The Capital of Israel is ____________

Updated 9/10

Interesting transcript from the state department regarding the capital of Israel (HT to Brad).

QUESTION: On Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: Yeah.

QUESTION: Which city does the U.S. Government recognize as the capital in the – Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: Well, as you know, longstanding Administration policy, both in this Administration and in previous administrations across both parties, is that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. So that’s longstanding Administration policy and continues to be so.

QUESTION: I mean, no city is recognized as a capital by the U.S. Government?

MR. VENTRELL: Again, I just stated our position, and it’s one we’ve said here many times before.

QUESTION: That means Jerusalem is not a part of Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: What it means is that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved in final status negotiations.

QUESTION: But you do have an Embassy in a city which is not Jerusalem.

MR. VENTRELL: Our Embassy is in Tel Aviv, and we have a Consulate General in Jerusalem.

QUESTION: Right. But I mean, if you have an Embassy, usually it’s in the capital; so therefore, it would appear that you believe that Tel Aviv is the capital.

MR. VENTRELL: What we believe is that the status of Jerusalem should be determined in final status negotiations between the two parties. And currently, our Embassy is in Tel Aviv.

QUESTION: Are there any other countries in the world where the U.S. doesn’t know what the capital is or won’t say what the capital of a country is?

QUESTION: What does the U.S. think the capital of Israel is? What do you --

MR. VENTRELL: As I’ve just said, we believe that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status --

QUESTION: I’m not asking you that question. I’m asking you what you think the capital is.

MR. VENTRELL: And my response is that Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations.

QUESTION: She didn’t ask about Jerusalem, though.

MR. VENTRELL: Look, this is something we’ve been through at this podium. Toria has been through it before. We’ve repeated it many times. You know what the position is. It hasn’t changed for decades.

QUESTION: Wait, I know that. And I don’t want to play the verbal game, I’m just very curious if you actually have a position about a capital of that country. And if you don’t, if – I just would like to hear you say you don’t.

MR. VENTRELL: Well, right now, Nicole --

QUESTION: Yes.

MR. VENTRELL: -- the situation is that we have an Embassy in Tel Aviv that represents our interests with the Government of Israel but that the issue of Jerusalem is one that has to be resolved between the two parties. That’s all I can say on this.

Anything else? Thank you

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2012/09/197438.htm

Within minutes of reading the transcript I randomly opened my Bible for nightly devotions to Isaiah 66.

66 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

5 Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.

10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

I will fill in the blank; The capital of Israel is Jerusalem, and one day after Jesus comes back to rule and reign on the earth the capital of the world will be Jerusalem.

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20

Update 9/10: Two days later I randomly turned to this passage and felt it was God directed.

Zechariah 8 

1 Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying,

2 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.

3 Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.

4 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

6 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.

7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;

8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

9 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.

11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the Lord of hosts.

12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.

14 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord of hosts, and I repented not:

15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.

16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.

18 And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying,

19 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

20 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.

22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.

23 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Are you prepared for the end times? Read The Coming Epiphany today for FREE!

"You Are On Your Own!"

 

Updated 9/4

Just ran across an article at Debka that summarizes how the United States has just "turned our back" on Israel again--this time by telling them that we will not support them if they attack Iran.

US Gen. Martin Dempsey’s assertion Thursday, Aug. 30 that the US would not be “complicit” in an Israel strike against Iran, together with the drastic reduction in the scale of next month’s joint US-Israeli war game disclosed by TIME, add up to a blunt message from US President Barack Obama to Israel: You are on your own! See how you manage without special US weapons and US military backup, including a shield against missile counter-attack, if you decide to defy us and go through with a military operation against Iran...Obama, who has repeatedly pledged his commitment to Israeli security, is the first American president to cut Israeli adrift against a major threat to its security explicitly posed by Iran. Source: US Disowns Israel Over Iran Strike: No Weapons or Military Backup.

If this article is true, then I believe that severe judgments are in line for the United States.  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Gen 12:3.

Interestingly Hurricane Issac was a blessing (to those needing rain) and a curse (to the New Orleans area) and sent a strong message to the RNC over their "2 state solution." I wonder what is in store for 9/4 - 9/6 when the Democrats have their convention and at the same time we are forcing Israel to rip up some more settlements from 9/4 - 9/11, as detailed by Garden Girl at Running from Babylon; 9/4-9/11?

I could speculate on several possible judgments that we may be in "line" for which I have detailed in this blog on numerous occasions, but as the saying goes; "time will tell." May God be glorified and may many come to salvation and may God have mercy on us and grant us wisdom to be prepared for what may enfold.

Update: 9/2

This morning I asked God to give me a passage for this post as I randomly opened my Bible--I turned to Daniel 4.

28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

³⁰ The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

³¹ While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

³² And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

³⁴ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

³⁶ At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

I am not sure of all of the ramifications of God showing me this passage, but Nebuchadnezzar refused to acknowledge God and his sovereignty, and was driven from men--he was on his own.

Update 9/4

Ran across an article that seems to substantiate the Debka article above.

Washington tells Tehran that it will not join in an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program, Yedioth Ahronoth reports... http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-to-iran-in-case-of-israeli-strike-dont-fire-on-our-bases/

Are you prepared for the End Times? Read The Coming Epiphany today for FREE!

Aligning with Judgment

Photo Source: http://www.breakingnews.com/topic/derecho-storm-hits-us-midwest-mid-atlantic

The recent round of severe derecho thunderstorms on 6/29/12 that left millions without power had connections to Israel and her settlements. Daniel at Prayers for the People has done an excellent job in researching and explaining this fact. I highly recommend reading his posts.

Defiance in the Apple
http://www.prayersforthepeople.com/id270.html

Judgment:The House of God
http://www.prayersforthepeople.com/id283.html

After reading his posts and seeing the connections I remembered that a line I had drawn about a month ago intersects the United States at the approximate center of the Eastern part of the severe storms. The line starts at the Temple in Jerusalem and goes through the location of the Italy earthquake that occurred on 5/20/12, and continues onto the United States. Here are the pics of the line, the storms, and then one overlayed on the other.

The line hits the USA at Fort Story which is now known as Joint Expeditionary Base East which is a sub-installation of the United States Navy. it is also the location where the Jamestown settlers first landed in 1607 and was the location of a prominent Revolutionary War battle. So it hits a place associated with the military, war, and the founding of this country.

The line continues on through the heart of the Southeast and exits the United States at the Northwestern part of Florida. It just so happens that this line comes very close to where Tropical Storm Debby caused its havoc just days before the derecho storms. Florida was deluged with up to 28 inches of rain in parts of the state from Debby. Here is a pic of the line, the rainfall from Debby and the overlay.

So we have a line that originates at the Temple in Jerusalem, goes through the Italy earthquake location and continues onto the United States where at its northern intersection we have a judgment centered to the left of the line and at its southern intersection we have a judgment centered to the right of the line. The Tropical Storm Debby judgment took place just before the Israeli settlement evictions and the derecho storms at the end of them.

What are the implications of this line? I believe the line implies and is a clear example of what many have been saying; that nations involved in actions against Israel will receive judgment.

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Gen 12:3

Are you 100% sure that you will go to heaven when you die? Read about God's gift of salvation.

Are you ready for the end times? Read The Coming Epiphany today for FREE.

A Spiritual Prepper--Part 3

Continued from Part 2...

Another group of sins listed in the Galatians passage above talk of the proper relationships with others; “hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions.” God wants us to get along; He desires that the world would live in peace. He wants us to show love toward our fellow human beings. He wants us to treat others, as we want to be treated. The hatred of many in the world seems to be growing steadily and at times escalates to feverish pitches. Unfortunately many Christians are involved in arguing, complaining, verbal attacks, bickering, and most of the time it is over very trivial matters. Many times Christians expect others to be perfect and when they are not many Christians will over react in some childish manner. Many people have left good churches because of the stupidest reasons; like the pastor forgot to shake their hand, or the church didn’t pick the color carpet that they wanted, etc. All of this bickering, fighting, and discontent among Christians needs to stop. These sins grieve the Lord; we need to get along with each other. We need to encourage each other; we need to build each other up.

Our society in general is characterized by much violence, which also grieves the Lord. The court system is clogged with cases of violence of all kinds that people have committed against each other. Such was also the case in Noah’s day; there was much violence on the earth, and that is one of the reasons why God destroyed them. God hates violence, fighting, murders, and the like. The Christian need not be involved in any of this. There is much violence that is being promoted in our society via TV, movies, and video games. Scientific studies have shown that the watching of violence and or playing violent video games causes one to be more violent. I am amazed at how many Christian parents allow their children to be exposed to violence and then they wonder why these children are depressed and or are rebellious and commit violent acts. Violence is characteristic of a hedonistic lifestyle and should not be a part of the Christian’s life.

The next sin listed is “heresies.” I am amazed at how many different so-called “Christian” religious organizations there are. Many of these are in clear disagreement to what the Bible teaches. One example would be the many churches that have women pastors. The scriptures are very clear on the forbidding of women pastors. Yet many churches have chosen to disobey the clear commands of the Bible. This truly grieves the Lord’s heart. Why anyone would want to attend a church that is in clear disobedience to the word of God is beyond me. The Bible is our only standard for doctrine. The Bible needs to be the supreme authority in matters of the church, not pragmatism, tradition, or experience. Find a church that preaches, teaches, and follows the Bible and the Bible alone and you have found a good church. Churches and religious organizations that stray from the Bible should be avoided as heretical.

The next sin listed is “envying.” This is the sin of coveting after “things.” America is consumed with coveting after and getting “things.” Much of what people strive and live for is to attain things for the mere purpose of impressing others. They see something and they are consumed with getting it to the point where they forsake family, friends, morals, and God to obtain it. Some obtain these things and live far above their means through the misuse of credit. As long as they make the minimum monthly payments they are happy. This is a very foolish financial practice that will one day come back to hurt them. These pursuits are all empty and Christians should not waste their time in such frivolous empty pursuits. The accumulation of “things” is what some people base their self worth and happiness on but in the end it has no eternal value. The Christian should take heed to the words of Jesus and live for eternity and seek to obtain true riches that will last forever.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Mt 6:19-21)

The next sin on the list is “murdering”. Surely a Christian would not be involved in murdering. Yet unfortunately some Christians have murdered. They have committed this sin through the grave sin of abortion. Shockingly enough, some Christians have bought into the liberal agenda that an unborn baby is not a person until it is born. This is far from the truth, God considers an unborn baby to be a person from conception. Here is a scripture passage that tells us how God feels about babies still in the womb.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (Ps 139:13-17)

The language in this passage clearly shows that God considers an unborn baby to be a person. Shame on the Christian parents who coerce their teenage daughters into getting abortions to prevent embarrassment. Shame on the Christian young people who do not want to be inconvenienced by birthing a child and kill it instead. Abortion is a great wickedness and grievous sin against the Lord. Severe judgment will fall upon any who participate in the murder of innocent children. It baffles me to hear young people say that it would be too hard to birth a baby and then give it up for adoption, so they choose to murder it so they will not have to put up with the anguish of giving it away. So in effect they are saying that I would rather murder my child than suffer having emotional grief at having to give it away to someone else to raise. That is the ultimate act of selfishness. And they are deceived if they think that it will hurt more to give up their baby than to murder it. In actuality they will suffer far worse emotionally for killing their baby then they would if they gave it up. It is a selfish mother who thinks of herself before her child. This sin grieves God’s heart terribly.

The next sins on the list are “drunkenness and revellings.” Drunkenness would be defined as the result when someone allows himself or herself to come under the influence of alcohol or some other controlling substance. I am sure we have all witnessed the change in behavior of someone under the influence of alcohol. People usually experience mood changes, a loss of physical coordination and control, and a loss of inhibitions. Thus when people come under the influence of alcohol they say and do things that they normally would not do. Many times because of this the person will sin more frequently and or commit sins that they in their right mind would never do. Many millions of people have fallen victim to drunkenness, from DUI accidents, to spouse and child abuse, to loss of jobs, and poor health, and even death. Many families have reaped the terrible results of this abuse.

Let the Christian never be accused of this terrible sin of drunkenness. And I will further say let not the Christian even drink any amount of alcohol. For the scriptures not only say that it is wrong to get drunk but it also says that it is wrong to even drink it. Scripture even goes farther and calls the substance itself evil. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Prov 20:1) Notice God calls wine itself a mocker. In the next passage, which pretty much gives a summary of what alcohol will do to a person, God says that you should not even look at it.

“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.”

So if we are not even suppose to look upon it how can we say it is permissible to drink? Do not be deceived in thinking that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine in the infamous wedding at Cana. He did not; he turned it into non-alcoholic wine, which is commonly known as grape juice. The Greek word oinos, which was used in the wedding of Cana passage, can mean either alcoholic or non-alcoholic juice from grapes. So how do we know that Jesus turned water into grape juice? Because: if He had turned it into wine with alcohol then He would have been violating His own scriptures which forbid drunkenness and the substance itself. And furthermore He would have been violating the scripture that states that God places a curse upon one who gives someone alcohol “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” (Hab 2:15). The admonition concerning drunkenness that we have just talked about would also apply to any substance that can control someone such as illegal drugs, and cigarettes.

Another controlling addictive action many Christians are involved in is overeating or gluttony. How do you think it looks to others when you claim the name of Christ but are grossly overweight—they think HYPOCRITE. You tell others it is wrong to do certain things yet you can’t keep from putting food in your mouth to the detriment of your body.

I would like to bring another passage to light that concerns the manner in which a Christian is to conduct themselves in relation to governing authorities.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Rom 13:1-7)

The above passage makes it clear that the Christian is to obey the government. From paying taxes to obeying the speed limit, the Christian should live in submission to the governing authorities. Right now in the United States we have many freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. There may come a day when the Constitution is suspended or done away with. If that happens our freedoms that we enjoy as Americans may be invoked through the process of martial law being declared in America. Under martial law it is theorized that authorities will call for guns, food stores, and cash to be turned in and travel will be limited. Soldiers will become the enforcers. If condition ever transpires what should a Christian do? Should a Christian obey the government and turn in the weapons, food, and cash that they have saved up? Or should a Christian adhere to the constitutional guarantees and hold onto their possessions?

The only time a Christian is permitted to disobey the governing authorities is when the government tells you to do something that is contrary to scripture or performs an illegal action against you. For instance, if the government said that you could not pray or read the Bible then of course the Christian would be under no obligation to obey those laws. Or if a police officer tried to rape a lady—of course she does not have to obey. But as long as what the government tells you to do is not against scripture or they are not performing an illegal action against you then you are to obey, and never should a Christian take up arms against the governing authorities. The Jews had been attacked and their country was under Roman occupation their rule and laws had been suspended and Jesus instructed them to obey the governing authorities and pay taxes. I believe it would do us well to remember the words of our Lord concerning those who do evil against us.

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” (Mt 26:52)

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Mt 5:38-48)

We have listed several categories of sin that many in our nation have embraced. The Christian need not be involved in any of the above listed sins. Not for the purpose of earning salvation but because God has saved us from our sins and we out of love for the Lord should want to glorify Him by abstaining from sin and living a Godly life. Let us not use our liberty in Christ as a license to sin. Paul gives us a strong admonition if we continue in sin.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

The way to love the Lord and love people is by obeying the commands in the Bible and living a righteous life. Living a righteous life fulfills the law as stated in Romans 13: 8-10.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Dear Christian as we see the Day of the Lord approaching let us sincerely examine ourselves before the Lord with a humble and contrite heart to make sure that we are in the faith and that we are living a life that is pleasing to Him.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (II Pet 3:10-12)

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Rom 13:11-14)

Let us all strive to hear the words “well done thou good and faithful servant enter into the joy of thy master.” Do not try to claim that you love the Lord if you do not obey His commandments. Jesus said; “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” (Jn 14:24) In regards to this matter the apostle John said

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.” (I Jn 2:3-7)

No one is perfect we all sin everyday—unless you are one of those sinless perfection types—yea right! Each and every day we should strive to be more like the Lord Jesus and eradicate more and more sin out of our life. Then we will be spiritual preppers.

There are also physical and mental preparations one should make for the end times. The Coming Epiphany; Your Guide to Understanding End Times Bible Prophecy, has an entire chapter dedicated to preparing for the end times. I have made it available as a FREE download at thecomingepiphany.com

A Spiritual Prepper--Part 2

Continued from Part 1

...In regards to a Christian’s outward relation to his fellow man, a Christian is to love others. As the golden rule states; “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Mt 19:19). That basically means that you should treat people as you want to be treated. What does that specifically involve? The most important way to love others is to share the gospel with them. In regards to our actions--a good starting place to love others would be to observe the Ten Commandments. Most all the other commandments in scripture are based upon them.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 13. Thou shalt not kill. 14. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15. Thou shalt not steal. 16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

The Ten Commandments give us a good starting place for loving others. God, in Galatians 5 also gives us some specific details of what loving God and your neighbor as yourself entails.

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul above is saying that in order to love God and your neighbor as yourself one must walk in the Spirit and if one walks in the Spirit he will not carry out the desires of the flesh. He then lists things of the flesh that a Christian should not partake of. The list is pretty extensive and covers just about all the sins that our society is involved in today.

Unfortunately many Christians have fallen into these things knowingly and unknowingly. Thus at this point I am going to start talking about sins that I have seen other Christians involved in for the purpose helping them to remove these practices, to become better spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return.

In the verses above Paul lists adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. These refer to the many sexual perversions that many are involved in such as pornography, masturbation, sex outside of marriage between a man and woman, etc. These sins are extremely grievous to the Lord, and the Christian needs to flee from these things. I heard one statistic from a Christian conference that 80% of the men in attendance had viewed pornography on the Internet.

Many TV shows and movies glorify sexual perversions and sins and the Christian should not view any of these either. “Be not deceived evil company corrupts good morals.” A sin related to the above sexual sins and can be a cause of some of them is immodest dress. Many women and some men seem to be infatuated with trying to dress in such a way as to sinfully attract the opposite sex. When someone dresses immodestly they defraud other people. To defraud another in this way means to stir up unholy desires in another that cannot be righteously fulfilled.

Scripture speaks specifically to this sin. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” (I Tim 2:9). “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mk 10:19). I am shocked at how many Christian adults dress immodestly and or allow their children to dress immodestly. Those who dress immodestly and allow their children to do the same will reap the consequences of such foolish and immoral behavior.

And since we are on the topic of dress let’s talk about the beach and pool. Let me ask you a question if there was a park in your city where just about everyone dressed in underwear, as a Christian would you go to that park? Every time I have asked that question to a Christian they have always answered, No. My next question is then so why do you go to the beach or pool where people are dressed in brightly colored underwear or less than underwear? Bottom line; It’s soft core porn. And then we ask ourselves why our son’s and daughters are getting involved in sexual promiscuity.

The scriptures are clear; sexual perversions are sinful and will bring damage to one’s self. “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” (I Cor 6:18) God intended for sexual relations to be kept inside of the bounds of marriage between a man and woman.

The next sin in Paul’s list is idolatry. Most Christians are not tempted with out and out idolatry, though I have seen Christians possessing idols as “artwork,” which is a sin. Scripture makes it clear that God wants all idols to be destroyed, not kept as artwork. For when someone has an evil item such as an idol or a Ouija board, etc. in their possession they in effect give satan permission to reap havoc and destruction in their life.

Even though most Christians are not guilty of the outward worship of another God they can be guilty of putting other things in God’s rightful place. If the Christian puts anything before God then that becomes an idol. God and our relationship with Him should be our number one priority in life. Nothing should come before Him. We are to love the Lord with all our heart mind and soul.

The next sin listed in the Galatians passage is witchcraft. Witchcraft is very prevalent in our society today. There are some blatant forms of witchcraft in our society that are practiced by satanic cults and churches. Some witchcraft is disguised as fun things to do, such as games like dungeons and dragons, Ouija boards, horoscopes, etc. Many adults, and sadly enough children, are unknowingly indoctrinated into aspects of the occult without even realizing it, like The Wizard of OZ movie that is an indoctrination for neophyte witches, that many have watched.

A more recent example would be Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books and movies are pure witchcraft and have introduced many unsuspecting children into the arena of the occult and the devil. Unfortunately many Christians have endorsed these books and movies as being acceptable “fun fantasy” for Christians to partake of. They are being deceived by the devil and great harm is being done to many a young Christian. Here is what a former Satanist, who is now a pastor, the late David Meyer from Last Trumpet Ministries, had to say about these books;

“…Materials such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and other such educational presentations in witchcraft have overtaken not only the minds of the masses of people, but have also captivated the very churches that should be opposing them…. We can see that these spineless religious leaders are perpetuating witchcraft and are destroying many young lives by refusing to take a stand against it. I can tell you that as a former witch, the Harry potter material does teach the principles of witchcraft, and the first principles taught to a neophyte or beginner witch are that there is a continual contest between good and evil, that there is good witchcraft and bad witchcraft, and that there is white magic and black magic. Furthermore, all witchcraft is of the devil even though witches claim that they do not believe in the devil…. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is likewise an instructional series in witchcraft…. These movies are always released at the time of the witches’ sabat of Yule. (12/19/01, 12/18/02, and 12/17/03). President Bush wears an exact replica of the magic ring from the Lord of the Rings trilogy…. The Elvish runes (on the ring the president wears) are interpreted as follows: ‘One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in darkness bind them.’” http://lasttrumpetnewsletter.org/2003/12_03.html

Notice that the quoted author also considers Tolkien’s books to be an instructional series in witchcraft. Unfortunately the Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy in both the movie and book form are also very popular and have been embraced by pagans and Christians alike. I have found several occult bookstores that recommend the Lord of the Rings series as great literature. That’s enough to tell me that it is wrong. Here is a description of a book set to accompany the Lord of the rings trilogy, it strongly shows the occult connection within the Lord of the rings.

“From the Publisher Officially licensed by Tolkien Enterprises, Inc! Middle Earth lives inside each of us--and it can help us access the future! Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved trilogy of wizardry and enchantment, this entirely new divination system uses a runic ring just like the one Sauron forged. Cast it upon a map of Middle Earth, and use the richly illustrated guidebook and 40 tarot-like cards to interpret the answers to your questions. Packaged in a stunningly beautiful slipcase that looks like a book, it contains all the magical elements you need: the ring, map, book, and cards.”

Another strong satanic influence in our country is Halloween. Halloween is a satanic festival. It is the pagan’s highest “holy day” of the year. It is a day when a black mass is performed that includes many satanic rites and animal and human sacrifices. They do this for the purpose of invoking satan’s power, which is strongly manifested on that day. No Christian should participate in any way in a religious festival of another religion, let alone a satanic one—so why do Christians let their kids go trick or treating?

Probably the strongest occult influence on our society is music with a heavy beat. This type of music would come under the general heading of rock or rap music. Rock and rap music and the like are of satanic origin and will incline one’s heart to evil and will call on evil spirits. Some Christians think that putting good words to evil music will make the music good. That would be like putting a Bible verse on a cigarette—the cigarette is still destructive. Oh how the church has swallowed, hook, line, and sinker the lie that music is amoral. There is only one kind of music God commands us to partake in. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Eph 5:19. Woe to the church that feeds the sheep sensual unholy music under the guise of worshiping God!

Whether it is rock music, horror books and films, UFO’s, Horoscopes, Ouija boards, or satanic fantasy games and books Christians need to stay far away from these things. For when someone has an occult item in their possession or is participating in an occult practice they in effect give permission to satan to control, influence, and or harm them. Unfortunately this is why many Christians are depressed, sick, unable to overcome temptation, and even have died. Remember “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” (I Cor 11:30).

To be continued...

Are you 100% sure that you will go to heaven when you die? Read our Salvation page and find out how you can go to heaven.

Learn about what is going to happen during the end times, and what you need to do to get ready--read The Coming Epiphany;Your Guide to Understanding End Times bible Prophecy today for FREE!