How Long?*

Current events including wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, as well as a sharp increase of racial and ethnic hatred, and intolerance towards the Word of God, and people of faith, cause us to ask "How long?" in regard to the return of Christ. There are those who troll and deride any suggestion of the possibility that there is coming a Day of the Lord, a day of judgment and of Christ's return. They even reject the belief in the resurrection of Christ, or the existence of miracles. Some of this denial comes from within the church itself! However, scripture warns us of this dangerous denial, especially in connection to the last days, and Christ's return. Peter wrote to stir up the pure minds of the believers, and remembrance of the words of the prophets, saying: "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they are willingly ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water: Whereby the world that was, being overflowed with water, perished..." (2 Peter 3:1-6). The scoffers that are now so prevalent are yet another prophetic sign of the last days. These scoffers deny the possibility of a day of judgment and return of the Lord, because they claim that judgment has not happened since the beginning of an admitted creation. However, judgment did strike the earth, and the physical evidence exists that testifies to a great global flood. Peter continued to write: "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men...beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (v. 7-8). The same prophetic Word of judgment that released the deluge of flood waters is still active, and, this time, that Word will release stored up fire rather than water. As we see the increase of ungodliness around us, and question the timing of the judgment, Peter assured us that the Lord's timing follows a certain pattern for the following reason: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness' but is longsuffering toward us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (v. 9). The judgment that some scoff of as eternally delayed, is delayed just long enough to allow all to repent who will repent and be saved. Our behavior should reflect this knowledge as we take the Gospel to all nations, as Jesus commanded His disciples to do, so that all may be given the opportunity to hear, repent, and be saved. (Following through with this Great Commission from Christ, I have written an ebook, "The Shroud of Turin: A Perfect Summary", which is made available for free. The instructions for getting this free ebook are found at the conclusion of this post.) However, make no mistake, the day of judgment against ungodliness, and the return of Christ is ordained, and will happen according to the plan and timing of God. New heavens and a new earth come forth out of this event. This knowledge of the unstoppable, sudden day of the Lord, when a cataclysmic heat will melt all of the elements, requires a certain lifestyle and manner from us, a lifestyle of holiness and godliness (v. 11-12). If we truly believe that this day approaches, and soon, then it should be reflected in our behavior. Peter wrote: "...look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation...beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.. To him be glory now and for ever. Amen." (v. 14-18). In Matthew Chapter 24, Jesus is asked by His disciples' the question of "When?": "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (meaning "the end of the age")? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation (meaning "ethnicity against ethnicity"), and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All thses are the beginning of sorrows...And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains...For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Mt. 24:1-22). After this time of terrible tribulation, Jesus said that the sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall, and the heavens shaken - then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven: "...and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (v. 29-30). Jesus taught this to His disciples, and to us, from the Torah, and the Prophets, as He taught all things. In answering the question of "When?" for His disciples, Jesus cited Daniel the prophet who wrote of an abomination of desolation, which upon occurring, Jesus said, people should run for their lives. Jesus was referring to a prophecy in Daniel 9, as Daniel gave an account of what happened when he read a prophecy written by Jeremiah: a prophet reading a prophet. This prophecy from Jeremiah (see Jer. chapters 23, 25, 27, 29) brought Daniel to prayer and fasting in repentance for his sins, and the sins of his people: "We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even from departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land." (Dan. 9:5-6). Daniel had read the prophet Jeremiah, who had written of a certain mysterious time frame of seventy years, that would come to mean much more than would appear on the surface. What Jeremiah wrote brought Daniel to repentance seeking God's covenant and mercy "to them that keep his commandments" (v. 3-20), and this repentance immediately brought a revelation from the angel/man, Gabriel, concerning "How long?". This revelation included the timing of the arrival of the Messiah, His death, and "the overspreading of abominations" to be committed by the Anti-christ, who "shall make it desolate". (v. 21-27). As we read from Mt. 24 above, Jesus also spoke of the tribes of earth mourning when they would see the sign of the Son of man. The prophet Zechariah wrote this: "And I will pour 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 a pierced Christ, Daniel's Messiah who is cut off, whether found in scripture, or upon the Shroud of Turin for example, brings a spirit of mourning and repentance upon the souls of men who will look upon Him. Zechariah also prophesied that the LORD would 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 together against it." (Zech 12:2-3). This small geographical area has become, and will continue to be, the focus of all the nations' hatred and threats, as we hear regularly from speeches given in the United Nations, and see on the news. As the prophet warned, those nations will tremble, and be cut in pieces as the LORD defends Jerusalem and Israel. God will keep His covenant with Israel, and restore them, with the questions of when?, and how?, being answered according to what the prophets have written: "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. 13:1). The Lord answered another question of "When?" as asked by those who will be martyred for their faith: "...How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (Rev. 6:9-11). Believers are being martyred now for their faith in various nations across the earth, a martyrdom that could one day be seen in America as well. As we consider the other signs of the last days that we have read about above, we know that when asking the question, "How long?", we receive the answer that we have a wait of only a little season. How long before the church wakes up to the lateness of the hour, stops accepting wickedness, and obeys 2 Chron. 7:14 in seeking the LORD in repentance and prayer? All are sinners, but God sent His Son to shed His blood for all. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 3/5/23 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, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook. You can also get a free ebook titled "The Shroud of Turin- A Perfect Summary" at www.TheShroudofTurin.org/freebook.

Birth Pangs and Appointed Times*

There is an increased amount of signs of the (end) times: Pestilence, increased wickedness, etc.. These signs that have been prophesied in scripture are like the birth pangs of the return of the Lord. Birth pangs are an indication that you are about to be delivered when they occur in the natural, and the same is true in the Spirit. However, the Church has for the most part ignored these signs and appointed times of the Lord's return. As Jesus met with His disciples after His resurrection and gave to them The Great Commission, it was at an appointed time and place: "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain, where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (age)." (Mt. 28:16-20). Even while seeing Jesus at this appointed time and place on the mountain in Galilee, we notice that some of the disciples doubted. Doubt and unbelief are also present today in the Church regarding the return of Christ. Regarding another appointed time and place, Jesus assembled with His disciples, and instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, as promised by the Father (Acts 1:4-5). They began to question Him if it was at this time that He would restore the Kingdom. He answered, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (v. 7-8). While the disciples did not receive a specific date regarding the restoration of the Kingdom of God from Jesus, the fact that He spoke of the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit in answer to their question, connected the outpouring and the coming Kingdom. This meant that the outpouring was both a sign, and an enpowerment of them to do the work of The Great Commission, that Jesus had spoken to them about earlier (see Mt. 28 above). After speaking with them, Jesus then ascended into heaven into a cloud from the mount upon which He had met them, Mt. Olivet. Two men in white apparel then said to the disciples, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (v. 9-12). This is the appointed place of the return of the Lord, from the clouds onto the Mount of Olives, not only as promised at this time by the two men in white, but as prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments. On an earlier occasion when questioned about the timing of His return and the end of the age, Jesus began describing to His disciples, again from the Mount of Olives, the signs or "birth pangs" that would indicate that the appointed time was approaching (Mt. 24:3). Jesus again said that only His Father knew the day and hour, "But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (v. 36-39). Jesus described the wicked in Noah's day being removed. He then described a similar and specific removal that will take place before His return (v. 40-41). This "removal" was taught by Jesus to be of the same kind as experienced by the wicked during the flood. Up until that moment in Noah's time, life continued "as usual", with most being unaware that the moment would soon be upon them. His warning regarding this appointed time: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh." (v. 42,44). Since most of the Church today lives as if Jesus is not about to return, this again is one of the signs of the appointed timing of His return. This kind of indifferent attitude, along with getting caught up with the wickedness and cares of this world, causes that day to come upon you unawares (Lk. 21:34). Jesus describes it as a "snare" that will come upon all of them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth (v. 35). "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (v. 36). When warning of these things, Jesus taught in the temple during the day, and dwelled upon Mount Olivet at night. The Jewish understanding of the history of man on the earth is broken down into 2,000 year periods totaling 6,000 years, as patterned after the six days of creation, and a seventh day of rest, which is also referred to by the Apostle Peter (2 Pet. 3:8): First 2,000 years= Age of Chaos, before the Torah; Second 2,000 years= the Age of the Torah, and living by the Law; Third 2,000 years= the Age of Messiah. The last 1,000 years is the Sabbath rest of the Kingdom. The prophet Daniel also wrote of the events of the last days, even specifically in numbers of years, and even days. As he prophesied the events, Daniel was told, "...for the time appointed, the end shall be", and "...the time of the end, because it is yet for a time appointed." (Dan. 8:19, 11:35). The end time events that we are now seeing, and the return of Jesus Christ, are not set for a vague time in future history, but these things are set for an appointed time, even appointed specific places, as spoken by the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Himself, so that God's people will be aware and prepared. We are not meant to be overtaken, indifferent, ignorant, or spiritually asleep regarding these apponted times and places. *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/2/21 message to the Church. To contact: PO Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com Find us also on Facebook, Twitter and endtimeschool.com

Read and Understand*

 

There is an adjective that describes the Body of Christ in this hour which is complacent. However, Jesus did not want His followers to be ignorant nor complacent. There were coming events which He described, that would catch His believers unaware and unprepared, unless they knew the scriptures, and understood them:

"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)...For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there shall no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. ..when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors...Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come....Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh."   Mt. 24, 15-44 (excerpt)

As He said above, Jesus expected that His believers would read the Book of Daniel, and understand it, even though some of the prophecies in Daniel were sealed until the time of the end. These things are revealed to us now, because we are in those times. The Book of Revelation describes the removal of seals, and many of the prophecies of Daniel are revealed in detail there, which we will see. In His commands to "watch", and "be ye ready", Jesus is making it clear that our present condition of complacency is the opposite of what He expects from us.

Daniel spoke of specific timing involving "the abomination of desolation",  to which Jesus referred above. Some have interpreted the abomination of desolation as having already taken place when Antiochus IV (Epaphenes), king of Syria,  desecrated the temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig to Zeus on the holy altar there, when he captured that city in 167 BC. However, this is incorrect. Jesus was discussing it as a yet to be fulfilled prophecy over a century after that historical event occurred. This abomination event that Jesus described is one indicator of the beginning of the great tribulation. That coming tribulation of which Jesus warned is so severe, that no flesh could live through it, unless the days are shortened.

Daniel read, and understood the 70 weeks of years referred to in the earlier prophecies of Jeremiah concerning the desolations of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:2). After much prayer, fasting, and repentance, the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel to reveal to him greater details regarding these disturbing things, "to give thee skill (insight, comprehension, to act wisely, to be prudent) and understanding (knowledge, understanding, wisdom, to discern, to perceive)." (Dan. 9:21-22). Here is the timing prophesied by Daniel regarding this event, and others:

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." (v. 24)

As we can see from the above verse, the "70 weeks", have everything to do with the redemptive work of God through His Messiah. We can see this further as the angel continued his explanation:

"...know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times." (v. 25)

Sixty-nine of the seventy weeks of years are already past, as their fulfillment was marked by the death of the Messiah ("cut off, but not for himself"), and the destruction of the city and sanctuary (v. 26), which we know occurred in 70 AD. So we have one week of years left from that total of 70 weeks of years. We are living in that last week of prophetic time.

In this last 1 week of years, the angel placed that abomination of desolation:

"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (v. 27).

The abomination is further described:"...they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate...And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done....and he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time, and times, and the dividing of time."  (Dan. 11:32, 36, 7:25). This phrase used here is considered to be 3 1/2 years, or that time described as "in the midst of the week" in Dan. 9:27. The same description of the time involved is also used in Dan. 12:7, during which"... he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished."

Again it is revealed to Daniel: "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." (Dan 12:11). This period of time specified equals 3 1/2 years.

In the Book of Revelation, the abomination that makes desolate is also described:

"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."  Rev. 11:5

The forty and two months mentioned above also equal 3 1/2 years.  As in the Book of Daniel, this beast that makes the desolating abomination also has power to rule all nations, and to make war against the saints. All are made to worship an image of this beast.

The time when the Gentiles will tread on the outer court of the temple and the holy city is given as "forty and two months" (Rev. 11:2), or Daniel's 3 1/2 years. The time allotted to God's two witnesses clothed in sackcloth with power and prophecy is "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (v. 3), or again, Daniel's 3 1/2 years.

For these things to take place, including the abomination which makes desolate, the temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt. Special societies in Jerusalem have already prepared all that is needed to restore the priesthood, temple worship and sacrifices. They have tried to lay the cornerstone of a new temple, but up until now, they have been prevented. As we see events surrounding Jerusalem escalate, and the time of the Gentiles being fulfilled, there is no doubt that a third temple will be rebuilt, and these prophecies of Daniel and Revelation will be fulfilled. All of these things will be fulfilled, as Jesus promised (Mt. 24:34).

Daniel also revealed that during this prophetic time at the end of the age, the people of God are not to be complacent but wise, and shining in the light of wisdom, teaching others, knowing their God, and doing great exploits of faith.

Jesus wanted us to read and understand Daniel. He wanted us to watch and be prepared. Those who remain complacent as these times come upon us, will be unprepared for the days ahead.

 

*The above is based upon the 3/1/20 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. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Sermon.net/EverlastingCovenant
 

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

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

 

 



Two Plus Two

This is a message for a "mess"-"age". It is a time to go back to some simplicity. The Church has been distracted and led away in different doctrines, even false doctrines that are meant to divert the Church from the simple, pure truth of the gospel. Paul wrote of this same problem to the Church of Corinth:
"...I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty (craftiness, cunning; a specious or false wisdom), so your minds should be corrupted (to shrivel or wither; to lead away a Christian church from the state of knowledge and holiness in which it ought to abide) from the simplicity (singleness, simplicity, mental honesty; the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy) that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." 2 Cor. 11:2-4
Paul felt that the spiritual condition of the church was such that although they had received the true gospel from him, it was just as likely that they would receive, and had received, a false gospel from someone else, straying from the simple truth in Christ, and following after beguiling but false wisdom presented by someone or something else.
Paul was not presenting a false gospel to the church, but the true (v. 31) gospel of Christ as first foreseen and prophesied by the prophets of God. God remained faithful to that prophetic word, and remains faithful to the simple truth in Christ. The prophet Amos wrote:
"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Surely the LORD God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the LORD God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"  Amos 3:6-8
If a lion by his roar can clearly communicate his intent to us, that we can easily interpret as danger, do we think that God has difficulty communicating His plans and purposes beforehand through prophetic? Who can but prophesy? As we speak His Word, we prophesy. His prophets lined up their words with God's word to them by the Holy Spirit. This is homologea- "speaking the same as". Paul urged all believers that they should covet one thing- they should covet to prophesy. In fact, the gift of prophecy will discern and affirm the truth of the simple gospel Paul preached (1 Cor. 14:37-40). We can't help but prophesy when we line up our words with the Word of God: homologea. Jesus, the Word of God become flesh, is the Spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10). It is as simple as 2 + 2. Are we "speaking the same as" the Word of God, or are we coming up with another Gospel?
Peter wrote insisting that the gospel of Christ was delivered by eye witnesses who saw and heard everything pertaining to Christ in their association with Him. The Christian faith, he wrote, was not based on fables of men, but on these eyewitness accounts (2 Pet. 1:16-18). Not only is the gospel based on these eye witness accounts, but as a fulfillment of the words of the prophets:
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."  2 Pet. 1:19-21
Many events in scripture and in the current events of today were and are defined and shaped by prophecy.
When Jesus miraculously raised Lazarus four days after that man's death, the religious leaders were afraid of what the Romans would do to their nation if the people accepted Jesus as their Messiah (Jn. 11:38-48). They counseled together to consider the problem. The High Priest prophesied, reminding the counsel that it had been prophesied that one man should die for the sake of the nation, as well as for those scattered abroad (Jn. 11:49-53, Isa. 49:5-7). This is when they began to seek Jesus' death.
The timing and completion of end time events also, as prophesied in the Book of Revelation, has been set according to when "the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets", and saying, "that there should be time no longer." (Rev. 10:5-7).
One false doctrine that has caused many corruptions in the Church is "Replacement Theology". This doctrine contends that the Church has replaced Israel, and that this replacing Church will transform the world for the return of Jesus. This is not part of the simple gospel in Christ, nor does it line up with the prophetic word, as we see next.
Miracle working spirits of devils will beguile the kings of nations into a great battle against Israel in the place called in Hebrew, "Armageddon", a place in northern Israel, whose name means "to invade, cut into, attack, gather in troops or crowds" (Rev. 16:14-16). These devils will prophesy through the false prophet (v. 13), resulting in a great voice out of the temple of the LORD in heaven saying, "It is done." (v. 17). Israel is still the time-clock of end time events, as the prophets spoke. Ezekiel clearly prophesied the role of physical Israel in this coming battle. Even as Ezekiel prophesied in detail, we now see the coming together of the nations against Israel as prophesied by him, Including Russia, Persia or Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Turkey and parts of Europe, to take place in "the latter years" after Israel has once again been returned to the land, having been brought forth out of the nations (Ezek. 38:1-8).
Again, prophetic timing is tied directly to the physical nation of Israel. The Church does not replace Israel.
According to prophecy and the Word of God, the Church will not make the world perfect in preparation for the return of Jesus.On the contrary, Peter prophesies in homologea: by lining up with the prophetic Word of God, that false prophets and false teachers will come among the Church causing great harm (see 2 Pet. 2:1-15).
The simplicity of the gospel in Christ is not a fable created by men, but a fulfillment of the prophetic word established by God through His prophets. It is not to be obscured, compromised, or corrupted by the false wisdom of beguiling men or spirits. It is to stay as simple in truth as 2 + 2.

*The above is based upon the 1/5/20 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:

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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



"It Is Done" *

 

Ezekiel chapters 36-39 prophesy events that we see beginning to be fulfilled now in these end times. Let us look at some of those events.

Ezekiel was told by God of the return of the dispersed people of Israel back to the land:

"For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you back into your own land... Ezek. 36:24

In 1948, we saw the restoration of Israel as a nation, and the continuing return to the land of Jews from all the nations. The LORD also prophesied abundant crops on land that had been desolate and waste (Ezek. 36:29-30, 35-36), and Israel has certainly made the desert to bloom with all of the produce that they grow in such abundance that it is not only enough for their own consumption, but enough also for export to other nations as well.

Concerning Israel as a nation, the LORD gave His word to the prophet that there are miraculous events still to come, of which we have not yet seen the complete fulfillment, but we do now see the foundation set, and ongoing fulfillment. The LORD speaks of the cleansing of sins, and a sovereign spiritual revival in the people by a work of His Spirit after the nation has been restored (Ezek. 36:25-28).

The LORD also speaks of a unification of "two sticks", that represent Judah and Ephraim (the half-Gentile son of the patriarch, Joseph), into one stick in the prophet's hand. This is not only speaking about a unification of what had been a divided nation of northern and southern kingdoms, but perhaps an even greater unification between Jew and Gentile in Messiah. We are beginning to see the evidence of this kind of unification even now. Messiah has a prominent role in the spiritual and natural restoration of Israel, according to the prophecies of Ezekiel. The spiritually cleansed, reunified nation will be under the rule of  one king, even David ("Beloved"). For us, we know that this king is the Son of David, Jesus the Messiah. We are also seeing the beginning of this prophetic fulfillment among the Jewish people now, with the existence of many Messianic congregations, proclaiming Jesus as Savior, Atonement and King:

"And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them...and my servant David shall be their prince for ever."  excerpt from Ezek. 37:22-28

In another identification with Jesus the Messiah, the LORD identifies Israel with the resurrection of the dead:

"And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD."  Ezek. 37:13-14

In a very disturbing account in Ezekiel, we see today's headlines come to life. The LORD names specific nations whom He will compel to attack Israel, for the purpose of coming into the LORD's judgment. Though this league of nations will come onto the land of Israel, they will be completely defeated. In Ezek. 38:1-7, the prophet is told to "set thy face against" the following nations: Gog, chief prince of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, all of which are associated with the nation of Russia. Persia, which is Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya, Gomer (southern Russia/Eastern Europe), and Togarmah (the nation of Turkey), and "northern parts" (Ezek. 39:1-2) are also part of this invading alliance. The LORD connected this invading alliance of nations with "the latter years". He prophesies to these nations:

"After many days thou (referring to the above mentioned nations) shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them."      Ezek. 38:8 

The LORD describes His fury of judgment against these nations as coming in the form of a shaking of all creation, even with devastating earthquakes (Ezek. 38:19-20), sword (v. 21). pestilence, blood, overflowing rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone (v. 22). These nations shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, and upon the open fields, and the isles (Ezek. 39:2-6). These nations may come for spoil, but they will meet their fate in the LORD, instead. The LORD concludes by saying to His prophet:

"Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the LORD God; this is the day whereof I have spoken."  Ezek. 39:8

We see the fulfillment of this prophetic word given to Ezekiel in Revelation in the gathering of the kings of the earth to the battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14). They are gathered in a place called "Armageddon" (v. 16). Again, as in Ezekiel, a great voice from the throne of heaven declares, "It is done." (v. 17). Earthquakes, hail and exceedingly great plagues are released, as Ezekiel prophesied (v. 18-21). So great is the cataclysm, that the first heaven and the first earth are passed away, and a new heaven and earth are revealed, as well as the new Jerusalem, coming down like a bride adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:1-2). As Ezekiel prophesied the tabernacle of God among His people (Ezek. 37:26-28), we see the fulfillment of the promise in Revelation:

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."  Rev. 21:3

Just s Ezekiel wrote of Israel as the land of the resurrection of the dead, God says, "...there shall be no more death" (Rev. 21:4).
The assurance that "It is done" is once more given:

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely."  Rev. 21:5-6

As we see the ongoing fulfillment of the prophesies of Ezekiel in our headlines, it is time to prepare ourselves, and shout the warning to others. Even as Ezekiel was shown things that must have overwhelmed him, things that were for a time far beyond the time in which he lived, he was told to prophesy, and "to say". In God, these things are already done. In Jesus, these things are already done. For those who heed the completed work of God, the Lord says:

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I shall be his God, and he shall be my son."

                                                                                                                    Rev. 21:7

 

*The above is based upon the 10/20/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

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

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

 

Putting the Pieces Together

 

It was never the LORD's intention that the people called by His name, the people called to be light and salt in the earth, the people purposed to do exploits (Dan. 11:32) and greater works in His name (Jn. 14:12), should be confused, ignorant, fearful or without hope (1 Pet. 3:13-15, 1 Thess. 4:13-14) regarding end time events, and His will in those events.

Jesus taught of these events in the synagogues and temple, gave revelation of them to prophets and apostles, all so that we would be informed when the time came. All of these teachings did not make Jesus popular with those who had their own agendas, but these teachings have left us with a rich legacy of foreknowledge. If we will study the Word of God, we will attain wisdom, knowledge and understanding of these events, and our role in them.

Jesus described in great detail and accuracy the events that would lead to His return. All creation will be in turmoil and distress (Lk. 21:22-25). Men will be terrified by what they will see happening:

"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken...For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth."   Lk. 21:26, 35

However, because we have already been told what to expect, and what these events mean, our reactions should be different from the world's:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh...So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, "This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled...Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."   Lk. 21:28, 31-32, 36

Jesus' expectation was that His disciples would be a people of knowledge, but at the same time, warned that we were not to be involved with worldly behavior and cares, because this would have a destructive effect upon our hearts and minds:

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (weighed down, burdened, grieved) with surfeiting (seized, or carried away with the effects of drunkenness and debauchery), and drunkenness, and cares (anxiety, distraction, drawn in different directions, divided) of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (unexpectedly, suddenly)."  (v. 34).

Even Jesus removed Himself from distraction. He would teach in Jerusalem at the temple during the day, but then He would leave the activities of the city behind, and spend the night on the Mt. of Olives. In Greek, the place where He staid is described as an outdoor area of shepherds and their flocks (v. 37).

Our hearts and minds are very vulnerable to, and can be easily overtaken by, the attitudes and priorities of the world. Immediately after Jesus taught about the catastrophic events of the end times, and what our attitude through it should be, His own disciple, Judas, made an agreement to betray Jesus for money (Lk. 22:1-4). Judas had formed an attitude of offense and disrespect towards Jesus (Mt. 26, Lk. 7, Mk. 14), and had allowed these things to divert, divide, and rule his heart. Although Judas had access to all of the revelations of Jesus, instead of becoming a son of salvation, he became a son of perdition (damnation, destruction, perishing, eternal misery in hell) (Jn. 17:12).

Paul makes clear that the ways and thoughts of the world have nothing to do with us:

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned...For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."   1 Cor. 2:12-14, 16

We do not seek the understanding found in the world, but we search the scriptures, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, putting together the pieces of Godly wisdom and knowledge. Rather than the information highway of the world, we receive our instruction from the Holy Spirit through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers until we grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ, a bride who has made herself ready, a light set on a lampstand, a city on a hill.

 

To Contact/Give:

PO Box 155

Christmas, Fl. 32709

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

PayPal accepted

 

To hear the entire message from Dr. Ken Stevenson:

https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.e.stevenson/videos/10209966459979912/

 

 

http://endtimeschool.com/