How Does The Tribulation Begin?

    As the Tribulation begins, Jesus opens the seals that are wrapped around the scroll. The scroll is the title deed to the earth. When he opens the first seal, a rider on a white horse rides out to conquer. He has a bow, but there are no arrows for the bow. Therefore, he will conquer countries in conventional warfare and in unconventional ways as well.

    Many theologians today believe he will wage war using economic measures. The following verses would so indicate. Yes, it is true that inflation follows in the path of war. Things do get higher; however, look at how much inflation rises when the Tribulation begins.

Inflation

   In Revelation 6;5-6 we read, When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.  Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

    Inflation really takes a huge leap when the third seal is broken. Look at the price of a loaf of bread, a day's wages. Today, the minimum wage is $7.50 per hour--twice this in California. At $7.50 per hour, a loaf of bread will cost $30.00 (one pound of flour). The cost of a loaf of bread today is about $2.54. Ten years ago it was $1.06. Inflation has eaten away at our pocketbooks. However, inflation will take the prices much higher within the next few years.

    However, prices are begining to skyrocket especially meat. If the trend continues, inflation may be a springboard for the antichrist to begin his run on history. He will be able to conquer the world. The whole world will be ruled by a monarch for nearly seven (7) years.

    Inflation can cause a majority of the people of the world to go hungry. People will have to choose wheither to buy medicines that they must have or food which is imperative that they have. Inflation will cause a huge separation in the social classes. There will be little middle class left. Most of the middle and lower classes will merge into the lower class. The upper class will continue to grow wealthy if they can stay alive.

War

    When the second seal was broken, people began to kill one another. The rider on the "red horse" rode out to make war. He took peace from the earth. This rider carried a large sword.

    Then, as the fourth seal is broken, things really heat up on earth. The rider on the "pale" horse causes one-fourth of the earth's population to be destroyed. There are 7.9 billion people on the earth today, December, 2021. One-fourth of 7.9 billion would be nearly 2 billion people. What could kill 2 billion people quickly?

    The word "pale" is actually chlorous in Greek. The horse is green; however, most translations render it pale or ashen because no one has seen a green horse running about the pastures. We get our English word chlorine from the above word.

    Chlorine gas explains how 2 billion people can be anhilated quickly. Chlorine is a deadly gas. Placed in a water supply or dropped by bombs onto densly populated areas could indeed cause massive deaths among the earth's population.

    Yes, the Tribulation Period will cause much suffering. However, we are warned ahead of time. We can do something to prevent our joining in the suffering. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Become a part of His church. His church will be taken out before the Tribulation Period begins.

Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Marry a Prostitute: Never

 

Hoshea

Minor Prophets Study

By

B Howard Coffey

 

As you read the book of Hoshea, remember that the book is a passionate letter. The passion of a husband who has lost his wife comes to life in the pages of the book. It is passionate because of God’s relationship to Israel. He loves her, but she has gone after other gods. C.F. Ezekiel 16; Jeremiah 3:6-8. And The passion also includes the passion of a father to his children Hoshea 11:1-3; Jeremiah 31:20. Because it is a passionate discourse, there is much repetition but not without purpose.

Hosea Chapter 1

 

In 733 B.C. Tiglath-pileser, King of Assyria, came against the Northern Kingdom and took all but Ephraim and Manasseh. Do you remember whose sons these two were? That’s right, Joseph’s. Could that have a bearing on their remaining undefeated? Let’s look at the blessing that Jacob pronounced on Joseph (Genesis 49:22-26).

Yes, who they were could have had much to do with the fact that they held out eleven years after their brothers were gone into exile and death. Assyria took both tribes captive in 722 B.C. Therefore, Ephraim refers to what remains for the last ten years. Other places in the Bible, Ephraim refers to the tribes that separated from Judah (Jeremiah 7:15; 31:9 C.F.).

In the first three chapters, God reveals himself to Hosea through signs and types. Hebrews 1 instructs you, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, ² in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world,” (verses 1-2). The after the first three chapters, God speaks to Hosea through dialog.

God is distraught with his chosen people. They have desired other gods or wives. Remember, God married Israel at Mount Sinai, Deut. 19-20. Now they have become unfaithful. Hosea’s marriage to a prostitute becomes a sign of the infidelity of Israel. Through the names of Hosea’s sons, God foretells the abandonment of His sons, Israel, Hosea 1:2-3:2; 1:4-6, 8, 9. 3.

 

Pg 7 Hosea Chapter 1

Through Hosea, God speaks softly to Judah who still has a true form of worship of God. Throughout the book we see God’s pure and precious promises of mercy mixed with portions of God’s wrath.

Hosea’s Wife and Children

 

V 1 The word of the Lord which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

The timeline for Hosea is identified by the times of the kings. Hosea prophesied around 793-686 BC. If you recall, Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of these kings, too. Isaiah received his call from God the year that Uzziah died, B.C. 739

V 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord.

God tells Hosea to choose a prostitute for his wife. Nothing new in our society. A popular movie, Pretty Woman, has the same theme.

I’m confident that Hosea’s mom and dad were proud of him. They may not have allowed him to bring she and her children to visit.

God’s intentions were to show Israel how they were acting towards him. They had chosen to play the harlot by worshiping other gods. God was their husband. He married them at Mount Sinai, Exodus 19-20. They were commanded not to have other Gods (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:14). They knew God was a jealous God

(Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). He told them that he was. Yet, they, as Hosea’s choice of wife showed, had decided to love other gods.

V 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

As with the prophet Isaiah, God uses the names of Hosea’s children to signify important historical events.

V 4 And the Lord said to him, “Name him Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

Jezreel was the first son if Hosea. In talking about the “bloodshed” of Jezreel. Many think the reference to bloodshed of Jezreel is to the destruction of the house of Ahab and Ahaziah when Jehu overtook the throne. However, this seems highly unlikely. The kingdom didn’t end with Jehu’s death. Israel would survive for 30 more years.  Also, God commanded Jehu to destroy Ahab’s dynasty. (1 Kings 9:1-10, 10:30. C.F. 2 Chronicles 22:7). Why would God punish someone for carrying out his word? God commanded Jehu.

Maybe you can consider the bloodshed of Jezreel as the “bloodshed of the house of Israel.” It is good to recall that Ahab introduced Baalism as the national worship of Israel (1 Kings 21). Ahab also plotted the murder of Naboth in order to get his vineyard. From this point forward in Hosea, the confrontation between Baal and Israel is set.

V 5 On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

It was here that Baalism seemed to have triumphed over the Lord. It is here in the valley of Jezreel (another name for Israel) that Baalism will be defeated. To “break the bow” indicated complete defeat of an enemy.

There are two incidents of Baal being defeated. The first is in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah confronts them. The second happens when Jehu had all the worshipers of Baal assemble in their temple. He did this in a cunning fashion. After all were gathered in, he had them all killed (2 Kings 10). The Bible says that Jehu had Baal “eradicated (2 Kings 10:28).

V 6 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And the Lord said to him, “Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them.

Note that the daughter is not referred to as Hosea’s child. Later she will be called “children of harlotry.” Nonetheless, the child was an indication of the Lord’s intentions regarding Israel. He no longer has compassion on them.

Notice, too, that the daughter not being listed as Hoshea’s could be an indicator that Israel was no longer considered a daughter or part of the family of God’s.

V 7 But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the Lord their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen.

God’s devotion has switched from Israel. Before he had compassion on Israel, but now he has compassion on Judah only. I would point out that God isn’t too happy with Judah. She runs after other gods, and she burns incense to other gods on the high places.

As for Israel, God will not deliver them through their trained army. Their weapons of war will not prevail against the enemy. No matter how well equipped their army might be, their efforts will be           thwarted by God.

V 8 When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and gave birth to a son.

Following the birth of her daughter, Hoshea’s wife gives birth to a son. Note the Bible does not indicate if the son belongs to Hoshea, either.

This could also be the place that women learned that they couldn’t get pregnant while nursing a child. Hoshea’s wife didn’t become pregnant again until after her daughter is weaned. The fact is that nursing a child doesn’t always prevent pregnancy. However, if you look at the time of births for women who don’t use birth control, the children are spaced nearly two-years apart—the time to wean a child.

V 9 And the Lord said, “Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people and I am not your God.

The child shows how much God has turned away from Israel. No longer does he claim them as his people. Look, too, the people don’t claim him as their God. Yes, they still profess God as their leader; however, their behavior does not indicate his presence in their lives.

Could be something to look at in your life and the life of your church—profession doesn’t compute to following Jesus.

V 10 Yet the number of the sons of Israel will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered; and in the place where it is said to them, “You are not My people,” It will be said to them, “You are the sons of the living God.

“You are the sons of the living God” is also quoted by Paul in Romans 9:26. As to the increase in the number of peoples in Israel, the time surely cannot be now. God is about to destroy the majority of Israel’s people by war with the Assyrians. Their numbers will decrease rather than increase.

Obviously, verse ten refers to a later time. Isaiah writes, “Enlarge the place of your tent;
^[a]Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs.” (54:2).

Again a scripture that indicates the increase of the people of God’s chosen.

Isaiah writes about a time during the Millennial reign of Christ when Israel and Judah have joined together as country. At this time the peoples will increase so much that larger tents will be needed to make room for the increase in children.

V 11 And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and they will go up from the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.

Jezreel means, God will sow. The reference is to the valley that lies southwest of the city of Jezreel. One end of this valley is the valley of Megiddo. This will be the final battle between the disobedient peoples of the earth and Christ and his saints. The battle will take place at the end of the tribulation period. The battle will usher in the Millennial reign of Christ. The fact, that his 1,000 year reign begins following the battle, remains a good indicator of who wins the battle.

Jezreel is know as the city where Jezebel died. You remember her. She was Ahab’s wife. She ushered in the worship of Baal. She swore to kill Elijah. And she had Naboth killed so her husband, Ahab, could acquire Naboth’s vineyard.

Ironically, her name in Hebrew means chaste.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens.

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Religious Opinion Can Be Wrong

 

Matthew 16:1-4.

Doesn't it seem that everywhere Jesus goes, members of the Sanhedrin, Pharisees and Sadducees, seem to find him. These groups of religious fanatics constantly badger him. As is the case in our scripture above.

Jesus had just prior to this fed 4,000 people with seven loaves and a few small fish. His miracle took place out of necessity. The crowd had been following him for three days (16:32, and he had been healing their infirmities (15:30-31). So, Jesus asked His disciples, ". . .I don't want to send them away hungry," (15:32).

Well, the disciples panicked, "No way can we feed all these people. We can't do that! Where would we get enough bread to feed this many people."

Jesus simply asked them to take inventory of the food supply that they had. I think He often asks you and me, "How much power is in your tank. Are you below empty. Remember, I can fill your tank with all the power you need."

Right after this event, they continue to travel along the Sea of Galilee. It is at some point in their travel that the members of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus to test him (16:1). They were brazen enough to ask Jesus to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus had been healing the blind, the lame and other maladies that people can acquire in the previous chapter. These religious leaders had to know about all these signs. Then, it begs the question, Where did they think all these signs came from?

In chapter 12 of Matthew's gospel, the religious leaders accuse Jesus of doing signs by Beelzebub. So, it may be safe to assume, that these leaders facing Jesus today to test him, were saying that His signs came from hell. "We want you to show us a sign from heaven," they tell Jesus.

As was His usual repertoire, Jesus turns their question on them. He gives them signs that they know. If the sky is red at sunset, then there will be good weather tomorrow. It the sky is red at sunrise, then there could be storms (vv 2-3).

Jesus tells these pompous leaders, "You know how to predict the weather, but you have no idea the times that you are seeing before your eyes. I'm about to do something that will change mankind forever. You can know about it because you are learned in the ways of God, but you don't know how to discern the facts of God's plans" (v 3b paraphrased).

Next, Jesus tells them the only sign they will get from Him is the sign of Jonah. That was a sign from heaven that they would understand. Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of a fish. These leaders would know this account from their Torah. However, they would be unable to grasp the significance of the words as they related to Jesus. Jesus would spend three days and three nights in the belly of the earth. He, too, would come out alive. Not only would he be alive, but He would provide life to every man on earth who would come to Him in faith believing that He was the Lord of all.

Matthew 16:13-20.

Finally, Jesus and his followers come to Caesarea Philippi at the northeast end of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus asks a question of his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (v 13b).

His followers began to answer, "Some say John the Baptist; and others Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets" (v 14).

Then, Jesus does with them as He does with you and me. He gets really personal and asks, "But who do yourselves say that I am?" (v. 15).

We, who have been baptized, know the answer to this question. We were asked to repeat these words before the minister baptized us. Peter answers and says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v. 16).

Jesus then tells Peter, the rest of His followers and us that Peter's answer is spirit breathed. This confession cannot come from man, it can only come from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus uses Peter's confession to make a huge declaration. He tells Peter, "That you are Peter (little rock), and upon this rock (huge, mountainous size rock) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (v. 18. Words in parenthesis are the authors).

As the influence of the church declines more and more every day, it appears that Satan is winning. The gates of Hell are wreaking havoc on our churches. However, God is always in control. Paul says, "For when I am weak, I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10b).

Satan wants you to believe the church is shrinking and growing weaker. However, you need to begin to confess, "My church is mighty for battle. It will overcome the enemy. My church will have powerful influence in my community." Then, began acting as though the words are true. Faith comes from hearing the word. Repeat this confession to yourself every day.

No, the religious leaders of Jesus' day couldn't relinquish Him of His power. Neither can the ones today destroy your church. Keep the faith because revival is coming. I believe this! Will you agree with me in prayer?

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens.

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Work Together With Him: Servants of the Most High

 

In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul asks them to conform to the standards that Jesus. set, And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—for He says,

“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, (2 Corinthians 6:1-4).

As An Ambassador

In verse 20 of chapter 5, Paul tells the church that they are ambassadors for Christ. Today's ambassadors represent their countries in a manner that brings confidence, assurance and good will to that country. The modern ambassadors conduct themselves astutely. They never want to present a bad image because who they are reflects on the country they serve.

If then you are an ambassador for Christ, you should do everything in your power to represent God's Kingdom in a manner that would cause others to want to belong to your country. You want everyone to see that you serve the Kingdom well. Those around should know what Kingdom you represent.

Working Together

Because you are an Ambassador as Paul, you work together with Jesus. You work in a manner that proves the grace given you isn't in vain. It is grace that saves you, but then God's grace then, gives you the power and desire to do the work of the Holy Spirit. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work through your giftedness and personality while you rest assures that you aren't using your grace in vain.

Paul and his ministry team suffered many hardships. It is possible that you will as well. Those of us in America may not suffer any of the hardships that Paul went through (vv 4-5). However, even if you do suffer persecution, if you remain pure, the knowledge of God will create in you patience, kindness, genuine love through the Holy Spirit. All this is brought about by the word of truth. through the power of God.

Then Paul encourages you to use the weapons of righteousness. Notice that the weapon of righteousness fits you if you are right handed or left handed. It doesn't require you to special order the weapon of righteousness. It fits right out of the box. Paul also writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, your weapons of righteousness is given to you by God through Jesus. He took all of our sin and made us as righteous as God.

Do Not Be Yoked to Unbelievers

Paul finishes his advice to the church at Corinth and to you and me by teaching that we are not to become partners with unbelievers. If you are a believer about to get married to an unbeliever, stop! Tell your significant other that you will not marry him/her until a confession in Christ is made.

Getting ready to form a business partnership with another? Before you sign the papers, make sure the other is a believer; otherwise, your business may look like a worldly business. So keep yourself from being bound in any fashion to an unbeliever.

Paul is not saying "don't associate with an unbeliever." How else could your ever preach the word to them. Paul writes in Colossians 2:20, If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as.

If you have died with Christ, you are not subject to the decrees of the world that causes you to submit yourself to the elemental teachings of the world. In other words never allow anyone to "should" on you. You've been changed from these man-made laws.

Paul quotes Isaiah as emphasis to avoid the things of the world. Isaiah says, Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

2nd Post: Are We Close to End Times--Check This Out

 From our last post about the question, "Are we close to end times?", we identified the church era as the beginning of end times. Next, the end times will have a seven year time of tribulation. That period hasn't begun. However, we are beginning to see signs of this time being near.

In this post we will examine further signs of the nearness of this second end times process. So let's begin.

   2. The Tribulation Period into Christ's 1000 year reign.

There are some signs that are beginning to show how near the end times of the tribulation period is.

• Earthquakes
• Famines
• Love Grows Cold

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 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

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My Fountain Pens

When the End Comes--Circumstances or Inheritance

 Are We Close to the End?

    Not every one believes we are living in the end times. However, I do! I think science is beginning to become a true indicator of this. Our world farmers have nearly reached their peak performance. This summer there was a shortage of grain to feed the 7.9 billion people in the world.

    Because of the growing world population, our land and seas cannot produce enough to sustain life. Therefore, I believe that soon (can't possibly predict the number of years remaining) THE TRUMPET will sound, and the voice of the Archangel will be heard. Are you ready?

When the End Comes

    So what if this is the end? Are you ready? Are you in or out? Of the 7.9 billion people in the world, only seven percent of them are truly believers. Even if the believers do number 12% as some optimists claim, that still leaves billions who will be left after the rapture.

    The number of believers is so slight, most of those left won't notice that we are gone! How can you be sure you will be taken in the rapture? KEEP READING.

Circumstances of Inheritance?

    One sure answer to my question from the last paragraph: LIVE IN YOUR INHERITANCE RATHER THAN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

    To know what I mean, look with me at Joshua 6:1-3. "Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the sons of Israel; no one went out and no one came in. The Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors.'"

Joshua's Circumstance

    Joshua stood in site of the strongest, fortified city in the land of Canna. The walls of Jericho were the tallest of any city. He had never fought a battle where he had to scale or break down walls. He had no knowledge of or prior experience of how to get through the walls into the city.

    Further, he had no equipment, battering rams, rock slingers or dirt movers. If he surveyed his circumstances, they told Joshua that he couldn't possibly conquer Jericho.

    However, Joshua wasn't living by circumstances. He was living in his inheritance. His inheritance was the Land of Canna. God promised Joshua that he would take the land. The land was his! He didn't look at the circumstances before him, but he lived in his inheritance, "I have given Jericho into your hand (v 2b above).

His Inheritance

    Although the circumstances set before him looked bleak, Joshua didn't notice them. He lived in his inheritance. He walked in Canaan Restₗ. His inheritance wasn't the task at hand. His inheritance was the promises of God, "I have given Jericho into your hand."

    He walked in his inheritance, did exactly as the Lord directed him and walked in the power of the Spirit of the Lord as He gave direction.

Your Inheritance

    Are you walking in your circumstances? God has promised you all the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:29), "If you be Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promises. What promises? The very promises he gave to Abraham!

    The covenant with Abraham is the very inheritance that Joshua and the rest of the Old Testament saints walked in. They walked in the promises that God gave Abraham. God's covenant with Abraham covers you. It is your heritance. No mater what circumstances your see before you, forget them and walk in your inheritance.

    Right now tell your circumstances, "Finances, sickness, poverty, lack of food or a place to live, in the name of Jesus, I no longer live in my circumstances. I have an inheritance that is sure. I'm walking in God's inheritance right to the end!" Soon, just as Joshua found, circumstances are no match for your inheritance. The walls of circumstances will come tumble down as you walk around them.

    WALK IN YOUR INHERITANCE!

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 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. Check it out here. Also, we have a new novel, Why? that answers some of the hard questions people have about the Bible. Email us for information or to get your copy. There is a small charge for both books.

For free, online studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

 The Living Dead

How long have you been a believer? Has it been ten years? Twenty? Five? When you weren't a believer, did you think about walking around as "dead?"

Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1, And you were dead in your trespasses and sins. When you were not a believer, did you ever consider this? I know that I didn't. I think there are people doing everyday things who are dead! 

Not Expired

No, unless you believe in ghosts or zombies, these non-believers are still breathing in and breathing out. They still do things that live people do. So "dead" in Paul's context must not mean expired or extinguished. It means that they are separated from God. The problem with their separation is that it will lead to a second death, Revelation 20:14.

Remember the Garden

When Adam and Eve were created, they were placed in a beautiful, botanical garden. They were perfect! Their environment was perfect, and they would live here in perfection--raise perfect kids--forever. With one exception! They were given a choice, eat the fruit or remain perfect forever. You know what they did; they ate the fruit.

As soon as they ate the forbidden fruit, they knew they weren't the same. They realized they were separated from God. What did they do? 1. they covered their nakedness; 2. they hid from God. The two perfect people realized immediately that they were dead; yet, they still breathed in and breathed out. They hadn't physically expired.

State of the World

That's the state you were in before you decided to become a believer. Since Adam and Eve, each person who has come into the world is separated from God. Today it is estimated that only 12% of the world's population claim to be believers, there are billions of people walking about dead--separated from God.

Can I tell you that is a bunch of dead people! Have you thought about your responsibility for them. Jesus commanded that you go into all the world and tell others about him (Matthew 28:18). No, you don't need to become a missionary to another country. Just minister to those you meet everyday in your world.

When you became a believer, you became reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 5:17-19). Reconcile is a great word that means "changed mutually" or changed like Jesus. That's what happened to you and me when we accepted the Lord as Savior. He changed a worthless, dead entity to something special. However, he didn't stop there. Christ gave you the ministry of reconciliation, i.e. to give those around you a chance to become like Jesus--alive, no longer separated from God.

His Workmanship

Paul also says in Ephesians 2:10 that after you became alive in Jesus, you became God's workmanship.

A neat word that could be translated, masterpiece. You became His one-of-a-kind, no one else like you, special because of His love, no longer separated or dead. No one else in the world has your fingerprints or DNA. You are absolutely special to Him.

Is it time for you to tell others around you just how special you are. Can you share your story with someone else. You can offer them the gift of reconciliation without them even knowing it. You simply tell someone your story. Where you were, separated, to where you are now, a masterpiece. You have a reserved seat with Jesus in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). 

Free Bible Studies

Here at B. C. Ministries, Inc. We have many Bible studies that talk about the above events. To get your free online study, email us. Just click here now.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. Check it out here. Also, we have a new novel, Why? that answers some of the hard questions people have about the Bible. Email us for information or to get your copy. There is a small charge for both books.

For free, online studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Christ's Return Is Imminent--Know This

 Zachariah 14:3 describes the imminent return of Christ. The prophet begins describing the fall of the Gentile nations who have come to make war against the remnant of God's people, the Jews. A small group of Jews have been saved from destruction during the Tribulation Period. They have been protected from war, famine, pestilence and sicknesses. The Novae of the sun hasn't touched these Jews because the protection from God to bring a small group of His people to salvation has arrived.

Hosea 5:15

 In this verse, God, through the prophet Hosea, gives us a clear picture of the salvation of the Jews who are left. Hosea tells you as he speaks for Jesus, "I will go away and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me."

Finally, the small group of Jews who are backed up against a mountain where there is no escape, acknowledge that their only means of salvation comes from the Lord. As did their forefathers who were led to the promised land by God's glory, the small group of Jews have been brought through an impossible period of time without any way of escape. They have been miraculously saved from destruction by an unseen hand. It takes a huge army of men coming against them before they realize that they are without help except in the Name of the Lord.

When they confess their total dependency on Christ, He appears as described in Zachariah 14 to save them. The mountain splits, they escape through the valley created by the division of the mountain. Then Christ comes and fights for them. You know this event as the Battle of Armageddon. It's actually a campaign that begin in Bozrah and ends at Megiddo. Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians that Christ wins with the "Brightness of his coming and the sword of his mouth."

The Millennial Reign of Christ.

When this battle is over, Jesus will reign supreme for 1000 years. He will be the God of the newly saved believer Jews and those to come to him during this time. Even Egypt and Ethiopia will come to him for salvation.

As the battle ends, the new Temple comes down from Heaven according to Ezekiel. The Temple will sit on either side of the split in the mountain that allowed the remnant to escape. From under the throne, a river of living water will flow east to the Jordan and west to the Mediterranean Sea. The Jordan empties into the Dead Sea, which will come alive with induction of the living water. Fishermen will cast their nets from Engedi to Eneglaim, (Ezekiel 47:3-10).

Free Bible Studies

Here at B. C. Ministries, Inc. We have many Bible studies that talk about the above events. To get your free online study, email us from the address listed above.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. Check it out here. Also, we have a new novel, Why? that answers some of the hard questions people have about the Bible. Email us for information or to get your copy. There is a small charge for both books.

For free, online studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Are We Close to the End Times? Check This Out Now

     Are we close to the end times? Should we be checking to see if the times are for real? Maybe the question can best be answered with, what's the Bible's signs about the end of time?

    There are two possible times to consider whenever you think about the end times. They are:

        1. The beginning of the Church Era on the Day of Pentecost.

    The church era begins the end of God's clock where mankind is concerned. When the Church era is over, the tribulation period begins. Therefore, from that perspective we are living in the end times. The church will not be cast into the Tribulation Period or the time of Jacob's Trouble.

    Jesus says in Revelation 3:10, "Because you have kept the word of Mt perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

    The word "from" in this verse is the Greek word ek. It means "out of" not from. A big difference in translation. This church type who has kept the word of Christ's perseverance will not go into the tribulation.

    Another evidence of the church not being in the tribulation--John doesn't mention the church outside of the first three chapters. When the fire really gets hot from Chapter 4 to the end of the book, the church isn't mentioned one time.

    Therefore, the Church Era will last until it is "raptured" or "caught up" to be with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The time of tribulation is the time that is unknown. Jesus says that He nor the angels know when this end times will take place.

    Further, as an explanation of "end times", look what Jesus says in Matthew 24:6-7, "You will be hearing of rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

    The Jews who heard this and have studied Jesus' "statement about "nation will rise against nation" took his words to mean world wars. It took two world wars to make Israel the owner of her country. Since America had saved Europe from destruction and takeover, She asked Britain to give the territory that is now Israel back to Israel. Britain did so in 1948. Therefore, since 1948, the possibilities of Christ's return for her bride, the Church, has been a distinct possibility.

    Israel had to be a country before the end times could come. Daniel and other prophets in the Old Testament prove this. So for the first "end times" to close, the church has to be called out or raptured.

   2. The Tribulation Period into Christ's 1000 year reign.

Temple

    Another thing to look for before the end times come is a place to offer sacrifices or a temple. In 1987 the Temple Movement began according the the Jewish Voice at jewishvoice.org. Yes, there is a movement among Orthodox Jews to have the third temple built on the Mount Moriah site.

    The rebuilding of the temple is more than the law or saying, "the temple is ours." Since the Muslims' Mosque sits on the site currently, it will take a major political movement for the temple to be built on the original site.

    Actually, Daniel says in chapter 9 regarding the last week, that the Antichrist of Revelation 13 will cause the temple to be built. Then, the Jews can enjoy temple worship for a period of three-and-one-half years (31/2).

    There must be a temple! Jesus says in Matthew 24:15, "Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)."

    Who causes the temple to be built hasn't been determined, but according to Jesus' words, there will be a temple with a Holy Place. All the movement to build a temple is ready. They only await the government's official okay.

    One thing further, when you see the temple being built, know that the end is near!

Time Is Short

    Look at Jeremiah 33:14-18, "Behold, days are coming, 'declares the Lord,' when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the Lord is our righteousness.' For thus says the Lord, David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to prepare sacrifices continually."

   It is this time that is growing shorter with each passing day. Some signs that indicate that the time is short are:

• Plagues or Pestilences
• Earthquakes
• Famines
• Love Grows Cold

Plagues and Pestilences    

Do you realize how much Covid 19 has affected the world. If the Bible is right, and I believe it is, there will be more plagues and pestilences. Believers need to learn to walk by faith. It is your faith that will keep you from the ravishes of these diseases.

More and more people each year of dying of the flu. Flu strains are becoming more aggressive and have learned to tolerate our medications. Maybe your flu shot each year could be this. Sit down at your kitchen table. Look to heaven and say, "Father, I won't you to give me my flu shot for the year. I trust you to keep me safe from all plagues and pestilences. In the name of Jesus, amen."

Since this article is getting too long, I'm going to save the other three signs for the next post. These signs are mentioned in the Bible, and they are indicators of the end times being close.

    This is Daniel's 70th week that he mentions in Daniel 9:24;27. We know that 69 of his heptads or sevens or 69 X 7 years. have been fulfilled. However, there remains one more heptad. The last seven years will be the Tribulation Period when the whole earth will be changed. Many people will die during these seven years.

    There is so much more to write that I'm going to have to include another post in a few weeks. The information for the end times is so vast, even two posts can't really do justice to it. However, the two posts can give you enough information to begin doing some research on your own. For a full description of the end times, get a free copy of Why Revelation, Why Now! You can sign up for your copy here.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens

Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.