Was Jesus a Prophet?

Readers, I want to point out something important.  I paraphrase a lot of things the Bible says, but don't give references.  If you are not a Christian, it may not matter to you--it is the Holy Spirit that draws you.  If you are a Christian--has this bothered any of you? 

If you know the Bible well, then probably not, because you know these things.  But if you don't know the Bible well, and you want to question where something is written in the Bible--please ask!  It is important that you don't believe everything you hear.  Many deceivers and lies are in the world--and even those of us who strive to be truthful, can sometimes be mistaken.  Always be on guard!

The Bible tells us (1 John 4:2-3) how to recognize the Spirit of God. 

"Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God."

In God's Word, not one word is spoken in vain.  Every word here is important.  It's easy to skim over it and miss the meaning.

A lot of false/antichrist religions acknowledge that Jesus lived on Earth--so how can this passage be true? 

Let me add my comments and emphases here:

"Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus (the human being) Christ (the Messiah, the Savior that God has sent, God himself) has come in the flesh ( is Jesus)  is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus (as the promised savior/messiah, who came and lived on Earth)  is not from God."

The test is whether they acknowledge that Jesus came to Earth and that He is the Messiah--the Savior, God in the flesh.

Please look around and reevaluate some of the religions that you may have thought passed the test.  If they only recognize Jesus as being a good man, a teacher, or a prophet--they are not from God, but are antichrist (anti=against, Jesus being the, christ=promised one, messiah, savior) because they do not recognize that Jesus is the Christ. 

Christ was not Jesus' last name!  Every time ' Jesus Christ'  is spoken, or written, it is an acknowledgment that  Jesus is the savior that God promised to send, to save mankind from our sins! 

 So, in answer to the title: Was Jesus a prophet?  Yes--and much, much more!!

God Wants Us To Go To War!!

We are in a war!  It is a war in the spirit realm--a war between Christians and Satan.  The prize is the kingdom of Earth--where all mankind will be united under one leader. 

The first ruler of this earthly kingdom will be The Antichrist.  He will make war on Israelites and Christians, because he can't stand to have any opposition.  At the same time, there will be various wars, struggles, disasters, etc. on Earth, as this spiritual war manifests itself in the physical realm.  If you aren't aware that, behind it all, there is one war in the spirit realm, you will probably be seeing many seemingly unrelated things happening.  You may be confused about many things, even if you study Biblical prophecies.  (In addition to Bible prophecies often being vague and confusing, Satan is actively creating as many other teachings, interpretations and explanations as he possibly can.)

What is important to remember is this:  The war is in the spirit realm.  The war is being fought directly between Christians and Satan, for control of the kingdom of mankind on earth.The only way you can fight this battle is by relying on Jesus.

Many of the details of what happens in the physical realm are given in the Bible.  However, little is specified about what is happening in the spirit realm.  I will give my best interpretation and opinions--based on my study of the Bible and being a Christian for nearly 30 years.

We are told in the book of Ephesians that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual powers of darkness.  We have to remind ourselves that what we see is only a small part of what is real.  The small part we see may not help us understand the unseen any more than a single leaf can give us a clear understanding of a tree.  The only way to see the whole picture is to study God's Word and pray for understanding.

The book of Revelation tells that, when Satan was still in Heaven, the angels that were loyal to God fought him and the angels that had 'crossed over to the dark side'.  Satan and his angels 'were not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven'.  Then they were cast down to Earth. (Woe to us, because he is filled with fury since he knows his time is short).

The book of Daniel tells us that The Antichrist (empowered by Satan) will wage war against Christians and will be defeating them (in the physical realm), until the Lord comes and pronounces 'judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High' (Christians),who are then given the kingdom.

Just as earthly soldiers fight wars for their country, while their leader isn't on the front lines-so will Christians fight to win the kingdom for God, while their  king-to-be (Jesus) waits in the wings.
If you are someone who has heard or read Bible prophecies, you're probably going to think that's wrong, because you know that Jesus will come to Earth and fight in the physical realm when he returns--before he is enthroned as king.  BUT, remember, the war I'm talking about is in the spiritual realm.  Jesus comes for the 'mop up' , so to speak (in the physical realm).

It is up to us,  who live on Earth, to do spiritual battle for the spiritual title to the kingdom of mankind on Earth.  So far, Satan and fallen man have the title, and are holding it firmly.  This is because we are not fighting in the spiritual realm, and Satan is walking all over us!!

Most Christians are content to 'live and let live' with regards to evil.  That is not God's plan.  We are to be active in engaging and fighting evil, remembering that what we see in the physical realm is the fruit, while the roots are found in the spirit realm.  We need to go to the spirit realm to dig out the roots.  In order to battle in the spirit, we need to live holy lives.  Indeed, living a holy life is spiritual battle.  In some unseen way, it tips the balance of power towards the side of good.

Now, none of us is good, and none of us can live holy or do spiritual battle on our own.  It is only through depending on Jesus that we can do anything.  But it is important that we be doing spiritual battle.  We ARE in a war, like it or not.  Either we fight, or we surrender--every day.


So, where are we at right now?  We are in a spiritual battle with Satan, with glimpses of it, here and there, in the physical realm.  I believe that, because we have not been living holy lives, the balance has tipped in favor of Satan.  So much so in fact, that soon he will be able to pretty much unite the world under one puppet leader (The Antichrist) that he will choose, enthrone and empower.

Once The Antichrist is in place, God will allow him to have authority for three and a half years.  During this time he will do his best to win over everyone on Earth.  Those that he can't charm, he will threaten.  In a continued escalation of force, those who are unmoved by his threats, he will persecute.  When that doesn't work, he will punish and/or and execute.

Although he is blindly narcissistic and egotistical, I believe there may be another reason he puts so much effort into winning people over.  I think the worship he receives, from those he causes to submit to him, gives him more spiritual power.  (I also believe that dying for what you believe is very powerful in the spirit realm.  This could be a reason that he doesn't simply execute his opposition at the outset.)

After some time of his 'winning' in the physical realm, by killing many Christians (in the physical realm we consider it a loss to die in battle), the balance of spiritual power shifts.  At the appointed time, God 'calls the match'--in favor of the Christians. We are told that the Christians overcame Satan by the blood of Christ, their testimony, and by being willing to die for Him (and, of course, many did).


I think it may also be, in addition to the number of martyrs, that after real persecution sets in, the veil of deception we've been living under is lifted and we are able to stop denying the spiritual war we are in--and we get serious about living for God and fighting evil.


One other point, and word of warning I have to make:  Only those who fight will win.  If you fight to the end, without giving in or giving up, you win.  The days of being able to 'sit on the fence' spiritually are almost over.  You will get off the fence, or you will be knocked off the fence soon.  If you choose 'God's side', you will have to fight--you cannot be on His side and ignore the battle.  If you choose God's side, you have to live holy, and that is half the battle!




A Time To Kill
The Gates Of Hell

I Hate Islam!! But . . .

Although Obama claims to be a Christian, he definitely is not.  By his voting record, you can see.  He not only approves of abortion, he promotes it!!  Although political correctness demands that we allow a woman her 'right to choose', ABORTION IS A SIN AND A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY!!  If you are a Christian, and you have ANY problem whatsoever with that statement, you had better get on your knees before God and repent!

Abortion, Are You SURE You Have The Right?

But, this blog is not about abortion. It is about islam . . . and about Obama.   Our president is a man who claims all religions, yet practices none.  However, I believe he has a special place in his heart for islam.

Presidential Admissions (short video)

Islam is the most foul, blasphemous thing I have ever seen.  Every word I hear from the koran makes me either want to laugh (because of how transparent it is in regards to who 'inspired ' it), or vomit (because of the blasphemy).  Every word of that vile text came straight from the mouth of satan himself!!  And mohammed--he was demon possessed, just like hitler after him, who rose up in the same image and manifestation of satan.

I recently posted a blog on the koran   Warning To America: THE KORAN    which I can't even bear to read, it is so vile.

From what I have learned about islam, it seems very probable that The Antichrist is a muslim caliphate (the equivalent of a muslim pope).  However, I have two reasons to question that:

1. What I understand from scripture, so far, is that the kingdom of The Antichrist will be attacked by two coalitions of predominantly muslim countries.
2. I know, from history, that satan plays both extremes.

Just as demons perform a little show of allowing themselves to be exorcised by cross wielding Catholic priests, so can satan be the puppetmaster behind both an islamic caliph and the caliph's archrival--whoever that may prove to be.  Don't be so drawn into the drama that you see his archrival as a savior!  Just because someone is the enemy of your enemy, DOES NOT necessarily mean he is your friend!!

Satan wants to make it appear that there are many roads to righteousness and one road to damnation.  He will unite all religions together under the banner of 'tolerance' of the Antichrist, and he will proclaim Jehovah God, Creator of All, to be the source of damnation.  (This means unrelenting persecution and murder of Jews and Christians by the rest of the world.)

In fact, the reverse is true-- Jehovah God is the only source of truth and salvation.  Allah IS NOT God, nor are any of the many other gods and 'prophets' who are worshiped by men.  Jesus (God) came to earth as a man, led a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for OUR sins, and ascended into heaven on the third day.  He is now seated on the throne in Heaven, awaiting the day (before this generation passes away) that He will return to Earth, defeat the armies of the wicked, pour out God's wrath upon the evil, and take the throne on Earth, to rule over all mankind.  (Even so, come Lord Jesus.)

The man we have elected to run our country has his own agenda: to run America into the ground, to totally destroy her, to enslave her people, and hand her over to her enemies.  And God has willed it so--unless we repent!!  We can fight Obama all we like, and cry out to God for help and deliverance but, unless we repent, it ain't gonna happen!!

God Damn America?

I hate islam!!  But:

• It's not the only danger we are facing.
• It is only one face of evil on a multiheaded beast.
• It doesn't necessarily mean you are my friend if you hate it too.
• It doesn't mean you are holy by virtue of fighting it.
• It doesn't make you my savior, or the messiah, if you deliver me from it.

and

• The suffering islam would bring to America, may be one of the plagues God uses to cause our nation to repent.
• Without repentance, we are in very real danger of being subject to sharia law (among other things, women will lose their rights, our children will be lost to vile islamic ideology, and amputations and executions will be the punishment for breaking the law).
• The road, that takes us from where we are now, to sharia law, is one of many horrors and extreme suffering.
• God loves us, is grieved if we choose this road and wishes, with all His heart, that we would repent instead!!

God Damn America?

Absolutely Not!! God inspired, established, and has protected America for over 200 years! BUT . . . WE have damned ourselves!

The man we have elected to run our country, is a man whose agenda is to run America into the ground, to totally destroy her, and hand her over to her enemies. And God has willed it so--unless we repent!! We can fight Obama all we like, and cry out to God for help and deliverance, but unless we repent, it ain't gonna happen!!

Repent of what? In no particular order, and definitely not all-inclusive, the practice, protection and/or promotion of:

• denial and rejection of God 
• abortion 
• homosexuality 
• cheating (financially, academically, in marriage, etc.) 
• abandonment of family 
• rejection of marriage
• basing decisions on economics (rather than morality) 
• greed 
• exploitation 
• self-exaltation 
• disrespect 
• dishonesty 
• arrogance 
• pornography 
• pedophilia 
• incest 
• vengeance 
• violence
• murder 
• sexual perversion 
• profanity and vulgarity 
• abdication of personal responsibility 
• abuse of drugs and alcohol 
• abdication of parental responsibility 

If you say we are a Christian nation, you are deceiving yourself! Our sin and greed have risen to such gigantic proportions that they are the face of America that the rest of the world knows us by! Yes, there are many Christians in America--and many kind and generous people. Yes, the motives of the majority of the American people, towards the rest of the world, have been honorable. BUT--we have let the actions of a minority represent how we relate to the rest of the world, and they have not treated the rest of the world with Christian love.

Our big businesses, multinational corporations, and government are in bed together. Together, they have misused their power, by plundering the earth and exploiting the poor around the world. They have meddled in the affairs of other nations, even to the extent of determining who the leaders of other nations should be, arming and funding resistance movements, assassinations, etc.! All this in the name of 'defending American interests'. Nonsense! It was never our right to do such things! It was motivated by greed!

But this is only one facet of our nation's sinfulness. The stench of our depravity here at home is appalling!! Unfortunately, this is all exported too! In the form of Hollywood movies, television, and slick advertising campaigns, we market our vile, depraved culture, along with our products, to people all over the world.

I am talking to the churches in America, because God's covenant is with us, not with the unbelievers. He placed us here to be 'salt' and 'light' to the world. Yet, is our influence holding back decay or illuminating the sin around us? Are we using our God-given authority to wage war on evil, when it sprouts up in our nation? I don't think so . . .

Make no mistake, we are the ones God holds accountable. He has given us freedom and a system of government that allows us to determine our course and to choose our leaders. Therefore, we are completely responsible. Rather than take part in our government, most of us have abdicated the responsibility and gone about our lives, looking to our own interests. It is said, that we get the leaders we deserve.

How many of you can still discern evil? Our senses have become so dull, our consciences so seared, that we don't even recognize vile sinfulness when it is standing right in front of us!!

After 9/11 'God Bless America' signs were everywhere. Unfortunately, I couldn't make that prayer my own. How can we expect God to bless, for even one day, a nation that offers its children as sacrifices to the god of personal convenience? Yes women have the right to choose--whether to be celibate or promiscuous, whether to use contraception or not! Once a sperm and an egg fuse, a person exists! From the moment of conception, that person has GOD GIVEN rights! Your rights do not extend to taking the life of another--regardless of who you are!!

Another vile and grievous sin that America practices, protects, and promotes is homosexuality. People used to be wise enough to know that God did not create a man's body to be penetrated by another man. The very idea of such a thing used to disgust people, but not these days. Perhaps if we didn't have the modern conveniences of toilet paper, antibiotics, soap, and sexual lubricants, that would be more readily apparent. Regardless, we do still have the Word of God that tells us this behavior is an abomination in the eyes of God.

Pornography has played a HUGE role in the collapse of the family, the exponential increase in every type of sexual perversion, and violence against women, children and young men. It has gone from being a closet sin to being mainstream among young adults. Today, many young women aspire to be porn stars, while others are lining up to be 'exotic dancers' and prostitutes. We have lost all shame and personal modesty. Women have become brazen and vulgar, young children are promiscuous and sexually violent, and even straight men talk about having 'man crushes' on other men.

How many of you are grieved by the disrespect that is so rampant today? Even nice Disney films have been remade, and updated, with characters that have a disrespectful, belligerent attitude. Children don't respect adults, women don't respect men, and a good many of us don't respect authority! But, then again, adults don't respect children, men don't respect women, and those in authority don't respect the people they oversee. Our culture is in shambles.

Not only is each of us 'out for himself', but many have come to regard themselves as gods, goddesses, and divas! If we acknowledge God at all, most of us don't submit to His authority! Our personal, and national, arrogance is unbelievable!

Do you realize that lying is listed alongside murder as a sin that will exclude you from the Kingdom of Heaven? Yet, we take it so lightly. Take the time, next time you watch TV, to analyze the programs and the commercials in terms of what values and sins they promote. If you watch it objectively, and don't get caught up in the drama, I think you'll quickly be amazed at what a powerful tool television is in molding social values. I think it will be eye-opening for you to see what a strong cultural pressure there is for people to be deceitful.

I may be wrong, but I propose that when people continually practice dishonesty, they lose the ability to discern the truth from a lie. (Can you see how this will further the acceptance of the man of lies--The Antichrist--when he comes on the scene? What I understand from Scripture is that Israel, America, and many European nations will be among those that embrace him--his kingdom may even take root here first.)


Why do churches back away from speaking out against sin? From being involved in politics? My theory is that it was primarily because churches were allowed tax exempt status, but could lose it if they got involved politically. To me, that is a clear choice between serving God or serving money. It may not have been readily apparent at the time, nevertheless, here we are now.

And indeed, here we are now--and we still have a choice! Every church has the option of giving up their tax exempt status and being unfettered in what they say! But how many have the courage to do so?

Shame on those who have sold out! What will it profit you to have the most grandiose church, the longest list of members, the most offerings in your coffers, if the truth and the presence of God are absent from your midst? The day is coming that the blood of martyrs will be upon your altars. For it will be you that betrays your brothers to death, you that delivers up the ones that hold to the truth, because it pierces your heart and you can't bear it, it puts you in danger with the authorities and you can't abide that. Therefore upon your altars, as a witness against you, those who hold to the truth will be slain. Their blood will soak your carpets and splatter your walls, and the stain of it will never be removed.


America has rejected God. Yes, the churches too. We have repeatedly allowed our religious expression to be limited. We have retreated from the conflict time and again. (No wonder the jihadists believe our God is weak--our resolve and faith in Him certainly is!)

You can justify it by saying that we've lost battles and the laws have changed, and that we are just following the new laws (unfortunate as they may be). That certainly illustrates a lack of zeal and commitment to God. Would you yield so readily if someone told you that you couldn't claim your spouse and kids on your tax return? Or if they limited how may miles a week you could drive your car? We don't easily surrender what really matters to us!

Our sin and apathy are creating a perfect environment for the kingdom of the Antichrist. Do we really want to create a place where he can feel welcome to set up shop?

Stop trying to blend in with our Godless culture! Repent!! Live right! Stop trying to appease the ungodly! Speak the truth! Pray at meals and meetings when you feel led. Decorate for Christmas if you want! Go to jail if you must, but stand up for your God! Don't you know He'll stand with you?

We have allowed unbelievers to remove God from America. So, as requested, He has withdrawn from us somewhat. He allows things to befall us that He would have protected us from in the past. He is giving us small glimpses of what it will be like if He withdraws from us completely. Yet, when disasters befall us, rather than consider our relationship to God, we summon our pride. 'We're tough', we say, 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.' And we become even more hardened and entrenched in our sinfulness!! How much will we have to suffer, before we truly repent?

Our nation is standing on the verge of collapse. Many forces are gathering against us. Our economy is deliberately being destroyed. Our leaders are betraying us. Our international enemies are expanding their militaries and forging coalitions. Like a pack of wolves silently surrounding us, stealthily creeping forwards, great calamities are approaching.

Our enemies, used to encountering God's wall of protection around us, are cautiously probing and testing. If we go from the status of a nation that was so blessed and protected, to one that is left wide open to its enemies--expect the attacks to be horrific! Not only have our actions provoked hatred towards us from among the nations, but so has our position of being blessed and favored by God! What a terrible, terrible thing it will be, to fall into the hands of our enemies--but even that pales in comparison to the judgements that God will pour out upon us Himself, when He returns.


An Attack On America Is Imminent! 
Abortion, Are You SURE You Have The Right?
Homosexuality: Why Is It Such A Big Deal?

What Does The Devil Look Like?

I recently praised a little girl for taking the time to thank God for her food.  I added that some people don't think about God very much.  Her response shocked me: 'Because they think they are Him?' she asked.  Kids can say some really profound things!


A child recently asked me 'What Does the Devil look like?'  I interpreted that to mean: 'How can I know it's the Devil if I see him?'  A very good question.


As I was explaining that nobody knows what he looks like, and mostly you know if it's the Devil by how you feel in your heart, I was asked if he was white.  I had to chuckle.  'Some people would say so',  I responded.   I added that others would say he was black and some would say he is red.   Then I explained that he might look like a shining star, or like a dragon, or a snake.


It's not something we can pin down.  The Scriptures say that he can 'even appear' as an angel of light, from which it can be inferred that isn't how he usually looks.


He is also referred to as a dragon, in Revelation, and a serpent, in Genesis, which seduced Eve to sin (and resulted in all serpents being cursed to crawl on their belly).   That would infer, prior to that curse he had legs.  A 'serpent' /snake with legs could be describing a dragon here too.  And, there are other places in Scripture that translate the word 'serpent' or 'dragon', depending on the version of translation.


Satan, the Dragon, was thrown down to Earth, from Heaven, when he rebelled against God.  He is referred to, in some places, as 'Leviathan' and is said to live in the sea'.  Chapter 41, in the book of Job, is completely devoted to the description of a dragon. I don't know if this is describing Satan, or just any generic dragon that lived on Earth at the time.


Children don't have any problem believing this, but most adults probably see it as pretty far-fetched.  We are used to seeing angels portrayed as little, naked toddlers with wings, or as women with blond hair, arrayed in white silk, with wings on their backs and halos on their heads. How in the world did we settle on these images? 


Unless I'm forgetting something, the angels that Scripture describes are mature, masculine beings--or 'living creatures' that look like amalgamations of different animal and human parts, with wings, and many eyes all over their bodies!


Jesus also, in Revelation, appears as a lamb that looked as if it had been slain.  Apparently 'shape shifting' is the norm in the spiritual realm.


Which brings me to the reason I took the time to write this post: some of the things that we see in the years ahead may seem to be straight from a science fiction novel!


I suspect this for several reasons:

1. In studying the book of Revelation, it is clear to me that the demon spirit that either is (or will possess the man who is) the Antichrist, is not Satan.  Rather, it is a spirit whose name is Apollyon.
2. Shape shifting is part of the tradition of sorcery.
3. I sense that Satan is using Hollywood to desensitize us to horrendous looking beasts and shape shifters.

So what does Apollyon have to do with it?  Maybe nothing.  But I have a hunch that he is a demon with a nonhuman appearance, and that he is included in ancient folklore. 


Apollyon is the 'Beast out of the Sea' in Revelation 13, and is the same beast we are speaking about when we say 'The Mark Of The Beast'.  We also refer to him as 'The Antichrist'.


Although his description is similar to the description of Satan/The Dragon in Rev. 12, they are not the same.  He is however, the same beast that is described in Rev. 17, upon which the Whore of Babylon rides. 


Here it is explained that he 'once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction.  The inhabitants of the earth . . . (who aren't Christians) . . . will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.' (emphasis mine)  'The beast who once was, and  now is not, is an eighth king.'  (This refers to a vision involving 7 kings that come before him.  He is the eighth, and final king to rise from that kingdom--the Antichrist.)


Anyhow, my interpretation of the verses above gives me the idea that he may have a nonhuman appearance and be found in the writings of ancient man.  I don't think my other two reasons need explanation.


Ultimately though, if we are walking with the Lord, we will recognize him by the response of our spirit.  Will Christians that aren't walking with the Lord recognize him?  I don't know.  I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.  Will nonChristians recognize him?  Definitely not.  (Although perhaps those that are involved in the occult will--but that's a whole different story.  They may know he is a demon, but who know what twisted beliefs they have regarding what that means.)


Here is how I know for sure than nonChristians won't recognize him:

• '. . . but the fatal wound had been healed.  The whole world was astonished and followed the beast.' (emphasis mine)
• 'All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.'
• 'Because of the signs he (the second beast/false prophet) was given power to do on behalf of the first beast (Antichrist), he deceived the inhabitants of the earth.'
• 'For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.'
• 'The coming of the lawless one (Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.  They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.'

I don't like to devote a lot of my time to speculation, but I thought it worthwhile to post this--in the hope that you will keep an open mind, and be willing to 'think outside the box' when it comes to prophecies. Most of all, I'd hate to see you have your mind so firmly made up about how things will happen that you fail to realize when they do.


We don't know for sure how the fulfillment of prophecies will 'look', but I expect in a lot of cases it will be so mundane that it would be easy to miss--or so unbelievable and astonishing that we will be caught off guard!


Extraterrestrials . . .
Angels, Demons & Raising The Dead

Deathbed Conversions

I think deathbed conversions are a crock.  I doubt the sincerity of someone who waits until their dying breath to call out to God for a pardon because suddenly they can see what lies ahead.  I think it's an insult to God and an abuse of His grace.

My attitude reminds me of someone else's:  a guy who had a brother that insisted on having his inheritance early, and then ran off and blew it partying and whoring around.  He was understandably irritated when, after hitting rock bottom,  his brother decided it was time to come home.  After all, he'd stayed home and had to pick up the slack. 

But, as I look at the father of these guys, I see a man who is running down the driveway to meet his son.  He welcomes him back and showers him with gifts.  It's not that he loves one of his sons more than the other--it's that this one was lost, but has come home.

So, if that's the way God feels (and I know it is, because Jesus told the story), then I'm just going to let it go.  If God isn't offended, then why should I be?

However, If you're that one who's lost, and you are planning to wait until you are on your deathbed to make that commitment, consider this: sin will harden your heart.  Every time you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart and you pull away, your heart gets a little harder.  By the time you are on your deathbed (if you even get that chance), you may not be able to muster the repentance you need in order to be forgiven.

Beyond that, the stakes are even higher now!  God is sending a powerful delusion to those that refuse 'to love the truth and so be saved'.  He sends them this powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie of the Antichrist and be condemned (those who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness).

The time for taking God's grace for granted is nearly over.  Who knows. . . this may be YOUR last chance!

The Gates Of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against Us
It's Time To 'Shake The Dust Off'

'The Mark of the Beast': Characteristics

Here is some excellent information on The Mark of the Beast. So good, in fact, that I have little to add, so I have simply cut and pasted it. I will include my own comments as well, in parentheses { }. The original document can be found here.  *

{The NIV translation of Revelation 13:16 says: "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name."}

THE 8 CHARACTERISTICS OF “The Mark”

Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4
EadsHome Ministries; www.eadshome.com

1) Likely a physical implant or detailed scarification.
The repetitive nature of John’s description of The Mark lends itself to the interpretation that the Mark is to be taken as literal, rather than figurative.

It has been theorized that The Mark refers symbolically to the belief in [forehead] and support of [right hand] the Antichrist, rather than to a literal mark. However, if this were the case, it would be difficult to imagine how consumers could be easily identified as not having The Mark, since John says that those without The Mark will not be able to buy or sell.

The Mark is described as something that is “received”. Faith in Antichrist and service to the Antichrist is not “received”, it is ‘appropriated’ and ‘given’. The fact that The Mark is received highlights the fact that it comes from an outside source, not from within the person.

2) This physical Mark will be on the right hand/wrist or the forehead. (Rev. 13:16)
The fact that the left hand is not mentioned as a possible site for The Mark is intriguing, and could shed some light onto the future purpose of The Mark from a practical standpoint. With large numbers of people receiving this mark in a very short period of time, the choosing of the right hand may be for convenience purposes. New military recruits often stand in line to receive their vaccinations, which are given into the same arm as the line advances. The same may be true for The Mark. The location on the right hand may also serve as a quick means of identifying a person for commercial reasons.

The option of receiving The Mark on the forehead may be for practical purposes [such as with amputees] or to identify those who cooperate with the beast on another level. Marking of the forehead would, under normal circumstances, be less desirable than marking an extremity for physical, surgical, and cosmetic reasons. Thus, those with The Mark on the forehead could serve to identify a “special” class of people who are more deeply involved with the beast’s kingdom.

3) The great majority of people on earth will receive The Mark.
The usage of the word “everyone” in Revelation 13:16, cannot mean literally everyone on planet earth will receive The Mark. We know that there will be Christians who will not receive The Mark, and they are specifically mentioned in Rev. 20:4. But, apparently all types of people will be represented as bearers of The Mark [small, great, rich, poor, free, slave].

4) It will be impossible to engage in common commerce without The Mark, but there will likely be an “underground” currency and commerce system amongst those without The Mark.
The statement that “no one” could buy or sell without The Mark is not intended to mean that literally no one on earth will be able to buy or sell from anyone else on planet earth. If that were so, then most, if not close to all, Christians would die of starvation or dehydration during the final years. Since many elect will be left until the end to be gathered to Jesus [Matt 24:29-31], these will need to find a way to survive during the final 3 ½ years of oppression [Rev. 12:17, 13:7; Daniel 7:25]. Sustenance farming and lake water purification will not be immediately available to most, so an underground commerce system will likely form. Again, the usage of “no one” in Rev. 13:17 parallels the usage of “everyone” in Rev. 13:16, detailing that the entire world common market will be governed by the beast and will necessitate having The Mark to participate in it.

{The Bible does not speak of this, but common sense would show it to be true.}

5) The Mark will consist of two types.

1. The name of the beast
2. The “number” of his name

It is important to remember that not every Mark will correlate to a number. We cannot be sure whether the majority will be related to his number or his name. The fact that even today a vast majority of people are familiar with 666 makes one wonder if the majority of “Marks” will relate to his name rather than his number as many will never imagine that they have the “dreaded Mark of the beast” because it is in no way related to a number.

6) The relationship of The Mark to the number of the beast will not likely be immediately apparent. Insight and wisdom will be necessary to make the connection.
Rev. 13:18 says that the correlation of The Mark to the number of the beast requires: 1) wisdom 2) insight and 3) calculation. The Bible says this despite the fact that a few words later the number 666 is given to us. For these reasons, The Mark will likely not be a large “666” tattooed on the back of the hand. We are encouraged to keep our mind and eyes open to recognizing The Mark. It may be prudent to avoid ANY marking or implantation of the right arm or head to avoid taking a device which is later transferred to the power of the beast.

It will be easier for those who have a marking or implant for innocent reasons to conform their pre-existing device to the name of a man, than it will be for first-time receivers of the marking or implantation.

{Very good points. With all the concern and mistrust for the government today, it will be hard to 'sell' people on anything resembling The Mark of The Beast.  Listen to your instincts-don't second guess yourself!

Here are my thoughts on tactics that will probably be used to get people to comply:

• Embarrass & Correct. We will probably be ridiculed for our suspicions and shown, probably by people who seem to be experts on the Bible, how what they are proposing couldn't possibly be The Mark.  Listen carefully to exactly how things are worded!  For instance, I received an email update from my state representative, presumably to show how hard he was working and to justify his (sellout) position.  Here was his argument: "The rising cost of health care is stretching family budgets and hurting American businesses. And if we do nothing, our health care system will explode our national debt."  It's hard to argue that--it's probably true.  BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT THE DEBATE IS ABOUT!  I don't think I've heard anyone suggest that we should do NOTHING!  The devil likes to play with words.
  
• Lies. We will probably be lied to.  Self explanatory, but not so easy to spot.  We have to learn to let people's actions do the talking and not put too much trust in the words they utter.  Listen to your instincts!
• Shame & Shun. Piling on the guilt.
• Downplay & Justify. Minimizing the consequences, but inflating the benefits.  Make the reasons to do it look big, and the reasons  not to do it look small, silly, unimportant, outdated, superstitious, uneducated, misinterpreted, evil, etc.
• Possibly: pleading. If the above methods aren't working.
• Threatening. If all else fails--to induce compliance based on fear.
• Punishment. To frighten others into compliance.}

7) 666: What we know about it.

1. The number is six-hundred and sixty-six, not six, six, six. Six, six, six is three separate numbers, whereas six-hundred and sixty-six is one number. The ramifications of this difference cannot be completely known at this time, but the Scriptures are clear that the number is a singular number, not three separate side-by-side numbers. Let the reader remember this important distinction.
2. 666 is “the number of his name” meaning that it is connected, though calculation, to the beast’s name. The tying of this number to the name of the beast may mean that a literal Arabic number will not be visible on The Mark.
3. 666 is also “that of a man”. The NIV translation of “man’s number” implies that mankind has a “number” which is known and can be used for our calculations. However, the structure of the Greek is properly denoted in the NASB and KJV. The number is “the number of a man”. Let no one be deceived into thinking that this name, or its number comes from heaven in anyway. This number comes from a man. And anyone who follows man instead of God [Galatians 1:10] is destined for an eternity apart from God.

Note: three interesting textual variants should be mentioned with regard to the number of the beast. We are very certain that the original Greek stated six-hundred and sixty-six, but a few documents give another number. They are:

1. 665
2. 646
3. 616

8. Those who receive The Mark will be tormented with burning sulfur without rest forever. [Rev. 14:10-11]

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{Here are a few easy things to remember, to help you have discernment in life, and to judge things by:

• God adds & multiplies; Satan subtracts & divides.
• God absolutely gives you free will; Satan seeks to control you, often through fear.
• God is in charge; Satan is trying to unite men to himself to stir up enough psychic energy to unseat God.  (It won't work).
• There is only One God, creator of all;  Satan is one god (not capitalized) that goes by many names.
• There is one way to God (Jesus Christ); many ways to Satan.
• God and Satan are not equals--God created Satan. God is superior; Satan is inferior.

*(Although I agree with what I have posted here--unless otherwise noted--I have no affiliation with the owners of said website, nor can I say whether or not I support their positions or agree with any of their other postings since I have not had adequate time to familiarize myself with their entire site.)}

A 'Sleeper Doctrine'
Just Another 'Blue Light Special'?

The Witness (Oh yes . . . Part 4)

(Continued from Part 3, 'Novus Ordo Seclorum')
What a great responsibility we have!  We are one of the few countries where the people have the power of governing themselves!  We are one of the few, and probably the best equipped, to delay and frustrate the plans of the antichrist in setting up his government!  The date he will take the throne of world government has not been set.  The American people may be the only ones who can delay it--by standing up for our rights and refusing to give up our rights to govern ourselves!  We can not stop what God has said will happen, but we don't have to allow it to happen here, now!
God has entrusted us with much and much will be required of us.  We--individual Americans--have a grave responsibility, not just for ourselves, but for freedom loving people all over the world,to resist!  How disappointed God will be--after giving us such great natural resources, inspired founding documents and direction, prosperity, freedom, and understanding--if we squander it and allow the world to be taken captive by the antichrist!
I believe America's whole foundation & existence was divinely ordained to put an obstacle in the way of Satan's plan at this very point in time!  I believe we are called to use our freedom &; constitutionally guaranteed rights to resist and expose the truth about Satan's plan to the world, at this very hour, while we still have those rights!  This is the fulfillment of Christ's words in Matthew 24:14:
'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.'
That is us, American believers!  And each of us now has the freedom & the tools to preach the gospel to people throughout the entire world, from the comforts of home!  We can be at the forefront of this great mission!
I believe the words 'for a witness' hold special significance.  I believe this means that we, while the events spoken of in the end times prophecies are unfolding, will be explaining them to people throughout the world, and sharing the gospel message!  No one will be able to say they didn't understand what was happening, and who was its author, if we do what we have been divinely inspired to do--in this very hour!  Our message will be the 'witness' to them whereby they will later be judged as to whether they understood what they were participating in!
Don't be mistaken though, if you answer the call, you will likely give your life in the process.  You will likely be one of the 'multitude in white robes' who were martyred during the 'time of great tribulation' for spreading the word of God and the testimony/witness of the meaning of the events that are unfolding.
The first of the seven seals (written about in the book of Revelation, Holy Bible) has been opened.  The four horsemen of the apocalypse are being released (invisible spiritual beings, empowered by God to pour out His judgment upon an unrepentant world).
The rider on the white horse has been loosed upon the world, bent on conquest.  This is not a conquest of war and bloodshed, but it is a subjugation, a seizure of freedom from those that resist, and a seduction to those willing to surrender.
The other three horsemen will soon follow.  Be on the watch for the second (he causes men to kill each other-don't assume it just means in the context of war), the third (food prices will skyrocket-it will cost an average day's wages for a loaf of bread), and the fourth (death--by weapons, famine, plague & wild animal attacks).

This is a warning to you of some of the dangers America is now facing from within while, simultaneously, God's judgment is starting to be poured out on the earth. Most people are unaware that America is under siege from within, and will soon be attacked from outside as well.  We are surrounded by enemies! Our only hope is in God.  Repent and pray for His intervention and deliverance!
(Separate blogs will explain the dangers mounting against us from our enemies outside our borders, what prophecies say will happen to America, and whether there is any hope for us.)


The Drunken Whore

Novus Ordo Seclorum --'A New Order of the Ages' (Oh yes . . . Part 3)

(Continued from Part 2, 'Amerika')

There WILL BE one world government, ruled by the antichrist.  I don't want to see it happen, because I've read the end of the book--I KNOW how that turns out!  While the Bible spells out much about what will take place, it doesn't say that America has to be the seat of his power!

Sure, our currency reflects the designs that the freemasons have, for a world government that begins in America--but that is not prophecy! It is a hope, a plan, a goal of some--but God has not decreed it to happen.

Don't be fooled by false 'prophecies'--a prophecy is only as infallible as the one who ordains it!  Maybe the Mayans somehow saw the future--or not.  Maybe Nostradamus saw what would happen--or not, etc., etc., etc.

The Bible makes it clear that if a prophet is speaking God's prophecies--he will never be wrong!  If he is not 100% right in his prophecies, then they did not come from God.  And if it doesn't claim to be the word of God, then it is not even a prophecy.  It is a goal, a hope, a fear, or an opinion!

If you are still not convinced that something new has settled upon our country, that there is a conspiracy unfolding, then look at the alliances Obama is making.  He is snubbing our traditional white, imperialist allies and befriending dictators!  Sure, you can say he is just trying to 'establish a dialogue' with them to bring about resolution to current conflicts--but that is just the cover!  In fact, it isn't even a cover.  All of this is happening in plain sight, yet people do not see!

We currently have several world leaders, who have recently seized power from their people--Putin, Chavez, Zelaya.  Elected democratically, they then changed the laws, enabling themselves to stay in office.  Wake up please.  It is happening in America now too!

If you don't think he sympathizes with these dictators, look at his response to the heroic efforts of the Hondurans in ousting a leader who was doing the same thing he is--usurping power and violating the people's constitutional rights!  He sided with Zelaya and insists he should be returned from exile and placed back into power over the Honduran patriots!

And consider his lack of response to the brave freedom loving people in Iran who were protesting a fraudulent election.  Silence, until he was repeatedly pushed to issue some kind of response-- and even then it was lukewarm at best!

These are the people that Obama is befriending--bold, audacious men that take what they want by force.  I believe he feels a kinship with these men because he has similar ambitions.  In fact, I believe they are all auditioning for the position of world leader.

These are the philosophical allies of our president--and he is working to establish them as his political allies as well!  Every move he makes is to court those who despise freedom and draw them into his circle of influence!

Look at his appointees-many of them are drawn from the ranks of the organizations he puts them in charge of overseeing!  Do you not see that he is throwing the door open wide and letting the fox into the henhouse?  And he welcomes people from every ideology that is opposed to America as we know it!

The status quo is under attack--and it probably should be!  But the direction in which he is taking us instead is not towards honesty, transparency, justice, and equality.  Those are his claims, but you must look at his actions!  While he may cover his real convictions with the words we want to hear, the people he surrounds himself with don't even attempt to veil their convictions!

It has struck me how he has told us, more or less, what he planned to do.  His agenda is not deeply concealed.  In fact, it is so obvious that it is hard to understand why people are not seeing what it is!  Unlike previous administrations, his ambitions and design are all happening in plain sight-this is very unusual too!  Here is why I believe that it is happening this way:

Whether or not he knows and intends that what he is putting in place in America will pave the way for the antichrist to have world dominion is not apparent at this time.  However, there are deep spiritual involvements and implications here!

Understand, for example, that a person cannot be possessed without inviting it.  There are spiritual laws that cannot be violated.  So too, it would be a violation of spiritual laws for Satan to seize control of  government on earth.  However, he is free to persuade & deceive men to grant him the power that is rightfully theirs!  So, he courts the leaders of the world's people.

So, Obama is NOT violating spiritual laws in creating a government for the antichrist to control.  He is doing this in plain sight to obtain the implied consent of the American people!  He may say one thing, but we can see, if we choose to, what he is really doing.  This protects the antichrist from being unseated on the grounds that he violated spiritual laws in obtaining his power. Therefore, if you have any objections to what is happening, you must act to oppose it now, while the power of government still belongs to the American people.


(Continued in Part 4, 'The Witness')

Amerika (Oh yes . . . Part 2)

(Continued from Part 1, 'Oh Yes He Does Get It')

You know what, this world is not my home.  I'm just a traveler and this is a brief stop on my way home.  A rest stop on the way to eternity.  If everybody really wants a one world government, and I can see some justifications for it, then let them have it!  But they should be careful what they wish for!  What we first submit to willingly, becomes a yoke of iron upon our necks!

There WILL BE one world government.  I don't want to see it happen, because I've read the end of the book--I KNOW how that turns out!  But, if that's what the people are ready for, so be it.  This has been a free country.  If the last free choice made BY THE PEOPLE is to surrender that freedom, then fine.

But I am MAD AS HELL, that it is being foisted upon us!  This is not what the majority of Americans want!  And may I be so bold as to say, if that is what you want, then leave!  We wish to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave!  I still have the right to speak, the right to vote, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  How dare you try to take that from me! 

Most of the rest of the world loves your ideas--so go somewhere else and join them!  Leave those of us who prize our freedom to live in our own little country and mind our own business!  (That's really what we should have been doing all along!  Instead, we seem to have initiated this whole global domination thing, but in a benign way, of course . . . ?)

As I said, there WILL BE one world government, but NOT IN MY BACKYARD!  If that is what you want, do it somewhere else!  You are not going to have my  help to begin it here in America!!

People, please wake up and exercise your rights while you still have them.  Obama is not the antichrist, but he foreshadows him.  The antichrist will be like Obama but bigger, faster, more charming, more cunning, more deceptive, more popular, more powerful, more audacious.  And he WILL be the leader of this world government that is coming.

If you can't see beyond Obama's facade, how are you ever going to recognize the antichrist when he comes?  If you are a little uncomfortable with the changes now, but not enough to act--how comfortable do you think you will be when the antichrist takes the reigns?  Unless God intervenes, with the path that we are now on, the antichrist will be our next leader!!

(Continued in Part 3, 'Novus Ordo Seclorum ')