When All of These Things Happen, Look Up - Part 4

“I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst.  Then the nations will know that I am the Lord,” declares the Lord God, “, when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight” (Ezek 36:23-24).

Hey Gang:  As we get out our shovels and dig into what I referred to as the bold print prophecies in previous blogs, keep in mind one could write volumes on each subject and, in an ever changing world,  what applies today will not fit into tomorrow’s realities.  I would suggest to you as the word says “no thanks” to God and “goes its own way” (Isa. 53:5), we will see ever increasing chaos and the growth of evilness in the world.   Jesus, in the Olivet discourse, gave what to me, is the most complete prophecy in the Bible, but some would argue that Daniel 9:24-27 fills that distinction.  Your choice.

But let me make one small point before you become to set in your decision.  Jesus’ words in the Olivet discourse gives a warning that we need to heed today.  Again, it is based on one of the second or more subtle column of fulfilled prophecies that rapidly developed with the advent of nuclear weaponry.  Jesus said, “Unless the days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but of the sake of the elect those days will be cut short” (Mat. 24:22).  Have we always had the power to annihilate ourselves?  Yes, I would suggest we did but I believe it would have taken so long, people would have gotten tired of killing and gone home.  I wonder if ISIS or the other terrorist of our day and age will get tired of killing. 

Today we have several factors that make Jesus’ warning especially important –  not only do we have the weaponry to annihilate every person on earth many times over, but we also have deranged people who are sitting at the control panels of these lethal weapons.  It is my firm belief that the final battles of the remaining days will be triggered by one of these para maniacs who want to see the world blow up.  

 I pray daily that the emperor of North Korea has some toys to play with to keep him busy so that he does not decide to shoot one of his nuclear play toys into some city of his disliking.  The ayatollah of Iran has made no bones about Iran’s intention to annihilate Israel, as soon as they complete their weapon of mass destruction.   Matthew 24:22 is the warning, but Daniel 9:24-27 is the culmination of man’s sadistic and evil ways.   The evil one, the master of evilness will get his just reward. 

Jesus, when asked by His disciples “When shall these things be?” responded, “Be not deceived”.  I once heard a pastor preach on the subject “When does a country or civilization reach the point of no return?”  As I look at what is happening in our country today, I wonder if we have passed the point of no return. Jesus made it very clear that when we decide we can do it better and go our own way, “At that time many will fall away and will betray one and another and hate one another” (Matt. 24:10).

Paul in his letter to the Thessalonian said, “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first” (2 Thess. 2:3).  We could spend days talking about this subject.  I do not believe any Bible believing Christian could doubt that this is the age when apostasy has become a nail in the coffin of many believers (Matt24:24 even the very elect will be deceived). Mankind is being rapidly preparing mankind for the final chapter of civilization as we know it.  Many refer to this time as the Age of Enlightenment; I believe the day of the “Prim Rose Path’ is more fitting.

Many churches today have far more empty pews than filled ones and growing numbers have closed their door.  They are no longer looked at as havens of refuge but are more socially oriented than Christ- centered.   Many pastors no longer believe in the virgin birth, the resurrection, the ascension or the coming again of our Lord.   Many charismatic leaders have accepted the invitation of the Pope to become united with the Catholic Church. We ae truly in that age referred to by Jesus “…as the blind leading the blind”.

When the Supreme Court of our land said God really did not know what as best in the area of marriage, it seemed that the church agreed with them.  The homosexual has not only been accepted by many churches but ordained as pastors and are catered to and even glorified.   Since this ruling by the court, the straight folks of our country seem to have lost their rights.  The news programs are filled with believers who have found themselves before godless judges for standing up for the very rights that our founding fathers assured would never be tampered with in this free country.

The following, very depressing item came across my computer several days before Halloween, “Those who seek information about witches on the internet are immediately presented with a million websites.  The cult of witchcraft is thriving.  The esoteric section of bookstores is many times the size of those on the Christian faith. 

All of this in preparation of the surfacing of the Antichrist, which many believe is alive on earth today.

Swell folks, we did get through the first of those bold prophecies.  There is no question- apostasy has eaten at the very roots of our Christians traditions and has made great inroads in attacking the truths of the Bible.  There is so much more that should be said, but I will leave that to you to do some digging.

Blessings,

Gramps

When All of These Things Happen, Look Up – Part 3

“The Lord of hosts has sworn, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has (will) happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand” (Isa. 14:24) “This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations.  For the Lord of hosts had planned, and who can frustrate it?  And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isa. 14:26-27).  Signed ALMIGHTY GOD!

Hey Gang:  Listing of Signs of the Times is not really my gig.  I have heard it said by many, that one third of the Bible is prophecy.  I will not argue that point, but I also lean on folks by the names of J. Dwight Pentecost and Harry A. Ironside, whom I consider to be prophets in this day.  They have dedicated their lives to the study of the prophetic word and they are advocates that the entire Bible is God’s story of His creation that culminates in Revelation.  It is a story of what has happened, what is happening at this very moment, and what is going to happen.  Woe? really?  Only to those whose name is not written the Lamb’s Book of Life!

When a prophecy is fulfilled, it immediately becomes history and gives us the foundation to believe all the more strongly on what God says is coming down in the near future. (reread the Scripture of the day). I mentioned in an earlier blog that I found prophecy to be a door-opener to those who had no knowledge or foundation in God’s Word. 

So, as I share these ten or twelve prophecies that I believe are solid building blocks to gain the attention of those who are floundering, in these days when it appears that the sky is hanging by a thread and could fall at any moment. Keep in mind, these are tools that open even the hardest of hearts.  One last comment before we dig in; I have found that prophecies tend to find their way into one of two columns.  There is the majors that stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, but I love to dig out the ones that are not so visible.  Example: In recent years, scientists have discovered a chip that can be placed under the skin that has the potential to list your entire history.

Now think about that for a moment in the positive – identity theft robs literally millions of their wealth yearly.  If there was no money and all was done through financial transfers, it would reduce the identity theft problem to zip. No banks to rob, to houses to burglarize and steal you money, etc, etc.  Now turn the page and think about the negative things that could happen.  First and foremost, the government could control every facet of your life.  They have made tremendous increases in preparation for that very thing under our current administration. It seems that  the coming Mark of the Beast, that will be required by the Anti-Christ in order to do business of any kind, would be a piece of cake to implement today. 

A second prophecy, that is more subtle for those that have no understanding of the last chapter of the Age of the Gentiles, is the rapid promotion and rapid growth of the one world government.  It was suggested by a saintly lady that when the Pope was visiting the White House, two pieces of the unholy trinity were discussing their devious programs of how to speed up the one world government process.    I will address this in more detail in the future.

So for the remaining time, in this blog, I will zero in what I referred to above as the majors- the ones that, if you have two gurus discussing prophecy they will nearly always zero in on the major column.  So, with those opening comments entrenched in your mind lets dig in. 

Keep in mind the words of the twenty-two gurus from the previous blogs – there is no question “Israel is the major building block for all prophecy”.  Never before has a nation that has been literally dead for thousands of years had its bones come together with sinews: one day soon God is going to breathe His life into all Jews. Really?  Paul wrote “And so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written” (Rom. 11:26).  Read also Isaiah 59:20-21).  Again, I could spend a week or two trying to convince you that the Israel that we hear about in the world media is not God’s Israel.  I will expand on this in a future blog.

Oh, one more point before we get out our shovels: I have found Biblical prophecies, that have been fulfilled in my lifetime, paired with the Biblical prediction and the news report of its fulfillment, it is a very effective way to dig a hole in the shells that nonbelievers have built up over the years.  When you share Ezekiel 36, the chapter that tells us so very clearly that Israel is to be renewed for His (God’s) name sake and then turn to most history books and read that on May 14, 1948 Israel was reborn as a nation – is non- controversial.  I emphasize “most” history books will give you this factual account- but there are those today who are trying to convince the world that Israel is not a nation unto its self but rather an occupying force of lands that belong to someone else.

Well folks, I did it again but I do not apologize, for my prayer for the past month has been that when I go down the road of prophecy that God’s words, not mine, would appear on the printed pages.  There is an old hillbilly saying that goes something like this; “If there ain’t no tomorrow, it won’t matter no how!”  I pray that all who are availing themselves of God’s word “it won’t matter if there is no tomorrow” that where two are in the field and one is taken and one left, it will be you who will be taken. 

Blessings,

Gramps 

When All of These Things Happen, Look Up – Part 2

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud in great glory.  But when these things begin to happen, straighten up and lift up your heads.  Because your redemption is drawing near”   (Luke 21:28).

Hey Gang:  I pray you have had time in your busy schedules to read and read and get the drift of what this writer is saying.  I have found it difficult, sitting here in my eight by ten foot office, to determine what might be of interest to you and what might ring your bell.  I am always amazed, when the subject of “What’s Happening Man” comes up, how many Christians run and hide.   I have a great concern for many who attend church regularly but do not feel the need to share God’s salvation message or, that He is coming soon and the door of salvation will be closed to friends, relatives or even an enemy. They need to know that Jesus loves them and He is still in the forgiveness business.   One of my greatest joys throughout, my lifetime, has been to snatch one of Satan’s warriors out of his grasp.

Well, I could continue along this line of through for a day or two but need to return to the subject at hand: What is the second greatest sign of the times that you have experienced in your lifetime?  Six of the experts said that spiritual corruption or apostasy was the second most profound sign.   Jesus certainly agreed that this would be a clear sign, in the latter days, when he warned, “Be not deceived” in the Olivet Discourse.

 Paul also warned of this tragic event contaminating the church when he wrote, “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy coms first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction” (2 Thess. 2:3).We’ve got major evangelical leaders today who are denying that Jesus is the only way to God.  We have churches that have homosexual pastors and have not only endorsed same sex marriage but are promoting it.

 

There is gross apostasy in the Church today, and the term ‘evangelical’ has ceased to have any meaning.

Four of the gurus felt that the revival of the Roman Empire was the second most important develop.  No question that is a very important development that has been a topic of discussion for many years.  The Bible said it would happen in the latter times and it has happened right before my eyes.

Third place on the list was Gog and Magog, the alignment of nations found in Ezekiel 38-39.  One has to have their head in the sand, if they do not see the great bear from the North jockeying for dominance in the Middle East.  In recent weeks they have set up military shop in Syria, just miles from the Israeli border. And the news is filled daily with their growing alliance with Iran. 

The fourth most identified sign was the rapid growth of technology in the world.  Things such are worldwide television, the rise of the internet - increase in speed and the discovery of the chip have changed our world.  The Word tells us that in the last days the two witnesses will be killed and lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days and the entire world will see them, rejoice over their deaths and see them rise from the concrete and be taken up into the heavenlies.  No one understood this prophecy until the mid-1960’s.  The world knew within minutes of the tragic attack in Paris.

Two of the respondents chose the reoccupation of Jerusalem as their choice.  The Jewish people, who have experienced wars, intifada’s, and terrorist, since they reoccupied the Holy City, have not had many opportunities to truly rejoice in the fact they have a homeland after thousands of years of diaspora-living but, on June 7, 1967 when they took Jerusalem back from their enemies there was great rejoicing among all Jews around the world.  

But, the reoccupation of Jerusalem has not been without its tragedies and current stresses and dangers.  Even as I write this there is a news alert that another stabbing of an innocent lady has taken place in Jerusalem and another missile has been fired from Gaza.  The UN, in their infinite wisdom from the evil one, passed six resolution last week- once again condemning Israel for cruelty of various shapes and sizes.  There was no mention of the killing fields of Syria, Iraq or Iran or North Korea, that is perhaps the cruelest of all nations towards their people.

If you have not done so recently, I would suggest that you take an hour and read Zechariah, which I feel is a book for the moment, and pay special attention to Chapters 12 through 14.     If you have doubt that Israel is the  pinnacle of all that is going to happen to transpire in our world in the future, note the following words by Zechariah: “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the people around; and when the siege is  against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.  It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy sto0ne for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.  And all the nation of the earth will be gathered against it” (Zech. 12:2-3).

So ends session two on When All These Things Happen, Look Up.  As I mentioned in the first blog on this subject, I have learned that, if you are researching the signs of the times, each writer had their own list that they felt sends the best message.   We need to be ready with armor in place and lamp filled with oil at all times.  I have my list which I will share in the next blog.  But, I also want you to know that prophecy is second in my agenda, my main focus remains on how prepared I am to stand before the Lord and give an account of my life, and being prepared to be used by the Lord to be a witness for Him.

Blessings,

Gramps

When All These Things Happen, Look UP!

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  But when these things begin to happen, straighten up and lift up your heads. Because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

Hey Gang:  Throughout the history of man known to us, there has never been a time in which the signs of the time have been closer and taking place in quicker succession than today.  I believe all would agree the world of today does not look much like the world of yesteryear.  Biblical historian Edmund Jacob wrote, “The Bible speaks with such urgency of the intervention of God in history, and now He is realizing His plan with Israel; we should make sure that we take heed of the signs which point to His plan.”

As the signs of the end times, given by God Himself, agree with each other, we do well to concern ourselves with them; they proclaim the greatest event in the history of mankind, the Second Coming of the Son of God in victory to take back what is rightfully His.  That we may know and recognize some of these signs does not proclaim the end of the world- but a completely new era under the lordship of Jesus Christ.  If that does not get your thumper thumping, you had best check to see if your thumper is thumping. 

Unbelievers are warned but believers are encouraged to spread the Gospel, to watch and to pray, to inwardly prepare and say, “Come quickly Lord Jesus!”  We live in a day when discouragement is rampant, and men’s hearts are truly failing them with fear.  True, “Everything is being shaken is being shaken so that only those things that cannot be shaken will remain.”  But notice, the writer of Hebrews did not stop there, he went on to assure us that “since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire”  (Heb. 12:26-29). 

In the last prophecy blog I promised that I would choose the twelve most profound prophecies that have been fulfilled in my lifetime.   I found that a most difficult task.  The longer I researched the longer the list grew and finally, after days of digging, I came to the conclusion that understanding the prophetic word was like any other subject in the Word, it is up to the reader and studier to zero in on those prophecies that ring your bell. 

I recently received a message from Dr. David Reagan, Founder and Director of the Lamb and Lion Ministries.  He reported on an experiment he conducted with twenty-two gurus of Bible Prophecy, while writing his book Living On Borrowed Time.   The main focus of this gathering was to discuss what each felt was the single most profound sign of the time and why?”

The report was rather lengthy so I will restrict my comments to the topics that each selected.  I might also add that Dr. Reagan would not have been surprised if all had chosen the reestablishment of Israel as a nation as their most profound; he was surprised, but yet not really overwhelmed, by the responses of the twenty-two gurus.

The overwhelming majority of the Bible prophecy experts focused on one word – convergence.  In other words, they felt, or believed, that the reason for believing we are in the season of the Lord’s return is not because of any one particular sign, but because we see so many signs converging and coming together at the same time. 

As a child it was not unusual to hear a pastor preach on the Second Coming and that the signs all point towards that event happening in their lifetime.   But, as we will see when we get to the ten prophetic points that are the most profound to me, we will see several that have become reality only in the last several decades.  But, as I looked at the words of Jesus and His prediction of things to come, I found that every single item He presented is alive and very well in our world today. 

In a recent ‘man of the street’ poll involving a couple hundred people, the largest percentage of people, when asked what they felt was the most profound sign of the times, did not have a  clue what the questioner was talking about.   The majority, who knew there was an Israel and where it was, said that was the most profound,, but there were a few that mentioned the decay of society and the upheaval in the Middle East and the upheaval in nature that we have seen on an ever increasing basis in the past decade or so. 

In Dr. Reagan’s research with the 22 gurus there was no question, even though convergence was given the top billing they all agreed that the number one fulfilment of a sign of the time is the re-establishment of the nation of Israel.

Soooo, Dr. Reagan rephrased his question, “What is the second most profound sign of the times that you have seen fulfilled in your lifetime?”  I will address the answer to that question in the next blog.  Before closing this epistle I want, once again, to send out a word of caution.   A wonderful elderly grandmother, who spent many hours sharing her knowledge of the Word, gave me a piece of advice that has kept me on track these many years since.  She said, “When you are studying God’s Word you must put total faith in the teacher, who is the Holy Spirit, and not lean on your own understanding of what you think God is saying in His Word.”  The word ‘literal’ became a very important word in my seeking God’s guidance, as I study His Word. 

Jesus, the one true Prophet who knows the history of the universe from creation to condemnation and replacement by the New Jerusalem, knows every iota about the then, the now and the coming days.  The foundation of prophecy is found in Jesus’ words in the Olivet Discourse.   Notice, he began His description of what was to come with a warning, “See to it that no one mislead you, for many will come in My name saying, I am the Christ and will mislead many” ()Matt. 24:4-5).  Be advised my friends, there is whole barn full of misleaders out there traveling the earth seeking who they can devour.

The armor of God, your protection, does not do much good in the closet.

Blessings,

Gramps

Are You Keeping Your Nose Into What is Happening Around You?

“Behold, all you who kindle fire, who encircle yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and among the brands you have set ablaze.  This you will have from My hand:  You will lie down in torment” (Isaiah 50:11).

 Hey Gang:  Yes, I said in the last blog that I would share what I believe are the ten most profound prophecies that are being fulfilled in this day and that was my intent, but, as I have mentioned before, we receive daily reports from five ministries that we feel are very creditable and much less likely to give you a pie-in-the-sky versions of what is truly happening in our world today. I have on my desk lists from five different sources, each with their own beliefs of what is coming soon- with reasons why they believe the way they do. 

All of that to say, I have not have sufficient time to gain a comfort level in what I want to share with you on this subject, so have tabled it or a day or two, maybe even three.  But this I can share with you, Hebrews 12:26-29 continues to gain in intensity and strength with each passing day.  Bill Koenig, who puts out a weekly report on “What’s Happening”, wrote, in his most recent report:  “I have observed and posted a year’s worth of news in a one-week period before, and that usually happens once or twice a year, but I have never observed so many biblically-significant events happen in just five days that will play off each other and become even more significant”.  

Significant points in the Koenig Report:

On Monday and Tuesday we had a breathtaking, prophetically significant 48 hours with Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria, the United States, the EU, France, the UK, Germany, NATO, Israel and the Palestinians in the news.  Which means, the final day nations are taking their positions rapidly.  

A second very major concern for America is Obama’s relentless effort to bring into the U.S. as many Muslim refugees as possible.  He doesn’t say Muslims, but most of those who he wants to allow in from the Middle East and Northern Africa are Muslims, very few Christians.  The events of last week in California have begun a murmur at the grass roots - a murmur that one has be to very aware of.

The past history of our President has been to cover current problems with other problems which the press uses to prevent reporting on the last problems.  One does not have to be a rocket scientist to realize you ain’t gettin the ‘full truth and nothing but the truth’ from the Belt Way and the national media.  At last report there were more than 30 governors who have said, “Put the refugees in the White House with the people that feel they are totally safe to bring in.”  His response, “Like it or not, you best get ready to accept them.”  Does that sound like a government of the people, by the people, for the people?

 Koenig reported last weekt: “Obama is very passionate about the plight of tens of millions of Syrian and North African refugees, but he seems to have no passion about Christians being beheaded, slaughtered, raped and beaten for their faith.  Does that not speak volumes about his true faith?”

Other headlines that should make the hairs on your head stand at attention:

Putin in Tehran to meet Khamenei to discuss how they can take control of Syria.  A brief ten-minute read of Ezekiel 38 clarifies what he is doing in Iran. Putin also announced he had released the new S-300 anti-aircraft system to Iran.  An interesting side-bar article from another piece said that Israel had sent their pilots to Greece where the S 300 system is installed to learn what they need to develop to defeat this system.  You can take it to the bank, they will be successful.

Russia becoming involved with Iran is a gigantic step towards the preparation of the coming Gog-Magog war.  The interesting part of the coming together, of these past enemies or what Ronald Reagan declared was two parts of the Axis of evil (the third North Korea) is built on a foundation of mistrust and hatred.  At the same time Russia and Turkey are heating up over the downing of a Russia fighter jet and Russia has threatened retaliation against Turkey.  Turkey is part of NATO, as is the US.  To attack one is to attack this confederacy,, which many guru’s believe would result in WWIII.

Well folks, I could go on but I do want to share one last piece that should sadden your heart first, and then make you red hot angry.   Hollywood is in the process, or has recently completed the filming of an abortion- from the patient entering the office, through all the entire gory details.  If that does not turn your stomach, let me add one more tidbit that will, while filming the killing and mutilation of the baby, the back ground music played was “Silent Night, Holy Night”.

Is there a bottom line to what is happening in our world?  Yes, you can bet your sweet bippy!  Jesus covered it very clearly when He said, “When all of these things begin to happen, look up for your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).  Folks, these things ae happening!  This is no time to fall asleep at the wheel. Do Not Be Deceived. (Matthew 24).

Blessings,

Gramps

Adjective OR Objective – Your Choice – Con’t.

“There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads” (Rev. 22:3-4).

Hey Gang:  In the last ‘What’s Happening Man’ blog I wrote about tools we have used in gaining the attention of those who have no foundation in Scripture, or relationship with Yeshua.  Today, I want to add some potatoes, carrots, a salad, home-baked bread and even a slice of pumpkin pie to the message in that blog.   God taught me a huge lesson on that night in camp when He filled my mouth with a message on prophecy and it unlocked a whole barn full of teachings throughout the summer.  And, the thing that totally blew my mind was, I initiated none of those discussions.

I have many things to share with you pertaining to the power of prophecy and the need for God’s children to have a handle on what is happening around them.  A very powerful word from Jesus, in this day when all that can be shaken is being shaken, is one we need to have firmly planted in our minds and hearts, “When all these happen, LOOK UP!” (Luke 21:31 A Hillbilly Rendition).

If you have not read the last What’s Happening Man blog, stop and go back and read it, for much of what I will say from this point on is contingent on your understanding where I am coming from.  I also want to warn you that I am one who loves to take side trips (called rabbit trails) and pull in personal experiences that I hope adds to the beauty to the Word.  When that happens, hang on, for my bride will bring me back to the subject at hand.

From day one, it was my intent to install a “Holistic Program” as the focus of the Village Program, meaning the spiritual would be the backbone incorporated into every corpuscle of the activities.  Keep in mind that the Village was a state approved child treatment center and, therefore, under constant scrutiny that we not ‘drive religion down the throats of our kids’- as they put it.  But, how many out there know that God has wondrous ways of taking care of such matters.

One night, one of the youngsters blew out and later that night, stole one of the Village vehicles, and cut and run.  While turning off the freeway in Saginaw, fortunately the vehicle ran out of fuel and he abandoned ship.   After being picked up he told the probation officer, a sweet young lady with no experience in knowing truth from fiction, bought into his story that the Village was ‘driving religion down his throat’.  When I interviewed him he readily admitted he wanted out of the Village and knew his sweet young PO would get the job done.

Soooo, the State, in what they thought as their infinite wisdom, did an investigation and found nothing- but, in the report the investigating officer said there was a potential for abuse and recommended action be taken.  When confronted with this, I asked the director, “What would you have me do?”    Her reply, “Give them an alternative.”  No change was needed because this was an issue discussed with parents and child on intake; we had a signed agreement between Village and parents that stated the child could choose to go to life-skills instead of Chapel.

Now, I would be remiss if I did not share with you the results of that decision.   I did as told and clearly explained to the troops their options.  Two chose life-skills for a month or so and returned to Chapel where it was very exciting but the biggee was - I changed my message to include a much deeper salvation message and, for the first time, I added alter calls  and many boys over the years responded. The State meant it for bad, but God meant it for good.

Oh, by the way, life-skills was offered across from the chapel room and taught by a wonderful Christian house mom and a picture of Jesus that covered half of the wall.

I also developed a course of study that was based on the title of today, ‘Adjective or Objective’.  What in the world does that mean?  I would take my Bible, hold it up and tell them we are going to look at the Bible not from Genesis, but from when the first one was printed.  (The Gutenberg Bible was printed mid-15^th Century- which I can see and touch in a museum).

I told them I would be very objective in this message and not delve into the spiritual aspects of the Word.  The first prophecy was one that I knew well - the restoration of Israel.  Ezekiel wrote, “For thus says the Lord God, behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.  As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. I will gather them from the peoples and from the countries.” (Ezek. 34:11-13). 

 

One does not have to be a mental giant to know that there is, indeed, a land called Israel; it is a real- live entity today that was reborn on May 14, 1948 after nearly 2000 years.  There are many prophecies related to this momentous fulfillment of God’s promises including the restoration of the Hebrew language and the restoration of the land of “milk and Honey”.   

As we progress through the coming weeks, Israel will become a focal point of all that is happening in our world today, for we are told in very clear terms, that Israel will be the focal point of all nations in the last days.  I will close this session with a verse that confirms this: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.  And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it” (Zechariah 12:3).

Saturday, December 5, in the next What’s Happening Man blog, I will address, although very briefly, ten major prophecies that have been fulfilled in my lifetime.

Blessings,

Gramps

Adjective or Objective, Your Choice

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit and both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrew 4:12).

Hey Gang:  This morning I want to set the table for what I believe is to come in the very near future.  This is based on the rapid growth of things prophesied that will happen in the latter days and seems to be happening in this our day.  Before beginning I want to share two stories, that I pray will drive home the point that we are all ambassadors of Jesus Christ and must be ready to meet Him at any moment, and also be a warrior for Him, with our full armor in place and lamps filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit.

The first occurred in the second year of the Village summer camp.  We had a very tough group of young men enrolled in the program.  Not only were there sixty teen-agers, that were not all that happy to be sent into the trees someplace up north, but to also ran into some dude, who seemed to know what they were thinking.  They soon learned that perhaps he had some ideas that would make their lives better, if they listened and applied them.

Each evening in camp, while one crew cleaned up the dining hall after the evening meal, the remainder of the campers and staff retired to a place where a discussion of the day’s activities and what was to come next, were discussed. But this particular night, one of the campers brought up the subject of witchcraft, which led to a deep discussion as to whether it was truth or fiction.  When I arrived on the scene, the boys  had done a pretty good job of pushing the staff into a corner. The young staff were not very well versed on such subjects.

After settling them down and getting their attention, I asked them a question that was about to change the total attitude and atmosphere of the camp for the next ten weeks.  I asked, “How would you like to talk about something that it really wayout and could change your life, the second coming of Christ?  To my surprise they said, “Ya, man, let’s dig it!”

Keep in mind one of the greatest challenges in working with youth today is keeping their attention and focused on the subject being discussed.  Sitting under a tree in the forest there are no audio-visuals, to show in panoramic living color, what you are saying.  It was that night, that for four hours, seventy kids, most of whom had never been to a church, were mesmerized by what God was saying through me.  

Let me make a point here that emphasizes the importance of getting into God’s word and preparing ourselves for the challenge given to us by Jesus: “Go into all the world and share, preach the Gospel”. As most of you know, for two years my bride referred to me as “the unemployed director of a non- existent boy’s home”.    Wasted time, right?  That may have been my belief.  But, on that night at Camp with seventy boys, God showed me in living color, that two-year period when I was in the Word and tutored by an elderly lady by the name of Jessie, was the most important time in my life.

For ten weeks the main topic of discussion centered of the Second Coming of Christ, which also led to the development of the Seed Planting Principles from Scripture.  I do not know how many seeds were plant that summer or how many young folks I will see in heaven because of that miracle, but I know of at least one staff who gave his life to Christ that summer.

Here is a second story that I would like to share, especially with those of you who are on the firing line, working with children, families or just as witnesses for your Lord:  We were doing a family workshop with court-referred families who really wanted no part of what we were trying to teach them. And there were always the “You ain’t gunna get into my head” bunch who sat with their arms crossed and their chins set in defiance.   We made no bones about it and informed the group that we use Biblical principles in our teaching, which usually brought a grunt or two.  

There was always different levels of stubbornness but, in one class, we ran into King Stubborn.  I always referred to the stubborn corner as the agony and pain contingent.  For the first several classes he sat cross- armed and with a scowl on his face.  Then one day he showed up for class with a smile on his face.  Scared the tar out of me.  I ask him what happened and he shared this story. “When I got home from class, my house was a zoo, television on, radios blaring, kids yelling at each other, and my wife was in a dither.  I remembered what you said that day – no boundaries= chaos – You can take that to the bank.  I tried it and it worked.” He told the agony and pain corner, “Now, for the first in many months, I look forward to going home.”

Sooo, two stories with one point – I was prepared to meet the challenge that God sent my way.  Now hear me, God cannot pull out of you what you have not put in.  It has always amazed me that when I was dealing with an out of control youth, God had already given me what I needed for just that day.  These are very tough times and is going to get tougher.  There multitudes of people out there that, as the times get tougher, will be seeking a refuge to grab hold of.  Are you equipped to be used by God to be that refuge?  (to be continued).

Blessings,

Gramps