Who Hath Ears to Hear?*

 

There is a warning going forth in these Last Days:

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;...For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap for themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."   1 Tim. 4:1-2, 2 Tim. 4:3-4

We read last week that in the latter days, before the day of Christ, there will be a falling away from the faith (2 Thess. 2:3).  We are seeing today that false teachers and doctrines, false prophesies, and doctrines of devils are spreading, and many are choosing to believe them. These false teachers and doctrines validate the hearers' own desires to continue in their unrighteousness, and to resist saving repentance. Paul commands Timothy in the face of these things:

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine...watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."   2 Tim. 4:2, 5

In the same Spirit and truth, the LORD called the prophet Ezekiel. The LORD appointed him to be a watchman. This is how the LORD described the responsibility of the watchman to Ezekiel and to all of us:

"...When I bring the sword (cutting, edge; destruction, desolation, dry up, lay waste) upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people..."  Ezek. 33:1-3 (excerpt)

The "sword" represents not just war, but any kind of impending destruction. A man is appointed from the coasts, because this is the earliest position to view the coming threat. The members of the body of Christ are supposed to be these watchmen on the coast, who are the first to see the danger approaching, and warn the people. The responsibility of the watchman is very serious, especially as we can clearly see the "sword" coming.

The spiritual watchmen is not held responsible if a person hears his warning, but does not give heed to it. In the coming destruction, that person's blood will be on his own head (v. 4). If that person wisely heeds the warning of the watchman, he shall deliver his soul (v. 5).

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."   Ezek. 33:6

A person's own iniquity will be their destruction when the "sword" comes, but the watchman will have the blood guilt for that person's destruction, if he doesn't do his appointed job and sound the alarm. Even the wicked, already guilty in their iniquity, are to be given the warning of coming danger, so they may have the choice to heed the warning, turn from their wickedness, or not. This is the mercy of God.

The wicked know their iniquity, and make a choice at the sound of the alarm. However, there is also the situation where the alarm has been sounded by the watchman, but those who have false security in their own (self)righteousness, will fail to heed the warning. They mistakenly believe that they will remain safe in the destruction. They hear the alarm, but fail to examine themselves, acknowledge their sin, and take advantage of their last opportunity for repentance. To the wicked, and the (self)righteous alike, God says:

"...As I live, saith the LORD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?...The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression....the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth."  v. 11-12 (excerpt)

The alarm is being sounded by those who are the watchman. Are we taking the alarm seriously? Are we turning from our wickedness, or do we prefer the false teachers who tell us that our sin is not sin, and we shall surely not die? If we continue in our sin, we are no longer living in the righteousness of Christ, but are foolishly trusting in our own righteousness, which will not save us in the day of the "sword".

Are there watchman who have been appointed, who see the "sword" coming but refuse to sound the alarm, because the people do not want to hear the alarm, and are offended by it? God has foretold that this sin, delusion and rejection will be manifested among the people in these last days (Rom. 1, and 2). However, blood will be required at those watchmen's hands, according to the scriptures, if they fail to sound the warning. To them, and to all of us who believe, this is the word of the LORD for this time:

"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore, thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me."  Ezek. 33:7

Who hath ears to hear?

 

*The above is based upon the 8/25/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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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/ 

What Will It Take?*

 

The signs of the End Times are abundant around us, including devastating storms and world events, but these things seem to roll off of us like water off a duck's back. What will it take for us to pay attention, and to take these things seriously?

Ages of enlightenment, and rationalism have given birth to philosophies that have distanced men from God, like deism, universalism, atheism, humanism, and have caused men to disregard the word of God. As these waves of men's philosophies have gained influence, God has sent spiritual movements of revival to counter them, and to call men back to Him and to His saving truth. Often out of these great spiritual awakenings, however, men have found ways to create debates of man's understanding and strife within the church that end up causing destructive divisions. Jesus told us that a kingdom, or a house divided against itself cannot stand.

The coming day of the LORD is not something to be taken lightly. The prophet Amos described it this way:

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?"

                                                                                                     Amos 5:18-20

The prophet Joel described the day of the LORD in the same manner:

"Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come...Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness... there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations."  Joel 1:14-15, 2:1-2

Joel called the people to sound the warning alarm, and to sanctify themselves in the face of this coming terrible day of the LORD. He urged the people of God to "cry unto the LORD".

Peter also called the church to keep in mind, to stir up the pure mind, regarding the things of which the prophets wrote. It is this constant washing of our minds in the word of God that keeps us in truth, and prepares us for those things that appear now, and also are to come. Of the coming day, he wrote:

"But the day of the LORD shall come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness...the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"   2 Pet. 3:1-12 (excerpt)

Again, knowing the things which are soon to come, Peter asks "what manner of persons ought ye to be...?" While the Lord will deliver the godly out of temptations, the unjust are reserved for that day of judgment, those who walk after the flesh, presumptuous and self-willed. We see the number of those called the unjust growing daily.

Both Peter (2 Pet. 2:1-2) and Paul (2 Tim. 4:3-4) warn the church to beware of false teachers and prophets who would deny the word of God, teaching fables, causing many to follow after them. Their motive is to make financial gain from these false teachings that cause men to embrace false doctrines and philosophies. God has already shown that He was willing to judge the angels, and the old world before Noah, as well as Sodom and Gomorrah, as a warning example to all of us (2 Pet. 2:1-6). He only restrains Himself in holy patience not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). We cannot mistake His patience for a failure to keep the word that He has clearly spoken. He is allowing as much time and opportunity as possible for repentance. Are God's people coming to Him in repentance? Are we calling others to repentance, or have we remained unmoved, accepting the lie of Satan and men's philosophies that sin does not result in death and eternal condemnation? What will it take for us to wake up, turn and cry aloud? This is what it takes to break the hold of lies, and deliver into spiritual revival.

The prophet Joel urged God's people to fast, and to gather all of His people together to be sanctified, to turn to the LORD with all of their hearts, with weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-13). He called the priests, the ministers of the LORD, to which ministry all believers have been called, to weep and cry out to God, "Spare thy people, O LORD" (v. 17). How much of the church is currently being called to this vital role by those in its pulpits? Paul told Timothy to "Preach the word!"

As the priests and people of God stand in the gap, in repentance, the prophet Joel wrote about a great restoration of the land, and an outpouring of God's Spirit in response. The revival of all revivals (Joel 2:18-29).

Joel went on to write that the LORD will gather the heathen into the valley of Jehoshaphat (also known as Meggido), into the valley of decision, where He will judge them. Their wickedness is great, the harvest is ripe, and the sickle is being put in. Revelation 14:15 states the same thing:

"And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped."

What will it take for us to hear the word of the LORD, and respond?

 

*The above is based upon the 8/18/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

Being Ready*

 

Last week, we discussed the truth vs. the lie, and how these things relate to the return of Christ, and the day of the Lord. Let's see what the prophets have to say concerning these events, and how we should be preparing ourselves for them:

"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Surely the LORD God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret  unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the LORD God hath spoken, who can but prophecy?"   Amos 3:6-8

The prophetic word of God is like a trumpet sounding an alert, like a lion giving his warning roar. It requires a reaction from us. A wise man takes these warnings seriously, and reacts accordingly. The LORD announces these warnings so that those who will give heed to them will have knowledge and become prepared.

In Revelation, as the Seven Vials of Wrath are released by the angels, a warning is given:

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."   Rev. 16:15

We are now in the period of tribulation spoken of in the word of God. Christians are persecuted, even to death in some places, and are blamed for everything. This is the time when God warns His people to be watching. It is not the time to be distracted by worldly things, or fleshly concerns. The warning in the Gospel of Luke says:

"Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overtaken...and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come upon all them 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."

                                                                                                          Lk. 21:34-36

We are to be watching for the day, praying, and keeping our hearts unblemished in His righteousness. It is not our own righteousness that keeps us, but Christ's righteousness, paid for each one of us in His own blood. We are to keep our hearts, and our spiritual garments in this saving righteousness. It is a righteousness that does not compromise truth, and does not compromise with sin and death.

The day of the return of Christ has not yet occurred. At His coming, the dead in Christ are raised first, and then we who are still alive join them and Christ (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Paul warned the Church not to be ignorant. There are conditions and events which precede Christ's return. Paul delivered the word of the Lord regarding this event:

"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. 2:1-4 (excerpt)

The first event that precedes the coming of Christ is a "falling away". This is the Greek word, apostasea, meaning "defection from truth". As we discovered last week, the lie that deceives man, and separates him from God and truth, questions and challenges everything in God's word. We have seen this condition today like never before. Even in the Church, apostasea is taking its toll. According to statistics, in 1972, 16% of Americans in mainstream denominations described themselves as evangelical Christians. By 1977, that number increased to 24%, and again, by 1993, the number increased to 30%, approximately one in three Americans. However, as of today's figures, that number has dropped to 24%, only 10% of whom identify themselves with a mainstream denomination. In 1972, those who then described themselves as either atheist or agnostic were 5%. Now that figure has increased to 24%. The numbers show that fewer are believing, and more are becoming unbelievers. We see daily the manifestation of these statistics in our culture, as secular humanism**, even the perverse, the demonic, and the repudiators of Christ gain more and more influence, even over our children, which has always been their declared goal. The Church seeks "peace" in this turmoil by compromising truth, and the wicked are justified for a reward. Evil is called good, and good, evil. Hell is enlarged, and scoffers jeer at the idea of God intervening in judgment. The LORD is angry with His own people as they deny the truth, and accept the lie, and are taken in captivity because of it, but His hand is stretched out still to them. Never doubt,  "... the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness." (Isa. 5:13-25).

The LORD is waiting for His people to repent, pray, and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. He will hear from heaven, and heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14).

Paul wrote that "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God...." (1 Thess. 4:16). These are the sounds of warning, and the sounds of warfare and victory. His coming will be sudden and when least expected, like a thief in the night. Are you ready?

 

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanist_Manifesto

   https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/manifesto1/

 

 

*The above is based upon the 8/11/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

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

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

The Truth vs. The Lie*

 

 

Charles Spurgeon once said, "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." Lies seem to outdistance truth in our world on a regular basis.

The Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels exalted the power of the lie. He said that if a lie was repeated long enough, it becomes the truth. The lies of the Nazis, as we all know, led to much death and destruction, and finally, to their own destruction.

Our God is the Speaker of truth, and the Judge of the lie. His word is clear on the subject, and has been since the beginning. As Truth, He is unchanging in all things. His Son, our Savior, Jesus, sent in the name of His Father, was Truth made flesh: Truth walking in an "earth suit". Even in the midst of His examination before Pontius Pilate, He maintained His mission of Truth:

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."  Jn. 18:37

Truth not only identifies who God is and who Jesus is, but it also identifies who we are: "of the truth".

As Jesus promised to bring us into His Father's house, to bring us where He is, to the place that He has gone ahead to prepare for us, Jesus assured us that if these things were NOT so, He would have told us. However, because He has spoken Truth, and we have believed Him, we can be sure of these things. When asked how we can know this way to the Father, and be with Christ in such a place, Jesus said as the guarantee, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him."  
                                                                                                Jn. 14:1-7 (excerpt)

There is no way to the Father except by the living person of Truth, Jesus. All other ways, are lies. Because men believe the destroying lies so readily, as they appeal to the sin and rebellion in our hearts, God has made His judgment clear regarding lies and liars:

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega (Heb.-"Aleph-Tav"), the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."   Rev. 21:6-8

The Truth brings us into eternal life, having passed through only the valley of the shadow of death, immediately entering the presence of the Lord and His glory, as promised. Liars, and the other abominables face the full horror of never-ending death. Again, the Lord says of the difference in the futures of those who follow the Truth vs. those who chase and believe the lie:

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (New Jerusalem). For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."     Rev. 22:13--15

In a listing of the six things the LORD hates, even calling seven an abomination, the LORD includes:

"...a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."   Prov. 6:16-19
God hates the lies and liars that send men to their destruction.

Peter revealed that those who prophecy, speak and teach lies have many followers. Because of them, "...the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (2 Pet. 2:1-2). This is certainly the case today. Peter warned, however, that those involved in this teaching of lies, and those who quickly accept the lies, bring upon themselves swift destruction.

The apostle Paul had to address false teachings in the Church concerning the coming of Christ, and our gathering together unto Him. It was being falsely said that these events had already occurred, greatly upsetting those believers who heard these false teachings..
Paul reminded the Church that a great falling away would occur before the return of Christ, as well as the revealing of the son of perdition, who would oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God. These events would be a confrontation between the Truth, and the lie, and those who believe the lie. This son of perdition "whose coming is after the work of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."   2 Thess. 2:1-12 (excerpt)
Though the above verse refers to "a lie", the language used should be read as "the lie". The lie existed from the beginning of man. It was in the Garden as it challenged Eve saying, "Yea, hath God said...?" (Gen. 3:1). The lie promoted the idea that God did not tell the man and woman the truth. Man is still believing that same original lie. Even the Church has often believed that same lie, failing to teach the truth of His Word, but we have been called by Christ to be "of the truth".

 *The above is based upon the 8/4/19 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/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

Selah*

 

"Selah" is a term used mostly in the Psalms. We usually interpret this word to mean "pause, and calmly think about that". It is a musical term, as the Psalms are meant to be sung. It is a musical rest, a silence when the singer pauses to create an emphasis on a section or phrase that has just been sung. "Selah" can also mean to lift up, to exalt.

While many wondered if recent past conflicts, such as the Gulf Wars, might have been the Armageddon of which the scripture prophesies, a cataclysmic war that will involve all the nations of the earth, the nations prophesied had not lined up. However, as we will see, the signs now point to the fact that the war that is called Armageddon, with its destruction, is coming - soon. We will see that the scriptures state that it is already accomplished in God's eyes, a foregone conclusion. As this is the case, it becomes time for us to "selah" on these signs, and prepare ourselves spiritually for this unavoidable event:
"For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty....And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon (Heb.- mountain + place of crowds; gather in troops or crowds, to penetrate, cut, attack, invade, to cut oneself)."   Rev. 16:14, 16
Leaders and peoples are convinced of the necessity to gather for battle because of the deceiving work of evil spirits. However, this is also the fulfillment of the will of God. What the demons and men sought as the destruction of Israel, and God's people, God would use to judge their wickedness:
"And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done."  v. 17 (See also Rev. 21:6)
This great battle also fulfills the prophetic word of God. It could not have been fulfilled before this time, because the nations were not aligned and moving together as prophesied as we see today. The prophets warned thousands of years previously that this day of battle and judgment would come in the latter years (Ezek. 38:8, 16):
"And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of the clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of the handling swords." Ezek. 38:4
This group of nations is specified by Ezekiel. Principally, they will involve areas now associated with Russia and those nations to the north of Israel, known in these scriptures as the chief prince Gog, who is over Magog, Meshech (drawing out) and Tubal (thou shalt be brought) (Ezek. 38:2). Joining these northern nations according to the prophetic word to Ezekiel will also be Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (incl. parts of Sudan), Libya, Gomer ("bring to an end, be no more", a northern people incl. Turkey), and Togarmah ("thou wilt break her", which is Turkey/Armenia area) of the north  (v. 5-6). We can see from today's headlines that these nations are more closely connected than before in history.
As we saw in Rev. 16, God considers these events already done, and completed. Ezekiel's prophecy also agrees saying: "Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the LORD God. This is the day whereof I have spoken."  Ezek. 39:8
Another sign that this day of judgment and destruction is close at hand, is that this prophesied day is to come after the people of Israel have been brought back to the land that had been laying waste, from out of other nations, but are living there prosperously and securely (Ezek. 38:8, 12, 14-16). This describes the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1947, and their subsequent prosperity in that land, having turned deserts into producing gardens. They are renown for their security even in the midst of continual surrounding hostility.
Seeing these signs pointing to the soon coming battle and judgment, what should our preparation be? Jesus said that there was a snare coming upon all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth for those who are caught up in the cares and useless things of life (Lk. 21:34-35). Jesus said regarding these events:
"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. 21:36
"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."   Rev. 16:15
SELAH.

 *The above is based upon the 7/28/19 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/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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



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.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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

 



Destroyed or Awakened?*

 

The prophet Hosea received the word of the LORD regarding the spiritual condition of His people, Israel:

"...the LORD hath a controversy (quarrel, contention, strife, dispute, case of law, a forensic cause) with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and committing adultery, they break out (to break away, burst out, breach, break up, break in pieces, violence), and blood toucheth (to strike, smite, reach onto) blood."  Hos. 4:1-2

Hosea could be describing the condition of our people and our land today in these verses: no truth, no mercy, no knowledge of God. The LORD tells the prophet that this woeful condition of the inhabitants also affects the land which they inhabit:

"Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth within shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away....Therefore, shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother." (v. 3, 5).

We are seeing the land in which we dwell violently try to vomit us out with great storms, winds, earthquakes, floods, because of the sinful condition of its inhabitants (Lev. 18:24-28). God gives the cause of the inhabitants' corrupt condition:

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame." (v.6-7).

The priests of God made gain over the people's sins, instead of ministering God's delivering Word of truth. This is also the condition of the Church today. Numbers and prosperity are more important than truth, mercy, and the knowledge of God. Sin is agreed with and condoned for the sake of "peace" and "relevance". The apostle Paul also warned about the spiritual consequences for those who wilfully ignore the truth, and reject the knowledge of God (Rom. 1:18-32). We are seeing those consequences in our land and people. Will we be destroyed or awakened? It depends upon how we receive the knowledge of God.

Jesus also gave the Word of truth to His own disciples who were self-satisfied with their spiritual condition as natural sons of Abraham, and therefore rejected the merciful Word of deliverance:

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant (slave, bondman, serving another with disregard to one's own interests, fasten with chains) of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the son abideth for ever. If the son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."   Jn. 8:31-36

Though these Jews who believed in Jesus thought they were connected to Abraham's righteousness because they were his descendants, Jesus told them that they were not like Abraham, whom they called "father", because they would not receive the One, the works, and the Word that God had sent, which was Himself, as Abraham would have done. Instead their father was the one who rejected the knowledge of God from the beginning: Satan, the father of lust, murder and lies (v. 37-47).

Jesus also warned that He and His Word would not bring peace but fire and division among men, even among households (Lk. 12:49-56). He remarked at His listeners' failure to receive the truth, and asked a question:

"Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?(v.56-57).

Is the Church discerning the time of His soon return? Are we judging ourselves according to what we know as right? Are we judging others wrongly instead?
Jesus encountered a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief publican, or tax collector, and he had become rich from his position because he was corrupt. He had run to see Jesus, and even climbed a tree to see above the press of people around Jesus, because he was a very short man, but he had to see Jesus. Jesus spotted him, and called him by name, "Zacchaeus (pure, innocent, bright, clean, shining, justified, purify or cleanse one's self), make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." (Lk. 19:5). Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy (v.6), and immediately reformed his life. Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek (seek in order to find (out), require, demand something from someone)and to save that which is lost (to destroy, to put an end to, to declare that one must be put to death, to perish, be lost, ruined)."  (v. 9-10).
Though known by others as a corrupt publican, Zacchaeus discerned the time of the visitation of Jesus, and joyfully received the knowledge of God, and the Word of salvation. He "awakened" and was saved by the One who sought him by name. Zacchaeus changed his life, and WAS changed.
At the time of His visitation, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, as the prophets had foretold, His disciples rejoicing, and declaring His kingship (Lk. 19:28-44). However, as Jesus viewed the city of God, Jerusalem, which was to reject Him, it was for Him an occasion for weeping. Some of those who rejected the Knowledge of God come in the flesh, demanded that He rebuke His disciples. Jesus answered, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."  Because Jerusalem did not "know the things which belong unto thy peace", those things would now be hidden from it, and it would be destroyed by its enemies. He said, "...thou knowest not the time of thy visitation."
As Hosea told us at the beginning, not knowing, or refusing the knowledge of God, results in destruction:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."

 *The above is based upon the 7/14/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH":

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

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

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

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

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

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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