to pass in our time. God has promised that His fury, jealousy, and wrath will come against these nations for the prophesied attack against Israel (Ezek 38:17-23).
Jesus prophesied to Israel and to us this same time of trouble for Israel, when Jerusalem would be trodden down by the Gentiles (Lk. 21:24). This, as well as catastrophic natural occurrences, would be a sign of His return:
"And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."  Lk. 21:27-28
Jesus promised that God would send His redemption help to Israel and Jerusalem, and all who look for Him.
God promised to Israel, by His prophet Zechariah, that He would come to Israel's rescue at this time, and show them His Savior:
"The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel...Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered against it...In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem...And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem....And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn...In that day, there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness."  Zech. 12:1-14, Zech. 13:1
One of the great lies that many in the Church believe is called "replacement theology", which is the idea that the Church has replaced Israel in scripture, and in God's promises. As you can see here, God has very specifically prophesied regarding the nation and people of Jerusalem and Israel.
Our response at such a time as this is to warn, to pray, and to witness. The Apostle Paul wrote regarding Israel and the Jew that the callings and giftings of God are without repentance. All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. However that opening up of the heart to salvation for either the Jew or the Greek, requires that the word, the preaching, be sent so they can hear and believe (Rom. 10:11-15).
In Chapters 52-53, Isaiah calls both Zion and Jerusalem to awake and put on their beautiful garments. Isaiah gives us the reason for this as he goes on to write a heart-wrenching, detailed prophetic description of the One who will suffer and carry grave wounds given to Him, not because He deserved it, but because He was stricken for our sins, iniquities and transgressions. He asks the question, "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm (shoulder of the offering of sacrifice to God) of the LORD revealed?"  Isa. 53:1
This wounded servant "shall...sprinkle ("nazah"- to startle, to sprinkle: connected to the sprinkling of the blood of expiation) many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them they shall see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider."  Isa. 52:15
We read earlier that Paul instructs us to go and preach the word, so others can hear and believe. The verse above talks about another witness that causes people to be sprinkled and startled. This witness is not a voice heard, but something seen. It is something that specifically testifies of the wounded servant that Isaiah is writing about in these chapters.
The Shroud of Turin is such a witness to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The title of my book, "NAZAH- White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling" comes from this verse from Isaiah. It is a detailed witness to the Jew first, and then to the Greek or Gentile, of the portrait given by Isaiah and other prophets, and fulfilled exactly by Jesus of Nazareth in His suffering, death, and resurrection as reported in the Gospels. The time for this book is now, at such a time as this, especially when we see the end time signs as prophesied coming to pass. How will they hear, except someone be sent with the word of salvation? This book sends that word, to the Jew, and also to the Greek. This is the calling of the Church at this time, in these last days before the coming of Christ.

*The above is based upon the 12/15/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  



Snatching Victory From Defeat*

 

The signs of the End Times are increasing all around us. It is a time of many challenges, even persecution, for believers, because the Devil has come down with great wrath, knowing his time is short. Through all however, we are called to snatch victory from defeat. The prophet Isaiah revealed the root cause for the condition of defeat in God's people:

"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God; and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity...Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: And the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor..."   Isa. 59:1-4, 15-16

Isaiah found that the root cause of the failure to see the favor of God is because our own iniquity separates us, isolates us, from Him. The evil things that the world does, we, God's people, are doing also. We are participating in the very things God has said that He hates, and even considers abomination, according to His Word found in Prov. 6:16-19. 

Isaiah goes on to say that as no man has stepped forward in word or prayer:

"...therefore his (God's) arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies;...So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun."  v. 16-19

The LORD sent His own salvation and righteousness, in the absence of it in man. Though conditions in the natural were total defeat, the LORD brought victory out of the spiritual realm. This is where the greatest victory comes from- not from the earthly realm, but the heavenly realm:

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard ("nus"- to cause to disappear, to put to flight) against him. And the redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD."  v. 19

In this spiritual victory over the enemy that the LORD has gotten by His own arm, the results are wide-sweeping. His Redeemer comes, and God's people who repent reap the great benefits:

"As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; my spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy (the prophet's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed...from henceforth and for ever. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."   Isa. 59:21, 60:1-3

The same Spirit that anointed the prophet, and directed the words in his mouth, will also be upon the people. We are to speak the same word, the homologea, as God speaks in scripture. His glory, the same glory as the Father and Himself, shall be upon us, even as Jesus prayed (Jn. 17:22). That light and glory will bring Gentiles and kings, sons and daughters to us and to Him (v. 4).
We see examples of victory being snatched from defeat in scripture, like David, bare handed, snatching his lambs from the mouths of lions and bears. In Exodus, Moses and the children of Israel were trapped with the Sea in front of them, and the greatest king at the time, Pharaoh of Egypt, and his army coming up behind them. The people, seeing only the defeat that faced them in the natural, despaired at Moses for bringing them out of Egypt into the wilderness to die (Ex. 14:12). However, Moses declared to them:
"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."  v. 13-14
As Moses raised his rod as God instructed him, and stretched forth his hand over the sea, the waters were parted and heaped up like walls, and the children of Israel went through the Sea on dry ground (v. 22). When the Egyptian army pursued them into the sea, the waters, at the direction of Moses, returned upon the army, and not one escaped (v. 27-28).
At a time when he had been anointed, but had not yet become king, David faced one of his greatest possible defeats if seen through the natural circumstances. When David and his men had come to Ziklag (meaning "winding, an out flowing of a fountain"), the Amalekites (descendants of Esau) had raided it, set it on fire, and taken all of their wives and children, including David's two wives (1 Sam. 30:1-3). David and his men wept with despair. His men even talked of stoning him, because he had led them to this place of defeat. However, David encouraged (to be firm, restore to strength, display strength, repair) himself in the LORD (v. 6). David then sent for the priest and inquired of the LORD whether he should pursue the enemy, and the LORD gave him the word to pursue: "...for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." (v. 8). David and a portion of his men did indeed attack the Amalekites, not only recovering their families and possessions, but the huge spoil of the Amalekites as well. And all the spoil, called "David's spoil" was divided among all, even his weary men who had staid behind at the brook Besor (root meaning: gladden with good news, glad tidings, show forth, messenger, preach, announce salvation), and also with others who had supported David throughout Judah and beyond. This is also an encouragement for all in the Body of Christ who have been a support to others who have been in ministry.
In the natural circumstances, it seemed that David faced losing his family, his prophesied kingship, even his life. However, shortly after the miraculous victory over the Amalekites, Saul was killed, and David did indeed become king. From defeat to victory is the miraculous work of God in His people.
In these Last Days before Christ's return, it seems that there are many things about which to feel discouraged and even fearful. There are many voices that are shouting "Defeat!" to those who love God. However, we have been called to snatch victory from defeat in the name of Jesus, our salvation, and that victory is achieved first in the Spirit by the Word in our mouths, and then manifests in the natural. As the word of the LORD was seen by Isaiah:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."  Isa. 2:1-3
This is the word of "victory" in our mouths through the arm of God - His Son, Jesus the Messiah, our righteousness and our salvation.

*The above is based upon the 12/8/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  

 



Thanksgiving Everyday and in Every Way*

 

Historically, we have an image of Thanksgiving that involves Pilgrims and Native Americans, who offered the first settlers help to survive in an unfamiliar land. To Native Americans now, Thanksgiving is associated with the beginning of a campaign of genocide against them.

In scripture, however, thanksgiving is often taught, not as a one-day holiday, but as a spiritual principle and way of life that should permeate our relationship with God. The Psalms make multiple references to the importance of giving thanks to God. Our thanksgiving relationship with God begins even before we are fully formed in the womb (Ps. 139). The apostles also taught the importance of thanksgiving as a daily part of our worship and prayers:

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice...The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Phil. 4:4-7

The apostle does not say that we are thankful for everything, but in everything. Our prayers should never be without thanksgiving. In return, that thanksgiving keeps us in the peace of God, and keeps us in Christ Jesus. Thanksgiving to God is so vital in scripture, that it is described as "the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). The practice of thanksgiving to God then, spiritually impacts each of us personally.

However, not only does thanksgiving affect our personal spiritual growth, but thanksgiving in the mouth of a believer affects our state of peace and our pursuit of godliness in our society, and also the salvation of all people:

"I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  1 Tim. 2:1-4

We certainly need our society today, which is hostile to all mention and belief in God and Christ, to allow us to live in peace to worship God as we are commanded to do by His word. Regardless of how we may think about the political representatives and bodies in our land, we are commanded to pray for them with thanksgiving for our own benefit.

Do we want to see men saved and coming to the knowledge of the truth of God? This starts in our thanksgiving to God for all men, according to the scriptures. Paul continues, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (v.8).

David wrote many psalms of thanksgiving, including this one following the miraculous defeat of the Philistines, and the joyful return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem among songs of praise:

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people...Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually...Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth...O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise."  1 Chron. 16 (excerpt)

A later king, Jehoshaphat, also used praise and thanksgiving to worship the LORD, who then brought about a miraculous victory against surrounding and outnumbering enemy armies:

"...Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper...he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they begin to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."  2 Chron. 20:20-22

Not only were the armies of the three enemy nations defeated, but Israel spent three days gathering spoil, because it was so abundant (v. 25). The spoil was so great, it was more than they could carry away.

We should use this time at our Thanksgiving holiday as a "life review", and a "miracle review". Are we incorporating thanksgiving in our lives everyday and in everything? The Word says that we would see great and mighty changes, personally and on a large scale,  if we do so.

 

*The above is based upon the 12/1/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  

For The Children*

 

We are seeing our children come under attack like never before. There are shootings in schools, sexual agendas towards children, books and other influential media dealing with witchcraft and demonology directed towards children, as well as the call for abortion on demand. However, through it all, politicians from both sides of the aisle use these dire events as political fodder, rather than as issues to be seriously and sincerely addressed.

Jesus taught regarding the preciousness of children in the Father's eyes:

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted (to turn one's self), and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend (to put a stumbling block in the way upon which another may trip and fall, to entice to sin, to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, to cause to fall away) one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."                                                                                                  Mt. 18:1-6

Our society is doing all it can to cause children to distrust and desert what they should trust and obey. We are teaching children falsehoods to lead them to things that are destruction for them. Jesus said it would be better to die than to be one who has this agenda towards children. In later verses, He said that it would be better to lose body parts like a hand, foot, or eye, rather than use it to cause spiritual or physical harm to a child, or to a believer who has come to God in the same manner as a humble, vulnerable child.
To the prophet Hosea, the LORD says to His people Israel that He has:
"...a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land."  Hos. 4:1
The LORD goes on to describe a spiritually bankrupt condition of lying, swearing, killing, stealing, sexual sin and violence in His people in the land (v. 2). Aren't we witnessing these same sad conditions in our nation? The LORD said that as His people had forgotten His law, and rejected knowledge of Him, and His ways, He also would forget their children. The children, being the most vulnerable and trusting, are the first to be affected when God's people turn away from His Word, and ways. One such spiritual attack in our nation resulted in deeply affecting the children as Madalyn Murray O'Hair, an atheist, sued to remove prayer from public schools. God's people remained silent as, one after another, references to God, and to His Word, and to His Son, Jesus, were systematically removed from the public realm. Our children have paid the price.
It is the intention of God that the children should know Him, and His life-giving truth. As the LORD talked about restoring the estranged relationship between Himself, and one whom He considers His wife, Israel, He prophesied to Isaiah the effect this would have on the children:
"And all thy children shalt be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness thou shalt be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee."  Isa. 54:13-14
To the prophet Hosea, the LORD said that He would wait for His people to turn back to Him. Unfortunately, He did not see that happening until the spiritual affliction that had resulted from their rejection of His knowledge, had become unbearable:
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early."  Hos. 5:13
After receiving this word, the prophet cries out to God's people:
"Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up."  Hos. 6:1
Even the promise of resurrection comes with our return to the LORD (v. 2). The physical revival is directly connected to the spiritual revival. With our repentance, God's rewards for us become even greater than we knew before.
In another place Hosea wrote:
"O Israel return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so we will render the calves of our lips."  Hos. 14:1-2
To the above cry of His prophet, the LORD replied and promised:
"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him...They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon...Who is wise and he shall understand these things?...For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."   v. 4-9 (excerpt)
Today, seeing the spiritual condition among the people of God, and in our land, including the victimizing of our children in every way, it is time to heed the call of Hosea, and return to the LORD humbly, as a little child. Again the LORD promises:
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  2 Chron. 7:13-14

*The above is based upon the 11/24/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  



Signs*

 

In several Gospel accounts, even after Jesus performed miracles of healing and deliverance from demonic oppression, He was confronted by the religious people of the day, the Pharisees and Sadducees, with the demand to show them a sign from heaven (Mt. 12:38, Mt. 16:1). Jesus characterized this demand as being evidence of a wicked, evil, and adulterous generation:
"But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."  Mt. 12:39-40, see also Mt. 16:4, Lk. 11:29)
Christ's reference to the prophet Jonas spoke of His resurrection, since Jonas prayed to God from the place of death, or Sheol, while in the belly of the great fish, and was subsequently expelled from there alive.
The religious people's demand for a sign was not done in the search for truth, but rather to foster accusation and challenge. God is not opposed to supplying signs. The signs were already rampant around them, having been supplied by the Father, as confirming works of the Son. Healing, deliverance, the raising of the dead, and many more events were all signs to those who would see. Jesus exposed this hypocritical attitude regarding signs by saying to them:
"When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?"  Mt. 16:2-3
The apostles wrote of the signs to watch for in the latter days. Many of the signs deal with the behavior we see now around us:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (without self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."  2 Tim. 3:1-5
We are seeing the increase of all of these things listed above. In this same letter, Paul talks about the persecution that he experienced for faith in Christ, and warned that all who believe in Christ will experience the same:
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." v. 12-13
We have seen believers persecuted, prosecuted and sued for standing firm in what their faith in Christ tells them is godly and righteous. Paul tells Timothy to continue to stand in what he has learned from Paul, and from the scriptures (v. 14).
Events earlier in this present generation, as well as currently, are signs that have been provided by God for us if we are willing to see. We have seen a progressive descent into darkness and witchcraft. In 1963, atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair successfully challenged prayer in schools in the courts, resulting in prayer being removed from our schools. Harry Potter novels, directed especially toward children, used authentic witchcraft spells in theirs plots. Satanic and demonic statues have been displayed in our cities. The statue of Baphomet depicting a horned deity with two children at its feet gazing at it with adoration, has been displayed in Detroit, and in front of the Arkansas Capitol Building in protest against the display of the Ten Commandments on Capitol grounds. The Arch of Baal (a demonic deity who demanded the sacrifice of children by fire) has been displayed in Washington DC, New York City, London and Dubai. This week, a statue of Molech was placed in front of the Coliseum in Rome, which was the ancient site of the martyrdom of Christians. In ancient times, the statue of Molech would be heated to high temperatures and then children would be laid upon it alive, to be scorched to death. These statues have been used to raise funds in support of abortion on demand.
About the worship of the demon Molech, the LORD says in Leviticus 20:
"...Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones....because he hath given of his seed unto Molech to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name...And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man when he giveth his seed unto Molech... then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people." (v. 2-5)
Like those who challenged Christ for signs, has the Church refused to see the signs that have already been given to us by God? Has the Church also turned its eyes from the increasing demonic wickedness prevailing today, refusing to acknowledge the sin, and the implication of that sign before us? It is dangerous to do so, because we then become equally guilty as an evil generation that asks for a sign, while ignoring the signs that are plain in front of our eyes for those who are willing to see.

*The above is based upon the 11/17/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/ 





Fake News Has Real Consequences-Pt. 2

The continuation of an article by Dr. Kenneth Stevenson (See previous post):



 

In my opinion there is a "fake news" account that has been recycled for nearly 2000 years which has eternal consequences. When Yeshua rose from the dead, there were numerous eye witnesses. According to the Apostle Paul, (originally the chief persecutor of the faith)more than 500 on one occasion. However a contingent of the guards assigned to the tomb were paid a "large" sum of money to spread "the lie" that the disciples stole the body. Like Matthew stated "to this day that story is still being told". In 1965, author Hugh Schonfeld published the same "fake news" yet again, and it was even made into a film in 1976.(Mt. 28:11-15; 1 Cor. 15:6)
The fact remains that the central truth of Christianity is the Resurrection. Again citing the Apostle Paul, in 1 Cor. 15:12-56 we find the a detailed defense of the resurrection from one trained in the "truth" of the Scriptures. In two separate additional passages Paul cites his faith and training as a Pharisee in connection with the resurrection of Yeshua. First in Acts 23:6-8, where he makes it plain that the "hope of the resurrection" was a central belief. Later writing to the Church at Philipi (Phil. 3:5-11) Paul first establishes his spiritual lineage as a Pharisee and then goes on to equate that to "dung" as compared with knowing Christ and the "power of His resurrection", so that he might "attain unto the resurrection of the dead".
So we see clearly from the author of 60% of the New Testament the centrality of the resurrection to Christianity. Which brings me to my own experiences in connection to the resurrection itself. In 1977, I was tasked with editing the papers of a number of scientists and prelates about the Shroud of Turin. Later that year along with a select group of the scientists we journeyed to Turin to present a platform of testing on the Shroud. Working heavily in our favor: using space technology we had produced scientific evidence that the image on the Shroud contained three-dimensional information from a 1933 photographic image ! That completely unique characteristic intrigued many around the globe about the unusual relic. One year later the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) became the first scientific group to conduct hands on intensive testing in an effort to determine what caused the image on the Shroud. The nearly six twenty-four hour days of testing took three years of analysis, collation and peer-review in order to produce the following incredible statement: "We can conclude for now that the shroud image is that of a real human form of a scourged, crucified man. It is not the product of an artist. The bloodstains are composed of hemoglobin and also give a positive test for serum albumin. The image is an ongoing mystery and until further chemical studies are made, perhaps by this group of scientists or perhaps by some scientists in the future, the problem remains unsolved."
Enter the harbingers of "fake news". As the spokesman for STURP, I had been virtually accosted in Turin by an individual connected with the Carbon dating field, decrying the fact that a C-14 test was not being done. His take: it therefore MUST be a forgery. When the STURP report was released the hue and cry for C-14 testing reached a fever pitch. Finally, under the auspices of the British Museum the C-14 dating was done. Sadly the "fake news" cry heard round the world was that that Shroud was a "fake". Forgetting the unparalleled work and conclusions of STURP, the shroud was dismissed out of hand. The real world consequences of the C-14 report cannot be overstated. While the Shroud is not nor ever should be an article of faith, it does provide empirical evidence of the death, burial and even points to the resurrection of Yeshua. To say the Shroud was medieval was one thing. To overturn the multiple positive results of the most sophisticated testing ever developed based on one test alone was quite another. Most importantly to offer not one scintilla of evidence of how such an image which defies reproduction to this day might have been "created" was a bridge too far. Sadly, would be "shroud creators" with the C-14 data in hand proposed bogus theories for shroud formation: theories that were already ruled out by the STURP results !"Fake News!!!"
However, as details came out about the testing, the conclusions of the three labs came into serious question especially among STURP. First and perhaps most importantly, it was not a double blind study. The labs knew which was the Shroud sample and which was the control. They also knew that date range of the control sample. Moreover the C-14 protocols suggested by the STURP scientists and other C-14 experts were all violated. Finally, the very bold declaration that the Shroud was a forgery rather than simply not old enough to connect to Yeshua clearly displays the bias of the testers. In short, they were determined to label the Shroud a "fake" beforehand. Unfortunately the "fake news" ruled the day. My own attempt to clarify the issue was "The Shroud and the Controversy", published by Thomas Nelson. The first consequence of the C-14 "fake news" report was an excellent book which presented "both sides" of the issue fairly, but was "orphaned" by its publisher.
What is potentially the worst consequence is that some latter day "Doubting Thomas" will lose his or her chance to put their hands in the wounds and believe. Before STURP became an organization there were simply four faculty members at the United States Air Force Academy discussing GOD. Three of us were believers the fourth an agnostic. When asked why the agnostic said, "GOD gave me a "scientific" mind, why wouldn't HE reveal HIMSELF to me through science. The Shroud of Turin was brought up and he then said IF it were tested and showed evidence then perhaps he would believe. We four were at the very foundation of what would become STURP. The agnostic today is a believer! However, like the late Bishop John A.T. Robinson, former agnostic himself opined, "...perhaps like the Apostle John (we) have to count ourselves as among those who saw and believed..."* Since the resurrection of Yeshua is indeed the central "truth" of Christianity, the eternal consequences of unbelief are in a word staggering !!
But what is the "truth", the "whole truth" about the Shroud of Turin. First of all thanks to the initial research of Joe Marino and the late Sue Benford, it has been established that the section of the Shroud used in the dating process, was woven with cotton in a technique known as "invisible reweaving". Subsequent tests revealed that the date results were from cotton fibers, rather than the linen of the original Shroud. This was first confirmed by STURP's lead chemist, the late Dr. Ray Rogers thru a peer-reviewed report. His results were repeated by his fellow researcher Robert Villarreal again with appropriate peer review. Most recently thanks to the British equivalent of our own "Freedom of Information Act", French researcher Tristan Casabianca, using the raw data from the British Museum, again confirmed the medieval dates were from cotton fibers and NOT the linen fibers of the Shroud itself. "Fake News" disclosed !! So we are back to the results of Science, which indeed have an incredible story to tell.
STURP's incredibly well conducted and documented test results confirmed a number of significant facts about the Shroud image: First and foremost, the image on the Shroud is clearly that of a crucified man whose suffering and death are identical to that of Yeshua of Nazareth. Secondly there are at least seventeen specific characteristics of the image. Several are unique in and of themselves. Taken together however they make a virtually iron-clad case for authenticity:

1. Superficial (Image is found on only the top most curved surface of fibers)
2. Photographically Negative
3. Encoded with Three-dimensional data
4. Comprised of degraded/dehydrated cellulose fibers (similar to those found of a scorch)
5. Non-directional (not done by human application, which would leave stroke impressions)
6. Autopsy level detail
7. Thermally stable
8. Chemically stable
9. Water stable
10. Infrared positive (Image is negative, except in the infrared zone where it is positive)
11. Sepia toned
12. Bloodstains prevent image formation – bloodstains were there first
13. Blood is human
14. Color spectrum similar to a scorch
15. NEVER successfully duplicated
16. No pigment, powders or dyes found
17. Scripturally accurate

With these demonstrated factual characteristics, STURP scientists were able to test and REFUTE every image formation process offered by Shroud opponents. Nevertheless these "fake news" reports are consistently recycled and marched out in a vain attempt to suppress "the truth".
So let me close with a Scripture and a challenge:

First the Scripture. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that "ANY" should perish, but that "ALL" should come to repentance." (emphasis added)

I believe that GOD indeed left evidence for the "doubting Thomas" of our age. An age that for the very first time has the scientific tools necessary to properly analyze such an enigma. I challenge all who are open-minded, and especially those who don't believe to put aside any and all "fake news" reports on the Shroud, though they come from pundits, prelates and long-held traditions. Examine ALL the "facts" and determine "the truth" for yourself. If I am correct, your eternity hangs in the balance.

Http://bit.ly/Nazah (read the reviews)

Dr. Stevenson's Contact Information:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/