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

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.

Simplicity of the Gospel and in Evangelism and in End-Times – Neil Mackereth

I’m grateful to my good friend Neil Mackereth for this paper. I’ve known him since his stimulating summer-time evening courses several years ago in Winchester Vineyard Church. The appendices to this will follow in my series of End-Times Briefings.

SIMPLICITY

Jesus said: “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32 NIV (other versions say “I, if I be lifted up ……..”) Continue reading

End-Times Briefing 8: Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Numberer’ Jesus Christ

Now we examine one of the sparkling gems, a radiant diamond, found in the treasure trove of Unlocking the Biblical Watch of Messiah’s Return. First a brief recap: 

The Invisible Hand, Victor Dunstan (Megiddo Press 1984)

As at the close of Briefing 7, Victor Dunstan’s reference to three dates, or Time periods of differing length, given in the 12th chapter of Daniel point to 1917, 1948 and 1992, is derived from Dr Grattan Guinness’ mathematical work.  Subsequently, three ‘interlude’ posts tell how Jonathan R Hill has taken that work further in two books. Amongst a veritable plethora of biblical topics and scriptures he examines in-depth the role of ‘The Wonderful Numberer’ – Daniel’s chief supra-natural informant.

In his ‘Introduction’ to Unlocking the Biblical Watch of Messiah’s Return, Jonathan echoes Chuck Missler’s frustration, as quoted in Briefing 5, by noting:

“So many in the Body of Christ are ambivalent towards the Lord’s mandate to watch, but the Lord wants the church to awake! Messiah’s words to the sleeping Peter are the Lord’s words to His living body, who are currently on the earth at the end of this age: “Could you not watch with Me for one hour?” (Matt 26:40 NKJV)

This is followed by, and I’m grateful to Jonathan for his kindly permitting publication (emphases mine): 

‘DANIEL’S VISIONS

‘Daniel was privileged to receive extraordinary visions which were sealed until the ‘time of the end’ when many will run ‘to and fro’ and knowledge will increase. An apt description of our current world when knowledge and data are readily available via the internet.

Daniel 12:4 (NKJV) – “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

‘The prophetic words of the Book of Daniel were sealed until the ‘time of the end’ – confirmed again later in the same chapter (Daniel 12):

Daniel 12:9-10 (NKJV) – And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed ’til the time of the end”. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

‘Daniel’s ‘time of the end’ is now.

‘Earlier in the Book of Daniel a ‘when’ question was asked, regarding the desolation of the Temple in Jerusalem. The question was asked to someone called the ‘Wonderful Numberer’ [19]. The questioner (the ‘holy one’) clearly knew that the ‘Wonderful Numberer’ had the answer to the ‘when’ question.

Daniel 8:13 (YLT) – “And I hear a certain holy one speaking, and a certain holy one said to the wonderful numberer who is speaking: ‘Until when [is] the vision of the continual [sacrifice], and of the transgression, an astonishment, to make both sanctuary and host a treading down?’”

‘As will be seen [20], the wisdom of the ‘Wonderful Numberer’, who answered the ‘when’ question, is part of the ‘understanding’ sealed until the ‘time of the end’, when the ‘wise’ will understand. Moreover, the ‘Wonderful Numberer’ will be shown to hold the ‘Key of David’ [21] – the significance of which will be examined in detail [22].’

Notes:

‘[19] The Hebrew word for ‘Wonderful Numberer’ in Daniel 8:13 is ‘Palmoni’ (Hebrew ‘לפלמוני’ – Strong’s number 6422) and is only found once in all scripture . It is a ‘contracted’ word and contains the elements of two Hebrew words. The first is ‘pele’ and the other is ‘ma-na’. The Hebrew word ‘pele’ means ‘wonderful’ (see Isaiah 9:6) and the word ‘ma-na’ means ‘numbered’ (see Daniel 5:25-26). So, this contracted Hebrew word ‘Palmoni’ literally means ‘Wonderful Numberer’”. Taken from F.C. Gilbert’s book, Practical Lessons for the Church of Today, pp. 606-608, published by The Review in 1902.

Gill’s Exposition states: ‘another angel said to him that spoke, whose name is unknown, only called such a one, or ‘Palmoni’, which some render ‘the wonderful numberer’ or ‘the numberer of secrets’ or ‘that has all secrets numbered’; and apply it to Christ, whose name is ‘Pele’, wonderful; the eternal Word of God, that is in the bosom of the Father, and knows all secrets, and the number of times and seasons, how long they will last; what created angels know not, he does; and therefore they apply to him for instruction and knowledge in hidden things.

The ‘Wonderful Numberer’ is found in few translations yet many commentaries acknowledge this translation including Albert Barne’s Commentary, John Gill’s Exposition, Geneva Study Bible, Calvin’s Commentary, John Trapp’s Complete Commentary, Matthew Poole’s Annotations, Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and E. W. Bullinger’s Companion Notes. (See StudyLight.org Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Daniel 8:13)

‘[20] See chapter ‘Numbers, Triangles and Pyramids in Scripture’ and section ‘The ‘Wonderful Numberer’ as the Seventh Pyramid’.

‘[21] See chapter ‘Tools of the Watch’ and section ‘The Key of David’.

‘[22] See chapter ‘Tools of the Watch’ and section ‘The ‘Wonderful Numberer’ Holds the Key of David’.’  [Isaiah 22:22 << THAT NUMBER AGAIN! – RB]

Daniel 8:13-21 [Scripture For All Interlinear OT Hebrew]

NB: reference at note 19 to Jesus as knowing hidden things, ie ‘mysteries’, per recent post Kingdom Mysteries – Jesus Points to Mathematics (originally posted 6 April 2018).

Now let’s take a peek at some of my many tabbed pages: Continue reading

Unlocking the Biblical Watch of Messiah’s Return – Jonathan R. Hill

In our considering principles behind use of numbers and associated basic mathematics in the Bible, my catching up with the following news is timely – I’m pleased to learn that author Jonathan R. Hill is finding his researches also connect into Time!

Here’s the proofreaders’ clear recommendation circulated for Jonathan’s new book:

‘In this new book Jonathan reinforces the straightforward, but profound, mathematical principles of triangular and pyramid numbers and how they help reveal and reinforce wonderful truths in the Bible, using the numerical equivalents for the letters in each word in the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible.

‘These principles were initially studied in his first book (on The Sign Miracles of John – RB: as herein) and the results were fascinating, revealing important concepts that are relevant for both the Church and Israel in these end times. They now lay a strong foundation for this ‘Biblical Watch for Messiah’s Return’. These numbers are used in the studies themselves and help us to understand the types involved, and also the time periods that connect the important events that are highlighted.

‘Also included in this book are details of and revelations about the Jubilee Cycle, the important and ‘high’ numbers that there are in Scripture (like ‘120’), the time of day of Christ’s resurrection, the reason Anna had to wait 84 years to see the Messiah, the importance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, the Armistice in 1918, the World Economic Conference of 1933, the 9/11 attack in 2001, the rescue of the Chilean miners in 2010 and even Brexit!

‘Jonathan also shows how the ‘Key of David’ gives ‘understanding’ in God’s presence and what ‘leaven’ means for the Church today.

‘It truly is a book which explores and explains the concepts that are needed to study, and ‘watch’ for, Messiah’s (Jesus’) return at the Rapture for his Bride, the Church.

‘This book is, in my opinion, the most important Christian book for the Church in the first quarter of this 21st Century.

‘May I encourage you to order a copy (and also the previous one on the Sign Miracles, if you’ve not already got it) and be blessed?

‘Jonathan’s website JR Hill – Books has links to buy both books and also his ‘New Watch Events’ page.

‘I have read both books out loud to Pat (as we have been proof-reading them). We have found that reading them to each other has really helped us both to understand the truths and the concepts they contain, and they truly leave us with hope for the future.

‘We commend this teaching to you.

‘Many blessings’

‘Keith and Pat’

Next, we learn the identity of one of Daniel’s sources as his ‘Wonderful Numberer’ >>

Kingdom mysteries – Jesus points to mathematics

[First posted 6 April 2018 as A Post-Resurrection Miracle as a ‘Mystery’ Now Revealed]

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.

Continue reading

Astonishing mathematics within Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1

In our examining End-times we’ve completed 7 briefings, beginning with scriptures on the who, why, when and what of watching followed by an eschatologist’s challenge, a pastor’s vision and (my pre-Christian) unbeliever’s confrontation with the Bible and events!

Being the 8th Briefing, the next will begin another cycle and visit unusual scripture before venturing into others’ valuable insights. An interlude spent on three previous posts will help our understanding of what’s ahead.:

In mid-September 2016, as told here, a mathematician was writing about his favourite formula whilst I was reading about the very same thing buried deep in holy writ!

A multitude of times I’ve noticed crazy coincidences cropping up to give confirmation and more instruction upon certain topics, as though the Lord’s got His hammer and hitting me between the eyes to get my attention! This ‘God-incident‘ is the most extraordinary so far coming almost ‘simultaneously’ from both a secular, scientific standpoint and two fundamental scriptures.

jr-hill-unlocking_1

Click image for details

An anniversary-cum-birthday holiday brought me opportunity to read a book at long last after a non-stop busy Summer. So I grabbed a couple from my pile, one of which, Unlocking the Sign Miracles of John by Jonathan R Hill, seemed on the lines of what I’d heard John Kilpatrick saying about the ‘sign miracles’ in the Gospel of John.

Flicking through it I noticed many references to the ‘Consummation of the Age’ (including chapter on its ‘mathematical foundation’), the ‘end-time’ prophetical significance of those miracles, as well as typologies, numerical aspects of Hebrew and Greek alphabets and calculations of time periods. Now, I take the last with a pinch of salt as they need careful checking, but am willing to consider and weigh new, even radical, concepts that don’t contradict scripture.

jr-hill-unlocking_39-2

The book is based upon the work of Arthur Ware in The Restored Vision and quotes from Dr Grattan Guinness’ Light For The Last Days (whom another author quoted in seminal book The Invisible Hand, as told in End-Times Briefing 7). I’m aware of the ancient practice of substituting letters of original Hebrew and Greek alphabets with their ordinal (sequential) value and standard designated values known as gematria, which Hill uses. His book is annotated with cross-references throughout.

Without further ado, here are some introductory points and copies of a few specific pages to read carefully (enlarge for ease of reading):

But God does not stop with types, as each letter of the two original languages of the Bible, Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament, encapsulates a numerical value. Words and collections of sequential words have a mathematical identity which, therefore, extends the surface narrative. Any agreement between this underlying numerical pattern and the surface meaning or doctrine, affixes considerable authenticity to the text…Only a personable supernatural God could inject such intrinsic connectivity within a book written in two languages with different alphabets, by multiple authors and across two millennia(emphasis mine).

‘The only reference in the (NT) to individual letters is actually in John’s Gospel – ‘And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” John 7:15 NKJV (page 20).

‘The existence of a relationship between the surface meaning of the text, the type and the underlying mathematical value has long been known in Jewish Rabbinic tradition’ – see Wiki Pardes (Jewish Exegesis) (page 160).

Page 38: ‘…Before returning to the details of the progression of seven days, one more scientific digression is to be considered. A simple ratio of letters to words in Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 yields the following fundamental mathematical constants seen in figure 4’ – continues below (NB: especially note first footnote):

jr-hill-unlocking_39-1

jr-hill-unlocking_40

Mathematician Joseph’s Jaw-dropping Email

Upon returning home on the closing days of September and opening the accumulation of email, I soon read a notification of new post sent the preceding weekend from Joseph at Rationalising the Universe, the early part of which reads:

‘Today I write a short post about something close to my own heart; and to so many others in the field of mathematics which is the notion of mathematical beauty. That is, deriving aesthetic satisfaction from mathematical work (which in my opinion is on a level far above any painting, sculpture or photograph can ever achieve). There is no one defined notion of mathematical beauty; as with the more regular notion of of human beauty there often is a general consensus but it is down to personal taste. Here I summarise some areas in which mathematics in my eyes is at its most beautiful.

‘In this area I take a commonly cited example of Euler’s formula, which was showered with praise by the late great Richard Feynman, who used to refer to the formula as “our jewel”. Let me first present the general version of the formula…’

(He explains formula linking trigonometrical with the exponential form and when ‘x’ takes the value of ‘pi’ it becomes the Euler’s identity, as in Hill’s book above):

‘That is incredibly powerful mathematics summarised in a short, elegant looking formula which revels so much. To me this is incredibly beautiful…’

I was left utterly ‘God-smacked’!

So, next we’ll check Jesus’ mathematical miracle…

Notes:
  1. The theorem uses the five most important constants of mathematics: zero (0), unity (1), ‘e’, the exponential number describing growth and decay ‘e’, ‘pi’ the ratio of a circle’s diameter to its circumference, ‘i’ the basic imaginary number which, if it did exist, equals the square root of -1.
  2. Euler’s identity won a reader’s contest in Mathematical Intelligencer magazine in 2004 by a considerable margin for “the most beautiful theorem in mathematics”.
  3. Items 1 & 2: Mathematics – an Illustrated History of Numbers, ed Tom Jackson.
  4. For more about this special formula see Wikipedia Euler’s Identity.

We are being lied to! Are you watching the Spirit or the screen?— Wanda Alger

Quote

Although occasionally I ‘bang on’ about the ‘British Brainwashing Cult’, a.k.a. ‘Brussels’ Broadcasting Club’, I’ve been wary of wasting my time on so-called conspiracy theories – some of which do make valid arguments. However, since hearing the Lord’s reply to my asking about the origin of Covid-19 (“It is man-made”), I’m more keenly aware of the increase in diabolical schemes to prevent what the Lord’s doing prior to His Return.
Wanda’s stark warning wisely points to the course church leaders should now be taking to enable the Bride of Christ prepare for ruling and reigning with Him.

We are divided. We may all love God, hold fast to scriptural integrity, and have compassion for the lost, but we are still divided as the Church. But it’s not because of our theological bents or doctrinal differences. It’s because we’re being lied to, and many sincere believers are falling for the bait. The issues…

continue at  WE ARE BEING LIED TO – ARE YOU WATCHING THE SPIRIT OR THE SCREEN? — wandaalger.me

End-Times Briefing 6: pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ vision warns of coming global cataclysm!

Those following these Briefings will appreciate the direct relevance of Sign #27 to this video and transcript, for which I’m grateful for Carolyn Stewart’s very helpful expertise and schedule.

On Wednesday 27th May pastor Christopher Wickland posted this alarm or warning on what’s soon to hit the world. (To date, his November 2019 prophecy of a great humbling then spiritual revival of Britain is accurate.) As with all prophecies, please seek the Lord in weighing this vision.

In NKJV, Christopher’s Luke reference is headed ‘The Coming of the Son of Man’:

“Welcome to another thought for the day. Today I have quite a serious message and one which probably many Christians will find a little bit hard to stomach. I will start with this piece of scripture, then I will get straight into it. Continue reading

End-Times Briefing 5: expert’s excitement – few know this…

This post, one of my first blogs in November 2011, later featured on the Home page to inform visitors of the acceleration of prophetic fulfillment, as may be inferred from the links to confirmatory events two years later:

As you may have gathered from my Welcome, I’m into eschatology – the theological study of the destiny and judgement of nations and all people, even angels!  It’s about  ‘The Last Days’, as in the ancient Torah’s description: Acharit Hayamin, ie. ‘Last of the Years’, and were regarded as the years immediately following Jesus’ ministry.  Nowadays, they’re also known as the ‘End-times’.

So let me take you for a very brief visit into one of my favourite video classes where (the late) Dr Chuck Missler is asking his students, “Why Eschatology?”

“It is very practical”, he answers himself and explains:

“Apparently, we’re being plunged into a period of time about which the Holy Bible says more than any other period – including the time when Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee!

“Now that’s a preposterous statement – and I challenge you to challenge my statement! To do so you need to do two things:

1  Find out what the Bible itself says about this and – this is a bit harder,

2  Find out what’s really going on – but you won’t get that on the ten o’clock news!

“Fortunately, thanks to the internet, the alternative press and to talk-radio you can do some homework and find out what really is going on. The more you do those two things the more you’ll understand why many scholars are extremely excited about the horizon we’re moving into – because it all deals with the return of Christ to rule earth.

“It really is remarkable how controversial this topic is, but there are:

  • over 1800 references in the Old Testament to this event – 17 Old Testament books give prominence to the event.
  • over 300 references in the New Testament – 216 chapters in 23 of its 27 books give prominence to this primary issue: the return of Jesus to rule on earth.

“You may not believe what the Bible says, but what’s utterly astonishing is that so very many claim to believe in Jesus yet have no grasp of the idea Christ is to literally return and rule!”

I respect Chuck for frequently stressing that we shouldn’t take what he says as ‘Gospel’ but always do a ‘Berean check’ per Acts 17:11; that is, to search the scriptures to find out whether or not his ideas line up with them. Also, I admire his public apology for admitting that, having long taught about an anticipated Middle Eastern war from a certain scriptural stance, he’s gained a better understanding from other passages. So Chuck explained why he’d changed his mind.  For more information visit his website at Koinonia House.

What are we to do when mainstream news doesn’t help?  To find out click Not on The 10 o’clock News. [More non-fake news sites have arisen since blogging this in 2011.]

Footnote

The following posts are just a few examples among many of subsequent eschatalogical developments:

End-Time Briefings:
  1. The ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching
  2. The ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!
  3. The ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!
  4. Theologically “Watch” means…
  5. Expert’s Excitement – Few Know This…
  6. Pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ Vision Warns of Coming Global Cataclysm
  7. New Ager Sees First Pieces of God’s ‘Jigsaw
  8. Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Number’ Jesus Christ

End-Times Briefing 4: theologically “Watch” means…

This linked article by Nelson Walters brings an informative theological nuance to help in our consideration of the Who, Why, When and What of Watching:

“Watch” is Jesus’ most frequent command for Christians to prepare for the end times. What does “watch” mean? What exactly are we to do when we “watch?” We are beginning a short series on the topic of watching and being watchful in the end times. WATCH AND IMMINENCE I have heard it said by pretribulation…

Continue reading via What Does “Watch” Mean? — The Gospel In The End Times

End-Time Briefings:
  1. The ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching
  2. The ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!
  3. The ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!
  4. Theologically “Watch” means…
  5. Expert’s Excitement – Few Know This…
  6. Pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ Vision Warns of Coming Global Cataclysm
  7. New Ager Sees First Pieces of God’s ‘Jigsaw
  8. Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Number’ Jesus Christ

End-Times Briefing 3: the ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!

So far we’ve considered the Who, Why and When we’re to watch. Now to the rationale of this blog, as stated in its title’s strap-line, ‘Looking for the signs of Jesus’ return’ and we examine what Jesus told us to look out for:

WHAT?

Omitting those which apply to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, here’s a selection of signs stated in the first Gospel (Mark 13), augmented by Matthew (chapter 24) and Luke (chapters 17 & 21) plus insertion of Paul’s first and follow-up letters to believers in Salonika, to whom he stressed the origin of his teaching; ‘For this we say to you by the word of the Lord…’

    1. “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations [‘ethnos’ – people groups], and then the end will come.”
    2. Disciples will stand before and councils, rulers and kings, beaten in religious assemblies: 
    3. Many will come in Jesus’ name, saying, “I am He,” and will deceive many.
    4. Wars and rumors of wars – nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet
    5. “And there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven ; All these are the beginnings of sorrows.
    6. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you and you will be hated by nations all for My name’s sake.
    7. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another…Brother will betray brother to death – a father his child – children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death and…
    8. “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 
    9. “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
    10. SO, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’, spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing where it ought not (let the reader understand!), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” [This refers not only to the Roman standard placed in the Temple’s Holy of Holies but also to profane objects or person therein at any time (including its mount?)]
    11. “…in those days there will be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.
    12. “And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days….
    13. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it for false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
    14. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven…’and the dead in Christ will rise first,
    15. ‘then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up [‘harpadzo’ = rapture] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…’
    16. ‘You know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety” then sudden destruction comes…’
    17. ‘Let no one deceive you…for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first (Apostasy), and
    18. ‘the man of sin (lawlessness) is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped,
    19. ‘so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God…
    20. ‘The coming of the lawless one is according to the workings of satan with all power, signs and lying wonders, and
    21. ‘with all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they didn’t receive a love of the truth, that they might be saved…
    22. ‘For this reason God will send them strong delusion that they should believe the lie (!!)…’
    23. “As it was in the days of Noah, so also in the days of the Son of Man: “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”
    24. “Likewise as it was in the days of Lot…on the day Lot left Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
    25. “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife: Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
    26. “I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”
    27. “After that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. (“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars…of heaven will fall and the powers of the heavens be shaken”)
    28. “and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
    29.  “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth...
    30. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 
    31. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
    32. “Then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” [The Rapture]

Jesus said, “Take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

Details from The Apocalypse, the book recording ‘the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants’ penned by His apostle John, will follow later.

IS THE END NIGH?

Not necessarily! I’m not of the alarmist brigade because, in my humble opinion, Jesus is coming back for a bride who’s ‘made herself ready’, which I understand to be a church that has been restored to move fully in the ‘greater works’ – one that has arisen with the glory of the Lord appearing over her and piercing the ‘thick darkness covering the peoples’ (see Revelation 19.7, Acts 3.21, John 14.12 and Isaiah 60.1-2). YET, it may be just over the horizon!

There’s clear indications this preparation is already happening through many ministries. Jesus did say, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16.18).

On praying to our Heavenly Father, He instructed us to petition, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” (Matt 6:10).

The Lord’s Kingdom rule has yet to come in its fullness so, in my opinion, a reworking – even a significant sifting or pruning – may be necessary as the Lord finishes building his Church and believers make themselves ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Next, we’ll briefly consider theological nuances of the meaning of ‘watching’…

End-Time Briefings:
  1. The ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching
  2. The ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!
  3. The ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!
  4. Theologically “Watch” means…
  5. Expert’s Excitement – Few Know This…
  6. Pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ Vision Warns of Coming Global Cataclysm
  7. New Ager Sees First Pieces of God’s ‘Jigsaw
  8. Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Number’ Jesus Christ

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version; copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.]

End-Times Briefing 2: the ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!

Continuing the reasons for watching for the End-times, we consider when that might happen:

WHEN?

Jesus’ major End-time teaching was given soon after leaving the Temple with some of His disciples and having foretold its complete destruction, which was to happen about 40 years later after the infamous Roman siege of Jerusalem.

Jesus on the Mount of Olives:

When He went and sat on the nearby Mount of Olives, two sets of brothers (Peter & Andrew, James & John) asked Him to expand upon that prophecy, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” (seee Mark 13, Luke 21, Matthew 24).

He answered in some depth, and by examination of the details we can conclude that not only does Jesus describe later events in that First Century but also those of a much later time, one yet to come but which is now at the door!  So Jesus did, but didn’t, tell them precisely ‘when’!

In talking of that far future time however, He tells them a parable about the appearing of leaves on a fig tree – which many believe refers to the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel.:

“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it (or ‘He’) is near – at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place..But of that day and hour no-one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is…Watch therefore…I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:28-37 NKJV emphasis mine)

Other passages of the New Testament imply that He, or Holy Spirit, subsequently gave those leading disciples, and Saul of Tarsus who became Apostle Paul, further insights on the approximate timing of those signs, as below:

Peter preaching in the Temple:

After Jesus’ Ascension into heaven Peter, when teaching in the Temple, called people  to,

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets since time began…” (Acts 3:19-21 – my emphasis.)

So there’s a huge contribution followers of Christ have yet to make across all spheres of society towards such restoration – we’ve hardly started; not to mention both human and demonic opposition – but however do we restore ‘all things’?  We must conclude that only The Almighty is able to bring about the ‘restoration of ‘all things’ – and doubtless in the manner Zecharia prophesied to governor Zerubbabel:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit”, says the Lord of hosts. (Zech 4:6 NKJV)

Although we need to beware of false prophets, Acts 3:21 implies that the Lord will keep His prophets informed of His intentions in bringing this about (Amos 3:7). Hence the important relevance of contemporary prophecy.

Paul writing to the Thessalonians:

We know from Acts and accounts in Paul’s Epistles that this Apostle to the Gentiles was blessed with visions of and revelations from Jesus Himself as, for example, in the main scripture quoted by ‘pre-Tribbers’:

‘For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.’ (1Thess 4:15-17 NKJV)

‘But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.’ (1Thess 5:1-5 NKJV – emphases added)

Maybe it’s as well the Palestinian leaders have been defiantly intransigent over the so-called ‘peace plan’ with Israel and, like Iran and Hezbollah, want to wipe Israel off the face of the map!  Even so, let’s keep watching!

NB: the theme of UN’s Year 2017-18 is ‘Together for Peace, Dignity, Safety  & Respect For All’, as outlined in Three Prophetic Jigsaw Pieces.

Next, we include Paul’s later explanation so click 3 below for what we’re watching for…

End-Time Briefings:
  1. The ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching
  2. The ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!
  3. The ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!
  4. Theologically “Watch” means…
  5. Expert’s Excitement – Few Know This…
  6. Pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ Vision Warns of Coming Global Cataclysm
  7. New Ager Sees First Pieces of God’s ‘Jigsaw
  8. Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Number’ Jesus Christ

End-Times Briefing 1: the ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching

In view of current events it’s time to reconsider the End-times foretold in the Holy Bible with a series of brief overviews, followed by others’ recent insights.

First, we revisit the mini-series published in February 2018 and lodged in the main menu for reference purposes. It was preceded by a couple of re-blogs referring to one of eight possible eschatological scenarios – a pre-Tribulation Rapture – and, together with a theological blog’s discussion, I was prompted to expand upon one of this blog’s earliest entries – ‘Why Watch?’

Now, let’s consider the ‘Who, Why, When and What’ of our watching:

WHO?

You, me and everyone, especially those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ – HE is the WHO and thus the basic reason we should be watching. If you’re not familiar with His life, ministry and status, or with the fact we can be in a close, loving relationship with Him, then dip into this blog’s brief outline at Do You Know Jesus?

WHY?

For me, a totally unexpected and very spectacular, life-changing event in 1989 made watching very personal and connected into relevant, directive scripture. Then in 2008, wanting to check Jesus’ parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13, I opened my Bible and IT EXPLODED! and I heard

“This is ALL about to be fulfilled!”

Thus impelled in February 2009 I began emailing friends and church leaders on current events and prophecy with The Endgame Is Now In Play, wherein I wrote:
‘Jesus urged His disciples to look out for and observe signs of the times. Regarding their questions about His return at the end of this Age, the earliest Gospel account has Jesus stressing 7 times, “Watch…be alert…on your guard“ (Mark 13). Matthew 24 reports Jesus saying 4 times, “Watch…and when you see…” followed by the parables of the burglar (Jesus coming “like a thief in the night”) and of the virgins > “Don’t be caught napping!” [Is the Church still asleep?] Luke’s account has, “Be always on the watch…” (Luke 21:36 and chapter 12 (NIV) has sections on watchfulness and interpreting the times. In each Gospel Jesus commands, Learn the lesson of the fig tree…”. Also, the Apostles went on to give more indicators (Acts 3:20-1, Hebrews 12:26-7, 2 Peter 3, 2 Timothy 3 and the first and second letters to the Thessalonians).’

It’s claimed that for every OT prophecy about Jesus Christ’s birth and life there’s seven to eight times as many about His eventual return or ‘Parousia’, also called ‘The Second Advent’ or ‘Second Coming’. I’m of the opinion the likelihood of that event in our lifetime is rapidly increasing !

Jesus stressed the great importance of His return. Eg, His instruction to the four who’d been with Him from the outset of His mission is given at Mark 13:33-37 (NKJV):

Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming – in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning – lest, coming suddenly, he finds you sleeping! And what I say to you, I say to all, ‘Watch!’.”

That’s why I’m watching and, believer or not, you too are included, as is implicit in Jesus’ admonition: “I say to ALL…

So, watching for Him is and always has been THE ‘inclusive’ activity – and one with divine warrant!

How Can We Be Sure?

You may object and say, “But even if that’s an accurate quotation it’s only guesswork”. That is, prophecies don’t always come to pass. In answer and in synopsis only, I offer the following key to foretelling the future.:

We’re privileged to learn what Almighty God has decided is to happen. He shared his plans with a select number of ancient sages, or prophets, over a long period that started 29 centuries ago, and several centuries before Christ. Amidst extensive instructions He told the prophet Isaiah:

“For I am God and there is no other, I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand and I shall do all My pleasure’…” (Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV)

In fact, some years before Isaiah the first of the ‘writing prophets’ had received a distinct word about God’s intention to divulge His plans. This is recorded in Amos’ scroll at the seventh verse of the third chapter (in modern notation):

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

Next, we learn when we’re to be watching for whatever’s coming, so click 2 below…

End-Time Briefings:
  1. The ‘Who?’ and ‘Why?’ of Watching
  2. The ‘When?’ of Watching > NOW!
  3. The ‘What?’ of Watching > Signs!
  4. Theologically “Watch” means…
  5. Expert’s Excitement – Few Know This…
  6. Pastor’s ‘Sign in the Sun’ Vision Warns of Coming Global Cataclysm
  7. New Ager Sees First Pieces of God’s ‘Jigsaw
  8. Daniel and ‘The Wonderful Number’ Jesus Christ

The Day of Pentecost 2020 — R.J. Dawson, Real Christianity

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Another American blogging-buddy, R.J. Dawson, brings clarification upon the nature of true Christian discipleship and a sifting that, in my opinion, reinforces the scholarship which greatly excited me as well as confirming my opinion (Isaiah 50:4 Gem: Bride of Christ’s own Resurrection at Pentecost?) – “Combining what has been said so far, the church is the body of the Messiah. The means of entering this body is Spirit baptism. Hence, the church was born when the ministry of Spirit baptism began. Apart from Spirit baptism, the church cannot and does not exist; and since Spirit baptism began in Acts 2:1-4, that is also when the church began. Therefore, the birth of the church is the fulfillment of Shavuot.” (Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum)

The actual Day of Pentecost, according to celestial rendering, was yesterday May 29. This is a very important date in our current timeline and relates directly to the Great Awakening. . THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS For those of you who have been following my site, a little news is in order. Due to circumstances […]

Continue reading at THE DAY OF PENTECOST 2020 — Real Christianity

Following The Cloud

Noteworthy that ‘High Plains Drifter’ Tim Shey, has added suitable scriptures to his re-posting Tony in Tucson’s dream Follow The Cloud, especially as I often cite John 3:8 as being my ‘lead’-verse – AND yet another personal confirmation on the Pentecost experience in his blog’s title’s scripture:

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”  (2 Corinthians 3: 6)

Follow The Cloud – Tony Puccio

“I’ve seen this vision for a while now so I am going to post it.

“Imagine, if you will, a church building that had been destroyed and this will show what I saw in the vision. The church lay in ruins, no roof overhead, walls crumbled, but some pews remained intact. I saw people there and at first glance one would want to commend them for their faithfulness.

“However, what I saw next changed my perspective…

“I saw a cloud moving away from the destroyed church building. There were a few, and let me re-emphasize, a few saw the cloud and left, while the majority stayed in the destroyed church building. I saw nothing else around, ie, new church buildings.

“It was just the people who had chosen to follow the cloud wherever it was leading.  The Israelites followed the cloud. When it moved, they moved. When it rested, they rested. Like the church building in my vision those refusing to follow the cloud would be left basically in the desert to fend for themselves. Following the cloud is imperative in these last days as we are headed into uncharted territory. Those in the destroyed church building, although the cloud was no longer there, stayed because it was a place they were familiar with.

“The cloud represents a walk of faith, a giving-up the familiar and yielding to the unfamiliar. To not follow the cloud is to be in rebellion, face famine of hearing God’s Word, His presence.

“This vision started when I heard the Lord speak to my spirit saying the cloud is moving.”

Tony Puccio, 3rd June 2020, My Dreams and Visions

I comment as follows on his blog: “Obviously Tony this is the next part of your unfolding visions that I was blessed to cover a few weeks ago in connection with other ‘GPS’ from the Lord (A Directive: Urgent Word For The Global Church – GPS#47.4).
To my understanding, this fits with part of the directive pastor Thomas Harry of Falkirk, Scotland, received. Under section ‘Unprecedented Signs & Wonders’ he writes,
‘Christianity as we have known it and church as we have known it is over. God has saved His best for last and we will be unrecognisable in both our identity and how we operate’.”

Tony replies: “To quote prophet Daniel, ‘those who know their God will do exploits’.”

ACE Insights: Shavuot – Pentecost — Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum

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The renowned Messianic scholar provides solid teaching that’s given me another totally unexpected and delightful double ‘God-incidence’ – First: Dr Arnold’s description of the new ministry of Spirit baptism as being essential to the Church’s existence, confirms my case made during debate this week with an author claiming healing by Holy Spirit’s power is “subjective and thus not exegetical,” despite medical evidence to the contrary! – Second: appreciate the inclusion of parable of wheat and tares as it also relates to the End-times harvest, and my checking of which led to my hearing the Lord’s voice on the fulfillment of scripture, thereby kick-starting my writing on prophecy (see The End-game Is Now In Play).

I pray that you may hear what the Lord is saying through Dr Fruchtenbaum’s post…

By Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum – Shavuot is the fourth holy season on the Jewish calendar. Among the Jewish people, it is also known as the Feast of Weeks. Among most Gentile believers today, the season is known as Pentecost.[1] A. The Biblical Observance Shavuot is a one-day festival. It is unique in that it was […]

Continued at > Shavuot – The Feast of Weeks – Pentecost — Ariel Ministries Publications

Why the Lord doesn’t always show us our future — Wanda Alger

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Following my introductions in this trilogy upon a common theme, I’m humbled to hear the Lord too refers to the ‘Counterfeiter’…

Don’t be anxious about the increased political control or tyrannical oppression that is hanging over our nation. The principalities from hell may believe they are advancing, but they are headed towards a trap with no way back. If we can put up with some temporary madness and seeming loss, the enemy is playing right into…

Continued at  WHY HE DOESN’T ALWAYS SHOW US OUR FUTURE — wandaalger.me

Our Father’s Joy in facing the Evil One — Wanda Alger

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This profound word on how Abba laughs at the Adversary, as shared with Wanda, goes hand-in-hand with the previous post on Steve Hepden’s insight about Jesus’ trial and the counterfeit ‘son‘…

We are in a protracted battle that is not ending any time soon. We are facing things many of us never thought possible. Not only is our nation in massive turmoil and chaos, spiritual forces are pressing upon believers and we need to gird ourselves for the days ahead. 727 more words

Continue treading at THE FATHER’S JOY IN FACING EVIL — wandaalger.me

SON of THE Father; or son of the father? – Steve Hepden

Espied on Facebook home-page this exceptional insight into the counterfeiter by dear Steve Hepden at the beginning of an eventful day. It fits so well as a lead-in to another at the top of my emails and just can’t get it off my mind. Also tallies with my short series on the strategies of our adversary and accuser. May you be blessed too… 

Son of The Father or son of the father?

In my study and research for the chapter ‘Abba Father,’ I came across something at the very end of Jesus’ life: that Satan used to deceive the people, and humiliate and destroy Jesus. At Passover, there was a custom, which gave the Jews the choice to release a prisoner. Pontius Pilate used this to appease them in an effort to keep the peace. The two men Pilate offered to the people were Barabbas and Jesus.

Barabbas was a ‘freedom fighter,’ an insurrectionist, part of a revolutionary movement, and he with others were in prison because they had committed murder in the uprising, Mark 15:6-15. Amazingly Jesus was actually accused of participating in similar activities when He was before the Roman authorities. As far as Pilate was concerned, Jesus had done nothing wrong. He knew that Jesus was not a criminal, but he didn’t know who He was.

Was the choice of Jesus in contrast to Barabbas no accident, or was it premeditated, and malevolent?

These are two Messianic figures with a choice between one who led an armed struggle, and took life to gain a better life with a promise of freedom and a new kingdom; and then the mysterious Jesus who also promised freedom and a new Kingdom, but who talked about laying down your life as the way to gain life.

Pilate had no option but to put it to the people as he was under such pressure. It was a no-win situation, as the people began to chant ‘give us Barabbas,’ and soon it became a frenzied shout due to the crowd psychology of the few stirring up the many. It reached a peak when the mob assumed the guilt of Jesus’ death and said, “Let his blood be on us and on our children,” Matt 27:25. As we know the consequences were severe.

Look at the meaning of Barabbas’ name. His last name, Barabbas, means son (bar) of the father (abba). Jesus had always referred to himself as the Son of the Father. Barabbas’ first name was significant too. Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Matt 27:17, NIV.

Amazingly Barabbas’ first name was Jesus. So you see Jesus son of the father opposing Jesus Son of the Father! Two people with the same name!

It is important that we see this event as Satanic malevolence as the father of lies, John 8:44, deceiving and confusing the people with a counterfeit Messiah. Satan’s purpose was to rob Jesus of His identity by stealing His name, as well as His status as Son. Is this another attempt at the ‘final solution’? Jesus knew He could have asked His Father to put at His disposal the legions of angels that were watching since Gethsemane, Matt 26:53, but He didn’t, He did the better thing, and let Satan have his way. We know why……

What about our choice? Are we going to let Satan undermine our relationship with Abba Father, steal our inheritance as Abba’s children, plunder our identity, or our right to call God “Abba,” because we would lose our capacity to commune and communicate with Him with affection and intimacy?

No…..!