Would you join me this weekend in studying an intriguing paper, of which I’ve had a taster in a recent Koenig’s Eye-View? I’m delighted to learn that a full 22-page paper is now freely available on his World Watch Daily, as announced below: Continue reading
It’s now time to expand upon Briefing 3’s listing of Signs from the Gospel accounts and Paul’s letters by considering ‘The Apocalypse’, as in the annexures to Neil Mackereth’s paper dated 21st May: Simplicity. First, recall Apostle John’s opening remarks on its awesome origin, along with benediction (Young’s Literal Translation – in Greek here):
A revelation of Jesus Christ, that God gave to him, to shew to his servants what things it behoveth to come to pass quickly; and he did signify [it], having sent through his messenger to his servant John, 2 who did testify the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things also as he did see. 3 Happy is he who is reading, and those hearing, the words of the prophecy, and keeping the things written in it — for the time is nigh!
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The challenge in introducing Revelation to a new audience, or to infrequent readers of the book, is twofold: how do we make sense of this strange book; and how do we overcome longstanding antipathy to it, which, unfortunately, is often reinforced by those who should be explaining its message. I want to describe what apocalyptic literature is and to provide a basic overview of what Revelation is about.
The Bible, at its opening, quickly moves to the fall of man and the success of Satan. Then follows God’s sovereign selection of His chosen people Israel, the story of their triumphs, failures, trials and tribulations up to the first coming of Christ. The New Testament describes Jesus’ life and role as Redeemer King, His death, resurrection and ascension to heaven. At the close of the Bible, Jesus returns, Satan is overthrown and his followers are defeated. Without the Book of Revelation, the story would be incomplete.
First, I believe it is essential to consider what the writer’s mindset might have been, if we are to have any hope of untangling and understanding the book’s mysteries.
The Hebrew Mindset
Those who first taught me Bible truths encouraged me to read the Bible with integrity, in context and with a Hebrew mindset. I felt confident about the context and integrity aspects but, in the past, rather glossed over the “mindset” factor.
Recently, whilst meditating on the concept of divine control, I had a distinct feeling that I should address the mindset question far more rigorously. As I have come to understand it, there are three main types of mindset, and each will lead to a different world view:
The various mindsets do not necessarily operate in isolation. Barbarian groups may work within a democracy and vice versa. Also, to state the obvious, Bible believing committed Christians may live in democracies or in totalitarian states.
Why is it important?
If we don’t put God at the centre in our Christian walk and our Bible study, we will live on the fringes of what is available to us (Proverbs 3:5,13; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 1; 1 John 5: 13-15; etc.).
When considering the Book of Revelation, we need to overcome centuries of ‘Greek World-View’ interpretations and analyses that seek to apply logic and to deny or ignore any supernatural implications. Recently, it was made clear to me that the word ‘theological’ is a one-word oxymoron (contradiction in terms) implying that God can be explained by some logical process. We can learn a huge amount by a systematic approach to the study of theology, but the mystery remains and there comes a point where only faith and God-given spiritual discernment can help us.
God is in control and is shaking the foundations of our man-made democratic systems and liberal world view. I am convinced that churches which adopt the Greek mindset, and only operate in what they understand, will not see miracles. That is not to say that individuals with a Hebrew mindset within those churches won’t see miracles. Those with eyes to see and ears to hear will recognise that the weaknesses of democracy are being exposed.
BACK TO REVELATION
The word Revelation is synonymous with the word ‘Apocalypse’, which means unveiling or revealing. The Book of Revelation is so called because it reveals the glory of Jesus, and unveils God’s End-Time plan. Because of its “end of the world” association, the meaning of the word apocalypse has come to be used as a descriptive noun that denotes damage or destruction on a catastrophic scale.
John wrote the book of Revelation during the era of apocalypticism. This rather daunting word is more about how we view things than being a clearly definable literary style or type. There are historic plays and dramatic writings of the period, between 200 BC to 200 AD, that share some common literary themes with Revelation. Apocalypticism involves a view of reality where there is a disclosing, unveiling, or revealing of something that was previously hidden or secret. Put another way, when John was writing, an apocalypse would have been understood as a public disclosure of something that had previously been kept secret.
In a dream or trance-like state, John is transported to heaven and is given a conducted tour of God’s headquarters. There he gains some insights into the workings of heavenly realms and God’s operations room, and their interaction with the worldly realm. He sees and is briefed on various aspects of God’s End-Times plan, including some classified information which he is told he is not to reveal. For most of his tour he has an angelic guide who explains the meaning of the events and visions that John is witnessing.
The idea of an angelic mentor is not unique to Revelation. The books of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah have apocalyptic passages where angels provide commentary (Ezekiel 40:3–4, 43:6–27; Daniel 7:15–28, 8:15–27, 10:10–21; Zechariah 1:9–2:13, 4:1–6:15).
Further to this point, for a full appreciation of End-Times prophecy it is necessary to study a wide range of Old Testament prophetic books and New Testament scriptures. Revelation draws together many threads of End-Times prophetic writing. For example, the description of the antichrist given in Daniel 9 is developed more fully in Revelation 13. Similarly, the apocalyptical threads in Daniel 7-12, Isaiah 24-27, Ezekiel 37-41 and Zechariah 9-12 are all drawn together in Revelation. In other words, I don’t think that Revelation can be studied in isolation. Some theologians go so far as to suggest that the whole Bible could be studied (reverse-studied!) from Revelation: to which I would comment; such an undertaking would not be for the faint-hearted!
Apocalyptic works seek to inform the reader about aspects of an End-Times drama. The grand climax of the Bible is imminent — that is to say, it could happen at any moment. As the prologue of Revelation explains, “The time is near” (1:3). The Bible explains that two absolute powers or principles operate in the universe. A fundamental divide exists between good and evil. In the book of Revelation (and the whole Bible), God himself is the ultimate source of all that is good; Satan and his followers refuse to submit to God and are the ultimate source of evil. This ethical dichotomy underlies the conflict within the book of Revelation.
Neil Mackereth, 21 May 2020
Next, we look at Neil’s overview of The Book of Revelation >>
Continue End-Times Briefings.
First, we continue from PPU 127.1 with reaction from Catholic clergy, including another call for Biden’s excommunication!
Read in full advert-free here.
“…I ask my Brethren in the Episcopate and priests to recognize that Joe Biden has incurred latæ sententiæ excommunication, and as such must be expelled from the churches and not admitted to Communion. I call on Catholics and all Christians to pray that, on this solemn Easter Day, the Risen Lord will have mercy on the United States of America and put an end to the onslaught of the infernal forces unleashed today more than ever before…
Luciferian hatred of God and our Lord Jesus Christ can no longer be hidden or denied. This is the revelation unveiled before us, which the servants of darkness provocatively mock by celebrating perversions and vices on the very holy Day when we honor the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Read this bravely forthright archbishop’s Statement in full here.
Now to the prophetic word brought by Julie Green on Biden’s blasphemy:
One Nation Under God received on 3rd July last year concludes (emphases except for last are mine and note ‘Two Presidents’ reference, as brought 16 years ago yesterday by Kim Clement, copy herein):
‘Great blasphemy I have seen and heard. Watch what happens next in the White House, your Capitol Building, and Washington, D.C. A great fall is about to take place.
“Biden is a fake!” people will scream. “Two presidents, how can this be? How can this happen in our Nation?” Great judgment will be seen in this land against the ones who have stolen your freedom, your Nation, your elections, and your health.
The day is drawing near when you will see all who are against you be removed. So stand your ground. Hold the line and do not give up on Me and My protection of it (this Nation). You will see that I am the defender and protector of the United States, and your enemies will never have this Nation or what they desired from it.
Their (your enemies’) great reset is about to fall. Hold on a little bit longer. Their dam is about to break. Every lie is about to be revealed, and truth will completely set you free, saith the Lord.
I am with this Nation, no matter what man says, no matter what your enemy says, and no matter what it looks like. This Nation will be what it was always meant to be on this Earth – a blessing to the nations; a light to the world; a superpower to help defend and protect from the evil, corruption, and enemies that have tried to infiltrate every nation on this Earth. This country will be what I have called it to be, and nothing will get in the way of that.
Freedom is coming like you have never known. Call it in. Receive it now in My Name, the Name of Jesus. It has been won. Your enemies are defeated. Believe that this day. Freedom will rise, and liberty will be celebrated once again. Shout your freedoms today. Take back what is yours now,” saith the Lord your Redeemer.’
Now note, Donald Trump trump’s Biden’s call:
Read in full advert-free here.
Lord, may that declaration speak into 5th November being the removal of political plots and their culprits in the USA, just as in Guy Fawkes’ capture foiled the Gunpowder Plot of his attempting to blow up King James in Parliament in 1605.
I’ve not wanted to blog on this repulsive matter over the most Holy-days as it makes me feel unclean, so dealt first with Godly material this week but now need to address this as a Bible Update.
In End-times Briefing 3, signs 23 and 24 are Jesus saying – and recall the widespread wickedness of sodomy and related practices implicit in His references:
Exposure of rampant deep evil in USA and consequential judgement must now go full throttle after Biden blatantly throws down satan’s gauntlet at The Almighty on the day’s when Christians mourn Jesus’ death and rejoice in His resurrection, on behalf of ALL humanity. I’m sure most readers will be aware of that nasty news:
So, here’s some related news items captured on Richard’s Watch and other Telegram channels and elsewhere. First, we consider the political and in the next post prophetic fulfillment and church reactions:
NB, Biden’s Proclamation shows his definite personal anti-scriptural stance. SO, Lord have mercy on him and send Holy Spirit to thoroughly convict him and bring public repentance and penance: Continue reading
This night vision given to Veronika speaks into the insight I gained from Apostle Peter’s reference (and confirmed again during Easter Sunday service) to the spiritual change in Jesus upon His death and entombment, as in Scripture on post-mortem Jesus… :
‘..I checked BibleGateway’s Verse Of The Day (1Peter 3:15) and then read its source chapter, where Holy Spirit opened up an insight. In reading chapter 3 in my Bible I got well and truly ‘hit between the eyes’ by verse 18 :
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,..
Obviously, we all know dead bodies are not alive, BUT Jesus had become truly alive in His own spirit and thus, The ‘firstborn from the dead’ – Col 1:18, Heb 12:23, Rev 1:5 !!
Continuing from how the audio-visual impressions I sensed on 10th March relating to a prophetic word (see Footnote to “This is That!”) were also confirmed immediately by a God-incidence of the change in Jesus from earthly death to spiritual life and my insight.’
As in His Kingdom Prophecy shown above, our dear sister writes (my underlines):
“This is a Dream that has many prophetic layers to it, that can speak to a number of things but for now I will only share and submit the aspects that I believe are absolutely necessary for the purpose of Prayer in this hour.
So, I had a powerful Dream early hours of the morning, (March 30 — 30/3) and I woke from this Dream encounter at 3:33 (which I believe is prophetically significant)!
Ezekiel the Watchman for Israel
“1Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: 2‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, 3and he sees the Sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people…4then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.” Ezekiel 33:1-4.
THE DREAM:
So in the Dream, I was standing in a strange place in the realm of The Spirit, a place where the fragrance of Sweet Oil and Spices filled the atmosphere.
Now as I Stood in this place, I immediately began to pray, and I heard these Words as a gentle whisper, “The Tomb was a Womb that brought forth Resurrection Life and Light into the deep Darkness!”
On hearing those Words, I knew, I was standing in an Ancient Tomb, which was likened to me as a (Womb) deep within the realms of Creation.
But I also knew in the Dream, that I was about to be shown something that would take place over The Nations in the coming days.
I knew by the Spirit of Revelation, that this place I was in was where the Sound of all of Creation can be heard groaning — where all of Creation listens and responds to the Words of the Great Creator — and a place where what is Decreed and Declared by the Sons and Daughters, is built and established in the Spirit and made manifest in the Earth Realm!
A place where the Words of Life and Death are birthed by the Power of our Tongues. This was a place where Life and Death over Nations was determined by the Prayers and Proclamations of The Saints!
I knew, that I had been taken to this place, and into this Sacred Place to begin to Govern and Legislate through Intercession, and that I was to begin to Decree and Declare Life, Light and Freedom over the Nation of America and The Nations of the Earth.
This was a Place where the Mantles of Governmental Power and Authority Change the Course of Nations!
Now, as I stood in this powerful place, which was surrounded by a deep darkness, it was so dark that not even a glimpse of light could be seen.
But there was No Fear in this place — but only The Spirit of The Fear of The LORD rested in that place.
I could feel a great weight of the Glory of The LORD round-about me, and a strange sense of Anticipation and Expectation began to rise within my Spirit, when suddenly, my eyes caught the tiniest glimmer of light beginning to break through the darkness of that place (Tomb/ Womb).
And as a glimmer of light began to break through the deep darkness, I stepped a little closer in the Dream, and the light began to get brighter and brighter, and then a small circle of light began to appear and started coming towards me.
Now as I kept watching in the Dream, I saw the small circle of Light become a very large and distinct Ring of Fire, that only became more and more intense!
And I heard these Words, ”The Year of the Open Door, the Year of the Tomb that will speak of Judgement and the Year of the Womb that will Speak Birthing!”
On hearing those Words, suddenly the Dream shifted and it was as if I was now watching the coming Solar Eclipse that is happening over America.
But as I kept watching, suddenly, a great and violent Shaking began to happen in the Dream, and I felt the ground beneath my feet beginning to move and shift, and the ground moved with such violence that I felt as if I was standing on Water and I could feel the Waves of the Sea swirling beneath my feet!
In that moment, I knew by The Spirit that a great Earthquake was going to suddenly take place on the Earth, and so I immediately began to Pray.
I went into deep and fervent intercession in the Dream, as I knew that a great Earthquake was coming to The Nations and that the Waters of the Sea would be violently stirred up and that great devastation and destruction would come if I did not begin to pray.
Now, as I cried out for The Nations, I heard these Words, ”Cry Mercy! Mercy!
For Mercy is the tap-root of the Foundations of Covenant Nations!
I say: Cry Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!”
And then I heard these Words, ”Watch!” and there was a violent Earthquake — for an Angel of The LORD came down from Heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it!
Now as I heard those Words, the Spirit of Revelation showed me, that I was not just being shown a Solar Eclipse as the moon moves between the earth and the sun — but I was also watching and being shown as a sudden Earthquake took place, as The Angel of The LORD came down and the stone was being rolled away from the entrance of the tomb!
Friends, In this strange Dream, again I knew by Revelation that what I was watching and being shown was not just “Two Historical Events Unfolding!”
One that has already taken place — but one that was yet to take place!
I was being shown powerful and prophetic parallels that demanded my full attention.
I was being shown Two Events that were intertwined with one other, in their both their Spiritual and Prophetic Significance!
I was being shown a Prophetic Timeline for the purpose of Prayer and Intercession for the Days ahead.
I was being shown an Ancient Tomb and a Womb — a Place of Death — and yet a Place where Life and Light bursts forth!
I was being shown a sudden and great Earthquake — that would violently Shake the Nation and that would bring many Nations to their knees in one day!
Friends, listen! I hear a Clarion Call for the Ecclesia — the Governing Sons and Daughters of God — to arise and begin to Legislate through Prophetic Decrees and Declarations — to fervently seek His Face in this Hour in True Repentance — and to begin to cry out for Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!
And to cry out that God would Remember His Covenant!
Friends, this Dream comes as a powerful reminder of the Spiritual Battle that is raging over the Destiny of Nations — a Battle that is taking place in the heavenly realms for the Birthright and Allotted Kingdom Inheritance over Nations, and the importance of our Prayers and Intercession in this critical time.
We are called to be Watchmen on the walls, to stand in the gap for our Nations and cry out for Mercy in the face of Judgment.
Lastly, let us heed the call to fervent Prayers of Repentance on behalf of our Governments and Nations, to seek The Face of The LORD, and stand in the Authority He has given us as His children.
Let us declare Life, Light, and Freedom over our Nations, knowing that our Words have the Authority and Power to change the course of History.
As we face the days ahead, let us remember that we serve a God of Mercy and a Covenant Keeping God, a God Who hears the cries of His people and responds with Grace.
Let us stand firm in faith, knowing that even in the darkest of times, His light will shine through and bring forth resurrection life.
May this Dream serve as a Rallying Call for us to come together in Unity and Prayer, to lift up our voices and hearts to The LORD, and to declare His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
For in Him, we have the Power to overcome every trial and tribulation, and to see His glory revealed in ways we never thought possible.
Let us be bold, let us be strong, and let us be faithful in our Prayers and Prophetic Declarations.
For we are called for such a time as this, to be the light in the darkness, the hope in the despair, and the love in the midst of chaos.
Our prayers matter, our voices matter, and our faith matters.
Let us rise up and let us stand together in the Power and Authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…
Date of Dream 30/3 & Time of Dream 3:33 Ezekiel 33:3 !
“When he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people,” Ezekiel 33:3.
Prophetic Parallel — Solar Eclipse — Stone Rolled Away!
The Rolling away of the Stone (Stone representing the Moon) and the Bright Light that was Breaking forth into the deep darkness was the Sun — Son (The Light of the world; The Resurrected Son coming forth from the darkness of the tomb!).
Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West
RB FOOTNOTE: I believe Veronika’s dream bears a connection and similarity with the ecstatic prophecy “This Is That!” received by Rachel Miranda Emerson, as well as with a certain End-time message and visions received by modern Catholic mystics!
A truly marvellous and breath-taking account of divine intervention (7 minutes):
[First posted April 2012, revised June 2024]
Upon reading my brief review of ‘Heaven Is For Real’ did you, too, not end up wondering “What does Jesus look like?“
Whilst reading the book I was very interested to know, simply because Jesus’ face had been out of sight during my own life-changing encounter, as told herein at ‘1st Validation’.
[I’d seen ‘portraits’ of so-called ‘Master Jesus’ in New Age circles, but didn’t regard them as authentic.]
So, can you imagine how deeply stunned Todd and Sonja Burpo were whilst driving with their two children to hear their 4 year-old suddenly announce he’d heard angels – AND met Jesus?
Answering a gentle tease about what had happened to him during the emergency visit to hospital, little Colton pipes up from the back-seat and stuns mum and dad by telling them what they were doing whilst he was dying on an operating table with a severely ruptured appendix that had poisoned his abdomen.
It wasn’t so much his accurate description of what they were doing in two very different places – on the phone and praying; well, losing it with God! – that hit them. (Only much later did his father learn the finer points of how that prayer of desperation was answered!)
They had to stop at a nearby snack bar to hear again, and digest, Colton’s very quick account of what happened whilst being operated upon. As only a young child can, he described being with Jesus. Over the course of many weeks a fuller account gradually emerged, usually popping out during play times, of what Jesus looks like and of many things Colton “did and saw” during minutes, not hours, of earth time.
There was also, and more importantly, what Colton knew.
Almost all of this could not be attributed to any teaching or children’s Bible stories! The first answer to what Jesus looked like was the answer to a spiritual ‘riddle’: what’s the only thing in heaven that’s the same as it was on earth? He said straight-off, “Jesus has markers”. Huh??
His father claims Colton didn’t know about the crucifixion wounds at that age because their Weslyan church made no references to, or had any pictures of them. For nearly three years his parents would show Colton dozens of illustrations depicting Jesus but they all left him cold. He never saw one that he thought was right. He just could not recognise Jesus in any pictures.
One day Todd came across a CNN report of a young girl Akiane Kramarik, a child prodigy who began painting exceptionally sophisticated artwork at the age of 6 years! A couple of years previously she’d begun having ‘visions’ of heaven, even though both her parents were atheists! The authors of ‘Heaven Is For Real’ write, ‘Slowly her mom began to accept that Akiane’s visions were real and that, therefore, God must be real’.
Todd writes, ‘As I watched a montage of Akiane’s artwork play across my computer screen, the narrator said, “Akiane describes God as vividly as she paints him”! (p 143)
That was similar to how Colton spoke of Jesus – both children spoke especially about His beautiful eyes. So Todd told Colton to come and take a look, asking what was wrong with this one. The boy said nothing, just stared, and he was asked again – still silence and then he got nudged:
‘My seven-year-old turned to look at me and said, “Dad, that one’s right!”
Entitled “Prince of Peace, Resurrection”, her portrait can be seen in Akiane’s Official Gallery under ‘Age 8’ and the next year shows Jesus praying, “Father Forgive Them”. To learn how she saw and painted Him read For child art prodigy Akiane, Jesus is for real.
Below, Ray Downing demonstrates how the picture Colton saw matches the image of the deceased Christ as captured millennia ago on The Shroud of Turin.
Also, you can watch Colton at 11 tell his story on video on Heaven is for Real Ministries. APRIL 2024 – Tim Shey comments with another interesting pictorial comparison: “Richard: I just discovered this today. The video is 3 minutes 55 seconds. Reminds of that scripture: ”in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16)
I say, amen, to what Jim Caviezel wrote on his Facebook page. Reminds me of this quote: “Though swordless, these soldiers of Christ fought the might of imperial Rome and won . . .Unlettered they unblushingly declared the whole counsel of God and eventually staggered the intellectual Greeks.” –Leonard Ravenhill”
NEXT: How Jesus Saved His Own Portrait
Thank you to my readers who queried the veracity of the Archko Volume and Tim Shey and I offer our sincere apologies. The two postings were temporarily removed but then retained after another reader’s query.
Tim adds this comment and I note the Critique generated an extensive discussion:
“Richard: I just found this:
A Critique of the Archko Library
A Critique of the Archko Library – Defending Genesis (wordpress.com)
It looks like the Archko Volume is false. I apologize to anyone that I may have led astray. I am going to delete it from my two blogs.
The reason why I posted the Archko Volume on my two blogs is that I was staying with this family in Montana years ago and I noticed the Archko Volume in their bookcase. I read a little and then forgot about it. A few months later, I was hitchhiking and this other family let me stay overnight at their place. I noticed the Archko Volume in their bookcase, so I thought that the Lord wanted me to read it some more (two witnesses).”
For my part I cannot offer any excuse save to say the ‘Report’ reminded me of thinking, when a boy in church, I’d have liked to have been alive in Jesus’ times to see and hear him – AND all around the walls were large sculptured scenes from his trial and journey to crucifixion and death, known as The Stations Of The Cross. Moreover, during a Latin Mass the interspersed readings in English from the Gospels and Epistles catch one’s attention, especially the apostle John’s attestation closing his account:
“This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.” (John 21 – Douai-Rheims)
Following the previous post on what’s claimed to be contemporary observations by Pontius Pilate of Jesus Christ, I must ask – do you know Him yet? IF you don’t, and want to discover who Jesus really is then run this 3 minute clip.:
But before that, you may be asking, Is there a God?
Click on that question-link to a site helping us think about whether or not God exists, and wherein Eric Hatfield challenges with questions and information upon which firm answers can be based. For example, his blog’s post of 19 Aug ’12 introduces an in-depth consideration of claims for miraculous healings, as on this search.
To find out how to become a Christian click that link and browse the site, or even take 4 Simple Steps on getting to know God personally (study app also available).
This brief book review of Heaven Is For Real tells of a child’s encounter with Jesus and a follow-up confirms Colton’s memory and shows what Jesus really looks like.
Finally, or firstly(!), listen once again to Dr Shadrach Meshach’s Lockridge’s wonderful way with words as he describes where God came from and asks “Do you know Him?” – then he tells us about Him.:
PERSONAL (from this blog’s page Do You Know Jesus?) Continue reading
[Published 30 May 2022]
Here’s the second of Tim Shey’s comments upon What Does Jesus Look Like? – and note our chat on this blog’s (then) previous post (earlier publication of Pilate’s Report ):
Richard: This is a really beautiful and uplifting story about a small child seeing Jesus. Colton seeing Jesus reminds me of:
[I respond re. Colton “Yes Tim, and it wasn’t Colton alone but also the child-prodigy Akian who painted Jesus’ portrait.” – What is also interesting is that Kenneth Hagin describes Jesus EXACTLY as Akiane Kramarik paints him. I read a few books by Kenneth Hagin years ago. Hagin was sitting on this bed reading the Bible when Jesus walked into the room. Hagin describes Jesus as around 5’11” or 6′, very muscular, dark hair and olive skin color.]
PS NOTE: See next post on apocryphal nature of this collection, as in original post:
THE ARCHKO VOLUME – Historical Evidence for Jesus Christ
The full title: THE ARCHKO VOLUME OR, THE ARCHEOLOGICAL WRITINGS OF THE SANHEDREN AND TALMUDS OF THE JEWS [These are the official documents made in these courts in the days of Jesus Christ]. Translated by Drs. McIntosh and Twyman. [Previous post Pilate’s Report refers]
Here are some chapter headings:
Chapter IV: “Jonathan’s interview with the Bethlehem shepherds–Letter of Melker, Priest of the Synagogue at Bethlehem.”
Chapter V: “Gamaliel’s interview with Joseph and Mary and others concerning Jesus.”
Chapter VI: “Report of Caiaphas to the Sanhedrim concerning the execution of Jesus.”
[Records of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin, by Eliezer Hyram, B. 24. Taken in Constantinople, October 16, 1883].
Chapter VII: “Report of Caiaphas to the Sanhedrim concerning the resurrection of Jesus.”
Chapter VIII: “Valleus’s notes–‘Acta Pilati,’ or Pilate’s report to Caesar of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.”
Valleus Paterculus was a Roman historian who authored HISTORIA ROMANIA.
Page 128: “Valleus says that in Judea he met a man called Jesus of Nazareth, who was one of the most remarkable characters he had ever seen; that he was more afraid of Jesus than of a whole army, for he cured all manner of diseases and raised the dead, and when he cursed the orchards or fruit-trees for their barrenness, they instantly withered to their roots. After referring to the wonderful works of Jesus, he says that, although Jesus had such power, he did not use it to injure any one, but seemed always inclined to help the poor. Valleus says the Jews were divided in their opinion of him, the poorer class claiming him as their king and their deliverer from Roman authority, and that if Jesus should raise an army and give it the power he could sweep the world in a single day; but the rich Jews hated him and cursed him behind his back, and called him an Egyptian necromancer, though they were as afraid of him as of death.(Valleus Paterculus, B. 72, found in the Vatican at Rome).”
Chapter IX: “Herod Antipatris’ defence before the Roman Senate in regard to his conduct at Bethlehem.”
Chapter X: “Herod Antipas’ defence before the Roman Senate in regard to the execution of John the Baptist.”
Chapter XI: “The Hillel letters regarding God’s providence to the Jews, by Hillel the Third.”
Your attention is drawn to Tim Shey’s highly intriguing post about Pontius Pilate, Roman governor of Judea, and his personal observations of Jesus’ public ministry and teaching and comparison with His opponents – the Jewish authorities – and further informative links at Pilate’s Report on the Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus.
PPS: See Tim’s update with link to A Critique.
PS. From Jim Caviezel’s Facebook (well-worth seeing recent postings):
[First published 2018 – continuing from Part 1]
His disciples came to Jesus and said, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” and He replied, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him (and her) more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore, I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand…” (Matthew 13:10-13 NKJV)
Definition: ‘Mystery’, Greek musterion (moos-tay-ree-on; Strongs #3466). From mueo, “to initiate into the mysteries”, hence a secret known only to the initiated, something hidden requiring special revelation. In the NT the word denotes something that people could never know by their own understanding and that demands a revelation from God. The secret thoughts, plans and dispensations of God remain hidden from unregenerate mankind, but are revealed to all believers. In non-biblical Greek musterion is knowledge withheld, concealed or silenced. In biblical Greek it is truth revealed (Col 1:26). NT musterion focuses upon Christ’s sinless life, atoning death, powerful resurrection and dynamic ascension.’ [New Spirit-Filled Study Bible].
The above, ancient meaning of ‘mystery’ is rarely understood and appreciated, even by those solidly grounded in scripture. As told in my testimony, my pre-Christian life got immersed in that esoteric knowledge, and so I’m experienced in this matter and can attest that the difference between that discipline and holy revelations from the Almighty is like the contrast between His Light and the devil’s darkness.
A MATHEMATICIAN’S MYSTERIES
Roger Penrose, “The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe”, Knopf (2005)
Therefore, the modern definition of ‘mystery’ as an unsolved puzzle, or something difficult or impossible to explain is comparatively trite!
Even the eminent mathematician-physicist Sir Roger Penrose tends toward a circumscribed perception of reality when using this term, as quoted and discussed in RTU’s Three Worlds, Three Mysteries.
According to its author Joseph, Penrose posits the existence of three “realms” existing around us and “which brings three mysteries” that raise interesting questions on how the world should be viewed. These realms are the physical, mental and Platonic mathematical worlds.
Of course, such hypothetical mysteries cannot equal the much deeper ‘mystery’ of revelatory scripture! Yet in positing that mathematical entities don’t belong in space or time and are eternal and unchanging, Penrose is approaching our understanding of the mathematical aspects of the Bible. His recent thoughts upon consciousness originating at a quantum level may approach ideas I’ve broached in the convergence of science and scripture.
JESUS POINTS TO MATHMATICS
Continuing from Part 1 on Apostle John’s account of the miraculous provision of 153 large fish and the re-blog of New Zealander Joanne Rolston’s posts on it, we learn that she asked Jesus direct on why such specific details are noted. Let me quote some pertinent parts of her highly personal account:
“I asked the Lord about the meaning of the 153 fish in John 21:10, and I was given a maths answer. Amazingly I grasped the explanation. Having to learn statistics in order to get my Diploma of Business helped. I had to overcome a lot to learn the math behind statistics…(including) my loathing for maths. Fortunately, I have a very patient husband who helped me with the mechanics of maths in statistics.
“But I kept complaining to God. “Why do I have to learn this?” I protested, “We’re never going to use it in our business!”
“Make friends with maths” the Lord told me. Not reconcile myself to maths, not become acquainted with maths; He wanted me to believe I could learn maths and take an interest in it! It was a big ask. In a Father’s instruction, He says;
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
So we read that Joanne progressed and mentions Factorial numbers and Venn diagrams as being the first things she learned in statistics. These were the basis of all the wonderful things she was later shown about that ‘action replay’ fishing trip by seven of Jesus’ disciples.
She succinctly explains the unusual significance of the 153 fish by maths of factorials and square root of the third prime number (3), as well as geometrical constructions and proofs in diagrammatic forms, PLUS their relevance to the triune relationship of God, Christ and mankind.
Now examine these facts more closely and delve deeper into the ‘mysteries of the kingdom’:
That historic catch’s mathematical meaning is a surprising shock to we moderns but, in the immense sweep of history, such intellectual knowledge was a relatively ‘recent’ development to those living in the inter-Testamental times of the Graeco-Roman world. The principal propositions, or theories and proofs, of geometry had been compiled by Euclid of Alexandria about 300 years before Jesus’ life. To give us some perspective, this is the same period since the accession of George I (1714) and the appearance of John and Charles Wesley to lead a major evangelical revival, from which was born the fourth largest church denomination in England, Methodism (in Oxford, 1729).
Fascinating Fact: the first proposition of Euclid’s Elements of Geometry is to construct an equilateral (three sides of equal length) triangle by describing a Vesica Piscis (known as ‘Vessel of Fish’!) with a pair of compasses. It’s done by drawing one circle and then a second one exactly the same size, but with its centre on the circumference of the first.
The common, overlapping area looks like a canoe and the ratio of its length to width is 265:153, which closely approximates the square root of 3 as calculated by Archimedes of Syracuse.
All three symbols, triangle and circles with intersecting segment, feature in the ‘mystery’ of the 153 fish – note the use of equilateral triangle as this will be considered another time:
It’s noteworthy that John closes his Gospel account of Jesus’ main post-Resurrection appearances with this most tantalising morsel:
‘And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.’ (John 20:30)
That statement lodged indelibly within my soul when a teenager and I determined to set on a quest to discover the fullness of Jesus’ work. A lifetime later, I learn that ‘seal’ sets the scene for the last chapter’s account of the amazing fishing expedition. That is, it is a clear signpost of the next and final miracle’s deep significance to the early Church.
UNLOCKING THE SIGN MIRACLES OF JOHN – SIGN 8: 153 FISH
Jonathan R Hill, whose above-titled book explains how ‘pi’, the mathematical ratio of circumference and diameter of every circle is found in Genesis 1:1, and that of ‘e‘ (base of natural logarithmic and base rate of growth in all growing processes), are found in John 1:1, devotes a full chapter to ‘Sign 8’, the miraculous catch of 153 fish.
Consider this summary of his main points on Sign 8:
Jonathan makes many more deep connections between scriptures and Sign 8 and their importance to the Church and the Consummation of the Age. Building upon the 17-rowed triangle of the number 153 displayed in Jo-Blog’s Go Fish, this is how Jonathan describes this mathematical principle (drag to enlarge, noting number 153 forms an equilateral triangle of sides 17 x 17 x 17):
Triangular Numbers, courtesy Jonathan R Hill
From this brief overview of well-researched data we can confidently conclude that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven include mathematical principles as an important part of its transcendental wisdom. Selah!
Yesterday, 2024 (re controversy in USA, kindly bear with typo):
[First published 2018]
Not long after Father God brought Jesus the Messiah back from the dead by His Spirit, the One who’s the radiance of His glory went once again in search of His ex-fisherman friends. Of the two sets of brothers who’d been partners in the fishing trade on the Sea of Galilee before deserting their nets to follow a peripatetic teacher, their boss had an exceptionally severe crisis of self-confidence.
GONE FISHING!
So this ‘son of Jonah’, named Simon, decided to return to the simple life of sitting in a boat with buddies and dragging a net in the hope of getting a catch – but it proved to be an exercise in futility!
A few years earlier on that inland sea, the four fishing partners encountered and had been ‘called’ by The One to follow Him. Jesus amazed the crowds there with His teaching and had asked Simon if He could address them from his moored boat. Jesus knew the men had worked hard all night without having caught anything because, when He’d finished speaking, He told Simon to sail into deep water and lower his nets despite the fruitless night – Simon was overwhelmed by the result! They’d got such a large number of fish that another boat was called for – then both began to sink with their massive weight!!
So Simon changed his tune. Upon hearing Jesus’ instruction he’d objected because of the poor night, yet respectfully referred to Him as “Master” – but in amazement at the fresh catch breaking nets and sinking boats, Simon addressed Him with the superior term of “Lord”; thus suggesting he was beginning to understand the status of this astonishing teacher. In the account by one of those partners, John, they’d previously met Jesus immediately after His baptism in the river Jordan and Andrew had brought his brother Simon to see Jesus, who then spoke of his identity and implicit destiny, “You are Simon son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,” (which is translated ‘A Stone’, Petros/Peter: John 1:42).
After that huge catch of unspecified quantity, Jesus called Simon into his destiny: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men!” That is, a fisher of men. When they’d landed their boats the four forsook all and followed Him (Luke 5:10-11).
This event would be replayed later but at a higher level when, once again, Simon will be caught by surprise! But before that, the four fishermen disciples were to become part of the twelve chosen as ‘Apostles’, who were given power and authority (Matt 10:2). And Simon was to have a personal revelation of Jesus’ real identity. He blurted out “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” to which Jesus responded, “Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Also, he was further blessed to see Jesus’ transfiguration and hear Father speak about His beloved Son and instruct Peter, James and John to heed Him (Matt 16 and Matt 17).
Yet this same Peter later earned a severe rebuke from Jesus because, in his devotion, he was shocked upon hearing Jesus speak of His destined execution and in dismay he spoke against God’s plans! AND then, when that dreadful event transpired, poor Peter was distraught during Jesus’ trial to hear himself thrice deny his association with Him! Even so, he was again blessed when Jesus visited, instructed and commissioned the Twelve (minus Judas the betrayer) after His miraculous resurrection from the dead.
However, Peter must have considered his thrice-denial would cost him dearly in losing his standing with his Lord. Hence, a critical crisis of self-confidence for Peter.
So, why not go back to fishing – and far away from Jerusalem? His ex-fisherman friend John records Simon Peter as having told him and five others – seven in total – he was going fishing – and they replied, “We’re going with you!” (John 21:2-3). In fact, Peter was heading into his own resurrection: that of his own self-worth, identity and calling!
ACTION REPLAY
John continues: ‘They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children have you any food?” They answer Him, “No” and He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they cast, and were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish…
‘Then as soon as they came to land they saw a fire of coals there and fish laid on it, and bread (Note:) Jesus said to them “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three, and although there were so many, the net was not broken.’
Believing readers will be very familiar with the wonderful reinstatement of Peter. When John recognised who the man on the beach was he told Peter and, being determined to be back with Him, Peter donned his outer garment and dived fully clothed into the water and swam about 100 meters to shore.
This dear man, so like all of us as imperfect disciples, is asked thrice if he loves the Lord much more than his fellow disciples – that is, with ‘agape’ love: the unconditional, unconquerable, benevolent goodwill, as given by the Father and Jesus. Peter, rescinds and over-rights his previous thrice-denial to profess a less emphatic love (‘phileo’) that he knows he can give. In repeating His question at that lower level Jesus accepts but tests his profession further, thus giving him a threefold commission to be His under-shepherd.
[Note: ‘agape’, a word to which Christianity gave a new meaning, for outside the NT it rarely occurs in existing Greek manuscripts of the period. It means a love by choice and refers to will, rather than ‘phileo’, a brotherly love by chance and emotion – New Spirit-Filled Study Bible.]
Read more deeply, if you’ve not already done so, about the significance of the specific size of this ‘resurrection’ catch in Joanne Rolston’s 153, Signs and Symbols. In part 2 we will go deeper into them as we look into the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…
[Photos: ‘The Life of Christ’, Wintershall Players, copyright Richard J Barker]
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