Connection Magazine, The Premier Good News Publication www.connectionmagazine.org

Thank you for visiting Connection Magazine's website.

You will find archived behind-the-scene news stories the secular media often avoid. Stories and testimonies of actors, athletes, politicians and notable people.
You'll find articles dealing with drug addiction, divorce, marriage, abortion, sickness, depression, suicide, healing, homosexuality, religion and money.
You'll also find book / movie / music reviews; thought provoking commentaries and much more.

Be sure to check out Truth Ministries Bible studies, our archive issues '97-'03 and the monthly featured articles below.

Coming this week: Former Mormon exposes the Mormon cult and prophecy of the Mormon priesthood overthrowing U.S. Government.

Also, discover what the Bible says about the importance of Dreams.

January 2012
Presidential Candidates Repent;
One is Not Forgiven?
by Jonathan Israel

It is certain that everyone needs to be forgiven for something. The Republican candidates for the office of United States President are no exception. However, at least one of them is definitely not forgiven. Which one?

The two front runners, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney have both confessed to having a change of heart regarding past sins. Romney once made a political stand that allowed for the murder of baby in mommy's belly. Romney now claims he no longer agrees with such murder of innocent lives.

Meanwhile, Gingrich has a past that includes divorce, and he now claims to have a repentant attitude and a newly found religious lifestyle.

So, who has been forgiven?

The Bible is clear that only the Lord Jesus Christ (Yahshua) can remove sins. It is only the blood of the Lamb of God that can atone for and remove our sins. But we have to repent to get it.

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2)

Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me."
(John 14:6)

Therefor, if Mr. Gingrich has prayerfully repented to Jesus for his adultery and un-Biblical divorce, as he alluded, then the Lord has forgiven him. In the end, only the Lord really knows the heart of a man, and whether or not Gingrich has truly repented. We are to believe the good report and the fruits will reveal if Gingrich is now united in faith with Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior.

Sadly, based on Mr. Romney's confession of Mormon faith, there is no true Godly repentence. Without Jesus Christ, there is no removal of his sin for aiding and abetting in the death of all those aborted children. According to the Mormon faith, the jesus they serve is satan's brother. Any religion claiming to serve satan's brother is in grave danger.

So, until Mr.Romney accepts the good news of God's Son, Jesus Christ, and accepts Him as Lord and Savior, there is no true removal of sin possible.

The word of the Lord sends a strong warning regarding rejecting those who preach another Jesus;

"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)

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
Muslim Leader Confesses Doctrines of Killing

This is a true story that happened after the 911 terror attack, and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry.

(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.

Editor Jonathan Israel is available to speak to your group or ministry regarding understanding prophetic revelation and preparation for the last days.
Editor@ConnectionMagazine.ORG

READ ON
Click Here To Read More Articles

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 and 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 were 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 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 folowers 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)

Watch for future articles explaining current events from a Biblical perspective, and prophetic revelation of End-time prophecy by Connection Magazine Editor, Jonathan Israel

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.”

READ ON
Click Here To See More Articles

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 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
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 Where 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.

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.

READ ON
Click Here to See More Articles