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Challenge Of Faith Ministries
Questions and Answer
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Q. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST?
A. MUST "DIE" TO "PRODUCE!"
A Judean "DATE SEED" was found together with a large number of other SEEDS during archaeological excavations carried out close to Massada near the Southern End of the Dead Sea. Massada was the last Jewish stronghold following the Roman destruction of the Holy Temple over "1,900" years ago. The age of the SEEDS were determined using Carbon Dating, with only a margin of 50 years, which placed them either right before or right after the Massada revolt. The SEEDS sat in storage for Thirty Years until Elain Solowey of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies was asked to attempt to cultivate them. After the Ancient Date Palm was planted, this 2000 year old seed began to SPROUT and is the Oldest Seed to ever produce a viable young sapling.
As AMAZING as this is, I think of the years that passed by when that SEED that was meant to produce lay DORMANT and UNPRODUCTIVE. The only way that SEED could begin to PRODUCE was to be planted in the earth and "DIE" and through its DEATH, rise to LIFE.
WHAT WERE THE Words OF JESUS? DO YOU RECALL WHAT HE SAID?
"MOST ASSUREDLY I SAY TO YOU, UNLESS A GRAIN OF WHEAT FALLS
INTO THE GROUND AND "DIES" IT ABIDES ALONE, BUT IF IT "DIES"
IT PRODUCES "MUCH" GRAIN!"
John 12:24
When Jesus spoke these words, He was referring to His own Death, His own Crucifixion, and His RESURRECTION. "Looking Unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith; Who for the "JOY" that was set before Him, Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame, and has sat down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 Only through His "DEATH" paying for our sins, could there be the glorious Reaping of Souls who would be SAVED from Eternal Separation from God. Souls whose Faith has been placed "ALONE" in the Crucified, Death Conquering Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, "HE THAT HAS THE SON, HAS "LIFE!"
Now, as Believers in the SAVIOR, we too must know the meaning of "DYING TO SELF" in order to be PRODUCTIVE in our walk with the LORD. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "I HAVE BEEN "CRUCIFIED" WITH CHRIST; IT IS "NO LONGER" I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST, WHO "LIVES" IN ME. AND THE "LIFE" I NOW "LIVE" IN THE FLESH, I "LIVE" BY "FAITH" IN THE SON OF GOD, WHO "LOVED" ME AND "GAVE" HIMSELF FOR ME." Galatians 2:20
When we "DIE" to SELF-WILL; When we say "NOT MY WILL" "NOT MY WAY" "NOT MY WANTS" and are "ALIVE" to GOD'S WILL, how wonderfully will the SEED OF HIS WORD ROOTED IN OUR HEARTS, "PRODUCE" MUCH FRUIT FOR HIS GLORY!
AND EVERY TRUE BELIEVER SAYS "AMEN"
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Q. IS THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST NO LONGER RELEVANT IN THIS PRESENT DAY?
A. "IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER!"
When you open the BIBLE there is one important truth you must keep in mind, "ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD!" ALL SCRIPTURE IS "GOD BREATHED!" II Timothy 3:16 As the Apostle Peter wrote, "PROPHECY "NEVER" CAME BY THE WILL OF MAN, BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPOKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!" I Peter 1:22
Now Folks, there are many today, who are saying the Bible is no longer Relevant for the 21st Century. This is especially true of the Liberal Bishop who has suggested, "CHRISTIANITY MUST CHANGE OR IT WILL DIE!" He said, "In the process much of the Traditional Understanding of Christianity shaped as it was by the mindset of the First Century must Inevitably be "SACRIFICED" as no longer either "RELEVANT" or "POSSIBLE!" Maybe not Relevant for him,
BUT TOTALLY RELEVANT FOR ME AND FOR MULTITUDES OF BELIEVERS IN THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED, AND RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST, "WHO IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; THE ONE AND ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER ABOVE."
You know this man and others like him, prove how "ACCURATE" and "TRUE" the Word of God is for those in the First Century, and for all people in the present Century. "THERE WERE ALSO FALSE PROPHETS AMONG THE PEOPLE, EVEN AS THERE WILL BE "FALSE" TEACHERS AMONG YOU, WHO WILL SECRETLY BRING IN DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES, EVEN DENYING THE LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM, AND BRING ON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION. AND "MANY" WILL "FOLLOW" THEIR DESTRUCTIVE WAYS, BECAUSE OF WHOM, THE WAY OF "TRUTH" WILL BE BLASPHEMED." I Peter 2:1-2
"O the BLOOD that Jesus Shed that Day, Way back at Calvary; Yes the BLOOD that gives me Strength from Day to Day, IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER. For it reaches the Highest Mountain; And it Flows to the Lowest Valley; Yes the BLOOD that gives me Strength from Day to Day, IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER." Remember, "The "MESSAGE" OF THE "CROSS" IS "FOOLISHNESS" TO THOSE WHO ARE "PERISHING" BUT TO "US" WHO ARE "SAVED" IT IS THE "POWER" OF GOD!" I Corinthians 1:18 O yes, Friend
"I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE "GOSPEL" OF "CHRIST"
FOR IT IS THE "POWER" OF GOD UNTO SALVATION
FOR "EVERYONE" WHO BELIEVES." Romans 1:16
Give me that Old Time Religion, Give Me that Old Time Religion, Give Me that Old Time Religion, YES, IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME." How about you, Friend, IS IT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU? Back when Jesus walked this earth, we read, "FROM THAT TIME MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES WENT BACK AND WALKED WITH HIM NO MORE. THEN JESUS SAID TO THE TWELVE, "WILL YOU ALSO GO AWAY?" BUT SIMON PETER ANSWERED HIM,
"LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE;
AND WE "BELIEVE" AND "KNOW" THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE
LIVING GOD." John 6:66-69
Believe it Friend, and always understand, YOU WILL "NEVER" IMPROVE" ON THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, WHICH IS "THAT CHRIST "DIED" FOR OUR SINS, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE WAS "BURIED" AND THAT HE "ROSE AGAIN" THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES....AND THAT HE WAS SEEN ALIVE BY MANY WITNESSES." I Corinthians 15, 3-4
GLORY TO GOD, WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR!
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WAS IT NECESSARY FOR CHRIST TO DIE ON THE CROSS?"
"IT'S GOD'S WAY!"
It was refreshing to read the results of a poll taken some time ago that centered "on the Death of Jesus Christ. This was the question that was asked, "WAS CHRIST'S DEATH NECESSARY PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS?" Of those who responded, Six percent said, "I don't believe in any of this!" Five percent said, "I simply am not sure!" Twelve percent said, "No, this would make God Sadistic!" But "SEVENTY-SEVEN" PERCENT said, "YES, THE BIBLE MAKES THIS CLEAR!" WOW!
That speaks loud and clear! The Bible clearly states, "Now all things are of GOD, who has Reconciled us to HIMSELF through JESUS CHRIST and has given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation...Now then we are Ambassador's for CHRIST, as though GOD were pleading through us, we implore you on CHRIST'S behalf, be RECONCILED to "GOD," FOR "HE" (GOD) MADE HIM, (CHRIST) WHO KNEW NO SIN, TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM." II Corinthians 5:18-21 "CHRIST has appeared to Put Away Sin, by the SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF....SO CHRIST WAS OFFERED "ONCE" TO BEAR THE SINS OF THE MANY." Hebrews 9:25-28 "WHO HIMSELF, BORE OUR SINS IN HIS BODY ON THE TREE!" I Peter 2:24
You see, Folks, GOD IS HOLY, and HE cannot wink at our Sin. He is not about to say, "Well, even though Mankind has Sinned against My Will and My Word, I'll just bypass judgment on their SIN!" O NO, God cannot wink at our Sin! And we must face the Fact that "ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." And "THE WAGES OF SIN IS "DEATH" BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!" Romans 3:23 & 6:23
Not one of us can ever hope by our own "GOOD WORKS" to gain Heaven, and GOD'S Favor. "Therefore by the Deeds of the Law, "NO FLESH" will be "JUSTIFIED" in GOD'S SIGHT, for by the LAW is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN." The Law of God is a MIRROR that reveals our Sinfulness, but it CANNOT CLEANSE us of our Sins. But NOW GOD is Declaring that we can be "JUSTIFIED" "FREELY" by HIS GRACE THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS: WHOM GOD SET FORTH AS A "PROPITIATION" BY HIS BLOOD, THROUGH FAITH, TO DEMONSTRATE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT HE MIGHT BE "JUST" AND THE "JUSTIFIER" OF THE ONE WHO HAS FAITH IN JESUS!" Romans 3:20-26
Friend, GOD'S HOLINESS and JUST DEMANDS Against our Sin Has Been "FULLY SATISFIED" IN THE SACRIFICE OF HIS SON ON THAT OLD RUGGED CROSS, and we can now be Free of the Guilt and Condemnation of our Sin.
Friends, just two choices, we can Reject what Christ has done for us and PAY FOR OUR SINS OURSELVES AND FACE ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD, OR "ACCEPT" THE PAYMENT THAT JESUS MADE WHEN HE DIED AS OUR SINLESS, PERFECT SUBSTITUTE.
When you "ACCEPT" HIM as your Personal LORD AND SAVIOR, you will then sing,
"AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, WHERE I FIRST SAW THE LIGHT, AND THE BURDEN OF MY HEART ROLLED AWAY. IT WAS THERE BY FAITH I RECEIVED MY SIGHT AND NOW I AM HAPPY ALL THE DAY."
FRIEND, BE SURE TO CHOOSE GOD'S WAY! JESUS IS ALL YOU NEED!
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Q. WAS JESUS REALLY VIRGIN BORN, and was HE truly GOD in the Flesh? So many voices are declaring that Jesus never claimed to be Deity. Can you help me with some answers?
A. Let's first answer the question, "WAS JESUS GOD IN THE FLESH?" If we have a Firm and Positive Answer for this Question, then the issue of His Virgin Birth is resolved, for "WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!" There are many voices today, and sad to say, even among the Clergy, who say Jesus never claimed to be God; that He was not Supernaturally Born of the Virgin Mary, and that He was just a man born of human seed as all are born into this world.
They will acknowledge that Jesus did accomplish much good during His brief life, but, that He never claimed for Himself, "DEITY!" I do not know what Bible they are reading, but it is clear to make such a statement, they are conveniently closing their eyes to the clear written WORD OF GOD! I will not seek, at first, to record what the true followers of Jesus Christ said, and wrote about Him. but rather, will turn to those who hated Jesus, and who thought He was perverting the truth., Friend, almost 2000 years ago, even those who were "NOT" followers of Christ, and who strongly "OPPOSED" Him, said that He "DID" make such a claim, and because He "DID" make this claim, they called Him a "BLASPHEMER" and took up "STONES TO KILL" HIM. Note the following Scripture.
"Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter, and Jesus walked in the Temple of Solomon's Porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt?
IF YOU ARE THE CHRIST TELL US PLAINLY.
Jesus answered them, "I TOLD YOU, AND YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME! The Works that I do in My Father's Name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My Sheep, as I said to you, "My Sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give to them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any one snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE!"
When the people heard these Words, they took up stones to stone Him. QUESTION? Why would they want to stone Jesus to death? What was their understanding of the Words He spoke to them? NOTE CAREFULLY THE ANSWER THEY GAVE! "Many works I have shown you from My Father. For which of these works do you stone Me? They answered, "For a Good Work we do not stone You, BUT FOR "BLASPHEMY" AND BECAUSE YOU, BEING A MAN, MAKE YOURSELF "GOD!" John 10:22-33
Could there be anything more clear? They knew exactly what Jesus was declaring! They knew He was claiming "DEITY!" Do you recall the words of Nicodemus, who was a Member of the Jewish Ruling Council, who approached Jesus one night? He said, "RABBI, WE KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER WHO HAS COME FROM GOD, FOR NO ONE CAN DO THESE MIRACULOUS SIGNS THAT YOU DO UNLESS GOD IS WITH HIM!" This Spiritually Hungry, Seeking Ruler of the Jews learned that GOD was not only with JESUS, but that GOD WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE BEFORE HIM IN THE PERSON OF JESUS!
"GOD MANIFESTED IN FLESH!" TRUE GOD, AND TRUE MAN.
The Apostle Paul wrote as he was led by the Holy Spirit, "FOR IN CHRIST, ALL THE FULLNESS OF "THE DEITY" DWELLS IN BODILY FORM." Colossians 2:9
Now think of this "FACT" very carefully. Hundreds of years before the Birth of Jesus, it was Prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah, "Therefore, the LORD HIMSELF shall give you a "SIGN!" Behold, a "VIRGIN" shall conceive and bring forth a "SON" and shall call His Name, IMMANUEL! (Which being interpreted is "GOD WITH US") Isaiah 7:14 If Jesus had been born as you and I, that would "NOT" have been anything unusual. That would "NOT" have been a "SIGN" that revealed something very significant was to take place. The "SIGN" was that a "VIRGIN" would conceive and bring forth a "SON!"
Years later, this was the Word the Angel of the Lord gave to Joseph engaged to Mary. who was a VIRGIN! "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a "SON" and you shall call His Name "JESUS" for He will "SAVE" His people from their Sins." Matthew 1:20-21
Never doubt it, Friend, for "JESUS" left the Glories of Heaven and came into our World because He Loves us, and wants to give to all who will believe in Him, the "GIFT" of ETERNAL LIFE. "For in HIM, we have REDEMPTION through HIS BLOOD, the FORGIVENESS OF SINS, according to the RICHES OF HIS GRACE." Ephesians 1:7
WHEN YOU HAVE "JESUS" AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR
YOUR LIFE RESTS ON THE ETERNAL ROCK OF AGES!
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Q. IS THE NATION ISRAEL AN ALERTING SIGN?
A. When Jesus came the First Time, there were specific SIGNS given in the Word of God. Isaiah the Prophet recorded one of them when he wrote: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a "SIGN." Behold a "VIRGIN" shall conceive and bear a SON, and shall call HIS NAME IMMANUEL!" Isaiah 7:14
IMMANUEL MEANS
"GOD WITH US!"
When JESUS comes the Second Time, although no one knows the Day nor the Hour of His Coming, He has given us specific SIGNS that He said would take place as the end of the Age of Grace draws near. The JEWISH PEOPLE, without question, are a very important SIGN concerning the Return of Christ.
When Jesus stood in the presence of those who were speaking about the Temple, and how it was adorned with beautiful stones, He said, "These things which you see, the days will come in which NOT ONE STONE shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down." "When you see Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies, then know that its Desolation is Near. And they will Fall by the Edge of the Sword, and BE LED AWAY CAPTIVE INTO ALL NATIONS. AND JERUSALEM WILL BE TRAMPLED BY GENTILES "UNTIL" THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES BE FULFILLED." Luke 21:5-24
In 70 A.D. the Roman Army led by Titus was the weapon that brought desolation to Jerusalem, and caused the Jews to be SCATTERED among the Nations of the World. For almost Two Thousand Years, they remained in this dispersed state of existence UNTIL the year 1948 when the Jewish People were given an open door to return to their Homeland, and once again they were restored as a
NATION AMONG NATIONS,
just as the Word of God predicted! Thousands of Jews from many different Nations have returned, and many more are on their Way. The Word of God foretold their SCATTERING, and it foretold their Restoration as a NATION, and that it would take place in the LAST DAYS!
In the Book of Ezekiel, written in the 6th Century B.C., the Prophet wrote about the Valley of Dry Bones, and was asked the question, "CAN THESE BONES LIVE?" Then the Lord said to the Prophet, "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live." Then the Lord made a clear statement of whom He was speaking when He said, "These Bones are the Whole House of Israel. They indeed say, "Our Bones are Dry, our Hope is Lost, and we Ourselves are Cut Off." Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My People, I will Open your Graves and cause you to Come Up from your Graves and BRING YOU INTO THE LAND OF ISRAEL. I will put MY Spirit in you and you shall Live!" Thus says the Lord God: "Surely I will take the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE NATIONS, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND, AND I WILL MAKE THEM "ONE NATION" IN THE LAND ON THE MOUNTAINS OF ISRAEL. THE NATIONS ALSO WILL KNOW THAT I, THE LORD, SANCTIFY ISRAEL, WHEN MY SANCTUARY IS IN THEIR MIDST FOREVERMORE."
Ezekiel 37
How Faithful and True is the Eternal, Infallible Word of God. The challenge for "ALL" is:
"BE "YOU" ALSO "READY"
FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COMING
AT AN HOUR THAT YOU DO NOT EXPECT."
Matthew 24:42
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Q. You have often stated the Bible is absolutely accurate in the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. In one of your statements, you indicated that Daniel Chapter Nine predicted the time of the First Appearance of the Messiah. Can you explain?
A. I would be most happy to explain! There is no question that the Bible is indeed the Eternal, Infallible Word of God. When we celebrated the wonderful Day we call "THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM" this Day was of supreme significance. You recall the crowd of people gathered as Jesus rode into the City on a Lowly Donkey waving their Palm Branches and shouting, "Blessed is the KING who comes in the Name of the LORD; Hosanna to the SON of David; Hosanna in the Highest."
As Jesus drew near, He saw the City, and "WEPT" over it saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! BUT NOW THEY ARE HID FROM YOUR EYES." Luke 19:28-48 This is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy written "HUNDREDS" of years before by Zechariah who wrote: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughters of Zion! Shout, O Daughters of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you. He is Just and having Salvation, Lowly and riding on a Donkey, a Colt, the Foal of a Donkey." Zechariah 9:9
With this in mind, this Question arises! Should they have known the "TIME" and even the "DAY" when Messiah, the Christ, would be in their very presence as the Scripture Foretold? The answer is "YES!" Without a doubt, the "TIME" for sure, and I personally believe the "DAY" as well. It all centers on the account of the Prophecy found in the Book of Daniel, Chapter Nine, where Daniel writes, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy People and upon thy Holy City Jerusalem. Know therefore, and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS. (69 Weeks) The streets shall be built again, and the walls even in troublesome times. And after THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS, SHALL MESSIAH BE "CUT OFF" BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF." Daniel 9:24-25
Now, two issues are very important to understand this Prophecy. FIRST: The Seventy Weeks are literally SEVENTY SEVENS OR 70 X 7 which means, the prophecy covers a period of 490 Years. A "WEEK" in this portion is not a Seven Day Week as we know it today, but, "ONE WEEK" equals SEVEN YEARS. You may ask how is this possible? Well, there are sufficient examples to show that this is not something NEW! Do you recall the account of JACOB, who had to work SEVEN YEARS for Laban, the Father of Rachael, the Love of his Heart. Laban said to Jacob, "Fulfill her "WEEK" and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another "SEVEN YEARS!" Then Jacob did so, and fulfilled her "WEEK!" The tough part for Jacob was being DECEIVED by Laban, and having to work 14 YEARS to finally have Rachael as his Wife. Yes "TWO WEEKS!" Here we see a "WEEK" is a SEVEN YEAR PERIOD.
Secondly, each year is "NOT" 365 days as we know it to be today, but, each year is 360 Days. Taking a quick look into the last SEVEN YEARS of this prophecy, the 70TH WEEK OF DANIEL, which is still FUTURE, when the Anti Christ, is in power, reference is made to the number of days in a YEAR, which clearly proves the 360 days in a Year. "And the Woman fled into the wilderness where she has a place prepared of God, that they would feed her there a THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREE SCORE DAYS!" Revelation 12:6 That is a total of 1,260 Days. Since this refers to the last half of the Seven Year Tribulation Period that is to come, when you divide 1,260 by three and one half Years, the answer is 360 days in a year. If the final week, the final seven years of this prophecy of Daniel is 360 days in a year, then the whole 70 weeks of this prophecy is based on 360 days in each year. NOW KEEP THIS FACT CLEARLY IN MIND.
Now, the Next Question? When did this 70 WEEKS OF YEARS BEGIN? Daniel wrote: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the Commandment to Restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH" the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS." Daniel 9:27 The beginning point of this prophecy is found in the concern of Nehemiah over the sad condition of his Beloved City, Jerusalem. Recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, Chapter two, this man of God asked King Artaxerxes to allow him to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the City. In a marvelous way, God moved upon the heart of this King and he issued a Decree allowing Nehemiah to go back SAFELY to rebuild the City. THIS DECREE WAS GIVEN IN THE TWENTIETH YEAR OF HIS REIGN IN THE MONTH OF NISAN, 445 BC.
The starting point of this Prophecy is the Month Nisan, in the year 445 BC. We have already determined that the first 69 WEEKS multiplied by 7 equals a period of 483 Years. Remember BC years (before Christ) have a declining pattern so that when you come to the beginning of AD (after Christ), 445 years of the 483 years have been completed, leaving only 38 more years left for the 483 years to be fulfilled which would bring us to approximately AD 38 when MESSIAH WOULD APPEAR.
NOW FOLKS, IF IT WERE NOT JESUS THE CHRIST
WHO APPEARED HERE ON EARTH - THEN WHO?
LET'S TAKE ONE STEP FURTHER ABOUT THE DATE. REMEMBER, DANIEL'S PROPHECY IS BASED ON A 360 Year calendar and not 365 as we noted yesterday. When you multiply 483 years by 360 it gives a total of 173,880 Days in this period of time which is 6.7 years less than when multiplying the 483 years by 365 days in each year. What does this mean? It means the date of Messiah's appearance, taking into consideration the transition from BC (before Christ) to AD (after Christ) is less than the approximate date of AD 38 and is closer to the approximate date around AD 32-33.
An astounding Scholar, Sir Robert Anderson, allowing for the transition from BC (BEFORE CHRIST) TO AD (AFTER CHRIST) calculated, that going from 445 BC, and working through the 173,880 Days involved with this calculation, it takes us right up to the PRESENCE OF CHRIST RIGHT HERE ON EARTH, AND TO THE "DAY" WE CELEBRATE AS "PALM SUNDAY" WHEN JESUS ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM, HAILED AS THE "SAVIOR" WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
AMAZING? FRIEND, OUR GOD IS AWESOME! Is there any wonder why our LORD "WEPT" over Jerusalem, saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! But now they are Hid from your Eyes. Yes, it was their "DAY" and they "MISSED" IT. But remember, the prophecy states, at the end of the first 69 weeks, "MESSIAH WOULD BE "CUT OFF" BUT "NOT" FOR HIMSELF!"
O Yes, this also was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah who wrote: "He was WOUNDED for "OUR" transgressions, "BRUISED" for OUR iniquities; the Chastisement for our "PEACE" was upon HIM, and with HIS Stripes we are HEALED. All we like Sheep have gone astray, we have Turned, "EVERYONE" to his Own Way, but the LORD laid on HIM, THE CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, the INIQUITY OF US ALL." Isaiah 53:5-6
Friend, "God made Him to be "SIN" for Us, HE WHO KNEW NO SIN, that We might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM." II Corinthians 5:21 I have endeavored to set before you a few of the basic facts of this Prophecy, as it relates to the "TIMING" of the appearance of the Eternal Son of God, and His foretold Death on the CROSS when He paid the Supreme Price for our SINS as our SUBSTITUTE! I Pray, the Holy Spirit will give you clear understanding of this amazing Prophetic Word, for He promised to lead us into all TRUTH.
By the way, Friend, HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST'S PAYMENT FOR YOUR SINS? THE SAVIOR IS WAITING FOR YOU TO OPEN THE DOOR TO LET HIM INTO YOUR HEART. RECEIVE HIM, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR........TODAY............AND RECEIVE THE GIFT OF ETERNAL SALVATION!
MESSIAH, JESUS THE CHRIST HAS COME
AND SOON WILL COME AGAIN.
BE YOU ALSO READY!
PLACE YOUR FAITH IN "JESUS" FOR HE ALONE HAS
THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE
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"HAVE YOU EVER ASKED THIS QUESTION?"
The question that I have often heard over the years of ministering the precious Word of God is,
"HOW CAN A GOD OF LOVE SEND ANYONE TO HELL?"
To be sure, GOD IS A GOD OF LOVE! The Scripture states:
"Beloved, let us LOVE one another, for LOVE IS OF GOD,
and every one who LOVES is born of God and knows God.
He who does NOT LOVE, does NOT know God, FOR GOD
IS LOVE." I John 4:9-10
Further,
"GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS "LOVE" TOWARD US IN THAT
WHILE WE WERE YET "SINNERS" CHRIST DIED FOR US."
Romans 5:8
That is truly "AMAZING LOVE" THAT
"DEMANDS MY SOUL, MY LIFE, MY ALL."
Also, THERE IS A HELL! Note the words of our LOVING SAVIOR, who said:
"AND DO NOT FEAR THOSE WHO CAN KILL THE BODY
AND "CANNOT" KILL THE SOUL, BUT RATHER, FEAR HIM,
WHO IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL." Matthew 10:28
There is a "HEAVEN" for the "REDEEMED" Family of God, and there is a "HELL" for those who "REFUSE" to open their hearts to the CRUCIFIED, BURIED AND RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The STRANGE thing about the question of how a LOVING GOD could ever send anyone to HELL, is that the very same people REFUSE to answer the OPPOSITE of this question,
"HOW CAN A RIGHTEOUS, HOLY, AND JUST GOD
TAKE SINNERS INTO HEAVEN?"
How can God take to Heaven, the murderers, the thieves, the child molesters, the harlots, the liars, the adulterers, the fornicators, the blasphemers, the hate-mongers, the warmongers, the false accusers, the drunkards, the lawbreakers, etc. etc. etc. and where do we STOP?
How could JESUS say to the "GUILTY THIEF" hanging on the cross beside Him, "TODAY, YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE?"
GOD DOESN'T SEND ANYONE TO HELL. DID YOU CATCH THAT? I REPEAT! GOD NEVER SENDS ANYONE TO HELL. However, THE HOLINESS OF GOD "DEMANDS" THAT "SIN" BE PUNISHED, and we must acknowledge, "ALL" HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." Romans 3:23
GOD "CANNOT" AND "WILL NOT" COMPROMISE HIS HOLINESS, NOR WILL HE COMPROMISE HIS JUSTICE, as it often happens in our COURTS today.. FRIEND, SIN HAS WAGES! BUT GLORY TO GOD, HE has provided an OPEN DOOR to HEAVEN, made possible through the SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH of JESUS on the CROSS of CALVARY.
When JESUS died on that OLD RUGGED CROSS, HE took your "HELL" for YOU, and HE took it for ME. The moment you accept HIS "PAYMENT" for your sins, you are "FORGIVEN" and you are bound for "HEAVEN." BUT, if you "REJECT" HIS PAYMENT, sad to say, you will then have made a "CHOICE" to "PAY" for your sins "YOURSELF."
In plain words, "YOU" send "YOURSELF" to HELL, NOT GOD, FOR GOD LOVES YOU. His arms are "OPEN WIDE" to receive you into HIS ETERNAL FAMILY, if you will "HUMBLE" your "HEART" before HIM, and accept JESUS CHRIST THE LORD AS YOUR SAVIOR.
"GOD SO "LOVED" THE 'WORLD, (THAT INCLUDES YOU MY FRIEND) THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHALL "NOT PERISH" BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16
The GOSPEL is a "WHOSOEVER GOSPEL!" "WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:13 That "GUILTY THIEF" hanging beside Christ called to HIM and heard those precious words of HOPE from HIS lips,
"TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE."
FRIEND, "THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD." Romans 6:23 RIGHT NOW, THANK JESUS FOR PAYING THE PENALTY FOR YOUR SIN TO FREE YOU ETERNALLY FROM ITS CONDEMNATION AND ITS GUILT.
If you will humbly do that, the promise of JESUS to YOU will then be, "I GIVE TO YOU ETERNAL LIFE, AND YOU WILL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER WILL ANY ONE SNATCH YOU OUT OF MY HAND." John 10:28
HOW CAN ANYONE REFUSE SUCH LOVE
AND TURN AWAY FROM SUCH A GIFT?
HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE?
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Q. With all that is taking place in the Mid-east between the Arabs, Israel, and now, the United Nations, do you think we are heading into the Great Tribulation spoken of in the Bible? Will Christians go through this period led by the Antichrist?
A. First of all, let me say that I personally believe the Redeemed Church will be caught up with Jesus "BEFORE" this Seven Year Tribulation Period commences. I realize many dedicated Believers have a different view of this important event. Some believe in a Mid Tribulation coming of Christ for the Church and still others believe Jesus will come for the Body of Believers at the close of the Tribulation Period. A good question I often ask is, "ARE WE LOOKING FOR THE COMING OF THE ANTICHRIST, OR IS THE CHURCH LOOKING FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
I believe this question is often asked because of the Dark Picture presented in the Scriptures about this Seven Year Tribulation Period when there will be much "SUFFERING" and "MARTYRDOM" of those who will not "BOW DOWN" to worship and serve the Antichrist. Of these who will refuse to side with the Antichrist we read: "These in White Robes, who are they, and where did they come from? And He said, "These are they who have come out of the "GREAT TRIBULATION;" THEY HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB! Revelation 7:14 Obviously, many will be Saved during this period of time.
If anyone takes a Pre-Tribulation stand "ONLY" to escape Tribulation, that person is BLIND to the "SUFFERING" "IMPRISONMENT" and "MARTYRDOM" of True Believer's throughout History, and which is taking place "TODAY" around the world because of their Steadfast "FAITH" in the LORD JESUS CHRIST..
Beginning with the first Followers of Jesus, how quickly they learned what He meant when He said, "IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION, BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." .John 6:33 Concerning the Apostles, the Apostle "PAUL" after many imprisonments was finally "BEHEADED" in Rome by the command of Emperor Nero in A.D. 67. Tradition indicates that the Apostle "PETER" was crucified on a cross "UPSIDE DOWN" saying to his Tormentors he was "UNWORTHY" to die in the same manner as his Lord.
"JAMES" the brother of Jesus was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to DENY his FAITH in CHRIST. "JAMES" the son of Zebedee was "BEHEADED" in Jerusalem. A Roman Guard who guarded James was so impressed with his statement of Faith, that he told the Judge he too now embraced Christ as his Savior and Lord, and knelt down beside James to accept "BEHEADING" as a Christian.
"BARTHOLOMEW" also known as Nathanael, a Missionary to Asia, was MARTYRED FOR PREACHING CHRIST in Armenia, where he was FLAYED TO DEATH by a WHIP. "ANDREW" was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. They tied his body to the cross to prolong his agony, but even there, he preached to his tormentors for two days until he expired. He said, "THE CROSS HAS BEEN CONSECRATED BY THE BODY OF CHRIST HANGING ON IT. "MATTHIAS" who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot was "STONED" and then "BEHEADED!" AS IT WAS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE REDEEMED CHURCH, SO IT WILL BE TILL JESUS COMES TO TAKE US HOME!
Let's face it Friends, here in America, we Believer's have been spared, at least to this point in time, what THOUSANDS OF BELIEVER'S have suffered for their FAITH in many countries around the world. We dare not fall asleep, for something has been Brewing right before our eyes here in this land of America that we love. A strong movement to remove God and our Lord Jesus Christ from all we hold sacred is well underway and ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT CHRISTIANS IN OUR HOMELAND WILL FACE FOR OUR STEADFAST FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
THAT IS WHY OUR LORD SAID, "DO NOT FEAR THOSE WHO CAN KILL THE "BODY" BUT CANNOT KILL THE "SOUL!" RATHER, FEAR HIM WHO CAN CAST BOTH BODY AND SOUL INTO HELL." Matthew 10:28 NO MATTER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, NO MATTER "WHEN" JESUS WILL COME AT LAST, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST MAY BE, STAND FIRM UPON THE ROCK CHRIST JESUS, THE ONLY ONE "WHO HAS THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE." ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN, JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! BE READY!
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Q. IS THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST NO LONGER RELEVANT IN THIS PRESENT DAY?
A. "IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER!"
When you open the BIBLE there is one important truth you must keep in mind, "ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD!" ALL SCRIPTURE IS "GOD BREATHED!" II Timothy 3:16 As the Apostle Peter wrote, "PROPHECY "NEVER" CAME BY THE WILL OF MAN, BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPOKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!" I Peter 1:22
Now Folks, there are many today, who are saying the Bible is no longer Relevant for the 21st Century. This is especially true of the Liberal Bishop who has suggested, "CHRISTIANITY MUST CHANGE OR IT WILL DIE!" He said, "In the process much of the Traditional Understanding of Christianity shaped as it was by the mindset of the First Century must Inevitably be "SACRIFICED" as no longer either "RELEVANT" or "POSSIBLE!" Maybe not Relevant for him,
BUT TOTALLY RELEVANT FOR ME AND FOR MULTITUDES OF BELIEVERS IN THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED, AND RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST, "WHO IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; THE ONE AND ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER ABOVE."
You know this man and others like him, prove how "ACCURATE" and "TRUE" the Word of God is for those in the First Century, and for all people in the present Century. "THERE WERE ALSO FALSE PROPHETS AMONG THE PEOPLE, EVEN AS THERE WILL BE "FALSE" TEACHERS AMONG YOU, WHO WILL SECRETLY BRING IN DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES, EVEN DENYING THE LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM, AND BRING ON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION. AND "MANY" WILL "FOLLOW" THEIR DESTRUCTIVE WAYS, BECAUSE OF WHOM, THE WAY OF "TRUTH" WILL BE BLASPHEMED." I Peter 2:1-2
"O the BLOOD that Jesus Shed that Day, Way back at Calvary; Yes the BLOOD that gives me Strength from Day to Day, IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER. For it reaches the Highest Mountain; And it Flows to the Lowest Valley; Yes the BLOOD that gives me Strength from Day to Day, IT WILL "NEVER" LOSE ITS POWER." Remember, "The "MESSAGE" OF THE "CROSS" IS "FOOLISHNESS" TO THOSE WHO ARE "PERISHING" BUT TO "US" WHO ARE "SAVED" IT IS THE "POWER" OF GOD!" I Corinthians 1:18 O yes, Friend
"I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE "GOSPEL" OF "CHRIST"
FOR IT IS THE "POWER" OF GOD UNTO SALVATION
FOR "EVERYONE" WHO BELIEVES." Romans 1:16
Give me that Old Time Religion, Give Me that Old Time Religion, Give Me that Old Time Religion, YES, IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME." How about you, Friend, IS IT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU? Back when Jesus walked this earth, we read, "FROM THAT TIME MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES WENT BACK AND WALKED WITH HIM NO MORE. THEN JESUS SAID TO THE TWELVE, "WILL YOU ALSO GO AWAY?" BUT SIMON PETER ANSWERED HIM,
"LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE;
AND WE "BELIEVE" AND "KNOW" THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE
LIVING GOD." John 6:66-69
Believe it Friend, and always understand, YOU WILL "NEVER" IMPROVE" ON THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, WHICH IS "THAT CHRIST "DIED" FOR OUR SINS, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE WAS "BURIED" AND THAT HE "ROSE AGAIN" THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES....AND THAT HE WAS SEEN ALIVE BY MANY WITNESSES." I Corinthians 15, 3-4
GLORY TO GOD, WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR!
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WAS IT NECESSARY FOR CHRIST TO DIE ON THE CROSS?"
"IT'S GOD'S WAY!"
It was refreshing to read the results of a poll taken some time ago that centered "on the Death of Jesus Christ. This was the question that was asked, "WAS CHRIST'S DEATH NECESSARY PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS?" Of those who responded, Six percent said, "I don't believe in any of this!" Five percent said, "I simply am not sure!" Twelve percent said, "No, this would make God Sadistic!" But "SEVENTY-SEVEN" PERCENT said, "YES, THE BIBLE MAKES THIS CLEAR!" WOW!
That speaks loud and clear! The Bible clearly states, "Now all things are of GOD, who has Reconciled us to HIMSELF through JESUS CHRIST and has given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation...Now then we are Ambassador's for CHRIST, as though GOD were pleading through us, we implore you on CHRIST'S behalf, be RECONCILED to "GOD," FOR "HE" (GOD) MADE HIM, (CHRIST) WHO KNEW NO SIN, TO BE SIN FOR US, THAT WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM." II Corinthians 5:18-21 "CHRIST has appeared to Put Away Sin, by the SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF....SO CHRIST WAS OFFERED "ONCE" TO BEAR THE SINS OF THE MANY." Hebrews 9:25-28 "WHO HIMSELF, BORE OUR SINS IN HIS BODY ON THE TREE!" I Peter 2:24
You see, Folks, GOD IS HOLY, and HE cannot wink at our Sin. He is not about to say, "Well, even though Mankind has Sinned against My Will and My Word, I'll just bypass judgment on their SIN!" O NO, God cannot wink at our Sin! And we must face the Fact that "ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." And "THE WAGES OF SIN IS "DEATH" BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!" Romans 3:23 & 6:23
Not one of us can ever hope by our own "GOOD WORKS" to gain Heaven, and GOD'S Favor. "Therefore by the Deeds of the Law, "NO FLESH" will be "JUSTIFIED" in GOD'S SIGHT, for by the LAW is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN." The Law of God is a MIRROR that reveals our Sinfulness, but it CANNOT CLEANSE us of our Sins. But NOW GOD is Declaring that we can be "JUSTIFIED" "FREELY" by HIS GRACE THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS: WHOM GOD SET FORTH AS A "PROPITIATION" BY HIS BLOOD, THROUGH FAITH, TO DEMONSTRATE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT HE MIGHT BE "JUST" AND THE "JUSTIFIER" OF THE ONE WHO HAS FAITH IN JESUS!" Romans 3:20-26
Friend, GOD'S HOLINESS and JUST DEMANDS Against our Sin Has Been "FULLY SATISFIED" IN THE SACRIFICE OF HIS SON ON THAT OLD RUGGED CROSS, and we can now be Free of the Guilt and Condemnation of our Sin.
Friends, just two choices, we can Reject what Christ has done for us and PAY FOR OUR SINS OURSELVES AND FACE ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD, OR "ACCEPT" THE PAYMENT THAT JESUS MADE WHEN HE DIED AS OUR SINLESS, PERFECT SUBSTITUTE.
When you "ACCEPT" HIM as your Personal LORD AND SAVIOR, you will then sing,
"AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, WHERE I FIRST SAW THE LIGHT, AND THE BURDEN OF MY HEART ROLLED AWAY. IT WAS THERE BY FAITH I RECEIVED MY SIGHT AND NOW I AM HAPPY ALL THE DAY."
FRIEND, BE SURE TO CHOOSE GOD'S WAY! JESUS IS ALL YOU NEED!
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Q. WAS JESUS REALLY VIRGIN BORN, and was HE truly GOD in the Flesh? So many voices are declaring that Jesus never claimed to be Deity. Can you help me with some answers?
A. Let's first answer the question, "WAS JESUS GOD IN THE FLESH?" If we have a Firm and Positive Answer for this Question, then the issue of His Virgin Birth is resolved, for "WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!" There are many voices today, and sad to say, even among the Clergy, who say Jesus never claimed to be God; that He was not Supernaturally Born of the Virgin Mary, and that He was just a man born of human seed as all are born into this world.
They will acknowledge that Jesus did accomplish much good during His brief life, but, that He never claimed for Himself, "DEITY!" I do not know what Bible they are reading, but it is clear to make such a statement, they are conveniently closing their eyes to the clear written WORD OF GOD! I will not seek, at first, to record what the true followers of Jesus Christ said, and wrote about Him. but rather, will turn to those who hated Jesus, and who thought He was perverting the truth., Friend, almost 2000 years ago, even those who were "NOT" followers of Christ, and who strongly "OPPOSED" Him, said that He "DID" make such a claim, and because He "DID" make this claim, they called Him a "BLASPHEMER" and took up "STONES TO KILL" HIM. Note the following Scripture.
"Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter, and Jesus walked in the Temple of Solomon's Porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt?
IF YOU ARE THE CHRIST TELL US PLAINLY.
Jesus answered them, "I TOLD YOU, AND YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME! The Works that I do in My Father's Name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My Sheep, as I said to you, "My Sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give to them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any one snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE!"
When the people heard these Words, they took up stones to stone Him. QUESTION? Why would they want to stone Jesus to death? What was their understanding of the Words He spoke to them? NOTE CAREFULLY THE ANSWER THEY GAVE! "Many works I have shown you from My Father. For which of these works do you stone Me? They answered, "For a Good Work we do not stone You, BUT FOR "BLASPHEMY" AND BECAUSE YOU, BEING A MAN, MAKE YOURSELF "GOD!" John 10:22-33
Could there be anything more clear? They knew exactly what Jesus was declaring! They knew He was claiming "DEITY!" Do you recall the words of Nicodemus, who was a Member of the Jewish Ruling Council, who approached Jesus one night? He said, "RABBI, WE KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER WHO HAS COME FROM GOD, FOR NO ONE CAN DO THESE MIRACULOUS SIGNS THAT YOU DO UNLESS GOD IS WITH HIM!" This Spiritually Hungry, Seeking Ruler of the Jews learned that GOD was not only with JESUS, but that GOD WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE BEFORE HIM IN THE PERSON OF JESUS!
"GOD MANIFESTED IN FLESH!" TRUE GOD, AND TRUE MAN.
The Apostle Paul wrote as he was led by the Holy Spirit, "FOR IN CHRIST, ALL THE FULLNESS OF "THE DEITY" DWELLS IN BODILY FORM." Colossians 2:9
Now think of this "FACT" very carefully. Hundreds of years before the Birth of Jesus, it was Prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah, "Therefore, the LORD HIMSELF shall give you a "SIGN!" Behold, a "VIRGIN" shall conceive and bring forth a "SON" and shall call His Name, IMMANUEL! (Which being interpreted is "GOD WITH US") Isaiah 7:14 If Jesus had been born as you and I, that would "NOT" have been anything unusual. That would "NOT" have been a "SIGN" that revealed something very significant was to take place. The "SIGN" was that a "VIRGIN" would conceive and bring forth a "SON!"
Years later, this was the Word the Angel of the Lord gave to Joseph engaged to Mary. who was a VIRGIN! "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a "SON" and you shall call His Name "JESUS" for He will "SAVE" His people from their Sins." Matthew 1:20-21
Never doubt it, Friend, for "JESUS" left the Glories of Heaven and came into our World because He Loves us, and wants to give to all who will believe in Him, the "GIFT" of ETERNAL LIFE. "For in HIM, we have REDEMPTION through HIS BLOOD, the FORGIVENESS OF SINS, according to the RICHES OF HIS GRACE." Ephesians 1:7
WHEN YOU HAVE "JESUS" AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR
YOUR LIFE RESTS ON THE ETERNAL ROCK OF AGES!
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Q. IS THE NATION ISRAEL AN ALERTING SIGN?
A. When Jesus came the First Time, there were specific SIGNS given in the Word of God. Isaiah the Prophet recorded one of them when he wrote: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a "SIGN." Behold a "VIRGIN" shall conceive and bear a SON, and shall call HIS NAME IMMANUEL!" Isaiah 7:14
IMMANUEL MEANS
"GOD WITH US!"
When JESUS comes the Second Time, although no one knows the Day nor the Hour of His Coming, He has given us specific SIGNS that He said would take place as the end of the Age of Grace draws near. The JEWISH PEOPLE, without question, are a very important SIGN concerning the Return of Christ.
When Jesus stood in the presence of those who were speaking about the Temple, and how it was adorned with beautiful stones, He said, "These things which you see, the days will come in which NOT ONE STONE shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down." "When you see Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies, then know that its Desolation is Near. And they will Fall by the Edge of the Sword, and BE LED AWAY CAPTIVE INTO ALL NATIONS. AND JERUSALEM WILL BE TRAMPLED BY GENTILES "UNTIL" THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES BE FULFILLED." Luke 21:5-24
In 70 A.D. the Roman Army led by Titus was the weapon that brought desolation to Jerusalem, and caused the Jews to be SCATTERED among the Nations of the World. For almost Two Thousand Years, they remained in this dispersed state of existence UNTIL the year 1948 when the Jewish People were given an open door to return to their Homeland, and once again they were restored as a
NATION AMONG NATIONS,
just as the Word of God predicted! Thousands of Jews from many different Nations have returned, and many more are on their Way. The Word of God foretold their SCATTERING, and it foretold their Restoration as a NATION, and that it would take place in the LAST DAYS!
In the Book of Ezekiel, written in the 6th Century B.C., the Prophet wrote about the Valley of Dry Bones, and was asked the question, "CAN THESE BONES LIVE?" Then the Lord said to the Prophet, "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live." Then the Lord made a clear statement of whom He was speaking when He said, "These Bones are the Whole House of Israel. They indeed say, "Our Bones are Dry, our Hope is Lost, and we Ourselves are Cut Off." Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My People, I will Open your Graves and cause you to Come Up from your Graves and BRING YOU INTO THE LAND OF ISRAEL. I will put MY Spirit in you and you shall Live!" Thus says the Lord God: "Surely I will take the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE NATIONS, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND, AND I WILL MAKE THEM "ONE NATION" IN THE LAND ON THE MOUNTAINS OF ISRAEL. THE NATIONS ALSO WILL KNOW THAT I, THE LORD, SANCTIFY ISRAEL, WHEN MY SANCTUARY IS IN THEIR MIDST FOREVERMORE."
Ezekiel 37
How Faithful and True is the Eternal, Infallible Word of God. The challenge for "ALL" is:
"BE "YOU" ALSO "READY"
FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COMING
AT AN HOUR THAT YOU DO NOT EXPECT."
Matthew 24:42
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Q. You have often stated the Bible is absolutely accurate in the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. In one of your statements, you indicated that Daniel Chapter Nine predicted the time of the First Appearance of the Messiah. Can you explain?
A. I would be most happy to explain! There is no question that the Bible is indeed the Eternal, Infallible Word of God. When we celebrated the wonderful Day we call "THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM" this Day was of supreme significance. You recall the crowd of people gathered as Jesus rode into the City on a Lowly Donkey waving their Palm Branches and shouting, "Blessed is the KING who comes in the Name of the LORD; Hosanna to the SON of David; Hosanna in the Highest."
As Jesus drew near, He saw the City, and "WEPT" over it saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! BUT NOW THEY ARE HID FROM YOUR EYES." Luke 19:28-48 This is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy written "HUNDREDS" of years before by Zechariah who wrote: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughters of Zion! Shout, O Daughters of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you. He is Just and having Salvation, Lowly and riding on a Donkey, a Colt, the Foal of a Donkey." Zechariah 9:9
With this in mind, this Question arises! Should they have known the "TIME" and even the "DAY" when Messiah, the Christ, would be in their very presence as the Scripture Foretold? The answer is "YES!" Without a doubt, the "TIME" for sure, and I personally believe the "DAY" as well. It all centers on the account of the Prophecy found in the Book of Daniel, Chapter Nine, where Daniel writes, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy People and upon thy Holy City Jerusalem. Know therefore, and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS. (69 Weeks) The streets shall be built again, and the walls even in troublesome times. And after THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS, SHALL MESSIAH BE "CUT OFF" BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF." Daniel 9:24-25
Now, two issues are very important to understand this Prophecy. FIRST: The Seventy Weeks are literally SEVENTY SEVENS OR 70 X 7 which means, the prophecy covers a period of 490 Years. A "WEEK" in this portion is not a Seven Day Week as we know it today, but, "ONE WEEK" equals SEVEN YEARS. You may ask how is this possible? Well, there are sufficient examples to show that this is not something NEW! Do you recall the account of JACOB, who had to work SEVEN YEARS for Laban, the Father of Rachael, the Love of his Heart. Laban said to Jacob, "Fulfill her "WEEK" and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another "SEVEN YEARS!" Then Jacob did so, and fulfilled her "WEEK!" The tough part for Jacob was being DECEIVED by Laban, and having to work 14 YEARS to finally have Rachael as his Wife. Yes "TWO WEEKS!" Here we see a "WEEK" is a SEVEN YEAR PERIOD.
Secondly, each year is "NOT" 365 days as we know it to be today, but, each year is 360 Days. Taking a quick look into the last SEVEN YEARS of this prophecy, the 70TH WEEK OF DANIEL, which is still FUTURE, when the Anti Christ, is in power, reference is made to the number of days in a YEAR, which clearly proves the 360 days in a Year. "And the Woman fled into the wilderness where she has a place prepared of God, that they would feed her there a THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREE SCORE DAYS!" Revelation 12:6 That is a total of 1,260 Days. Since this refers to the last half of the Seven Year Tribulation Period that is to come, when you divide 1,260 by three and one half Years, the answer is 360 days in a year. If the final week, the final seven years of this prophecy of Daniel is 360 days in a year, then the whole 70 weeks of this prophecy is based on 360 days in each year. NOW KEEP THIS FACT CLEARLY IN MIND.
Now, the Next Question? When did this 70 WEEKS OF YEARS BEGIN? Daniel wrote: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the Commandment to Restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH" the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS." Daniel 9:27 The beginning point of this prophecy is found in the concern of Nehemiah over the sad condition of his Beloved City, Jerusalem. Recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, Chapter two, this man of God asked King Artaxerxes to allow him to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the City. In a marvelous way, God moved upon the heart of this King and he issued a Decree allowing Nehemiah to go back SAFELY to rebuild the City. THIS DECREE WAS GIVEN IN THE TWENTIETH YEAR OF HIS REIGN IN THE MONTH OF NISAN, 445 BC.
The starting point of this Prophecy is the Month Nisan, in the year 445 BC. We have already determined that the first 69 WEEKS multiplied by 7 equals a period of 483 Years. Remember BC years (before Christ) have a declining pattern so that when you come to the beginning of AD (after Christ), 445 years of the 483 years have been completed, leaving only 38 more years left for the 483 years to be fulfilled which would bring us to approximately AD 38 when MESSIAH WOULD APPEAR.
NOW FOLKS, IF IT WERE NOT JESUS THE CHRIST
WHO APPEARED HERE ON EARTH - THEN WHO?
LET'S TAKE ONE STEP FURTHER ABOUT THE DATE. REMEMBER, DANIEL'S PROPHECY IS BASED ON A 360 Year calendar and not 365 as we noted yesterday. When you multiply 483 years by 360 it gives a total of 173,880 Days in this period of time which is 6.7 years less than when multiplying the 483 years by 365 days in each year. What does this mean? It means the date of Messiah's appearance, taking into consideration the transition from BC (before Christ) to AD (after Christ) is less than the approximate date of AD 38 and is closer to the approximate date around AD 32-33.
An astounding Scholar, Sir Robert Anderson, allowing for the transition from BC (BEFORE CHRIST) TO AD (AFTER CHRIST) calculated, that going from 445 BC, and working through the 173,880 Days involved with this calculation, it takes us right up to the PRESENCE OF CHRIST RIGHT HERE ON EARTH, AND TO THE "DAY" WE CELEBRATE AS "PALM SUNDAY" WHEN JESUS ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM, HAILED AS THE "SAVIOR" WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
AMAZING? FRIEND, OUR GOD IS AWESOME! Is there any wonder why our LORD "WEPT" over Jerusalem, saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! But now they are Hid from your Eyes. Yes, it was their "DAY" and they "MISSED" IT. But remember, the prophecy states, at the end of the first 69 weeks, "MESSIAH WOULD BE "CUT OFF" BUT "NOT" FOR HIMSELF!"
O Yes, this also was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah who wrote: "He was WOUNDED for "OUR" transgressions, "BRUISED" for OUR iniquities; the Chastisement for our "PEACE" was upon HIM, and with HIS Stripes we are HEALED. All we like Sheep have gone astray, we have Turned, "EVERYONE" to his Own Way, but the LORD laid on HIM, THE CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, the INIQUITY OF US ALL." Isaiah 53:5-6
Friend, "God made Him to be "SIN" for Us, HE WHO KNEW NO SIN, that We might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM." II Corinthians 5:21 I have endeavored to set before you a few of the basic facts of this Prophecy, as it relates to the "TIMING" of the appearance of the Eternal Son of God, and His foretold Death on the CROSS when He paid the Supreme Price for our SINS as our SUBSTITUTE! I Pray, the Holy Spirit will give you clear understanding of this amazing Prophetic Word, for He promised to lead us into all TRUTH.
By the way, Friend, HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST'S PAYMENT FOR YOUR SINS? THE SAVIOR IS WAITING FOR YOU TO OPEN THE DOOR TO LET HIM INTO YOUR HEART. RECEIVE HIM, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR........TODAY............AND RECEIVE THE GIFT OF ETERNAL SALVATION!
MESSIAH, JESUS THE CHRIST HAS COME
AND SOON WILL COME AGAIN.
BE YOU ALSO READY!
PLACE YOUR FAITH IN "JESUS" FOR HE ALONE HAS
THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE
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"HAVE YOU EVER ASKED THIS QUESTION?"
The question that I have often heard over the years of ministering the precious Word of God is,
"HOW CAN A GOD OF LOVE SEND ANYONE TO HELL?"
To be sure, GOD IS A GOD OF LOVE! The Scripture states:
"Beloved, let us LOVE one another, for LOVE IS OF GOD,
and every one who LOVES is born of God and knows God.
He who does NOT LOVE, does NOT know God, FOR GOD
IS LOVE." I John 4:9-10
Further,
"GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS "LOVE" TOWARD US IN THAT
WHILE WE WERE YET "SINNERS" CHRIST DIED FOR US."
Romans 5:8
That is truly "AMAZING LOVE" THAT
"DEMANDS MY SOUL, MY LIFE, MY ALL."
Also, THERE IS A HELL! Note the words of our LOVING SAVIOR, who said:
"AND DO NOT FEAR THOSE WHO CAN KILL THE BODY
AND "CANNOT" KILL THE SOUL, BUT RATHER, FEAR HIM,
WHO IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL." Matthew 10:28
There is a "HEAVEN" for the "REDEEMED" Family of God, and there is a "HELL" for those who "REFUSE" to open their hearts to the CRUCIFIED, BURIED AND RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The STRANGE thing about the question of how a LOVING GOD could ever send anyone to HELL, is that the very same people REFUSE to answer the OPPOSITE of this question,
"HOW CAN A RIGHTEOUS, HOLY, AND JUST GOD
TAKE SINNERS INTO HEAVEN?"
How can God take to Heaven, the murderers, the thieves, the child molesters, the harlots, the liars, the adulterers, the fornicators, the blasphemers, the hate-mongers, the warmongers, the false accusers, the drunkards, the lawbreakers, etc. etc. etc. and where do we STOP?
How could JESUS say to the "GUILTY THIEF" hanging on the cross beside Him, "TODAY, YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE?"
GOD DOESN'T SEND ANYONE TO HELL. DID YOU CATCH THAT? I REPEAT! GOD NEVER SENDS ANYONE TO HELL. However, THE HOLINESS OF GOD "DEMANDS" THAT "SIN" BE PUNISHED, and we must acknowledge, "ALL" HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." Romans 3:23
GOD "CANNOT" AND "WILL NOT" COMPROMISE HIS HOLINESS, NOR WILL HE COMPROMISE HIS JUSTICE, as it often happens in our COURTS today.. FRIEND, SIN HAS WAGES! BUT GLORY TO GOD, HE has provided an OPEN DOOR to HEAVEN, made possible through the SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH of JESUS on the CROSS of CALVARY.
When JESUS died on that OLD RUGGED CROSS, HE took your "HELL" for YOU, and HE took it for ME. The moment you accept HIS "PAYMENT" for your sins, you are "FORGIVEN" and you are bound for "HEAVEN." BUT, if you "REJECT" HIS PAYMENT, sad to say, you will then have made a "CHOICE" to "PAY" for your sins "YOURSELF."
In plain words, "YOU" send "YOURSELF" to HELL, NOT GOD, FOR GOD LOVES YOU. His arms are "OPEN WIDE" to receive you into HIS ETERNAL FAMILY, if you will "HUMBLE" your "HEART" before HIM, and accept JESUS CHRIST THE LORD AS YOUR SAVIOR.
"GOD SO "LOVED" THE 'WORLD, (THAT INCLUDES YOU MY FRIEND) THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHALL "NOT PERISH" BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16
The GOSPEL is a "WHOSOEVER GOSPEL!" "WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:13 That "GUILTY THIEF" hanging beside Christ called to HIM and heard those precious words of HOPE from HIS lips,
"TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE."
FRIEND, "THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD." Romans 6:23 RIGHT NOW, THANK JESUS FOR PAYING THE PENALTY FOR YOUR SIN TO FREE YOU ETERNALLY FROM ITS CONDEMNATION AND ITS GUILT.
If you will humbly do that, the promise of JESUS to YOU will then be, "I GIVE TO YOU ETERNAL LIFE, AND YOU WILL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER WILL ANY ONE SNATCH YOU OUT OF MY HAND." John 10:28
HOW CAN ANYONE REFUSE SUCH LOVE
AND TURN AWAY FROM SUCH A GIFT?
HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE?
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Q. With all that is taking place in the Mid-east between the Arabs, Israel, and now, the United Nations, do you think we are heading into the Great Tribulation spoken of in the Bible? Will Christians go through this period led by the Antichrist?
A. First of all, let me say that I personally believe the Redeemed Church will be caught up with Jesus "BEFORE" this Seven Year Tribulation Period commences. I realize many dedicated Believers have a different view of this important event. Some believe in a Mid Tribulation coming of Christ for the Church and still others believe Jesus will come for the Body of Believers at the close of the Tribulation Period. A good question I often ask is, "ARE WE LOOKING FOR THE COMING OF THE ANTICHRIST, OR IS THE CHURCH LOOKING FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
I believe this question is often asked because of the Dark Picture presented in the Scriptures about this Seven Year Tribulation Period when there will be much "SUFFERING" and "MARTYRDOM" of those who will not "BOW DOWN" to worship and serve the Antichrist. Of these who will refuse to side with the Antichrist we read: "These in White Robes, who are they, and where did they come from? And He said, "These are they who have come out of the "GREAT TRIBULATION;" THEY HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB! Revelation 7:14 Obviously, many will be Saved during this period of time.
If anyone takes a Pre-Tribulation stand "ONLY" to escape Tribulation, that person is BLIND to the "SUFFERING" "IMPRISONMENT" and "MARTYRDOM" of True Believer's throughout History, and which is taking place "TODAY" around the world because of their Steadfast "FAITH" in the LORD JESUS CHRIST..
Beginning with the first Followers of Jesus, how quickly they learned what He meant when He said, "IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION, BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." .John 6:33 Concerning the Apostles, the Apostle "PAUL" after many imprisonments was finally "BEHEADED" in Rome by the command of Emperor Nero in A.D. 67. Tradition indicates that the Apostle "PETER" was crucified on a cross "UPSIDE DOWN" saying to his Tormentors he was "UNWORTHY" to die in the same manner as his Lord.
"JAMES" the brother of Jesus was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to DENY his FAITH in CHRIST. "JAMES" the son of Zebedee was "BEHEADED" in Jerusalem. A Roman Guard who guarded James was so impressed with his statement of Faith, that he told the Judge he too now embraced Christ as his Savior and Lord, and knelt down beside James to accept "BEHEADING" as a Christian.
"BARTHOLOMEW" also known as Nathanael, a Missionary to Asia, was MARTYRED FOR PREACHING CHRIST in Armenia, where he was FLAYED TO DEATH by a WHIP. "ANDREW" was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. They tied his body to the cross to prolong his agony, but even there, he preached to his tormentors for two days until he expired. He said, "THE CROSS HAS BEEN CONSECRATED BY THE BODY OF CHRIST HANGING ON IT. "MATTHIAS" who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot was "STONED" and then "BEHEADED!" AS IT WAS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE REDEEMED CHURCH, SO IT WILL BE TILL JESUS COMES TO TAKE US HOME!
Let's face it Friends, here in America, we Believer's have been spared, at least to this point in time, what THOUSANDS OF BELIEVER'S have suffered for their FAITH in many countries around the world. We dare not fall asleep, for something has been Brewing right before our eyes here in this land of America that we love. A strong movement to remove God and our Lord Jesus Christ from all we hold sacred is well underway and ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT CHRISTIANS IN OUR HOMELAND WILL FACE FOR OUR STEADFAST FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
THAT IS WHY OUR LORD SAID, "DO NOT FEAR THOSE WHO CAN KILL THE "BODY" BUT CANNOT KILL THE "SOUL!" RATHER, FEAR HIM WHO CAN CAST BOTH BODY AND SOUL INTO HELL." Matthew 10:28 NO MATTER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, NO MATTER "WHEN" JESUS WILL COME AT LAST, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST MAY BE, STAND FIRM UPON THE ROCK CHRIST JESUS, THE ONLY ONE "WHO HAS THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE." ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN, JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! BE READY!
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