Do YOU Know What Time It Is?*

Reminder: Beginning in July, Google will stop sending automatic notifications of new postings for blogs such as this one that are published under "blogspot.com". If you have been receiving notifications, or would like to receive them, please enter your email address in the box in the upper right corner of this blog page before July. Your email addresses will be retrieved hopefully, and you will be sent a notification directly when there is a new post available. Your email addresses will not be used for any other purpose. You will receive the "new blog post" notifications from "the disciple". If you choose not to enter your email address, it is recommend that after June 2021, you should check the blog regularly for new posts. Thank you for your patience and faithful readership. Given recent and current events, something is wrong when we don't understand the signs of the times. We are seeing them unfold around us. Not only is the church as a whole ignoring the signs, but the question for today's message, "Do YOU Know What Time It Is?", is a personal and individual question posed to you. We have to understand that the events occurring today have been prophesied in God's Word. We have to understand that God's prophetic Word is true, and its fulfillment is assured. The prophetic Word of God is directly connected with the Person of Jesus Christ: "...worship God: for the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10). God has said that He does nothing except that He reveals His secret first to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). Regarding His prophetic revelation, the LORD said to Habakkuk: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry (mahahh-delay), wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (ahar- be late)." (Hab. 2:3). The prophet Ezekiel was given a prophetic word to speak over nations that, in his time, would seem to have little to do with a threat to the safety of Israel. However, in our time, we see these nations, and their threatening stand against Israel in the news every day. The prophetic word given to Ezekiel was against a spiritual prince named Gog, who was over the region identified today as Russia (Magog, Meschech, Tubal). Russia, in this prophesied attack against Israel, is joined by the nations of Persia (Iran/Iraq), Ethiopia, Libya, and others. In this prophecy, Israel is described as a land that has been brought back from the sword, and as having been brought forth out of the nations, which is Israel today. The LORD says of Russia, and the spiritual prince over that land: "...It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought." (Ezek. 38:1-10). We have indeed seen the aggressive, interfering and intrusive activities of Russia here in America, and throughout the world in these last few years. The nations mentioned with Russia have expressed their enmity of Israel. When asked about the signs of the end of the age, and of His return, Jesus prophesied of conditions that sound like they come out of today's headlines: "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 (ethnos) shall rise against nation (ethnos), and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." (Mt. 24:6-7). Not only have we seen an increase in wars around the globe, but also outbreaks of violence and hatred between different racial and ethnic groups (the word "ethnos" used in these verses). We are experiencing pestilences and earthquakes. Famines have resulted as economic systems have been impacted by these other conditions. These are the rapidly increasing events that Jesus prophesied as "signs" for us to know, and watch for. Both of the prophets Ezekiel and Obadiah connected the day of the LORD with the proliferation of the "heathen": "For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen." (Ezek. 30:3, Obadiah 1:15). We are seeing today the prevalence of the "heathen", who don't know God, and seek their own interests above all else. As this nation is torn apart with racial animosity and violence, Paul wrote of the importance of loving our neighbor as we see the return of Christ drawing near: "...love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law...Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the filfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." (Rom. 13:8-12). All of the commandments are summed up in the commandment to love our neighbor. Paul included this principle in our "armour of light". Jesus and the apostles describe His coming as "sudden", and "like a thief in the night" (Rev. 16:15, 1 Thess. 5:1-3, 2 Peter 3:10-11). Because of this, Jesus warned the church of Sardis: "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." (Rev. 3:3). We are expected to know the nearness of His return, and to act upon that knowledge, as those who are waiting and watching for the return of Christ. Do YOU know what time it is? *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/30.21 message to the church. To contact: PO Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

Our Position in Messiah*

 

The enemy is a great deceiver. He tries to distract and redirect us from our place in Messiah, Jesus Christ. Currently to accomplish this, fear has been released because of the Corona Virus. However, the Word of God reminds us of where we need to be spiritually during this time, and in all times of challenge.

Psalm 23, written by David, restores us back into our place in the hands of Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd:

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

As our Shepherd, the Lord cares for His sheep. They don't have to worry over their next meal, or lack, or because of an enemy.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."

The Lord places us where we are safe, and where we can rest in peace and provision, and not fear.

"He restoreth  my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

We live in a physical body, we are spiritual beings, and we possess a soul. The soul is our mind, our will, and our emotions. When our soul is in turmoil or fear, the Lord brings us back to our condition of peace.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

In our position in our Messiah, death is but a shadow to us. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun because of what Jesus has done for us. There is no evil for us to fear in this position with Him. The scriptures say in another place, "O death, where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55).

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

All that we have need of, physically and spiritually, has already been prepared for us. God knew us before we were fashioned in our mother's wombs. He knows what we have need of, and when we are in our positions in Him, we are provided for by Him.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

This is our position in the Messiah, dwelling in the house of the LORD forever. At the cross, Jesus restored our position. We need to receive that salvation, and remain in that place from which He supplies everything to us.

Psalm 91 tells us more about our position in the Messiah, and the provision that flows from that place. Here is an excerpt:

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD he is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust...He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust..."

Where is this secret place of the most High, in which we must dwell and abide? Psalm 23 told us that is has to do with the house of the LORD. The secret place referred to in Psalm 91 is the Holy of Holies of the temple of God, before the ark of the covenant, before the mercy seat, which is sprinkled with the atoning blood of the Messiah. This mercy seat, the Throne of God, is between two seraphim with outstretched wings that cover it. It is the place where God is enthroned. We are the living temple of God, and we have this secret place within us, with its mercy seat covered with His blood.

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome (calamity, wickedness, ruin. Root- to breathe, to blow) pestilence (Root Word: dabar: speak, declare, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing, subdue, teach, appoint, rehearse, pronounce)...his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."

In our position in the secret place, the LORD delivers us from pestilence. It is His saving Word of Truth that dwells nigh us, even in our mouths. We proclaim His Word of Truth, not the mind or ways of the world. Our words line up with, are the same as, His Word. His Word became flesh and dwelt among us. His Word, Jesus, made all things which were made.

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee..."

From our position in Messiah, in the secret place, we are not to be afraid for anything.

"Because though hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation (refuge, dwelling, Tabernacle or Temple of God. Root - cohabitation or intimacy of marriage); there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling..."

Again, the LORD emphasizes our position in the Messiah, from which all of these protections and deliverances flow. Our dwelling place is to be in the secret place, in the Temple of God.

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

God's Salvation is revealed to us from this same secret place. His Salvation is a person who has a name, "Yeshua", meaning salvation of God, or Jesus in the Greek. It is a name we are to know, in order to dwell in this secret place. It is by this Person, of this name, Jesus, that our sickness were healed by the stripes, or scourging, that was inflicted upon His body (Isa. 53:5).

Numerous times in scripture, God commands His people to fear not. From His position as our Shepherd, and from our position in the secret place, He has promised again that we are to fear nothing. Paul reminded his minister, Timothy, and all of us:

"Wherefore, I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Hold fast the form of sound words...that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." 2 Tim. 1:6-10

Paul emphasized to Timothy above, that the sound Words of God, the testimony of Christ, are kept or preserved in us by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us. In these next few weeks, stir up that gift, stir up that power of the Holy Spirit to keep the Word in us. Read Acts, chapters 1 and 2, and renew your acquaintance with the Holy Spirit, who was sent to us by Christ for this purpose.

*The above is based upon the 3/22/20 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

 



The Ultimate Textbook*

The Bible is not literature, although it has many examples of beautiful poetry, and the greatest prose ever written. The Bible is the Word of God, and the ultimate textbook of truth for our lives. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away." (Mt. 24:35). At this time, with all of the signs pointing to the return of Christ, and with panic and pandemics abounding, the Bible is the textbook that we need to study to understand and withstand the times in which we are living.

As Joshua felt the panic of taking over the leadership of God's people after Moses's death, the LORD gave him a word to sustain him. The LORD told Joshua to "be strong and of a good courage (to strengthen, to prevail, to be resolute, firm, to give strength, to encourage, to retain, hold up, sustain, support, repair)". Being "of good courage", not only strengthens ourselves, but also gives strength and encourages others. Our good courage strengthens, holds up and sustains those things that have become weak and teetering. In the face of frightening circumstances, that good courage, according to the LORD, comes from His Word:

"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  Josh. 1:7-9

In the above verses to Joshua, the Word of God is to be present in our lives in three forms: we are to meditate upon it, in the same sense as a cow brings back, and chews and chews upon its cud. We are to speak it, as it is to be in our mouths, and we are to do it. This is our prosperity and success in the times of fear and trial.

Psalm 1 describes the blessed man who does not take advice from the ungodly, or give power to sinners and the scornful, but " ..his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."   Ps. 1:1-3

It is our meditation on the Word of God that keeps us supplied with what we need. Others panic and hoard goods, but those who are imbedded in the Word, never have to fear lack in any way.
The LORD said through His prophet Hosea, that the thing that destroys His people is their lack of knowledge of Him. "...there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land...because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing how thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children...For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD."  Hos. 4:1-6, 10
God tells His people, "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction, they will seek me early. Come and let us return unto the LORD...if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." 
                                                                                           Hos. 5:15-6:1-3 (excerpt)
The people of God have a responsibility in the Word, and in the knowledge of God, especially in times such as these. Those who have become physically sick are filling the hospitals. For those who are spiritually sick, the sinners, they need the Church as their hospital. As was the case with the Pharisees, arrogance, pride and a "holier than thou" attitude, as the Church is sometimes accused of having, delivers the Word of God, and the healing of the sinner to no one.
As Peter so accurately described the lusts of the sinful man, and the scoffers of the last days who mock the seeming delay of the LORD to execute judgment, the apostle wrote that we should be reminded of the words spoken by the prophets in the Old Testament, and the words of the apostles in the New Testament, because God is not slack to keep His word of judgment. The Lord is, however, longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:1-9). The day of the Lord is coming suddenly, like a thief in the night (v. 10), and everything we see around us points to the fact that that day is very soon.
The people of God are called to 2 Chron. 7:12-16, where the LORD promises that if He sends a pestilence, He will hear the prayers of His people if His people will humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. His eyes and ears will once again be turned to His sanctified house (we are the temple of the Holy Spirit). NOW is the time when the people of God are called to bring the relief to the land, knowing, meditating, speaking, and doing the Word of God.



*The above is based upon the 3/15/20 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

God's Timetable in Our Generation

 

 

Historically speaking, 2017 marks an important milestone anniversary for several world-changing events:

• 120th anniversary of the First Zionist Conference (1897), with the goal of seeking to establish a home for the Jewish people in Palestine
• 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration (1917), announcing British government support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine
• 70th anniversary of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine-mandating the establishment of a state of Israel
• 50th anniversary of the re-capture of East Jerusalem by the Israeli army

In the last few years, there have also been noteworthy signs in the heavens, including full lunar eclipses and blood moons occurring on Jewish Feasts.

These unusual events, and more, should be putting us on alert to watch, and prepare for the return of Christ.

On top of all of these things, in Mt. 24:3, Jesus spoke privately, with only His disciples, about the signs of His coming, and the end of the age (not the end of the world, as translated incorrectly from the Greek KJV).  These were things He wanted not only His then disciples to know, but also His present disciples, you and me. He wanted us to have this information, in order to protect us from deception:

:And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you."  Mt. 24:4

"Deception" is most often mentioned by Jesus as a danger of this age before His return-both those who wish to deceive, and those being deceived (V. 4, 5, 11, 23, 24, 26). Christ's first instruction to us is in regard to this wide-spread deception: "Take heed" meaning in the Greek "beware (or be aware), see, perceive, discern, understand, weigh carefully, examine". The deception involved will be very seductive, and convincing, and many will fall victim to it, even those who should be the least likely to fall, the elect (V. 24). Included in the powerful deception of this age will be the arising of those who claim to be Christ (Messiah), those who falsely claim to be prophets, and those who declare Christ has returned, or will return, in a false manner (V. 5, 11, 26).

One reason the false Christs and false prophets will be so convincing to many is because they will work great signs and wonders.

In our time, we have seen this happen with news stories of false Messiahs and false "messengers" and prophets leading many to ruin, and even death. All over the world, people are following these deceptive leaders. Many are murdering in the names of false prophets.

Jesus also warns that warfare, racial, and national hatreds will dominate this age (V. 6-7). Hatred and violence in all nations against believers will escalate (V. 9-10). Racial, ethnic, and national violence rages today like never before in history, and anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, and anti-Christian hatred and persecution are on the increase around the world. The same United Nations that originally mandated a state of Israel, now officially condemns it.

Jesus tells us that in this time, before He returns, lives will be destroyed by famines and pestilences (V.7). Famines have indeed decimated many areas of the globe, and plagues of deadly diseases have spread through nations and continents.

Even the earth itself, will be in upheaval with quakes (V.7). We are now seeing more frequent, and greater intensity quakes than ever previously recorded. This turmoil is not limited to the earth, but enters the heavens also (V. 29). Stars will fall, bodies of light will dim, and heavenly powers will be shaken.

As the heavens, earth, and nations twist in violence, the individual soul will also see turmoil. The soul will be burdened by offenses and betrayals (V. 10). In droves, people have walked away from their churches, and even their faith, as real and imagined offenses and betrayals have entered in.

Jesus also warned that there would be a great increase in sin and iniquity around us. It will cause our own love of God and each other to grow cold (V. 12). In our own time, our hearts and souls have been grieved as the world has demanded that sin and perversity be considered as righteousness, and goodness, and cause for celebration. The human soul is being twisted and torn, as truth is being twisted and torn. It has now become evil in the eyes of men, to stand for righteousness, and believe the Word of God.

All of these troubles and more, will intensify as the return of Christ draws nearer.

Those who have heard and understood the words of Jesus, when they see all of these things, will know that His appearing is near, even at the doors (V. 33). Jesus gives this description of the approaching time:

"But as the days of (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days 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...Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."  Mt. 24:37-39, 42

What are believers to be doing as we see the time drawing nearer? Jesus tells us:

"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."  V. 14

Remember:

"Behold, I have told you before."  Mt. 24:25

To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, FL. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud     (see website for PayPal info)
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