Showing posts with label signs of the times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label signs of the times. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
A Remnant By Grace*
A lot of things have been going on this week that should be causing the Body of Christ to think and consider. Jesus scolded the people saying that they could interpret the signs and anticipate the day's weather by the appearance of the sky, but they could not interpret the signs of the times (Mt. 16:3). Men may debate interpretations concerning the day of the return of Christ, or the timing of the rapture, but truth is found by comparing scripture with scripture, not by man's interpretation. Regarding these events, there will be a remnant by grace, so believers need to know how that remnant is spared throughout these prophesied events. Jude wrote of the dangers ahead by looking at past events from the history between God and the ungodly in scripture: "...it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith (pistis - in the New Testament: of a conviction of the truth or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things) which was once delivered to the saints...certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude v. 3-4). The work of the ungodly turns the grace of God into lasciviousness. The Church of England, and other Christian denominations have approved same-sex marriage, rather than believing and teaching the Word of God. The apostle Jude wrote examples from scripture of those who chose ungodliness, and contended against the Lord, and the inevitable consequences of it: Although the LORD saved the people out of Egypt, Jude wrote, He destroyed those among them who did not believe. WWhen the angels left their first estate and habitation, and sinned against God, He placed them in everlasting chains under darkness until the day of judgment. When Sodom and Gomorrha, chose strange flesh and fornication against the law of God, they suffered eternal fire as an example to others (v. 5-7). These examples given by Jude are for the purpose of a warning to all. In Numbers 26:9-10, a sign is provided to us as a warning regarding those who rebelled and strove (struggled, laid waste, made desolate) against both Moses and God, in this case, respected men in authority among God's people: "The earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together...the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men...". The men who strove with Moses and God were in positions of respect and authority among God's people. Men in authority, especially in the Church, should not go against God's law, which is to love God, and to love their neighbor. Our nation is also continuing to be plagued by injustice with cruelty. There is a denial of its existence as books are banned that deal with racism, like biographies of Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson. Jesus warned: "And shall God not avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith (the conviction and belief regarding the relationship between men and God, and divine things) in the earth?" (Lk. 18:7-9). There are those who turn away from the idea of God, because they believe that the truth of His judgment is cruel. However, even as He commands His people to carry out justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8), He also does so, and He will not let the cries of the abused and oppressed of His elect go unheard, as Jesus said. Jesus also described terrible signs that would appear before His return, such as ethnic groups and kingdoms rising up against each other, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights and great signs from heaven (Lk. 21:10-11). We have seen those signs occurring this week! His warning to those who look to be part of the remnant by grace: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Lk. 21:34-36). There is a remnant by grace. There is a snare that is coming upon all who dwell on the earth, including the cares of life that draw us away from our watch and prayers. We are not meant to be caught unprepared and without faith, and not walking in the grace that fulfills the law and the prophets: to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Paul wrote regarding the watchfulness of the remnant: "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night...But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess. 5:1-10). There is a remnant by grace, not meant for wrath, who are of light, and not darkness, of faith and love, sober and watching with hope in our salvation through Christ. The prophets brought the warning Word of the LORD to His people who mistakenly believed that they were righteously walking with Him, and in His law. However, all that became left of His people was a small remnant: "#xcept the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD....I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats....Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths...it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isa. 1:9-19). Empty religious observances, even of the law of Moses, means nothing when our hearts and souls are full of sin, being unrepentant before God. Where is justice among God's people, especially towards those who are powerless? The two commandments that incorporate all the law and the prophets are to love God, and to love our neighbor (Mt. 22:36-40). The LORD said that because of these things, God's people would be reduced to a "very small remnant". The prophet Amos similarly said: "Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it (see also 1 Thess. 5 above)? I hate, I despise your feast days...Though you offer me burnt offerings...I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take...away from me the noise of thy songs...But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." (Amos 5:20-24). Amos also added: "But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Therefore I will cause you to go into captivity..." (v. 26-27). His people, while practicing ritualistic and vain observances of God's law, really dwelled within a different spiritual "tabernacle". They were worshipping false gods like Moloch, who was worshipped with child sacrifice, as we also practice today in child murder, and Chiun, involving astrology and the worship of the heavens. However, God was in the beginning, before the demon Moloch, and before the stars in the heavens, having created them: "B'reshiet (meaning 'the Son crushed, His hand on the cross') Elohim aleph-tav (Alpha and Omega)", and His name is The LORD, YHWH: "Behold the hand, Behold the nail". The prophet Ezekiel also wrote that even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in the land, when God sends His judgment against the sinful land that has trespassed against Him, they would only be able to deliver themselves by their righteousness. All others would be cut off, both man and beast. When God sends the the sword, the beasts, the famine, and the pestilence in His judgment, even these three righteous servants would be able to deliver none but themselves - "Yet behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters...and ye shall see their ways and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought forth upon it." (Ezek. 14:12-22). Jeremiah wrote saying that even Moses and Samuel, if present in the land, would not be able to save anyone from the judgment of God (Jer. 15:1). Our nation, like Israel, is consumed in sin. Men have crept in, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. We have made public prayer illegal, removed the Bible from our schools, while our leaders strive against God. Instead of the grace found in the law and the prophets: loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, and doing as the LORD requires of us: to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God, this nation is concerned with the cares of this life, and the corrupting gods that we have made for ourselves. There is a remnant by grace, however. The LORD is calling for a remnant that has washed and made themselves clean. This remnant is called to be watching, praying, being the children of light, and not the children of darkness, being the children of the day, and not the children of the night. This also is the law and the prophets. This is the gift of grace. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 2/12/23 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.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Are You Ready?*
The title of this message is the spiritual question of our time. It seems for much of the Church that we're not ready for the days ahead, and the return of Christ.
The people of Jesus' time kept asking Him for a sign from heaven. Jesus remarked on their lack of spiritual discernment telling them that although they could discern the coming weather by observing the signs in the sky, they couldn't discern the signs of God: "O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" (Mt. 16:1-4). Jesus told them that only the sign of Jonah, a resurrection from the dead confirming God's Word and authority, would be given to such an evil and wicked generation that seeks after a sign, when they have already refused to discern the sign that had been given to them, which was Christ Himself. Jesus also pointed out that others who HAD discerned the signs of the times in the past, even strangers to Israel like the Ninevites who received the prophetic warning of Jonah, or the Queen of the South who sought out Solomon for his wisdom, would rise up and judge this generation who refused to discern the signs of the times (Lk. 11:29-32).
Because of his faith in God, Noah acted when he was warned of the coming judgment: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he cndemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."(Heb. 11:7). The fact that Noah heard, believed, and acted, not only saved his own house, but condemned the rest of the world for not hearing, believing and acting on the warning signs given to Noah. Are we receiving these warnings from the things written in scripture? Will we stand condemned also as we ignore the servants of God who are bringing us the warning signs of judgment?
Jesus said that we can understand the sign of the fig tree, that when its leaves turn green it tells us that summer is coming. "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things (the signs detailed in Mt. 24), know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Mt. 24:32-34). Jesus was speaking of the signs of wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, persecution of believers, false prophets and false Christs, which would signal the beginning of tribulation and the coming end of the age. All we will be given are these signs, by which we will know the time draws near. We will not be given the day nor the hour of its approach: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only (Mt. 24:36-39, Mk. 13:28-32). Because of this, Jesus warns us of what we need to do: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh...lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.(Mk. 13:35-37). Will Christ find us sleeping? Will He find us so taken up with the cares of this world, even after He has told us to seek His kingdom first? Jesus warned that this is the very snare that will come to all who dwell on the earth. The moment we look away by the distractions and cares of life is the very moment when He may come. So again, He says, "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. 21:34-36).
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of ten virgins who were appointed to go with the bridegroom when he appears, yet all fell asleep. However, there were five wise out of the ten, who had extra oil for their lamps, and were well prepared for the sudden appearance of the bridegroom. Five were foolish, and did not have on hand the extra oil that would be needed. The five foolish misjudged the times, and had to rush out to buy more oil when the bridegroom suddenly appeared. They missed his coming, and were not able to go into the bridal chamber with him. The door was shut against them, as the door of the ark had been shut by God, closing Noah and his family in the ark, and the wicked outside the ark (see Gen. 7:11-16). As in the case in Noah's time, once the door had shut them out, it is irreversible. When the five foolish virgins came to the shut door saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us", he answered and said, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not." Jesus concluded the parable again saying, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Mt. 25:1-13). Although the five foolish virgins had been part of the ten appointed for the wedding, their lack of preparedness, their lacking of the oil of light or the oil of the Holy Spirit identified them as ones whom Christ does not know. Like the virgins, we have been called to discern and be prepared for his sudden coming. We have been called to discern the signs of the times and be prepared. Will He find us sleeping? Watch, pray, heed the signs and be prepared.
*Based on Dr. Stevenson's 1/9/21 message to the Church.
To contact Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson, email Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com or PO Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705
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Wednesday, September 2, 2020
End Times, Set Times*
The Apostle Peter wrote to the persecuted believers who inhabited regions in what we now call the nation of Turkey in 1 Peter Chapter 1. He wrote to them to encourage them to remain steadfast in the faith and hope that they have in Jesus Christ, even throughout the extreme trials they were experiencing for a season. Their faith, Peter wrote, was being tried by fire unto the praise, the honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." These believers, these elect, have an incorruptible inheritance waiting for them in heaven. These persecuted believers were part of the elect, wrote Peter, "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling (the meaning of "nazah") of the blood of Jesus Christ....Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (v. 2, 5). The Greek word used to mean "last time" is the word kyros, meaning set time, specific time.
Those in the "last time" must expect persecution. In Lk. 21:9-36, Jesus described the signs of the last days before His return. Some of the signs He described included: wars and commotions of nations (ethnic groups), and kingdoms, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights and great signs in the heavens. Even before these signs and throughout them, there shall be persecution. Jesus also spoke that Jerusalem would be compassed about with great armies. "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." (v. 22). Jesus also spoke of Jerusalem being trodden down of the Gentiles, "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (v. 24). We are seeing these signs fulfilled, and the conclusion of the times of the Gentiles regarding Jerusalem in this generation. Jesus also said:
"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." (v. 31-32).
When Jesus spoke of "this generation", He spoke of the generation living when the signs of which He spoke were coming to pass. We are this generation. Jesus went on to warn:
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come on all that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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. 33-36).
Both Peter's letter to the persecuted believers, and Christ's prophecies regarding the signs of the last days before His return, refer to very specific and set times.
All of the events of Christ's life, His crucifixion, resurrection, the catching away of the Church, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, are foretold in the Feasts of the LORD that He commanded for Israel to keep for all of their generations. Christ has already fulfilled the three spring feasts with His first coming. He will likewise fulfill the three fall feasts with His return. All of these feasts are assigned to very specific timing and set dates, as is the meaning of the Greek kyros, which we saw above.
The fall feasts are detailed in Lev. 23:23-37. These fall feasts of the LORD begin with the Feast of Trumpets, the sounding of the shofar, calling the congregation of the Lord to assemble, calling them to days of repentance. This Feast is set at a specific time: the first day of the seventh month, at the sighting of the new moon. To many in the Church, this feast is prophetically associated with and will be fulfilled in the rapture of the Church, which is also signified by the sounding of the Great Trump, the Last Trump, according to scripture.
During the next ten days, called The Days of Awe, the congregation spends time in solemn repentance. On the tenth day of this seventh month, the Day of Atonement, the people are to afflict their souls, and the high priest applies the blood of the atonement upon the mercy seat of God in the tabernacle or temple. Jesus is our blood of atonement. We are not to take His atoning blood lightly, or for granted. The tradition of the Jews during this solemn and holy time, is to gather in small groups with friends, examining each other for sin. Sins are confessed and repented. The third feast is Tabernacles, set on the fifteenth day of this same first month. This feast continues for seven days. To the Church, the late harvest and shutting in of Tabernacles, which is a joyful feast, is to be fulfilled by a final harvest of souls, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, with His spotless Bride in heaven. These Feasts of the LORD are all designated as Sabbaths, wherein the congregation focuses their attention solely on the LORD, rather than other activities, and their offerings are made to Him by fire.
The LORD does all things by His set, specific times, as we have seen above. This same principle applies to the events of the end times as well.
We are already seeing the signs, and many across the world are seeing the persecution that attends them, as Jesus foretold. We in this nation are not yet being persecuted to death, but we are seeing that Christians are being blamed for many of the ills being sighted by those who call themselves "Progressives", because, unfortunately, Christians seem to be supporting ungodly things. In America, we still have the liberty to practice our faith, but what are we doing with that liberty? We are not here to support either a Republican or Democratic political agenda, but a Godly, Biblical, Christ-like agenda.
Innocent people, like our son, Sean Stevenson, are being murdered, and no justice is coming forth. We, the people of God, need to call sin, sin and evil, evil, in these things. Is there a greater abomination before God than child murder? Yet many in the Church support it. The prophets and Jesus warned all, including religious leadership, regarding this compromise of truth saying, "Woe unto you...". Considering all of these things, are we shocked to see judgment and catastrophes fall?
The people of God need to pray, confess their sins, and turn from their wicked ways before God, so He will hear from heaven and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14).
everlastingcovenant@ymail.com
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
Sean Stevenson
Both Peter's letter to the persecuted believers, and Christ's prophecies regarding the signs of the last days before His return, refer to very specific and set times.
All of the events of Christ's life, His crucifixion, resurrection, the catching away of the Church, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, are foretold in the Feasts of the LORD that He commanded for Israel to keep for all of their generations. Christ has already fulfilled the three spring feasts with His first coming. He will likewise fulfill the three fall feasts with His return. All of these feasts are assigned to very specific timing and set dates, as is the meaning of the Greek kyros, which we saw above.
The fall feasts are detailed in Lev. 23:23-37. These fall feasts of the LORD begin with the Feast of Trumpets, the sounding of the shofar, calling the congregation of the Lord to assemble, calling them to days of repentance. This Feast is set at a specific time: the first day of the seventh month, at the sighting of the new moon. To many in the Church, this feast is prophetically associated with and will be fulfilled in the rapture of the Church, which is also signified by the sounding of the Great Trump, the Last Trump, according to scripture.
During the next ten days, called The Days of Awe, the congregation spends time in solemn repentance. On the tenth day of this seventh month, the Day of Atonement, the people are to afflict their souls, and the high priest applies the blood of the atonement upon the mercy seat of God in the tabernacle or temple. Jesus is our blood of atonement. We are not to take His atoning blood lightly, or for granted. The tradition of the Jews during this solemn and holy time, is to gather in small groups with friends, examining each other for sin. Sins are confessed and repented. The third feast is Tabernacles, set on the fifteenth day of this same first month. This feast continues for seven days. To the Church, the late harvest and shutting in of Tabernacles, which is a joyful feast, is to be fulfilled by a final harvest of souls, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, with His spotless Bride in heaven. These Feasts of the LORD are all designated as Sabbaths, wherein the congregation focuses their attention solely on the LORD, rather than other activities, and their offerings are made to Him by fire.
The LORD does all things by His set, specific times, as we have seen above. This same principle applies to the events of the end times as well.
We are already seeing the signs, and many across the world are seeing the persecution that attends them, as Jesus foretold. We in this nation are not yet being persecuted to death, but we are seeing that Christians are being blamed for many of the ills being sighted by those who call themselves "Progressives", because, unfortunately, Christians seem to be supporting ungodly things. In America, we still have the liberty to practice our faith, but what are we doing with that liberty? We are not here to support either a Republican or Democratic political agenda, but a Godly, Biblical, Christ-like agenda.
Innocent people, like our son, Sean Stevenson, are being murdered, and no justice is coming forth. We, the people of God, need to call sin, sin and evil, evil, in these things. Is there a greater abomination before God than child murder? Yet many in the Church support it. The prophets and Jesus warned all, including religious leadership, regarding this compromise of truth saying, "Woe unto you...". Considering all of these things, are we shocked to see judgment and catastrophes fall?
The people of God need to pray, confess their sins, and turn from their wicked ways before God, so He will hear from heaven and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14).
*The above is based upon the 8/30/20 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, or Memorial Fund 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/
everlastingcovenant@ymail.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.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
This Generation*
We are already seeing teachers and preachers in the Church beginning to say that Jesus is not going to return, and that there is no rapture, or catching away, of the Church. They do this by taking scripture out of context, and by not teaching the full Word of God. There is a danger in denying the imminent return of Christ, especially as the signs around us are specifically pointing to this coming event. We are to be preparing ourselves for His coming, rather than denying it. The prophet Hosea warned that God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, and for the rejection of the knowledge of God, thereby becoming disqualified to serve Him as priests (Hos. 4:6, Rom. 1:28-32). In fact, this has been one of the repeated messages of this ministry...that, and the call to God's people to turn, pray, repent, and seek God's face, in accordance with 2 Chron. 7:14.
Isaiah brought God's warning prophetic word regarding the condition of His people, and the consequences that would result from it:
"...My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it; and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes (worthless stinkberries)....What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?...And now...I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it." Isa. 5:1-6 (excerpt)
The LORD told Isaiah that this prophetic word was about His people, in this case, Judah and Israel. He expected to see noble grapes coming from His vineyard: Justice, and righteousness. Instead oppression, unrighteousness, greed, covetousness, drunkenness and festivals that have nothing to do with the LORD's holy feasts. The LORD concludes saying:
"...they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of His hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore, hell hath enlarged itself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it....Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope...Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." v. 13-20 (excerpt)
The LORD's description of His vineyard to Isaiah, very much mirrors the condition of God's people today. Sin is tolerated and endorsed for a reward, or a bribe (v. 23) even by the Church, and the knowledge of God's word has been withheld from, or misrepresented to His people. The people of God have become just as sinful as the world around them.
Contrary to some of the false teaching of today mentioned at the beginning of this entry, Christ clearly laid out the signs indicating His coming, and the end of the age (correct translation of the Greek), when asked by His disciples (Mt. 24, Lk. 21, Mk. 13). Jesus warned of deception, and claims of false Christs. Wars and rumors of wars, as well as racial conflict ("ethnos" is the Greek word used for nation), famines pestilences, earthquakes. All of these mark the beginning of the time of sorrows that precedes the coming of Christ, and the end of the age, and all of these we are seeing now. Persecution of believers, the increase of iniquity, and the love of many (for the Lord) growing cold because of it are also signs which we see today.
Even greater tribulation will begin at this point, according to Jesus, the likes of which has never before been seen in the world, nor will be seen in the future. It will be so severe that no flesh would be saved except the days are shortened for the elect's sake by the Lord (Mt. 24:21-22). People will run to and fro as false prophets declare that Christ has appeared "here!" or "there!". However, Christ said not to be fooled, and described His return that all will see:
"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be....And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man 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. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Mt. 24:27-31 (excerpt)
Jesus also pointed to the prophetic meaning of the fig tree in parables. It's budding marks the coming of a season (v. 32). The fig tree has always represented the nation of Israel in scripture, and that nation was miraculously and sovereignly restored in 1947. The restoration of Israel is yet another prophetic sign of the end of the age, and the return of Christ.
Jesus also mentioned the disappearance of people that He described as "taken". Some interpret this as the rapture of the church, but could there also be a "taking" of the wicked? It is mentioned in the context of those who ignored the sign of Noah, and his warning of the impending judgment to come. Those who ignored the warning were "taken" in the flood (v. 37-41).
Jesus said, "...when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (v. 33-34). Which generation is Christ talking about? It is the generation that sees these signs begin to be fulfilled. From the description of the signs, this generation now, qualifies.
Christ's final words on the subject of His return, and the end of the age:
"Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come...Therefore be ye also ready...Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (v. 42-46, excerpt).
We are to feed the Lord's household, of which we have been given charge by Him, meat, meaning the complete and substantial word of God, especially in the current season. Don't accept any substitutes or counterfeits.
*The above is based upon the 10/27/19 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:
Isaiah brought God's warning prophetic word regarding the condition of His people, and the consequences that would result from it:
"...My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it; and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes (worthless stinkberries)....What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?...And now...I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it." Isa. 5:1-6 (excerpt)
The LORD told Isaiah that this prophetic word was about His people, in this case, Judah and Israel. He expected to see noble grapes coming from His vineyard: Justice, and righteousness. Instead oppression, unrighteousness, greed, covetousness, drunkenness and festivals that have nothing to do with the LORD's holy feasts. The LORD concludes saying:
"...they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of His hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore, hell hath enlarged itself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it....Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope...Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." v. 13-20 (excerpt)
The LORD's description of His vineyard to Isaiah, very much mirrors the condition of God's people today. Sin is tolerated and endorsed for a reward, or a bribe (v. 23) even by the Church, and the knowledge of God's word has been withheld from, or misrepresented to His people. The people of God have become just as sinful as the world around them.
Contrary to some of the false teaching of today mentioned at the beginning of this entry, Christ clearly laid out the signs indicating His coming, and the end of the age (correct translation of the Greek), when asked by His disciples (Mt. 24, Lk. 21, Mk. 13). Jesus warned of deception, and claims of false Christs. Wars and rumors of wars, as well as racial conflict ("ethnos" is the Greek word used for nation), famines pestilences, earthquakes. All of these mark the beginning of the time of sorrows that precedes the coming of Christ, and the end of the age, and all of these we are seeing now. Persecution of believers, the increase of iniquity, and the love of many (for the Lord) growing cold because of it are also signs which we see today.
Even greater tribulation will begin at this point, according to Jesus, the likes of which has never before been seen in the world, nor will be seen in the future. It will be so severe that no flesh would be saved except the days are shortened for the elect's sake by the Lord (Mt. 24:21-22). People will run to and fro as false prophets declare that Christ has appeared "here!" or "there!". However, Christ said not to be fooled, and described His return that all will see:
"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be....And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man 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. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Mt. 24:27-31 (excerpt)
Jesus also pointed to the prophetic meaning of the fig tree in parables. It's budding marks the coming of a season (v. 32). The fig tree has always represented the nation of Israel in scripture, and that nation was miraculously and sovereignly restored in 1947. The restoration of Israel is yet another prophetic sign of the end of the age, and the return of Christ.
Jesus also mentioned the disappearance of people that He described as "taken". Some interpret this as the rapture of the church, but could there also be a "taking" of the wicked? It is mentioned in the context of those who ignored the sign of Noah, and his warning of the impending judgment to come. Those who ignored the warning were "taken" in the flood (v. 37-41).
Jesus said, "...when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (v. 33-34). Which generation is Christ talking about? It is the generation that sees these signs begin to be fulfilled. From the description of the signs, this generation now, qualifies.
Christ's final words on the subject of His return, and the end of the age:
"Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come...Therefore be ye also ready...Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (v. 42-46, excerpt).
We are to feed the Lord's household, of which we have been given charge by Him, meat, meaning the complete and substantial word of God, especially in the current season. Don't accept any substitutes or counterfeits.
*The above is based upon the 10/27/19 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 23, 2019
The Signs of the Times*
After the miracle of the loaves and the fishes by which Jesus fed thousands, Jesus traveled to another area where the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were seldom united in anything, both came to Jesus and demanded that He show them a sign from heaven (Mt. 16:1, Mk. 8:11). The meaning of "heaven" used here pertained to the stars and planets set in the heavens. Jesus sighed at their hypocrisy. They could discern signs of impending conditions that would affect their everyday lives, but they could not discern the greatest sign of all-Himself, sent by God to them. There was to be no other sign for them, but this sign of Jonah, a living warning call to repentance and the salvation of God before the destroying judgment. One who would be dead three days and returned, like Jonah from the belly of the fish. And the destroying judgment did come to Israel, to Jerusalem, and to the Temple of God at the hands of the Romans in 70 AD, on the same date, the 17th of Tammuz, as a similar destruction had come hundreds of years earlier at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 BC. The stars, sun and moon were set in the sky by God, not to be worshipped as in astrology, but for the purpose of dividing the day from the night, the light from the darkness, and "for signs, seasons, days and years" (Gen. 1:14-19). The Hebrew calendar reflects this principle. According to the Mishnah, five calamities have occurred on this same date, the 17th of Tammuz. The 17th day of Tammuz occurs today, July 21, for this year. The Jews observe this date with three weeks of mourning, understanding the ongoing ramifications of God's significant dates and times. The constancy of math and days in the scriptures is an awesome act of God.
We also have signs all around us in these times. As our nation has turned way from God, floods, storms, tornadoes, as well as racial and ethnic divisions, have ripped our land. Have the people of God discerned these signs, and if so, have they changed their lives accordingly? As the signs mount up, what is important to God's people: the things and kingdoms of this world, or the kingdom of God?
The prophet Daniel wrote the word of the LORD concerning the end times, and what was to be the role of the people of God in them:
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know (know by experience, to ascertain by seeing, to recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess, to know intimately, to be revealed) their God shall be strong (strengthened, sustained, encouraged, made bold, made firm, to press, be urgent), and do (accomplish, produce, act with effect, bring about, appoint, ordain, institute) exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil many days...And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed." Dan. 11:32-35 (excerpt)
Those who have an intimate knowledge of God are called to accomplish great things during these times of the end. It will not be without cost to them, however, as Daniel revealed.
Jesus described in parables the conditions challenging the kingdom of God, and what should be the driving focus of the people of God.
Concerning the challenges to the kingdom of God, Jesus told the parable of the man who sowed good seed in his field (Mt. 13:24-30). As the crop grew, it was noticed that worthless plants called tares, which initially look like wheat but never grow the head of useful grain at maturity, had been sown among the good wheat seed. The man knew immediately that this was the work of an enemy during the night. His servant asked if the worthless plants should be removed immediately, but the wise owner said to let them continue to grow together, otherwise the good wheat might be pulled out with them. "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
The matured worthless tares without the developed grain head would be easily identified and separated out at harvest time to be destroyed, while the good wheat, having produced the fruit of grain, would also be easily identified and harvested into the barn.
John the Baptist also spoke to the religious hypocrites who recognized the warnings of the wrath to come, but failed to produce fruit worthy of repentance, which is the fruit the LORD was looking for. Again, these fruitless hypocrites would experience the cut of the ax, and the casting into the fire by the One coming who would baptize with fire (Mt. 3:7-12).
Jesus warned not to put importance and effort into material and corruptible things as the world does. Those things will be consumed, destroyed and stolen. Make effort instead to value and accumulate the heavenly treasures, which are indestructible. As you so labor, your heart and soul will be fixed on those things. In the case of those who covet the corruptible things, the light they do have will be darkened into great darkness (Mt. 6:19-23).
Those heavenly treasures are described in parables by Jesus:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Mt. 13:44-46
Have you discerned the signs of the times? Will the expected fruit and grain be found in you at the time of the coming harvest? Where are you laying up your treasure? In the corruptible things of this world, or in the eternal, incorruptible things of heaven, the things of the kingdom of God? The signs tell us that time is growing short.
We hope to soon be able to bring to you and many others an End Time School, instructing and preparing as many as possible regarding the end of this age, and the events marking the soon return of Christ. We hope that you will support this work of the kingdom of God. More details will soon be forthcoming.
*The above is based upon the 7/21/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
Concerning the challenges to the kingdom of God, Jesus told the parable of the man who sowed good seed in his field (Mt. 13:24-30). As the crop grew, it was noticed that worthless plants called tares, which initially look like wheat but never grow the head of useful grain at maturity, had been sown among the good wheat seed. The man knew immediately that this was the work of an enemy during the night. His servant asked if the worthless plants should be removed immediately, but the wise owner said to let them continue to grow together, otherwise the good wheat might be pulled out with them. "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
The matured worthless tares without the developed grain head would be easily identified and separated out at harvest time to be destroyed, while the good wheat, having produced the fruit of grain, would also be easily identified and harvested into the barn.
John the Baptist also spoke to the religious hypocrites who recognized the warnings of the wrath to come, but failed to produce fruit worthy of repentance, which is the fruit the LORD was looking for. Again, these fruitless hypocrites would experience the cut of the ax, and the casting into the fire by the One coming who would baptize with fire (Mt. 3:7-12).
Jesus warned not to put importance and effort into material and corruptible things as the world does. Those things will be consumed, destroyed and stolen. Make effort instead to value and accumulate the heavenly treasures, which are indestructible. As you so labor, your heart and soul will be fixed on those things. In the case of those who covet the corruptible things, the light they do have will be darkened into great darkness (Mt. 6:19-23).
Those heavenly treasures are described in parables by Jesus:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Mt. 13:44-46
Have you discerned the signs of the times? Will the expected fruit and grain be found in you at the time of the coming harvest? Where are you laying up your treasure? In the corruptible things of this world, or in the eternal, incorruptible things of heaven, the things of the kingdom of God? The signs tell us that time is growing short.
We hope to soon be able to bring to you and many others an End Time School, instructing and preparing as many as possible regarding the end of this age, and the events marking the soon return of Christ. We hope that you will support this work of the kingdom of God. More details will soon be forthcoming.
*The above is based upon the 7/21/19 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 16, 2018
Know the Signs!
Jesus expected those who were knowledgeable in the scriptures to recognize the signs of the times. Those who considered themselves to be knowledgeable kept demanding that He show them "a sign from heaven" (Mt. 16:1-3). Jesus had just performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes that fed thousands, and the healing of great multitudes who had come to Him, but these experts sought a sign. Jesus called them hypocrites saying, "...can ye not discern the signs of the times?" The greatest "sign" of all was standing right in front of them, but they couldn't discern Him.
Knowing the signs of the end times in which we live is not enough, however. There is a purpose for the people of God to accomplish that follows the signs. It is not about knowledge only, but about "doing" as well. We will see this as we follow one of the signs that is revealed prophetically in both the Old and New Testaments.
Paul wrote about a sign that would precede the return of Christ, and the gathering of the believers unto Him, also called The Rapture:
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." 2 Thess. 2:3-4
There are three signs mentioned in the above verses to alert the believer of the return of Christ, and the Rapture of the Church. First, there is a falling away from the faith. Paul also wrote a detailed description of this falling away in 2 Tim 3. He identified it specifically with a deception associated with "the last days". Everything that he described in detail regarding this falling away from the faith, we are seeing even now. Secondly, the person of the antichrist is revealed as he sits in the temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Thirdly, there is a third temple that must exist before the antichrist can sit in it. We know that there are groups in Jerusalem, the Temple Institute and the Temple Mount Faithful, that have dedicated themselves for decades to gathering and preparing the items necessary to build that third temple.
The prophet Daniel also gave a description of the individual that we call the antichrist and his connection to the temple:
"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...and they (the antichrist and his forces) shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate...and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every God, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done..."
Dan. 7:25, 11:31, 36, 12:7
Dan. 7:25, 11:31, 36, 12:7
Although some believe that the abomination to occur in the temple according to Daniel's prophecy has been fulfilled by a past historic event, the LORD makes clear to Daniel that He is revealing things that are to be sealed even to "the time of the end" (Dan. 12:4,9).
Daniel also revealed a time line involved with this sign of the person of the antichrist, and the temple:
"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 (3 1/2 years)." Dan. 12:11
The Book of Revelation, written well past the historic event that many claim fulfilled Daniel's prophecy, also confirms what Daniel had written and sealed:
"And there was given unto him (the beast, the antichrist) a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months (3 1/2 years). And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." Rev. 13:5-6
As the Book of Revelation describes the temple of God, it describes an outer court for the Gentiles, and the fact that the holy city would be trodden by the Gentiles for "forty and two months" (Rev. 11:2). The two witnesses who will be prophesying in sackcloth, which represents repentance, during this time, will continue for "a thousand two hundred and three score days" (v. 3).
While Daniel and the New Testament writers prophesied the revealing of the antichrist and his activities associated with third temple in the last days, or time of the end, we are also given a description of what the people of God are to be doing.
Daniel described the time of the end as a time when "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Dan. 12:4). We have seen an advancement of knowledge like never before in history. However, while worldly knowledge increases, the knowledge of the people of God increases also. During this time, Daniel describes the fulfilled purpose of the people who know their God in this manner:
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever...And they that understand among the people shall instruct many...and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand...but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do (accomplish, work, make, produce, to act with effect, to prepare, ordain, bring about) exploits...And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." from Dan. 7, 11, 12
Daniel describes this time of the end as being a time of trials for the people of God, and judgment for the wicked. For the people of God, Daniel prophetically writes, "...there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1
Reflecting this same promise, during the fall feast of the LORD, Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, the blessing is said, "May you be inscribed in the book." Revealed further in the New Testament, this book is described as "the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8
The names written in the book of life have been inscribed because of the blood of the Lamb, the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus, who died to take away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). Has your name been written in the book? If you have been inscribed in the Lamb's book of life, do you know and discern the signs of the times, as Jesus expected? Are you doing the purpose of God for His people that accompanies these signs? Signs require a response, an action. Let us respond accordingly to the signs we are seeing now, and will see very soon.
To Contact/Support the Ministry/Submit Prayer Request/Order the book, "NAZAH":
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To view 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.
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever...And they that understand among the people shall instruct many...and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand...but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do (accomplish, work, make, produce, to act with effect, to prepare, ordain, bring about) exploits...And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." from Dan. 7, 11, 12
Daniel describes this time of the end as being a time of trials for the people of God, and judgment for the wicked. For the people of God, Daniel prophetically writes, "...there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1
Reflecting this same promise, during the fall feast of the LORD, Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, the blessing is said, "May you be inscribed in the book." Revealed further in the New Testament, this book is described as "the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8
The names written in the book of life have been inscribed because of the blood of the Lamb, the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus, who died to take away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). Has your name been written in the book? If you have been inscribed in the Lamb's book of life, do you know and discern the signs of the times, as Jesus expected? Are you doing the purpose of God for His people that accompanies these signs? Signs require a response, an action. Let us respond accordingly to the signs we are seeing now, and will see very soon.
To Contact/Support the Ministry/Submit Prayer Request/Order the book, "NAZAH":
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To view 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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Redeeming the Time
Like never before, the signs of the times indicate that the end of this age is approaching, and the return of Jesus Christ is near. However, there is little sense of urgency in the Church. The apostles of the New Testament, and many of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers of the Church today, continue to urge the believers to recognize the signs of the times in which we live, and prepare for what God is calling us to be and do.
As we see evil accelerate around us, the apostle Paul teaches us not to be partakers with evil conduct (Eph. 5:1-7), but to be children and followers of God, being and walking in the light of Christ:
"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk ye as children of light....See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Eph. 5:8, 15-17
We become "redeemers of time" by understanding, being, and doing the will of the Lord. Evil has tried to become sovereign over the day, but the will of the Lord, as He defined days, was by His creative work (Gen. 1:4-31). He pronounced each work, and each day as "good", and "very good". Creation is groaning for the manifestation of the children, the sons of God to be the Christ light, the "or" light shining into the days to redeem them from the hold of evil. This "or" light of Christ is the light of day, prosperity, life, instruction, illumination. It is described as glorious, fire, and shining. For what communion hath light with darkness? We are not of the night, nor of darkness (2 Cor. 6:15, 1 Thess. 5:5), and all of our ways must reflect this, if we are to redeem the time.
Moses, the man of God, prayed in Psalm 90:12:
"So teach (to have intimate knowledge, to reveal, to experience) us to number (prepare, appoint, ordain, divide out) our days that we may apply (enter into, bring, attain) our hearts unto wisdom (be wise, show wisdom, teach wisdom).
This wisdom, revelation, intimate knowledge, and preparation comes from searching the scriptures. Jesus said to those who prided themselves on their knowledge and study of scripture:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me...there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me." Jn. 5:39, 45-46
Searching the scriptures refers not just to reading or learning, but to "seeking, considering, enquiring, reflecting upon, and inspecting". It even means "ploughing", or digging beneath the surface for the intimate knowledge to be revealed there. So many of those to whom Jesus spoke this studied the scriptures to bolster their already held positions or beliefs. They used the scriptures to argue and debate. They used them to create a religious system of rules to establish their own righteousness. However, the LORD looked down from heaven to see if there were any that did understand and seek God, but there were none that was doing good, not one (Ps. 14:1-3, Rom. 3:10). They read the scriptures, but they did not search them for the heart and will of God. If they had, they would have discovered Christ in them.
Paul wrote about visiting with a people in Berea, who heard his Gospel message with all readiness of mind, but then went to scripture to search them daily to see for themselves the intimate truth revealed therein (Acts 17:10-12). Not only did many Jews believe there, but also Gentiles because of this willingness to delve deeply into God's will. The word "Berea" means "well watered". They were indeed a people who were well watered in the Word of God. We are called to be Bereans in our time, searching and seeking daily, the intimate knowledge of God in His Word. It is not enough to be hearers only, but we must search it out ourselves, in order to become "doers".
There are many today who do not know, nor believe, the signs of the times in which we live. There were also those in the time of Christ (Mt. 16:1-4). For those of us who are aware of the lateness of the hour, and the signs of His coming, there is something expected of us. We are to redeem the time, we are to be the light of Christ in the darkness of surrounding evil. Our days, hours, and minutes are not our own, but are ordained, divided out, and appointed with this calling. Search the scriptures, find in them the testimony of Christ, and be that light.
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