Category Archives: Holy Bible

End-times Briefing 19.2: ‘coincidental’ three signs > the fig tree of Israel

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I closed part 1 of this Briefing: “It being a Monday – my catch-up day – YET MORE WAS TO COME…!” because the next morning I returned to ‘The Olivet Discourse’ and Jesus’ predicting the return of Days of Noah along with recalling modern prophets and Catholic visionaries increasing references to a coming global darkness.

Note next verses:

After His predictions Jesus proceeds to alert His first disciples, and every believer, to more indicative signs by way of ‘parables’ as also preceding His Return, viz:

  • The Fig Tree
  • Days of Noah
  • Faithful vs Evil Servant
  • Wise vs Foolish Virgins
  • Servants’ Use of ‘Talents’

Later that Tuesday, after returning home, I get to check Facebook and, as her postings don’t appear on my Fbk home-screen, search for Veronika West’s Ignite Ireland Ministry and AGAIN AM ASTONISHED to discover she brings ‘God-incidental’ confirmation from the Lord. Her opening words recount being taken into a dream wherein,

“I saw a beautiful Fig Tree standing before me, and it’s branches were lush and green, and the first fruits of the Fig tree were ready to be harvested.”

So, I comment as follows below her post therein:

So here’s His Kingdom Prophecy version of what Veronika posted:

THE HORNET OF JOSHUA WILL DRIVE OUT HAMAS BEFORE THEM

A Powerful Dream – for the Nation of Israel!

”Watch! For I will send the Hornet of Joshua 24 in 2024 and Hamas shall be driven out before them!”

In the very early hours of this morning, I suddenly heard these Words, ”Watch! For I will send the Hornet of Joshua 24 in 2024 — and Hamas shall be driven out before them!”

As I heard those Words, I was taken into a Dream, where I saw a beautiful Fig Tree standing before me, and it’s branches were lush and green, and the first fruits of the Fig tree were ready to be harvested.

Now, I knew by Revelation in the Dream, that I was being shown The Nation of Israel — when suddenly my eyes were drawn to what looked like a large Hornets Nest nestled high amongst the green leaves and branches of the beautiful Fig Tree.

As I looked at the Hornets’ Nest, I heard these Words,

”Watch and Pray! For the Axe shall bring forth a great and violent shaking, which shall bring to birth a great Spiritual Awakening to The Nations!”

As I heard those Words, suddenly I saw the sharp blade of an axe come down upon the trunk of the beautiful Fig Tree, and suddenly I saw a great shaking begin to take place.

I watched as the branches and fruit of the beautiful Fig Tree were being violently shaken, and I saw some of the first fruits on the branches of the Fig Tree begin to fall to the ground.

Now, as I watched this happening in the Dream I knew again by Revelation that I was watching and being shown the destructive plans of the enemy coming against the Covenant Roots of The Nation of Israel, and that the First-fruits of The Nation were the many lives being lost — even those of many of the Hostages who have lost their lives in the War that is now unfolding.

As I stayed watching this great and violent shaking taking place, and as I watched the first-fruits fall to the ground, I began to weep bitterly and The Spirit of Intercession came upon me in the Dream.

As I began to cry out for The Nation of Israel, I heard The Spirit say, “Daughter, Watch and Pray! For a Hornets Nest has been stirred up!”

Now, as those Words echoed loudly in the Dream, my eyes were suddenly drawn back to the large Hornets Nest, nestling high up in the branches of the Fig Tree.

As the loud sound of the Axe could still be heard in the Dream, and as the violent Shaking continued as the axe came down upon the Roots of the Tree, suddenly I began to see the large Hornets’ Nest move and shake.

I could hear a very loud buzzing sound coming from deep within the Hornets’ Nest, and then I watched as very large and very angry Hornets began to come out of the nest and descend upon the foot of the Fig Tree, to where the sound of the Axe was coming from.

Then I heard The Spirit of Revelation say these Words to me,

”I say — Watch! For the Hornet of Joshua 24 shall drive them out — and the Honey Bees shall come to restore what the locusts have eaten!
Listen! For I say, 2024 shall be the Year of the Hornet and the Honey Bees — for a simultaneous move of Divine Judgment, Retribution and Restoration has surely begun in The Nations of the Earth!”

Suddenly, I woke up!

Prophetic Notes :

Joshua 24 :

“You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, and Girgashite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I delivered them into your hand. I sent the HORNET before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.” Joshua 24:11-12 emphasis added.

Exodus 23 :

“Behold, I send an angel before you, to keep you by the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Pay attention to him, and listen to his voice. Don’t provoke him, for he will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in him. But if you indeed listen to his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries. For my angel shall go before you, and bring you in to the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I will cut them off. You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor follow their practices, but you shall utterly overthrown them and demolish their pillars. You shall serve Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send my terror [fear] before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. I will send the HORNET before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you. I will not drive them out before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land.” Exodus 23:20-30 emphasis added.

Deuteronomy 7 :

“If you shall say in your heart, ‘These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?’ You shall not be afraid of them. You shall remember well what Yahweh your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which Yahweh your God brought you out. So shall Yahweh your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. Moreover Yahweh your God will send the HORNET among them, until those who are left, and hide themselves, perish from before you. You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is among you, a great and awesome God.” Deuteronomy 7:17-21 emphasis added.

Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West

SELAH!

UPDATE FOLLOWS NEXT >

End-times Briefing 19.1: ‘coincidental’ three signs > days of Noah, the fig tree, solar flare

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There’s NO such thing as coincidence, especially when three come along, so it surely seems the Lord’s at work and hinting through ‘God-incidents’ – let’s run quickly through what I encountered in first fortnight of this month of May 2024:

When preparing to gather my End-times Briefings into a library for reference purposes I revisited what Jesus says about the sequence of events to watch out for His impending Return, as told in Matthew 24 The Signs of the Times and End of The Age (NKJV), also known as ‘The Olivet Discourse’.  In particular I reread His implicit reference to a repeat of the cataclysmic days of Noah and of Lot – then noted the ‘follow ons’!

THE RETURN OF THE PREDICTED “DAYS OF NOAH”

On Monday 6th May I caught up with Veronika West’s item of the previous day, and am amazed it closes with:

“…For many will say, these are the Days of Noah that have suddenly come upon us and the Doors have been closed”…!!!

AND there’s more, relating to my reminders to why I began writing in February 2009 with The Endgame Is Now In Play, which tells of my hearing “This is ALL about to be fulfilled” open opening my Bible to check Jesus’ parable about wheat and tares (Matt 13:36-43).

So, I comment on Veronika’s Facebook as shown below:

Moreover, I’m further amused at the number of postings I cite – tagged Days of Noah – as that’s not only my birth-year but also the next numeral for the next US presidential term, 47, who is currently anticipated as being Donald Trump.

Now read in full, courtesy of Angus MacKillop at His Kingdom Prophecy:

THE SOUND OF DISTINCTION & THE RISE OF KINGDOM REFORMERS

THE RISE OF KINGDOM REFORMERS IN THE DAYS OF JUDGEMENT – AND THE RISE OF ISLAM ON OUR STREETS!!

I recently released a Prophetic Word; “The bleating of sheep has given rise to the sound of Islam on your streets…”   

[See January 2024 HKP Word, “The UK: A Prodigal Nation shall Turn, Return and be Restored!”]

When this Word of Warning came, I heard The Spirit say, ”Who will Sound the Sound of Distinction and Deal with the Rise of Islam on your streets?

I say, Who will Call for the Kingdom Reformers to Rise to take back the gates of the cities?

Who will Rebuild the Broken down Altars that have given legal Rights to the Ruling Principalities of Islam and Baal to occupy the land?

Who will take up the Mantle of Priesthood again? And who will take hold of the Horns of the Altar in True Repentance and Seek My Mercy for Stiff-Necked and Rebellious Nations?

Who will Worship Me in Spirit and In Truth and who among you will turn their backs on Empire Building to Build and Establish My Kingdom in the Earth Realm?

For surely I tell you, the Tables of the Money-Changers shall be overturned and the Merchandisers shall be driven out!

Watch and Pray — for Judgment has Come to The Church — and those that have pimped and prostituted My Precious Gifts in Pulpits of their own making, shall surely be exposed — and those who have come dressed as Angels of Light and Wolves in Sheep’s clothing, shall be brought into the open and stripped naked for all eyes to see!

Watch, as I shake The Church loose of the chains of wickedness and religious witchcraft!

Watch, as I shake the Houses of Government and give them ravenous wolves to lead them

Watch, as I shake Wall Street and the Babylonian Financial Structures and Systems and cause stocks to plummet and shares to tumble!

Watch, as I shake Nations and rearrange their Boundary lines!

Watch, as the Foundations of Nations rip and rupture and the waters of the sea rise and carry away the wealth and power of the wicked in high places!

I say Watch, as My Glory invades the Earth through Wind, Rain and Fire — and Listen — as the Heavens Declare the Day of Great Trouble and the Beginning of Sorrows for those who have turned away from My Righteousness and given themselves over to the Altars of Baal and Molech.

I say, cry out while your cries can still be heard!

Cry out while your tears can be still be collected!

Cry out while the sun is still shining!

But Watch and Pray — for the Day of Retribution draws near for The Nations, for the window of My Mercy is closing and the storm-clouds of My Wrath are gathering on the Horizon.

For Many will say the Days of Noah have suddenly come upon us — and the Doors have been closed!”

Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West

RB: It being a Monday – my catch-up day – YET MORE WAS TO COME…!

Continue End-Times Briefings.

[Puzzle In Sky by Idea Go, courtesy www.freedigitalphotos.net]

Psalm 91 Global Prophecy Signals – Veronika West in Ulster (GPS 105.2)

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In view of being away most of the long weekend my online times were very brief and spasmodic via phone, but it so happened I found and could share this vision Veronika received on my Fkbk timeline before reading Tony’s contribution about the same psalm via the Lord’s GPS or Global Prophecy Signalling system. Here’s the version published by His Kingdom Prophecy on Saturday 11 May:

UNLOCKING THE ANGELIC MILITARY DIVISION OF PSALM 91 

Unlocking the Angelic Military Division of Psalm 91 : A Prophetic Encounter that gave greater Revelation and Understanding

Today was our second day of our early morning Ireland’s Destiny Hub May Day Prayer Call, and the Brother who was leading our time started the Meeting by reading Psalm 91.

Now like many of you, I have read Psalm 91 hundreds of times over the years, but today I was suddenly shown by The Spirit of Revelation something that blew me away!

Now, as the Word (Psalm 91) was being read aloud, suddenly I saw a realm and dimension of God’s Glory being unlocked and opened up to us, and as far as my eyes could see, I saw what looked like a mighty, powerful Angelic Military Division, standing at full Attention as The Word was going forth into the atmosphere!

I also heard these Words, ”The Military Angelic Division of Psalm 91.”

Now, as I looked at this Military Army of mighty Warring Angels, I saw that all were strategically positioned and in perfect Alignment, each Angelic Warrior having a certain rank and file within the “Psalm 91 Military Armed Forces.”

I saw that as Psalm 91 was being read aloud and released into the atmosphere, the “Living Word” became as a “Living Key”, — as a “Master Key” that brought a Supernatural Turning and a Divine Unlocking to a realm and dimension of God’s Divine Protection, Preservation and Provision within His Glory.

As I continued to watch this powerful Military Division of Psalm 91 standing at Attention at the Sound of God’s Word going forth, I knew again by The Spirit of Revelation that they were now waiting and listening for the Voice of the Governing Ecclesia to begin to Legislate.

They were waiting and listening intently for their Specific Prophetic Assignments, and for their Marching Orders, that would come through the Sons and Daughters that carried the Authority of The Key of the House of David.

Now, as I watched the Ecclesia begin to Rise and Pray, Rule and Legislate as One Governing Body, the Angelic Armies of Psalm 91 were suddenly being deployed to different Nations, to people, and even to certain premises and geographical locations.

There was a sudden Divine Deployment of the Angelic Forces of Psalm 91 being released to all areas and spheres of Influence across the land of Ireland and to Nations beyond.

Today, this powerful Prophetic encounter brought greater Revelation to me of what begins to take place in The Spirit, when we begin to speak and release The Word of God into the atmosphere.

When The Living Word goes forth, it brings a Supernatural Turning and a Divine Unlocking to “specific supernatural realms and dimensions in The Spirit” — which give us full access, and makes available to us all that is “locked up,” in that Realm and Dimension of His Glory.

Today I watched as the speaking-forth of Psalm 91 broke open and unlocked to us a deeper Realm and Dimension of Gods Divine Protection, Preservation and Provision.

It caused a Supernatural Activation which sent forth the Angel Armies of Psalm 91 with a prophetic Assignment, to clear every obstacle; to remove every stumbling block; to pull down every demonic assignment, and to deal with every demonic plan and purpose of the enemy that would hinder the Advancing of His Kingdom in The Nation(s).

The Release of the Living Word into the atmosphere became as a Living Key, having the Power and Authority to unlock and open up a powerful portal in the Spirit Realm, which gave us permission and full access to the Secret and Hidden Mysteries of God, that were embedded in that specific dimension of the Glory Realm, in order to build and establish His Kingdom in the Earth realm!

The Living Word in your mouth is a Living Key that unlocks realms and dimensions of His Glory — that gives you permission and full access to the Secrets and Hidden Mysteries of His Glory.

The Living Word of God spoken is a Living Key, having the Power and Authority of The Key of The House of David — to open and to shut!

Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West

Image Credits:

On Cue (q): it just so happens, draft completed and published at 17:00 BST

Psalm 91 Global Prophecy Signals – Tony Puccio in Arizona (GPS 105.1)

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Tony Puccio comments as follows upon receiving my End-Times Briefing Library, auto-published on Friday 10th May when our long weekend began, including School For Prophecy’s ‘A Fresh Wind’ conference in Winchester Vineyard church:

‘Good morning Richard. In addition to my post, pray for your family, which you posted in your blog this morning, I felt it apropos to include the dream I had a few days ago as well (RB: linked below).

I begin this post with the following Scripture.

Psalm 91:4 (NKJV) 4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Early on the morning of April 30th I had the following dream. In the dream I was shopping at a big box store, I am purposefully omitting the name because of the nature of the dream.

As I was shopping I started down as aisle and was blocked by a very large man from continuing to proceed down the aisle. I found it very frustrating that this man would not get out of the way and let me proceed down the aisle and continue shopping.

Then my eyes were opened and I saw that this was not a man but rather a very large winged angel. As the angel’s identify was revealed to me there was a very large explosion. It was so loud and powerful that the building shook.

As I looked around the angel’s wings I saw that there was total devastation and carnage everywhere yet I was protected. Hence the quote from Psalm 91.

With a blast that massive I should have been part of the carnage but was instead protected. The source of the blast was not revealed to me in the dream although in light of the current geopolitical climate it would not surprise me to learn that it was a terrorist attack.

I do sense that the Prince of Persia is trying to expand his territory and gain ground elsewhere. So terror is definitely a way to strike fear in people thus gaining control over them.”

Under The Shadow of His Wings

[Digital Globe by Cooldesign, courtesy http://www.freedigitalphotos.net]

End-times Briefing 17: climate is NOT changing, God is moving!

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Depending upon one’s way of thinking, the above title is deliberately provocative to stir a new approach in those who adhere to the doctrine of climate change. In other words it may stir them to consider seriously that it is NOT happening as they suppose. Or, we could entitle this Briefing: “The climate IS changing, for God is moving!’

So, to continue from Briefing 16 on the signs Jesus indicated and recalling recent posts, we now revisit the last two:

  1. Unequivocal Warnings on ‘Climate Change’ as New False Religion
  2. What the Living Lord God IS Saying About Unusual Weather
  3. Heed the Almighty’s Warning About Weather and ‘Climate Change”!
  4. Wild Weather Is NOT Global Warming but BIBLICAL Warning

In the third posting I cite a most informative article published seven years ago entitled Increased ‘Natural’ and Weather Disasters and now select the following extracts (emboldening added):

More Than The Eye Can Behold

‘These designs were designed. This creation was created. That means there is a Designer—a Being with immense intelligence, creativity and power.

The God who created the heavens and the Earth, the ocean currents and the jet streams, the cloud formations and the mountain ranges, the latitudinal variations, and the ecosystem types, still controls those creations. He has the power to send gentle rains in due season as a blessing or torrential floods as a curse. In fact, He even promises to send fair weather as a blessing to nations that obey His law and to send weather disasters on nations that disobey.

God allows mankind to reap the consequences of pollution and other physical sins. But He also intervenes in the weather to punish mankind for its spiritual sins. The Bible reveals that great weather upsets and increasing natural disasters will occur in our time.

God’s ‘Unlimited Broadcasting Station’

‘The Bible teaches that not only is nature the creation of God’s mind, it is, in fact, a vital instrument through which He communicates with us. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). This book—which most people have on their bookshelf, but few understand—gives us information that the best scientific instruments and guesswork simply cannot provide.

Today, any person bold enough to consider nature God’s “unlimited broadcasting station” is mocked as a religious crackpot. But the Bible boldly claims to pinpoint the causes of weather cataclysms and to forecast long-term weather trends.’

Heeding God’s Warning

‘In Amos 4:7, God says, “And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.”

This is an apt description of the world’s climate today. Some regions are experiencing record flooding as other areas experience record drought. This is because these weather disasters are divine curses being sent on mankind to prepare them for the return of Christ.

When Jesus Christ finally comes, everyone on Earth will have seen the futility of trying to decide what is good and what is evil apart from God and His law. They will recognize the curses that have come as a result, and will be ready to repent and to turn to live the way of harmony and happiness that God offered Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden after He had renewed the face of the Earth.

That will mean the dawn of a new age. Jesus Christ will set up God’s government of love, peace and joy.’

In the next Briefing we consider latest details examples of a veritable tracking system, one that ‘coincides’ with, or immediately follows, and thus is the consequential result of geopolitical activity relating to diplomatic relationship with and control of Israel…!!

Continue End-Times Briefings.

Wild weather is NOT global warming but Biblical WARNING!

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https://watch.org/

Heed the Almighty’s warning about weather and ‘climate change’!

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I’m grateful to Mary K Dullforce for linking the following article of 2017 in her comment upon a recent post. as republished by the Philadelphia Church of God, and in which commences with:

‘What is wrong with the weather? Is it really climate change? Are hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and forest fires really “natural”? Why are these once-in-a-lifetime, where-did-this-come-from, never-before-witnessed calamities piling up on top of one another?

The number of natural disasters is measurably rising. The nonprofit Borgen Project found that the average number of natural disasters reported in 1970 was 78. During the 1990s, that number was 354 disasters a year, according to the Red Cross. Between 2000 and 2004, that number jumped to 728 natural disasters per year, and then the number decreased slightly since. However, the severity and the cost of these disasters have continued to rise.

“Unprecedented” and “record” disasters are happening at a quickening pace. “History making” events are becoming commonplace. Such catastrophes should challenge our thinking. They force us to contemplate the fragility of man. They demand that we consider some of the deeper questions that we all-too-easily ignore in more prosperous and peaceful times.

Scientists are searching for explanations within the natural world itself, particularly as disasters increase in frequency and lethality…’

This informative article’s closing section begins:

Heeding God’s Warning

‘The God of the Bible is indeed all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. He promises to bless people for obedience and curse them for disobedience.

In Leviticus 26:3-4, God says, “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” Are the cities that are being deluged with floods, or those that are languishing in drought, receiving this blessing? Why not?

If you believe the God of the Bible, you know that droughts, floods and other disasters are curses for disobedience. The solution to such curses is repentance. For our land to be healed, we must understand these promises.’

Click INCREASED ‘NATURAL’ AND WEATHER DISASTERS to read 7-page paper in full.

RB Footnote:

I note this church’s past connection to Herbert Armstrong for I recall having read some of his The Plain Truth magazines decades ago when a New Ager searching for Truth,  and noted its making church relevant to modern times and topical events.

Choose today whom you serve: the Almighty God of heaven and earth, or what He created – it comes at a price!

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PREAMBLE Joshua 24 (NKJV BibleGateway.com – emphases mine)
Continue reading →

God’s holy word on Jerusalem and His protection during Iran’s airborne attack!

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The previous post refers to my learning as a non-Christian about the city of Jerusalem being the focal point of attack by Iranian elite forces – both in past rehearsals and actual airborne assault from 331 missiles and drones last Saturday evening, the close of holy Sabbath. That fact alone proves Iran approved and supervised their satanic barbarians’ atrocity at dawn on Jewish holy Sabbath immediately closing the Feast of Tabernacles.

Now, in connection with The Almighty’s eternal covenant with the Jewish nation, consider His heart, intentions and protection of Jerusalem, as given in open vision and orally to prophet Zechariah 2,500 years ago (emphases mine): Continue reading →

Back full circle to my discovery of Bible prophecy: Iran rehearsed and now attacks Israel

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Wheels within wheels!

Not only have we gone full circle in my blogging with Tucker Carlson’s interview with a Palestinian priest about Israel, mirroring the beginning of this blog in 2011 with posts on the error of Replacement Theology, but also now full circle back to mid-1980’s. Continue reading →

State of the UK post-October ’23 Outrage: part 2 – Neil Mackereth

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SEEING THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE

Introduction

As main-stream media sticks to the pro-Palestinian narrative, and ignores any evidence to the contrary, it is deeply depressing to see that America and Great(?) Britain have totally failed to understand the true intent of Iran and its proxies (see recent article on the significance of Gaza, and why Israel has no alternative but to ensure the destruction of Hamas). Betraying our allies was once considered indefensible; now it is seen as a political expedient. I examine our moral decline and how our once reliable and authoritative main-stream media bears considerable blame for misleading the Nation. I also look at whether these things have End-Times significance. Continue reading →

End-times Briefing 13: Book of Revelation’s importance – 10 key points

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[First posted 4.7.20]

In his third annexure to Simplicity, Neil Mackereth asks and points out:

WHY IS THE BOOK OF REVELATION SO IMPORTANT?
10 KEY POINTS

1. It is the Culmination of The Bible Story. The denouement.
Could you imagine the Bible ending with the one-chapter book of Jude?

2. It Shows Jesus in His glory – As King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
So awesome that even His close friend John fell on his face as if dead when he saw Jesus. We know Jesus as prophet, teacher, priest, healer and so on – but here we see Him in all His glory.

3. It Provides Knowledge: to Defeat Misinformation. A challenge to false prophets and false doctrine.

4. It Provides Knowledge: to Help us Understand World Events. Revelation shows that God foreknew, He is in control, and His plan will not be thwarted.
Current events: Israel, 1948 and following; moves towards a new world order – a world economic system and a world governmental system.

5. It Provides Knowledge: to help us be pathfinder guides and watchmen for Israel.

6. It is a Basis for Evangelism.
It is my contention that the incredible significance and glorious wonder of so much fulfilled prophecy in the Bible, is so “undersold” that it indicates the church has been duped into veiling parts of the Word of God Any other prophetic book that was so absolutely accurate over so many events over such a long period of time, would be hailed and revered in awe and wonder by the secular world.

7. An antidote to complacency.
We now know enough to not be caught unawares.

8. Future Focus: it prepares us for what lies ahead.
Revelation tells us more about our eternal home and condition, rather than our current temporary state – more about the significance and urgency of the choice we, and all people, need to make.

9. Worship.
A book full of worship, and how to worship – 11 major songs that have inspired a multitude of hymns and choral works, songs etc.

10. Because God tells us it is Special!
It is the only book in the Bible that blesses the reader and the hearer (Rev 1:3) John wrote it as he saw it and heard it, which may account for its unusual style – he was continually being reminded to write down what he saw and heard, and then told not to change it! – Reveleation 22:18-19.

Neil Mackereth 21 May 2020

Continue End-Times Briefings.

Sign of the End-times? Path of solar eclipse not as calculated – or is God in action?

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“Immediately after the distress of those days
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.“
(Matthew 24:29 NIV)

End-times Briefing 12: an overview of the Book of Revelation

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[First posted 2.7.20]

Briefing 11’s Introduction to the Book of Revelation draws to a close by its author, Neil Mackereth, stating “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…”  He reminds us, “The Bible explains that two absolute powers or principles operate in the universe…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”.:

OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Prologue provides essential information for understanding the meaning and structure of the Book of Revelation. “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.” (Rev. 1:1–2).

Apostle John conveys to his first-century readers the unveiling of Jesus. It’s something like the showing of a video of a Monarch and his court. The Book of Revelation is written for Christians who understand the language of a faith unique to Christian experience. But given the complexity of the metaphors and images, even “insiders” have difficulty understanding Revelation. However, anyone can grasp the basic message: Jesus is going to return to earth, overthrow Satan’s evil empire, reward his faithful followers, punish those who reject his Lordship, and create a new heaven and a new earth.

From the very start, it is abundantly clear that God holds the Book of Revelation to be of paramount importance.

Revelation continues with 7 letters dictated by Jesus to John for distribution to the churches at: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The letters, which summarise positive and negative aspects of these representative churches, have stood the test of time.  They were written over 1,900 years ago but signpost conditions and circumstances that continue to exist in churches today.

The pattern of the letters is fairly consistent. Each is addressed to a specific church, followed by a particular characteristic of Jesus. Then comes positive comments (none for Sardis or Laodicea) and negative comments (none for Smyrna or Philadelphia), and advice to each.  The letters close with an entreaty that the readers will open their ears and hear, and with a promise to ‘overcomers’, which is different for each church.

These letters are relatively straightforward and understandable (which is not to say that we shouldn’t look for help to “unpack” their full meaning!).

From chapter 4 onwards we move into an altogether more challenging series of visions that are filled with symbolism, allegories, metaphors, imagery and other such figures of speech and apocryphal language: to try to interpret the Book literally would be to miss its meaning.  Some scholars argue that there are seven visions each of which is linked to a matching day in the seven days of creation in Genesis (ie. that the order of events links the beginning with the end).

The timing and sequence of events can be difficult to follow.  This is in part because the very act of writing things down gives them an order that may not be intended.  Some of the actions recorded are clearly happening simultaneously.

I have the impression that John (Jesus’ scribe) is seeing visions on a huge scale (like vast paintings) and trying to scribble down what catches his eye, without necessarily having time to arrange and classify the information.  It is clear that there are two or three sections that are digressions or parentheses from the central narrative.

Furthermore, the unusual style, which is not in character with John’s other writings, may have remained ‘unedited’ because of the very strong warning against alteration given in Rev. 22: 18-19.  These verses show us again that Revelation is both unique and of huge significance: no other book of the Bible has such a ‘health warning’!

In simple terms, Revelation shows that:

  • Things on earth are not right and the Church is not as it should be (Rev. 2 & 3);
  • Things in heaven are right: God is on His throne and Jesus is the overseer and leader for the End-Time plan and action (Rev. 4 & 5);
  • The world will suffer great tribulation for 3½ years, under the unholy trinity of Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet (Rev. 6-18);
  • Jesus will return as King of kings and Lord of lords, defeat the armies of the unholy trinity and establish His rule on the earth for a thousand years. The Day of Judgement will be at the end of the millennium rule, followed by the ushering in of the new heaven, new Earth and new Jerusalem (Rev. 19-22).

JESUS WINS!

Neil Mackereth 21 May 2020

Continue End-Times Briefings.

A Biblical Framework for Understanding Eclipses… by Max Obeidin, Koenig News

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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 →

End-times Briefing 11: an intro’ to the Book of Revelation

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[First posted 2.7.20]

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:

  1. Barbarian: Tyrannical “strong man” rule based on control by fear. Typically, a ruthless dictator using extreme force to subjugate. Examples of the Barbarian mindset include ISIS, the Taliban, the Church during the Inquisition, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Iran, North Korea and so on.
  2. Greek: Man-centric democratic rule based on the concept that human reason reigns supreme and that the application of intellect and logic can bring about a utopian liberal society. Ours is the pride, power and glory, there is no need for God. Knowledge is power and anything that cannot be comprehended is ignored. Examples include USA, UK, most European countries and communist nations.
  3. Hebrew: God-centric (Theocracy) based on acknowledgement of God’s existence and His absolute power and authority. A biblical way of thinking and acting that is Holy Spirit lead. Standards based on the Torah which guides moral values of right and wrong, holy and unholy. Examples here are more difficult. Historically, the Jewish nation had a Hebrew mindset. However, the new Israel, post 1948, is much more secular. There are undoubtably people groups and individuals who have a Hebrew mindset; but no nation.

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.

The Tomb, womb, eclipse and earthquake; divine revelation – Veronika West

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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…

Note:

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!

Do you know Jesus yet?

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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 →

A post-Resurrection miracle as a ‘mystery’ now revealed – part 2

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[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:

  • It is the 8th ‘sign’ miracle recorded by John and found in his book only. First and only post-Resurrection sign-miracle and last of the eight, thus reflecting the divinity of Jesus as ‘first and last’ and the ‘alpha and omega’! (I now recall hearing Him tell me during a ministry-team prayer, “I Am Alpha and Omega” – watch for more on this later.)
  • Time and death represented in this succession by number 7 is followed by 8, the number of resurrection (a new beginning, as blogged in January), underscored by 8 resurrections in scripture other than that of Jesus.
  • Jesus’ command to cast nets from the other side of the boat, the right, symbolises and prefigures God visiting the Gentiles and taking a people for His name.
  • The Greek word ‘ekklesia’ translated as ‘church’ means nothing more than ‘called out of’. Thus, the fish being caught out of the sea reflect the characteristic of the Gentile church as those who are ‘called out of’ the world.
  • 153 is of considerable mathematical and typological significance and represents the fullness of the Gentiles.
  • Key composites of 153 are 7 (spiritual perfection), 10 (numerical completeness) and 9 (finality) because (7+10) x 9 = 153 (= 9 x 17).

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

CONCLUSION

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!

Further Reading:

A post-Resurrection miracle as a ‘mystery’ now revealed – part 1

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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).

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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!

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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…

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‘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.]

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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]