Coming Soon:
The Thousand Year Millenial Reign of Jesus Christ (Yahshua ha'Mashiach)
May 2012
GEORGE FOX - the HOLY RADICAL
-by David Smithers.
In the year of 1647, a large man with piercing eyes named George Fox started preaching throughout the towns and villages of England. He prayed and fasted often, traveling with no other companion but his Bible. He proclaimed a gospel of purity, power and repentance.
When George Fox began preaching, many churches were dead and bound in man-made traditions and formalism. When the Church drifts into formalism, the world drifts into further ungodliness. The methods and appearance of George Fox to some, seemed quite offensive and extreme. It is sometimes necessary for God's prophets to be unconventional in order to thoroughly awaken the indifferent and hard hearted.
Soon after George Fox began to preach, he had a remarkable spiritual experience that lasted fourteen days. A certain Mr. Brown, while on his death bed prophesied many great things concerning Fox. "When this man was buried," says Fox, "a great work of the Lord fell on me." During this mighty baptism of the Spirit, Fox received a remarkable gift of discernment. "He seemed to be able to read the character of men by looking at them."
Miraculous healings also accompanied his ministry. Through prayer and the laying on of hands, the sick were often healed and devils were cast out to the glory of Christ. When George Fox preached men would shake and tremble. "The name Quaker was given to Fox and his followers because of the quaking of the men who came to scoff but stayed to pray." This remarkable power seemed to accompany the preaching of Fox wherever he went.
Fox preached that Jesus Christ is the author of a faith which purifies and gives victory over sin. He fervently exhorted men to pursue complete holiness rather than empty religious ceremonies. As a result, he was often beaten, stoned and driven out of town. It is estimated that perhaps no other man since the time of the Reformation was persecuted and imprisoned as often as George Fox. He usually went about the country on foot, dressed in his famous suit of leather clothes, which it is believed he made himself. He often slept outside under a tree or in some haystack.
Fox also often pointed out that what was commonly called the Church was only a building. He boldly declared that only the fervent believers of Christ were the living stones of the true Church.
"Above all George Fox excelled in prayer." It was his habit to wait in silence for the movement of the Holy Spirit and then begin to pray, causing whole congregations to be shaken and humbled under the hand of God Almighty. "As he prayed the power of God came down in such a marvelous manner the very building seemed to rock."
Through the ministry of George Fox, a glimmer of Apostolic power was revealed to seventeenth century England. He was a man of the Spirit in an age that emphasized theological and scriptural accuracy at the expense of the power of the Holy Ghost. He always stressed the importance of a Spirit filled life and refused to let dead orthodoxy be a veil for the works of the flesh.
If we as believers are content with a gospel that merely comforts our conscience and perseveres our traditions, then we are also content to forsake the gospel of Christ and the Apostles. God help us to truly seek the kind of praying and preaching that will once again make men tremble in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Editor's note: May the Lord Yahshua help us to yield to the Holy Spirit without rejecting or violating the Scriptures. May we study to show ourselves approved, standing on the word of the Lord, without resisting the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. A just balance is the Lord's delight.
(Reprinted with Permission)
April 2012
Church Folk Headed for HELL's Fire
Many Church Members to Pay Great Cost of SIN's Wages! WHY?
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Jesus (Yahshua ha’Mashiach) said, “But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12)
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Stand at the gate of the LORD’s house and there proclaim this message: “‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD. This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!” If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.
“‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 7:1-11)
“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do what is just and right—if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil—that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live.” (Ezekiel 33:7-16)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:8-10)
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:19-21)
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)
“For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:19-24)
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
(1 Corinthians 5:11)
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.” (Ephesians 5:5-7)
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."
(2 Peter 2:20-22)
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
“Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:4-12)
“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…” (1 Corinthians 15:1-3)
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
"I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:15-21)
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13)
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Editor's Note: To learn more about the deception which leads many church members to Hell and the Lake of Fire, please refer to the Truth button in the far left column of this page titled "Losing Salvation". To learn what really leads to salvation, click on the "Salvation" button.
Prepared by Editor@ConnectionMagazine.org
April 2012
End of Age FORTRESSES: Will You Be Safe?
Jerusalem’s Fortress to Survive Multi-Nation Attack
Isaiah 29:5-8, “Suddenly, in an instant, the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire. Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel, that attack her and her fortress and besiege her, will be as it is with a dream, with a vision in the night— as when a hungry person dreams of eating, but awakens hungry still; as when a thirsty person dreams of drinking, but awakens faint and thirsty still. So will it be with the hordes of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion (Jerusalem).”
Isaiah 43:14-16, The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them.
Palestinian Fortresses in Gaza (Hamas) Will Be Destroyed by Fire
Amos 1:6-8, This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not relent. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom (Jordan), I will send fire on the walls of Gaza that will consume her fortresses. I will destroy the king of Ashdod and the one who holds the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn my hand against Ekron, till the last of the Philistines are dead,” says the Sovereign LORD.
Fortress of Hezbollah in Lebanon to be destroyed!
Isaiah 23:11, “The LORD has stretched out his hand over the sea and made its kingdoms tremble. He has given an order concerning Phoenicia (Lebanon) that her fortresses be destroyed.”
Amos 1:9-10, This is what the LORD says:
"For three sins of Tyre (Lebanon), even for four, I will not relent. Because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom (Jordan), disregarding a treaty of brotherhood, I will send fire on the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses.”
Jordan's Fortresses to be Consumed
Amos 1:13-15,This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Ammon (Jordan), even for four, I will not relent. Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders, I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah that will consume her fortresses amid war cries on the day of battle, amid violent winds on a stormy day. Her king will go into exile, he and his officials together,” says the LORD.
The Soon Coming Antichrist to Set Up Abomination
Daniel 11:31-39, “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
“Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
The Antichrist "King" to Exalt Himself and Honor "God of Fortresses"
“The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.”
Sinners Among Covenant People to Diminish Under The Cruel King (Antichrist)
Hosea 8:8-14, “Israel (followers of Yahshua) is swallowed up; now she is among the nations like something no one wants (they want the Land of Israel, just not the lost sheep of House of Israel). For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has sold herself to lovers (what have you loved more than the Lord). Although they have sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them together. They will begin to waste away under the oppression of the mighty king.
“Though Ephraim (fullness of Covenant people among Gentile nations) built many altars (churches) for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning. I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something foreign. Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah (Jews) has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”
The True and Everlasting FORTRESS for God’s Covenant People
Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 31:1-3, “In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”
2 Samuel 22:2-3, ““The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent people you save me.”
Psalm 46:7-11, The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 59:9-10, “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.”
Psalm 59:16-17, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”
Psalm 94:21-23, “The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.”
Proverbs 14:26, “Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
Isaiah 17:12-14, “Woe to the many nations that rage— they rage like the raging sea! Woe to the peoples who roar— they roar like the roaring of great waters! Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale. In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone! This is the portion of those who loot us, the lot of those who plunder us.”
The Lord Will Unite Christians and Jews as One Nation Under God
Zechariah 9:9-14, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king (Yahshua) comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken.
“He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. I will bend Judah (Jews) as I bend my bow and fill it with Ephraim (fullness of God’s Covenant people from among Gentile nations). I will rouse your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece (antichrist democracy promoting man's will above God's), and make you like a warrior’s sword.
The LORD Yahshua, Our Righteousness, Will Appear
“Then the LORD will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, and the LORD Almighty will shield them.”
Jeremiah 16:19-21, LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Do people make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!”
“Therefore I will teach them— this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the LORD.”
Note: There's nothing wrong about being prepared for a national disaster; however, followers of Jesus (Yahshua) are not to store up treasures for the 'last days', but are to trust the Lord for their daily bread. The Lord wants to be your "Fortress". Pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath day, because on the day you will have to flee, you may not even have time to go back in to your house for a coat, much less a "bug out bag". It's time to become debt free. Divest in this world and store up your treasures in God's Kingdom. Remember, where your treasures are, there your heart will be. The time is coming when a piece of bread will buy a bag of gold.
(Prepared by Jonathan Israel)
March 2012
Prophecy of Damascus’ Destruction
is Harbinger
Damascus, Syria is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world; however, does the prophetic destruction of Damascus signal a time after which only few of those in covenant with the Lord will be left remaining in the land. What is it that will happen at that time so intense that it will cause all to look to the Lord?
Are you in covenant with the God of Jacob? Are you in covenant with Lord Jesus Christ (Yahshua)? What is this upcoming event that only seems to leave a remnant of God’s people in the land? It can’t be the resurrection, since after the dead who belong to the Lord are raised, then ALL who remain alive belonging to Him will be rise to meet the Lord in the clouds. None belonging to the Lord will be left behind after the resurrection.
So, what event is just on the horizon that only leaves a remnant belonging to the Lord?
“Concerning Damascus, Hamath and Arpad are dismayed, for they have heard bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea. Damascus has become feeble, she has turned to flee and panic has gripped her; anguish and pain has seized her, pain like that of a woman in labor. Why has the city of renown not been abandoned, the town in which I delight? Surely, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD Almighty. “I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid. The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. “In that day the glory of Jacob (not just Judah (Jews), but all covenant people of the Lord) will fade; the fat of his body will waste away.”
“It will be as when reapers harvest the standing grain, gathering the grain in their arms—as when someone gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. Yet some gleanings will remain, as when an olive tree is beaten, leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches, four or five on the fruitful boughs,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel. In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 17:1-7)
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? (Israel also includes all who are grafted into Covenant with the Lord and joint heirs).
“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
Jesus said, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)
Have you heard the recent reports of animals, fish and birds dying in record numbers with or without a scientific explanation? Large numbers of people are next.
“The word of the LORD came again to me, saying, Son of man, when the land sins against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:” (Ezekiel 14:12-13)
“The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
"
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.” (Revelation 8:7-11)
“When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth." (Revelation 6:7-8)
One fourth of the earth’s current population is 1.75 billion people, which means only about 5.25 billion people would be left alive if the prophesied war, famine and plague happened now.
Could this next prophecy mean nuclear war?
"The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.
"
The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. (Revelation 9:13-17)
One fourth of mankind is prophesied to be killed, followed by one third of mankind to be killed. No matter how many people on earth, one out of every two people, half of the earth’s population, will be killed as we get closer to Jesus’ return.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
"
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:9-14)
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
When you see the destruction of Damascus, I believe that it will be the harbinger signaling the persecution of Christians and Jews in the world with an intensity the world has never seen, and will spread to include Europe and the U.S. as well.
“Meanwhile, we are to strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
Footnote: Who Are The Elect of God?
“…Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:11-13)
The “elect” are those of the Jews and Gentiles that Jesus (Yahshua) died for and forgave! Have you repented and forsaken your sins? Then you are the “elect”.
-Prepared by Jonathan Israel
February 2012
Mormon Agenda Exposed
Author reveals Mitt Romney’s allegiance and bizarre Mormon prophecy to overthrow Government
by Jonathan Israel
In a book titled Can Mitt Romney Serve Two Masters, Author Tricia Erickson exposes secrets that the Republican presidential candidate, as well as the Mormons, wish you didn’t know.
A former Mormon, Erickson grew up in a family encompassed by Mormonism. A family that included a Mormon Bishop for a father. Her book reveals her immersion deep within the mysterious world of Mormonism and boldly exposes some of it's closely guarded secrets.
Last October, Erickson was a featured guest on TruNews with Rick Wiles, where she spoke in specific detail regarding her Mormon indoctrination and experiences, including some very strange rituals practiced during secret ceremonies, which she claims Romney also participated in during his “Consecration of Mormon”.
One such ritual is for a Mormon to take their finger and bring it from one ear, across their neck to the other ear, creating a movement that symbolized cutting ones neck. It is an implied promise of killing oneself before ever revealing Mormon secrets.
It is well documented that the Mormon founder, Joseph Smith, was involved with a secret society, and Erickson believes that much of the Mormon’s secret cult rituals were birthed out of Smith’s membership in the Masons.
Mormon Prophet Rules
What many don’t know about the Mormon doctrine is that anything their prophet says in official capacity is considered official canon (doctrine).
Erickson asserts that Romney is obliged to submit to the Mormon prophet above all else, including U.S. laws. She also said that any disobedience or deviation from such prophetic instruction on Romney’s part would take away from his eternal blessings.
A Brief Intro to Mormonism
Mormonism is a relatively new religion that began with the visions of one man, Joseph Smith, in New York during the 1820s. Today, the Mormons are mostly identified by calling themselves Church of the Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ.
However, while they identify themselves as “Christians”, they follow a different Jesus, whom they claim is satan’s brother. This poses a problem for Bible believing Christians since scripture warns against following a different Jesus, or a different gospel.
Erickson says that although Mormons may refer to the Bible, they regard the Book of Mormon as their primary book, in spite of it having been corrected and/or changed over 3,900 times.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Paul sounded the warning against false religion, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)
As a young Mormon, Erickson was taught that God came to earth and physically had intercourse with Mary to impregnate her. This teaching; however, is in clear contrast to the Bible which says, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:31-35)
Another teaching of Mormonism that contradicts the Bible is their claim that Jackson County, Missouri is the Garden of Eden, and that their Jesus will reign from there when He returns to earth.
However, the Bible is clear about where Jesus Christ will reign from when He returns, “In that day the LORD will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below. They will be herded together like prisoners bound in a dungeon; they will be shut up in prison and be punished after many days. The moon will be dismayed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders—with great glory.” (Isaiah 24:21-23)
Mormons also erroneously claim that they are the “only true and living church’, and that their founder is the only one used by God to restore the priesthood. According to Erickson, they teach that only Mormons are true believers.
Mormon Agenda Exposed
Erickson's book uncovers the Mormon's strong belief that the world government would be handed over to them; therefore, their goal is that they must bring the U.S. Government under the rule of the Mormon priesthood. Another name for the Mormon priesthood, she expounded, is the ‘Government of God’.
The third president of the Mormons, John Taylor, taught along these lines when he said that the Mormon priesthood is the "true power and authority".
Further confirmation of their little known political agenda comes from a quote by Mormon author and apostle, Bruce McConkie, who wrote that the Mormons would be the “chief element in the overthrow of the U.S. Government”.
Brigham Young also confirmed this prophecy when he revealed the Mormon agenda in the Journal of Discourses, “no more or less than the complete overthrow of the nation, and not only of this nation, but the nations of Europe".
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May 2012
Poisoned Water and Perverted Preachers
God's judgment for greedy, money loving, perverted preachers who boast of earthly gain, worldly success, and forsake the Scripture by Jonathan Israel
Americanized Christianity has largely deviated from Scripture, and sadly, the muddied and neutered version has been exported to the nations of the world. This is not an accusation; it’s a nauseating fact that will lead to great judgment of deadly bitter food and poisoned water in the United States.
Recently, Liberty University wickedly provided a platform for a leader of the Mormon cult. The so-called Christian institution violated God’s word found in Scripture, when they honored Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney to speak there in spite of his false Mormon doctrines of another jesus. The Mormon doctrine declares that their jesus is satan’s brother among other things. By the way, beware of any religion claiming allegiance to satan’s brother.
The Bible clearly instructs true followers of Jesus regarding false teachers and false doctrine; "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work." (2 John v.9-11). Yes, Liberty University is now guilty of wickedness.
Adding to the attack and rejection of God's word as found in Scripture, the self proclaimed Christian, President Obama, now voices his support in favor of the militant homosexual attempt to pervert and corrupt the God-ordained Covenant of marriage, which has been exclusive to a male and female union for millenia. And although Scripture warns that the sexually deviant will not inherit the Kingdom of God, many church groups stand with the President and his unholy gospel.
Further deviation from Scripture throughout America is clearly evident in the television media. Just turn on any so-called Christian television station and it won’t be long before some charlatan is promising you more money, a better car or job, and a bigger house. However, there is a catch; you have to send your own money to those millionaire ministers of manipulation. After all, somebody has to pay for their penthouses, mansions and chauffer driven limos.
They’re really counting on the fact that most viewers and listeners are Biblically illiterate and don’t know the true cost of the Lord’s provision. After all, God’s word promises that if we would seek first the Kingdom of God and all His Righteousness, then all we have NEED of will be added to us. (Matthew 6:33)
So, why then are the false teachers selling promises of this temporary earthly kingdom and the things of it that will soon pass away?
It’s Bad and Getting Worse
Recently, the granddaughter of the Trinity Broadcast Network’s (TBN) founders, Paul and Jan Crouch, accused her family of corruption at the network when she said they illegally funneled 50-million dollars into their personal accounts. She was their CFO, and also accused her television host uncle, Matt Crouch, of threatening her by tapping on a gun as they met to discuss the issue.
These are just the latest in a series of improprieties exposed at TBN, in addition to a financial settlement they paid after Paul Crouch was accused of a homosexual encounter. But why is all this corruption happening at a so-called Christian network?
The Bible warns that refusing to love the truth results in men doing unnatural sex acts with men, and likewise women doing unnatural acts with women.
Further, the Bible warns that the love of money is the root of all evil. So, if you see a preacher or ministry with an ungodly focus on money, you can know that all evil is lurking behind the scenes and will soon be exposed. Simply put, we can’t serve both God and money.
Scripture warns of the deceitfulness of riches as it relates to God’s word, “… the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, chokes the word…” (Matthew 4:19)
Yes, much of the Americanized Christian media is a testimony to the choked out word as they have replaced the Gospel of Jesus with the gospel of man.
Scripture Warns of False Teachers and False Prophets
Scripture teaches that it only takes a “little leaven” to leaven the whole. And Jesus warned His followers to beware of the leaven of the religious leaders.
The Prophet Samuel’s sons loved money and gifts so much they forsook God’s word. “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre (money), and took bribes, and PERVETED judgment.” (1 Samuel 8:3)
Although, Scripture clearly warns of the dangerous results of leaders taking gifts; “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blinds the wise, and PERVERTS the words of the righteous." (Exodus 23:8)
Can you think of perverted doctrines and teachings coming from those who boast of money and worldly gain? Perhaps this is why the law forbade ministers who collected tithes from owning personal property, as well as forbidding them from taking gifts.
Recently, after the lavish million dollar lifestyle of TBN’s owners was exposed, their guest evangelist, Jesse Duplantis, began to un-lovingly boast of how people walk up to him in public and give him thousands of dollars. He wickedly gloated as he boasted of his lavish mansion. He also provokingly boasted of his jets, which he claims are paid for. This seemed to be a pathetic attempt on his part to spiritualize the most recently exposed greed of TBN’s founders. What was that about gifts perverting judgment?
2 Timothy 3:2 tells us of how people will act in the last days, “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters…”
1 John 2:15, exposes the boasters. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“Love does not boast”, according to 1 Corinthians 13.
Contrary to Scripture, so-called Christian ministers such as Jesse Duplantis fail to walk in God’s love as they boast of their money, boast of their mansions and boast of other extravagant and luxurious items like the private jets they fly around in, which, by the way, were purchased with the donated money of the poor, jobless, the widowed and others.
Unaware of God’s promise that those who first seek His Kingdom and Righteousness will receive “all they have need of”, many are deceived into giving money to false preachers because of an implied promise that they will get what they WANT.
When a false preacher boasts of money and worldly things, you can be sure that more corruption and wickedness will follow. Scripture reveals that there is all manner of evil going on behind the scenes with false preachers, and more will be exposed in the days to come. “For the love of money is the ROOT of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” ( 1 Timothy 6:10)
Scripture warns that these greedy preachers must be stopped; "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be STOPPED, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's (money's) sake." (Titus 1:10-11)
Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were LOVERS of money, also heard all these things, and they derided (Jesus).
Judgment is Coming!
The world's marketplace is failing. Famine is on the way. Bees needed to pollinate 1/3 of our food supply are mysteriously dying and vanishing. More and more land is made useless for growing crops as floods, fires and storms increase in frequency and intensity upon our nation. Things are progressively getting worse with the economy. Why?
Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 9:12-15, “Who is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by the Lord and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross? The Lord said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their ancestors taught them.” Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “See, I will make this people eat bitter food and drink poisoned water.”
Yet these selfish and greedy ministers reject the judgments of the Lord as Micah 3:11 reveals, Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.”
However, because these greedy ministers of money have loved earthly gain more than truth, and have forsaken the word of the Lord and perverted judgment, there will be a judgment of poisoned water in the earth; Revelation 8:11, “The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water — the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.”
Yet, the Lord calls to them; Amos 5:7-12, “Ye who turn judgment to WORMWOOD, and leave off righteousness in the earth, Seek him that makes the seven stars and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night: that calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: That strengthens the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.
“They hate him that rebukes in the gate, and they abhor him that speaks uprightly. Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.
”For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph (lost sheep of the House of Israel).”
Jesus said, “…I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)
How do we recognize Jesus’ sheep?
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…” (John 10:27)
The Lord promises to send true ministers. Unlike the popular, heavily paid Americanized ministers, Jesus described what His true ministers will look like, “Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,…” (Matthew 23:34)
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:5)
So, why do many currently gravitate to the popular ministers who preach unbalanced and distorted doctrines of worldly success and earthly gain; meanwhile, rejecting those who preach true doctrine and the full council of God’s word?
The answer is found in 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Editor's note: My wife just came to me with a fresh revelation today. She watched the news talk about the issues our nation is facing, such as gay marriage and the economy. Most Americans polled reportedly said they are not overly concerned with any issues other than the economy. Money is simply their main concern. It sounds to me like they've all heard the American gospel.
Prayer: May we learn to love God’s word we have been given in Scripture, follow the Holy Spirit rather than a spirit of error and seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness above all. May we be givers and support the poor, widows, orphans and needy strangers as we spread the Gospel of Jesus.
(To learn more, see articles about “False Teachers”, “Prosperity” and “Riches” posted in the far left column of this page.)
March 2012
President Obama Betrays Christian Faith: Warning for U.S.
An open letter of warning to President Obama from Connection Magazine Editor, Jonathan Israel
Mr. President, as you know, I have already contacted you privately on several occasions. Today, I have a warning for you and the United States; however, I will first address your confusing and contrary words and actions in light of the Bible and the Christian faith you lay claim to.
It’s only fitting that I acknowledge your kindness for taking time out of you busy schedule and writing to me on three separate occasions; first in October, 2011, and most recently in January of this year. I am appreciative and humbled by this especially since I’ve heard you mention something about making time for 10 letters per week.
In one of your communications with me, you claimed to be a Christian; therefore, I must respond to you openly and according to scripture regarding your very confusing and contrary comments and actions unbecoming to a follower of Jesus. As you must know, the word of the Lord holds conviction and correction for all of us whom He loves. And because He loves us, we can all repent and turn from the error of our ways and be forgiven. Praise Jesus!
Clearly, the Bible instructs us how to live and conduct our conversation and that “…we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” (2Corinthians 13:8)
A true Christian, whether a businessman, politician or homemaker is to be found “…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” (Titus 1:9)
Yes, we are to challenge any and all who contradict Jesus and the Bible, since “… we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” (1Thessalonians 2:4)
We have been instructed, Mr. President, that “…in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
(2 Timothy 2:25-26)
Yes, all true Christians are anointed to represent. We “…are ambassadors for Christ…” (2Corinthians 5:20)
As followers and representatives of Jesus we are to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
(2 Timothy 4:2)
No matter our station in life, as followers of Jesus we are all to “… speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine...” (Titus 2:1)
Finally, Mr. President, before I address your stated and obvious conflict with the Bible and Christianity, I must remind you that it is most definitely Biblical for followers of Jesus to bring Biblical correction to all, including those in power and authority.
* John the Baptist commanded King Herod to repent for the sin of adultery.
*
Jesus’ disciple Peter declared truth to the Jewish leaders and resisted them when they attempted to stop him from preaching the Gospel freely and openly.
*
After his conversion to Christ, Saul openly disputed against the Grecians, who had many false gods and ideologies that were opposed to the Gospel of Jesus.
*
In the 18th chapter of the book of Acts, Apollos boldly declared the Scriptures and vigorously refuted his opponents in public debate.
Obviously everyone has faith in something, Mr. President. Some have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and His word and doctrine, and some have faith in “man” and his word and doctrine.
Now, however, after hundreds of years of Christian freedom, some, including yourself, believe secular ideology should restrict and replace the Bible's influence in these currently still United States.
Mr. President, is it fair or right to attack and publicly marginalize the majority of Americans (up to 75%) who believe in the Bible, simply because you and maybe 25% of Americans choose to put more credence and faith in man’s philosophies, opinions, doctrines and ideas, rather than the anointed, Holy Spirit inspired word of God? You know, things like “thou shall not kill” and “thou shall not steal”, and “love your neighbor as yourself”.
Mr. President, there is a fast growing and extremely radical agenda in the U.S., which is focused on attacking the Bible. The extremist homosexual attack against the God ordained Covenant of marriage, exclusive to a male and female union for millennia, is just one example, but a major one nonetheless.
Judeo-Christian faith is now under a major and radical attack here in the U.S., where tolerance and inclusion for all is hypocritically preached as political doctrine.
In fact, anyone can do a YouTube search of “Obama Mocks Jesus and the Bible” to see and hear how you really feel. Lord willing, I will address those statements and questions of yours in an upcoming article.
Mr. President, you must repent.
In a move totally contrary to the following Scriptures in the Bible, you have helped to promote and validate the gross sin of homosexuals by legitimizing their open deviancy in the military. The following Scriptures, Mr. President, reveal what happens when we refuse to love the truth;
“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Romans 1:26-27)
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1Corinthians 6:9-10)
Mr. President, not only does the Bible declare that sexual deviancies such as homosexuality and adultery will keep people out of God’s eternal Kingdom, but the sin of fornication also leads to eternal destruction. Yet, again contrary to scripture, you also publicly stood in support of a Georgetown University student who boldly declared an ungodly lifestyle of fornication (sex outside of the God ordained Covenant of marriage).
In opposition to Scripture, which instructs all followers of Jesus to preach repentance and remission of sins to everyone, you have instead elected to wink at, embrace and prop up the sin of fornication, as well as the sin of homosexuality.
Mr. President, you must repent.
Sadly, you have even recently engaged in an extreme and radical attack against a religion’s faith by attempting to force them to dispense abortion (morning after pill) and other birth control against their conscious.
Meanwhile, you allow the Islamic political beast that governs nations (having a vision of world domination), to teach their followers on U.S. soil to kill all non-Muslims. So, why is it that you don’t oppose Islam’s political doctrines of murder that are currently being taught here in the U.S. with impunity?
Mr. President, you make claim to being a Christian, which means that you must believe Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. As a true Christian, you surely know that there is no other name given among men whereby we “must” be saved, and that Jesus is the name above all names. You must believe Jesus spoke the truth when He claimed, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)
Therefore, Mr. President, whenever you claim that the anti-Christ religion of Islam is a good religion, you are proving to be a false witness for Jesus. Surely you don't believe their anti-Christ teachings that Jesus is not the Son of God.
(1 John 2:22-23)
During the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 Islamic terror attacks, you quoted the entire chapter of Psalm 46, which mentions our Creator, the one true Lord, "The God of Jacob"; not once but twice. You know the Muslims don't serve Him and yet you validate Islam. Just ask and the Muslims will tell you they don't worship and serve The God of Jacob.
Meanwhile, Arabs in the Middle East and North Africa, who follow Jesus, are being terrorized and killed in growing numbers by their Muslim neighbors. As the Islamic beast expands it's political footprint the genocide of these Christians continues, yet you are silent. Why?
As Scripture warns, you simply can’t serve two masters or you will love the one and hate the other. Based on your words and actions while serving as President, you clearly haven’t been showing much love to Jesus and His words. In fact, although a large majority of U.S. Citizens claim faith in Jesus and the Bible, I have heard you say the United States is no longer a Christian nation. However, you confusingly made a recorded claim that the United States has so many Muslims it could be considered a Muslim nation.
Mr. President, you must repent.
And surely, Mr. President, as a self-proclaimed Christian, you must have known that according to Joshua 6, the Lord gave His land of Israel to the tribes of Jacob, called Israel. In fact, I have already communicated this with you. I also reminded you that the Lord has issued a prophetic warning of impending judgment for all the nations that divide His land;
“In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah (Jews) and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and… will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they… divided up my land.”
(Joel 3:1&2)
Yet, in spite of knowing the word of the Lord in this matter, you elected to write to me and inform me of your plans to divide up God’s property. Your stated goal to help Hamas, (an Islamic political terror puppet group dedicated to Israel’s destruction), establish a Palestinian state carved out of Israel's sovereign land, is unconscionable and sets up the United States for judgment.
The Lord Jesus is watching and sees everything, even that which is done in secret. What you do to His property and people will be done to you. As the Lord has said, “The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15)
Mr. President, you must repent.
WARNING to UNITED STATES of COMING FAMINE and LOSS of LIFE
In light of all I mentioned in this open letter, and much that I didn’t, there is great danger ahead for the United States. It is my duty, my unshakable obligation to warn you of the impending judgment on the United States that will cost multitudes of lives.
This is the word of the Lord God, Creator of Heaven and earth; “The word of the LORD came again to me, saying, Son of man, when the land sins against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:”
(Ezekiel 14:12-13)
Can you already sense Him breaking the staff of bread? Yes, Mr. President, because our nation has grievously sinned against the Lord, He will perform His word against the United States. The Lord is sending a famine on the way that is unprecedented in our land unless we repent as a nation. Multitudes of lives now hang in the balance. Yes, He will cut off man and beast from the U.S..
Mr. President, as followers of Jesus we are all to obey Him and his word above all, whether a politician, business owner or housewife, our station in life does not exempt us from obedience to Jesus and to the truth He has given.
Show some love for Jesus, Mr. President. Represent! You have such a powerful platform and are empowered with a huge amount of authority. You have the ability and the opportunity to glorify the Lord and to make lasting history by leading this nation in repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to stand on His word, which is a solid foundation to build upon in preparation of His return.
Mr. President, here is a promise for you and the United States from the Lord: "If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned."
(Jeremiah 18:7-8)
Mr. President, please know that there are multitudes of us who are praying for you. May you agree with God and be at peace. However, Mr. President, you must repent.
February 2012
End Times,
Terrible Times
Enemy Attacks Imminent
by Jonathan Israel
Yes, perilous and terrible times are upon us and it’s just getting started. Years ago, as a young follower of Jesus (Yahshua), the Lord showed me that the coastal regions of the United States would suffer great affliction and then the “West” would learn to fear (respect, revere, honor, obey) the Lord again. Yes, a holy fear of Jesus.
I often wondered if it would be natural disasters such as earthquakes or a war that would bring “great affliction” to the coastal regions of the United States. Now, after the 911 attacks, it’s clear that it will be both natural disasters and enemy attacks; however, it will be an attack from a coalition of enemies that causes the most pain and brings us to our knees. And it will be exactly what the Lord will allow because the Church in America has forsaken His word and allowed truth to be cast down in our streets. Our only hope is to repent and turn back to the Lord.
Years ago, I learned about the Lord’s judgment on the House of Israel after they stopped keeping their festivals, stopped worshipping in Jerusalem, and became an idol worshipping people engaged in killing their babies. Their rebellion and baby killing was more than the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would stand. So, He then began lifting his favor and protection off of His people and allowed an idol worshipping, heathen nation to attack the land and cities of the House of Israel.
The response of His people was to say they would build stronger buildings and plant the stronger cedar tree to replace the uprooted sycamore trees that the Assyrians knocked down during the attack. Essentially, rather than repenting for their sins, the House of Israel lifted a fist toward Heaven and declared that they could redeem the day and overcome further attacks.
However, the Lord then allowed a coalition of nations to ambush and overtake the House of Israel. From the front and from behind they ambushed the people of the Lord.
I am convinced that a day of humbling will soon come to the United States and the Lord will allow the coastal regions to suffer great affliction at the hands of enemy nations. Then our nation will learn to fear the Lord once again.
But what I really want to bring special attention to in this article, is a last days warning from the New Testament that details perilous times or terrible times.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
A Man’s Own Enemies
Jesus warned us in Matthew 10:34-36, ““Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
Yes, a man’s own enemies are those of his own family, and it gets more intense and really bad.
Jesus said, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
(Matthew 10:21-22,)
Yes, the government did cast the verdict and carried out the execution of Jesus, but who betrayed our Lord? Was it not also one of His disciples? Furthermore, who was it that falsely accused Him and demanded His death? Was it not also the religious leaders of the Temple?
Yes, Jesus shared His meal with His betrayer; Jesus loved the one who hated Him. And as He died on the cross, He prayed for His murderers and forgave them all. As true followers of Jesus we too are to love those who hate us, bless those who curse us and do good to those who spitefully use us. We are to forgive them all.
For sure, times are going to get tougher as we come closer to the end of this current age. Painful rejection and unholy attacks from those who are suppose to love us and be for us will increase. Thankfully, our Messiah, Jesus, will come soon and reign in Jerusalem for 1,000 years.
However, Jesus clearly revealed the signs we would see before His return. “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-27)
Jesus gave us further warning; “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,...”
(Matthew 24:4-10)
The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
(Psalm 19:46-49)
Look for upcoming articles revealing the "clay" in the iron and clay prophecy of the last days government; and the end-time government prophecy regarding the "whore" who rides the beast.
January2012
"ICONOCLASTS" - An Insightful Word
-extracts by Robert I Holmes.
"Where, O where is the prophet? Where are the incandescent ones fresh from the holy place? Where is Moses to plead in fasting before the holiness of the Lord?... the one with a terrible earnestness, the one totally otherworldly." - Leonard Ravenhill.
Ravenhill's words are reminiscent of a podcast I was listening to on my way to Sydney... It was a communication from the Banff Leadership Centre in Toronto Canada titled "Iconoclasts" outlining the role of men and women in organizations who shake things up.
They gave this definition of iconoclast: The breaker or destroyer of images or idols set up for veneration. A person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditions, institutions and error. You might be familiar with its synonym: Curmudgeon.
This idea, this concept of shaking the house, shattering the idols, attacking cherished beliefs is very much the life blood of Christianity, of early Christians and indeed, draws from their long heritage as recipients of faith from Israel. Peter, in describing his fellow believers said they were "sons of the prophets" (Acts 3:25) - for Peter faith meant being like the prophets of old.
Enter Moses
There are many iconoclasts in church history, some as far back as Moses in the Old Testament. He, looking forward as far as Peter was looking back, said he wished "that all God's people were prophets and that the Lord would pour his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29). Remember that Scripture defines Moses himself as a prophet (Deut. 34:10, Luke 24:27), and Moses prophesied of a time when one "likened unto Moses" would arise - Jesus himself (Acts 7:37).
So who is this man - this prophet after whom we are sons? Moses was the man: - who confronted Pharaoh - who split the Red Sea - whose enemies were swallowed by the sand - who saw God and lived - of whom God said, "Moses is my friend"!
This is the iconoclast. This is the prophet. This is Jesus all the way through his ministry. And where is the spirit of Moses in the church today? Where is the nature and character of Christ amongst Christian today? There are a number of facets to the prophetic that should be reflected in our lives including: being aforerunner; dealing with isolation; holding God's opinion above men's; going against the flow; dealing with rejection; being a recoverer and; driving for balance by being out of balance.
1. Forerunning
Prophetic people are forerunners. They come into things first. God deals with the church before he deals with the world (ref) and he deals with natural things before spiritual things (ref). Prophetic people in the church are even further ahead and as a result are quite out of step with the mainstream. They are often in the opposite phase. Happy when everyone else is sad, sad when everyone else is happy.
2. Dealing with isolation
Bring prophetic very often means having an unpopular message, and results in fierce isolation. You have to have a thick skin to say the unpopular thing. You might be a solitary figure rebuking a corrupt king. The one who rats out sin in the camp. The one who cares about what God cares about. However just because we are isolated does not mean we isolate ourselves. We seek out the brethren, we want companions. We resist being a loose canon or a law unto ourselves.
3. Holding God's opinion above men's
If we face heaven, and we care about heaven's opinion and perspective on things we will care more about God's opinion that peoples. We will seek to experience heaven's favour and not curry the favour of men. We will desire heaven's stamp of approval even at the expense of men's favouritism.
4. Going against the flow
Have you noticed that God has a very different set of priorities to us? He values integrity whilst the world pushes for sensuality; he desires honesty when the world wants duplicity; he aims for longevity when the world demands expediency. Prophetic people even find themselves going against the flow in church - and sadly sometimes even going against the prophetic flow!...
5. Dealing with rejection
Being out of step, being isolated, being a lone voice comes with rejection too. People do not just take kindly to your obstinate passion for truth and purpose, they buck against it. The donkey kicks against the goad, the horse bolts when spurred. So too people rebuke and rail against those who are prophetic...
However, we do not imbue the spirit of rejection. We do not walk around with a sour face, expectant of rejection - wishing it upon ourselves and provoking it from others. Rather we understand it is part of the call, a necessary companion on the journey. After all we are followers of Jesus: a man despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
(Isaiah 53:3).
Instead, Jesus came into situations expectant of finding the Kingdom at work, and his Father at work, with work for him to do there (John 5:17).
6. Being a recoverer
"The function of the prophet has almost always been that of recovery." - T Austin Sparks
The prophetic person is not a maintainer, they come in to repair what is broken. Recovery is required after an accident or injury - people need rescue and decisive action is needed for triage. Recovery is needed after a loss or fall - lost things need to be found, people adrift at sea need to be rescued. Recovery is needed after a mop up campaign. The troops have gone through and the land needs to be restored. As a result, when all is well, prophetic people are quiet.
7. Driving for balance
"Prophets were not made for the status quo, they were made to bring things back to the middle. This means they stand for the extreme, to bring the church back to where she should be."
-Brian Medway.
If the church gets imbalanced, or has forgotten a truth the prophet pushes back to recover it. They take an extreme view of stance, to bring the church back to centre. Which is why it seems that their message is unbalanced.
Conclusion
This is the church, as sons of the prophets. This is the Christian
following Jesus the prophet. They are...
-An iconoclast: standing for truth; standing against tradition.
-A forerunner: out of step and out of season.
-Solitary: but not a loner or a loose canon.
-Rejected: but without a spirit of rejection.
-A recoverer: to bring things back to wholeness. ><
Revelation 15:1-4, Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.”
January 2012
The “FULLY PREACHED” GOSPEL
-from the archive of David Wilkerson.
The apostle Paul said to his generation: “I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:19). And he described the “fully preached” gospel as one that is much more than words. It is a gospel of words and deeds! “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed” (v. 18).
Paul was saying, “The Gentiles turned to Christ not because of my preaching alone, but because my words were accompanied by miraculous deeds!”
“In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel” (v. 19).
If Paul had preached and taught without signs and wonders following, his message would not have had its full impact. It would not have been the gospel fully preached! He said to the Corinthians, “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds”
(2 Corinthians 12:12)
Note Paul’s words in this verse: signs, wonders, mighty deeds. Most Christians today cringe when they hear these words! Why? Because these words have been made an abomination by unscrupulous, power-hungry preachers and teachers! The great tragedy is that such perversions have caused many God-fearing pastors, evangelists and laypeople to turn away from the truth of a fully preached gospel.
Beloved, God is still God—and He is mighty in working miracles and wonders! He is still our healer and He wants to show Himself strong on behalf of those who trust in Him! Great supernatural workings took place in the New Testament church without any perversions—without advertising, showmanship or any person claiming all the power and authority. The ministry of Paul is an example:
At Troas, while Paul was preaching a long message, a young man fell asleep while sitting on a window sill and fell three stories to the ground. The Bible says the young man was “taken up dead” (see Acts 20:9-12).
When Paul got to where the boy was, he quieted everyone. Then, just as Elijah had done, he stretched himself out over the dead boy and suddenly life came back into the young man. The boy had been resurrected—raised from the dead! What a mighty miracle!
After this happened, Paul did not send everyone out to spread the news that a miracle had taken place. No, that was not what happened at all. Everyone simply went back to the third floor, took communion, and Paul continued preaching. Scripture does not even mention the young man again. Why? Because the church expected supernatural works to happen! They preached a full gospel—with signs and wonders following!
MORE than PREACHING & TEACHING
I believe the gospel should be accompanied by the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost—working mighty wonders, proving
the gospel is true!
Paul boldly stated, “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). The Greek here means “with proof.” Paul was saying, “I preach the gospel with proof. God and the Holy Spirit are backing me up with signs and wonders!” Hebrews 2:4 says that God did confirm Paul’s message with signs and wonders: “God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”
The New Testament believers had one prayer: “That signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus” (Acts 4:30). These apostles went everywhere fully preaching the gospel.
“Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43). “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. . . . And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (Acts 5: 12, 14).
Here is one of the most conclusive of all verses—proving that a fully preached gospel must include signs and wonders: “They stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3). This verse says that the apostles ministered boldly for a long time, preaching grace and repentance, and then God granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
God’s last-day church will go “out and [preach] everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20). That is what God envisions for us.
The miracles of this last-day church will be genuine, indisputable, undeniable, and yet they will not be well known. Instead, they will issue forth from the hands of ordinary, holy, separated saints who know God and are intimate with Jesus.
These believers will emerge from the secret closet of prayer—a small, prepared army full of faith, with no other desire than to do the will of God and glorify Him. They will be fearless and powerful in prayer. They will open entire nations for the gospel and God will confirm His Word by their mighty deeds!
Joel 2:16, Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
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January 2012
Persecution Preparation in the U.S., Time for MARK of God
Does your government consider Bible scripture and end-time prophecy to be extreme? Will bold witnesses of Jesus be imprisoned in the U.S.?
Prepared by Connection Magazine Editor, Jonathan Israel
Wake up, America! A whole lot is happening while you sleep. The Lord is preparing to pour out His wrath on a wicked and rebellious generation before He returns. We have entered the “days of sorrows” and persecution is on the way. Yes, even Christians in the United States must prepare for the tribulation of persecution that is coming to a city near you. The mechanisms for Christian persecution are definitely now in place in the U.S., but I will talk more about those details later on in this article.
First, I must warn you that the Lord has led me to scripture in a dream, which through His word reveals that He intends to remove His glory from the current world marketplace. It will fail! (Isaiah 23 and Ezekiel 26 and 27). Ezekiel 17 ties it all together and reveals Israel's rise as the world marketplace in the end.
The United States became defiantly proud after 911, and rather than repent for a myriad of sin, our leaders quoted Isaiah 9:10 and planted a cedar at ground zero. Well, this is the Lord's response to the stubbornness of the United States;
'"Thus says the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth branches, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish:
'"
I the LORD have spoken and will do it.'" (Ezekiel 17;22-24)
Additionally, The Lord will soon deal with the false teachers and false prophets who exploit His people with their lies, self-indulgence, sooth saying and greediness. Their idols of worldly success and earthly prosperity are soon to be toppled in the presence of the Most High God, Jesus our Lord. “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1)
For you followers of Jesus, especially in the United States, that love truth too much to skirt it, hide from it or reject it, you need to be prepared for what is coming. It will cost you. Are you truly ready and willing to follow the Lord wherever He may lead you? Will you obey Him no matter the cost? If it were to cost you your freedom, would you still follow and obey Him? What if it meant you would be killed?
Persecution of the true followers of Jesus is already taking place all over the globe. Those who love the Lord in China are often arrested, imprisoned, tortured and killed for their allegiance to the Lord of Lords. And reportedly, over one-million Christians are suffering in North Korean prisons.
Currently, in the Middle East, our Arab brothers and sisters have been killed or driven from their homeland. Few brethren remain as their Muslim neighbors complete the genocide of those who serve and have served the King of Kings in Iraq.
Additionally, as the Muslim Brotherhood advances it’s Islamic political footprint, Egyptians are now being raped, burned out of their homes and churches, killed or driven from their land, because they serve The Son of the Most High God. I guess they didn’t get the “Rapture” memo from the church in the United States.
Any so-called pastor or minister who tells you that you don’t have to endure to the end is deceived at best, and an outright liar at worst. Anyone making the false claim that followers of Jesus will be raptured before they have to face tribulation is preaching a disarming doctrine of demons. Yes, we do have a promise to be resurrected; however, God’s words, the Bible declares that it is at the “last day” and at the “last trump”.
(1 Corinthians 15:52, and John 6:39)
Meanwhile, we are to strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
(Acts 14:22)
Yes, Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Can The Lord of Creation Pour Out His Wrath While His Followers Are on Earth?
In the court of law, there is something called ‘precedence’, which helps an attorney make his case, and a judge to render his decision. In the Bible there is precedence of our God pouring out wrath while His faithful were still in the land. Noah was here when God poured out His judgment for forty days and nights, which destroyed everyone in the entire world except for Noah and his family. Yes, The Lord was nice enough to prep Noah by warning him and giving him instruction for survival. But He didn’t have to remove him in order to pour out His judgment of wrath.
Our Great God, The Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, poured out his wrath on Pharaoh and Egypt; meanwhile, His followers, the Hebrew slaves were still in the land. The Lord provided divine favor and covering for His covenant people, while measuring out His judgment and wrath on their enemies. The Hebrews were marked, not removed.
Will Christians be on Earth when the Lord sends His wrath? Will the Lord remove His followers, or simply mark them?
“…The LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” To the others He said in my hearing, “Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. Then He said to them, “Defile the temple, and fill the courts with the slain.” (Ezekiel 9:4-7)
“Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.’”
(Revelations 7:2-3 & 9-17)
Will The Church in the land of the United States Suffer Tribulation?
There is a Department of Homeland Security document titled ‘Intelligence Analysis Assessment of Rightwing Extremism', which was produced two months after President Obama took office. This DHS document was sent to all police, FBI and homeland security personnel, and it lists Veterans, Bible believers, pro-life advocates and others with conservative ideology as a “threat” to national security.
This DHS document by itself is inciting but relatively harmless; however, in light of the new legislation that President Obama requested and signed into law, it is very alarming and eye-opening to say the least.
On December 31, 2011, as most Americans were celebrating and carrying on with business as usual, the Bill of Rights was effectively killed as President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act 2012, (NDAA 2012).
The new NDAA 2012 law allows executive privilege for the President of the United States to arrest any (ANY) U.S. Citizen deemed a threat to national security, and imprison them indefinitely without a trial. This new law is wickedly corrupt and represents a very slippery slope for human rights in the U.S..
In light of the DHS document, the new NDAA 2012 law is extremely frightful as it telegraphs the future persecution and imprisonment of Christians in the United States, simply because it is solely a matter of the President’s personal intentions and interpretation of the law. That’s just how close it is before your obedience to the Bible and your testimony of Jesus can cost you your freedom and possibly your life. The mechanisms are in place; so, how do we move forward?
Do not panic. While it's true that President Obama requested and obtained the power to arrest citizens based upon suspicion, and imprison them indefinitely without trial, strangely, he has now said he won't use the power, “I want to clarify that my Administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a Nation.”
Although, let it be noted that the Obama Administration has consistently claimed the power to kill U.S. citizens without charge or trial in the war on terror.
Based on President Obama's statement, as well as insght from scriptures in the Book of Daniel, I do not believe he will attack Christianity as a whole. I believe it will be a future leader out of the land of the United States that will set out to destroy the true followers of Jesus. Sadly, it's laws like 'NDAA 2012' that will most likely help make it happen during this decade.
However limited, persecution is upon us now and will gradually increase, but I believe it will be targeted and most likely covert in the beginning. I also believe promises have been made to silence any U.S. Citizen who obediently, publicly and actively declares the words of the Lord that condemn certain coveted sin, as well as government protected wickedness in the land.
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
Jesus warned us, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in different places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. 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.” (Matthew 24:7-10)
“Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.” (Mark13:12)
Yes, the true followers of Jesus (Yahshua) will still be here even after the "fifth seal" is opened!
“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”
(Revelation 6:9-11)
Will Christians Be Here When the Anti-Christ Appears on the Scene, or Already Gathered to the Lord?
The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That you not be soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (gathering to the Lord) shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”
“...It was given unto him (the Beast) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man has an ear, let him hear. He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:7-10)
“...How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?” Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. (Daniel 12:6&7)
Jesus said "...he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
(Matthew 24:13)
November 2011
Great Shaking Warning: Are You Ready?
A message from Connection Magazine Editor, Jonathan Israel
Interestingly, Connection Magazine received a press release from FEMA in September, which stressed preparedness for a national disaster or any type of emergency. This is the first U.S. government report of this type we have ever received in 14 years of publishing.
NASA recently released a similar type of in-house warning to their staff and families.
About 10 months ago, I received confirmation from the Lord that a "great shaking" is coming to the United States soon. Then I had a dream in which I was in a quake, which was later followed up by an actual warning quake that recently shook our home in August, when the 5.9 quake hit near D.C.. Many of you who follow Yahshua ha'Mashiach (Jesus) have received similar dreams and visions.
Acts 2:17 says, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
Amos 3:7 says, "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."
Why is this trouble coming?
The United States has judiciously, legislatively, and most recently, executively removed Jesus and the Law of God (Holy Bible) from our society.
Prayer and the Bible have been outlawed in our public schools.
The U.S. has made it legal for a mother to murder her child in her womb.
Our government taxes and prospers from the sale of pornography and liquor sales.
The Ten Commandments and other scriptures have been removed from courthouses and other public buildings.
Homosexuality has been legitimized, and God's holy covenant of marriage trampled.
The U.S. has methodically and systematically removed the Lord from our public society, and now the Lord Jesus is removing His divine favor and protection from the U.S.. The only thing stopping our utter destruction is the true praying followers of Jesus.
Times will get tougher. The Lord has also showed me Isaiah 23, where it is prophesied that the Lord purposes to remove the glory of the world's marketplace. You can guess who that is, and the demise will affect the whole world.
Jesus said, "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11)
Meanwhile, do not panic. Pray, and keep your faith in Jesus, and His word. If possible, have at least a month's supply of food and water (ideally up to 6 month's supply) that you can rotate through. Also, be sure to make plans and strategize with friends, family and/or neighbors.
For more directions and advice on preparations for a catastrophe, power outage, etc.., you may visit disaster preparedness sites, on the web or YouTube, such as Ready.GOV.
The good news for those who follow Jesus and obey the Bible is found in Psalm 91. The Lord will protect His genuine followers from His wrath.
This is a time for the true Church of Yahshua ha'Mashiach (Jesus) to shine. Get ready for a great harvest.
All glory to the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Note: Click on "Salvation" button in left column of this page if you want to be ready.
Editor Jon Israel is available to speak to your group or ministry regarding eschatology from a Biblical perspective, understanding of the United States in prophecy, the Jewish and Christian unification as one nation under God, and is it rapture or resurrection?
Editor@ConnectionMagazine.ORG
August, 2011
God of Creation
Ready
to Destroy Israel’s Enemies
These are the words the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah: “This is what the LORD says: “‘Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace. Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? How awful that day will be! No other will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.
(Jeremiah 30:4-7)
Palestinian Jordanians …“As for all my wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance I gave my people Israel, I will uproot them from their lands…if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’…then they will be established among my people. But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it,” declares the LORD.
(Jeremiah 12:14-17)
Syria & Lebanon …the LORD Almighty, says: “My people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians, who beat you with a rod and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did. Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.” (Isaiah 10:24& 25)
Russia & Iran …When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. (Ezekiel 38:18)
USA & UN “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and… will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they… divided up my land.
(Joel 3:1&2)
“‘The LORD will roar from on high; he will thunder from his holy dwelling and roar mightily against his land. He will shout… against all who live on the earth. The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the LORD will bring charges against the nations; … “Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.”
(Jeremiah 25:30-33)
“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.
(Obadiah 1:15)
Egypt & The World …I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
(Zechariah 12:9)
This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths...(Zechariah 14:1)
…Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which (their King) will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior. (Jeremiah 23:6)
This is the word of the LORD concerning Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.
(Zechariah 1:1-3)
January 2012
Muslim Leader Confesses Doctrines of Killing
This is a true story that happened after the 911 terror attack, and the author, Rick Mathes, a well-known leader in prison ministry, has confirmed this account with Connection Magazine Editor, Jonathan Israel.
(Reportedly), the Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States.
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who each explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic had to say. The Muslim gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations, time was provided for questions & answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Muslim and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?' There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority & command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.' He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.
(Reports indicate) In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President!
Editor's Note: As long as you still have breath, you can humble yourself before the King of Kings, God's Son, Jesus our Lord, and repent of your sins. John 3:16
December 2011
Islam and The Quran
Exposed!
What does Islam teach Muslim followers? The following verses from the Quran expose the wicked and murderous theology being taught on U.S. soil.
[3.85] ...whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.
[5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
[4.89] They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.
What does the Quran teach about other non-Muslims?
[4.56] (As for) those who disbelieve in Our communications, We shall make them enter fire; so oft as their skins are thoroughly burned, We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the chastisement; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.
[3.151] We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and their abode is the fire, and evil is the abode of the unjust.
[9.123] O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).
[2:191] ...kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
Does Islam teach Muslim followers to war against non-Muslims?
[8.65] O Prophet! urge the believers to war; if there are twenty patient ones of you they shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a hundred of you they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a people who do not understand.
[8.12] When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.
[8.39] ...fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do.
[9.111] Surely Allah has bought of the believers their persons and their property for this, that they shall have the garden; they fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain; a promise which is binding on Him in the Taurat and the Injeel and the Quran; and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice therefore in the pledge which you have made; and that is the mighty achievement.
[17.33] ...do not kill any one whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause, and whoever is slain unjustly, We have indeed given to his heir authority, so let him not exceed the just limits in slaying; surely he is aided.
[9.5] ...when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
[9.29] Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.
[9.14] Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace, and assist you against them and heal the hearts of a believing people.
[33.61] Cursed: wherever they are found they shall be seized and murdered, a (horrible) murdering.
Editor's Note: These Quran teachings have been posted because there has been great deception declaring that Islam is a religion of peace and that Muslims serve the same God as Christians and Jews. For the record, Muslims serve the Babylonian moon god, Allah, which is further evidenced by their crecent moon. The true people of holy faith serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who will soon send Yahshua ha'Mashiach to deliver His true followers after much tribulation.
The United States and much of American Christianity has turned their backs on the authority of the word of the Lord and His laws published in the the Holy Bible. Therefore, what is determined from enemies without and enemies within will be the Lord's measured judgments on an unrepentant people, in and out of the Church. Repent!
Obviously, Connection Magazine can't stop what the Lord is allowing. We can only declare truth and expose darkness.
The U.S. Constitution was not set up to protect doctrines of Jihad and the murder of non-believers. However, as long as doctrines of terror and the murder of non-Muslims are erroneously protected by the U.S. Government, all citizens should be watchful, prayerful and ready to protect and defend their homes and families.
Thankfully, at this time most Muslims do not practice the wicked doctrines of killing non-Muslims that they are being taught. Meanwhile, the stated goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to have Islam subdue and rule the entire world.
January 2012
The Flesh Exposed
2 Corinthians 11:18 "Seeing that many boast according to the flesh..."
...These scriptures are posted to expose the flesh.
Jesus' Word say's...
1 Corinthians 1:29 "...no flesh should glory in His presence."
For...
Matthew 26:41 "...the flesh is weak."
And...
John 6:63 "...the flesh profits nothing."
Romans 8:8 "So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
But we are not to be...
Romans 8:9 "...in the flesh but in the Spirit..."
We are to...
Philippians 3:3 "...have no confidence in the flesh..."
1 Peter 1:24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away..."
Therefore...
2 Corinthians 7:1 "...let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh... perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Romans 13:14 "...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
Remember...
Romans 8:13 "...If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Galatians 6:8 "...he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Galatians 4:29 "...he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now."
Romans 8:5 "...those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."
Romans 8:7 "...the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God..."
Romans 9:8 "...those who are the children of the flesh...are not the children of God..."
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Jesus' Word say's
1 Corinthians 3:21 "...let no one boast in men."
And...
Galatians 6:14 ...God forbid that (WE) should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Yahshua) by whom the world has been crucified to (US), and (WE) to the world.
January 2012
FASTING: Why Should We Fast?
Daniel 9:3, “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
The Right Spirit of Fasting?
Isaiah 58:6-9 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Joel 2:12-13, Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Prayer and Fasting Empowers
Matthew 17:15-21, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Fasting Opens the Door for Visitation and Direction from the Lord
Acts 13:2, While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 10:30-31, And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Jesus Fasted
Matthew 4:1-2, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
A Time When the Lord Calls His People to Have a Solemn Assembly and FAST
Joel 1:8-15, Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth For the husband of her youth. The grain offering and the drink offering Have been cut off from the house of the LORD; The priests mourn, who minister to the LORD. The field is wasted, The land mourns, For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails.
Be ashamed, you farmers, Wail, you vinedressers, For the wheat and the barley; Because the harvest of the field has perished. The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree— All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.
Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God.
Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.
February 2012
Exposing Dreams
Warnings, instructions and revelations come through dreams and visions.
Matthew 2:13, When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
Matthew 2:19-22, After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,…
Matthew 27:19, While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man (Jesus), for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Don’t consider it strange if those around you show hate or contempt toward you when you reveal a dream from God.
Genesis 37:5, Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.
God provides interpretation for dreams.
Genesis 40:8, “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
The Lord gives dreams to ungodly people, including worldly leaders.
Genesis 20:30, But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.”
Genesis 41:1, “When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile,…”
Daniel 2:3, In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.
Some have ability to interpret dreams.
Genesis 41:12, Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream.
Daniel 1:17, To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
The Lord reveals His future plans through dreams and visions.
Genesis 41:25, Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.”
Daniel had a vision of Jesus. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
(Daniel 7:13-14)
The Lord Uses Dreams and Visions to Send Warnings and Instruction
"For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:14-18)
A Repeating Dream from the Lord means the matter is firmly established.
Genesis 41:32, The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.
God speaks through dreams, but not always.
Numbers 12:6-8, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.”
BEWARE: Someone with a gift of prophetic dreams may still end up leading people away from the Lord and His words.
A warning in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 says, “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the LORD your God…”
BEWARE: Some prophesy lies and declare dreams as being from the Lord, only to make people forget the name of the Lord and His word.
Jeremiah 23:25-29 also warns about the misuse of dreams. “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the LORD. “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
Does the Lord still speak warnings, direction and future events through dreams in our day?
Acts 2:17-18, “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Joel prophesied about dreams and visions for the last days. “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said.” (Joel 2:28-32)
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