I am convinced that we are living in the time of the coming of our Lord. I pray that the church is prepared. Second Timothy says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2 Tim. 2:15-16). If we don't know the Word of God, then all else is profane babblings that lead to ungodliness. The Word and voice of God and Christ impact our everlasting life. Jesus said, "...he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live...for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (Jn. 5:24-29, excerpt). Jesus told His listeners strongly that they did not have the Father's Word abinding in them because they did not believe the one that the Father had sent to them, Himself. He said, "Searh the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (v. 38-39). Jesus said that Moses would accuse them, because his writings testify of Jesus, whom they refused to believe. Jesus observed a truth about them. He said that while they wouldn't believe or accept one, such as Himself, sent from God, and of whom God has testified, they would receive any other man who testifies of himself, rather than of Christ or the Father (v. 43-47). Today also, many reject God and His Word, but believe anything man tells them. The Prophet Zephaniah received the Word of the LORD concerning the corruption and shamelessness of Jerusalem. He called it filthy, polluted, an oppressive city and unashamed (Zeph. 3). He wrote, "She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God (v. 2). Her princes, her judges, and her prophets were unjust and treacherous. Of those who served in the house of the LORD, God said, "...her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law." (v. 3-4). Anyone searching and studying the scriptures would also have seen the serious consequences brought to Judah because of their worship of the false god, Baal: "And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I have commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin." (
Jer. 32:35). Many of our own children have been offered to this false god as well, as abortion became the law of the land almost fifty years ago. Regarding this offering of children in Judah at the time of the prophet, the LORD called it an abomination that He never imagined, and that the sin weighed against the whole nation. However, after the LORD's prophecy of a judgment of desolation for their corruption, and refusal to hear the voice of the LORD, the LORD brought this promise to Judah also: "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent." (v. 9). We will see more about the restoration of the Hebrew language later. Zephaniah also prophesied the command of the LORD to the daughter of Zion and the daughter of Jerusalem to sing, be glad and rejoice with all their heart, because the LORD, the king of Israel, promised to restore Israel, and dwell within her midst: "...thou shalt not see evil any more...The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing...At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all the people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD." (v. 14-20). We have seen Israel restored as a nation after almost 2,000 years. The world would have never expected the nation of Israel to rise again from the ashes of history, but for those who searched and studied the scriptures, they knew that the prophets made clear the intention of the LORD to do so. Also the Hebrew language, the pure language, has been restored as prophesied by Zephaniah. Hebrew is the only language that has been brought back from the dead. For those who study the scriptures, looking into the original Hebrew word meanings, and even the meanings of the individual Hebrew letters as well, offers a wealth of understanding into the depth of the Word of God. The prophet Jeremiah also prophesied the restoration and revival of Israel, as Zephaniah did, even while the Babylonian army was at the wall of Jerusalem. The LORD said, "Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built..For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God." (Jer. 31:4-6). The individual Hebrew letters that make up the word "mount" used above are beth and reysh, which have the meaning when combined "the revelation of the Highest". The individual Hebrew letters used in the name Ephraim combine to mean, "The Head, or Adonai, is the beginning, the mouth that opens the door to the cross". This is the revelation of the Highest found in the phrase "mount Ephraim" in these verses above. In this revelation the LORD also said, "I will surely have mercy upon him" (Ephraim my dear son). Not only does the LORD promise to restore Israel, but to also establish a new covenant with them: "Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers...which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jer. 31:31-33). The written Word was to become a living, inward work in us, to become part of our substance. Also, as part of this new covenant the LORD prophesied through Jeremiah, "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, , from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (v. 34). Again we see the results of the new covenant, which was accomplished by the blood of Jesus, in the forgiveness of our iniquity and the forgetting of our sins. Again a Word of comfort and hope went forth from the LORD to His people: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins." (Ia. 40:1-2). The LORD's Word is not finished with Israel, but here promises to bring them to a new level of comfort, completion and peace in Him. This weekend the Second Passover took place, as allowed in scripture, for those who were unable to participate in last month's Passover because they were defiled or a journey away. God gives a second chance to come to His table for those who have been defiled, or have found themselves far away from God and our Passover Lamb, Jesus. This weekend we are also seeing another unusual sign involving a blood moon lunar eclipse. As a prophesied part of the new covenant, the Word is meant to dwell in our inward parts, and in our hearts. It is time for the church to search, study and show forth the Word of God. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/15/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and theshroudofturin.org.
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Rejoice in the LORD*
This week, the Feast of Tabernacles ends after a seven day observance. The next day, the Eighth Day, is Shemini Atzeret. The eighth day is also called Simchat Torah, or "Rejoice in the Torah": "Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein." (Lev. 23:36). It is interesting to know that acording to Jewish custom, a marriage supper doesn't occur until after the newly married couple enters their chamber for seven days at the time of the wedding. On the eighth day following the marriage, the bridegroom brings the bride out of the chamber for the marriage supper celebration. The Eighth Day is a time for rejoicing. Eight is also the number of "new beginnings". The phrase "Rejoice in the LORD" occurs thirty-six times in scripture. From the New Testament: "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord...Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men; 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 3:1, 4:4-7). A type of shutting in, like that which occurs for seven days within the wedding chamber mentioned above, appears in prophetic scripture, and again, it leads to rejoicing: "...Thy dead men shall live together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust...and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." (Isa. 26:17-21, excerpt). These verses speak of the raising of the dead, and the punishment of the wicked, while the LORD's people are enclosed safely in their chambers with the doors shut. We see this also with Noah being shut up in the ark, with God Himself shutting the door. In this way, Noah was kept in safety while the earth was flooded in judgment of the wicked. The parable told by Jesus of the five foolish virgins who were unprepared for the arrival of the bridegroom (Mt. 25), found that they were left outside the shut door as a result. Isaiah prophesies of a strong city in Judah, whose walls and defenses are salvation. Its gates are open to the entrance of the righteous nation that keeps the truth. For those who trust in the LORD, there is perfect peace and everlasting strength (Isa. 26:1-4). In this, Isaiah wrote that he will exalt and praise God: "And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine...well refined. He will destroy in this mountain...the vail that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD God will wipe away tears from off all faces...And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us...we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isa. 25:1-9 excerpt). There is also great rejoicing regarding the coming marriage of the Lamb: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints....Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...These are the true sayings of God." (Rev. 19:7-9). In these verses, first we have the marriage of the Lamb, and then the marriage supper of the Lamb. This fits into the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the rejoicing on the Eighth Day, following it. Rejoicing also accompanies the anticipation of the coming of the LORD: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee...And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again." (Zech. 2:10-13, excerpt). As the LORD promise here to "dwell in the midst" of His people, this is the essence of the Feast of Tabernacles. The LORD will not forget His promises to Israel, Judah and Jerusalem, of which we see one example here in these verses. The Church does not replace Israel in the plan and promises of God, although this false "Replacement Theology" doctrine is believed today by some. The LORD will fulfill His Word regarding Israel and Jerusalem, and all of the nations of the earth will also be benefitted as a result. The LORD is jealous for His land, and its people: "Thus saith the LORD, I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain." (Zech. 8:1-3). Through this fall feast season, we have come through a time of fasting, self-examination and repentance, as found in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. From that cleansing, we enter into the rejoicing of Tabernacles and Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day. The prophet Joel wrote of the same thing. The people were to call a solemn assembly to seek the LORD with their whole hearts, fasting with weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-17). Even the bridegroom and the bride were to come out of their marriage chamber to join the assembly in repentance. As a result of this repentance of His people, the LORD would turn again and have jealousy for His land, and pity upon His people. He will bless with abundance, and restore what was destroyed (v. 18-25). Joel wrote: "Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things...Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God..." (v. 21, 23). After this, the LORD gave His great prophecy where He promises: "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth...before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (v. 28-32). The LORD also promises that in that day, He will bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem (Joel 3:1). We do not react and judge based upon current outward appearances, but we bring all thoughts and imaginations into the obedience of Christ, who is the Word of God (see 2 Cor. 10:1-7). It is time to rejoice in the LORD: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:18). Are we going to believe the report of the WORD, or the report of the world? *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 9/26/21 message to the church. To contact us, to make a prayer request, to give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705, or by email at Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us, including the complete video of this message, on Facebook and Twitter. You can find information about Dr. Stevenson's newest book, "NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling" at endtimeschool.com.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
The Ketubah and the Heart of God*
Tonight begins Shavuot on the Jewish Calendar, also known as Pentecost in the Greek. The Jewish people associate Shavuot with the giving of the Torah, and the Christians associate Pentecost with the giving of the Holy Spirit. In the giving of the Torah to His people, God was establishing a marriage covenant, or ketubah, with them. It is especially important to be aware of God's marriage covenant with Israel at this time. Many are reporting that war is imminent between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. Rocket attacks are being exchanged daily. God's Word has been prophetic regarding the attacks of the surrounding nations upon Israel, especially Jerusalem, and His promise to Israel: "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 together against it...The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah." (Zech. 12:3, 7). Judah is "the people of praise". Who is Judah but all of the people who praise God. The Church does not replace Israel in this meaning, but the Church joins together with Israel. Israel, the Jew, is not defined by the outward appearance, or outward circumcision, but by the inward circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:28-29). God's promise to Israel, to Judah, to Jerusalem is a marriage promise. This promise includes the marriage of His Son. In Zechariah 12, the LORD promises that the house of David and Jerusalem, in a spirit of grace and supplications "...shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn" (v. 10). The LORD promises to refine them through the fire, and "...they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." (Zech. 13:9). This is the essence of the marriage covenant between God and His people. This is God's covenant promise: "...blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Rom. 11:25-27).
The LORD states His marriage to Israel clearly:"Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you...and I will bring you to Zion: And I will give you pastors (shepherds) according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowldege and understanding." (Jer. 3:14-15). The LORD promises that He will restore the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride to the land. Those voices will cry, "Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever...I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness (Messiah) to grow up unto David...In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness." (Jer. 33:11-16). When the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride are removed from the land, the land becomes desolate, but when those voices are restored, the land is again inhabited.
The new covenant is also a marriage covenant: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers...which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them...But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel...I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jer. 31:31-33).
Revelation prophesies of the Marriage of the Lamb, and His wife that has made herself ready (Rev. 19:7-9). The New Jerusalem will come down from God out of heaven "like a bride adorned for her husband". When it comes down, the cry goes out, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God." (Rev. 21:1-3). Here again is repeated part of that marriage promise we read in Zechariah.
It was also part of the same marriage promise of God when Jesus said, "And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Lk. 24:49). This promise from God was fulfilled on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon those who waited in the Upper Room (Acts 2). The marriage covenant of God includes the Holy Swpirit dwelling within each believer, rather than playing "church as usual". Our marriage to Christ has a purpose: "...ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him that is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Rom. 7:3-4). In her marriage to Christ, the Church brings for fruit unto God. Fruitfulness is the purpose and product of our marriage to Christ.
*Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/16/21 message to the church.
To contact: PO Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com
You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and at Endtimeschool.com
Friday, February 28, 2020
Fulfilling My Destiny*
Everything that has led to where I am today has been a course set by God to fulfill my destiny. God sovereignly directed each of my steps, including my childhood education, attendance at the Air Force Academy, my military career, and the opportunity fo me to participate in groundbreaking research as part of S.T.U.R.P. (Shroud of Turin Research Project). I have been able to write four books on this subject, and have given many presentations concerning the Shroud. My calling as a pastor, and as an apostle, have led me to see the destiny that God has designed for me: to take this Gospel message across nations, and to the Jewish people, especially, in these last days.
Scripture tells us of the important ministry to the Jew, as well as the Gentile. The Book of Revelation gives a powerful prophetic picture of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, sealed in a special calling to follow the Lamb of God wherever He goes:
"...Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."
Rev. 7:4
In the verses that follow the one above, Revelation tells us that of the 144,000, 12,000 will come out of each tribe of Israel.
Then we are shown the worship in heaven which includes a great multitude of those from all nations, kindred, people and tongues, wearing white robes. This multitude in heavenly worship is described as those who came out of great tribulation, having made their robes white by washing them in the blood of the Lamb (v. 9-14). We are seeing the beginning of this time of great tribulation, with believers being persecuted and martyred in many nations today. Not only are Christians seeing an increase in this persecution, but anti-Semitism, and anti-Israel hostility has risen greatly as well. We are living in a time when the prophecy of Zechariah is fulfilled saying that Jerusalem will become a cup of trembling, and a burdensome stone for all people., but the LORD will come to the defense of Israel (Zech. 12). Zechariah 2:8 proclaims that the LORD will punish those nations who harm Israel, "for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."
God has not forgotten His covenant promise that all of Israel shall be saved (Rom. 11:25-27). The Jew has been temporarily blinded to the Gospel so that the Gentiles may come in, according to Paul. As the time of the Gentiles is now fulfilled, salvation is once again revealed to the Jews:
"And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and 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 that is in bitterness for his firstborn." Zech. 12:10
The image of the crucified and resurrected Christ miraculously revealed on the Shroud of Turin is a timely witness and ministry to the Jews, as was prophesied, who will "look upon me whom they have pierced".
I feel very strongly that this is my destiny in God-to bring this witness to the Jew, and also to the Gentile. The God-led events of my life have all culminated in this purpose, and for this time.
I ask you to view this video, and pray about what you can do to support and be apart of this ministry, which is an end time fulfillment of prophecy.
*The above is based upon the 2/23/20 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, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
Then we are shown the worship in heaven which includes a great multitude of those from all nations, kindred, people and tongues, wearing white robes. This multitude in heavenly worship is described as those who came out of great tribulation, having made their robes white by washing them in the blood of the Lamb (v. 9-14). We are seeing the beginning of this time of great tribulation, with believers being persecuted and martyred in many nations today. Not only are Christians seeing an increase in this persecution, but anti-Semitism, and anti-Israel hostility has risen greatly as well. We are living in a time when the prophecy of Zechariah is fulfilled saying that Jerusalem will become a cup of trembling, and a burdensome stone for all people., but the LORD will come to the defense of Israel (Zech. 12). Zechariah 2:8 proclaims that the LORD will punish those nations who harm Israel, "for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."
God has not forgotten His covenant promise that all of Israel shall be saved (Rom. 11:25-27). The Jew has been temporarily blinded to the Gospel so that the Gentiles may come in, according to Paul. As the time of the Gentiles is now fulfilled, salvation is once again revealed to the Jews:
"And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and 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 that is in bitterness for his firstborn." Zech. 12:10
The image of the crucified and resurrected Christ miraculously revealed on the Shroud of Turin is a timely witness and ministry to the Jews, as was prophesied, who will "look upon me whom they have pierced".
I feel very strongly that this is my destiny in God-to bring this witness to the Jew, and also to the Gentile. The God-led events of my life have all culminated in this purpose, and for this time.
I ask you to view this video, and pray about what you can do to support and be apart of this ministry, which is an end time fulfillment of prophecy.
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, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:
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/
To send testimonies for the Book of Remembrance to be published in the memory of Sean Stevenson:
To send testimonies for the Book of Remembrance to be published in the memory of Sean Stevenson:
You can send your testimonies to:
everlastingcovenant@ymail.com or PO Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705.
Sean Stevenson
Monday, December 16, 2019
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. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
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/
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/
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Destroyed or Awakened?*
The prophet Hosea received the word of the LORD regarding the spiritual condition of His people, Israel:
"...the LORD hath a controversy (quarrel, contention, strife, dispute, case of law, a forensic cause) with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and committing adultery, they break out (to break away, burst out, breach, break up, break in pieces, violence), and blood toucheth (to strike, smite, reach onto) blood." Hos. 4:1-2
Hosea could be describing the condition of our people and our land today in these verses: no truth, no mercy, no knowledge of God. The LORD tells the prophet that this woeful condition of the inhabitants also affects the land which they inhabit:
"Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth within shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away....Therefore, shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother." (v. 3, 5).
We are seeing the land in which we dwell violently try to vomit us out with great storms, winds, earthquakes, floods, because of the sinful condition of its inhabitants (Lev. 18:24-28). God gives the cause of the inhabitants' corrupt condition:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame." (v.6-7).
The priests of God made gain over the people's sins, instead of ministering God's delivering Word of truth. This is also the condition of the Church today. Numbers and prosperity are more important than truth, mercy, and the knowledge of God. Sin is agreed with and condoned for the sake of "peace" and "relevance". The apostle Paul also warned about the spiritual consequences for those who wilfully ignore the truth, and reject the knowledge of God (Rom. 1:18-32). We are seeing those consequences in our land and people. Will we be destroyed or awakened? It depends upon how we receive the knowledge of God.
Jesus also gave the Word of truth to His own disciples who were self-satisfied with their spiritual condition as natural sons of Abraham, and therefore rejected the merciful Word of deliverance:
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant (slave, bondman, serving another with disregard to one's own interests, fasten with chains) of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the son abideth for ever. If the son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Jn. 8:31-36
Though these Jews who believed in Jesus thought they were connected to Abraham's righteousness because they were his descendants, Jesus told them that they were not like Abraham, whom they called "father", because they would not receive the One, the works, and the Word that God had sent, which was Himself, as Abraham would have done. Instead their father was the one who rejected the knowledge of God from the beginning: Satan, the father of lust, murder and lies (v. 37-47).
Jesus also warned that He and His Word would not bring peace but fire and division among men, even among households (Lk. 12:49-56). He remarked at His listeners' failure to receive the truth, and asked a question:
"Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?(v.56-57).
Is the Church discerning the time of His soon return? Are we judging ourselves according to what we know as right? Are we judging others wrongly instead?
Jesus encountered a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief publican, or tax collector, and he had become rich from his position because he was corrupt. He had run to see Jesus, and even climbed a tree to see above the press of people around Jesus, because he was a very short man, but he had to see Jesus. Jesus spotted him, and called him by name, "Zacchaeus (pure, innocent, bright, clean, shining, justified, purify or cleanse one's self), make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." (Lk. 19:5). Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy (v.6), and immediately reformed his life. Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek (seek in order to find (out), require, demand something from someone)and to save that which is lost (to destroy, to put an end to, to declare that one must be put to death, to perish, be lost, ruined)." (v. 9-10).
Though known by others as a corrupt publican, Zacchaeus discerned the time of the visitation of Jesus, and joyfully received the knowledge of God, and the Word of salvation. He "awakened" and was saved by the One who sought him by name. Zacchaeus changed his life, and WAS changed.
At the time of His visitation, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, as the prophets had foretold, His disciples rejoicing, and declaring His kingship (Lk. 19:28-44). However, as Jesus viewed the city of God, Jerusalem, which was to reject Him, it was for Him an occasion for weeping. Some of those who rejected the Knowledge of God come in the flesh, demanded that He rebuke His disciples. Jesus answered, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Because Jerusalem did not "know the things which belong unto thy peace", those things would now be hidden from it, and it would be destroyed by its enemies. He said, "...thou knowest not the time of thy visitation."
As Hosea told us at the beginning, not knowing, or refusing the knowledge of God, results in destruction:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."
*The above is based upon the 7/14/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
Jesus encountered a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief publican, or tax collector, and he had become rich from his position because he was corrupt. He had run to see Jesus, and even climbed a tree to see above the press of people around Jesus, because he was a very short man, but he had to see Jesus. Jesus spotted him, and called him by name, "Zacchaeus (pure, innocent, bright, clean, shining, justified, purify or cleanse one's self), make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." (Lk. 19:5). Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy (v.6), and immediately reformed his life. Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek (seek in order to find (out), require, demand something from someone)and to save that which is lost (to destroy, to put an end to, to declare that one must be put to death, to perish, be lost, ruined)." (v. 9-10).
Though known by others as a corrupt publican, Zacchaeus discerned the time of the visitation of Jesus, and joyfully received the knowledge of God, and the Word of salvation. He "awakened" and was saved by the One who sought him by name. Zacchaeus changed his life, and WAS changed.
At the time of His visitation, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, as the prophets had foretold, His disciples rejoicing, and declaring His kingship (Lk. 19:28-44). However, as Jesus viewed the city of God, Jerusalem, which was to reject Him, it was for Him an occasion for weeping. Some of those who rejected the Knowledge of God come in the flesh, demanded that He rebuke His disciples. Jesus answered, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Because Jerusalem did not "know the things which belong unto thy peace", those things would now be hidden from it, and it would be destroyed by its enemies. He said, "...thou knowest not the time of thy visitation."
As Hosea told us at the beginning, not knowing, or refusing the knowledge of God, results in destruction:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."
*The above is based upon the 7/14/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
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/
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
The Midnight Cry
!967: Israeli Army Enters Jerusalem
Recently, there has been an increase in both anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence throughout the nations. We have just witnessed the worst act of violence against Jews in this nation's history with the mass murder of 11 Sabbath worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These evil events should immediately bring to mind the prophetic words of scripture, especially pertaining to these last days.
There was an unshakeable, unbreakable covenant promise given to Israel by the LORD which we have seen fulfilled in our generation. God repeatedly promised through His prophets that Israel, despite seemingly impossible circumstances, would one day be restored as a nation, and the people would live in the land once again. Not only would the LORD physically restore the land of Israel and its people, but He would also spiritually restore the people of Israel, and their relationship with Him. The Church has often embraced the false teaching that it has replaced Israel, and has become this spiritual Israel, but the scriptures are very clear that God has never abandoned His promises for the nation and people of Israel:
"Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. For lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captives of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it....Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger...and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. And they shall be my people, and I shall be their God...And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them...Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul." Jer. 30:2-3, 32:37-38, 40-41
The LORD swore this promise even though the nations and heathen people had taken Israel as a prey, and had made it desolate (Ez. 36:1-5). Not only did God promise to restore the nation of Israel, but to make it multiply and prosper like never before:
"And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD." Ez. 36:11
This has been an ongoing, eternal, living promise to Israel, which the LORD has kept repeatedly despite numerous historical destructions of Israel and the Jewish people by enemy nations and heathens. Men and nations would be wise to keep this promise in mind, because God also promised to pour His wrath upon all who would come against His land and people. Those who think that they do God a favor by persecuting His land, or the Jewish people, are deceived and in danger of judgment. Though God has carried out this judgment wrath against these persecutors throughout history, He specifically promises this for the latter days:
"Behold, the whirlwind (hurricane, storm, rage, to be violently shaken) of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing (to catch, chew, and chew again) whirlwind : it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it." Jer. 30:23-24
Along with the physical restoration of Israel, comes the prophetic promise of a spiritual restoration and revival:
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah...I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people...I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more." Jer. 31:31-34 (excerpt)
The above is a promise that can never end. It is assured for as long as the sun, moon, stars, seas and waves exist (v. 35). This promise is directly connected to the promise regarding the land:
"For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean...A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh...And I will put my spirit within you...And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I shall be your God."
Ez. 36:24-28 (excerpt)
God has indeed brought Jews out of all the nations of the earth, and returned them to a miraculously restored nation of Israel in our time. He will also initiate a new covenant with its spiritual revival in them. He promises the kingship of the Messiah, like the kingship of David, upon His restored nation (Jer. 30:9, Ez. 37:24-25), and His tabernacle in their midst forever (Ez. 37:26). The Messianic kingship promise is joined with the restoration of the land. As we have seen Israel restored as a nation, this is a sign that we will see the return of our Messiah, Jesus, soon.
The LORD also promises Israel the resurrection from the dead in connection with His promise concerning the restoration of the land (Ez. 37:12-14), and the miraculous joining of two separate sticks, or branches of faith, together into a single stick (stalk, tree, branch, carpenter, root meaning: to shut, firm) in the hand of the prophet. One stick represents the Gentiles of faith, and the other represents the Jewish branch of faith (v. 15-20). Those days are indeed ahead in the near future.
The LORD also promises Israel the resurrection from the dead in connection with His promise concerning the restoration of the land (Ez. 37:12-14), and the miraculous joining of two separate sticks, or branches of faith, together into a single stick (stalk, tree, branch, carpenter, root meaning: to shut, firm) in the hand of the prophet. One stick represents the Gentiles of faith, and the other represents the Jewish branch of faith (v. 15-20). Those days are indeed ahead in the near future.
The LORD has also prophesied the terrible persecution that His people and nation will see in the future. He calls it "the time of Jacob's trouble". After the restoration of the land, it will be a time so terrible, that nothing like it has ever existed before - a time of terror and fear. However, God promises that they shall be saved out of it (Jer. 30:3-8):
"...again there shall be heard in this place....The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good, and his mercy endureth for ever...Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah...In those days...will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days, shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness."
Jer. 33:10-11, 14-16 (excerpt)
As we see the prophesied restoration of the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem being fulfilled, the midnight hour has come when the friend of the bridegroom must be crying out, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him."
To Contact/Submit Prayer Request/Support the Ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To Watch 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.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
The Sword, The Prod, and The Word
Jerusalem has been in the headlines lately, with the announcement by the President of the United States that this country will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The announcement caused much turmoil in that city, and condemnation from all the nations of the world. What is so important about this city, especially in these Last Days, and the role it will play in the events of the End Times, that the world would be so agitated by its recognition?
The city of Jerusalem, cannot be separated from the Temple Mount within it, and with the Temple of the LORD which sat upon that Mount in the past, and, according to prophecy in scripture, will sit upon it again. Not only does the Temple Mount have historical and current day importance, but it also has deep, spiritual meaning and importance. As Ezekiel prophesied:
"Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. This is the law of the house; upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house." Ezek. 43:10-12
Every detail, every activity of the House of the LORD, has spiritual, life-changing power, according to the verses above. Even the mountain upon which it stood, every inch of it, was "most holy". As the people examined this Temple that Ezekiel would write out for them in detail, it would bring about a spiritual change to Israel. It would bring repentance, renewal, and reconciliation with God. This House shown to Ezekiel was not just a physical structure, but a spiritual structure.
A similar vision was given to the prophet 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 shall walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." Isa. 2:2-3
This house established on the top of the mountains, which Isaiah saw in a vision, is a work of "the last days", the days in which we currently live. That term does not refer to the end of the world, as people often mistake it, but the end of an age. Not only will this house spiritually impact Israel, but all the nations and people of the world. The LORD will teach all of the people from this house, and they will be enthusiastic to go there. The word of God that comes out of Jerusalem is no small thing. There is also no mistaking who the LORD is that is being referred to here. He is the God of Jacob, from the line of Isaac.
Not only is the world hostile to the idea of a glob-impacting spiritual transformation from Jerusalem, but even many of God's own people, prefer the comfortable status quo, in which they create their own law, and their own religious customs. To these people, it will never be the right time to "build the house of the LORD":
"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, "This people say, "The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built."... Now therefore thus sayeth the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways." Hag. 1:2, 5
The LORD went on to tell the people that the things that they considered important, and of a higher priority, had not satisfied their needs. The activities in which they invested instead of building the LORD's house, not only consumed their time, attention, sweat, and finances, but had not yielded long-lasting fruits to their lives, just the opposite: "Therefore, the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit." (Hag. 1:6,10). Even the natural conditions of the earth are affected by the presence, or absence of the house of the LORD. The LORD instructs the people to "...go up to the mountain..., and build the house; I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified" (v. 8).
As they listened to the servants of God, Zerubbabel (meaning "I am the sword of the Highest, and a prod to the house") and Joshua, who had both been obedient in all that the LORD had given them to do, and also to the prophet Haggai, the people came and did the work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.
The LORD again declares that this house to be built will have a spiritual effect upon the whole earth. The Lord will shake the heavens, the earth, the land, and the sea. Also:
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace." Hag. 2:6-9
As the people completed the foundation of the house of the LORD on the 24th day of the ninth month (this would be around the time of Hanukkah), the LORD told them to consider the day because "...from this day, will I bless you." (v. 18-19).
Keep in mind through all of this, the fact that Jesus is building a spiritual house out of living stones, a living temple. As the Church, this should be our fervent desire and goal. As we consider this great house that the LORD will build on the mountain of Jerusalem, and the earth shaking and changing effect it will have on all people, the living, spiritual house being built by Christ, a latter house, has even greater glory, and must be a part of this plan also. We can see this below.
In Chapter 37, Ezekiel talks about a divided people, one of Judah, and the other of Ephraim, the half-gentile son of Joseph, becoming joined together as one (v.19). It will be accompanied by a great miracle of God: the Israelites are taken from the nations, and brought back into their own land. We already saw this fulfilled after WW II. As these two people are united as one, David (Messiah) will be their King and Shepherd (v. 24). They will be cleansed of sin, and restored to God (v. 23). The LORD will make an everlasting covenant of peace to be established among this united people. "I...will set My sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore." Ez. 37:26-28
To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, FL. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
PayPal available
To watch Dr. Stevenson's message:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210677812123271&id=1287453776
The city of Jerusalem, cannot be separated from the Temple Mount within it, and with the Temple of the LORD which sat upon that Mount in the past, and, according to prophecy in scripture, will sit upon it again. Not only does the Temple Mount have historical and current day importance, but it also has deep, spiritual meaning and importance. As Ezekiel prophesied:
"Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. This is the law of the house; upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house." Ezek. 43:10-12
Every detail, every activity of the House of the LORD, has spiritual, life-changing power, according to the verses above. Even the mountain upon which it stood, every inch of it, was "most holy". As the people examined this Temple that Ezekiel would write out for them in detail, it would bring about a spiritual change to Israel. It would bring repentance, renewal, and reconciliation with God. This House shown to Ezekiel was not just a physical structure, but a spiritual structure.
A similar vision was given to the prophet 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 shall walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." Isa. 2:2-3
This house established on the top of the mountains, which Isaiah saw in a vision, is a work of "the last days", the days in which we currently live. That term does not refer to the end of the world, as people often mistake it, but the end of an age. Not only will this house spiritually impact Israel, but all the nations and people of the world. The LORD will teach all of the people from this house, and they will be enthusiastic to go there. The word of God that comes out of Jerusalem is no small thing. There is also no mistaking who the LORD is that is being referred to here. He is the God of Jacob, from the line of Isaac.
Not only is the world hostile to the idea of a glob-impacting spiritual transformation from Jerusalem, but even many of God's own people, prefer the comfortable status quo, in which they create their own law, and their own religious customs. To these people, it will never be the right time to "build the house of the LORD":
"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, "This people say, "The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built."... Now therefore thus sayeth the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways." Hag. 1:2, 5
The LORD went on to tell the people that the things that they considered important, and of a higher priority, had not satisfied their needs. The activities in which they invested instead of building the LORD's house, not only consumed their time, attention, sweat, and finances, but had not yielded long-lasting fruits to their lives, just the opposite: "Therefore, the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit." (Hag. 1:6,10). Even the natural conditions of the earth are affected by the presence, or absence of the house of the LORD. The LORD instructs the people to "...go up to the mountain..., and build the house; I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified" (v. 8).
As they listened to the servants of God, Zerubbabel (meaning "I am the sword of the Highest, and a prod to the house") and Joshua, who had both been obedient in all that the LORD had given them to do, and also to the prophet Haggai, the people came and did the work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.
The LORD again declares that this house to be built will have a spiritual effect upon the whole earth. The Lord will shake the heavens, the earth, the land, and the sea. Also:
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace." Hag. 2:6-9
As the people completed the foundation of the house of the LORD on the 24th day of the ninth month (this would be around the time of Hanukkah), the LORD told them to consider the day because "...from this day, will I bless you." (v. 18-19).
Keep in mind through all of this, the fact that Jesus is building a spiritual house out of living stones, a living temple. As the Church, this should be our fervent desire and goal. As we consider this great house that the LORD will build on the mountain of Jerusalem, and the earth shaking and changing effect it will have on all people, the living, spiritual house being built by Christ, a latter house, has even greater glory, and must be a part of this plan also. We can see this below.
In Chapter 37, Ezekiel talks about a divided people, one of Judah, and the other of Ephraim, the half-gentile son of Joseph, becoming joined together as one (v.19). It will be accompanied by a great miracle of God: the Israelites are taken from the nations, and brought back into their own land. We already saw this fulfilled after WW II. As these two people are united as one, David (Messiah) will be their King and Shepherd (v. 24). They will be cleansed of sin, and restored to God (v. 23). The LORD will make an everlasting covenant of peace to be established among this united people. "I...will set My sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore." Ez. 37:26-28
To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, FL. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
PayPal available
To watch Dr. Stevenson's message:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210677812123271&id=1287453776
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
REAL "Breaking News"
The main stream news media has been filled with stories and discussions of scandals and political divisions. We have all also experienced programming being interrupted with special bulletins called "Breaking News". However, most media outlets have missed a very urgent report, something that could genuinely be labeled as real "breaking news". It is a most significant event, prophetically speaking, as well as being a sign of the end of a spiritual age.
On July 14th, terrorists staged an attack on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Although it was the site of the Temple of God until that was destroyed in 70 A.D., it is presently the site of the Al-Aqsa ("The Farthest") Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. It is a holy site to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
In 1967, Israel re-captured this site, along with the rest of East Jerusalem, and at that moment, Jews prayed at the site for the first time in centuries. It was also the last time they were allowed to do so, until now. In 1967, authority over the site was given to a joint Palestinian-Jordanian security force called the Islamic Trust, or Waqf. Since then, no non-Muslims have been allowed to pray on the Mount. All non-Muslim visitors were accompanied by Islamic Trust security, who would prevent them from praying (see the photo above).
Since the July 14th terror attack, Israel has taken over the security for this holy site, and for the first time since 1967, Jews have been able to pray on the Temple Mount without harassment. Why is this event important to believers in Christ?
Jesus spoke of the prophetic significance that the Temple, and its site, would play in the end of the era (Gr.-"aion", not the end of the world, as some translations state):
"And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, He said, "As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." And they asked Him saying, "Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?" Lk. 21:5-7
Jesus goes on to describes the great turmoil that will come upon Israel and the whole earth at this time including unusual signs in the heavens, natural disasters of great magnitude on earth, warfare, ethnic hatred, persecution of those of faith, betrayals. As Jesus sat on the Temple Mount, He began to prophesy regarding Jerusalem as the center of turmoil:
"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed (encircled) with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh...For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled....there shall be distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled... So likewise, ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." Lk. 21:20, 22, 24, 31
The last territory in Israel that could be described as "trodden down of the Gentiles", the Temple Mount, came under Israel's authority in these last weeks, and Jews were able to pray once again on this site.
To further point out the immediacy of the coming events, Jesus said, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree (used in scripture to symbolize Israel); When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye, in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done...But, of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father (idiom or expression used in reference to the Marriage of the Lamb)". Mk. 13:28-32
Along with the significance of the Temple Mount, Jesus refers above to Jerusalem being "compassed with armies" (Lk. 21:20). Never before in history have we seen the nations lining up so exactly according to prophecy. These nations are in the news nightly, and are also part of the real "breaking news". The Prophet Ezekial gives us that prophetic line up of nations that will come against a newly restored (Ez. 37) Israel. In chapter 38, Ezekiel prophesies that the princes and nations of Gog, Magog, Meshech and Tubal, all part of what we now call Russia, will be dragged into conflict against Israel. Other nations including Persia (Iran), Ethiopia and Libya will join them. Also mentioned in this prophetic line up of nations are Gomer, and Togarmah, eastern European areas that might also include Turkey. All of these nations have been recent headlines in the news. Russia, as we know, has involved itself openly in the region in these last years.
The rapidly developing real breaking news involving Israel, the Temple Mount, and the nations of the earth, is a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of the Last Days, which includes the approaching end of the age of the Gentiles. When the age of the Gentiles is fulfilled, we know that it will be a profound spiritual turning point:
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." Rom. 11:25-26
Those who are believing for the soon return of Christ need to become aware, and alert to the real "breaking news".
To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
http://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/20923345
PayPal accepted
The rapidly developing real breaking news involving Israel, the Temple Mount, and the nations of the earth, is a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of the Last Days, which includes the approaching end of the age of the Gentiles. When the age of the Gentiles is fulfilled, we know that it will be a profound spiritual turning point:
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." Rom. 11:25-26
Those who are believing for the soon return of Christ need to become aware, and alert to the real "breaking news".
To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
http://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/20923345
PayPal accepted
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