Is the New Covenant In FULL FORCE Today?

Many people don’t use them anymore. Checks. A document that orders a bank, financial institution (or credit union), to pay a specific amount of money from a person's account to the person in whose name the check has been issued. Printed on checks is “Pay to the order of.” If you write “cash” in this blank space, and the check amount in numeric form, the bank will pay you in cash. Metaphorically, upon our baptism, our Lord Jesus Christ has written us a check, though it will not be paid to us in US dollars, pounds, euros, or yuan; it will be paid in eternal life! And, it’s a check that will NEVER bounce; it is absolutely GUARANTEED! And the glorious signature on the bottom line reads Jesus Christ of Nazareth! It was signed in the royal blood of our Savior.

The Blood of the New Covenant

God’s living word──the Holy Bible──is like a legal document. And it can be likened to an unsigned check with YOUR NAME on it as the payee. Not just any signature will do ── only One Signature will deliver the goods. The everlasting signature of the glorious family of God – the Elohim (God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ).

True Christians who have truly repented, been properly baptized, having hands laid upon them, and who received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19), have already claimed this heavenly check of the glorious New Covenant, signed in the precious blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus is called in God’s living word, “the Messenger of the Covenant.” – Malachi 3:1. The Messenger of the New Covenant! The few who now accept the terms and conditions of the New Covenant, when they hear its Message preached, may rightfully claim the heavenly check written with blood.

Our Lord Jesus’ last Passover, He stated, “’ This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’” – Luke 22:20. The apostle Matthew likewise wrote, “’ For this is My blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” – Matthew 26:28. The apostle Paul called this supreme sacrifice for us “the blood of the everlasting Covenant.” – Hebrews 13:20.

Is our Lord Jesus’ New Covenant──with all its terms and conditions──in full force today?

Let’s turn to the Book of Genesis and begin with this Book where the word “covenant” is mentioned for the first time.

The Noahic Covenant

This agreement is before all others. Notice it in Genesis chapter 9.

“Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9) ‘And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you.’” – vs. 8-9. A “covenant” is an agreement between two spoken or written parties. A contract. Usually, as all the biblical covenants later were, it is confirmed or documented in writing.

What was this covenant that the LORD God made with the patriarch Noah?

Verse 11 – “’ Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’”

NEVER AGAIN will the LORD God allow a flood to envelop this Earth. This is the agreement that the LORD God made with the patriarch Noah and all his descendants.

There are some cases in a covenant that contains a reminder. Like in the form of a sign or a symbol. Such as ── “And God said: ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13) I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14) It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15) and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.’” – Genesis 9:12-15.

So, when the LORD God looks down and sees a rainbow it reminds Them of the original agreement ── the original contract ── They made with the patriarch Noah and his descendants so long ago.

Then there was a series of important covenants made with the patriarch Abraham, whom the LORD God called out from among his own people──

“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2) I will make you A GREAT NATION; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3) I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’

4) So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” – Genesis 12:1-4.

There’s not enough room in this article to go through every single covenant the LORD God had made with Abraham. An article of great importance that contains much information is “Freedom ── A True Blessing From God” and “Why So Many Don’t Understand Pentecost.” Patriarch Abraham and his descendants (through his son Isaac) were promised by the LORD God first the land of Canaan (which is Palestine; the Promised Land), and then that the original promise continued expanding until it encompassed “all the families of the earth” Notice ──

“For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law (the law of Moses), but through the righteousness of faith.” – Romans 4:13.

So notice the terms and conditions of this most important of the covenants that the LORD God made with Abraham. And it is the only one that has a specific date ──

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2) And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will MULTIPLY YOU EXCEEDINGLY.’ 3) Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4) ‘ As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of MANY NATIONS.’” – Genesis 17:1-4.

Patriarch Abraham’s part in this dated covenant was to be spiritually mature before the LORD God (recall, ‘walk before Me and be blameless’), and by keeping all of the LORD God’s commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments. Later, the LORD God said that he had – “’ because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.’” – Genesis 26:5.

And the LORD God’s part in this covenant was to give Abraham and his descendants a great inheritance (Genesis 17:5-8).

Patriarch Abraham was promised by the LORD God an inheritance that far extended past his own physical life. It had to do with the very inheritance of future world history ── both physically and spiritually. Be sure to read our two free articles, “Our Roots” and “From the Beginning… God’s Master Plan.”

The Old Covenant

The prophet Moses led the LORD God’s people through the Exodus and the kingdom of Israel was brought into being. In the 19th chapter of the Book of Exodus, the terms and conditions of the Old Covenant were spelled out to the children of Israel. And these terms and conditions were very simply stated ──

“’ Now therefore, IF you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.’” – vs. 5.

Prophet Moses spoke to the elders of the people, and everybody quickly agreed to the terms and conditions of the covenant. The children of Israel all said with one voice, “’ All that the LORD has spoken we will do.’” – vs. 8.

In the following chapter, the LORD God spoke the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel, later to be codified onto two stone tablets. Now, every one of these Ten Commandments was already in full force from the time of Adam and Eve ── long before the Old Covenant. We have a couple articles that are of great interest here. “’ Under LAW’ or ‘Under GRACE’?” and “Personal From… ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’”.

In chapter 21 and then through to chapter 23, the civil codes were given. Then, in chapter 24, the Old Covenant was formally ratified. And then after all that, the prophet Moses came to all the children of Israel ── “So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD [as in the Ten Commandments; chapter 20], and all the judgments [notice chapter 21 through to 23]. And all the people answered with one voice and said, ‘All the words which the LORD has said we will do.’” – Exodus 24:3.

Then, the Old Covenant – the agreement – was put in writing ──

“And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. …” – vs. 4.

Formally Sanctioned in Blood

Then, an elaborate ceremony followed ──

“And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5) Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD. 6) And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7) Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient.’” – Exodus 24:4-7.

Then, “Moses took the blood sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.’” – vs. 8.

In this case, the covenant was purified with the blood of animals. “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” – Hebrews 9:22.

Recantation

It had hardly been formally sanctioned in blood when the children of Israel broke the Old Covenant for the first time ──Exodus 32. There were temporary additional promises by the children of Israel to ‘do all that the LORD has said, and be obedient’ – but eventually that all ended when all the twelve tribes (the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah) were taken into captivity by Gentile nations and dispersed.

Also, there were some temporary promises when a righteous king would inherit the throne. One of great significance was in the days of Josiah – king of Judah. “Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and with all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant.” – 2 Kings 23:3.

But, sadly, the peoples’ promises to the LORD God were all too soon forgotten.

Throughout their history the KINGDOM OF ISRAEL and the KINGDOM OF JUDAH had broken the LORD God’s Old Covenant and suffered from military conscription, the loss of land, destruction of their cities, captivity, and famine. Truly, the curses that automatically occur when a kingdom, nation, country, or province TRANSGRESSES THE RIGHTEOUS LAW OF GOD! For the LORD God adamantly says, “’ IF you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, … For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.’ … ‘But IF you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments … then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven more times for your sins.’” – Leviticus 26:3, 9, 14, 24.

These are the inevitable results that the LORD God built into God’s Law ── all of which are summed up in the Ten Commandments. And, reiterated by our Lord Jesus Christ – (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27).

A New Covenant In the Making

The prophet Jeremiah ── under the divine inspiration of the Spirit of God ── preserved for us the LORD God’s thoughts on the fact that the children of Israel broke the Old Covenant time and time again. It was a vicious cycle.

And, the prophet Jeremiah wrote the LORD our God’s eventual solution ──

“’ Behold, the DAYS ARE COMING, says the LORD, that I will sow the House of Israel [the “lost” ten tribes] and the House of Judah [the Jewish people; as in the tiny nation called Israel in the Middle East] with the seed of man and the seed of beast. 28) And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to destroy, and to afflict, …’” ── in an article entitled, “ ’Blow the Trumpet’!” I go into detail concerning this, ‘to root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.’

“ … ‘so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the LORD.’” – Jeremiah 31:27-28.

When will this building and this planting actually occur? Sadly, a great many people wrongly assume it occurred on May 14th, 1948, when Israel became a nation. But, we can read on to see the right answer ──

“’ Behold, the DAYS ARE COMING, says the LORD, when I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah ── 32) not according to the covenant that I made with the fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.’” – Jeremiah 31:31-32.

Truly, the Old Covenant was in a sense a marriage agreement between the Lord God and His people ──the kingdom of Israel. A beautiful picture of this is in Ezekiel 16, and His thoughts about it.

Verse 33 – “’ But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’”

A key understanding of the time element is in verse 34 – “’ No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they ALL shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.’”

Truly, truly there are no nations in this 21st century world that know the LORD God! Instead, this world and all of its nations, countries, and provinces, are saturated in wickedness ── “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” – 1 John 5:19.

The LORD God’s living words ── spoken and recorded here by the prophet Jeremiah ── is speaking of a time yet in the future. At the beginning of the Millennial Reign of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Sadly, multiple billions of people are being erroneously taught that the New Covenant is already in full force and in effect on Earth today. Yet, God’s living word clearly tells us otherwise.

Today, instead of people wholeheartedly turning to the LORD God with proper repentance and reaping the glorious benefits of faithfully obeying, people by in large react to the preaching and teaching of the True Gospel exactly as the prophet Ezekiel spoke about ──

“And you, son of man [a true servant of God who speaks His Word, His Truth, and His ultimate Plan], do not be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7) You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.’ … ‘But the House of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the Hose of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted.’” – Ezekiel 2:6-7; 3:7.

Sadly, our Lord Jesus’ true gospel is greeted with outright rebellion and disdain. I’ve had people literally laugh in my face and mock the LORD God!

“’ As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, …” ── and sadly, there are some who were at one time faithful servants of the LORD God that are now trying to destroy your reputation. Or, as the LORD God continues, “ … ’everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’ 31) So they come to you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.’” – Ezekiel 33:30-31.

This certainly does not sound like national repentance and humility to the LORD God ──terms and conditions of the glorious promise of the New Covenant.

Billions are taught that this “Christian Dispensation” is the time of the New Covenant, and wrongly assume that this “Christian Dispensation” has replaced the Old Testament. Billions are taught and assume that the New Covenant began with our Lord Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth. And they carelessly ass ⁄ um ⁄ e that “Christianity” (in whatever facet of this world’s Christianity they belong) is under the terms and conditions of the New Covenant today, which they ignorantly believe frees them from any obligation to obey the LORD God!

God’s living word clearly speaks of a future time when our Lord Jesus Christ will confirm the terms and conditions of His New Covenant (of which He is called the “Mediator’) ── writing the Law of God in the spiritual hearts and minds of humanity, in their “inward parts,” with the human nations ──including the House of Israel and the House of Judah!

So, the formal consent of the New Covenant ── to the peoples for whom it is proposed ──is to occur after the glorious and powerful second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the House of Israel and the House of Judah. And, as other Scriptures teach us, also with the Gentiles, who, when called by Father God, are converted and become “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”!

As the apostle Paul spoke of ──under divine inspiration ── “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” – Hebrews 8:13.

A New Covenant is being confirmed between our Lord Jesus Christ and those in whom He places His Spirit ── His Laws, statutes, ordinances, and judgments are being written in our minds and hearts of those who truly obey His commandments, who properly repent, and are properly baptized. But, this is by invitation today ── it is not on a global scale.

Billions who continue to assume that this present evil age is that of the New Covenant for this world as a whole have clearly NEVER properly studied God’s living word that shows our Lord Jesus Christ has completed ONLY the first half of His ministry. The ministry of confirming the covenant with many for ONE WEEK. Notice ──

“Then [H]e shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK [Wednesday] He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. …” – Daniel 9:27.

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s large ministry is yet ahead!

This is not yet the LORD God’s time to try and convert the whole world. The LORD God is not writing His Law, statutes, ordinances, and judgments in the hearts and minds of all the people of either the House of Israel or the House of Judah. TODAY IS NOT THE ONLY DAY OF SALVATION. □

'Least in the KINGDOM FROM HEAVEN'

Acropolis - Pergamon - Turkey. The ruins of the "Great Altar" were probably dedicated to Zeus and Athena. The Apostle John wrote the third letter in the Book of Revealing to the Church of God that was in this once-flourishing city - Pergamos.

by Leonard V Johnson

In prayer, I was asking our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus about a person that I know── a man that does have great knowledge in the living word of God; who is a marvelous teacher of the glorious New Covenant of our Lord Jesus── a man that I love. Yet, is narcissistic and is slipping in many areas concerning the precepts of the LORD God, and the fruits of God’s Spirit are beginning to wane in their illumination. “What,” I asked our Lord Jesus, “will become of him?” As soon as I asked this question – the Spirit reminded me of our Lord Jesus’ words – “’ Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom [from] heaven; …’” – Matthew 5:19.

Last July I did a sermon entitled “You Were Born To Rule!” There is a second part also. And often, brethren, we are allowed to be placed in situations with people── because we need to learn how to handle the situation the LORD God’s Way ── like a future ruler would. I’d like to expound in this article why.

Have you ever thought about what your job or position might be in the glorious kingdom of God? About what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ── the King of kings and the Lord of lords── will have you be doing in His Millennial Reign!? And, how you must qualify for that responsibility?

First and foremost let me say that salvation is a gift from the LORD God── it is a free gift and we can never earn it.

But you can lose it.

As I spoke directly to this man who does have great biblical knowledge recently in a sermon, I said, “You speak of others who grieve the Holy Spirit. Please look at yourself in the mirror, my dear brother! Adhering to the LORD God’s commands, precepts, and teachings is extremely important!” And they are indeed!

So, since eternal salvation is something you can lose, then logically the LORD God has set rules and laws, as well as conditions, that we must adhere to to receive the glorious gift of eternal salvation. Do you know what those rules, laws, and conditions are?

Unfortunately, I mentioned this not long ago when I was speaking about the Nicolaitans, and how it became apparent to me that “the Nicolaitans were the greater Body of Christ that actually was disbanded from our Lord Jesus Christ’s “little flock.” That in fact there was (and are) a great many people being thrust out of the Body of Christ. Our Lord Jesus says of those who perish – “’ … from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30) And cast the UNPROFITABLE SERVANT into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” – Matthew 25:29-30.

What is this ‘outer darkness’ that our Lord Jesus is speaking? In an ethical sense – people thus face a choice of whether to yield allegiance to the LORD God OR TO DARKNESS, meaning ignorance, of the LORD God and of God’s Way.

We need to ask ourselves── what made this servant unprofitable? Wherein had this servant failed?

The very answer begins in verse 21 – “’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” And He repeats it in verse 23.

The unprofitable servant was not faithful in carrying out the few duties that were given to him in this life. He had not learned to master his human nature, had not learned how to properly treat others – like a future ruler would – even though he knew better!

Truly, all the unprofitable servant will be able to say to his Lord is, “Lord, I knew You to be a hard Man, reaping where You have not sown, and gathering where You have not scattered seed. And I was afraid and went and hid Your talent in the ground. Look, there You have what is Yours!’ – see verses 24-25.

In other words, the unprofitable servant might think that it is profitable for him to try and proselytize or spiritually influence a young man that in fact the LORD God isn’t even calling out of this present evil age yet. Becoming obsessed and fixated on this one idea.

This unprofitable servant ── as an example ── might be narcissistic. And he lives with an inflated sense of self-importance and an insatiable drive to be liked and to be at the center of attention. Satan will capitalize on these traits and tempt him to compromise his morals and values. This unprofitable servant became careless about his responsibilities as being an ambassador for Christ ── above reproach. And sadly, this unprofitable servant will be judged – “’ You wicked and lazy servant, …’” – vs. 26.

Different Levels of Responsibility

Just like the responsibilities we hold today within the Body of Christ ── as in “He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” we don’t all hold the same rule or authority. There will be different levels of responsibilities in the kingdom of God. As an example: we will not be rulers of the tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12), this rulership will go to “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (See also Matthew 19:28). We will not be the ruler of the reunified House of Israel, that will be the resurrected King David (Jeremiah 30:9). We will not all have the same office. We will not all face the same duties.

Have you considered that our Lord Jesus Christ is speaking to HIS CHURCH – He is speaking to you, brethren!?

Let us notice briefly the letters our Lord Jesus wrote to His Church ── through His servant John ── in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the Book of Revelation. And, notice at the end of each of the seven churches there is a definite promise for the whole of the Body of Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is saying here, in this Book of prophecy – the Book of Revelation is a Book of prophecy – Notice verse 1 of chapter 1: “The Revelation [the unveiling] of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place.” – talking about the end-time! The Book of Revelation is a Book which was only to be understood in the end-time. And now that we’re in, or rather near, the end-time, it’s starting to be understood. And chapters 2 & 3 – although He’s talking about an earlier group of people, the former. It’s also a prophecy about the latter. About the latter days. This is an end-time prophecy.

Let’s go through them –

“’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. …’” – now the LORD God said to the prophet Ezekiel, ‘those that will hear, let them hear, and those that refuse let them refuse.’ Once again, we see that principle. “ … ‘To him who OVERCOMES I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.’” – Revelation 2:7.

He talks about another group, Smyrna, verse 10 – “’ Do no fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to THROW SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days [years], BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH, and I will give you the crown of life. 11) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who OVERCOMES shall not be hurt by the second death.’”

In verse 12 He begins speaking to another group ── Pergamos. “ …’ These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword …’” – that’s the very words of Jesus Christ! “’ I know your works [‘I know what you’ve gone through, I know what I have assigned you to be doing in this lifetime’], and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. …’” – in other words, our Lord Jesus knows that His servants dwell on the Earth (where Satan’s throne is) !

“ … ‘And you hold fast to My name [‘you’ve not denied My name’], and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.’”

Our Lord Jesus is saying, in essence, ‘I acknowledge and understand that you ── My faithful servants ── are having to live in a world that is falling apart! You’re in a tough place to be called Christian,’ however … “…’ I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, …’”

And Balaam, to make a long story short, it’s the concept of covetousness or greediness. He is saying, ‘There are some among you that are greedy!’

Verse 15 – again, dictatorial power over the laity! Well, look up the word Nicolaitans, in your Bible study help’s. Wycliffe Bible Dictionary on the name NICOLAS states, “The name, meaning ‘conqueror of the people.’”

It says in Verse 16 – “ ’Repent, [CHANGE - get out of there while you still can] or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.’” – again, He will fight against those unprofitable servants with His very words!

Please let this sink in, brethren!

Verse 17 – “’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit [is attempting to say] to the churches. …’”

Verse 18 talks about another church group ── Thyatira. “ … ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass …’” – turn back to the first chapter, and you see more of how He’s described.

He says in Verse 19 – “’ I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.’”

In other words, with some of His servants ── they have more patience, faith, and service, than love.

“’ Nevertheless,’” Verse 20 – “…’ I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.’”

Verse 21 – “…’ And I gave her time to repent …’” – ‘I gave her a chance to change.’ “…’ of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.’” – ‘she wouldn’t change her ways.’

Verse 22 – “’ Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, …’” – remember, the word adultery, in the Bible – adultery, whoredom, whoring around – if you look at the whole context, 90-95% of the time it’s not talking about physical sexual practices against the Way of God, most of the time, it’s referring to spiritual adultery. The worship of false gods and goddesses.

Chapter 3:1 – “’ And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has seven Spirits of God and the seven stars …’” – meaning the seven angels looking after those churches. “…’ I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.’” – spiritually dead.

Verse 2 – “’ Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, …’” – strengthen whatever capacity God’s Spirit to be within you. “…’ that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.’”

Verse 3 – “’ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.’”

Sadly, it has come to my understanding that this man who does have great knowledge of the living word of God; who is a marvelous teacher of the glorious New Covenant of our Lord Jesus, that every chance he gets he degrades and verbally berates the Church leaders from whom he originally ‘received and heard’! And just as sad ── he does not accept criticism, even when it is constructive and well-intentioned. He becomes defensive, reacts angrily, and refuses to accept any blame.

Verse 5 – “’ He who OVERCOMES shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.’”

He talks about another group ── Philadelphia. “ … ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true,’ ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.’” – the key of David refers to Jesus Christ and His authority over His kingdom!

Verse 8 – “’ I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.’”

We are a group that has not denied His name! And we have but a little strength, a pretty small group, but we have kept HIS WORD!

Verse 12 – “’ He who OVERCOMES, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, …’” – like an integral part of the internal leadership of the Kingdom of God. “…’ and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven …’”

And then we come to Laodicea. “… ’These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:’”

Verse 15 – “’ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.’” – it would be easier for Jesus to know what to do with you.

Verse 16 – “’ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit [‘I will spew you, I will reject you from My face!’] you out of My mouth.’”

Verse 21 – “’ To him who OVERCOMES I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’”

And the last part of this WARNING!

Verse 22 – “’ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the [members of the churches of God].’”

Let us notice that the only ones who have the right to these promises are OVERCOMERS! Those who through the glorious power of God, overcome themselves, overcome this world, and overcome the temptations of wicked spirits in high places.

‘A kingdom of kings and priests to our God’

Our Lord Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 is certainly dual. The “ten servants” represent the TEN TRIBES OF ISRAEL. The “citizens” here represent the HOUSE OF JUDAH – who expressly repudiated our Lord Jesus’ announcement and said, ‘We have no king but Caesar’ – John 19:15. But, this parable has a dual meaning ── true Christians are also now bondservants of our Lord Jesus. Some OVERCOME some things – and others OVERCOME many things. Some develop their spiritual gifts more than others. So, in our Lord Jesus’ Millennial Rule, some will be given rule over many cities, while others will have qualified to rule only over a few – or perhaps only one.

Who exactly will rule over the cities in the Millennium? It will not be His prophets or the apostles. And it won’t be the 144,000. The answer is plain.

The responsibility to guide, control, and develop cities on earth during the Millennium will be those who have not been called to other duties. The glorious responsibility ── the office ── will be open to all those who OVERCOME!

Some of us, brethren, will have grown spiritually (even unto death) immensely ── learning how to properly rule God’s Way. Some us not so much. IT DEPENDS ON YOU! It depends on whether you are willing to let the LORD God make you ‘into His image and likeness’ – or whether you are a ‘wicked and lazy servant’ – and you resist His corrections.

Truly, not every disciple called became an apostle and was an OVERCOMER ── Judas Iscariot departed from the faith. And, sadly, not every one of us will succeed. Yet, the LORD God’s promises stand firm. We CAN ── if we OVERCOME ── stand together in the glorious Kingdom of God! □

John 10:16 - the 'other sheep'

Who are the “’ other sheep’” our Lord Jesus referred to in John 10:16?

“’ I AM the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.’” – John 10:14.

As I spoke about in our latest sermon, “Are You Christ-Centered?” – we come before you proclaiming the REAL JESUS! Not some effeminate long-haired homeless man, or a baby in a manger – with no place to lay His sweet head. As our Lord Jesus says, ‘He is known by His own!’ We know the true Jesus – the real Jesus! And of Him, we proclaim to you!

Our Lord Jesus says, “’ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be ONE FLOCK and ONE SHEPHERD.’” – John 10:15-16.

The ‘this fold’ was referring to the Jews that were living then in Palestine (JUDAH). Recall that our Lord Jesus had come into the world, “and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11) He came to His own, and His own [the Jews of His day) did not receive Him.” – John 1:10-11. We are told in Revelation 5:5 that our Lord Jesus was born of the tribe of JUDAH, the Root of David.” Yet, the Jews of His day outright rejected Him saying, “’ We will not have this man to reign over us.’” – Luke 19:14.

The ‘other sheep’ are the other tribes of the House of Israel. Recall Jacob/Israel had TWELVE SONS – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. So, He was speaking of the other eleven tribes of the House of Israel. And, He referred to them as ‘the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ – Matthew 10:6. Interestingly enough, the Jews of His day referred to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as ‘the dispersed.’ (See: John 7:35).

The kingdom of Israel had become two separate kingdoms during the reign of King Rehoboam – King Solomon’s son. The kingdom of Israel (or even the kingdom of Samaria) to the north, and the kingdom of Judah to the south. (We have an article that will help you better understand, “Our Roots”). Also, for an understanding of where the other tribes of the House of Israel are TODAY, be sure to read “Freedom - A True Blessing From God” as well as reading or listening to Minister Michael C. Garrett's online book “God’s Promises To Abraham.” Audio Version.

So, the ‘other sheep’ our Lord Jesus was referring to was not in Judah (Palestine) then at that time.

A great many wrongly assume that it is the Gentiles that represent the ‘other sheep.’ As Got Questions wrongly answers, “Some of the ‘other sheep’ came when 3,000 Jews were saved in Acts 2:41. Samaritans and an Ethiopian eunuch joined the fold … Then the Holy Spirit led Peter To Cornelius, opening the door for Gentiles to come in. … Thereafter, the Spirit chose Paul … to take the good news to the Gentiles, …” 1

Well, they are wrong because they know nothing about (nor would they accept) the truth of the many nations of Israel or of the lost ten tribes. It must be remembered that only the descendants of Israel (Jacob) are ever referred to as SHEEP in all of God’s living word – the Holy Bible. The Gentiles can certainly, upon being called by Father God, obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ – but as far as nationally, they are NEVER referred to as SHEEP - Notice –

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh ── who are called Uncircumcision [physically speaking] by what is called the Circumcision [physically speaking] made in the flesh by hands ── 12) that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL and

strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. …” – talking about a time BEFORE we knew the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the Plan of God.

Verse 13 – “But NOW in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 2:11-13.

Minister Michael C. Garrett –

“There once was a people called Israel. And, we’re not talking about the small nation on the western edge of the Mediterranean Sea. That area is inhabited mainly by Jewish people. And yes, they were a part of the people called Israel. Now, you had Abraham – the father of the faithful. Isaac, Jacob – whose name was changed to Israel. And he had twelve sons … And they became the descendants of that family – the people that we refer to historically as Israel. And those people had a chance that God would have been their God. He would have been their Defender and Protector. But, they didn’t want that! They wanted to be like the other nations around them.

They wanted to be just like the next-door neighbors. And they, in effect, rejected the LORD God. And, in the end, the LORD God rejected them. Those people were eventually conquered, taken into captivity. And the remnants of those people ended up scattered all over the earth. And some of those remnant people ended up in what we call England. And some of those people ended up coming to what we call the United States of America. So, the founding stock of the British and American people are descendants of the people of Israel. And, the Lord God has fulfilled some promises which He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh. And we here in this great nation are on the receiving end of those great blessings.”

(Garrett, M.C., To Jesus Be the Glory Chapter Four).

Our Lord Jesus Christ added by saying, “ … ‘and there will be ONE FLOCK and ONE SHEPHERD.’”

There is coming a time when the House of Israel and the House of Judah will once again be UNITED into ONE KINGDOM. Notice –

“ …’ Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Surely I will take the children of Israel [speaking of the Kingdom of Israel] from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land [the land of Palestine]; 22) and I will make them ONE NATION [‘ONE FLOCK’] in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and ONE KING [‘ONE SHEPHERD’ – speaking of the resurrected King David] over them all; they shall no longer be two nations [two kingdoms], nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.’” – Ezekiel 37:21-22.

King David resurrected will be the King of Israel with our Lord Jesus Christ as the ‘Chief Shepherd’ – notice verses 24-26.

God’s living word emphatically teaches us that King David will be resurrected as King of all Israel –

“’ I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them ── My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.’” – Ezekiel 34:23.

“’ But they shall serve the LORD their God, And David their king, Whom I will raise up for them.’” – Jeremiah 30:9.

It certainly cannot be any plainer than that! Yet, this world’s Christianity does not see or hear what the Spirit has to say! – cf. Isaiah 6:10; Mark 4:11-12.

The glorious FIRST RESURRECTION occurs at the blowing of the SEVENTH TRUMP at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming! – notice –

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep [those who have died], lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS LATER], even so God will bring with Him [from the atmosphere] those who sleep in Jesus. 15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are [still] alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep [asleep in the Lord]. 16) For the Lord Himself will descend from [the atmosphere] with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the TRUMPET of God [the SEVENTH TRUMPET]. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. See also 1st Corinthians 15:50-53.

So, the ‘other sheep’ are the other physical tribes of the house of Israel that were taken and captured from the land of Palestine, but who will eventually be brought back again – along with the house of Judah – and will be ruled by the resurrected King David under our Lord Jesus Christ (the LORD of lords and KING of kings). Notice again the Book of Jeremiah –

“’ In those days [the glorious and powerful Return of our Lord Jesus Christ] and in that time,’ says the LORD, ‘The children of Israel shall come, They and the children of Judah together; With continual weeping they shall come, And seek the LORD their God. 5) They shall ask the way to Zion [the New Jerusalem], With their faces toward it, saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD In a perpetual covenant That will not be forgotten.’” – Jeremiah 50:4-5. □

Sources

1) Got Questions, What did Jesus mean when He said, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold” (John 10:16)? Retrieved 1 July 2024.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...

Are We Insane!? - More and more people are becoming insane!

A Roman 'Mark' - Back in Rome, in the times before our Lord Jesus Christ, the Roman government MARKED people by branding them on their hands and on their foreheads – like a tattoo.

Pray to Father God or our Lord Jesus Christ? - SHOULD WE pray to Father God or to Jesus Christ!?

Think About This... A Great Crisis Strikes Judah!

by Guy LaMar

In the land of Judah, the nation of Israel was confirmed as a nation in 1948. And, it was fully established as such in 1968. So, 75 years ago, the tiny nation in Palestine, Israel, was recognized as a nation. By most nations. And, 55 years ago, Israel was officially established as a nation unto the world!

There are many biblical prophecies throughout God’s living immutable word about the end-time events – including what our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of in Matthew chapter 24.

In verse 34, our Lord Jesus says –

“’ Assuredly, I say to you, this generation [the generation that will see all these things take place] will by no means pass away till all these things take place.’”

True Christians have come to understand and realize that the founding stock of the United States of America came from the tribe of Manasseh. And, the founding stock of Great Britain came from the tribe of Ephraim.

The living and holy word of the Eternal One prophesied about these soon-coming end-times just ahead. Here are but a few two-fold prophesies –

Zechariah 14:1-5

“’ BEHOLD, the Day of the LORD is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2) For I will gather all the nations to battle against JERUSALEM; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity [even subjugation], But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

3) Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations [speaking here of the infamous Battle of Armageddon], As He fights in the day of battle. 4) And in that day His [our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ] feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.

5) Then you [in Jerusalem] shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from THE EARTHQUAKE In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.

Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You.’”

Also Matthew 24:15-18 –

“’ Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand), 16) ‘then let those who ARE IN JUDEA flee to the mountains [through My mountain valley]. 17) Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18) And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.’”

Also Luke 21:20-21 –

“’ But when you see JERUSALEM surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21) Then let those WHO ARE IN JUDEA flee to the mountains [through My mountain valley], let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22) For these are THE DAYS OF VENGEANCE, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.’”

Also Jeremiah 30:5-7 –

“For thus says the LORD:

‘We have heard a voice of trembling, Of fear, and not of peace. 6) Ask now, and see, Whether a man is ever in labor with a child? So why do I see every man [IN JUDEA] with his hands on his loins Like a woman in labor, And all faces turned pale?

7) ALAS! For that day [the Day of the LORD; which will affect all nations eventually] is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.”

Also concerning this soon-coming end-time of trouble, this two-fold prophecy, Daniel 11:30-32 –

“ … ’So he [a final United European Catholic civic and military leader; who will be as tyrannical, if not worse than, Antiochus IV Epiphanes] shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31) And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there [on a rebuilt altar or temple] the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.

32) Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt WITH FLATTERY; but the people who know their God [speaking of the “end-time prophets”] shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

Continuing, Daniel 11:36-40 –

“’ Then the king [again, a final United European civic and military leader] shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every [false] god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper TILL THE WRATH [the Day of the LORD, which lasts 3 ½ years] has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.

37) He shall regard neither the God of his fathers NOR THE DESIRE OF WOMEN [will this final tyrannical European leader be a homosexual?], nor regard any [false] god; for he shall exalt himself above them all.

38) But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses [military purposes in ‘honoring a foreign god’ – as in military applications with The Large Hadron Collider?]; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things.

39) Thus he shall act against THE STRONGEST FORTRESSES [in this 21st-century ‘the strongest fortresses’ would be the United States of America, Israel, and the United Kingdom; in regards to “Jacob’s trouble”] with a foreign god [a foreign god of military might and strength], which he shall acknowledge, AND ADVANCE its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

40) ‘AT THE TIME OF THE END the king of the South [a final confederation of Islamic nations civic and military leader] shall attack him; and the king of the North [this final United European Catholic civic and military leader] shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through.

41) He shall also enter the Glorious Land [Palestine], and many countries shall be OVERTHROWN [they shall lose their sovereignty]; but these shall [initially] escape from his hand: Edom [which is Turkey], Moab [which is Iraq], and the prominent people of Ammon [or Jordan]. 42) He shall stretch out his hand [this final resurrection of the ‘king of the North’] against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.’”

Daniel 12:1 –

“’ AT THAT TIME Michael [a great archangel] shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation [speaking of Judah], Even to that time.

And AT THAT TIME your people shall be delivered [the physical remnant of the house of Israel and the house of Judah, as well as], Every one who is found written in the book [the Book of Life].

2) And many of those who sleep [are dead] in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life [speaking of the first resurrection], Some to shame and EVERLASTING contempt [speaking of the second resurrection after the Millennial Reign of Christ].’”

And, speaking of the founding stock of the United States of America and the founding stock of Great Britain –

Genesis 12:1, 2 –

“Now the LORD had said to Abram [whose name would be changed to Abraham] … 2) ‘I will make you A GREAT NATION; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.’”

Genesis 35:9-12 the promise is passed down to Jacob, Abraham’s grandson. God explicitly states –

“Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him, ‘Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel 1 shall be your name.’ So He called his name Israel. 11) Also God said to him: ‘I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; A NATION and A COMPANY OF NATIONS shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. 12) The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.’”

Notice that 1st Chronicles 5:2 records for us this promise being passed on to Jacob’s/Israel’s son JOSEPH –

“ … although the birthright was Joseph’s ─”

In the Book of Genesis chapter 48, the promise is conferred upon Joseph’s two sons Manasseh and Ephriam –

Verse 15 – “And he [Jacob/Israel] blessed Joseph, and said:

‘God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, 16) The [angel of the LORD God] 2 who redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads’ Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’”

So, the LORD God would make the descendants of Manasseh A GREAT NATION. Other Scriptural passages proclaim and show us that Manasseh’s descendants would inherit incredible political, military, geographical, abundant natural resources, and agricultural blessings.

The Eternal our God has fulfilled His promise to make Manasseh A GREAT NATION, and Ephriam A COMPANY OF NATIONS. And, world history shows us that the LORD God’s promise to Abraham began to be fulfilled around the 1800s with the American Industrial Revolution. And by the mid-20th century, the United States of America had become the most powerful and affluent nation in world history! The US's exceptional military power and prosperity are a fulfillment of the LORD God’s promise to the descendants of Manasseh.

Greatest Quantity of True Christians

The United States of America has possessed the greatest quantity of true Christians in one place than any other nation on the planet! There is so much to be said concerning this topic – books worth. The key word being has – because, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center report – “the major new survey of more than 35,000 Americans by the Pew Research Center finds that the percentage of adults (ages 18 and older) who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years, from 78.4% in an equally massive Pew Research survey in 2007 to 70.6% in 2014. Over the same period, the percentage of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated – describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular” – has jumped more than six points, from 16.1% to 22.8%.” 3

But to keep this article simple – we as begotten children of God should WATCH and PRAY and have our spiritual armor suited up!

Let us, brethren, follow the instructions of the LORD God –

2 Timothy 3:1-5 –

“But know this, that IN THE LAST DAYS perilous times will come:

2) For men [mankind] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good; 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power.

And from such people turn away!”

And, it’s sad to say, such people are everywhere in this 21st-century world!

Also, as an angel of the LORD God told the Prophet Daniel concerning this end-time, there is an increase of knowledge. Increased knowledge in good and increased knowledge in the evil and bad. There is an increase of the living word of God. And, there is an increase of false prophets!

“’ But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until THE TIME OF THE END; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.’” – Daniel 12:4.

And sadly, as it was ‘in the days of Noah’ the majority of our peoples will be completely confused concerning the truth of the end-times. Or, they will completely ignore the loving gospel concerning the end-time.

“’ But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 4 37) But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38) For as in the days before the Flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39) and did not know until the Flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.’” – Matthew 24:36-39.

The Apostle Peter also wrote of this TIME OF THE END –

2nd Peter 3:1-4 –

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

3) knowing this FIRST: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4) and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since our fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation [or rather, in this 21st century word, ‘from the beginning of the Big Bang!’].”

As our Lord Jesus Christ let us know – there would be several things to Watch and look out for. And, be sure to read TODAY "Prophetic Events to Watch For."

“ … ’ Take heed that no one deceives you [religiously and spiritually]. … you will hear of wars and rumors of wars [all throughout this present evil age]. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom [a reference to Daniel 11:40]. … famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.’”

Truly, religious deception, wars, violence, and an increase in lawlessness. Droughts, famine, and great earthquakes in various places around the world, along with other natural catastrophes, disease epidemics, and the rise and aggression of a radical Islamic power!

The rise of a great and powerful United States of Catholic Europe's final civic and military leader who seeks global supremacy!

A great and influential false Catholic religious leader – an end-time pope.

Also, possibly a dozen “end-time prophets” coming upon the end-time scene, traveling throughout the nations and standing before “the god of the earth,” the final European Catholic civic leader, and the final false Catholic religious leader, proclaiming ‘let my people go!’ Along with proclaiming the ’gospel of the kingdom in all the world as a witness to all the nations.’

And then the end will come.

Brethren, many of these things ARE HAPPENING NOW!

As we Watch and Pray, we are witnessing what may be the end of the ‘beginning of sorrows’ before our very eyes!

Conclusion

The nation of “Israel” – populated today with the descendants of the tribe of Judah (along with a significant remnant of Levi and Benjamin) is going to suffer serious military losses, and lose part of its territory which is occupied by her enemies.

Our Jewish brethren in Israel are being attacked and will be heavily destroyed. God’s living word makes this abundantly clear!

This unprovoked and vicious attack of which Iran (certainly the greatest terrorist nation in the world) backed, stuck Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip.

When the city of David – Jerusalem – is attacked and divided, the foreign occupying powers will begin what God’s living word calls the ‘abomination of desolation.’

“’ For then there shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 23) And unless those days were shortened, no flesh, would be saved [alive]; but for the elect’s sake [the physical remnant of the house of Israel and the house of Judah] those days will be shortened.’” 5

Then, “’ Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light [the atmosphere will be clogged with volcanic ash, along with a period of abnormal cold and darkness predicted to follow a nuclear war, caused by a layer of smoke and dust in the atmosphere blocking the sun's rays]; the stars [demonic angelic beings] will fall from heaven [the atmosphere], and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30) Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven [outer space], and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.’” – Matthew 24:21-22, 29-30.

And then the resurrection of the dead in Christ and those of us who remain and are alive are resurrected –

“ … ‘He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet [the SEVENTH TRUMPET BLAST], and they will gather together His elect [His spiritual elect] from the four winds, from one end of heaven [the atmosphere] to the other.’” – Matthew 24:31.

And then, the seven last plagues upon an unrepentant mankind.

Yes, brethren and friends, all roads point to a rough period of time just before us.

As our Lord Jesus commands –

“’ But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness [and even spiritual drunkenness], and cares of this life, and that Day [the Day of the LORD] come on you unexpectedly. 35) For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36) Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.’” – Luke 21:34-36.

‘These things’ are beginning to occur, and it’s about to get so much worse!

Sadly, the majority of our peoples will just continue on as they always have – ‘like it was in the days of Noah.’ And just like those before, they will meet their doom. □

1) ISRAEL means “struggle with God” #3478 – However, many other Bible help books (and I realize that the Strong’s Concordance isn’t the most accurate, or maybe the most extensive word study help you can use; my hardback states “struggle with God” – the Online Strong’s states “He will rule as God”) does state that the name Israel has a shocking meaning - “He will rule as God.”

2) See also Gen. 22:11; 28:13-15; 31:11; Hebrews 11:21.

3) Pew Research Center, 12 May 2015, htps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/.

4) Surely, we have to presume that our Lord Jesus Christ now knows.

5) “In this we see the word “shortened” used for the Greek word “syntemnō”. A deeper study shows that this is correctly translated into “limited”. While both words can work in theory, it will depend on who is “teaching” the scriptures. Why? Ministers who do not study the Scriptures and their original translation diligently may teach from their own understanding, rather than from the Scriptures. This Scripture does NOT mean that God will shorten the time of the tribulation randomly. But rather is it already limited to 3 1/2 years for the elect's sake. God does not lie, and does not change.” – Samuel LaMar.