Today we see that the clock is ticking and the coming of the Lord is one day closer to fulfillment. As all are aware, the last few decades have seen many upheavals in Jerusalem. Even in the last few months, weeks and days, Israel fills the pages of events in the news media. As a result many people wonder about Israel and all its troubles, they wonder how that relates to what western religion has to say about the nation and its people living there today.

Most of these people are of the opinion that Israel should be protected because God has promised to do so and ... Even among some in government offices can be found this belief, this is why America supports Israel so diligently, because our leaders entertain these same viewpoints taught in so many churches across this nation. They believe that Israel is still the chosen nation of God [10] and protecting them will bestow the blessings of God on America. The Lafayette, Indiana, `Journal & Courier' letters to the editor had the following item a few years ago. The headline read, `War over land becomes war with God.' Of course this reflects the opinion of the locals in the area. The author said, "Since the recent war between Israel and the Hezbolahs began, I've listened to the Syrians and they like, bring these arguments for Hezbollahs attacks down to Israel's occupational land. . . ." Then the author quotes,

"And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him." Gen. 17:19.

Then she goes on and says,

"... The covenent that God established with the Jews is a land covenant - please notice how long the covenant was for. . .," emphasizing that it was meant to be "everlasting."

Then she continues and quotes the following,

"In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." Gen. 15:18.

"And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. - But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year." Gen. 17:20,21.

Then the author went on and wrote, "Anyone who disagrees with these terms doesn't disagree with the Jewish people, they disagree with God Himself."

This reminds us of those who believe that present, physical Israel is still in the favor of God and because of that they are guaranteed a place in heaven.

Where does this opinion come from? Well, probably from the assertions of the Jews themselves, opinions which were taken up by Christians after some cursory Bible reading and from then on out, after the State of Israel was established after WWII, the majority of churches in the US began in time to believe that to be truth.

After some time, the Catholic Church began to bolster that opinion during one of their infamous ecumenical charges claiming the following before all the world. The headline read, `Evangelism of the Jews not necessary say US Catholics.' (Washington). "Roman Catholic leaders in the United States declared last week that they will no longer target Jews for the conversion to Catholicism, according to a document released jointly by Catholics and a major Jewish organization, the Old Testament covenant between God and Israel is eternally valid the bishops conclude in the portion of the statement that there is no need for Jews to embrace Christianity in order to receive salvation."

The US Catholic bishops echoed later these same comments in 2002.

The Coming of Shiloh

As for us, we can see that the enemy of souls is working on a global scale through mass media as well as through the `word of mouth' pipeline to perpetrate and solidify this erroneous belief for one reason, he needs to keep the true Israel of God ignorant of his stealthy infiltration within their ranks.

While they are watching physical Israel, thinking there is something to watch on a prophetic basis, he can move in for the kill.

With that said, let us explain who the Bible says the true Israel is today.

Let us read first a prophetic statement also out of the Book of Genesis already quoted from. We read in the account where Jacob blesses his 12 sons toward the end of his life,

"And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. . . . The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Gen. 49:1,10.

Question is, who is `Shiloh'? Well, today it is general knowledge that `Shiloh' is another name for Jesus Christ. This can be seen when we read,

"And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord." 1.Samuel 3:21.

Shiloh became known as the place where the Lord God revealed Himself - among the last few times for Israel - in the days of the prophet Samuel.

We also read,

"And I will sow her [other people] unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God." Hosea 2:23.

Of course this addresses the fact that everybody needs Jesus as Lord and Savior. There is only one name by which we [people anywhere] are saved and that is the name of Christ. That is what many scriptures declare. (Acts 4:10-30; 1.Cor. 1:10; Ps. 72:4; Prov. 20:22; Ex. 18:27surr.; Mt. 1:21)[27]

We notice from these and many other scriptures also, that the scepter, which is the shepherd's rod, will not depart from Judah until Jesus or Shiloh comes (Gen. 49:10; 2.Sam. 7:12; 1.Chr. 5:2; 28:4; Hebr. 7:14). Then Hosea confirms this when he states, the people of God - those with the scepter - will some day loose that scepter and title Hos. 13:16 to a people that never knew God, Hos. 2:23. This new group of people will become God's people and thereby become beneficiaries to all His promises.

We also find that Jesus Himself declares this to be true and the inevitable end result for the disobedient Jews.

Jesus said,

"Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." Mt. 21:43.

After a probationary period spoken of by Daniel the prophet, there comes to fruition the seed sown and the Jews ultimately confirmed their great hatred of God and His truth by stoning Stephen in the exact year (3½ years after the crucifixion, 34 A.D.See chart) prophesied by Daniel. Daniel's prophecy specifies that in the year 34 A.D. the Jewish leaders would loose the scepter, Dan. 9:26,27.

The Apostle Peter's Vision

This same truth is confirmed by the apostle Peter while in vision, being told by God Himself to preach unto the newly adopted people, the (gentiles) Syrians, Greeks, etc. All those, who at one time, were by the Jews considered to be unclean.

So let us study the vision of Peter. We read,

"And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." Acts 10:11-14.

Some may have wondered why Peter saying, "Not so Lord," questioned God at this time. But considering what is written in 1.John 4:1, we realize, that Peter was just doing what all Christians are instructed to do; when a preacher or teacher, or even a spirit from God, comes to us preaching new things, we are to do what? We are to do what Peter did and John wrote about,

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1.Jh. 4:1.

Eating unclean animals was something Peter already knew from the Word of God to be wrong. (Deuteronomy 14).

So, Peter stood firm on the truth as he knew it. He simply misunderstood the vision, as we shall see later. Like the Bereans, he was simply being cautious when he questioned the voice telling him to do something, that he thought would be sinful.

Yes, some even today teach this passage to mean, that after the cross, it is all right and now allowed by God to eat unclean foods - like pig's meat, rabbits, horses, and other foods that even science confirms are poisonous to the human body.

However, if you read this passage in context, you will find that this is not what is happening in the experience of Peter at all. It is in fact amazing to read this and realize what is actually being said is this: First of all, notice that Peter

is a New Testament Christian, and that he states 3½ yrs after Christ ascended back into heaven, that

he is still not eating unclean foods. If Jesus permitted eating unclean foods after the cross then why is Peter still not eating pork and all those creature foods consumed all around him? This proofs that Jesus never said, that after His ascension it would be ok to eat unclean foods. That is, even after the New Testament church already had started, it was not ok to eat foods condemned in Deuteronomy 14.

But Peter, at first, did misunderstand the vision. We read,

"Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate." Acts 10:17.

This scripture even states that Peter doubted in himself what the vision which he had seen should mean. This indicates, that at first he thought it meant that now it was ok to eat unclean food. Later, however, Peter contemplates this vision and actually explains what it meant, thus removing all doubt.

His first clue, of course, came while he still thought about the vision, that the Spirit said unto him, `Behold, three men seek thee.' ..."

Peter, then, began to consider the vision even more closely when one of them at the door said, "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them." . . . "And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee." Acts 10:20. - Peter later informed them, saying, "God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." (Acts 10:28).

So, we can tell that Peter understood now that God was not talking about foods but rather about peoples, nations (like the Romans, Greeks and Samaritans) which the Jews had considered before to be unclean.

That means, of course, that the food groups mentioned in Deut. 14 are still to be considered unclean as to this day.

Listening to preachers who use this vision to justify eating pork, etc., shows, that they have not carefully read the Bible on this question, like on so many other doctrines, they are having itching ears and do not rightly divide the Word of God among God's people. The problem is, however, that the people like it that way.

Therefore, we cannot only blame the preachers. The people share the blame for misapprehending and misrepresenting clearly stated Bible teachings.

The Lord sent this message three times (Acts 10:16; 11:11). Why three times? Because three, so-considered unclean men (gentiles) were at his door.

Later, the apostle found out that all these unclean gentiles had from now on, too, hear the Word of God.

So, they were concerned that Peter was eating with uncircumcised men,

"Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." Acts 11:3.

Peter reassured them about what he knew now by simply explaining to them the vision again. After all the Lord had shown that vision three times to him while in Joppa.

Now he understood the vision to mean, that the Holy Spirit was informing him, it is now time to speak to these fellow human beings, those "men", those all the Jews had for ages considered to be unclean, and who were now made clean, or as Hosea put it, "I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God." (Hosea 2:23), those needed to hear the gospel.

Here then we have a world changing, fundamental truth fastened into the conscience of the early Apostolic Christian Church, by means of a vision, repeated three times. The truth, that the gospel must from now on be preached to all peoples, in every nation, tongue, and people. A message that was just barely taking hold in their thinking. The gift of prophecy is here shown at work and being exalted. Peter began by not preaching at them, but by beginning with what they knew already for he says, "You know" (Acts 10:37) that which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power . . .

Later, we see how Paul and Barnabas open their mouths before many witnesses, that this revolutionary change in thinking is in fact newly made known. They make it clear that from now on, this was going to be present truth from their time onward, forever.

We read,

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said (turning to the Jews), It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Acts 13:46,47.

Paul re-echoed similar words later on, writing,

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter (the ABC of the law); whose praise is not of men, but of God." Romans 2:28,29.

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." Romans 9:6-8.

And Galatians follows up on this theme, saying,

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:29.

Time and again the Jewish nation and many Christians today have not and are not recognizing the conditional nature of the covenant and promises of God.[50]

Jerusalem and God's People

Question: `How can those in modern day Jerusalem be considered to still be God's people, when on one toss of the coin prophecy clearly stated, and the historic facts confirm, that they had lost their favorite nation status with "The Father", when they stepped so boldly out of His Will -

. . . so long, long ago?

And on the other toss of the coin, we ask this:

Question: `How could our Heavenly Father be Their God and Protector, when in fact they boldly denied His only begotten Son as their Messiah . . . so publicly, loudly, and openly in front of Jews and Romans and Gentiles . . . in front of the whole world? (Luke 23; Matth. 27:39-43)

"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38.

We cannot but conlude, that all we see happening in Jerusalem and all its political and human tragedies, is Satan hindering the work to convert as many individuals as possible from among the Jewish nation to be saved.

Their story, today, reminds us of what happened long ago in their history. As Satan tried to hinder the work through Sanballat when Nehemiah was called to rebuild Jerusalem as well as the House of God after the Exile in Babylon. Sanballat sought to stop the work by several means. [100]

Satan loves to use distractions like that, to try and keep the true Israel occupied, looking and wondering, when in fact, they are being overwhelmed or infiltrated in another area.

And it is sad to see, how many Christians fall for these schemes, which, if they would study the Word of God, would save them untold quantities of savings given for useless causes, and instead put it to use for the true gospel so Jesus can come sooner and end the reign of sin.

All we see around the world now is nothing more than wars and rumors of wars, as our precious Savior said, Mt. 24:6.

Dear fellow Christians. We have a work to do and watching Jerusalem only causes us to chuck our duties and misapply our attention while the real (spiritual) Israel is being penetrated by Satanic delusions. We are not talking about the children of the flesh, but the children of the seed, the real, New Testament Israel. We are being penetrated and manipulated by Satan on multiple fronts.

The remnant people are ignoring what prophecy really says.

In other words, Christians are watching the wrong Israel.

This is not the only method Satan has been using to side track the people to watch Israel and the Middle East, instead of the true Israel of God.

The Third Temple

Some among them believe that a third temple will be built in Jerusalem. That is why they focus their energy and finances there. While it is not impossible that vain humanity might succeed in constructing such an edifice - after all the plans are already drawn up - but we want to caution you and take another look at these prophecies. What do they really say? How many of you architects have studied them? Or are you just following the words of some preachers?

How tragic. These men have erred on many fronts. Be more cautious like the Bereans were. Do not just take their word for it. Study folks.

Didn't John the Baptist say,

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29?

If Jesus took already away all the sin, all the sin of all men and women who ever lived in the world from Adam to the last generation . . . if this sin is already taken away (Rom. 1:5; 2.Cor. 5:19), what is the use for another temple?

Why listen to those ecclesiastics who basically now condemn Jesus as a fraud, saying, he was not who he said he was? Frankly it makes more sense to say, those who speak out that way, are not who they say they are. They are not leading people in and to the truth. They are wolves in sheep clothing friends.

Did Jesus not already proclaim, that "it is finished" Jh. 19:30?

If a third temple is needed to proclaim the sacrifice of a new savior, then Jesus Christ, in their thinking, must not have been the Savior of the world. What makes them think a new savior would be without sin, a true savior from sin? For what? To usher in a new world government on earth, with taxes, atomic bombs, armies, the draft, conflicts, uprisings, slaughter of millions of innocent citizens in all nations and of all color and backgrounds, rich and poor except those who crawl before the antichrist of the NWO, and submit to his Satanic suggestions? [210]

That, friends, is what we are headed for.

If Jesus Christ is not the true Messiah, as the RCC now teaches, then somebody else has to come - - enter the antichrist.

Jesus Christ, through the Word of God, has not lied to us. New Age interpreters are lying to us. They are not preaching the truth. People are following blind leaders because they know NOT the Word of God.

It is "... the devil ... when he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44.

We need to start looking where Satan points to, we need to start looking where Jesus Christ points to even much more so.

The True Israel and the Shaking

Question: What does prophecy say the true Israel is up to today? Speaking of Jesus of whom we read: "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Mt. 3:12.

Right before Jesus returns, He will gather His people just like a farmer gathers his wheat into his barn. However, before gathering the wheat - the chaff, dust and contaminants - must be removed. In order to do this a shaking of the wheat must be done so as to allow a perfect separation. - That is why we read, `Be ye separate. Touch not the unclean thing.'

In the olden days, it was common for the wheat to be placed into a large basket with many holes in the bottom that were too small for the wheat cornels to fall through. . . so shaking the basket and tossing the wheat into the air, allowed the cleansing process to achieve its goal. The small bits and pieces would fall through the holes and the basket and the chaff would be carried away by the wind when they threw it up in the air. When no wind was present a fan was used as we just read in Matthew chapter 3.

Look around today. The Lord is performing that shaking in many churches across the globe as we speak.

We also read these strong words,

"Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.
Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 41:15,16.

This is not to be confused with the counterfeit shaking of Satan. The shaking of the Lord is designed to rid the church of those that claim Christ to be their Lord, but when truth is proclaimed or trials arrive they cannot stand among the elect. They will be shaken out of the church. This has always been Satan's plan.

That is why we read,

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31,32.

As our Lord prays, we see that the elect can never be affected adversely. The elect cannot be deceived, especially when they know the evidence. And as we also know, the Lord has promised to be by our side, all the way to the end.

That is why we read,

"For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect." Mark 13:22.

A lot of pulpits do not seem to mention the last part of this verse. They say, the elect can be deceived. They say that it is possible for them to be deceived.

But we read,

". . . lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Mt. 28:20.

Through all these troubelous times already coming on the earth we are clearly to understand that He is Lord.

Even through His mighty shaking of the church is happening, not one soul, that loves their Lord will find him or herself alone, standing outside His church.

We read,

"For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth." Amos 9:9.

But - sadly, some will be shaken out for they have become so lukewarm, so little evidence in history and origins for instance, to base their faith on, that they are spewed out. They are useless to the Lord and not worthy of heaven. (Rev. 3:16,17).

That is why we should seek to get as close to the Lord as is possible. James chapter 4, verse 8 is so clear and filled with such powerful and simple truths that it is amazing that so many, who claim Christ as their Lord, never seek to follow its directives.

We read,

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8.

So many blessings are right in this verse for the claiming and taking. Without a faith, that draws a person close to the Lord, he cannot expect this Lord to want to draw close to him. If He is far from such a one, how can he stand in such a shaking as this?

Yes, many are dying in Jerusalem as well as in other countries. However, even more significantly right now, many are breathing their last breath in a front line which affects more eternal consequences. If we loose this battle because we focus more on the mortal rather than the eternal - friends - then we are going to loose it all.

Trials and tribulations are not causes which would lead us to drift away from the Lord. Satan can generate his deceptions by simply tempting the soul to look upon his or her riches to such an extent that the Lord is no longer in the picture. They fail to buy from the Lord, gold that is tried in the fire that makes them truly rich as it says in Revelation 3: 17,18.

Their self-satisfaction found ways to take the place of their first love, so much so, that He is no longer part of their life.

All that is before their eyes becomes to them as of paramount importance compared to what is in the heart.

Yes, some of the calamities we see are of prophetic significance. Indeed, they are signs of the times.

But strangely, the enemy can use these events to minimize the effect they have on people who are to look for the coming of the Lord. As a result they may disregard the necessity to prepare their houses for the coming of the Lord.

While we are being attacked on every front, many of us are completely oblivious to it occurring. We are too interested in listening to what is happening in the news. So much so, that some concentrate their efforts in talking about the wars and spreading the rumors of wars. We need to get ready and help others to get ready as well. All the other things in politics and the media are distractions. It is just one giant sand dune. Satan is wagering on the likelihood that we are going to miss or overlook on what he is up to. He does that by helping us to think all is well, and we are safe - for now.

And in this chapter 9 verse 10 it says,

"All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us." Amos 9:10.

We read similar words in the New Testament,

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1.Thess. 5:3.

You all know, a woman with child ready to deliver, it happens very unexpectedly. I know. We had three such unexpected days.

When times are intense, to those who are not committed students of His Word who draw nigh and are prepared, this day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night even though it happens in the full sight of all - like lightening shines from the east to the west.

Only those that study and believe His promises will be able to avoid such trials, doubts and conflicts - including the hour of temptation.

Praise, the Lord, that many of you, "brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief in the night." 1. Thess. 5:4.

A Lack of Preaching

The scripture above is a verse that you do not hear from many pulpits today.

Why?

Because, when they preach that verse the congregation will ask, `Why does that day overtake us as a thief?'

And they find out, the pastor cannot answer their question, for he does not know the answer.

Why?

Because only those who study prophecy will understand that verse.

Why?

Because those who study prophecy understand Bible symbolism, and they know what Peter says,

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 1.Peter 1:20.

Prophecy students know that we are not to let our own private opinion dictate to us as to what the prophecy means. We are to let the Bible interpret the symbolism for us. That is how we can tell, when the time is near.

Of course no one knows the day or the hour, but we may know when it is close and that is why we can be better prepared and the day will not overtake us as a thief. But this verse will not be heard from those many pulpits.

They say today, that Jesus IS coming as a thief in the night - in the rapture. They preach that idea of a rapture in all those churches now.

But the Bible is plain on that account. 1.Thessalonians 5 verse 4, tells the Christians - the prepared Christians - that Jesus does not come as a thief in the night.

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1.Thess. 5:4.

He can't come invisibly and in secret. - Because you know He is coming. The double `that' is like a "no." He is saying, Hey, brothers, you are not in darkness (or uninformed about the day of His coming, what prophecies have to be fulfilled before then, Mt. 24:29 and more) that the day will overtake you as a thief.

Knowing that, then you are prepared. And you look up and are prepared every day for His Coming.

Sadly, also associated with this prophesied shaking is the worth of those unstable brethren that have the spirit of fear, that Christ never gave them. They have that spirit to such an extent that they come against those who do choose to stand firm courageously. As Jesus prophesied, many will indeed deliver some of you, unto great trials.

In Matthew chapter 24 verses 9 and 10 we read,

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Mt. 24:9,10.

While the early church and their successors had centuries of deadly persecutions to suffer, a few today may think they have already seen some of these things happening in their life time. We here in America perhaps ought not to think that the end will not come until after persecutions start here. Well, while that may be so, but if not, we ought to be aware that people die in several countries around the world for their Bible faith even today, and it seems Christ could cut it short und come for many as a thief in the night for they thought it was still a long time in the future.

Still, we tread on, knowing the Lord is always by our side. Even till the end of the world.

Another way we find many are shaken from the truth, is, how every wind of doctrine has found many itching ears deep within the church, so as to further the advance of the enemy.

This the Lord also allows, so as to shake out those, who refuse to take Him at His Word. And you may want to go to the Bible and look at these various doctrines and try to use the scriptures and twist them all around to validate what they are preaching. Again, you are then scattering instead of collecting.

On this topic we read in the Bible,

"Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.
This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the Lord; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood." Jer. 13:24,25.

In other words, they trusted in falsehoods forgetting that no falsehoods come from heaven.

Jude said,

"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward (some get rich quick TV preachers), and perished in the gainsaying of Core (cmpr. Numbers 16).
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead (second death), plucked up by the roots;" Jude 1:11,12.

We also read,

"Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney." Hosea 13:3.

Next we read,

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Eph. 4:14.

... and that is what they do, lying in wait with all deceiving and craftiness. The air waves and electronics are full of it.

But it is hard to see inside our own circle of friends.

So we ask this question, `If any of the following heresies have caused some people close to you to leave the church you attend, instead of holding on to present truth of Revelation 13 and 14? And do you find that such, instead of holding on to present truth, do some of them now teach the following false truths - or to them new truths, so called? And do they claim, that if these following truths are not adhered to, it will result in damnation?

For example, some preach

Feast days must be kept by NT Christians,

a sacred name must be used by NT Christians,

Jesus is not God, if you think he is, you are going to hell,

the Holy Spirit does not exist as a person,

you must stay in a (local) church you know for a fact is in apostasy,

there was a trinity with only one Godhead.

All these things are distractions. All these strange doctrines are designed to prevent a child of God from teaching or preaching present truth. It gets them excited. They think they have found something new and are now called by God Himself to proclaim it. When in fact, they are only being used to stop the forward movement of the present truth.

The truth is, there is not anything new in these `new' heresies. All were used by Satan in the past hundreds or thousands of years ago in fact. It seems like if they were effective at some point in time - he uses them again today. Come on, if it works, use it - that is the theology behind his mind.

For some, it looks like a great delusion is descending upon them, and to actually see this happening among those they know amazes them. It shocks those close to those involved, to see how "blind" they have become. No matter how much we try to share the truth with such, we see them completely unable to understand.

It truly causes some of us to be astonished because we see the truth for what it really is. We are truly shocked to realize how suddenly brethren, who once walked with us, have now chosen to walk with us no more.

And all of it occurs in a manner that is easily exposed in scripture and most of it is basic Christianity 101 taught in college. It is milk of Bible truth - at least some of it.

They can no longer see what we see because they have given Satan free reign and put truth in the waste basket.

Pray for them. They must listen and share again what has been validated by the Bereans before it is too late.

We read,

"See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." Hebr. 12:25,26.

The Basics of the Truth

Christianity 101 tells us, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" in Romans 10:17.

But because of the prophesied ". . . famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." (Amos 8:11), most are unable to grasp these basic truths. Unless the Bible is a spiritual staple in our daily diet, we will have no strength to fight this enemy.

This is why they believe, that the Israelites, who say that Jesus is not the Lord, that He is not the Messiah, - that these people who say this openly, are guaranteed to be in heaven. They do not open their Bibles, or if they do, it is haphazardly.

What did Jesus use, when Satan attacked him at the end of those 40 days of fasting in the desert?

He used the scriptures to defeat Satan's temptations. That is an example for us.

Jesus used the Word as a two edged sword and slashed through every twisted scripture like a hot knife through warm butter. Without this weapon, we stand with only the flesh before the ultimate enemy of mankind. Rest assured, he would use every weapon in his arsenal to hack away at the powerless, undefended flesh with ease.

Think of that for a moment. If you stand alone, it is truly just you versus all the powers that Satan can muster. All you can use to fight him with is your weakened flesh.

And it does not matter, if you are a body building, steroid drinking Goliath, - your best effort can in no way defeat the smallest ploy of Satan. The flesh is truly that weak. That is why we need Jesus so much. Those that draw close to Him and study His word, and those that take Him by His Word will never be ashamed.

He has you in the palm of His hand. In that place you cannot be shaken from His love.

Watching literal Jerusalem, literal Israel, and fearing that which is coming over the world, is not what He would have us do.

Yes, we should keep current in that which is happening, but we should never look away from His truth that speaks to the heart in place of which Satan speaks to the eye.[470]

We have wonderful blessings in our future. All the death and destruction running rampant can never change that. Our small numbers may give the impression that the church will fail, but the Lord promises great blessings to those standing firm in His truth.

Christ only used twelve men to start this church, did He not?

He also promises to help these little remnant during the time of trouble and especially during the hour of temptation.

Now, remember, if this "hour" of temptation is prophetic time, and we do not know it is - but if it is, for how long would that last? Well, it would last for 15 days.[500]

The Bible says,

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. 3:10.

After God gave man back His Word by the reformers translating the Bible in the language of their people, Satan got busy, trying to thrash it by bringing about discord, among the followers. Dividing them in factions and bickering denominations, he sent against them the arrows of new science falsely so called - man's wisdom - to replace trust in His Word and instead believe evolution. The outworkings of these temptations are still with us today. They sap the resolve of many Christians and turns them away from beholding the Word of God as their guide.

The world has no experience with this God we love. And that is why, when trials come, they are shaken away from His church.

Yes, we know, we can blame this or that church, and insist that it is not with us. . . . Nevertheless, when you see the proven apostasy in such churches, the hatred in their eyes, and evil actions and hateful words, you can better appreciate the peace of God in drawing nigh unto the Lord and His truth. His truth then shelters and covers us. It is such a peaceful place underneath His wings.

The fruits of the outworkings of these things is plain as day today in both camps. Those shaken out, only know what Satan stealthfully teaches them. They are stuck after that. The lies, the attacks, the insults, the spoiling of the Word of God, they even will use law suits against God's people. Only the flesh, and all it has to offer, can move them now. This is the foothold the enemy will use, to crush billions. Pray for them, for there is still some time left for them to respond.

Wars, and rumors of wars, riches, poverty, complacency, heresy, sickness, insufficient Bible knowledge, lack of faith, persecutions, and all these other methods as used by the infamous enemy of Christ, are all aimed at the true Israel so as to get them off the path to do what the Lord has never sanctioned, as well as speak words, that He never uttered.

We need to stop watching mortal Israel and focus on what His Word says eternal Israel would be doing to both, glorify His name and celebrate His visible arrival. Why would God do anything in secret at the very end of time? Is He one who has to hide and not the wicked, who seek out the rocks to shelter them from the lightening glory of His appearing?

We ought to stop wishing that we will be ready, weeks, months or years from now - we need to be ready right now.

About Enoch it says,

"In the case of Enoch the desponding faithful were taught that although living among a corrupt and sinful people, who were in open and daring rebellion against God, their Creator, yet if they would obey him, and have faith in the promised Redeemer, they could work righteousness like the faithful Enoch, be accepted of God, and finally exalted to his heavenly throne.
Enoch, separating himself from the world, and spending much of his time in prayer and in communion with God, represents God's loyal people in the last days who will be separate from the world. Unrighteousness will prevail to a dreadful extent upon the earth. Men will give themselves up to follow every imagination of their corrupt hearts, and carry out their deceptive philosophy, and rebel against the authority of high Heaven." {3SG 58.2.3}

"Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed." {Ed 257.5}

The Lord is shaking Israel. He is shaking His Israel right now. Hold on tight. Please remember, the truth really is provided in the Word of God.

Bethany was so near Jerusalem that the news of the raising of Lazarus was soon carried to the city. Through spies who had witnessed the miracle the Jewish rulers were speedily in possession of the facts. A meeting of the Sanhedrin was at once called to decide as to what should be done. Christ had now fully made manifest His control of death and the grave. That mighty miracle was the crowning evidence offered by God to men that He had sent His Son into the world for their salvation. It was a demonstration of divine power sufficient to convince every mind that was under the control of reason and enlightened conscience. Many who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus were led to believe on Jesus. But the hatred of the priests against Him was intensified. They had rejected all lesser evidence of His divinity, and they were only enraged at this new miracle. The dead had been raised in the full light of day, and before a crowd of witnesses. No artifice could explain away such evidence. For this very reason the enmity of the priests grew deadlier. They were more than ever determined to put a stop to Christ's work.

The Sadducees, though not favorable to Christ, had not been so full of malignity toward Him as were the Pharisees. Their hatred had not been so bitter. But they were now thoroughly alarmed. They did not believe in a resurrection of the dead. Producing so-called science, they had reasoned that it would be an impossibility for a dead body to be brought to life. But by a few words from Christ their theory had been overthrown. They were shown to be ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They could see no possibility of removing the impression made on the people by the miracle. How could men be turned away from Him who had prevailed to rob the grave of its dead? Lying reports were put in circulation, but the miracle could not be denied, and how to counteract its effect they knew not. Thus far the Sadducees had not encouraged the plan of putting Christ to death. But after the resurrection of Lazarus they decided that only by His death could His fearless denunciations against them be stopped.

The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, and they could not but see that this miracle was an evidence that the Messiah was among them. But they had ever opposed Christ's work. From the first they had hated Him because He had exposed their hypocritical pretensions. He had torn aside the cloak of rigorous rites under which their moral deformity was hidden. The pure religion that He taught had condemned their hollow professions of piety. They thirsted to be revenged upon Him for His pointed rebukes. They had tried to provoke Him to say or do something that would give them occasion to condemn Him. Several times they had attempted to stone Him, but He had quietly withdrawn, and they had lost sight of Him.

The miracles He performed on the Sabbath were all for the relief of the afflicted, but the Pharisees had sought to condemn Him as a Sabbathbreaker. They had tried to arouse the Herodians against Him. They represented that He was seeking to set up a rival kingdom, and consulted with them how to destroy Him. To excite the Romans against Him, they had represented Him as trying to subvert their authority. They had tried every pretext to cut Him off from influencing the people. But so far their attempts had been foiled. The multitudes who witnessed His works of mercy and heard His pure and holy teachings knew that these were not the deeds and words of a Sabbathbreaker or blasphemer. Even the officers sent by the Pharisees had been so influenced by His words that they could not lay hands on Him. In desperation the Jews had finally passed an edict that any man who professed faith in Jesus should be cast out of the synagogue.

So, as the priests, the rulers, and the elders gathered for consultation, it was their fixed determination to silence Him who did such marvelous works that all men wondered. Pharisees and Sadducees were more nearly united than ever before. Divided hitherto, they became one in their opposition to Christ. Nicodemus and Joseph had, in former councils, prevented the condemnation of Jesus, and for this reason they were not now summoned. There were present at the council other influential men who believed on Jesus, but their influence prevailed nothing against that of the malignant Pharisees.

Yet the members of the council were not all agreed. The Sanhedrin was not at this time a legal assembly. It existed only by tolerance. Some of its number questioned the wisdom of putting Christ to death. They feared that this would excite an insurrection among the people, causing the Romans to withhold further favors from the priesthood, and to take from them the power they still held. The Sadducees were united in their hatred of Christ, yet they were inclined to be cautious in their movements, fearing that the Romans would deprive them of their high standing.

In this council, assembled to plan the death of Christ, the Witness was present who heard the boastful words of Nebuchadnezzar, who witnessed the idolatrous feast of Belshazzar, who was present when Christ in Nazareth announced Himself the Anointed One. This Witness was now impressing the rulers with the work they were doing. Events in the life of Christ rose up before them with a distinctness that alarmed them. They remembered the scene in the temple, when Jesus, then a child of twelve, stood before the learned doctors of the law, asking them questions at which they wondered. The miracle just performed bore witness that Jesus was none other than the Son of God. In their true significance, the Old Testament Scriptures regarding Christ flashed before their minds. Perplexed and troubled, the rulers asked, "What do we?" There was a division in the council. Under the impression of the Holy Spirit, the priests and rulers could not banish the conviction that they were fighting against God.

While the council was at the height of its perplexity, Caiaphas the high priest arose. Caiaphas was a proud and cruel man, overbearing and intolerant. Among his family connections were Sadducees, proud, bold, reckless, full of ambition and cruelty, which they hid under a cloak of pretended righteousness. Caiaphas had studied the prophecies, and although ignorant of their true meaning, he spoke with great authority and assurance: "Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." Even if Jesus were innocent, urged the high priest, He must be put out of the way. He was troublesome, drawing the people to Himself, and lessening the authority of the rulers. He was only one; it was better that He should die than that the authority of the rulers should be weakened. If the people were to lose confidence in their rulers, the national power would be destroyed. Caiaphas urged that after this miracle the followers of Jesus would likely rise in revolt. The Romans will then come, he said, and will close our temple, and abolish our laws, destroying us as a nation. What is the life of this Galilean worth in comparison with the life of the nation? If He stands in the way of Israel's well-being, is it not doing God a service to remove Him? Better that one man perish than that the whole nation be destroyed.

In declaring that one man should die for the nation, Caiaphas indicated that he had some knowledge of the prophecies, although it was very limited. But John, in his account of this scene, takes up the prophecy, and shows its broad and deep significance. He says, "And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad." How blindly did the haughty Caiaphas acknowledge the Saviour's mission!

On the lips of Caiaphas this most precious truth was turned into a lie. The policy he advocated was based on a principle borrowed from heathenism. Among the heathen, the dim consciousness that one was to die for the human race had led to the offering of human sacrifices. So Caiaphas proposed by the sacrifice of Jesus to save the guilty nation, not from transgression, but in transgression, that they might continue in sin. And by his reasoning he thought to silence the remonstrances of those who might dare to say that as yet nothing worthy of death had been found in Jesus.

At this council Christ's enemies had been deeply convicted. The Holy Spirit had impressed their minds. But Satan strove to gain control of them. He urged upon their notice the grievances they had suffered on account of Christ. How little He had honored their righteousness. He presented a righteousness far greater, which all who would be children of God must possess. Taking no notice of their forms and ceremonies, He had encouraged sinners to go directly to God as a merciful Father, and make known their wants. Thus, in their opinion, He had set aside the priesthood. He had refused to acknowledge the theology of the rabbinical schools. He had exposed the evil practices of the priests, and had irreparably hurt their influence. He had injured the effect of their maxims and traditions, declaring that though they strictly enforced the ritual law, they made void the law of God. All this Satan now brought to their minds.

Satan told them that in order to maintain their authority, they must put Jesus to death. This counsel they followed. The fact that they might lose the power they then exercised, was, they thought, sufficient reason for coming to some decision. With the exception of a few who dared not speak their minds, the Sanhedrin received the words of Caiaphas as the words of God. Relief came to the council; the discord ceased. They resolved to put Christ to death at the first favorable opportunity. In rejecting the proof of the divinity of Jesus, these priests and rulers had locked themselves in impenetrable darkness. They had come wholly under the sway of Satan, to be hurried by him over the brink of eternal ruin. Yet such was their deception that they were well pleased with themselves. They regarded themselves as patriots, who were seeking the nation's salvation.

The Sanhedrin feared, however, to take rash measures against Jesus, lest the people should become incensed, and the violence meditated toward Him should fall upon themselves. On this account the council delayed to execute the sentence they had pronounced. The Saviour understood the plotting of the priests. He knew that they longed to remove Him, and that their purpose would soon be accomplished. But it was not His place to hasten the crisis, and He withdrew from that region, taking the disciples with Him. Thus by His own example Jesus again enforced the instruction He had given to the disciples, "When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another." Matt. 10:23. There was a wide field in which to work for the salvation of souls; and unless loyalty to Him required it, the Lord's servants were not to imperil their lives.

Jesus had now given three years of public labor to the world. His example of self-denial and disinterested benevolence was before them. His life of purity, of suffering and devotion, was known to all. Yet this short period of three years was as long as the world could endure the presence of its Redeemer.

His life had been one of persecution and insult. Driven from Bethlehem by a jealous king, rejected by His own people at Nazareth, condemned to death without a cause at Jerusalem, Jesus, with His few faithful followers, found a temporary asylum in a strange city. He who was ever touched by human woe, who healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech to the dumb, who fed the hungry and comforted the sorrowful, was driven from the people He had labored to save. He who walked upon the heaving billows, and by a word silenced their angry roaring, who cast out devils that in departing acknowledged Him to be the Son of God, who broke the slumbers of the dead, who held thousands entranced by His words of wisdom, was unable to reach the hearts of those who were blinded by prejudice and hatred, and who stubbornly rejected the light. {E.G. White, `Desire of Ages,' Ch. 59 . See also 7, 11, 51, 73, }

[010] Using scriptures like 1.Chronicles 17:22 they interprete OT sayings which use expressions like "for ever" to speak of calender time. The Bible abounds with examples that God's promises and judgments are conditional, that the Almighty will not be trapped by human language and understandings but that He reigns supreme. In addition there is a strange inconsistency in the perception of those who belief that Israel as nation is still under the same covenant promises as the Israel of the time of Moses. This inconsistency claims to see the national Israel of our day and age to be forever God's favorite nation, while at the same time God's eternal law supposedly has been changed, in fact not only changed but that it is superfluous, since, they claim, it cannot be kept by man. Can man keep man's laws? Can we keep traffic or other laws? Our whole legal system is based on the supposition that man can keep laws. On the topic of God's law, the problem is not to keep it, but that man will not.
Is Isaiah 66:8 a prophecy of the birth of the new Jewish state? In the light of what we present, hardly. It is more likely the scene of the woman on the moon in Revelation 12, which Isaiah saw in his terms.

[27] Many date Hosea about to the time of Jeroboam II (793/782 - 753) of Israel when Israels borders were still in relative calm and reaches until the time of his death when peace had left. Hosea was instructed by the Lord to marry Gomer who bore him: a) a son to be named Jezreel (I will cease the kingdom of Israel), b) a daughter named Loruhamah (no more mercy on Israel), c) a son Loammi (you are not my people and I am not your God). Israel sins included: "For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine (grape juice), and (olive) oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal." (Hos. 2:8). . . .
(1) 4:10 "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
4:16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.
4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.
4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." Acts 4:10-30.
(2) "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1.Cor. 1:10.
(3) "He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor." Psalm 72:4.
(4) "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee." Proverbs 20:22.
(5) "And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land." Exodus 18:27.
(6) "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matth. 1:21.

[050] The conditional nature of all promises of God is often overlooked. Even Adam and Eve had access to the `Tree of Life' only, as long as they did not eat from the `Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil'. God made a covenant with Abraham because he "obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments my statutes, and my laws." (Gen. 26:5; Jer. 18:7-10). The laws of ancient Israel were not all of the same type. Twice in history did God write messages with His own hand for all to keep and know. The first were the Ten Commandments, the second was the handwriting on the wall of the royal palace of Babylon. While the Ten Commandments are eternal, for they represent the foundation of the government of God, and God is the Eternal, the rest of the laws of Israel pertaining to the priesthood and temple, were of a temporary nature. They pointed forward to the Messiah, the Christ Jesus, who paid the price for all mankind to redeem from sin. After that sacrifice happened, all the oblations and sacrifices offered had lost their meaning (Daniel 9:27) and are not to be continued anymore for the real sacrifice had taken place in 31 A.D. Our world is coming to its end because Satan was granted 6000 years to show the universe what his form of government would be like. In the middle, plus some extra time, Satan demonstrated that he was aiming to destroy God. Today he strives to kill as many people as he can while they are still in their sins, to prevent them from being saved. His 6000 years are up in about 22 years. But no one knows when Christ returns, 2031 may perhaps be the longest, extreme length of time? God said he will cut events short in righteousness and readies to come soon, in this generation. May the world know that today it is not Jerusalem to which we should look, today all mankind is admonished to look through study of the scriptures into the true Temple of God in heaven and what Christ accomplishes there for all.

[100] According to the Book of Nehemiah there are 6 types of opposition God's people face. When Nehemiah began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and its Temple, he faced 6 dangerous oppositions: (1) Sanballat and Tobiah were concerned. a) they didn't want Nehemiah to do, what God wanted him to do. b) you cannot be a Christian and not have opposition. (2) Next God's people rebuilding Jerusalem were being ridiculed. (3) Sanballat mocked the Jews, he and his cohorts became angry and hostile. (4) Nehemiah experienced opposition from those he thought he could trust. There was talk of warfare. (5) At the time the fifth type of opposition revealed itself, the enemy realized that there was no hole left in the wall around Jerusalem. Now Sanballat wanted to talk, have a conference, meet together and talk things over. (6) The next one is the most dangerous opposition Nehemiah faced. Shemaiah comes to him with a religious suggestion. `Lets meet in the temple, in the house of prayer and talk and learn from me how you can protect yourself from getting killed.' Sanballat had sent him as a secret informer and Nehemiah did not fall into the trap. He was a pretend friend who had made himself out to be an understanding fellow believer and friend. - We learn from this that these types of oppositions have and will repeat themselves in the experience of God's people, that is why we need to recognize and know how to handle them.

[210] It is difficult to present all the important ramifications of this message in this article. We just like to point to events in Jerusalem/Israel in 2009, long after this was first penned. Dear reader, so many voices are contra-scripture, it just amazes us to no end, how successful delusions really are. Please help to present the truth to those who would listen.
The latest world wide rebuke, actually attacks on the very existence of the State of Israel, why are they taking place? Could it be that there are powers at work which are bent on destroying anything that will remind people on the Bible, God in heaven, faith, keeping the commandments of God, etc.? It sure likes like it and we know Bible prophecy predicts such a scenario for the time just before Jesus comes again in mind and power. So don't lose heart, God is above it all and will end things in righteousness. Therefore, always choose God's side.

[470] Watching the news is given way to much time in the homes of the professed people of God. Even a short blip of something sinful enters our mind indelibly and is hard to erase unless we stop allowing this to happen and pray to God to help us forget it. Therefore, this commentator has decided not to participate in the change from analog to digital and does not watch any tv anymore - amazingly, we do not need it nor miss it. Printed news is all we look at occasionally.

[500] Since a prophetic day equals one Jewish year (360 days), one hour would equal: 1 day= 1 year, 360/24 = 15 days; but this `one hour' is not really prophetic time since prophetic time ended in 1844, it means rather `short time' without being specific.