PROPAGANDA LESSON 4 –“ISRAEL” FRIEND AND ALLY?
The propaganda regarding the so-called “Israel” often repeats that “Israel” is our friend and only ally in the Middle East. The truth is that they are the enemy of Christ and His Church, and therefore should not be considered the ally of the United States of America. In fact they are anti-Christ.
2John verses 7-11: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
We are not to ally ourselves to and with those who hold the doctrine of antichrist. The state calling itself "Israel" holds the doctrine of the Pharisees which is the doctrine of antichrist. They curse Christ in their writings in the Talmud, their "scripture." So in bidding them "God speed" we are partaking of their evil deeds. They are as certain to be destroyed as was their wicked city in the New Testament times.
Let us pray earnestly that they will turn from their wickedness, repent, and be saved by Jesus Christ, the only way of salvation. Unless they repent, they will be destroyed. Let us not allow ourselves and our nation to be destroyed with them.
The propaganda goes that they are strategically essential to the interests of the USA:
(1) In the earlier years they said that we needed them to prevent the spread of Communism from the Russians. Well, we know that threat ended if ever it existed.
(2) Propaganda said that we needed them to protect our oil and gas supplies from the Middle East. It is now evident that that is not true; we have ample, even abundant oil and gas reserves here and with our neighbors. For example, the truth is that at one time the international corporations saw that they could buy the oil and gas from the Shah of Iran for two cents a gallon and sell it here in the US for a hundred or so cents per gallon and make mountains of money.
(3) Worst of all is the propaganda lie that they are “God’s Chosen People” and therefore have a Biblical right to the land. It is now evident that the only tie they have to the Biblical Israel is that their doctrine is that of the Pharisees of the New Testament which Christ condemned and was therefore crucified by them.
By means of this lie they have taken control of the political process through campaign contributions and organized political action committees such as AIPAC, the American Israel Political Action Committee, and its offspring, CUFI, Christians United for Israel. Through the power of these committees, they have robbed the US through grants, and “loans,” (which they don’t pay because they are ‘forgiven’), through military equipment and military action to the staggering amount now of trillions of dollars.
Worst of all, they have brought us into conflict with the entire Arab population of the world because of our attacks and invasions of Palestine and surrounding areas.
It is time for the Christians of our nation to heed the warning of 2Corinthians 6:14-18:
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you, (18) and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
A literary and historical commentary on the Book of Revelation with supporting referents and notes.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
Dear Brother,
You ask me “Whose side are you on?” in regard to the conflict in the Middle East. My answer is: “I choose to be on the Lord’s side.”
The Lord God does not change sides. We can choose to be on His side, or not. Like the Lord spoke through His prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him, and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you, but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you,” 1Chronicles 15:2b. My position is to search the Scriptures for the Truth and abide by it. God is no respecter of person in judgment: “… but in every nation he that worketh righteousness is accepted with Him,” Acts 10:34-35.
Your question is ‘loaded’; that is: it assumes that there are only two sides, the Muslims and the “Israelis”. We do not have to choose between these two options, or between the lesser of two evils. When Jesus was confronted with the conflict between two brothers regarding their inheritance rights, He refused to judge the case, Luke 12:13-14. He came to teach, promote, and exercise the higher Law of God’s Kingdom. He came to put the axe to the root of the tree, not just to lop off a limb here and there, but to establish the eternal Law of God in the hearts of the people. How would Jesus solve the petty conflicts of everyday life? Matthew 5:38-48: “turn the other cheek,” “give him your coat and your cloke,” “give to him that asketh… and would borrow…,” “love your enemies,” pray for your persecutors.
In conflicts we are to judge carefully because we will be judged by the same judgments that we judge by. Yet, sometimes we are required to make righteous judgments, Matthew 7:1-2. This Scripture is a warning that we should be careful to make righteous judgments, for the law is the same for us as for them. Judgment is one of the weightier matters of the law which should be kept, Luke 11:42. Jesus taught us how to make “righteous judgment”: John 7:24. John 7:51states the requirement that we hear the case before we pronounce judgment.
So, in regard to our position to the conflict in the Middle East, I have found the following:
Underlying all of the surface conflict is the fact that there are two religions at war with each other over territory and power, “Judaism” and Islam. There are many similarities between the two religions. I find that Islam was not in existence, as such, until many centuries after the New Testament history, and that it has taken much of its teachings from the Talmud of the "Jews." However, the religion called “Judaism” today is the direct offshoot of the Pharisaism of the New Testament and can therefore be judged by the Biblical record.
Their “traditions” were strongly condemned by Jesus. These “traditions” were what they called the “oral law,” which they declared to have been given to Moses on Sinai orally and passed down orally to them. They teach that the “oral law” was superior to the written law of the Bible. Jesus strongly and firmly refuted their doctrines by saying: “It is written….” After the New Testament era, they put their “oral law” into writing in what is known as the Talmud. They consider their Talmud to be their sacred Scriptures.To judge their case, you should know what the Talmud says.
Here is what their Rabbis have to say about it as quoted from the website www.come-and-hear.com.
:
“We are proud to bring you four avenues of research into the Babylonian Talmud — the Jewish Book of Oral Law.
“In ancient Israel, traditional laws were passed down by word of mouth from teacher to student, from one generation of Sages to the next. The Oral Law was the traditional learning of the Pharisees, a religious sect and political party. The Sadducees were the religious and political rivals of the Pharisees. The Pharisees eventually committed Oral Law to writing sometime between two thousand and fifteen hundred years ago.
“The Oral Law can now be found in the Talmud, which contemporary rabbis tell us is the primary book of law for Jews. Contemporary rabbis are directly attuned with the Pharisees of Jesus' time through long and intensive study of the Pharisaic teachings in the Talmud.
"The Talmud is, then, the written form of that which in the time of Jesus, was called the Traditions of the Elders." — Rabbi Michael L. Rodkinson
“and
"The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through all the centuries, from the Pharisees." — Universal Jewish Encyclopedia”
Knowing what their Talmud teaches, we have a reference to the Biblical account of the Pharisees of the New Testament. Jesus pronounced “woe” upon them in Matthew 23; Luke 12:1; and many other references too numerous to mention.
Until you have seen their doctrines, you have not heard their case and so are not yet qualified to make a righteous judgment. Since Jesus' judgment of them is recorded for us in Matthew 23, I believe Jesus. I choose to believe Jesus. He is the Righteous Judge.
You ask me “Whose side are you on?” in regard to the conflict in the Middle East. My answer is: “I choose to be on the Lord’s side.”
The Lord God does not change sides. We can choose to be on His side, or not. Like the Lord spoke through His prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him, and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you, but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you,” 1Chronicles 15:2b. My position is to search the Scriptures for the Truth and abide by it. God is no respecter of person in judgment: “… but in every nation he that worketh righteousness is accepted with Him,” Acts 10:34-35.
Your question is ‘loaded’; that is: it assumes that there are only two sides, the Muslims and the “Israelis”. We do not have to choose between these two options, or between the lesser of two evils. When Jesus was confronted with the conflict between two brothers regarding their inheritance rights, He refused to judge the case, Luke 12:13-14. He came to teach, promote, and exercise the higher Law of God’s Kingdom. He came to put the axe to the root of the tree, not just to lop off a limb here and there, but to establish the eternal Law of God in the hearts of the people. How would Jesus solve the petty conflicts of everyday life? Matthew 5:38-48: “turn the other cheek,” “give him your coat and your cloke,” “give to him that asketh… and would borrow…,” “love your enemies,” pray for your persecutors.
In conflicts we are to judge carefully because we will be judged by the same judgments that we judge by. Yet, sometimes we are required to make righteous judgments, Matthew 7:1-2. This Scripture is a warning that we should be careful to make righteous judgments, for the law is the same for us as for them. Judgment is one of the weightier matters of the law which should be kept, Luke 11:42. Jesus taught us how to make “righteous judgment”: John 7:24. John 7:51states the requirement that we hear the case before we pronounce judgment.
So, in regard to our position to the conflict in the Middle East, I have found the following:
Underlying all of the surface conflict is the fact that there are two religions at war with each other over territory and power, “Judaism” and Islam. There are many similarities between the two religions. I find that Islam was not in existence, as such, until many centuries after the New Testament history, and that it has taken much of its teachings from the Talmud of the "Jews." However, the religion called “Judaism” today is the direct offshoot of the Pharisaism of the New Testament and can therefore be judged by the Biblical record.
Their “traditions” were strongly condemned by Jesus. These “traditions” were what they called the “oral law,” which they declared to have been given to Moses on Sinai orally and passed down orally to them. They teach that the “oral law” was superior to the written law of the Bible. Jesus strongly and firmly refuted their doctrines by saying: “It is written….” After the New Testament era, they put their “oral law” into writing in what is known as the Talmud. They consider their Talmud to be their sacred Scriptures.To judge their case, you should know what the Talmud says.
Here is what their Rabbis have to say about it as quoted from the website www.come-and-hear.com.
:
“We are proud to bring you four avenues of research into the Babylonian Talmud — the Jewish Book of Oral Law.
“In ancient Israel, traditional laws were passed down by word of mouth from teacher to student, from one generation of Sages to the next. The Oral Law was the traditional learning of the Pharisees, a religious sect and political party. The Sadducees were the religious and political rivals of the Pharisees. The Pharisees eventually committed Oral Law to writing sometime between two thousand and fifteen hundred years ago.
“The Oral Law can now be found in the Talmud, which contemporary rabbis tell us is the primary book of law for Jews. Contemporary rabbis are directly attuned with the Pharisees of Jesus' time through long and intensive study of the Pharisaic teachings in the Talmud.
"The Talmud is, then, the written form of that which in the time of Jesus, was called the Traditions of the Elders." — Rabbi Michael L. Rodkinson
“and
"The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through all the centuries, from the Pharisees." — Universal Jewish Encyclopedia”
Knowing what their Talmud teaches, we have a reference to the Biblical account of the Pharisees of the New Testament. Jesus pronounced “woe” upon them in Matthew 23; Luke 12:1; and many other references too numerous to mention.
Until you have seen their doctrines, you have not heard their case and so are not yet qualified to make a righteous judgment. Since Jesus' judgment of them is recorded for us in Matthew 23, I believe Jesus. I choose to believe Jesus. He is the Righteous Judge.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
PROPAGANDA LESSON 3: THE VICTIM MENTALITY OF JEWISH PROPAGANDA
Jewish propaganda would insinuate that the "Jews" are a poor, persecuted, innocent, threatened people that we should pity, defend, and support. They have used the "Holocaust" as evidence of it and an excuse for their current atrocities as if they were justifiable revenge and defense.
THE HOLOCAUST AS A PROPAGANDA WEAPON?
Does the Holocaust of the 1940’s entitle the “Jews” of today to impose a holocaust upon the Palestinians who had no part in their tribulations during World War II? Jewish propaganda would have us feel so very sorry for these poor victims of the Holocaust that we allow and even aid them in the holocaust they are now imposing, in our generation.
THE HOLOCAUST AS A PROPAGANDA WEAPON?
Does the Holocaust of the 1940’s entitle the “Jews” of today to impose a holocaust upon the Palestinians who had no part in their tribulations during World War II? Jewish propaganda would have us feel so very sorry for these poor victims of the Holocaust that we allow and even aid them in the holocaust they are now imposing, in our generation.
World
War II (WWII) was a terrible tragedy when millions of innocent people suffered
and were killed. One is too many; however, according to extensive research more
than sixty million people died, of which, it is commonly reported that between
five and six million of them were “Jews.” (For a full, documented account of
research on WWII casualties see www.wickipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties#Holocaust_deaths.)
Yet,
because of the Jewish propaganda, many Christians see the Holocaust as being
only the Jewish deaths. Numerous books, movies, speeches, sermons, and advertisements
have been put out by the media, entertainment world, political speech, and
travel ads regarding the Jews who were killed. Is it of no consequence that
another fifty million or so people were also killed? Is it true that “only Jews
are men” and the rest of those who died are only so many animals or vermin? I,
myself, suffered from the horrors of WWII; my only brother, only son of my
widowed mother, was killed.
I
repeat, “One death of an innocent person is too many.” Yet, to prevent innocent
deaths, are we to go to war and cause more deaths? Who is entitled to ‘revenge’?
Should revenge be against innocent people? Does the suffering of Jews during
WWII entitle them to inflict suffering, destruction and death upon the
Palestinians, and ask the US of A and the United Nations to uphold them in
their crimes? Does two ‘wrongs’ make a ‘right’? Propaganda would have us think
so.
WERE THE JEWS VICTIMS OF PERSECUTION IN HISTORY?
Another propaganda weapon they use is that they have been hated, abused, and persecuted throughout history. The truth is that the persecution of the Church in the New Testament was from the Pharisees, sometimes referred to as “the Jews.” Modern “Jews” boast that their doctrine is that of the Pharisees of the New Testament.
Jewish propaganda today would have us believe that the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was because the Jews were innocent victims of anti-Semitic hatred! However, Luke 18:3-8, the parable of the unjust judge, teaches us that the Christians are to be avenged “speedily.” Luke 21:32-33: “Verily I say unto you, ‘This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled. (33) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.’”
In context, Luke 21:22 refers to the destruction of Jerusalem as God's vengeance for their persecution of the Christians.
Did it happen? Yes. The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the fulfillment of Christ’s words upon that wicked city for its crimes against Christ and His followers. God avenged His people, the Christians.
The TRUTH is what God says: “’Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.’ And again, ‘The Lord shall judge His people,’” Hebrews 10:30, quoting from Deuteronomy 32:35-36. “Rejoice, O ye nations, with His people: for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful unto His land, and to His people,” Deuteronomy 32:35-36.
WERE THE JEWS VICTIMS OF PERSECUTION IN HISTORY?
Another propaganda weapon they use is that they have been hated, abused, and persecuted throughout history. The truth is that the persecution of the Church in the New Testament was from the Pharisees, sometimes referred to as “the Jews.” Modern “Jews” boast that their doctrine is that of the Pharisees of the New Testament.
Jewish propaganda today would have us believe that the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was because the Jews were innocent victims of anti-Semitic hatred! However, Luke 18:3-8, the parable of the unjust judge, teaches us that the Christians are to be avenged “speedily.” Luke 21:32-33: “Verily I say unto you, ‘This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled. (33) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.’”
In context, Luke 21:22 refers to the destruction of Jerusalem as God's vengeance for their persecution of the Christians.
Did it happen? Yes. The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the fulfillment of Christ’s words upon that wicked city for its crimes against Christ and His followers. God avenged His people, the Christians.
The TRUTH is what God says: “’Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.’ And again, ‘The Lord shall judge His people,’” Hebrews 10:30, quoting from Deuteronomy 32:35-36. “Rejoice, O ye nations, with His people: for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful unto His land, and to His people,” Deuteronomy 32:35-36.
In
the New Testament, we are taught: “Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is
written; ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. (20)Therefore if
thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing
thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (21) Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:19-21. War is succumbing to that low
level of evil that the “Jews” practice and only achieves a vicious cycle of
violence and more violence.
THE POOR "LOST TEN TRIBES"?
Also, Jewish propaganda would have us believe that the Biblical history of the destruction of the ten-tribe nation was because of anti-Semitic hatred. They pretend that the ten-tribes are still in existence, but are “lost,” the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel,” which they pretend they have found and are now begging for the Christians to help these poor people “return” to “Israel.”
However, the Biblical record shows that those ten tribes, called “Israel,” were destroyed because of their sins, and that God Himself allowed their enemies to take them captive in about 722-3 BC. Read II Kings chapters 9-17 for the Biblical history of this event.
(II Kings chapters 18-19 show that the two-tribe nation called “Judah” escaped the power of the Assyrians at that time, but were later taken captive also by the Babylonians because of their sins, II Kings 24:3, although a remnant of them returned from that captivity.)
THE POOR "LOST TEN TRIBES"?
Also, Jewish propaganda would have us believe that the Biblical history of the destruction of the ten-tribe nation was because of anti-Semitic hatred. They pretend that the ten-tribes are still in existence, but are “lost,” the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel,” which they pretend they have found and are now begging for the Christians to help these poor people “return” to “Israel.”
However, the Biblical record shows that those ten tribes, called “Israel,” were destroyed because of their sins, and that God Himself allowed their enemies to take them captive in about 722-3 BC. Read II Kings chapters 9-17 for the Biblical history of this event.
(II Kings chapters 18-19 show that the two-tribe nation called “Judah” escaped the power of the Assyrians at that time, but were later taken captive also by the Babylonians because of their sins, II Kings 24:3, although a remnant of them returned from that captivity.)
Amos
prophesied to the nation, Israel, at that period in history. He recorded their
final destruction: Amos 5:1-2: “Hear ye
this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.
(2) The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken
upon her land; there is none to raise her up.” Their day of final judgment
came and in Amos 8:2b we have this pronouncement: “Then said the Lord unto me, ‘The end is come upon My people of Israel;
I will not again pass by them any more.”
And
in the historical record we find an account of their wickedness and its result:
II Kings 17:18-20: “Therefore the Lord was
very angry with Israel, and removed them out of His sight: there was none left
but the tribe of Judah only. (19) Also Judah kept not the commandments of the
Lord their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. (20) And
the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered
them into the hand of spoilers, until He had cast them out of His sight.”
Verse 23: “Until the Lord removed Israel
out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So was
Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.”
The Truth is that the
Biblical account shows that they were racially assimilated with the Assyrians
and became known as the “Samaritans” in the New Testament era. They lost their
racial identity. The Pharisees did not consider them a part of their nation any
longer.
The propaganda that these “Lost Tribes” have been found in Ethiopia is not true. They are not “Jesus brethren,” and therefore not worthy of aid to “return” to the land of Palestine, for there is no Biblical record that they were ever there. Helping the poor is praiseworthy, but not because they are the "Lost Ten Tribes."
The propaganda that these “Lost Tribes” have been found in Ethiopia is not true. They are not “Jesus brethren,” and therefore not worthy of aid to “return” to the land of Palestine, for there is no Biblical record that they were ever there. Helping the poor is praiseworthy, but not because they are the "Lost Ten Tribes."
Jesus
warned: “Take heed that no man deceive
you,” Matthew 24:4. A wise man has said that the first casualty of war is
Truth. The history of the use of propaganda verifies the truth of this
statement.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
PROPAGANDA LESSON 2: DEIR YASSIN REMEMBERED
PROPAGANDA LESSON 2: DEIR YASSIN REMEMBERED
On April 9, 1948, "Jewish" terrorist gangs attacked the village of Deir Yassin in Palestine, not far from Jerusalem. They were called the Stern Gang and the Irgun Gang which was headed by Menachim Begin. By noon that day 200 villagers had been systematically murdered. Some of the victims were paraded through the streets of Jerusalem and some of the orphans from this slaughter had been bussed into Jerusalem and dumped on the street. This horrible debacle was publicized throughout the land causing more than 700,000 Palestinians to flee in terror into neighboring countries where they were forced into refugee camps and never yet allowed to return to their land.
Through their use of propaganda published in the US of A and Europe, these terrorists have convinced many "Christians" that their cause was just and even ordained and approved of God. One of their false slogans was "A land without a people for a people without a land."
For the full account of this event go to
http://www.ameu.org/getattachment/7cbaf847-d834-4935-8193-61948857c90f/Deir-Yassin-Remembered.aspx
On April 9, 1948, "Jewish" terrorist gangs attacked the village of Deir Yassin in Palestine, not far from Jerusalem. They were called the Stern Gang and the Irgun Gang which was headed by Menachim Begin. By noon that day 200 villagers had been systematically murdered. Some of the victims were paraded through the streets of Jerusalem and some of the orphans from this slaughter had been bussed into Jerusalem and dumped on the street. This horrible debacle was publicized throughout the land causing more than 700,000 Palestinians to flee in terror into neighboring countries where they were forced into refugee camps and never yet allowed to return to their land.
Through their use of propaganda published in the US of A and Europe, these terrorists have convinced many "Christians" that their cause was just and even ordained and approved of God. One of their false slogans was "A land without a people for a people without a land."
For the full account of this event go to
http://www.ameu.org/getattachment/7cbaf847-d834-4935-8193-61948857c90f/Deir-Yassin-Remembered.aspx
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
PROPAGANDA LESSON 1: WHAT IS 'PROPAGANDA'?
PROPAGANDA LESSON 1: WHAT IS PROPAGANDA?
“The fact is
that propaganda is to Democracies what violence is to Dictatorships.
Propaganda, the
calculated manipulation of public opinion to serve political and ideological
interests, is pervasive. We are also exposed to commercial propaganda:
Marketing and Advertising.
Propaganda aims
to do other people’s thinking for them.
Propaganda today
has moved into prop-agenda, not only controlling what we think, but how we
think, and what we think about.”
“Propaganda uses
highly selective images, devious and prejudicial language. Dubious linkages,
confusing issues and distorting reality with disinformation, is a daily
reality.
- See more at:
http://reformationsa.org/index.php/history/175-how-propaganda-changes-perceptions-and-people#sthash.e4Gg6Xsg.dpufhanges
perceptions and people. Propaganda kills.
The Truth Sets
Free”
“That is why it
is absolutely essential that we know the truth of history to recognize the lies
of propaganda. We need to study the truth in the Bible so that we can be freed
from the deceptions of the world.
"And ye
shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free," John 8:32.
At
His trial before Pilate, Jesus said: "Every one that is of the truth
heareth my voice," John 18:38. Pilate answered Him by saying: "What
is truth?" Like Pilate, it is sometimes hard to determine what is the
truth of conflicting reports, opinions, and spirits. At an earlier setting,
Jesus had answered His disciples questions by saying: “I am the way, the Truth
and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me," John 14:6. We can safely rely on the fact that Jesus is
The Truth. The Bible is the Word of God:
“Thy Word is Truth,” John 17:17.
There are so many voices from so many sources
today that we must learn to discern the Truth from the propaganda that is so
prevalent and even overwhelming. We can judge between these by reference to the
Word of God, Jesus is the Living Word. We also have the entire Biblical record
to depend upon for accurate knowledge.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
WHY I AM A PRETERIST
Preterism is a view in Christian
eschatology which holds that some or
all of the biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days refer to
events which took place in the first century after Christ's birth,
especially associated with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
The term preterism comes from the Latin praeter, meaning past,
since this view deems certain biblical prophecies as past, or
already fulfilled.
I am a preterist because Jesus, John the Beloved/John the Revelator, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul were all preterists. That does not mean that the message is not also for our own time, but rather that it is an example and pattern as to how, why, and when God destroys a nation, a people, and/or a City. When any nation, city, or people fall into the same spiritual condition that Jerusalem was in, in the New Testament era, it also will be destroyed and come to an end. It is a message so relevant to the United States of America today, that we must proclaim it.
Jesus said of his prophesies in Matthew 24: "Verily I say unto you this generation shall not pass,till all these things be fulfilled," verse 34. This is also recorded in Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32. How can we ignore the clear meaning of His words? If it had not happened, Jesus would have been a false prophet.
Jesus also said: "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom," Matthew 16:28. This is also recorded by Mark and Luke.
John the Beloved Disciple, writing in 1John 2:18: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time."
John the Revelator stated the purpose of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was: "... to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." Then in verse three he says: "... for the time is at hand." Then in the end of the Book, 22:20: "... Surely I come quickly," (soon). John was a true prophet; it happened.
Daniel had prophesied of the end of the nation, city and people which was to come at a given time, after 490 years, and a time, times and half a time, Daniel 9:24-27; 12:7. That time had come in the first century AD. The fleshly nation of Israel ended, the City of Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jewish people were destroyed, dispersed and their genealogical records were burned.
Paul, in his epistle to the Thessalonians said of the Jews of Judea: "Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sin alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost," 1Thessalonians 2:15-16. Paul wept for his natural nation, but saw clearly that it had destroyed itself by rejecting their God.
Yes, I cannot see the testimonies of all of these preterists and not realize that they were proven to be true prophets of God.
I am a preterist because Jesus, John the Beloved/John the Revelator, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul were all preterists. That does not mean that the message is not also for our own time, but rather that it is an example and pattern as to how, why, and when God destroys a nation, a people, and/or a City. When any nation, city, or people fall into the same spiritual condition that Jerusalem was in, in the New Testament era, it also will be destroyed and come to an end. It is a message so relevant to the United States of America today, that we must proclaim it.
Jesus said of his prophesies in Matthew 24: "Verily I say unto you this generation shall not pass,till all these things be fulfilled," verse 34. This is also recorded in Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32. How can we ignore the clear meaning of His words? If it had not happened, Jesus would have been a false prophet.
Jesus also said: "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom," Matthew 16:28. This is also recorded by Mark and Luke.
John the Beloved Disciple, writing in 1John 2:18: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time."
John the Revelator stated the purpose of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was: "... to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." Then in verse three he says: "... for the time is at hand." Then in the end of the Book, 22:20: "... Surely I come quickly," (soon). John was a true prophet; it happened.
Daniel had prophesied of the end of the nation, city and people which was to come at a given time, after 490 years, and a time, times and half a time, Daniel 9:24-27; 12:7. That time had come in the first century AD. The fleshly nation of Israel ended, the City of Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jewish people were destroyed, dispersed and their genealogical records were burned.
Paul, in his epistle to the Thessalonians said of the Jews of Judea: "Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sin alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost," 1Thessalonians 2:15-16. Paul wept for his natural nation, but saw clearly that it had destroyed itself by rejecting their God.
Yes, I cannot see the testimonies of all of these preterists and not realize that they were proven to be true prophets of God.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
86. Zion The Perfection Of Beauty
Revelation 4: 2-3: “And lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne! And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald.” (RSV)
The throne of God, the most beautiful scene ever recorded. The Throne of God glows with the light of every beautiful gem. God gives this beauty also to those He loves. Daniel 12:3:
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Matthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear."
For background, see in Ezekiel 28:12 something of the description of the beauty of the "Eden, the Garden of God." Although the lament is for the "king of Tyre," it is his spiritual counterpart, satan himself that is described. When satan was in heaven, he was "full of wisdom and perfect in beauty."
But it is also said to him: "Thou sealest up the sum (KJV),”or "You were the signet of perfection (RSV)" This probably indicates that he was the one who had the authority to use the signet ring of God; "Every precious stone was your covering."
He could "authorize" anything by use of the "seal" which represented God's Name, His Signature. He could "seal up the sum"; that is, he could endorse the full extent of God's blessings. Satan was cast out of "Eden, the Garden of God," because of his pride and he attempts now to counterfeit the wisdom, beauty and wealth that he once had.
To think that Jesus has given us that Name of God! The power and authority of using the Name that was taken from satan has been given to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 11:23-24, etc.) The beautiful gems that were in "Eden, the Garden of God," are now in the New Jerusalem, the Church, the Bride of Christ in Revelation 21:11-21.
God intended for His fleshly nation, Israel, to have the wealth and beauty of the jewels. In Exodus 28:9-30 we read of the precious gems that were to be used in the breastplate and carried before the Lord by the High Priest. Each tribe was engraved into the two onyx stones upon the shoulders of the High Priest, six names upon each onyx stone.
Then there were also twelve precious gems that had the names of the twelve sons, tribes, of Israel engraved into them separately. These twelve stones represented their signet ring or signature, their name, which the High Priest carried before the Lord. Over the course of their Biblical history, however, fleshly Israel lost this beautiful symbol of God's presence and blessings and "dwelt many years without an ephod," (Hosea 3:4).
In the time of Christ, Herod had tried to adorn the temple with "costly stones," (Mark 13:1). But these were only satan's imitations, not the real jewels of God. Then, in the image of Babylon the Great, we see the ugliness of the jewels of the harlot, (Revelation 17:4). It is in contrast to this that we see the jewels of the beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, in 21:11-21.
The twelve stones of the ephod are represented in New Jerusalem by the twelve gates of pearl which are engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, (21:12 and 21). The authority of the twelve apostles is represented by the twelve foundation stones which are engraved with their names. It is these signet ring stones which form the foundation of the wall, (21:19-21). Either they are these precious stones – imagine a gem 1500 miles long and wide serving as a foundation stone! – or they were inlaid with these precious stones.
Note that this beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, now dwells in "Eden, the Garden of God." Satan has been cast out, chapter 20, and now the Garden is safe. The Bride now dwells in the place that satan once enjoyed, having the "signet of perfection," being full of "Wisdom" and "Perfect in Beauty," "Zion, the Perfection of Beauty."
Bullinger, (p.687), gives an interesting comment on these jewels. They may have had further symbolic meanings. He speaks of the number seven as representing, among other things, the notes of the music scale. The scale as we now know it begins with “c” goes through “g” and back to “a-b.” In this scheme of things: “c” is the first note; “d” the second; “e” the third; “f”’ the fourth; “g” the fifth; “a” the sixth; “b” the seventh.
He says that these notes also represent colors, so that if the notes do not harmonize the colors they represent will not either. We know that the numbers of the Hebrew alphabet also represented letters. If the stones of the New Jerusalem represent colors, then there is a possibility that a message could be transmitted by using the number of that color of stone.
This lesson is an edited excerpt from my book, Revelation In Context, available at the Living Word Bookstore in Shawnee, Oklahoma and also available online at www.amazon.com
or www.xulonpress.com
Free downloads are available at www.revelationincontext.sermon.net
The throne of God, the most beautiful scene ever recorded. The Throne of God glows with the light of every beautiful gem. God gives this beauty also to those He loves. Daniel 12:3:
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Matthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear."
For background, see in Ezekiel 28:12 something of the description of the beauty of the "Eden, the Garden of God." Although the lament is for the "king of Tyre," it is his spiritual counterpart, satan himself that is described. When satan was in heaven, he was "full of wisdom and perfect in beauty."
But it is also said to him: "Thou sealest up the sum (KJV),”or "You were the signet of perfection (RSV)" This probably indicates that he was the one who had the authority to use the signet ring of God; "Every precious stone was your covering."
He could "authorize" anything by use of the "seal" which represented God's Name, His Signature. He could "seal up the sum"; that is, he could endorse the full extent of God's blessings. Satan was cast out of "Eden, the Garden of God," because of his pride and he attempts now to counterfeit the wisdom, beauty and wealth that he once had.
To think that Jesus has given us that Name of God! The power and authority of using the Name that was taken from satan has been given to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 11:23-24, etc.) The beautiful gems that were in "Eden, the Garden of God," are now in the New Jerusalem, the Church, the Bride of Christ in Revelation 21:11-21.
God intended for His fleshly nation, Israel, to have the wealth and beauty of the jewels. In Exodus 28:9-30 we read of the precious gems that were to be used in the breastplate and carried before the Lord by the High Priest. Each tribe was engraved into the two onyx stones upon the shoulders of the High Priest, six names upon each onyx stone.
Then there were also twelve precious gems that had the names of the twelve sons, tribes, of Israel engraved into them separately. These twelve stones represented their signet ring or signature, their name, which the High Priest carried before the Lord. Over the course of their Biblical history, however, fleshly Israel lost this beautiful symbol of God's presence and blessings and "dwelt many years without an ephod," (Hosea 3:4).
In the time of Christ, Herod had tried to adorn the temple with "costly stones," (Mark 13:1). But these were only satan's imitations, not the real jewels of God. Then, in the image of Babylon the Great, we see the ugliness of the jewels of the harlot, (Revelation 17:4). It is in contrast to this that we see the jewels of the beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, in 21:11-21.
The twelve stones of the ephod are represented in New Jerusalem by the twelve gates of pearl which are engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, (21:12 and 21). The authority of the twelve apostles is represented by the twelve foundation stones which are engraved with their names. It is these signet ring stones which form the foundation of the wall, (21:19-21). Either they are these precious stones – imagine a gem 1500 miles long and wide serving as a foundation stone! – or they were inlaid with these precious stones.
Note that this beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, now dwells in "Eden, the Garden of God." Satan has been cast out, chapter 20, and now the Garden is safe. The Bride now dwells in the place that satan once enjoyed, having the "signet of perfection," being full of "Wisdom" and "Perfect in Beauty," "Zion, the Perfection of Beauty."
Bullinger, (p.687), gives an interesting comment on these jewels. They may have had further symbolic meanings. He speaks of the number seven as representing, among other things, the notes of the music scale. The scale as we now know it begins with “c” goes through “g” and back to “a-b.” In this scheme of things: “c” is the first note; “d” the second; “e” the third; “f”’ the fourth; “g” the fifth; “a” the sixth; “b” the seventh.
He says that these notes also represent colors, so that if the notes do not harmonize the colors they represent will not either. We know that the numbers of the Hebrew alphabet also represented letters. If the stones of the New Jerusalem represent colors, then there is a possibility that a message could be transmitted by using the number of that color of stone.
This lesson is an edited excerpt from my book, Revelation In Context, available at the Living Word Bookstore in Shawnee, Oklahoma and also available online at www.amazon.com
or www.xulonpress.com
Free downloads are available at www.revelationincontext.sermon.net
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