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. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
"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/
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
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.
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
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.
To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8 http://endtimeschool.com/
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