Category Archives: Jesus

The Prodigal UK shall turn, return and be restored greater than before! – Veronika West

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Veronika posted this to her Facebook on 13th January, and notice once again reference to wheat and tares:

A Word to The UK — A Prodigal Nation shall Turn, Return and be Restored — Greater than before….!

While praying at the beginning of the New Year, 2024, for the four Nations of The United Kingdom, God showed to me that in His great Mercy, He has preserved and reserved a Remnant for the days ahead, who will stand in the gap and cry for a Nation caught in-between — to be Let Go!! Continue reading →

2024: Time to take back the Gates – Veronika West

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RB: Note reference to “Wheat and Tares have come to full maturity!” in this posted 19th January on Facebook:

TAKING BACK THE GATES: A PROPHETIC STRATEGY FOR THE BATTLE OVER NATIONS

So, on the morning of the 21 of October 2023, I awoke to The LORD speaking to me, and I heard Him say, ”Daughter, it’s time to take back The Gates!”

Later that day I sent out a Message to a number of leaders saying the following; ”It’s time to take back The Gates!”

Then I heard the sound of the Shofar blowing, and The LORD began to speak to me about the ruling power and principality of the Philistine Spirit is rising in our Nation(s) and The LORD spoke to me about The Mantle of David, and the mocking spirit of the Philistine over our Nation(s).

At this time, like Goliath who had taunted The Nation of Israel, the streets of London and those of many other Nations, have been filled with the sound of “the Islamic prayer call”.

I saw by The Spirit, that this sound is the same sound of the mocking Philistine spirit of Goliath, that now seeks to intimidate and dominate the airwaves over our Nation(s).

But then I saw in The Realm of The Spirit, The Ecclesia rising and ’going to The Gates’ of The Nations to blow the Shofar — to release The Sound of Heaven — at The Gates and over The Land — which will silence and establish the sound of Victory over the airwaves and over The Natie

On the 17th of January 2024, we had a timely visit from Chuck Pierce who shared on “The Decade of Pey” — the decade of the mouth — and the great importance of our Decree in the days ahead.

”Decree a thing and it shall be established for you!” Job 22:28

In prayer reflection of what was shared at the meeting, I came home and The LORD began to speak to me again about The Gates, and He showed me a violent battle for The Glory unfolding at The Gates of Nations.

Now, as I began to pray and incline my ear to His Voice, suddenly I heard The Spirit say, ”Gateways are the mouth of Regions, Territories and Nations!

I say, release the sound of The Roar from The Gateways! Let The Sound go forth from the mouth of Regions Territories and Nations, and My Word and My Will,. will be built and established in the days ahead!

Again I say, at the sound of The Roar, My Great Eagles will rise and soar, and at the sound of The Roar of the Lion of Judah, the foundations of Nations will be shaken and shifted!

Look up! For a line shall be stretched forth upon The Nations!

See! For The Angels of Zechariah are on the move, measuring the length and breadth of the boundary lines of Nations! (Zechariah 1:12-17)

Yes! Angelic Surveyors with the Measuring Rod in their hands are moving to measure the future Destiny of Cities, Regions, Territories and Nations in this hour.

For I tell you, a Divine Realignment and a reordering of The Boundary Lines of Nations is now taking place, for I AM taking Nations back to my original intent, for prodigal Nations shall turn and return to their Covenant Foundations.

Listen! For the sound at The Gates will bring forth a Divine Distinction in The Valley of Decision — for a Divine Separation of what is Holy and Mine — and what is profane and defiled in now taking place!

For Goat and Sheep Nations are emerging — and two Altars are rising. The Altar of Baal and the Altar of Elijah shall rise, and The Whirlwind of The Seven Spirits shall move upon The Valley of Nations, to gather up and to scatter abroad.

Watch! — as swords fall and sickles fly — for Judgement and Harvest have come to Nations on The Threshing Floor — for Wheat and Tares have come to full maturity!

I say, stay watching and waiting! For a Double-Mantle will fall, and I shall Anoint, for a second time.

An anointing, one thousand times greater, shall be released upon My Ecclesia — even as it came upon Samson for a second time, even as it came upon Elisha.

I tell you, get ready! For a one thousand (1000) times greater anointing is coming upon My Ecclesia! A Double-portion Anointing of The Spirit and Power of Elijah is coming in The Whirlwind of My Seven Spirits!

Have I not said, Nations have now entered into a Second Exodus, and Second Circumcision?

Watch The Blood! The Blood! For the hour of a Second Passover is here!

The hour of Five-Fold Reformation is here, and My Five-Fold will move in the Governmental Power and Authority of The Key of The House of David — for the eyes that were gouged out, are now being fully restored!

Look! For my 11th hour Prophets are rising with Fourth Dimensions of sight and vision!

Enter in! For The Door of Revelation Four stands open before The Nations!

I say come up here! Come up higher! And The Glory that departed — and the hair that was pulled out — will return!

Look! For a Rainbow Whirlwind of My Seven Spirits is coming upon the head once again, My Plumbline Apostles shall arise — as My Covenant speaks a higher thing!

Yes! My Covenant shall speak of true identity and son-ship.

Listen! It’s time to release a Battle Cry! It’s time to take War stance, for a Battle for My Glory is unfolding at The Gate!

A Divine Confrontation is taking place with the ruling spirit of the Philistines — a war over the ancient wells — a mighty contending for Revival and for The Birthright and The Destiny of Nations!

For I tell you, surely The Ancient Wells that were stopped up by the Philistines shall be uncapped, and the stranglehold of the three-fold cord of Jezebel, Anthelia and Delilah shall be broken over The Nations, and the spirit of Herod that rises at a time of birthing, shall be cast down.

See! For a John-the-Baptist Mantle is now coming upon the sons at The Gate to prepare a Highway for The Glory to come, and The Mantle of Might — My Seven-Fold Spirit that came upon Samson for a second time, is now coming upon My Ecclesia to push down the ivory pillars — to tear down the Babylonian structures and systems of religion and finance, that rule over the seven spheres of culture!” says The Spirit of God.

PROPHETIC STRATEGY FOR THE DAYS AHEAD

God gave me a Prophetic Strategy for the decade ahead.

In 2022, God began to speak to be about the battle for The Birthright and The Destiny of Nations. He spoke about the War to come over Kingdom Inheritance, and then in 2023, He spoke specifically to me about a “Staking Anointing” of 2 Samuel 20:23, “And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites.”

And He said to me, ”I will release Keys in 23, for Doors in 24.”

This a prophetic strategy of; the Staking Anointing of 2 Samuel 20:23 that would come upon the sons who were mantled with might to fight against the giants in our land of promise.

—>> click to continue reading at His Kingdom Prophecy.

End-times Great Apostasy in Rome confirmed by sign from heaven! – Part 2

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Continued from Part 1, and in case you may have missed comments by Tony thereon he prefaces them; “Because of the nature of the vision I would ask that all who read it take it to the Lord in prayer and see what He speaks to your heart.”  The first has a similar theme to the statue struck by lightning (hence my underscoring):

A READER’S NIGHT VISIONS

11 Mar 2018 –  Doorway of Evil Opened

I had a vision yesterday where I saw the current pope. He was in a room by himself and what would seem a room only he knew about. There was a large door in the room in front of him. I noticed that he had a large gnarly-looking skeleton key in his right hand. I watched as he used it to open this door and when he did I saw many demonic beings fly out.

10 Jan 2016 – The Roman Church

“I had a dream 01/10/16 where I saw, who I believe to be, the current Pope. He wasn’t standing addressing the crowds as I’ve seen on many occasions; instead, he was seated on the Papal throne. The throne was at the top of St Peters Basilica with the Pope seated upon it. Then I saw the building begin to implode with the Pope and his throne disappearing first within the building so that he disappeared from view. Then the building itself began to crumble in upon itself until there was nothing left. I don’t remember seeing rubble from the collapse of the building.”

EXPLOSIVE FURORE!

The document Francis issued the day after his birthday 6 weeks ago today, and on which lightning struck and broke off the keys held in the right-hand of a statue of St Peter near the pope’s home in Argentina, as reported in Part 1, brought immense indignation globally – on top of preceding Vatican actions against, even censorship of, priests and bishops. Archbishop Vignano, on whom I’ve blogged many times, isn’t alone but may be the most outspoken on this latest issue:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/episodes/servants-of-satan-archbishop-vigano-responds-to-pope-francis-blessings-for-homosexual-couples/

Archbishop Viganò Calls for Swiss Guards to Arrest Pope Francis and Cardinal Responsible for Pornograhic Book

A GOD-INCIDENCE!

Moreover, please note, I never expected it to have personal relevance to my Roman Catholic upbringing, as recounted in “You shouldn’t be at our school!”, together with a recent insight on my birth gained at the Nativity service played by children at 3Counties Vineyard church. SO, I had plenty to brood upon, but more was yet to come.

A fortnight ago, a brother at church told me about having a poignant dream on New Year’s Eve and I agreed it’s possibly of especial import because of the date. I was reminded of when Pope Benedict died on New Years’s Eve 2023 being most significant. So I mentioned the great upheaval that’s being happening in that church, as indicated in my posts about Pope Benedict.

On the intervening weekend I was very surprised to receive a message from Laszlo, a neighbour who knows we attend a church but who’s unaware of my blogging, and wherein he asks, “Hi Richard, please listen to this. What do you think?”

In my investigations into prophecy since learning about a visionary’s warning fifty years ago to President John Kennedy not to visit Dallas I came across the accounts in 1917 of some children in Portugal being astonished to have apparitions in which Jesus’ mother Mary gave them prophetic messages. Being concurrent with the Russian Revolution she requested prayers for the conversion of Russia and its return to the Christian fold.

Therefore, it’s not being an unfamiliar topic I found the half-hour video easy to follow and took particular note of how the narrator gives an intriguing nuance into the first four verses of Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians and the Son of Perdition being seated on Peter’s throne! – for reference: BibleGateway’s Douay-Rheims version.

RELATED NEWS  Continue reading →

End-times Great Apostasy in Rome confirmed by a sign from heaven! – Part 1

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Just can’t resist mixing metaphors of a lightning strike having supra-natural after-strikes like snowing jigsaw pieces!  I’d intended blogging this news quickly after posting on Richard’s Watch Telegram on Thursday 4th January but a long weekend intervened – and then more was to follow (in Part 2). Not for the first time does delayed blogging actually slot into what the Lord is doing! (Hence a hint at Part 2!!)

LIGHTNING STRIKES St PETER STATUE

‘Multiple journalism outlets have confirmed that lightning demolished the keys and blessing hand of a statue of St. Peter in Argentina on December 17, Pope Francis’ birthday and the day before the publication of the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans endorsing homosexual “blessings.”

Source > https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lightning-st-peter-statute-pope-francis/

NEXT DAY’S NEWS FROM THE VATICAN, ROME:

Source > https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-pope-francis-publishes-norms-for-clergy-to-bless-homosexual-couples/

COUPLE OF CONTEMPORARY PROPHECIES

Veronika West – Update on The Beginnings of Sorrows For Nations ,18 Sept 2022 closes:

“…See!  For The Nations shall yet be shaken in a greater way in the days ahead, and for those who think they are infallible and untouchable, shall suddenly fall and never recover!

I say, look to what will take place in Rome in the days ahead!

Yes Rome!  For the head of the serpent spirit shall be cut off, and all its demonic tentacles shall be fully exposed for the eyes of the world to see.

For when My Stone of Retribution flies, giants will fall, and when My Sword of Justice falls, heads will roll, for great will be their fall, in the fall that is to come!”

Chris Reed – Praying for 2024 and Beyond, 17 Jan 2024

On February 16, 2019, I saw a devastating earthquake hit the nation of Italy. It was a sign of the shaking happening in Rome and the Vatican. I share this now because I believe this will be the year. The time the earthquake happens will be close to the time this shaking happens in the Roman Catholic Church. This should not surprise us given that the current pope just gave priests and bishops the right to bless same-sex couples. This physical shaking will be a sign of institutional shaking.

Continue reading at Part 2 (29 January)

End-times Great Apostasy – making God in our image!

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This is one of the two aspects of this matter on my mind when I was blessed with the insight of God’s Word being His ‘Battle-Plan’. Revd Franklin Graham remarks about it on his Facebook as follows (emphases and linkage mine):

‘The Methodist Church in the United Kingdom has released its own “Inclusive Church Language Guide” that urges ministers and church-goers to avoid using words such as “husband” and wife” (and more) because those terms can be “hurtful” and “offensive.” Shame on the Methodist Church. These are Biblical terms—and marriage between a man and a woman is Biblical truth. The word “wife” is used in some 360 verses in 38 books of the Bible. They are in essence trying to edit what the Word of God says and teaches to be more appealing to the changing whims of culture.We are warned against that in Scripture. As Christians, we aren’t called to avoid what might offend people—we are called to share the Truth of God’s Word that can guide and direct us through every step of life.’

UN-BIBLICAL ‘BLESSINGS’

Let us not forget that in 2021 this body voted by 254 to 46 to allow same-sex marriages, requiring a change to the definition of marriage to be “a lifelong union in body, mind and spirit of two people who freely enter it”.  This is completely contrary to and at odds with what the saintly founder of Methodism, Charles Wesley, taught – and is utter heresy! Continue reading →

End-times Great Apostasy – confirmed by word from the Lord

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I’m delighted to find Chris G Bennett posted this on his Facebook yesterday:

FALLING AWAY

I see one or two prophecies talking about many things being pointers to the end-times. One of the things I don’t see is any reference to the great falling away, or loss of faith, prior to Christ’s return for the rapture or the second coming. The Lord pointed this out to me the other day and said, very simply, “Have you ever had a look at this?”

Only one mention is made in scripture, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, of this virtually ignored subject. So many either ignore it altogether, or they brush over it and try to pretend it’s of little or no consequence! Yet there it is, in plain sight for us all to see, to mark, note, and inwardly digest.

Here it is –

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”

One question, simply,

‘Has not the present state of much of the church amply confirmed that “the falling away” has well and truly started and is progressing at an alarming rate?’ So much so, indeed, that many churches are unrecognisable as Christian churches, but rather resemble more as self-righteous glee clubs, full of gossip and other even less sanctified behaviour!

But the Bible tells us that unless this comes first, then other end-time events cannot happen! So God is not surprised nor dismayed nor even appalled as we so often are! He may be sad at the extent of our sin, but never surprised nor dismayed. Another important point to bear in mind – the falling away must happen BEFORE the other end-time events, and there’s never a timeline laid out in biblical prophecy. However, other end-time signs as in Matthew 24 and elsewhere in Thessalonians, all agree in their pointing to this particular time that we’re in today.

The present falling away is unprecedented anywhere in history – the signs are there for all to see – all of which are declared by scripture as being abhorrent before God, an abomination – yet the church daily goes against scripture and Gods law in so many ways!

  • Abortion/child sacrifice
  • Same sex marriage
  • No heaven – no hell
  • L.G.B.T.Q./Trannies
  • Unsaved & unrepentant clergy

False doctrines; e.g. Replacement Theology, Hypergrace, the twisted Word of Faith / Prosperity gospel, the fallacy that women are not speakers or leaders, and more … (I realise this incomplete list may cause contention but – so be it! I don’t want an argument so: Please just scroll on by!)

Even recently, the Methodist Church probably caused Wesley to turn in his grave again when they came out against the term “husband and wife” in favour of “partners”!

So, call the intercessors again! Yes, call the intercessors, and join them too, to wage spiritual war on the false gospel, on the ‘tolerant’ church, on the ‘live and let live’ communities.

We cannot ignore the falling away any longer. It’s not going anywhere unless we do something about it, and if we don’t do something about it, then God will but we will not like it when He does!

I don’t hate anyone, but I hate sin, even though I’m not innocent either. I love all of Gods creation, even the unlovable and hateful ones. All I can do is love and leave the rest to God. As Billy Graham famously said, “It’s God’s job to judge, Holy Spirit’s job to convict, and my job to love!”

CGB

RB: So encouraging after having posted 70 items on this grave issue that the Lord has told a friend to check it out! The primary topic of both Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church is that of the Lord’s return and Paul spells out what will happen just prior to that dread yet awesome supra-natural event – and God’s permitting and dealing with it all!!

May you and yours be blessed in celebrating Jesus’ birth

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Christmas card

Then the angel said to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night,

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord…”  (Luke 2:8-14)

+  +  +

My dear readers, have a ‘Mega-merry’ and blessed Christmas, as may be inferred from the OT Hebrew word ashar (Strong’s #833, as in Proverbs 31:28 on the virtuous wife), meaning:

‘happy, blessed, prosperous, successful, from original root ‘be straight, upright’.’

Better still is New Testament Greek’s makarios (Strong’s #3107), which means:

‘from root mak, indicating large, or of long duration…happy, supremely blessed, a condition in which congratulations are in order. It is a grace word that expresses the special joys and satisfaction granted the person who experiences salvation.’

This ‘Blessed’ is used in The Beatitudes, or the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5. (Details New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Executive editor. Dr Jack Hayford.)

May it be an especially blessed night of spiritual silence and insight for everyone.

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht is an old favourite, always sending shivvers down my spine!

The above Graz choir’s version is ‘dedicated to all those who are not able to spend Christmas with their loved ones‘.

It was first sung in 1818 in Oberndorf bie Salzburg chapel. My father must have heard it during his residence in Stalag IIIA, near Dresden. Austria looked very attractive, even as seen en-route as a captive transported from the Battle for Crete (1941). So mid-1950s, we took many holidays ‘im Tyrol’ west of Salzburg, often motoring through there later.

This version by ‘Celtic Woman’ is also sublime…

Read/watch this song’s story in “Silent Night! Holy Night!” A Song for the World.

2022-23 PROPHECIES IN PROGRESS > https://t.me/PropheciesFulfilled/11876

THE TECH GIANTS ARE ABOUT TO FALL – Julie Green
Word Received: January 8, 2023′

Something is about to take place in New York City that will get the world’s attention, and great exposures will continue to pour out of that area.’

MY GLORY WILL DESTROY IT ALL – Julie Green
Word Received: June 16, 2022

“For I, the Lord, this day encourage My children to get into My presence, where there is rest. Get into My presence, where I will give you peace, joy, and recovery from the effects of all the tests, trials, discouragement, frustration, lies, and torment from your adversary. My children, sit with Me, and I will lead you, guide you, protect you, and restore you from all the damage satan has done to you. Stop being distracted with the things of this Earth and set aside time to be with Me in your prayer closets. My Children, this is the key in this hour to rise above and not be shaken by what will be seen and heard.”

GREAT DARKNESS IS COMING AGAINST YOUR ENEMIES – Julie Green
Word Received: October 5, 2022

Watch Times Square. Things are not how they appear to be.

November 27, 2023:

To play video of Silent Night in Times Square visit > https://t.me/Jack_Posobiec/36440

How to overcome our spiritual adversary – Revelation 12:11

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New King James Version courtesy of BibleGateway.com

The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

12 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Satan Thrown Out of Heaven

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they [a]did not prevail, nor was a place found for [b]them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

 “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.12 Therefore rejoice,  O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Continue reading →

On our spiritually limited adversary – Neil Mackereth

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ON TARGET: this latest of my friend Neil Mackereth drew enemy flak whilst he was writing. In its Introduction he refers to his paper of 2021 published God-incidentally as Wow-Wotta-Wednesday: Know Our Enemy’s Strategy along with my 3,000th post –  Satan Has Limited Power, by Veronika West together with a related vision.

THEREFORE, I urge my readers to weigh and pray carefully:

THE  ADVERSARY

Introduction

A couple of years ago I wrote an article entitled “Know Your Enemy” in which I considered some of Satan’s tactics in striving to fulfil his grand strategy of thwarting God’s plan for the redemption of mankind. At that time my focus was on Satan’s endeavours to destroy Israel and to introduce a new world order.

Since then, things have taken a turn for the worse. A great darkness has come upon the Earth and Satan is intensifying his efforts to destroy Israel and the Jewish people.

In this article I ask: Who is Satan and why is he opposed to mankind in general, and Israel in particular?

Answering these questions requires some speculation. The comments that follow do not have full scriptural authority and should be treated with caution!

Satan

In Hebrew the word “satan” means adversary. Satan has come to be used as the name for a fallen angel who rebelled against God and sought to take God’s throne for himself. The Bible gives little information about Satan’s origins and downfall. In Isaiah and Ezekiel there are references to the fall of the “morning star”, translated as Lucifer, which some interpret as referring to Satan, while others suggest it relates to the King of Babylon.

There has been much conjecture and many hypotheses over the centuries: some suggest Satan was a very powerful (perhaps the most powerful) angel and his pride and jealousy led him to rebel against God’s decision to create man (I have not found a scriptural foundation for this theory).

Another suggestion for Satan’s existence is that God, in creating man, wanted us to have freedom of choice, i.e. not be automatons. In order to have freedom of choice (i.e. the option to choose to love, follow and obey God) an alternative has to exist! God gives us all the information we need in order to make an informed choice about the gospel of God and the reality of Jesus as our Messiah. The gospel of God will continue to be preached for as long as God ordains, and during that time, Satan is permitted to roam the Earth (has a legal right?). Again, though some aspects of this theory can be inferred (e.g., from Job), there is no clear scriptural confirmation.

Perhaps Satan’s most significant advantage is that many people do not believe he exists! His and his henchmen’s depiction, particularly at Halloween, as some sort of demonic cartoon characters, has encouraged the view that the devil and his demons are figures of fun; a mythical oddity of no significance to 21st Century man.

However, we can see from Scripture that Jesus took Satan very seriously and even though Satan’s destiny is clear, in the meantime he and his demons will make every effort to undermine God’s plan.

Satan’s Ploys

Satan knows what the Bible says and that the book of Revelation shows that Jesus will return to Jerusalem to take His rightful place on the throne of David, as King of the Jews. He will rule His people and the world from Jerusalem.

Throughout history, Satan has been attempting to prevent the fulfilment of God’s plans. Satan appears to believe that, if he is successful, his eventual banishment to “the lake of burning sulphur” (Revelation 20:10) will not happen. His ploys include:

1. Tempting Adam and Eve (and hence mankind) to sin and fall from God’s grace

2. Seeking to have the baby Jesus killed

3. Tempting Jesus to sin and so become unworthy as Saviour

4. Seeking to destroy Jesus

5. Dispersing the Jews to fragment and destabilise their national identity and/or;

6. Destroying all Jews so that Jesus has no Jewish Kingdom over which to rule and reign;

7. Preventing the re-establishment of a Jewish nation state (Israel) and/or

8. Destroying Israel or Jerusalem, or dividing Jerusalem to ensure areas, particularly the Temple Mount, remain under the control of Muslims

Satan tried the first and seemed to be successful; however, God instigated plan B (or was it always plan A – God is omniscient!). The second ploy was thwarted and the third robustly rebutted by Jesus. Satan appeared to have achieved his goal with the crucifixion, but apparent victory turned to spectacular defeat when Jesus rose from the dead. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ploys have been ongoing throughout history, with varying degrees of success.

However, I want to emphasise the miracle of the preservation of Jewish identity and traditions, over thousands of years, and the huge significance of the re-establishment of Israel as a nation state in 1948; and the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967.

Nevertheless, the Temple Mount remains in the hands of gentiles. Zechariah 1:14-16 may be a “model” for the present situation on the Temple Mount: “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’ “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (See Addenda below for detail)

What is the Point?

The point is that “the devil roams around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. Hamas is the embodiment of that image of Satan, roaming around to devour people. It is imperative that Christians follow events carefully, seek to understand what is happening from a spiritual perspective and encourage their governments to support Israel.

Addenda: Comments on The Temple Mount

The Temple Mount warrants closer examination. The Jews, or more accurately those practicing Judaism, consider the Temple Mount to be the place where God chose to manifest His divine presence (Isaiah 8:18, Psalm 9:11). There has been much confusion about whether the Temple Mount is on Mount Zion.

From 2 Samuel 5:6-9 it is clear that Mount Zion was a fortress that King David captured from the Jebusites. He renamed it City of David and developed and expanded the site. The scope of the City of David can be seen from modern day archaeological excavations. King David’s son and successor, King Solomon, built the first Temple on Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1-2) in 957 BC. Mount Moriah is probably synonymous with what we now call the Temple Mount, though its exact location has not been confirmed.

It seems that with the building of the Temple the term “Zion” was expanded to include the Mount and subsequently the whole of Jerusalem and the people of Israel (hence Zionism and Zionists). This collective term can be seen in Isaiah 40:9, Jeremiah 31:12 and Zechariah 9:13. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Zion became a term used for the people of God (Isaiah 60:14) and this theme continues through the New Testament (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1). Peter refers to Jesus as the ‘Cornerstone of Zion’ (1 Peter 2:4-6).

The second Temple was built, under the direction of Zerubbabel, in 516 BC and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jewish tradition maintains that there will be a third Temple on the Temple Mount and that its design has been prophesied in Ezekiel 40 to 47.

Sunni Muslims consider the Mount to be the “Noble Sanctuary”, the third most holy site in Islam. It is revered as the location to which Mohammad was transported for his ascent to Heaven. The Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque were built on the Mount after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 AD. The Dome of the Rock, completed in 692 AD, is in the middle of the Temple Mount, on the site where many (but not all!) Biblical scholars believe the Third Temple should be built.

The question remains, why is the Temple Mount still under Muslim control?

In 1967, the Jordanians, with the help of Syria and Egypt, attacked Israel. Prior to the 1967 “Six-Day War” Jordan controlled East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, and the West Bank. Israel’s armed forces defeated the attack and occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

In the aftermath of the war Israel agreed the return of the control of the Temple Mount to the Islamic Waqf (guardians of Muslim holy sites). This gesture has not led to peace and reconciliation! The Temple Mount is an enclave within Israeli controlled Jerusalem. The Muslims have been granted authority to manage the Temple Mount in accordance with their traditions, while Israel continues to have technical control of the site and monitor access. To add to the confusion, the Palestinian Authority claims sovereignty over the Temple Mount.

In Summary:

Zion was the fortress that King David captured from the Jebusites. He renamed it City of David. It is thought that the location of Zion expanded to include the Temple Mount, and subsequently Jerusalem and the people of Israel. Following the destruction of Jerusalem the name Mount Zion was transferred to its present location across the valley to the south of the walled city. While the physical location of Zion may have changed over the years, the spiritual relevance has remained constant.

The Temple Mount is almost certainly the most contested religious site in the world. There can be little doubt that Jerusalem is different and, considering its size and location, it is truly amazing how significant it is in world affairs! It is the focal point of End-times prophecy and, as mentioned above, it is imperative that we keep a close watch on all information relating to events in Israel and Jerusalem. Finally, the literalist view is that the building of the Third Temple is a major prerequisite for progress (the next step?) along the prophetic time-line of the Bible story.

Verse of the Day (Luke 2) and apposite reminder of history

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Courtesy of https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel

The modern-day restoration of Israel in her weakness – Chris Moyler

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Publishing my friends Neil Mackereth’s and Chris Moyler’s comments on Israel stimulated them to further thought, in what’s been an intensely busy period.

Chris says, “I wrote it all so fast, completely from the hip, in two quick sessions. I have it, completely unedited as a document (but) am currently putting in the foundations for our new extension. Pure crazy, but the LORD is most definitely in it. Chris”

He raises A QUESTION….

“Are Christians interested in the scriptural basis for the support of modern day Israel?

I don’t think so. Maybe just a few……. I presently find myself up against a wall of disinterest.

My aim in writing about Israel is NOT that we should pontificate about her, but that we should have a sound scriptural underpinning to our prayers. i.e. that our prayers should not be weak and general, but bold and purposeful-prayers of great clarity.

Your thoughts please???? Chris xx”

Continue reading →

Modern Israel and Paul’s letter to the Romans – Neil Mackereth

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The previous post with Neil’s covering email refers:

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ISRAEL – SOME COMMENTS ON ROMANS

After 2000 years of study, it may seem unlikely that there will be any truly new insights in our examination of Biblical prophecy. It is possible, however, that some truths will only be revealed at the appropriate time “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end” (Dan 12:4).

There was much that the disciples did not understand until Jesus was crucified, rose again and ascended into Heaven. In similar vein, much of Isaiah is clear to us now, after the cross, but must have been mysterious for the 800 years before Jesus was born

The OT is full of promises and prophecies that show that God has a special relationship with Israel and that they would be “the power in the land”. However, certainly in worldly terms, Gentiles appeared to take over the position of favour on the earth. Prophecy indicates that, in due course, God’s relationship with His chosen people will be restored. “Blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written” (Rom 11:25, 26 (KJV)).

“The fullness of the Gentiles” should not be confused with “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24): one refers to spiritual blessing, the other to earthly power. It may be that Jerusalem will not be free of Gentile involvement in its affairs until Jesus returns to take David’s throne. The very expression “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” shows something will change, and implies a difference between Gentile believers and Israel. Is there a counter in Heaven – the numbers mounting while Satan watches, without knowing the target figure?

In Romans 11, Paul (the “Apostle to the Gentiles”) reasons that branches of the Abrahamic “tree” have been broken off and Gentile branches (believers) grafted in. The tree, whose roots Gentile Christians share, is essentially Abrahamic. Note that Paul never considered himself as having ceased to be a Jew, nor as having moved into a new religion, nor did he ever disparage his Jewish pedigree. Jesus as Messiah was for Paul the full expression of Judaism. Later (Rom 11:13-14) Paul added that, despite his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles, the ultimate motivation of his ministry was the salvation of his fellow Jews (Rom 10:1)

The Biblical predictions (prophecies) of a restored Israel are amazing, and the re-establishment of the Jewish nation in Israel, fulfilled in 1948, is even more so. The survival of national identity in dispersion, which the Jews maintained for nearly nineteen hundred years, prior to the rebirth of Israel, was a phenomenon in itself

Continuing in Romans 11 we see that this hardening will stay “until the full number of the Gentiles has come in;” and Paul adds, “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob, and this is My covenant with them.” (Rom 11:25-27). Does this mean that Israel will be brought within the blessings of the Gospel of Grace (the New Covenant), or that the Jews will be blessed on a different principle (the Abrahamic Covenant), or a bit of both? I really don’t know. Certainly, there is a remnant saved by grace: “at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Rom 11:5, see also Rev 12:17)

As mentioned above, the OT clearly shows that the Jews enjoyed a special relationship (blessing). Jesus confirmed the patriarchal promise: “Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.” (Rom 15:8, 9). We can understand that the Cross broke down the barrier and levelled all distinctions. As to righteousness “there is no difference, for all have sinned;” (Rom 3:22, 23), as to mercy “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.” (Rom 10:12). However, the promises to Israel are very specific. If there is “no difference”, can God give blessing on a principle, which seems to imply that there is a difference? In other words, the expectation of certain promises to Israel would appear to be inconsistent with the concept of “no difference”!

Romans 11 indicates that Gentile believers and Israel now enjoy the same privileges. Nevertheless, it is part of the same revelation that although grace comes to the Gentile just where he is, it does not confirm him as a Gentile, but gives him a new nationality as a citizen of the Kingdom of God; for in the Church “there is neither Jew nor Gentile.” (Gal 3:28. Contrast with John 4:22, “Salvation is from the Jews”). The promises to Israel, on the other hand, imply that blessing will reach the Jew as a Jew, i.e., recognizing his national position and endorsing his special relationship under the patriarchal covenant. Jesus will return to Jerusalem and take His throne as King of the Jews

The New Testament opens with the record of the genealogy, birth and ministry of Jesus as “the Son of David, the son of Abraham;” (Matt 1:1). Jesus was “a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth” (Romans 15:8). The angel told Mary that the son she was to bear would be King on “the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever” (Luke 1:32,33). The question the Magi asked: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matt 2.2) appeared to be a confirmation of Jewish expectation

In both Daniel and Matthew, Jerusalem is the focus for End-Time events and that confirms the necessity and huge significance of the re-establishment of Israel and the re-unification of Jerusalem. The history of the Jews is a record of miraculous events: their escape from Egypt, their ordeals and God’s provision on the journey to the Promised Land were miraculous. Their successes and failures, conquests and captivities, their whole history is interwoven with miracles. The seventy years from Jesus’ birth to the dispersion of the Jews were full of remarkable events and prophetic fulfillment. From that time until 1948, however, there seems to have been a lull, as far as Biblical prophecy is concerned. We can now see the miracle of Jewish survival in dispersion. This is a new era: the very existence of modern Israel is the miraculous and essential ingredient for the next stage of prophetic fulfillment

In summary: “God has not cast away His people Israel” (Rom 11:1,2 KJV). In the Acts of the Apostles, Jerusalem was the centre for God’s people on earth, Gentiles were then admitted, “grafted in”. Initially, the Church was essentially Jewish. The Apostles taught in the temple (Acts 2:46; 3:1, 5:42). Their testimony was in line with the old prophecies (Acts. 3:19-26.), and even when the Christians were scattered by persecution, the Apostles remained in Jerusalem.

Those Christians who left Jerusalem evangelised only among the Jews (Acts. 8:1, 4, and 11:19). Peter had to be persuaded to go among the Gentiles (Acts. 10), and that was not popular within the Church (Acts. 11:2-18). Over the centuries the number of Gentile believers grew and the Jewish membership fell away. In Israel today there is a remnant “who obey God’s commandments, and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 12:17); Jews, and yet Christians; Jews who believe in Jesus, the One whom secular and non-messianic Jews will continue to reject, until He appears.

It is my personal view that there are two courses to the fulfilment of End-Times prophecy:
  1. The church (which includes messianic Jews) will be raptured, and…
  2. The remnant of Israel will then come to recognize who Jesus is, a conviction of sin, repentance and be saved.

Neil Mackereth, 15th November 2023

The Day of The Lord – today’s verse puts ‘global warming’ in its place!

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Holy Writ, as we well know, puts ‘global warming’ mania well and truly ‘in the shade’:

It’s highly appropriate for assessing our placing on the Almighty’s Timeline that we check the lead-in verses at BibleGateway.com (emphases mine):

The Day of the Lord

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 

5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of the ungodly.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance…’ (cont’d in Verse of the Day) 

https://www.space.com/aurora-alert-solar-flare-eruption-cannibal-cme-november-30-december-1

Feast of Christ THE King today closes liturgical year 2023

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For details read > http://www.catholictradition.org/Christ/cking-feast2.htm

For information read >

The Solemnity of Christ the King

Warning: satan’s assignment in this hour – Veronika West

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Warning — Satan’s Assignment In this hour — To Divide God’s People and to Stop them possessing the Great promise that has been reserved and preserved for them to Inherit!

 

In the realm of Spiritual Warfare, a battle is constantly being fought between the spiritual forces of good and evil, Light and darkness, Truth and deception….

One of the key strategies employed by the enemy, Satan, in this hour is to divide and conquer.

Satan understands the power, strength and great blessing and reward found in Unity, and thus, his assignment is to break the bonds that hold God’s People together!

From the very beginning, Satan has been at work trying to create division among God’s People.

In the Garden of Eden, he successfully planted doubt in Eve’s mind, causing her to question God’s instructions.

This demonic assignment of division, ultimately led to the fall of humanity and the separation from God’s perfect Plan, Peace and Presence.

Throughout history, we can observe Satan’s handiwork in dividing God’s people. From the division of the Israelites during the time of the judges to the numerous denominational splits in Christianity, the enemy has successfully created rifts and disagreements among believers since the beginning of time.

One of the primary weapons Satan uses to divide God’s People is deception.

He employs lies and distortions to twist the truth and create confusion and double mindedness. By sowing seeds of doubt and miscommunication, he is able to create disunity and discord among God’s People.

This disunity weakens The Body and hinders its ability to fulfill its God-given Promise and Purpose.

Another tool Satan uses is the sin of pride.

By fueling pride and self-centeredness, he encourages individuals to prioritize their own agendas and desires rather than seeking the greater good for The Body of Christ.

This self-centeredness and navel gazing behaviour only breeds greater division and animosity, as believers become solely focused on their own interests, rather than the Unity of The Body for Kingdom Advancement.

Hence, this is why many believers keep going round and round the same mountain! Their wilderness experience is never ending, and the breakthrough they long for is further delayed and derailed!

Furthermore, Satan will always try to instigate conflicts and disagreements within The Body.

He manipulates circumstances and magnifies minor differences, causing many to turn against one another.

Satan knows that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:22-28), and therefore he seeks to weaken and disarm the body by breeding division and strife.

However, despite Satan’s relentless efforts, those who have the Gift of Discernment and are walking in the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding are not without Hope or Direction!

The Bible encourages believers to be Alert, Awake and Aware of Satan’s relentless schemes to divide and isolate and to stand firm in Unity and in One Accord. (Romans 15:6)

In Ephesians 4:3, the apostle Paul urges believers to, “make every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

This will require Humility, Love, and an unwavering Commitment to put aside our personal differences and self seeking agendas for the greater good of God’s Kingdom!

Blessings to you all.
~ by Veronika West

Published 20th November at https://www.hiskingdomprophecy.com/satans-assignment-in-this-hour/

The LORD’s lull before His Storm – Chris G Bennett

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MOST notable in view of Christopher Wickland bringing “It’s time to tidy MY House!”

THE LORD’S LULL BEFORE HIS STORM

I received this Word many moons ago, but The LORD has brought it back to mind today, brought it up to date, and told me that now is the moment to release it.

The Prophetic Outpouring had gone a little quiet of late. When I mentioned this to my wife, she told me of a well respected person who had said that God had spoken much to His People of late, but that His People are ignoring Him.

So, The LORD has kept a bit quieter than usual — so that we can hear, take in, and act upon that which He has already given us. Only then will he give us more.

I asked The LORD for myself, and this is what I hear today, “This is another lull before a storm!

I AM allowing My Plans to take root and produce fruit before I unleash the Storm upon My Church.

The maelstrom that is currently politics is not limited to the political world. It will include My Church, My People, My Bride.

There is also coming a Shaking and a collapse of several ‘houses of cards’ within The Church.

There is coming a cleansing — a clearing of the Temple.

It shall no longer be a den of thieves and iniquity, but shall return to the House of Prayer that I always intended it to be!

Those with whom I AM pleased — who have listened to Me and obeyed My Spirits direction, shall miss the shaking — but those who practice the perversion of My Words shall fall!” says The LORD.

“Many will be hurt by the revelation to come, but it will be part of my ‘healing your land’!

Even so, I shall hold out the Hand of Restoration for the fallen. I shall always hold redemption before you!” says The LORD.

“This Word is for all who have strayed from the paths of Righteousness and The Gospel of Truth — wherever they are in the world!

I do not change!

My Truth does not change, and My Gospel does not change!

Neither does My Mercy change — it is for all who repent and turn towards Me!” says God.

Along with the Cleansing, will come a Restoration of all who have fallen and then repented.

Leaders and Churches once bound by legalism and error, will be restored as Houses of Prayer and Rejoicing.

Great will be their joy — but even greater will be heavens joy at their restoration.

This has started and will continue for some time. As the work and move of The Holy Spirit, so the Harvest will grow and the Restoration will grow too.

Only those who refuse the correction of The LORD will miss out!

Be ready — it’s all coming!

~ Chris G. Bennett

Anglicans’ apostasy is a clear sign Jesus’ Second Advent is getting close!

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In ‘Looking for the signs of Jesus’ return’ since hearing “This is ALL about to be fulfilled”, one sign in particular continues to be blatantly obvious: the trans-sexual lobbying across church denominations with offensive flags of incomplete rainbows displayed in churches in support of ‘Pride’!  Most repugnant!

It’s one thing to apologise for the way ‘trans’-people have been treated by churches, but another to bow the knee to their selfish demands, deemed as ‘progressive’.

To any thinking Bible-believer it’s just one part of the fallen one’s strategy of attacking the future Bride of Christ to bring great internal division together with divergence from – as well as twisting! – God-given scripture of the Bible.

That source is as plain as a pikestaff in its usurpation of the sign God gave of His first Covenant with humanity – the seven-coloured rainbow.

Nevertheless, in view of my history I’ve been pleased to find churches of various styles have grown greatly in brotherly appreciation, despite the increasing satanic attacks.

Fallen by being kicked out of heaven, the hater of humanity’s main strategy has been to beguile church leaders into being ‘progressive’ instead of standing firmly upon the Word of God. Such reprobate leaders have led their churches into….

The Great Apostasy

2 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…

… 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. (2Thess 2)

That’s New King James Version. The Classical Amplified adds to verse 3 ‘[unless the predicted great [b]falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come]’- footnote [b] ‘A possible rendering of the Greek apostasia is “departure [of the church]“.’

Thus, the foretold falling away doesn’t so much refer to non-churchgoing public turning away from believing in our Father God and Jesus Christ as regular believers choosing to leave behind any belief and deliberately departing from the faith.

In the brief background to my Theological thoughts on salvation and apostasy I refer to ‘lost salvation’ as a topic for Saturday Men’s Bible study. In our online chat and saying the Lord had poked me to blog on it, I added my hope of getting a Deuteronomy 19:15 two-witness confirmation as soon as possible.

Indeed, I thought confirmation emerged with Friday’s news of Justin Welby’s apology for what was wrongly taken as a personal slight by the lead advocate in his Church’s move towards liturgical accommodation of trans-sexuality.

However, the usual personal confirmation was yet to come in Sunday morning’s service. A congregant with top diosecan connections briefed me about the disastrous outcome of last week’s Anglican General Synod.

CORRECT TRANSLATION? 

In last Thursday’s Theological thoughts on salvation and apostasy I refer to the interlinear Greek translation for ‘Falling away’ but noted a friend heading up Prophetic Releasers for UK Revival had commented upon my Facebook version of the previous day’s Bible Update: ‘Great Apostasy’ of Pope and Anglican leaders.

Geoffrey informs me the Literal Standard Translation of the Bible, a major revision of Robert Young’s Literal translation, posits an alternative “that puts a completely different outlook on this verse and the sequence of the departure (rapture) in future events”. He cites verse 3 as:

“do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because if the departure may not come first, then the man of lawlessness may not be revealed – the son of destruction.”

In my opinion, omitting any reference to ‘apostasia’ (falling away) makes the translation too ambiguous and unclear in what we expect of Holy Spirit-inspired revelation. What’s more, it’s just conjecture because the scriptural prophecy is actually being fulfilled in tandem with verses in other books.

So here’s A E Knock’s Concordant Method interlinear Greek translation, as published by Scripture4All, following this Introduction:

Click image for link to read in full

SCHISMATIC GENERAL SYNOD

Now, in catching up with my church friend’s recommended reading from the CEEC (Church of England Evangelical Council) it is abundantly clear the CoE is now moving into DEEP SCHISM

Some CEEC leaders’ comments (emphases mine)

  • “For many in the Church of England a line was crossed this week that we prayed and hoped would not happen.”
  • “We believe these proposals are being pursued without adequate provision and protection for those holding to the biblical, historic and global majority Anglican view on marriage and sexual intimacy. This underlines the failure of leadership by the archbishops and divided House and College of Bishops.”
  • “CEEC regrets that these changes will cause deep division in PCCs and parishes, deaneries and dioceses the length and breadth of the country, in the same way that the Bishops and General Synod are divided.”
  • Above from report of 17th November > https://ceec.info/responding-to-the-15-november-2023-general-synod-decision-looking-forward/
  • Next from report of 12th October https://ceec.info/ceec-welcomes-bishops-dissenting-statement/
  • “It is not very often that bishops from the House of Bishops express their dis-ease at something being proposed by the rest of the House. The statement is significant because of what it says.
  • “First, they name the deep disagreement that exists within the House of Bishops.  To publicly acknowledge the depth of disagreement is significant, given the seismic changes the House of Bishops is pursuing.”

Also, in Premier Christianity’s opinion piece CofE leaders are ‘walking together’ into sin. It’s a bad joke, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre and Christian Concern, Andrea Williams, points out the bishops’ disingenuity

‘It is being widely reported that the Church of England’s governing body, General Synod, has backed trials of services blessing same-sex relationships. The Guardian says “services to celebrate gay marriages could be held within weeks”.

‘The CofE leadership are often at pains to claim that these services – and the prayers within them – only “ask for God’s blessing”, and that they don’t directly bless these relationships or sexual activity within them.

‘This is straight out of the CofE playbook: deceptive language that allows the de- facto approval of sin while pretending they’re not contradicting the Church’s doctrine of marriage. All this nuance is lost within minutes of the vote as media outlets report that these ‘blessings’ are going ahead.’

FOOTNOTE:

This post is an interim update before proceeding with theological thoughts on believers’ possibly losing their salvation, and alternatively to the Lord’s glorious promise of our personal salvation

Update on Muslims’ visions of Jesus

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Verse of the Day (Colossians 3:15 NIV) at BibleGateway reads,

‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.’

INTRODUCTION

In an email to friends on 16 February 2011 I recounted in detail the first significant dream-vision after my foretaste over 13-14 September 1989 of Jesus’ return – Oh what an awesome Visitation that was!

The BBC late evening news on 6th January 1992 announced that leaders in the Muslim community wanted to establish a Muslim parliament in Britain. But that night in a dream I saw Western Europe, mainly France and the Mediterranean with some of North Africa, as though I was hovering in the space shuttle…
I was astonished to hear the popular worship chorus ‘All Hail The Lamb’ being sung, as if in the atmosphere! This praise was repeated many times most melodiously as though by an angelic host and, inexplicably, it seemed to spiral upwards with them…

Then I heard a very loud, authoritative voice declare,

“As Communism fell, so too will Islam fall”.

I understood this as the Almighty’s declaration that Muslims themselves will want to be free and seek the Truth and then rise up en-masse into freedom in Christ. Here’s an update from early December 9 years ago:

Fulfilled prophecy #2 – diversity and Islam in the UK

MOST WELCOME NEWS

Therefore, since the barbaric massacre of Israelis on October 7th I’ve pondered over that insight and thus delighted to read this week:

https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/muslims-in-gaza-come-to-christ-after-seeing-jesus-in-dreams-report-says-it-was-a-miracle.html

Michael Foust writes, ” The report was first posted online by author and Christian apologist Michael Licona, who said, “God is working in the midst of war.” Licona is a professor of New Testament studies at Houston Christian University and the author of multiple books” – and links to his Facebook at Michael Licona on 10 November, viz:

“Over the past two days, we have ministered to hundreds of fathers who have lost most, if not all, of their children in the war. As we moved these men to safety, we fed them, washed their clothes, and began to read the Bible to them — sharing the way of peace through Jesus. Then, a big miracle happened. Last night, Jesus appeared to more than 200 of them in their dreams! They have come back to us to learn more from God’s Word and are asking how to follow Jesus.
“I side with Israel in this war; not necessarily for theological reasons but because Hamas and those backing it are pure evil. Yet, I know that not all Palestinians support Hamas. In fact, they will be punished severely if even suspected of not supporting Hamas. Let’s pray that this war can be over soon and that Israel can eradicate Hamas so that Palestinians can be free . . . of Hamas”

Also,
https://www.wnd.com/2023/10/watch-ex-hezbollah-fighter-meets-jesus-god-didnt-design-us-hate/

PRAYER

We pray that millions of poor desperate souls who believe in the Almighty may come to know the Truth who is Jesus in such a close personal way, and thus become saved and spiritually fulfilled.

Theological thoughts on salvation and apostasy.

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Time to tackle the theological conundrum of ‘once saved, always saved’ versus ‘falling away’ from faith.

Mulling over first thing with the Lord on today’s blogging I thought about Sunday at 3Counties Vineyard on 1Corinthians 12 and Holy Spirit’s gifts. But upon booting up my phone a message arrived about ‘lost salvation’ as a possible topic for this Saturday’s Men’s Breakfast. (Last weekend was a theological trilogy on Holy Spirit; it comprised that teaching with ministry for the giftings plus Saturday’s double dose of Romans 8 at our breakfast and the Alpha course’s Holy Spirit Away-day.)

Reflecting upon that group’s message about covering a side-issue, once again I got dropped upon from ‘On High’ to write on it! – rather like last Thursday’s jigsaw pieces.

Moreover I was ‘nudged about it being a suitable follow-on to the previous post about major church leaders now implementing apostasy, to the consternation of many laity. (It’s been an ongoing issue ever since launching this blog – 66 posts thus far).

Therefore, I humbly submit the following for consideration:

STUDIOUS DISCUSSIONS

For thirty years men from various churches in Haslemere have enjoyed working our way through various books of the Bible and discussing its verses in depth. In view of Paul’s longest letter being the pinnacle of Christian doctrine, it’s taken us some months to arrive at Romans 8 on Life in the Holy Spirit .

‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be [b]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the [c]carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.’ (NKJV, Bible Gateway.com)

Last week, in passing, our study-leader referred to losing salvation. He and I cited Hebrews 6 but others objected and reminded us of the ‘once saved, always saved’ dictum.

This difference of opinion has cropped up a few times recently and this week’s leader undertook some research just in case the group decides to consider it. However, he concludes the wiser option is to adhere to our usual practice of examining the scripture under review.

Yet, how does a divergence of opinion emerge when most of us are well-grounded in The Word?

Furthermore, the ‘scripture confirms scripture’ principle means the whole Bible should be clearly understood; thereby leaving us of one accord!

SCRIPTURE CHECK

Here’s a small selection recommended by one of the group for consideration. Lead-in verses from the New International Version will give the cited verses some context:

John 10:28-29 > 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Philippians 1:6 > 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:38-39 > 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

FALLING AWAY FROM FAITH IN JESUS

Yet one must ask; if ‘once saved always saved’ is the correct understanding of the Word of God and faith in His Son Jesus Christ, then how come Holy Spirit foretells in 2 Thess 2:4 a specific ‘apostasia’ (literally, ‘from standing’ – Interlinear Greek), which translates as ‘falling away’?
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God…
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.’

In the previous post I particularly stressed verse 11, which should generate a righteous fear of the Lord in everybody!

Also, Paul later instructed his disciple Timothy that “the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…”

That means not at a contemporary time but at a ‘latter time’ well into the future. However, apostasy began in the first century after Jesus’ life on earth, as attested to or implied by the author of the Book of Hebrews – AND definitely by Jesus’ closest disciple, John.

So, consider carefully Hebrews 6. It opens by saying its addressees have received foundational teaching and so it’s now time to progress: “Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…”

Note well verse 5:

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c]away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.’

We have tasted God and His Word and know Him to be good, and been given gracious giftings in the Holy Spirit – some even baptised in Him. BUT how many disciples today can operate fully in Holy Spirit’s power? Very, very few!

So the author of the treatise to the Hebrews must be referring to the miracles, signs and wonders of those apostles and disciples who were anointed in power, as described in The Acts of the Apostles. What’s more, that should have continued throughout Church history!

CONCLUSION

In view of the theological nature of this matter, this can be but my initial thoughts, submitted for what they may be worth.

I offer this as a way of indicating how two apparently contradictory understandings may be reconciled because they refer to different situations.

‘Once saved, always saved’ applies to all believers who do not fall into the error of apostasy or heretical belief. Some may even experience the supra-natural powers of the Age to Come,. Those who live in that category but subsequently disobey Jesus and scripture by following demonic doctrines and failing to repent and renounce satan, are the ones for whom salvation is withdrawn. Remember, we are to work out our own salvation in fear and trembling, according to Paul at Philippians 2:12.

Do not overlook what Jesus’ closest disciple writes about the apostates he knew or learned about:

1 John 2:19 > Warnings Against Denying the Son

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

Maybe John is referring to those who became teachers of Gnosticism, a documented historical heresy, and similar movements in those early centuries in Church history.

Also, Jesus foretells His honouring believers but disowning anyone who disowns Him [Greek ‘amesamenos’ – ‘one-disowning’], which is a deliberate act of disobedience, not one of simple unbelief:
8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Luke 12 NIV)

PS. (18.11) To be continued with short posts on apostasy and salvation separately.

Bible Update: ‘Great Apostasy’ of Pope and Anglican leaders

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First, let’s remind ourselves what the Holy Spirit told Apostle Paul around 50 and 64 AD, as in his respective letters to the church in Thessalonica and to his disciple Timothy, as in New King James Version (courtesy BibleGateway.com, emphases mine):

2 Thess 2 > ‘Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the  [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.’

NB. Those closing verses should generate a righteous fear of the Lord in everybody!

1 Tim 4 > ‘Now the Spirit [a]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron…’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/11/13/church-of-england-dedicated-ceremonies-for-gay-couples/