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Shalom everyone, Since I've been asked, I'll post up a quick reference guide to what the different functions of ministry are. We instituted a checks and balances sort of system at Worthy, so that no one person or persons have complete authority. Worthy Steward -- That's me -- and why do I call myself a Steward. It's merely because I'm a steward of the Lord's ministry. It's not "my" ministry -- and not "my" work. It's the Lord's work! Worthy Servants -- Those are Forum Moderators, who check reported posts, send PM's to keep the peace so to speak, and try to keep this "experiment " running smoothly! Worthy Chat Moderators -- Those are Chat Moderators, who keep Worthy Chat clean, and help "steer" chat. Worthy Watchman -- These are a group of "oversight" individuals, whose role is NOT to "moderate" but a means of checks and balances to the different moderators. When things come up -- they are responsible to review Reported Posts, Moderator actions / inactions, and even comment as to "why" things were handled the way they were. So in essence, the moderation team is a group of individuals who "volunteer" their time, and often get criticized no matter what they do! Either they are moderating too heavily, not moderating too much, why is this "false" doctrine allowed to be discussed, etc. are some of the common complaints I've heard over the 15+ years we've run Worthy! It really doesn't change over the years -- just the members. Many people don't realize how much turnover there is on forum boards! I'm not sure how many different moderating teams we've gone through -- but it's significant! Past Moderation Style We've always like to keep a clean board. and in the past we removed, hid, and deleted harmful posts. However, when we do so, many people NEVER see how much moderating is being done behind the scenes! How many posts are "cleaned up"? The moderators have a few options at this point. First, we'll send a Private Message, trying to "steer" people to what is and what is not acceptable. If this doesn't work, then we will place individuals on "Moderator Review" for a certain period of time. At this point, most of those individuals placed on Moderator Review never come back. What most people do not realize is that "Moderator Review" is the last thing we really want to do as moderators -- because it increases our workload! So what is changed? Changes in Moderation We are simply not "cleaning" up the board any longer. If someone personally attacks someone, then we will simply leave the attack on the board -- EDIT the post -- leaving it intact, but commenting on the post that we as the moderating team do not feel this is appropriate, and the steps we've taken to fix the problem. We'll send a Private Message to the offender, issue a Moderation point, and ban the person from the thread -- ONLY FROM THE THREAD -- not from the forums! Just the thread itself! How I believe this will help in the long run? 1st -- People will actually begin to see how much "moderating" is being done "openly"! 2nd -- By having posts NEVER hidden -- it'll be easy to refer to "past" infractions as a means of "instructing, and correcting". 3rd -- Hopefully people will change their posting styles! People always try to "win a debate"! In doing so, they forget that sometimes you win -- by laying down the fight for ANOTHER time! Usually in the "heat of battle" a nasty thing appears -- PRIDE! Do you not know that "pride is the source of all contentions!" (Proverbs 13:10a KJV Only by pride cometh contention) If you're truly wanting to change someone's mind -- you have to be CAREFUL not to offend. Why? As Proverbs 18:19 says, "A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." Remember the instruction that Paul gave to Timothy written in 2 Timothy 2:23-26, Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. The hardest part of this passage is being "kind to everyone" and "patiently enduring evil!" If the first reaction is to trade insult for insult -- then you're failing at being an instructor of the Word! Notice how it concludes -- that God opens their hearts to the TRUTH -- it's not us -- it's the work of God! However, we can do a pretty good job of "hindering" someone coming to the knowledge of the truth by purposely "offending" them! Forgetting by offending them -- you're actually HINDERING the means by which someone comes to the truth. If you have any thoughts, any questions, we're all about transparency -- so ask away! Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

“For now we see through a glass, darkly…” It is my belief that we gain insights not only from a structured classroom but also from the vast wonderful creation that the Lord places before us. We simply have to ask, “Father, open my eyes that I might see.” A few years back I happened to look out my kitchen window and there sat a small, scraggly puppy. He was a cute little thing, but, could we take on another dog? We already had two large Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This little guy looked like a small border collie. It’s not all that uncommon for a stray to show up out here in the country, but seldom do we see young puppies. Normally it’s the older guys that have started to chew on furniture or dig holes in the yard. People just don’t consider all the factors involved when becoming dog owners. Cute little puppies grow up to be dogs. Like children, without the correct training and discipline, they can grow up to have serious problems. Pr 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Anyway – here was this pup and I had to check him out. Before I even got close to him I could tell that he was in trouble. He was too weak to run from me. I knelt down and slowly reached for him, thinking he would sniff my hand. He didn’t. Instead he laid his head in my hand and closed his eyes. I caressed him for a short while and then fetched him food and water. I doubted that he had the strength to eat. I went back into the house to give him privacy, and when I went outside a short while later, he had disappeared. I searched but couldn’t find him anywhere. I thought he went off somewhere to die. The next morning he was back by the front porch. I got more food and water and again went back into the house. Again, he disappeared. This pattern continued for a few days until I discovered that he was hiding underneath the bushes that lined the house. The next time I fed him I sat on the porch steps, but didn’t reach out to him when he came out to eat. The days passed and with patience and kindness I slowly gained his trust, me sitting on my porch steps and he watching me with one eye while he ate. He didn’t allow me to handle him until the trust was firmly established. Once he submitted to me, I discovered that he had been severely mistreated. I later thought of how I was before finding my Savior. The world is a hard place in which to live, especially for a non-believer. It can beat us down, strip us of a desire to live –leave us in a condition just like this little broken pup. 1Pe 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. I named him Cabo and he lived in the front yard for a few weeks while gaining in strength and health. The two big dogs lived in the backyard, separated from the world by an electric fence that was never “hot.” Eventually, Cabo became healthy and self assured and one day boldly ducked under the wire and braved the back yard. The female Ridgeback immediately claimed the pup as her own. One day, after being a part of the family for a couple of months, hubby and I took some treats out to the dogs. Pigs ears, I think they’re called, and our dogs loved them. The two big brown dogs would gobble them up in minutes. This particular day we handed them out, first to the Ridgebacks, who were aggressive to have them, and then to the little guy. He smelled it, but wasn’t sure what to do with it. He was more interested in getting a pet than he was a treat. I kept holding it out for him and he finally took it, realizing that it was all for him. What happened next was a sheer pleasure for me to watch. Cabo wasn’t sure what to do with the treat, so he played with it. And, as he did, his whole demeanor turned to joy. He would toss the treat and then fetch it. He rolled, ran, jumped. He enjoyed this treat to the fullest. It was the funniest thing to watch. I believe, if given the vocal ability, he would have declared this “the best day ever.” Ne 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Eventually, the big dogs noticed that the pup still hadn’t eaten his treat. I watched them approach Cabo, slowly and deliberately. Their purpose was clear. The little guy, however, didn’t’ even notice them. He was too busy embracing this newfound joy. The big dogs found a spot to lie down, never taking their eyes off the pig ear. After stern words to the Ridgebacks, I went back inside the house but continued to watch from the windows. For the better part of the day Cabo played with his treat. The big dogs stalked him, drooling as they lusted after the pig ear. Of course, they had their own earlier but consumed it so fast they didn’t even enjoy it. Now they wanted his. As Christians, do we ever do this? Do we carelessly consume the blessings the Lord gives to each of us, only to envy those of another? How many times do we desire what our brother has, thinking it’s a better treat? Unfortunately all puppies grow out of that cute, playful stage. Cabo did as well. His back right leg never fully recovered from the injuries he received before finding his way to our house, but that didn’t slow him down any. Utilizing three legs he could still outrun the other dogs. Had he been placed in a pound I doubt he would have been adopted. The world had left its scars on him and would have rejected him because of it. I found great value, however, in this little dog, simply because he loved me. He never went to his food dish before first coming to me for affection. When I went into the back yard he was always the first to greet me and stayed the longest. If I stayed outside all day, he would have been by my side the entire time. He lived to please me. Ps 40:7-8 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Cabo learned discipline well and loved the words of approval afterwards. As he aged he matured into a calmer dog and one that still looked to his master for attention. The more diligently I worked with him, the deeper the understanding became between us and the stronger the bond. He left behind the playful antics of a pup, but if anything, the joy that he had as a puppy only deepened as he learned that to obey meant more time spent with me. Joh 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Cabo became a seasoned backyard warrior. He patrolled the perimeters of his half acre yard, knowing that it was but a small portion of a much larger kingdom. He valiantly ran off the evil truck that regularly attempted to steal his masters’ trash. Every week he fiercely fought to make the steel demon set the dumpster back down, and leave in defeat. There was an alfalfa farm north of a tree line through which he could not see, but he was aware that his master worked there often and that made it important. He didn’t understand about the house either, but he knew it was the dwelling place of the master. Even though he couldn’t see it all, or understand most of it, he knew that he belonged there and that he had ownership. My broken puppy lived a good long life. He crawled up to my porch, looking for a place to die, and ended up inheriting a place to live. Certainly the teaching process didn’t always come easy for either of us, but the sacrifice given from both sides enabled a relationship that was enriched far beyond simply “owning a dog.” There were times when I felt like Cabo. Broken, lost, nowhere to really belong and call home. But Just like Cabo I found a wealth of joy when I realized that I too was found by my Master. I clearly recall the joy that flooded my heart in my early days with the gifts of mercy and grace that He freely gave. Now, after many years of knowing the greatest gift is Himself, I’ve learned to listen for His voice so I too can walk with Him and have a fullness of joy that is only found in Him and not merely His gifts. Now, like Cabo looking towards the alfalfa field, I too look for the return of my Master, when I will finally see Him face to face. 1Cr 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

My Daily Pursuit A.W. Tozer January 7, 2018 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 To worthily worship God as He desires to be worshiped, I must have absolute confidence in Him. I cannot sit down with any person and enjoy fellowship if I have reason to fear He is out to get me or trick me or deceive me or cheat me. My fellowship with Him must be based upon respect and confidence. I have to trust Him before I can have fellowship with Him; and so when I go to God, I have to raise my affections and confidence to God. In the presence of God, I must come without doubt and nervousness, without worry and fear that God will cheat me, deceive me or let me break down or do something wrong. I need to be so convinced about God to the point that I can go into presence of God in absolute confidence and say," Let God be true and every man a liar." Dear Father, the very thought of Thee causes my heart to leap in joyful song in praise. My heart sings of Thee in the night watch. Amen

Omegaman 3.0 – August 21st, 2020 Pardon me for this, I know ahead of time that it will be long-winded, if not a bit convoluted and wandering, I write as I think here, this is what I think a blog is mostly for, expressing thoughts, writing them down. Whose will is it anyway? Today I was thinking about the issue of free will, and what that means, and what it doesn’t mean. I want to say from the onset that I do not know the answers to those wonders, but it is also not the first time I have thought about them. I plan to bring some thoughts that I have had about this previously, and a lame analogy that came to me today. The reason I say it is a lame analogy, is because most analogies fall short. An analogy is a story that endeavors to make a truth seem easier to understand. Christians and non-Christians alike, once they are aware of the concept that there is only one God, and that God exists as three persons who are co-equal and co-eternal, three-in-one (you know the idea), the concept referred to as the Trinity or Triunity might find that it gives them some pause, confusion, doubt, or at least difficulty in understanding or to be able to adequately explain. We try to come up with analogies to ease our discomfort, to make the difficult to understand just a little less impossible. You have heard them: "The trinity is like water, it is ice, liquid, or steam, but it is all water." "The trinity is like and egg, you know the yolk, the white, and the shell." There are others, but I like the peanut analogy better, but it is still lame. There is a simple reason that these are not really that satisfactory, they just basically break down if we examine them too closely, but that does not mean they are useless, they are just limited. I think the reason for this is simple. In these analogies, we are using the familiar things which we experience directly and which others experience the same way - things that have physical properties with which we are familiar and with which we can agree. God is not an egg, nor is He water, nor even a peanut. These are physical things, things of His creation. God is Spirit, He is the Creator, and His nature is entirely different and is not experienced in quite the same way. Our ability to compare a finite object with an infinite being that does not have a specific shape, mass, color, texture, etc. is always just going to fall short because God and everything else, are in entirely different classes, Creator and creation, not even close to being alike. Let me put this another way (yes, another lame analogy). Imagine having conversation with a blind person, who has been blind from birth. They want you to explain color to them, tell you how red is different from blue, for example. You think about it. Perhaps you know some physics. You know that different colors are different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. Sounds (with which the blind person is familiar) are also different frequencies, so there is an analogy to be made there. You say that red and blue are different, just as the notes B flat and G sharp are different. Red and blue are both colors of light, just and the two notes are different sounds. Some sounds go together well, some, not so much. Some colors 'harmonize' better than others also. While this does accurately describe real differences and real similarities, it really does not come very close to conveying what colors look like to one who has never seen anything. This makes me realize that there is another lame analogy we can make for the Trinity – white light. This should have been an analogy that came to mind easily. I do not know if the human writers of the Bible knew about how light and color works, but John did write the following: This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. In modern times we know, that white light results when we combine red, green and blue light together – if you look closely at your monitor (assuming you are reading this on a screen (and not on printed paper), you will see that the white on this page is comprised of red, green and blue dots. This assumes that you have good eyes; otherwise you might need a magnifying glass. If you are familiar with a prism, you know that all of the colors of the rainbow, exist in white light, but only three are really needed to get white light. There we see that the three primary colors make up white. White is light, red, green and blue are also light. They are not the same as white, but they are still light, The three different lights (RGB) make the one (White) light. So, there is another analogy for the Trinity that I am never heard, but undoubtedly I am not the first to notice this. In my usual fashion, I am rambling and have gone off track, but this is the brain I live in! Where was I? Ah yes, free will! Those of you who have read my writings much, know that I am what some people call a Calvinist. Some people hear that word and then just know that I have nothing else to say that is worth listening to. People have a knee jerk reaction to the term; they have an allergy to Calvinism. I do not use that term for myself, other than to use it as shorthand for some things I believe. If you are familiar with Calvinism, then you know what I am talking about. If you are not, that is not a bad thing. You can believe the things that Calvinists believe, without ever having heard of Calvinism. John Calvin was a theologian, a bit after Luther, whose writings impacted the direction that the theology of the Church would go, much of his thoughts are reflected in the ideas of Protestantism. One reason I am not a fan of the term “Calvinist”, is because Calvin, like Luther, had some character flaws. Don’t feel too proud though, you and I have character flaws also, we are all sinners. The main reason that I do not care for the term “Calvinism” is because it makes it sound as though Calvin invented some branch of Christian thought. I prefer the term “Reformed Theology” because it hearkens back to the Reformation, a movement in the 16th century to escape the collective errors of the church over the centuries, and return to the beliefs and practices as taught by Jesus and His apostles, and to some degree, the teachings of those who were themselves taught by the apostles. I like the way Spurgeon phrased it: “I believe nothing merely because Calvin taught it, but because I have found his teaching in the Word of God.” And also: So, now we come to yet another lame analogy, maybe it is International Lame Analogy Day. I was pondering the questions, that I once heard Greg Koukl ask (he was a very intelligent man who went to my church, and is an author and speaker now, and more. The questions were along the lines of: "When you sin, is that a choice you make?" Most honest people who believe in God and in the concept of sin, I think would agree that yes, when we sin, we do so by choosing to disobey God. Now Greg had a follow-up question, he approximately asks: "Can you choose to never sin in your life" That one is a bit trickier. We might be tempted to think: "Well, uh yeah, sort of!", but we know that practically speaking, that it is not going to happen. We all sin, we just do! As born-again, children of God we want to not sin, we want to be obedient. So if we have free will, and we do not wish to sin, why don't we just cease sinning? First Corinthians 10:13, seems to indicate that we have the ability to resist temptation. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” So there you have it. God has made sure that you will never be tempted beyond your ability to resist; He leaves you a way out, so just stop sinning! It is as simple as that! Paul wrote those words, and I believe them, I believe the Bible, I believe God! Now, the way out may not always be an easy choice. If a person put a gun to your head and told you to renounce Jesus, the way out might be to choose to die, rather than deny your savior, never-the-less the way is there for you. God knows how hard it is to resist, He knows that we will all fail also. One of my favorite passages is found in Psalm 103: 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how we are made; he remembers that we are dust. I can rarely (perhaps never) read that and not respond with tears of gratitude, I am weeping as I type this. It is so awesome to realize, that God chose to love me so much (even though I was His enemy) to suffer and die for me so that I could be part of His family and live with Him forever. This is the heart of the gospel. I have gotten off track again, but I want to add something else in here before I get back on the rails. Paul also wrote Romans chapter 7, where it says in part: 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Paul asked a great question in verse 24, which he then answers with: 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There he lets us know that we are not hopeless, that through Jesus our Lord we have deliverance from the sin that lives in us, that we seem unable to carry out what we know is the right thing. This of course speaks of Jesus paying the penalty for our sin, His sacrificial death, the perfect sacrifice, paying the price which none of us could. This is how our sins came to be as far as the east is from the west, which we just read about in Psalm 103. Also in Roman 7, Paul has pinpointed the source of the problem. We know that we sin. We know that we have the tools to resist sinning. However, we keep doing the very things we want to avoid. The reason is that we are double minded. We love the Lord, but we do not obey Him the way our love should direct us to. Adam and Eve were different from us. I do not mean only that they did not have belly buttons as we do, but they had free will in a way which none of us have experienced. They were created sinless, but they chose to sin, and became sinners. We on the other hand, are born sinners. As Reformed theologians are fond of saying: “We are not sinners, because we sin. We sin because we are sinners!” We have a sin nature. However, God gave us the new birth; He gave us a new nature that can choose to seek God and to know Him, and to love Him. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes the old nature in Romans 3, apart from the new birth: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” How pathetic a description of us is it, that no one does good, there is not even one? Again, in Romans 8, Paul points out: For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Now, coming back to the lame analogy I was going to use, the one that came to me today that prompted me to blog today, this is about a cat I had, her name was MuChi. I named her MuChi, because that is how I met her, she was a hungry cat (a moocher), feral I suppose or close to it. She was hanging around my property but avoided me, wanted nothing to do with me. The fact is, that whenever this cat saw me, she ran the other way. Never-the-less, I felt compassion for her. She was living in my neighborhood - a neighborhood where every home except mine had dogs. All but one of those had several dogs. I had a cat. My cat is not an aggressive cat, but he is not timid either. Occasionally other cats have strayed on to the property. The cat I had, Underfoot, has always stood his ground (except one time). When animals wanted to be aggressive, or seem to challenge him, he has run them off. He even ran off an 85 pound Rottweiler that belonged to a neighbor. Anyway, I came to see this black and white cat that I call MuChi, more frequently. Sometimes she would watch me from a safe distance. I started to leave some food and water out for her. It can be hot and dry here in the Mojave Desert, and hunting lizards and an occasional mouse was probably a hard way for MuChi to make a living. She was pretty skinny and frail looking. I do not know how smart cats are, but I suspect that she had seen put food in the bowl a few times and perhaps made the association about how that food got there. It was because that big, scary monster (me) put it there. Gradually over a period of time, she came in closer and watched me put food in the bowl. Like the dumb human I am, I began to speak to her. Finally one day, she came to the bowl while I was still there and she went to the food in my presence. I reached out to her, and stroked her fur and she did not recoil in fear. This became a thing, and one day she entered my home while I had the door open. Eventually she seemed to like being in the home where it was comfortable, not the harsh scary place outside that she had known. We finally became good friends, and she learned to trust me. I had something she needed, but she did not realize it at first. I could see her need and had compassion on her, so I made overtures to help her and even to befriend her. She responded of her own free will, but had I not reached out to her first, I doubt she would have ever come to such a decision. There have been other cats on the property, I have not treated them all the same way, but I chose to be merciful and compassionate to MuChi. She had done nothing to deserve it, but still I elected to reach out to her, and I drew her in with my overtures. Perhaps you can see some things analogous in that story. The point I am trying to illustrate, is that people can have free will, but this does not mean what we choose to do, is always our choice alone. 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9 Now, depending on how we define free will, varies quite a bit. We tend to have our own opinions, which may or may not be accurate. What I have come to believe, is that we are limited by our own nature. Actually, I think everything is limited by its nature. I have summarized what I believe about free will as follows: · You are free to choose to do what you want to do · You are not free to choose what it is that you want to do · You are not necessarily able, to do what you choose to do If I want to jump out of an airplane and fly, I am free to choose to do that If and not free to choose to want to do that, I cannot choose to like olives, I can choose to eat them or not, I can choose to want to like them, but mere choice, does not make me like them, so I cannot choose what it is that I want, that seems to be outside of my control Back to choosing to jump out of the airplane and fly, I can choose to give that a try, but I cannot overcome the limitations of my nature. No matter how hard I flap my arms, it will not keep me from going ‘splat’ on the ground. The nature of things is an extreme limitation. This is so true, that even God has limitations. God CANNOT lie, it is not in His nature. You and I can (and do) lie, so we can do things that God cannot do, as shocking as that might seem. Paul in Roman 8 pointed out our limitations when he said: 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Theoretically, a cow can eat steak, and a lion can eat straw. Practically though, this is not going to happen. They could choose to eat these things, they are capable of eating them. However, their natures dictate to them which things they will choose or not choose. Mankind is in a similar condition. The natural (unregenerate - not born again) person will not choose the things of God. Because of our sin nature, we reject God. We choose the things of God, only because he chose us first. When we are born again, we have a new ability, and we move from being God’s enemies, to being His friends. It is much like my cat analogy I previously gave. God makes the overtures to whom He chooses, and we respond. We can choose as a deliberate act of our wills, to seek the things of God. If God is acting in us, then that won’t merely be an act of our own volition, it will be a response to Him, and we will discover that He has chosen us, when we seek Him diligently, we will desire to know Him. Are we going to come to the one who reached out to us, or are we going to be feral humans? I think it was Augustine who wrote something like: “I had thought that I had chosen God but later I realized than He chose me to choose Him!” One thing for certain, John did quote Jesus as saying: You did not chose Me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and you should bear fruit, and your fruit should remain, so that whatever you might ask the Father in My name, He may give you. No matter what you believe about free will, choice, sequences of events, etc., God did say in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” So I ask: “ Is that what we are doing? ”

When I was about ten years old my parents took my brother and I to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. I remember planting my feet on the path that led down to the dark gaping mouth of the cave while my mother pulled on my arm, urging me forward. I was both excited and terrified to descend the trail into the unknown. Once safely inside, my fears ebbed even though the dimly lit trail revealed a sharp descent down into the earth. However, expertly placed lighting soon revealed a natural wonder that only God could design. Thankfully, the electric age had made it possible for the common man to explore the once hidden depths of the earth. Back then all visitations into the cave were done as a guided tour. The park rangers that led us stopped at intervals to describe the various formations, going into detail about the elements that came into place in creating that wonderful cavern. Of course I didn’t hear any of that. I was too busy letting my imagination run wild as I saw vistas unlike anything I’d seen topside. Ever. After a short lunch break we entered what is known as the Big Room aka Hall of the Giants. After many stops the ranger gathered us all together, sat some of the older ones down on benches that lined a pull-over area, and warned us that the lights were about to go off. True to his word, total darkness filled the room. Total. Utter. Darkness. Silence came from either fear or respect of the alien environment. Then, from strategically placed speakers, the beloved hymn Rock of Ages filled the chamber. After a few more seconds a spotlight came on that lit up a massive column of limestone that stood just before us. The formation, in all its magnificence, dominated the area. Gasps were heard throughout the crowd as people, both young and old, appreciated the beauty before them. At the close of the song the trail lights came back on and the Park Ranger told us that the name of that formation was indeed Rock of Ages, but that it was the true Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ, Who created the remarkable cave. He then led us to the elevators where we were shuttled up to the Visitor Center Gift Shop and back into the light of day. Since that adventure so many years ago I’ve often thought of the things unseen. It’s only been with relatively recent technology that we’ve been able to see the extraordinary beauty of the marvels in deep space or the intricate colorful splendor of the creatures and reefs beneath the ocean waves. I recall wondering in amazement why a diver would want to plummet into the black waters at night until I saw pictures of the neon creatures that radiate their glory only during that time. For centuries man never knew about the colorful world that existed at the bottom of the sea. Nor observed the earth from the surface of the moon. Or saw a distant galaxy. The list of things never (or rarely) seen is infinite but still God made them and placed each one with purpose. Unimaginable beauty and wonder exists where no human eye has seen, even now. How do I know this? Because God created the whole of the universe, unfathomable in scope, infinite in design, to be explored for all eternity. His creation, full of variations and complexities, is beautiful and wonderful simply because of Who he is. Even in the absence of man He cares for and tends to all of creation. Even when no one is watching. Job 38:25-27 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? I wonder if God the Creator smiles when mankind stumbles upon a new find. I find it humbling indeed that He chose me (and you) to be included in this remarkable journey. Psa 8:3-9 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? We all leave behind footprints of our existence whether it’s the things we build or words we speak or friends we make. However, like the hidden treasures buried deep in the darkest caves, so are our hearts’ actions hidden from man. When we do something from the spirit (believe, hope, faith, love) it is only seen by God. Hopefully, as God’s children, we all seek to emulate the Father and with fortitude and purpose labor for beautiful and pleasing works that, like a once undiscovered jewel, will one day be revealed to the glory of God.

John - to the believers, revealing Jesus as the Son of God - Deity We`ve seen the Lord`s authority in Matthew`s account; are amazed at His humbleness shown as a Servant, in Mark; then appreciate His compassion for the many hurting in Luke. Finally in John`s picture of the Lord we stand in awe in the knowledge that He is actually God come in the flesh. `In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God....And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, ` (John 1: 1 & 14) The Word - He is the complete expression of the mind of God. The work of creation is followed by His administration as Son. The Father has given all things into the hands of the Son. (John 3: 35) He shows the Father`s heart, His mind and will. He became flesh in order that humanity might behold Deity in human form. `...the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.` (John 1: 14) Jesus reveals this relationship with the Father, a title which occurs over 120 times in this account and made these stupendous claims. `He that has seen Me has seen the Father,` and ` I and My Father are one.` (in unison) As the Word, the mind of God then both eternal life and truth are revealed in Him. He reveals that the symbols of the Tabernacle and aspects of Israel`s history all point to Him - Deity. `I am the truth...life...light...the way...the resurrection...the door...the living bread...the Lamb....the Bread....the Vine....` Maker - He is omnipotent. This is demonstrated in creation. `All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made....` (John 1: 3) He is omniscient. He knows the inner secrets of man`s heart. From the beginning to the end of this account Jesus shows that He knows the heart of man, together with the inner thoughts and desires. (John 2: 24) He is omnipresent. He manifested Himself in the midst of the disciples in the upper room. (John 20: 19)

CHRIST`S EARTHLY MINISTRY The four books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John reveal four different aspects of our Lord`s ministry and character - King, Heir, a Man, and Deity. Each writer was given by the Holy Spirit the specific emphasis, to reveal Jesus, to the Jews, the Romans, the Greeks and to the believer. JESUS IS KING, HEIR, A MAN, & DEITY. Prior to His coming to earth the Lord Jesus Christ, was King in the realms above. He was King of glory, King of heaven and King of the ages. Myriads of angelic hosts bowed before Him and did His bidding. He dwelt with the Father and the Holy Spirit in perfect Union and glorious splendor. The Lord created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities and powers, He created them all and upheld them all. His splendor and Majesty were beyond words and His power and authority surpassed all. Then we read that rebellion entered into God`s creation and brought darkness to the human mind and condition. God made a special nation, Israel to help bring light to the other nations. However even they turned from God and went into darkness. Those who were the religious leaders sought for themselves, wealth, position and power. They held control over the people and only did lip service to God. Matthew : to the Jews - King It was into this environment that the King came to set the people free and remind the people of Israel of what the Old Testament prophets said concerning their future. God had promised Israel that they would be rulers in the future kingdom of God. The rulership from the heavenlies, (the New Jerusalem), and on the earth, was to be their inheritance. Mark : to the Romans - Heir Although the heir to the world, Jesus came among the people as one who serves and not lording it over people. He came to destroy the works of the evil one. Luke: to the Greeks - a Man Here we read of Jesus` humanity, His tenderness, compassionate care and sympathetic pity towards fallen mankind. John : to the believers - Deity The personal dignity and Divine splendor of Jesus is seen here, and transcends all the numerous symbols of the Old Testament.

Matthew - to the Jews, revealing Jesus is their King. Matthew`s aspect of Jesus was to specifically show the Jews that Jesus was their long - awaited King. He revealed Jesus as the Son of David by His genealogy and that His life fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew quotes from the Old Testament many times, and says that this event or that, took place that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Jesus, by the prophets. We read of Jesus` authority and power. All the details of Israel`s king, is written in specific detail. We read of the time, the place, and of those who gave Him homage. Christ as the kinsman - king based on – ` God tells Moses, `You shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses, one from among your countrymen....` (Deut.17:15) Christ`s genealogy from – `son of Abraham` - therefore a countryman of Israel `son of David` - therefore from the kingly tribe. The wise men came to worship - `Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?` (Matt. 2: 2) God, Himself Anointed Him with the Spirit saying, `This is My Son, the Beloved.` Matthew brings out the authority of Jesus, the King of the Jews. We read of Him healing the sick, casting out demons and having sway over the elements. This authority is way beyond any earthly king and reveals that His kingly authority is of heaven. Then Jesus being Israel`s King, reminds the people that the kingdom which God promised them is, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Messiah`s rule through Israel from the heavenlies. The pearl of great price is the Lord. Pearls/wisdom and by this kings rule. (Matt. 13) When the High Priest asked Jesus – `Tell us whether You are the Christ, (Messiah / King) the Son of God.` Jesus says, `You have said it yourself..` (Matt. 26: 63 & 64) They crucified Him with this sign - `This is Jesus the King of the Jews.` (Matt. 27: 37) Finally when Jesus, as King, commissions His disciples He says, `All authority has been given to Me in heaven & on earth.` (Matt. 28: 18)

The Gunfighter Hey all, got on and realized that I started a blog, or rather blog series, last year, and never continued it, and from the feedback I got from the last one, I figured it was about time I put in my next installment, which is "The Gunfighter" Many old westerns usually have more then one, they have the hero, and a villain, and often several "allies" on both sides. Many Gunfighters, also share traights with loners, and/or are loners. Where they differ though, is that while they may "enjoy" being alone, they rarely back down from a fight, and speak their mind. They're not always loners, some will go in a group, and often exhibit fierce loyalty to those whom they consider their friends. They speak their mind, and often see life as "black and white". They live by their code, and anyone who doesn't is in the wrong. They enjoy debate, arn't afraid to get in the mud so to speak, and when they find someone or a group of someones whom they trust, are loyal to them to the bitter end. They do not understand the concept of "retreat" and often treat situations as "their way or the highway" Now, their ability to charge into a fight guns blazing no questions asked, is both their greatest strength, and their biggest weakness. There is no doubt that churches often need such "Gunfighters" in their church, but often at the same time if left unchecked can run off and hurt people unwittingly. They often are very intellectual people, very smart, sometimes they are where they are now because of being raised in a very intellectual environment, or it maybe they grew up bullied, and the way they learned to deal with it, was to fight back. Of course, everyones different, so its important not to "generalize" and put everyone in the box, like I said in my first blog, these "characters" I am describing, are generalizations and most people will exhibit traights of each, and arrive where they are at today for a host of different reasons. A gunfighter, so to speak, can do a lot of good, often, especially one who is serious about their faith, is often well studied in the Bible, theology, and solid doctrine. These are their "six shooters" so to speak, and when properly applied, are very deadly indeed, but knowledge is a two edged sword. Many Gunfighters in the movies, and even in life, will have at least one friend, or leader that they look up to, and its important that that leader is one wise enough to teach and guide that gunfighter properly, as to when is the best time to "apply" his skills. They are often great at defending the faith, and the church from outside threats from satan, but need that guiding hand to make sure they dont mistake a threat from a young christian. A gunfighter, mature in his faith, will often make excellent elders/leaders of the church. with the right training/friends alongside them. A man, strong in faith and willing to defend it openly, is a valuable asset to any church, but its important we dont leave them alone, because often a church full of Gunslingers will often destroy itself. Every church, needs to be a team. What Gunfighters need wisdom in, is decifering between an honest threat upon the church, and what is not, and the appropriate answer. They need the wisdom to know that not every situation requires a quick draw, and often soft words will go a lot farther to accomplishing your goal, then a mountain of self righteous Bible verses. That you can't beat the Bible into someone, no matter how tempting it is. They also, need to resist the urge to go it alone-because many gunfighters do like to go it alone, and realize they are strongest in a team with other people of different strengths and weaknesses. Gunfighters, if left unchecked can destroy a church, but with the right support and Godly wisdom, can be crucial to their strength. Like in the movies, there is often more then one, and sometimes, theyre not on the right side, and sometimes they maybe on the right side, but haven't learned how to play well with others. Time, love, and Godly wisdom often will bring them together if their hearts are in the right place. There are a few characters in the Bible, whom I believe are very much "gunfighters" The most famous, probably, is King David. While we can see in his psalms, he was a very intelligent, loving man, we can see from his life was very much a warrior, willing to fight for what he believed, and sometimes it got him in trouble, but when He kept God as his focus, did great things for the nation of Israel. The Apostle Peter, for instance, is a prime example of a gunfighter, everything from slicing off the gaurds ear, arguing to be Christs right hand man, to denying Him, for his mistakes, but more importantly, his devout loyalty to Christ, willingness to jump out of the boat to go to Him without even thinking about it, to yes, charging to Christs defense in gethsemene, without so much as a second thought, and after Christs return, and the early church, his standing steadfast to the faith, against all opponents, regardless of what opposition he took. Early on you see with Peter, his "gunfighter" traights getting him in trouble, but later on, once he learned how to apply them with wisdom and love, they became a strength Another example of a New Testament Gunfighter, is the Apostle Paul. He actually was a picture perfect example of a "gunfighter" he traveled, but rarely alone, but at the same time not around a lot of people when he traveled. He started many churches, but usually only kept one or two close people around to encourage him and help him in his journeys. He spoke the gospel wherever he went, and was not afraid to stand firm and defend that gospel, such as what he did at mars hill in Acts 17:22-31 All gunfighters need to learn wisdom and love, when defending the gospel, and that is where having a good team of friends around is a necessity for them. Some important verses to keep in mind for the "gunfighters" out there, especially the passage in Timothy. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Jude 1:3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Philippians 1:15-16 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

CONCLUSION In the next couple of years, I believe we will see peace in Iraq. A Peace negotiator will arise and bring the different factions together by his skilful cunning, deceit and intrigue. It is then that Russia & its Federation take the opportunity to come down through Syria to the mountains of Israel. They seek to take over this wealthy country with its warm ports available year round, its gas and oil reserves. Iran, Libya and Ethiopia joins the Russian Federation, as God`s word tells us. The allies, Britain and America and Saudi Arabia all go to challenge this great army but God intervenes and causes the elements fire, great hailstones and brimstone to rain down upon the Russian Federation and the armies of Iran, Libya and Ethiopia. In their terror men will kill each other by sword. Most of their armies will be annihilated. This will leave a power vacuum to be exploited, in the Middle East. The great nations of the world will demand cessation of all conflict. Then into this situation will step the Peace Negotiator, a seemingly benevolent leader who will convince everyone that he can bring peace between the Arabs and Israel. As confirmation of his capabilities, he will cite the successful transformation of the previously volatile Middle East. Further, he will negotiate and conclude a seven year peace treaty with the nation of Israel. The tribulation will have begun!

I would be weary by now of being declared a climate change denier if not for the fact that I typically do not value the opinions of those who attempt to just hand out labels of derision upon others in lieu of using well researched facts to convince people of their errors. Call me what you like, being called names can be a badge of honor. Call me names, and I might ignore you, but give me facts, and I will listen - just make sure your facts are really facts, not talking points from some group or guru with an agenda. First off, regarding climate change, fine, I am not a denier. The climate does change. If the climate did not change, we might be living in an ice age still, and if it does change, we might live in one again! If I am a denier, it is denying several things. For example, I am not convinced yet that we know enough about climate science to be making scary predictions that call for huge changes in our habits, though I do believe we should take the issue seriously and learn what we can about it, and then act in accordance with what we discover. I am also not convinced that if there is a problem with the climate or that mankind is the cause, though I do believe that the population of the world is large and the demand for high standards of living combine to provide a credible threat that needs attention. I also am not remotely convinced that we live in the perfect climate now. Maybe it is great, maybe cooler would be better, maybe warmer would be better. How do we know what is optimum, and should we be messing with trying to achieve that? The earth has been warmer in the past, and colder in the past, so what is the panic about? People say "I believe the science". That is fine. I depend on science being right. When I walk into a room, I turn on the light switch because I have faith that the science is correct, and the light will turn on. Do I believe science? Sure I do. Science is knowledge. What I do not always believe is scientists. Scientists are just like me. They are human. Humans make mistakes. Did you know that prior to the 20th century, it was common among the science community to believe that the universe had no beginning, that it was infinitely old? Well they have since changed their mind. Instead we have a big bang theory! Did you know that there was a time, when scientists believed that people could not determine the direction of the source of a sound? I find that one absurd, because pretty much everyone experiences turning toward the source of a sound by instinct. We have left and right channels on our stereos, precisely because we can hear direction! You probably don't believe me since the notion is so dumb that people cannot determine the direction of a sound by listening. The point is that as I said, scientists are humans, and humans can be wrong. Being a scientist does not make one right all the time. Scientists (and other people) are inclined to be influenced in their beliefs and assumptions by the people they admire and trust. That might be their government, their parents, their spouse, their boss, their professors, or the agency paying the grant they received to study a certain topic. To illustrate what I mean by the last thing about grant money (or other forms of support for research) I am going to use a ridiculous, made up example, because it works for the purposes of illustration. Suppose I were to offer 1 million dollars for evidence that plastic straws are endangering the wild sea turtle population. There might be some takers on that. Some of them would be very professional and do a good job. The best researchers will find the truth, and report their findings. If sea turtles are endangered by plastic straws, then evidence will likely be found and reported. However, as I said, people are human, and some humans are dishonest. Someone could go out and find a sea turtle, and use an adhesive to glue a straw into a turtles' nostril, and perhaps even do things to cause that to become infected. "Here is my report, and here are the photos, now where is my 1 million dollars?" Now, if a researcher discovered that straws attract mates, and because of straws sea turtles are multiplying, would that person get money for that? In my opinion, they would not. Would their findings get publicized? I doubt it. Now, they could let the Plastic Straw Manufacturers Research Foundation know about that, and perhaps they could get a grant there! This sort of thing, the "Who is behind the money?", is worth considering. I started this to be about the climate change issue. Returning to that context, we could note that the petro-chemical / fossil fuels industry, might like to discover it their products are a danger to the climate as many say they are. They would of course be thrilled to discover that their products even help the environment and climate situation. Now in the history of the climate change debate, it was once referred to as global warming. This was largely brought to the attention of the world due to Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They helped to get that bandwagon started, and in hindsight, I think they were off base. As a political conservative (as they were) it pains me to admit that conservatives can be wrong. Back in those days, I read a book called Climate and the Affairs of Men. One of the co-authors was a guy named Iben Browning. I became sort of a disciple of his, subscribing to his newsletter. I have been watching the global warming issue since the 1980s when most people then did not even know there was an issue. Back in the days of the hippies (I was there) the end of the world was being predicted because humans are bad for the ecology, and mother earth would not tolerate us forever. There was a Stanford University biology professor who claimed it was too late to avoid the extended world wide famine that would be the most disastrous ever, and it would come by 1975. In the 1970s, the big deal was going to be an ice age by the 21st Century, I am still waiting! I recall when we were panicked by the hole in the ozone layer. That resulted in some UN resolution or something, that I think may have been the only one where the whole world agreed! The Ozone Hole is mostly gone now, but I will admit that it is possible that the actions of the world to reduce chemicals that contribute to ozone destruction may have been effective. However, a hole in the ozone lets more ultraviolet light through. Ultraviolet light reacts with oxygen, to produce ozone, so maybe it is a cycle that heals itself. I sure do not know, but I am not sure anyone else does either. It did not escape my notice, that the ozone hole was in the Southern hemisphere, while most of the polution was in the northern hemisphere. There might be a good explantation for than, but it made me go "hmmm". Let's see, what else was there? Acid rain! That was going to kill the fish in our lakes and such, and strip the paint off of our cars and houses, and ruin the soil Ph for farmers. Again, a no show. However, it is true that paint jobs on cars do not last like they used to, but that is because we made automotive paint more environmentally friendly. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but I sure wish we had better paint, maybe the scientists will think of something. In 1988, the Maldives (Islands) were going to be completely underwater by 2018. Guess what, they're still there! At the same time, it was predicted that they would have no drinking water there, by 1992. That also has not happened! Go figure! In 1988, a NASA scientist (Jim Hansen) testified before congress about the green house gas effect. Over the years Mr. Hansen has produced a great many graphs, showing us from computer modeling all of the things that would happen due to Global Warming. I do not think a single thing he has ever said on the topic has come to pass, though I may be wrong. In any case his track record is so miserable, I do not know why anyone ever would quote him as an expert, and if not for the fact that he was a government employee, he likely would have lost his job to to incompetence in my opinion. In 1989 he said the West Side Highway (AKA the Joe DiMaggio Hwy in New York City) would be underwater. https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/wsh.jpg.08b90fefeb9ef50adce8fece3026778f.jpg It looks ok to me! In March of 2000, the Independent (A British Newspaper) proclaimed that snowfalls are now just a thing of the past, and children will not even know what snow is. Now the Guardian (another British Newspaper) said in 2002, that "Britain will have a Siberian climate in less that 20 years". Now, for those that think that will be the case, you should buy stock in companies that make warm clothing. In 2008, Global Warming genius Al Gore told us that the Arctic would be ice free by 2013! Again, last I knew, the polar ice cap is still there! In case I missed it (maybe I am behind the times since I pay little attention to the news) please let me know if I am wrong! There have been others, and there have been worse. However, is it really any wonder why there are those of us who are skeptical of the media, academics, scientists, and governments? The real question should be (I think): "Considering this track record, why do rational people believe any of this?" It is it just that too many of us are irrational and too lazy to check facts and keep the memory of all the failed predictions? As it happens, I can recall seeing a documentary (or was it propaganda?) in the 1990's called "The Greening of Planet Earth. As I recall, it was mostly about how more CO2 means more plant life, whether it be wild plants or crops, and therefore cheaper fruits and vegetables, and less malnutrition worldwide, that sort of spin. Were the facts true? I don't know, that is not my expertise. What I did notice though was that there was a lot of reaction in the form of "You cannot trust this, it was funded by the coal industry!" That argument is worth considering, as there was a motivation to find benefit is rising atmospheric CO2 levels. However, just because those who produced the film had a vested interest in getting a better reputation for CO2, it does not follow that the facts presented were not true. maybe they were. What I do know is true, is that CO2 is not a pollutant, it is naturally occurring (we exhale it ourselves) and it is a benefit, a nutrient to plant life. Life depends on it. Humans (and other animals) are either eat plants, or they eat animals that eat plants, CO2 is important. More CO2 causes food plants to produce more and bigger fruits and vegetables which mature faster. Plants, in consuming CO2 for photosynthesis, produce as a "waste product", oxygen. We breathe oxygen. I want the plants to have CO2 so I can have oxygen! It is disingenuous, even deceitful, when people and institutions show photos and videos of car exhausts and factory smokestacks "spewing forth pollution". Type CO2 into Google Images and see what you get! <-That is a link if you want to see! CO2 is invisible, you cannot see it, it is just as transparent as air on a remote mountain top. I wish they could stick to facts and cease trying to appeal to emotions, especially the emotion of fear that they are intentionally causing. I have wanted for a long time, to have an aquarium with plant life, augmented by adding that extra 'pollutant', CO2! https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/co2tank.jpg.b5c4d76d022788ed46ca49dc278d4564.jpg Aquarium with the deadly CO2 added! Bottom line for me, yes, I believe in science, I just distrust scientists who are not critical thinkers and who have an agenda apart from facts and who operate outside of their current understanding. I especially an not fond of how many scientists who opine on this issue, which is outside of their expertise. How much should we care if an expert in toenail fungus, is certain that the climate is changing dangerously? Do we go to an astrophysicist, to learn how to clean up an oil spill? You get the idea! This is just a blog. That means it is my thoughts, they may not be accurate, but to the best of my knowledge, they are. You do not have to like it, you do not have to agree. I am not even out to change anyone's mind. However, I do hope you might have learned something you did not know, and perhaps have at least thought about it a bit. Thanks for reading my long winded expression!

Matthew 16:19 (KJV) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Having the key(s) to anything infers being locked out of something or some place to begin with. And that the key(s) are the initial opening / unlocking. The lock between heaven and hell is the Lord Jesus: John 3:16–18 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The key to unlock the lock is faith. Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. But, that which authenticates all is the scriptures. Psalm 138:2 (KJV) 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. John 17:17 (KJV) 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The keys to the kingdom for humanity begins at the beginning in the Bible the Word of God: 2 Peter 1:20–21 (KJV) 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. All scripture is prophetic (which is merely stating that it is professed) by the Holy Spirit as described in verse 21. The Holy Spirit according to the text is therefore the only one suited and fit for interpreting the Word that he wrote (through the writing prophets). 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV) 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (Young's Literal Translation) 16 every Writing is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that is in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fitted—for every good work having been completed. John 16:13 (KJV) 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Key number 1: 2 Peter 1:20-21 Key number 2: 1 John 4:1 1 John 4:1 (KJV) 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. We are to try or test the spirits (even when we think it is the Holy Spirit) because we human beings are quite gullible, stubborn, selfish, and opinionated. We are too easily impressed by slick talking snake oil salesmen. And charismatic leaders etc. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we are supposed to be testing / proving everything anyway. Key number 3: Acts 17:11 The way we test anything is by the scriptures: Acts 17:11 (KJV) 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Apparently the Apostle Paul taught everywhere he taught the principle of 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Key number 4: Proverbs 25:2 Proverbs 25:2 (KJV) 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Key number 5: Deuteronomy 29:29 Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV) 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Key number 6: Isaiah 28:9-13 Isaiah 28:9–13 (KJV) 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

"If you do not consciously form good habits, you will unconsciously form bad ones"

This morning I was listening to a video, where the speaker shared his thoughts on conveniences found in a hotel room. The speaker shared about the differences, as he had done a fair amount of traveling. He had also stayed in a variety of hotels. He ended up focusing on the hangers in the hotel room. He shared how bring able to hang some thing up, helps a person feel at home, even if away from home. Love it when something so simple can mean so much to someone. Just wondering what is something that others may overlook that means so much to you. I love the hope a new day, week, month and even year brings. I love that His mercies are new every morning.

Hope you have a great day. This morning I was reminded of the story of Hannah. Hannah probably didn’t leave the temple that day feeling happy about her circumstances, but she did leave with the knowledge of God’s goodness—and that was enough for her to keep going. Her story gives me reassurance that He knows what we are all going through and He wants us to share it with Him.

THE GODHEAD The title, the Son of God, denotes identity with deity, which means infinity of being. This reveals the Son`s status in the Godhead. The terms Father, Son in relation to God were not borrowed from their usage in parenthood of this world. Such relationships existed in the celestial before the world began. These terms in our human sphere relate to a senior and a minor, however in relation to the Godhead there is no such subordination. Father and Son in Godhead connote the express image of - Personality - (who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His (Father`s) person, ..Heb. 1: 3) Equal in mind, will and heart - (Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” John 10: 30) In Unity, - (Jesus said, “that they may be in me, as you, Father are in me, and I in you; John 17: 21) Then in FUNCTION there is a hierarchy. (Gen. 1: 1 & 2, Col. 1: 16, Heb. 1: 1 & 2) Divine Procession. Godhead - At the source there is the provision by the whole Godhead, Father - with the initial movement of the Father; Son - the administration of the Son; Holy Spirit - and the direct agency of the Holy Spirit. All the Godhead is involved in their plans and purposes.

It often amazes me that the same God who created the universe, not only knows each one of us, He knows so much about each one of us. Far beyond anything we can ever believe. He knows us way better than any best friend ever could While I know this in theory, one place where I really take time to think about this is when at a place like an airport when I see so many people, all of who I know nothing about. Just thought I would share this. I was reminded of this as I did my reading today.

Hope you've had a good week. This week I had a fair chance to test my patience. This morning in my daily reading, I was reminded of not only having patience but learning to appreciate the journey while living trough that patience. Thought I would share this. Hope it encourages others to find the good, even if it is during a wait.

How much water, does it take, to make a cheeseburger? It takes 68 gallon of water for the bun. It takes water to grow wheat for the flour. One slice of tomato, 3 gallons. Slice of lettuce, 1.5 gallons. Slice of cheese, 56 gallons. Water to grow the feed that feeds the cow that makes the milk, that gets turned into cheese. That patty of hamburger? 616 gallons. Water grow the feed for the beef steer, as well as for the animal itself. That is 744.5 gallons of water, and that is not even counting pickles and onions, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise! Think then about how this sort of thing, and how that relates to other food we eat. 25% of the nation's (the United States) food, comes from California. California is experiencing a drought, plus water projects are being curtailed, so there is less water available, in addition to the drought problem. Dams are being destroyed, and floodgates opened, so that reservoirs are being drained such that the water is not used for growing food, or for industry, or for drinking water, it is just allowed to drain into the ocean. All of this also, leads to unemployment. Unemployed people get federal and state assistance, so others then pay taxes to pay for the consequences of the water problems in California. Food prices rise due to shortages. Those unemployed people, can't afford to fix their cars, nor their homes, nor even to buy clothes, & they also are not paying taxes, not supporting local businesses. This leads to more unemployment, truckers lose their jobs, since there are less goods being made, sold, and transported. See how one thing leads to another and another? We are so crazy here (we meaning legislators in California pressured by environmental groups, and federal environmental laws) that we are spending 4 million dollars per fish, trying to restore a native population of salmon, that has been gone for about 100 years. I do not know, what the solution is to these problems, but the problems are far reaching. It is not just California, it is also the world. A lot of the food, and other products that used to come from California, are decreasingly being produced. This, and the unemployment, the costs of doing business in California due to water shortages and oppressive regulations (which are largely environmental in nature) but also other things, is hampering the economy of California. These things cause the government of California, and counties and cities there, to raise taxes. All of these things, force people to leave the state. They then go to other states. This migration then leads to an increase in the cost of housing for the citizens of these other states. It also, creates some food shortages for them, so food prices rise. These new people, also need employment, so that means that there is more competition for jobs in these other states, which of course increases unemployment in those states as well. It is hard for me not to consider, how all these things are inter-connected. These kinds of related factors are not just California, they go on world wide. This being the case, is it that hard to imagine that a series of unrelated events, or perhaps a few natural disasters, could ultimately tip the scales and send the world into a sense of desperation with , people wanting a solution to the mounting problems? Enter the future antichrist. Maybe this (or a scenario like this) will usher him in. Don't worry though, these things will happen, they must happen. We may desire to seek solutions to these problems, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, eventually, hard times and the antichrist are coming, all in the timing of God. If you are a Christian, try not to be too anxious, as God has everything under His control, nothing escapes His notice. He works all things together for good, to those who love Him, and are called, according to His purpose. Cheer up saints, it is going to get worse! Luke 21:28 Note: Much of the information in this post, derives from a video called Dead Harvest - Made by National Alliance for Environmental Reform, and it can be found on YouTube

With what sort of love? Omegaman 3.0 6/5/2019 I recently posted in a thread at Worthy Christian Forums, where there seemed to be some disagreement about the nature of the kind of love that Christians are supposed to have. There also seemed to be some disagreement and even questions about whether or not some to the Bible’s statements contradict each other on this topic. I felt compelled to chime in. Not to toot my own horn, but as I developed my reply, I thought some of my comments were worth making a note of here, since they represent my thoughts (which is what a blog is, after all) and some of them arose out of my analysis of what people were disputing, so here it goes: I do not have two cents, but I have a nickel: I certainly see no contradiction between what Jesus said, and what John said, but I will offer my thoughts or opinions, as a sort of unsolicited, under-qualified commentary: First observation: 34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” My comment on that passage is that Jesus said that loving others is a commandment, and He is referring to the Law, so THAT is not new! What was the standard? Love others as you love yourself. Second observation: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13 My comment on this one is that Jesus said it is new. If He said it is new, then it IS new. What is new about it? Jesus upped the standard. The standard here is not love each other as you love yourself, but love each other has Jesus Himself loved them. How was that? Self-sacrificially, Jesus DIED for them, that is real love. John tells us that when he reports that Jesus also said: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 So, the NEW commandment you will note, is not to the general public, it was to His disciples. John also noted that Jesus gave his disciples a purpose, the positive side effect: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:25 So, the new command so far is that disciples are to love other disciples, with the same sort of love, the greatest love, self-sacrificial love, as Jesus demonstrated on the cross, not that we must die, but that is the supreme example of that kind of love. Tradition has it, that all the apostles except Judas and John, died as martyrs, and John was willing. They tried to boil him in oil, it just did not work, so he was banished to Patmos, where he penned the book of Revelation. As a side note, when Peter was told he was to be crucified, Peter asked Jesus about John - well, what about him (John)? Jesus basic answer was, that is none of your business Peter! From what we think we know, John died of "natural" causes, in his old age. So, for the most part, the disciples lived out their mission the obey the commandment, the loved us, all disciples enough to die in their efforts to see that we got Jesus message. At this juncture, I would like to point out something else, from Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. So, Jesus disciples were told to make other disciples. If you are a believer, you are one of the disciples of disciples of disciples, etc. The disciples were to teach others to obey Jesus. If you are a TRUE disciple, you will seek to, want to, obey Jesus. After all, that is what a disciple is, one who follows their teacher. Our ultimate Teacher then, is Jesus. What is it then, that we are taught to obey then? Among other things: Make more disciples and teach them to obey Jesus, and that includes loving other believers with the unique love that Jesus lavished upon them. So, for the most part, the disciples lived out their mission they obeyed the commandment, the loved us, all disciples enough to die in their efforts to see that we got Jesus message. They practices what they preached, and the preached what Jesus told them to. So many of the quotes I supplied ARE from John, how then is that a contradiction? John knew that there was an Old Testament command, to love others as ourselves. He also was quick to point out that those in the Jesus' church, were to go beyond that sort of love, the easy love that even pagans so. Toward each other, they were to with a supernatural love that is not given to everyone, but believers are given that ability, and are told to exercise it. Love is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, the Paul describes in Gal 5:22 and Eph 5:19. (Those are links, by the way) Paul also describes love in 1 Cor 13: 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. With all of this great information in the Bible (not in my post), the real question is: HOW WELL DO WE ALL MEASURE UP? I also ask, that you consider praying about this in your own lives, that you pray for others also, and not the least, for me also, as we all need it at times. Go forth and love, to the Glory of God!

Someone recently had some criticism to express about how some of us charged with administering the forums conduct our tasks there. Their criticism is not without merit, and it expressed largely the idea, that we administrators are too tolerant of heretics and have a higher accountability to God than to allow that. I realize that he was not alone in that opinion, and because of that, I decided to offer some thoughts about that here in my blog. I am accountable to God, and I agree that as a moderator, I have higher accountability than "regular members" here on the forums. I have a job to do here, and that is to enforce the Terms of Service, and try to keep some order and peace, etc. There are rules here, and enforcement is part of my task here, but not to be a forum cop, but to try to minister to others here. Being a cop here, is unrealistic anyway. Imagine a community, of 60,000 people, who are awake at all hours of the day, every day of the week, being policed by a handful of people as a part time job. It just is not possible, but that is analogous to the situation at Worthy. This is not church. This is a community of people of faith, people with erroneous (missing the true God) religions, and people of no faith whatsoever. Here, I am in the world, and not of it. I am here more to bring light to those in darkness, than to protect the sheep. I want to see the sheep grow, and learn to protect themselves and others. We are not attempting to make a place where Christians can retreat from the world and hide from it's ugly realities. Never the less, those who participate, are free to choose to do so, in areas that are safe. If one does not want to see arguments and friction, name calling and the like, one can go to a praise and poetry section, view shared photographs, enter into prayer and not the enter the areas of theological and political discussion. You know the phrase: “If you cannot stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!” Makes perfect sense. As I said, we are not attempting to make this a place of retreat only, this is not a sanctuary. The church tried that after the rise of Darwinism and the industrial revolution. Rather than engage Darwinism and science on that footing, embracing the fact that in God and the Bible is truth, and that the Spirit will guide, much of the church withdrew into congregations and safe havens, while other people thought:. "We do not need religion or God, we have science and technology now!" Some of the church embraced: If you can't beat 'em, withdraw from them. The church withdrew from the world, it left politics, entertainment, and education in the hands of the world, and the result has been devastating. "Well, maybe there is something to this evolution stuff, maybe Christianity should be evolutionary, we can change the faith." If you can't beat them, join them. That resulted in seeker friendly churches, something that is going on today, more than ever. It results in a watered down gospel that cannot lead to salvation, but at least no one is offended. Big churches filled with lost people who do not hear the answers they need to questions they do not even know to ask. There is a better way. Not "if you cannot beat them, isolate from them", not "if you cannot beat them, join them". I suggest another: "BEAT THEM" When you have what we have here at Worthy, you have enemies of God, and friends of God, and enemies of God who are future friends of God. Some of His the friends, do not have the answers - yet! They are ill equipped to provide what they do not know. They live their lives among wolves who will prey on their innocence. Some of the friends are shepherds. They do protect the sheep. They provide answers to challenges issued by the wolves. Here, they do not drive the wolves off always, because the wolves also need to hear the answers, hear the gospel. Some wolves may (and some have) become sheep and even shepherds themselves. Sometimes the wolves are driven away. We ban some. Some wolves just walk away, not even understanding enough to be sad about it. Pity - pray for them as well as for the sheep. I myself was an Atheist, now a Christian of over 40 years and I am grateful to God for those among His own, who were patient enough to want to reach me for Him, and teach me, not just refute me and attempt to ridicule me and call me names. All that would have accomplished is to show me that Christians are not loving and interested in my soul, just interested in winning arguments or maybe winning merit badges with a God that I was certain did not exist. By not driving the wolves away, the wolves get answered, they get responded to. In this, the sheep hear the answers. This bolsters their faith, and teaches them how to respond to the wolves of their own lives, be that in the work place, the marketplace, their neighborhoods, their families, social media, and even their churches. If they learn it right, they learn the facts AND they learn to respond with humility, reverence, and love, such that even their "enemies" (which God has commanded them to love) have to admit the sheep were respectful and kind, and yet not powerless victims either. Here on the forums, light and darkness meet. However, they do not have to blend together. They can and should remain clearly separate and distinct. No compromise is expected, but kindness is. We cannot control what the other guy does or says, but we can and are expected to control what we say. Why give the other guy an excuse for legitimate criticism. Expose their heresies, and fallacies, but there is no need to be dismissive, mean, condescending, rude, abusive, abrasive, insulting name callers, and the like. I know I fail to live up to those standards, but I am trying to improve. Jesus may have been seemed harsh at times, in some of those aspects in certain situations with specific people, no doubt about that. However, be mindful of this: We are not God, we are not Jesus, we are not all knowing, we are not perfect. In fact, we are more like our sinner "adversary". than we are like Jesus. Jesus died for our adversaries in the forums, and our opponents were created in God's image, the same as we were. Let's try to keep these things in our minds in our conversations with others. There is bound to be some friction. That is normal. However, let's see that for our parts, there is light, not just smoke and heat.

"For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 Whether or not you feel you are fulfilling your destiny, you are being prepared by the King of kings for His good purposes. You were chosen by God and have been given a divine DESTINY in eternities past. Why? The Lord is CALLING you to partner with Him to shape the future of the Kingdom of God (see 2 Corinthians 6:1,2: "And working together with Him......now is the acceptable time.")! This seems almost too marvelous to be true, but it is the Word of God. What does it mean to be "HIS workmanship"? The Greek term translated workmanship is "poiema", from which we derive the English word poem. Indeed, we are God's poem, written in ages past to be a living testimony of His presence on earth (see Psalm 139:16-17). Without exception, every Believer has been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has ordained for us. REVELATION OF ANOINTING The desperate cry of many Believers is: "Oh, Lord, let Your works appear unto Your people" (see Psalm 90:16-17). The good news is that God's anointing rests upon upright followers of Jesus, and we will fulfill His purposes on earth. God has not only ordained good works for us, but He has also provided the grace we need to perform these works (see Philippians 4:13). We all have "an unction to function." Each one of us is anointed to fulfill the purposes of God (see Acts 1:8). As we move deeper into this season of sensitivity and revelatory enlightenment, we must step into our CALLING and DESTINY -- fixing our eyes on Jesus and Him alone. Only in His light do we see light (see Psalm 36:9). Only in His presence do we obtain a happy, holy heart (see Psalm 16:11). LEADERS WITH PURE HEARTS Divinely appointed leaders are emerging who have a single heart's goal to establish the King in His Kingdom on earth. Christ Jesus will have for Himself a people prepared to do greater works (see John 14:12). This is not a time for any Believer or leader in the Body of Christ to be humdrum, expecting only what we have seen and experienced before. We have never been where we are going now (see Joshua 3:4). We all must prepare for what is ahead: The call to embrace the awe of Almighty God. A wonderful, reverential fear of the Lord is returning to the people of God, releasing the wisdom of God (see Psalm 111:10). The hearts and lives of millions are going to be touched and transformed by the power of God during these days, as God's people return to a radical love for Christ and action regarding God's PURPOSE for their life supported by that love. REVELATION AND STRATEGIES The Spirit of Truth is releasing revelatory insights for all who are willing to hear Him with a heart set to obey what He is requesting (see James 1:22). Prepare to see an acceleration of the advancing of God's plans and purposes. God will have a people of purity and power, who live, move (initiating action instead of complacency), and have a revelation of God's CALLING in Christ on their life. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Rapture The Day Approaching. `But concerning the times and seasons, brethren,....For you yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.....But you brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.` (1 Thess. 5: 1, 2, & 4) `...but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 25) We are seeing the Day of the Lord approaching very fast. The world is in turmoil, people`s hearts are `failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth..` (Luke 21: 26) The Great Economic Depression is fast approaching and will cause untold misery. Then there is the fear for health with the Covid virus and other diseases. Riots and looting is spreading throughout the world with mobs being stirred up by militant groups. Then amid this turmoil the Russian Federation and the other 3 nations, (Iran, Libya & Ethiopia) come together outside the Golan Heights ready to invade Israel. At this point we know that our time has come to meet the Lord. The Rapture. Thus, as believers we are to encourage each other and all the more, as we see these things happening. We know that our departure from this world is soon. And we are `eagerly` waiting for the Lord to appear. `To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.` (Heb. 9: 28) In a twinkling of an eye we will be changed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Those believers who have died and are asleep in Christ will come back with Him. They will also get their new bodies and rise with us. `Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and this mortal must put on immortality.` (1 Cor. 15: 51 - 53) `Therefore comfort one another, with these words.` (1 Thess. 4: 18)

THE DETAILS There are many details in God`s word regarding the 7 years. - The signing of the Peace Covenant/treaty. - Israel burying the dead (7 mths) after the Russian war, to cleanse the land. (Ez. 39: 12) - The start of the Temple sacrifices. (Dan. 8: 13 & 14) - 2,300 days from sacrifices - Abomination of Desolation - cleansing. (Dan. 8: 13 & 14) - Holy city (Jerusalem) trodden down by the Gentiles, 42 months. (Luke 21: 24 Rev. 11: 2) - The Abomination of desolation. (Dan. 9: 27, Matt. 24: 15, Rev. 13: 15) - 2 witnesses prophesying for 1,260 days. (Rev. 11: 3) - The anti-Christ given power for 42 months. (Rev. 13: 5) - The days to be shortened. (Matt. 24: 22) - The Lord`s return. (Zech. 14: 7 Matt. 24: 29 & 30 Rev. 19: 11) - The extra months & days, 1,290 days & 1,335 days. (Dan. 12: 11 & 12) - The temple cleansed, 1,290 days. (Dan. 12: 11) - The festival of celebration, and date. (Dan. 12: 12) - The Jewish Calendar and the extra month.

OVERVIEW God made the nation of Israel to rule over the other nations righteously, under Him. However, Israel eventually turned away from God, so He told them by His prophets that they would have a period of chastisement - 70 X 7 years. The main part of that period, 69 x 7 years has been fulfilled up to the cross, then there is a gap (of about 2,000 years), for the formation of the Body of Christ. So that brings us up to today when the Body of Christ purpose is nearly complete and then it will be the time for God to finish Israel`s chastisement of the last 7 years. This is often called the time of Jacob`s trouble, or the tribulation and great tribulation, the time of God`s wrath for the rebellious nations. In this series I want to look at all the details in God`s word as to the main events and when they occur in the 7 years. Thus we will be looking at - - When the Peace treaty is signed. - when Israel starts their sacrifices in their Temple again, - when the global leader desecrates the Holy Place. - when Christ delivers Israel and judges the nations, - when the Temple is cleansed, - and when there is rejoicing in Israel for their National Deliverance. There are lots of details to put together and they all need to be within the Jewish calendar. So I`ll do a step at a time so we can understand what God is saying.

SUMMARY The colossal program of the majestic eternal purposes, which the Lord Jesus Christ brings into effect, surpasses anything else anywhere in the whole realm of knowledge. Christ`s rulership in every realm is established, as well as the complete restoration and His rightful possession of all things. Every group have been carefully prepared and are an integral part of God`s overall eternal purposes - In the 3rd heaven is Jesus Christ`s Throne, (seat of power). With Him is His Body, ruling throughout every realm in God`s great kingdom. `To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) In the Universal realm, the Old Testament saints will be ruling in the New Jerusalem under Christ over the earth. `...he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.....God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 10 & 16) On the earth, Israel will be ruling over the nations under Christ`s authority. God says to King David - `Your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever.` (2 Sam. 7: 16) The whole panorama of God`s eternal purposes can take our breath away, for the magnitude is beyond our comprehension. However, our hearts rejoice and give praise that our Lord and Saviour will finally be visibly acclaimed as the supreme ruler in all of God`s great kingdom. `...far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but in the one to come. `(Eph. 1: 20 & 21) Finally, we bow before the Father who purposed in Himself - `that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one all things, (in unity and harmony) in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Christ.` (Eph. 1: 10)

Have we forgotten Your holiness Lord? Have we Your people taken You for granted? Moses removed his sandals in the presence of the burning bush He could not look upon Your face on the mountain His countenance altered by Your presence Have we forgotten that You are a Holy Lord? Has our worship of You suffered from this? Uzzah died from touching the Ark of Your Presence. The mercy seat where You dwelt among us The sacred relic from the Holy of Holies. Have we forgotten that You are Holy Lord? Have we forgotten the song of the angels? The high priest alone was admitted to Your presence Purified so he may enter the Holy of Holies Humbled to approach the mercy seat Have we forgotten Your holiness Lord? Do we take Your grace lightly? The veil is torn with the sacrifice of the Lamb You tell us to come boldly before the throne Your mercy and grace given to us. Have we forgotten Your holiness Lord? That you have redeemed us through Your arm? Forgiven redeemed reconciled Paid for by the blood of Christ We are reborn as Your children

I just woke up from a dream. You might be tempted to think this is a literary device, but I assure you that this is a true story, the dream was real. I dream a lot, perhaps we all do, but what makes the difference, is whether we remember the dream. Most of my dreams either involve things related to my real life, such as people I know, places I have been, or things which have happened. My next most common kind of dreams is usually some unfolding of events. They are more movie-like, having scenes, and involve the senses, primarily sight and sounds. Those dreams are usually in color, but they are not in stereo, nor is the sound even high fidelity. This second category of dreams has a plot, a story, but it is often very weird. They are often emotional, sometimes profoundly sad, or very scary, but I do not consider them to be nightmares, though I sometimes have nightmares also. The dream I am about to attempt to describe, is not like ones I have mentioned above, in fact, I am not sure I have ever had a dream like this one. There were no people in this dream; at least there were none in the regular sense of that word. No visual content, no sounds. It almost seemed conversational, except I do not recall it having any dialogue. The dream was more of an awareness of ideas, though I cannot say with any certainty, whose ideas they were. I can say though that the ideas where not ones I had ever had before, and that the ideas came to my awareness not all at once, they sort of unraveled, developed over a short space of time. I mentioned that it seemed conversational, yet without a dialogue, there was no back and forth it was just "forth". I want to say that it was almost as if, I was allowed to 'listen in", on the thoughts of another. I have spent a lot of words, attempting to bring you into the experience of this dream, and I am not sure why I am. What i want to share is the content, more than the experience, but before I do (momentarily) let me tell you what I am NOT saying. I am not saying that this dream was from God. I do not know where it is from, it could be from my imagination, my subconscious, or wherever it is that thoughts and dreams come from. Do I wish it was from God? Sure, a little, but I would be very hesitant to ever make or even think such a thing. I am not one who considers himself to be sensitive to hearing or understanding ideas from God. Maybe that is a shortcoming of mine that I do not readily allow for the idea that I am hearing from God. It seems presumptuous for me personally. On the one hand, I do not want to give God credit - not because He doesn't deserve credit where credit is due, it is just because I worry about diminishing God's greatness, by claiming what might be the thoughts of a mere man actually came from an almighty God. Let me put this another way, by putting you in an imaginary situation, with which you may be able to identify. Suppose you were to sit down in a church and the preacher took up his place in the pulpit and said: “Today I would like to share with you, a message that was given to me, by God Himself.” You listen attentively, but and you hear nothing profound, nothing that spoke to you personally, and nothing that you have not heard before nor thought before. If fact, you leave the church, thinking that you could have found dozens of ways to have better spent you time. Might you be tempted to think: “Wow that sermon did not seem that inspired by God, I have read more profound things on a fortune cookie!”? If you can identify with that scenario, then you have an inkling of why I hesitate to give credit to God. Now finally, onto the substance of my dream. My dream was a sort of consideration of music. In this case it happened to be classical music, but for the purposes of what I took away from the dream, it could have been most any music, or other forms of music, even many things other than music. I was thinking of how wonderful, how rich, how beautiful to the senses this music was. Then my thoughts became about what it took for that music to come to exist. Someone, had to compose the music, layer upon layer, to get it all to work together as the masterpiece it is. While the composition of the work, is a marvelous feat of its' own, it is not yet much more than a concept in the mind of the composer. To translate the concept into reality, there are those skilled in playing cellos, violins, coronets, drums, flutes, oboes, and the like. There are hundreds of instruments. Each instrument is the result of the craftsmanship of the instrument maker. Each instrument maker, in turn, relied on the considerable knowledge and skills of those who made and forged the alloys of metal in the horns, the selection and handling of the woods, the fabrication of strings and reeds, you get the idea. Then, there are the musicians. They study and practice for years, most of their lifetimes in order to bring the sounds symbolized on their sheet music and transform those into the vibrations that are carried through the air to our ears. Even the acoustical environment that is the music hall, is the result or architecture, and building, the physics of acoustics. It is as much a part of the music itself, as all the rest is, and also took a tremendous amount of skill and effort to finish. The conductor - his or her job is to get all the musicians working together, without the conductor, each musician will only contribute to a cacophony, not an aural masterpiece. Again, you get the idea. Getting this music all put together and functional, is a huge undertaking. The content of all of these things, took much less time to dream (I suppose) than it did to write out. Now, with all of that said, it is time to go to that part of the dream that meant something to me, and perhaps might mean something to someone who reads this. All of those details (though I admit I have not really thought about) were not the point or the centerpiece of the thoughts. What I came to understand (you may decide for yourself if this is even true) is that the outcome of creating that masterpiece of music, is not the most important part. Yes, it is the result off all that effort, which we enjoy as music; we tend to enjoy the outcome, normally without considering the process. The process though is the important part. The song, or what have you, is a result, but in the final analysis, it is just a thing. The process is about people, their efforts, and their motivations. The quality of the output reflects how skilled the various people were, but it does not reveal how hard or why they tried. My thoughts then went to how it is for God. He desires a result, but when He looks at the believer, He looks upon their motivation, their heart, what sort of love for others and for Him, did these efforts reveal. That is as far as my dream took me. I believe it was shortly after that that I woke up Then, I pondered this a little more, for application. Of the things that occurred to me, were things like evangelism. Evangelism It is not how many souls I was able to “win to the Lord”, the outcome, it was about my motivation, my effort to produce a quality result out of my love for God and my love for my neighbor. Bible study Is that something I do, so that I can be proud of my acquired knowledge, or do I do it for God to help those who God wants to reach, for those for whom Christ died? Giving Do I give out of some sense of duty or obligation, or do I do it to support causes that are important to God? Service, hospitality, and on and on, same questions. We all probably have similar resources. I do not mean the same quality, or the same quantity. We have the same KINDS of resources. We have Time, Talent, and Treasure, and they all belong rightly to God, and should be used in service to Him, and for His glory. Looking back to the analogy of that musical masterpiece, if that was a picture of the effort and the output of our works, it is God’s purpose for us, that we try, that we are making the effort. The outcome is in His hands. He has His role to play, and has given us the privilege of partnering with Him to make the world a better place, and to get His message to the lost. This reminds me of a short conversation I had with someone the other night, part of which made reference to Ephesians, chapter two, particularly this part: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. The knowledge of the fact, that God saved us by grace, not because of our works, is a common and loved (by Christians) aspect of what God has done for us. That is His part, and His part is all there is, regarding our salvation, it is not of ourselves. However, there is an “our part” as well. We were created to do the good works, which He has prepared beforehand for us to do. Part of that conversation which I just mentioned was about the word “workmanship” in verse 10. The Greek word for that is poema, from which we get our English word “poem”. We are His poem, His masterpiece. There is no masterpiece, without a Master. We are the outcome, the result, of His planning and work (think back to the music). We though, are not just the result, we are also the instruments which help to complete His other masterpieces (those who do not yet know, that they have been saved by grace). Then, in Romans 10, we have this: 8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” Let’s have those beautiful feet, and be instruments in the Masters hands, let’s be His poema.

Dry bones, hear from the Word of the LORD. The land is an empty spiritual desert. Rise up and see your Messiah. Branches broken through unbelief. Rise up and see the one who was pierced. Open your eyes and see your Messiah. Dry bones hear the testimony of the Lord. The Passover Lamb is your atonement. Hear the words and know your Messiah. He has not abandoned you in your unbelief. The time of the nations is nearing an end. All Israel shall come to know their Messiah. Dry bones, breathe in the breath of the Lord. Live again, dry bones redeemed by the Lamb. Believe in His word and know your Messiah.

Memories are something, aren’t they? There are rare times when I reminisce about something from my youth and can recall in detail the words said and the actions taken. However, normally my memory is quite faulty and I can’t piece together the entire event. Or worse, I mingle several events together and end up with a skewed look at things. Now, this is troublesome for me because I like the order of things. From an accountants’ perspective, everything has to balance, has to be in order and has to make sense. Memories are fragile. They only survive in a heart that gives them room, and cares enough to pull them out of storage ever so often for a good dusting. Even then they are subject to death and decay and will eventually pass from this life. I can remember my great grandmother and even some of the stories that she told me concerning her parents. My whole life I’ve heard about keeping the memories alive, that our loved ones live on in our hearts, and all that. But I’m a fragile human and don’t know how to access the part of the brain that records everything. Many of my memories have already crumbled into dust, taking with them bits and pieces of my loved ones. I suppose that’s why this scripture jumps out at me so brilliantly. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. Mal. 3:16 God has a book of remembrance. Notice that the scripture says that the ones who feared the Lord spoke often with one another. In other words, they gather together in His name. Those of us who love the Lord – isn’t that what we do? Isn’t that why you’re here now, to read something a brother or sister has written about the Lord? Is it not incredible that the Lord would have it written down, so that you or I will be held in “remembrance” before Him because of our actions? Because we have “thought upon His name”? I find it incredibly humbling, and also beautiful, that the Lord would bring this particular scripture to my attention while I was contemplating the fleeting earthly memories. I know that the Lord doesn’t forget. But to be told that He has a journal, a book of records, an orderly list of remembrances about me, you, us – is both terrifying and comforting. I will be forgotten here, in this place – but in the spiritual I will be eternally listed in a book that will be placed before the Lord. And so will you.

Shalom everyone, Just so you know, you can listen to live Christian Radio while at WCF fairly easily. On the right side, at the bottom of the front page -- you'll see a set of links -- AFA KLove Bott Radio CBN News CBN Praise Moody Chicago The Truth Network His Radio Messianic Radio Faith Radio Christian Talk If you click on any of those links on the front page -- you'll see a little popup window -- which allows you to listen to a number of Christian Radio stations, while continuing to view the forums or chat in the chat room. Hope you enjoy it, Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

FOREKNOWING CHRIST (Job - Song of Sol.) Here we come to the books of poetry and wisdom - Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastics and Song of Solomon. These books tell of the experiences of the heart. Trials and suffering are not always for our punishment but sometimes for our education and training. Here we see there is a knowledge of Christ beforehand. Christ is foreknown in Redemption, Mediation & Salvation. He is known to be the Saviour, the Shepherd, & the Sovereign Lord. The book of Job deals with one of the oldest problems - `Why do godly people suffer?` The drama of job offers a solution to these problems. Job was being honoured by God. It was the truth that God could trust Job to remain faithful in spite of everything. Job declares, `For I know that my redeemer liveth` (Job 19:25) The book of Psalms is the best loved book of the Old Testament. Psalms means book of praises. It contains 150 poems to be set to music for worship. They magnify and praise the Lord, exalt His attributes, His names, His word, and His goodness. Every human experience is related to Him - joy, sorrow, victory and failure. David writes, `The Lord is my shepherd.` (Ps. 23: 1) The Proverbs are for everyday life - business, home and relaxing. We find there that godliness is practical. Every relationship is mentioned - duty to God, our neighbors, duty of parents and children, and our obligations in community. Solomon writes, `I, wisdom,.... the Lord possessed me at the beginning..`(Prov. 8: 12 & 22) The book of Ecclesiastes are not God`s philosophy of life but man`s. It contains the meditations of the wise man, Solomon. However we know that he did not follow his own wisdom. The Song of Solomon is a song of love in marriage in oriental language and imagery. The persons are Solomon and the Shulamite maid and the daughters of Jerusalem. The idea of the love of husband and wife sets forth the love between Jehovah and His people, Israel. `His banner over me is love.` (S. of Sol. 2 :4)

Luke - to the Greeks, revealing Jesus as a Man and Priest. The writer of this aspect of Jesus is a doctor, Dr. Luke. He was an educated man and a keen observer. He wrote this account by the Holy Spirit revealing Jesus as the perfect Man to the Greeks. The Greeks possessed a wider culture, loved beauty and philosophy. Luke being a Greek himself, would be well fitted for presenting Jesus as the ideal of perfect manliness. In Luke`s account we see God manifest in the flesh. Luke deals with the humanity of Jesus, a man with all His sympathies, feelings and growing powers. Here we see the glory of God coming down to our level, entering into our conditions, and being subject to our circumstances. Luke gives the fullest particulars concerning the miraculous birth of Jesus and that testimony is from a physician. He tells of Jesus as a boy, subject to his parents, in the temple and working with his hands. Luke also shows how Jesus is touched with the feelings of people`s infirmities. He touched the man full of leprosy. He touched the bier of the dead young man. He touched the ear of the servant of the high priest. He knows the grief of a wounded spirit. He comprehends the sorrow of a bereaved soul. He weighs the burden of a broken heart. He feels the solitude of the leper`s loneliness. He regards the distressing circumstances of the poor widow. He senses the tragedy of a disabled body, whether lameness, deafness, blindness or dumbness. These and many more demonstrations show Jesus` infinite tenderness and compassion as the sympathetic Priest who came to unveil the very heart of God with all His kindly love. The words `redeemed & redemption` do not occur in Matthew or Mark, but appear in Luke for the first time in the New Testament. `to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.` (Luke 2:38) Jesus never allowed the law to prevent His gracious ministry. How can there be a law against His activities of love? As a priest He represented mankind before God, therefore prejudice toward caste, race, nation, class or gender, could not find a place in His heart. The climax to this presentation declares that repentance and remission of sins are now possible to all nations in His name. (Luke 24: 46 & 47)

Mark - to the Romans, revealing Jesus as the Son of God, the Heir. This account of Jesus was written to Roman readers. The Roman was different from the Jew. His genius was his strong common sense. His religion must be practical. He would have no interest in tracing beliefs back into the past. Legal genealogies and fulfilments of prophecy would leave him cold. He might say, “I know nothing of your scriptures, and care nothing for your peculiar notions: but I should be glad to hear a plain story of the life this man Jesus lived. Tell me what He did. Let me see Him just as He was.” Thus Mark portrays Jesus as the humble but perfect Servant of God. There is no reference to His birth as no one is interested in the pedigree of a servant. There is no visit of the wise men. A servant does not receive homage. No account of Jesus as a boy in the temple. The Romans are not interested in the boy, but Jesus the man, and what He did. Jesus is not called King but master. Jesus is thus shown in His service, obedient, faithful and resolute. As the Son and heir he enters the estate that had been bestowed upon mankind, but which was lost and in enemy hands. Jesus was confronted with disruption and death at every turn and found the whole universe dominated by hell`s dominion. The features of the enemy`s work are graphically recorded and the heir has the authority to cast out all things that cause offence. Such authority related to leprosy, palsy, fever and demon possession. These surface disorders were symptomatic of secret conditions, the underlying power of darkness. Jesus was able to meet every assault that was made upon man by the power of the Holy Spirit. The central message of His claim as the Heir is in ch. 12 - `Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he sent him to them last, saying, “They will respect my son,” But those vine-dressers said among themselves, “ This is the Heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” And they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.` (Mark 12: 6 & 7) All the way through, the perfect servant was dogged by His enemies. He exposed their hypocritical practices but their hard hearts would not repent. Finally He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave and gave His life a ransom for many. When He arose Mark tells us that Jesus was received into heaven and exalted to the right hand of the Father where he continues to work. `And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them,` (Mark 16: 20)

FORESHADOWING CHRIST (Gen. - Deut.) The first five books of the Bible were written by Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Christ is foreshadowed in a variety of ways - symbols, signs, sacrifices all help us to understand His character, functions & vocations. In the first book of the Bible we read of the beginning of things - Genesis, meaning origin. The beginning of the world, the human race, sin in the world, the promise of redemption, family and man-made civilization, nations and of Israel. Christ is foreshadowed as the seed promised, (Gen. 3: 15) and as the Son beloved of the Father. (Gen. 22: 12 - 14) In the book of Exodus we see the thrilling epic of God hastening to the rescue of man. It tells of the redeeming work of the sovereign God. It begins in darkness and gloom, yet ends in glory; it commences by telling how God came down in grace to deliver an enslaved people, and ends by declaring how God came down in glory to dwell in the midst of a redeemed people. We read of the giving of the Law and of the building of the tabernacle. Christ is foreshadowed as the sacrificial Lamb. (Ex. 12: 27) In the book of Leviticus we read of God instructing Israel as to how to draw near to a holy God - the five sacrifices and the Feasts of the Lord. To administer these sacrifices before God there was need of a priesthood. God chose one tribe, the Levites, and one family, Aaron`s, to be priests before Him. The feasts were an overview of God`s purposes for Israel over time. Christ is foreshadowed as the High Priest. (Lev. 16: 32 & 33) In the book of Numbers we read of the wanderings and experiences of the people in the wilderness. The tribes were numbered and set in order with God stretching over them a cloud by day and fire by night. We read of Moses` leadership amid a murmuring and rebellious people. Finally all those who refused to go over into the land of promise previously, all died in the wilderness. A new generation would go over. Christ is foreshadowed as the leader, greater than Moses. (Num. 11: 11 - 14) In the book of Deuteronomy we read of the blessings of obedience and the curse of disobedience. It is a collection of the sayings and songs of Moses which he gave as his farewell to the children of Israel. It is a book of Remembrance, as Moses reminded the people of what God had done for them. It is the final preparation for entering the Promised Land. Christ is foreshadowed as the true prophet. (Deut. 18: 18 - 22)

OVERVIEW OF THE NEW TESTAMENT In 63 B.C. Rome gained possession of Palestine, preparing the way and the time for Jesus to be born. The Jews had some political liberty, but were required to pay a yearly tax to the Roman government. The Jewish religious leaders were mainly seeking for themselves wealth, position and power. The people were looking for the promised leader; their Messiah whom they thought would deliver them from the Roman control. This is the situation in which Jesus was born into the world. We have three books that together give us a synopsis of Christ`s life. These are Matthew, Mark and Luke and narrate Christ`s ministry chiefly in Galilee, telling of His miracles, parables and teachings to the multitudes. John`s gospel however presents a deeper portrayal of Christ, His meditations and communion, His conversations and prayers. The Lord came from heaven to earth to be Israel`s Messiah, however His death was for all mankind. He paid the price of redemption. Then when He arose and was about to go to the Father, the disciples asked Him, was He about to bring in the kingdom, Israel`s rule over the nations. Jesus told them it wasn`t for them to know when that would happen. Israel`s purpose was put on hold for the religious leaders didn`t believe that Jesus was the Lord and Christ. Then when Jesus ascended to the Father He sent the Holy Spirit to bring together a whole new group, called out of Israel and the nations - the Body of Christ. This was not known before but was revealed to Paul by the Lord Himself. Thus we read in the book of Acts how the Holy Spirit saves, guides and builds the Body of Christ. This body of believers would be justified and sanctified, made unto like Christ, with His holy character. The Apostle Paul writes to many of the early believers and reveals the Holy Spirit`s work in their lives. He also warns and exposes the many errors that have tried to come against the believers. Then the Holy Spirit reveals that the Body of Christ is destined to rule and reign with Christ, in the third heaven. The last book in God`s word, Revelation, reveals the glorified Lord Jesus Christ as He is known in the heavenly realms. He is shown administering over His Body, throughout the ages and across the world. He is then revealed as the Son and heir to the world, executing the judgments of God. As Mediator we see Him filling God`s covenant to Israel and finally delivering them from their enemies. The world`s system is judged and all those with it are judged. Finally after Israel`s rule under God for a thousand years we see the total restoration of all things - the New Heaven and the New Earth, all under Christ`s rule and given up to the Father.

FORESEEING CHRIST (Joshua - Esther) These books give the further history of the people of Israel. Joshua led the people into the Promised Land where they overcome their enemies. God tells him to - `Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.` (Joshua 1: 7) Once in the land the people are ruled by judges whom the Lord raised up to deliver His oppressed people. There were three types of judges - warrior, priest, prophet. The people began to do what was right in their own eyes and not God`s. Although there is much apostasy God did not leave His people. Finally Israel decided they wanted a king. Thus we see a succession of rulers, some following God and others dominating the people and going into idolatry. Eventually the kingdom of Israel becomes divided, with each part going into exile. Then we read how the Lord begins to restore His people to their own land after seventy years in Babylon. Ezra and Nehemiah are given the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and the temple. The story of Esther takes place during the time of the empires of Babylon and Persia. Esther became queen and was able to go before the king and speak on behalf of her people - Israel. The victory over Haman is celebrated as the festival of Purim when they overcame their enemies plot. In the historical books Christ is foreseen in different appearings - man like or angelic. These signify the dominion of Christ, His authority & administration. Joshua saw a `man` Prince of the host of the Lord.(Josh.5:13 - 15) Gideon saw Him as `the angel of the Lord. (Judges 6:12) David saw Him as the `angel of the Lord.` (1 Chron. 21: 16 - 18) Solomon saw Him in a dream. ( 1 Kings 3: 5) Isaiah saw Him on His Throne. (2 Chron. 26: 22, Isa. 6:1)

OVERVIEW OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Throughout the history recorded in the Old Testament and through the poetic and prophetic sections we see that there is one great purpose moving through the ages, the eternal design of the Almighty God focused on His Son. In the first five books, the Pentateuch, written by Moses we read not only of the wonderful creation and of its marring, but of God`s great plan to bring restoration. Thus we see that God has planned that a man from Adam`s race, and who is also His Son, will be the sacrifice prepared. We are also shown the necessity of a High priest to come before a holy God, and one that has the ability to lead the people and speak for God, a prophet. Then in the History books of Israel entering into the Promised Land and dwelling there, we read that the Lord reveals Himself as the captain of the Lord`s army, and later in His majesty as King upon His throne. These awesome visions signify His great dominion, His authority and power. In the collection of poetry and wisdom we gain a greater appreciation of the Lord as Redeemer, Mediator and Saviour. The writers tell of the experiences of the heart and practical advice in everyday life. There is also many wonderful hymns that exalt the Lord`s attributes, His names, His word and His goodness. No wonder this section is the most popular. Finally the prophetic section reveals not only God`s purpose for Israel at the time written but also gives a greater view of the Gentile and Israeli future events. These will culminate in God`s final purpose of all coming together, in harmony, in the New Heavens and New Earth. Thus God has unveiled in the Old Testament the great problem of sin in the universe, and the overcoming of that through His beloved Son. The writers by the Holy Spirit reveal in symbolic language, types and shadows the great masterpiece of God, His Son who not only is to be the salvation of the world but also its great ruler, through His people Israel. Yet there is one amazing part of God`s plan not revealed to the ancient writers. And this is what the New Testament is all about - the final capstone in God`s design of the ages.

OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE God`s word contains 66 books, written by 40 authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is God`s plan and purpose through Christ for mankind. The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew (a few short passages in Aramaic). Then about a hundred years before the Christian era the entire Old Testament was translated into Greek, being the predominant language of that time. The New Testament was written in the Greek language and our English Bible is a translation from the original languages. The authors were kings and princes, poets and philosophers, prophets and statesmen. Some were learned in all the arts of the times and others were unschooled fishermen. Other books are soon out of date but the Bible spans the centuries. God starts with the creation of the world and the heavens, revealing mankind, his perfect, yet vulnerable state before the fall. Then we read of the effect of sin and its consequences, revealing a fallen angel, Satan, who is against God. God then sets in place His means of restoration, His Son to be the way to deal with sin. God continually works with mankind till sin reaches its climax, then comes judgment by flood. From then on we see God working with a family, (Noah) and later tribes and nations, (Egypt, Assyria). God raises up His nation to rule the world righteously. However even amid rebellion throughout the centuries God never casts away His people, Israel. Their purpose to rule the world under God, is put on hold when they reject their Messiah. The death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is central to God`s word. We see that God had planned His Son to be the way back to relationship with the Father. Then we read of a new group, the Body of Christ that is made up of Jews and Gentiles. These believers have the very character of Christ within and will eventually rule and reign with Him in the third heaven. Operating from the third heaven, we read of the Lord Jesus Christ putting down all rebellious rule and authority. First He deals with the world system, its armies and leaders. Then we see Satan and his fallen angels put into the pit. Israel under the Lord, then rules the world for a thousand years. Satan is finally loosed and when he gathers the world`s armies against Israel, they are dealt with by fire from heaven. Finally there is the Great White Throne Judgment, and the creating of a New Heavens and New Earth. Every realm is ruled by the Lord under His rulership - the Body of Christ is the third heaven, the Old Testament saints in the New Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven near the earth, and then on the earth, Israel ruling the nations. As God says - `His good pleasure that He purposed in Himself, that in the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one, (harmony) all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him.` (Eph. 1: 9 & 10)

CONCLUSION When God brings the earth and heaven to a close it is then time for the Great White Throne Judgment. This is for all mankind except the Body of Christ and the just men and women, (Old Testament saints). `Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was no place found for them.` (Rev. 19: 11) Those who had rejected Christ`s offer of salvation will be cast into the lake of fire. Those who had never heard of Christ`s sacrifice will be judged according to their God-given conscience. If they lived righteously, shown by their works, (not evil), then they will go to live on the new earth. `And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.` (Rev. 19: 12 - 15) God has shown that throughout the centuries that He has continually outstretched His hand of mercy to all who call on Him. And by His grace, freely given in Christ there are different inheritances for the different people groups - the Body of Christ, Israel and the nations. These inheritances are awaiting all those who are blessed to go into eternity when God creates a New Heaven and a New Earth. `And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away....` ((Rev. 21: 1)

MAN`S FINAL REBELLION God had always purposed that Israel would rule righteously over the nations, and this will come about in the millennium. This is the final opportunity for mankind to turn to God without the influence of Satan. However, we see that many people still want their own way. If that happens then there will be consequences. `And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.` (Zech. 14: 17 - 19) `No rain,` produces no crops, famine, disease and plagues. This is God ruling with a `rod of iron.` Over the centuries as generations come and go, many people will still have hard hearts towards God. Finally when the thousand years have finished, Satan will be released from the pit. He will go forth and deceive the nations. They will gather in huge numbers, once again outside Jerusalem. `Now when the thousand years have been expired, Satan will be released from his prison and go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city.` (Rev. 20: 7 - 9) God sends fire down from heaven and brings this old sinful affected earth to a close. `And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was no place found for them.` (Rev. 20: 9 - 11)

LIFE IN THE MILLENNIUM The plagues through the tribulation and the great earthquake that caused the cities of the nations to fall, will cause such great devastation upon the earth that civilization as we know it will cease. No technology, no fuel, no food production, no medical facilities, no businesses of any kind, all will have crumbled, obliterated. There will be only few people upon the earth after the plagues, mass killings and persecutions. Life in the millennium will have to start from the basics - agriculture and working together in family groups. There will be no more wars, so the weapons will be made into farm implements. ` They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.` (Micah 4: 3) `They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit....` (Isa. 65: 21) People will have to learn to work together to rebuild houses and dwelling places. Then over time some of the cities will be repaired by the generations that follow. `And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.` (Isa. 61: 4) `They shall build houses and inhabit them; ...` (Isa. 65: 21) Many people will come to Israel and work for them, as they realise the blessing of the Lord is upon the nation of Israel. `Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your ploughmen and your vine-dressers.` (Isa. 61: 5) Over time people will live longer as there will be no wars, and life is centred round outdoor healthy living. People will learn of the ways of the Lord from the priests, and thus there will not be so much anxiety and stress. `No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, .....for as the days of a tree so shall be the days of my people, and my elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.` (Isa. 66: 22 & 23)

THE PEACE NEGOTIATOR The Middle East has again come into focus on the world stage. There seems no solution to the violent fightings and clashes of many groups. However the reality is that this kingdom is divided, and the Sunni and Shi-ites will not have peace until their long awaited `Messiah` figure comes and joins them together. God`s word says that it would be a `divided kingdom` partly strong, and partly weak. ` Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter`s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; ........the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.` (Dan. 2: 41 & 42) The leader of this Federation is described in great detail in God`s word. He is a royal person, with strong features; he is quite deceitful with cunning; he comes in peaceably and seizes power by intrigue. `...a king (royal person) shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes.....Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his hand...`(Dan. 8: 23 - 25) ` ...he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.` (11: 21) There is a person of that description who is even now seeking to negotiate peace with the different groups. His name is Ali Hatem Al-Suleiman. He is one of the most prominent leaders of the Sunni Awakening. In 2006 Ali Hatem entered a strategic alliance with US forces, (against ISIS) which, in combination with the surge in US troops that began in 2007, succeeded in re-establishing a modicum of security in Iraq. Since then though, the Shi-ite Iraq Government have excluded the Sunni from the police, army and jobs. Thus there is still unrest in Iraq. Ali Hatem desires stability for Iraq through Political means and not through fighting. He was brought up in cosmopolitan Bagdad and has often spoken publicly of the need for tolerance. He is a crown Prince with ties to royal families across the Arab Gulf and the elite of neighbouring Jordan. His tribe, the Dulaim, is one of the largest tribes in Iraq and is a powerful social, political and economic force. Note Babylon is in its region. He has a talent for speeches and his title of crown Prince inspire respect and loyalty. He travels to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to rally Gulf Arabs to his cause. Someone to watch!

The enemy has many Christians trapped in unbelief and self-condemnation. They know what they did was wrong and they hate it, but they cannot unburden themselves of the guilt. Remember, our Redeemer came to proclaim liberty to those who are "prisoners" (see Isaiah 61:1). Is He speaking only of those who are incarcerated in jails? No, His mission is for all of us who are prisoners of our past failures. God wants us to learn from our mistakes, not be held captive to them. Jesus came to deliver and restore those whose dreams lie buried in self-blame. Today God is restoring joy to His people. Many whom the Lord has touched were weighed down – just like you might be – with either moral failure or tragedy. In the very place where our deferred hopes produced heart sickness, Christ is here" to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:1). Where once sorrow and heaviness reigned, He gives a "garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting" (v. 3). No longer will church attendance be a penance for our failures. From now on we shall enter His gates with thanksgiving. Indeed, to every Christian struggling with an unbearable burden, the Lord says, "You are still My Bride." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

THE AFTERMATH This amazing victory by the Lord against the enemies of God`s people and his land of Israel has some far reaching consequences. Israel Israel repents and turns again to God. (Joel 2: 12 - 19) They begin their sacrifices after they have cleansed the land by burying the bodies from the Russian war. ` For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.` (Ez. 39: 12) The Nations The nations of the world call for a cessation of all conflict. They cry for “peace and safety,” in the Middle East. Then into this arena steps a peace negotiator who miraculously brings about a peace-treaty with Israel. `A king shall arise, having fierce features...through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his hand...` (Dan. 8: 23 - 25) `...he shall confirm a covenant with many for one `week,` (7 years)...` (Dan. 9: 27) However.....`when they say, “Peace and Safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.` (1 Thess. 5: 3) The Tribulation will have begun.

THE INVASION AVERTED Most of the Soviet Union`s coast lines were ice bound in winter and thus it looked longingly towards the countries of the Mediterranean Sea, especially Israel. There they would have `warm` water ports all year round for its shipping. As far back as 1982 the Soviet Union had planned to invade Israel. This was exposed by the Israeli army. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the State of Israel reports, - "During the operation "Peace for Galilee", as the Israeli forces advanced through Lebanon in July 1982, they made an amazing discovery. Around the Village of Saida, the largest secret military base in the world was uncovered. It consisted of miles of steel reinforced bunkers tunneled out of the hillside. Inside was crammed massive quantities of Soviet made arms and ammuni­tion. It exceeded by far the highest previous intelligence esti­mates. I.D.F. units gathered 4170 tons (some 1,500 truckloads) of ammunition; - hundreds of combat-vehicles; - tanks and ar­moured carriers; - thousands of weapons, - artillery and rocket launchers, - plus other sophisticated devices. Secret documents and maps found in the Com­mand Post clearly revealed that the Soviets planned invasion of the Middle East on the 4th August 1982. The I.D.F. averted this Soviet invasion by just a few weeks" This was a great intervention by God. Now the Russian war will not start until, and only until God says so, when He puts `…hooks into (his) jaws.` (Ez. 38: 4) And that day is fast approaching as we can see.

Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice. From Heaven to Earth He came, Into the midst of rebellion, conflict and the devastation of this sin-ravaged world, stepped the Son of God. He came from the angelic realm where myriads and myriads of angelic beings bowed before Him and did His bidding. He was King of Heaven. The angels rejoiced at creation when He made all things `good,` and are amazed that He would humble Himself to become a man. `......things which angels desire to look into.` (1 Peter 1: 12) So, did the Son of God, the King of heaven, come with all His power and authority to wield a lash for mankind so they would bow before Him? Did He come to `lord it over,` people, demanding that He is to be obeyed? No! Revealing God`s heart, The Son of God came to reveal the Father`s heart, the character of God, to mankind. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...` (John 3: 16) Christ Jesus is the expressed image of the Father manifest in human form. Thus He came into the world and walked amongst people, showing His compassion, loving-kindness, graciousness, goodness, holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness. (etc) He paid the price of sin. Christ Jesus revealed His authority over nature, over sin, sickness, disease & death. However although He could have called a legion of angels to help Him, He laid down His own life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.` (John 3: 16) Satan thought that if he just killed Jesus then that would be the end of Him. (1 Cor. 2: 7 & 8) However He didn`t realise that Christ`s death, would give way to His resurrection and then ascension into heaven, to the right hand of the Father. `...when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)

Lucifer, the Unworthy Ruler. The third heaven is the first realm in God`s great kingdom to be populated. God created the angelic beings and they resided in the third heaven. The most beautiful and powerful angel was Lucifer. He was given authority as a king over a whole order of angels. He had a very special position near God. He was the anointed cherub, the son of the morning that led the worship in heaven. Lucifer, ruler in the 3rd heaven. `You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in all your ways from the day you were created.` (Ez. 28: 14) `You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty....every precious stone was your covering....The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.` (Isa. 14: 12 & 13) These descriptions far transcend any earthly king and by the law of double reference reveal the original power and beauty of this greatest angel ever created by God. However Lucifer aspired to ascend into the highest heaven, `the sides of the north,` (hidden quarters), the abode of the eternal God. `..you have said in your heart; “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.”` (Isa. 14: 13 & 14) Lucifer, cast down to the Universal realm. So by divine decree, because of his pride, Lucifer was cast out of the third heaven, being found unworthy to rule there. `By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God;....` (Ez. 28: 16) Lucifer then usurped the area of Principalities and Powers in the universal realm and operates and rules there as the Prince of the Power of the air. (Eph. 2: 2) Satan holds sway over the World. Having usurped power and authority in the universal realm, Lucifer, now called Satan (& the devil) puts his sights on the earth and deceives man, eventually obtaining sway over the kingdoms of the world. `Again, the devil ...showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give you if you fall down and worship me.` (Matt. 4: 8 & 9) Thus we see from the 3rd heaven through the universal realm and finally on the earth there has been corruption. Rulership is in rebellion against God and the effects are disastrous - pain, suffering, sickness, disease and death. Seemingly incurable.

God`s Great Kingdom - The 3 Realms. God`s Throne. God`s rule, is above all created realms. His throne, the symbol of His authority is established in the heaven of heavens, (ie the highest heaven). It is unchangeable and unalterable. `The Lord`s throne is in heaven.` (Ps. 11: 4) `Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.` (Ps. 45: 6) `O sing praises to the Lord, to Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! ` (Ps. 68: 33) Realms in God`s Kingdom. When God created the heavens and the earth, He established different realms with positions of authority – the third heaven, the Universe & the earth. These are all within God`s great kingdom rule and were established by the Lord Jesus Christ, `For by Him, (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16) God is not the author of confusion; everything He does is ordered and controlled. The divine pattern of the heavenlies will survive time, into eternity. It will not be changed, only those which exercise authority in each realm. There is a descending order of authority instituted – heaven and earth, involving thrones, dominions, principalities and powers. The Third Heaven. In this realm there are authority positions established, which will be filled in God`s timing. This is the realm of `thrones` and the `dominions` associated with them. It will be the `seat of authority` throughout the created order. Angels reside here and do God`s bidding. The Universal Realm. Here is the visible realm of planets and stars. And then in the invisible realm God has ordained authority positions over areas of principalities and powers. These have yet to be filled also. The Earth and the Atmosphere. The earth is just one of trillions of planets, yet God in His wisdom has created man to populate this earth that He has made habitable. Authorities will also be allocated by God to rule over the kingdoms of the world.