Messiah’s Prophecies – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

In the 1st Century AD it was commonly understood and taught by the Jews that the Messiah (Anointed One, Christ/Chistos, Savior) would come as a mighty King to crush down the nations around them (especially the Roman Empire). They believed that he would be the almighty King, who would come to rule the world and destroy every opposing power! What a hope they longed for, as a way to be free from the oppression of the Roman Empire towards them. However, they were deadly wrong on their understanding of prophecy. Instead, in AD 70 the Roman armies under the leadership of General Titus, came and crushed Jerusalem, their Temple, and all that the Jewish nation had held dear, and had hoped for. With incredible accuracy, Jesus of Nazareth actually foretold the destruction of the icons of the Jewish religion and nation nearly 40 years before it ever happened! (See Matthew 24:1-3, 15-20 and Luke 21:20-24; This was also foretold by Daniel the prophet nearly 600 years earlier, Daniel 9:26). How could they have miscalculated things? What did the prophecies, penned hundreds of years earlier by God’s Prophets, actually say in regard to the Messiah? In this article, we are going to discover the message of the Hebrew prophets, written from ancient times!

Did the Jewish teachers in the 1st Century AD have any basis for understanding the Messiah to come as a conquering King? Yes, absolutely! However, it was a misguided understanding that fit well the sentiments of the time. Upon closer inspection of the prophecies and the whole Jewish system of worship, it would have been discerned that their understanding and emphasis was actually quite flawed. Let’s examine first a prophecy that foretold of the coming powerful conquering King, Messiah! Then we’ll look at several other prophetic texts that would have put everything into far better perspective for us all!

For sake of convenience, the prophetic text will be placed in full below for your careful study, and annotated (in blue) to point out various key items to take notice of.

A Prophecy of the Conquering King (fierce as a Lion) (Psalm 2) – Written Cir. 1000 BC:

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
² The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
³ “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”

⁴ He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
⁵ Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
⁶ “Yet I have set My King  (God’s Anointed King would rule over His people)
On My holy hill of Zion.”

⁷ “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son, (This son or King would be born into the world)
Today I have begotten You.
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will give You (Vs.8-12, Messiah will destroy all rebellious nations)
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
⁹ You shall break^[a] them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”

¹⁰ Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
¹²  Kiss the Son,^[b] lest ^[c] He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

If Psalm 2 was all that the Jewish prophets had foretold, then the 1st Century Jewish teachers would have been fully justified in their interpretation of events in regard to the Messiah. However, Psalm 2 is NOT the only prophetic text giving us information in regard to nature of the work of the Messiah! This is where we must be careful to prayerfully study and “rightly divided the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Now we will explore just two of the many other prophetic texts which were given in regard to the mission and the work of the Messiah! That of Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, specifically.

A Prophecy of the Suffering Servant, to be Slaughtered as a Lamb (Isaiah 53) – Written Cir. 800 BC:

(Beginning at Isaiah 52:13-15)

Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; (the same servant who would eventually be raised above all, as seen in Psalm 2)
He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.
¹⁴ Just as many were astonished at you,
So His visage was marred more than any man, (He would be hurt and insured more than all)
And His form more than the sons of men;
¹⁵ So shall He sprinkle many nations. (the report of Him would go to all the world!)
Kings shall shut their mouths at Him;
For what had not been told them they shall see,
And what they had not heard they shall consider.

(Now begins chapter 53 of Isaiah)

Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
³ He is despised and rejected by men, (He would even be rejected by His own people, the Jewish nation, because he did not meet their proud expectation)
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴ Surely He has borne our griefs (He would be punished for our sins, taking our place, vs.4-6)
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and He was afflicted, (He would die for our sins as a sacrificial lamb – this was the entire foretelling of the Jewish system of sacrificial offerings for sin, in worship, which had been practiced for nearly 4000 years, since even before Abraham. Back to the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, Genesis 3:21; 4:1-10).
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth. (Jesus did not open his mouth, Mark 15:2-5)
⁸ He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
⁹ And they made His grave with the wicked—  (Jesus was crucified with criminals, Luke 23:32-33, and laid in a rich man’s tomb, John 19:38-42)
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin, (Messiah was to be the “Sin-offering” – He had to die as a suffering Lamb)
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, (Messiah had to die first, but He would live again, resurrect, to “see” His “seed,” and the blessing of His “labor.” Therefore, God the Father would “divide him a portion with the great,” vs.10-12, “because he poured out His soul unto death.”)
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
¹¹ He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
¹² Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, (It’s very clear that the conquering King first had to die as a Lamb, and then resurrect, before He could fulfill the prophecy of being the King over all nations in power – First as the Lamb, then after, as the Lion)
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

Finally, we will look at one last prophecy – the Prophecy of Psalm 22 – Written cir. 1000 BC:

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Also, these are words Jesus spoke on the cross, in remembrance of this Psalm, and agony of separation from God His Father, because of the sins of the world which had been laid upon His soul, Matthew 27:46)
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
² O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.

³ But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
⁴ Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them.
⁵ They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

⁶ But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people. (Even as was said in Isaiah 53:3-4)
⁷ All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, (This was said of Jesus, as He was dying on the Cross. They ridiculed Him. See Matthew 27:39-43).
⁸ “He trusted^[b] in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

⁹ But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
¹⁰ I was cast upon You from birth. (As was Jesus, Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-21)
From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.
¹¹ Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.

¹² Many bulls have surrounded Me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
¹³ They gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and roaring lion.

¹⁴ I am poured out like water,
And all My bones are out of joint; (as would happen upon a cross, but which NEVER happened at all to King David, the human who prophetically wrote this Psalm by the Holy Spirit, in regard to the coming Messiah)
My heart is like wax;
It has melted within Me.
¹⁵ My strength is dried up like a potsherd, (Jesus’ mouth was dry and thirsty during the crucifixion; he was brought to the point of death, Mark 15:34-36; John 19:28-30)
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.

¹⁶ For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet; (The VERY WAY in which Jesus died, nearly 1000 years after this was written, Luke 24:39-40, his hands and feet were pierced)
¹⁷ I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
¹⁸ They divide My garments among them, (They both divided the garments of Jesus and cast lots for them, Matthew 27:35)
And for My clothing they cast lots.

¹⁹ But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me;
O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
²⁰ Deliver Me from the sword,
My precious life from the power of the dog.
²¹ Save Me from the lion’s mouth (That is, from the devil’s attacks, 1 Peter 5:8)
And from the horns of the wild oxen!

You have answered Me.

²² I will declare Your name to My brethren; (The Father answered Jesus, and He was resurrected from death to continue His righteous work, Matthew 28)
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
²³ You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
²⁴ For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; (Though men despised Jesus, God the Father did not! He honored and resurrected Him and has set Him above all! See Philippians 2:5-10)
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

²⁵ My praise shall be of You in the great assembly;
I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.
²⁶ The poor shall eat and be satisfied; (the “good news” of Jesus was preached to the poor – “in spirit” and in goods of this world – they ate the satisfying spiritual bread of life, Jesus (John 6:32-35, 40), and His truth, Luke 4:18; 7:22)
Those who seek Him will praise the Lord.
Let your heart live forever!

²⁷ All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the Lord,
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You.
²⁸ For the kingdom is the Lord’s, (Here is the fulfillment of Psalm 2! So, first He dies as the suffering servant, as the Lamb for slaughter, and then afterwards He will come a 2nd time to rule the nations with a rod of iron, that is, to overpower all of His enemies and to crush down the rebellious nations – You can see it is very important to “rightly divide” the word of God, to compare scripture with scripture, prayerfully, to grasp it rightly!)
And He rules over the nations.

²⁹ All the prosperous of the earth
Shall eat and worship;
All those who go down to the dust (the nations will be resurrected to face God, the judge, Christ/Messiah/Jesus on His eternal throne, See John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15)
Shall bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep himself alive.

³⁰ A posterity shall serve Him.
It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,
³¹ They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,
That He has done this. (the truth of His Sacrifice for us and final coming would be told to all future generations, even as it is now told to us, nearly 2000 years after his death and resurrection – He is yet to come in Power and Glory, but will soon, just as surely!)

What we hopefully realize very clearly now from these passages is that the ancient writings of the Bible prophets regarding the Messiah were perfectly fulfilled in His suffering and death on the Cross. And furthermore, that just as certainly, He will be coming again in power and glory, very soon, and we need to be ready to meet Him! We need to know Jesus, to love Him, to follow Him and to serve Him! Those who stand in rebellion to God, His righteous Son, and His righteousness will be taken out of the way by His glory and power once His Kingdom does in fact come in that power (and it is surely coming! Just as we have seen Jesus fulfill the Lamb prophecies, He will also fulfill the Lion prophecies as well). The word of God both can and should be rightly understood by careful and prayerful study. We cannot merely rely upon the fanciful interpretations and false slants that men have put upon God’s word (by neglecting the whole counsel of God), no matter how popular such ideas might be, or however prestigious and learned such men appear to be! Let us not fall into the delusions of false teachings around us (in prophecy or otherwise), but instead, let us study God’s word more deeply. And as said before, let’s get right with God and have life through Jesus, the Messiah! Will you put your faith and trust in Him and His truth, as found in the Bible?

2016 Goal - Updating Ministry Website

In 2016, I have a goal to update the ClearCallMinistries website, and to share more posts and teachings related to and regarding God's holy word! We need to get the message out there more than ever, now! May the Lord guide in all these things!

Blessings,
Ben

“Look unto Me and be Saved,” declares God!

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” – God (Isaiah 45:22)

In a world that is lost and broken, we might wonder, is there anyone greater than us who cares about us? The world has so many problems – crime of every kind, danger and uncertainty. We face the problem of death – an often uncertain and cold end to life and loves that we know. When the distractions and “band-aids” of this world are realized to be vain, empty, and unsatisfying, where do we turn? Is there real hope, love, peace, and a genuine promise of lasting bliss for eternity? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” The answer has been with humanity for a long time, though it has been often overlooked.

Don’t become a casualty – instead, take another look! GOD says, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth!” This God who speaks is the true and Living God. Besides Him there is no other. All other “gods” in this world are merely counterfeits, the work of men’s minds and hands. But the Living God – the God of the Holy Bible, is the truth. He extends His love to you and to me! He invites all the ends of the earth! Will you come to Him today and be saved?

God offers what this world cannot. And His promises never fail! God says we should “look unto” Him! Seek Him! Learn of Him! In faith, take hold of His promises through Jesus Christ and He will save you from sin, death, and the brokenness and pain of this world. Why not try and see? Other things of this world will fail you, but God is real and His strength we can depend on!

180 World Leaders Show up in Paris, Marching to the Tune of the Papacy!

World leaders honoring the call of the Papacy? Yep! It’s happened before! Just look at the history of Europe over the last 2000 years! Sadly, it was not a pretty sight to see, especially for those who opposed the papal authority over Europe or the religious dogmas and decrees of that Church. Well, is the world coming to that kind of place again? Is papal power in the ascendancy? You can be the judge for yourself, but as for my conviction, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” And if we are following the news and Bible prophecy then it is not too hard for us to see where all of this is going.

Let’s take a look at what Obama said on December 1, 2015:

“But I am convinced that we are going to get big things done here. Keep in mind nobody expected that 180 countries would show up in Paris with serious climate targets in hand.” (CNN Dec. 1, 2015, on Paris Climate Talks).

Without doubt, this is all in response to the call of the Papacy, who uses the idea of the “common good” of all mankind to challenge world political leaders (and individuals too) to action. It is very interesting that Obama has been using that language of the “common good” a lot too since June of 2015.

Let’s take a look at the words of Pope Francis to world leaders, now:

“recent World Summits on the environment have not lived up to expectations because, due to lack of political will, they were unable to reach truly meaningful and effective global agreements on the environment.” He writes, “the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.” And, “there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago.” (Washington Post, June 18, 2015, 10 Key Excerpts from Pope’s Encyclical on the environment).

“True need of a world political authority…”. And who might that be? Pope Francis, by suggestion? Someone to call the world political leaders into action and hold them accountable? Know your history and the current political scene…this is what we’re looking at.

So, here they are, 180 of them showing up at the Environmental summit in Paris, in answer to the challenge of the Pope. And what will it be next? Just you watch and see! If you know your Bible and you know the prophecies of Revelation 13 (the Historicist understanding, as all Protestants taught for 100s of years) then you would be alerted and alarmed, being able to see where all this is heading.

To further study Bible prophecy, you can visit www.bibleprophecytruth.com. You may find articles under the tab “antichrist” and the “USA in Prophecy” to be of particular interest. Anyway, lots to enjoy there!

(Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with environmental concerns, but the implications of what is going on here are much bigger than that issue alone – and this is evident from many other recent events involving politics and the papacy)

The Holy Bible vs. the Qur’an – How to treat others?

In this short blog, we will compare and contrast some statements from the Christian Holy Bible and the Islamic Qur’an on the subject of how to treat others who are outside “the faith” or who do not believe the faith. There are many other facts, such as History, development, broad-scope, etc, that might be compared, contrasted, or explained, but this post will not discuss all those items at length. What we want to know is this: “How do these two books teach people to regard and deal with those who are outside of the faith and who do not believe in the same way?” Direct quotes will be shared from both texts, on various points of the basic question at hand.

All Qur’an quotes will be taken from the Saheeh International English meanings translation of the Qur’an. Copyrighted Al-Muntada Al-Islami, 2001-2010. This copy of the Qur’an’s English meanings/Translation was handed to me by a Muslim Mosque attendant in Cairo, Egypt in March 2012. All quotes from the Holy Bible, on the other hand, will be taken from the King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version.

NOTE: This post is for the sake of comparing several specific teachings in two different religious texts. It is not to breed hatred, but to give understanding. The author here agrees with the teachings of the Holy Bible. And also, we should note that not every Muslim knows, or adheres, or even desires to adhere to each of the Qur’an teachings below. Some may try to interpret their scope as more narrow and specific, while others will choose to use them broadly upon whomever they think deserving. From what this author knows, there are indeed many Muslims who don’t have much of an idea what is in the Qur’an, but are more culturally Muslim (as there are also ignorant/cultural Christians, etc.). This author believes however, that the following Qur’an statements, when studied and applied diligently by sincere followers of Islam, do have the express tendency to breed terrorists and terrorist acts. But anyway, may you please be the judge after reading. We are not trying to condemn anyone here, but just to provide information.

• A General view of Jews, Christians, etc. who are not of the same belief:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah”; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? -Surah 9:30

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, (2) That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. (3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; -Romans 9:1-4.

• A view of how to treat disbelievers, “enemies” of the faith, and/or outsiders:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“12. [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.” “13. That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is sever in penalty.” – Surah 8:12-13.

“59. And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah]. 60. And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. …67. It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah’s enemies] in the land. …” -Surah 8:59-60, 67.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”-Matthew 5:43-45 (words of Jesus).

Jesus sent messengers to a village of the Samaritans (who hated Jews) and they “did not receive Him” (Luke 9:52-53, summarized). “(54) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (55) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (56) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” – Luke 9:54-56.

• A view of how to treat those who defect from the faith (i.e. “leave the faith”):

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“88. What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray – never will you find for him a way [of guidance]. 89. They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away [i.e. refuse], then seize them and kill them [for their betrayal] wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper, 90. Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty…91. You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [ the influence of] disbelief, they fall back into it. So if they do not withdraw from you or offer you peace or restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them. And those – We have made for you against them a clear authorization.” – Surah 4:88-91.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(24) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

“(1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2.

 To summarize, we find the following:

1. The Qur’an wishes that Allah would (“May”) “destroy” all the Christians and Jews, who are in their [Islam’s] view “deluded.” The Holy Bible offers prayers and a self-sacrificing longing to save those who are outside of Christ and the faith of the Bible.
2. For disbelievers, outsiders, and “enemies” of the faith, The Qur’an teaches that they should be put into “terror” and their “necks” and “fingertips” should be “stricken” off from them. “Allah is severe in penalty” to them. The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches that we should “love our enemies” “do good to those who hate us” “bless those who curse us” and “pray for those who despitefully use us” because this is what God’s children do, because that is who God is in love, even to the ungrateful. God, in the Holy Bible, teaches us to win others by love (never by hate or ill).
3. According to the Qur’an, if anyone defects from Islam, and becomes an unbeliever, then ex-fellow Muslims are to “seize them and kill them” “wherever they find them.” The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches to pray for those who have left the faith, to meekly teach and guide them back, if possible, and to ultimately leave the final condition and judgement to God.

 

In conclusion,

The Holy Bible is about self-sacrificing love to others, concern for the lost, treating even enemies with loving-kindness, and praying for and seeking to help those who have somehow left the faith of God’s love. The Qur’an, on the other hand, is about making the “deluded” infidel (non-Muslim) submit to the faith, or be “destroyed.” It’s about inflicting suffering and painful death onto all enemies of Islam, Allah, or Muhammad, and it’s about killing anyone who defects from the faith. Granted there are other teachings on how to live rightly, but the above speaks for itself on how they want to treat those who don’t buy into or accept the way of the Qur’an.

I would have to say that I am EXTREMELY thankful to have grown up with the Holy Bible! It’s teachings are FAR more loving and superior to the Qur’an in every way imaginable. It teaches righteousness, love, and even patient tolerance of others who may be in error. In contrast, the Qur’an is an UN-holy book, in my estimation, because although it teaches some tenants for righteousness (which are reasonably admirable by themselves), it still promotes violence and destruction, by Muslim believers, of any who do not agree with accepting the teaching and practice of the Qur’an or Muhammad. It is not hard to imagine how “terrorist” groups could arise from the diligent study of those teachings in the Qur’an. Thank God for the Muslims who take those violent lines of their book with less care, or scope of applicability, and/or who are more cultural Muslims, but without the violent “radicalized” nerves or notions.

Cleansed by a Bloody Flying Bird!

What a curious thought! What does a bloody flying bird have to do with anything, much less cleansing? Let’s take a look at a three thousand four hundred year old text and find out how a bloody flying bird meant something then and even now for us today!

“(4) Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: (5) And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: (6) As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: (7) And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. (8) And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.” -Leviticus 14:4-8

In ancient Israel this custom was practiced on behalf of someone who had been somehow cured of the flesh-eating disease known as leprosy. This service was done by the priest for the person to be cleansed.

Two birds were taken. One was killed over running water. The other was set free only after being dipped into bloody water that was from the other bird and had been contained in an “earthen vessel.” After that, the second bird was set free in a field to fly off! The leper on whose behalf this was done, was then pronounced clean! With knowledge of Jesus Christ, we can look back, and see the deeper meaning of this service! Let’s take a look!

• A Leper cured of his disease needed cleansing – We are sin-sick sinners in need of cleansing. When healed by Jesus, we need the cleansing that only His blood can provide.
• The birds were alive and clean – even as Jesus lived a clean and spotless life!
• One bird was killed in an “earthen vessel” over running water – The New Testament refers to our body as an “earthen vessel” (2 Cor. 4:7). Jesus was “in” an “earthen vessel” (i.e. human body) when He was slain for us and shed His blood. Both blood and water mingled together gushed out from his side the day He died (John 19:34; 1 John 5:6). The blood and water represent payment for sin (by the blood) and cleansing from sin (by the water). Jesus provides both of these for us! [a.k.a. Justification and Sanctification].
• The Cedar wood, Scarlet, Hyssop, and the Living bird were dipped in the blood – The cedar wood represented the cross of Jesus which got covered in His blood (Cedar was the common tree of Palestine and was found especially in Lebanon. It was likely the very wood Jesus’ cross was made from). Scarlet represents sin (such as in Isaiah 1:18) which Jesus took upon himself and washed away by covering with His blood (2 Cor. 5:21). Hyssop was a small (1-1.5 feet tall) fragrant flowering plant used often in the bible for soaking up liquids and for sprinkling the liquids elsewhere. It was connected to the idea of sprinkling blood, especially for cleansing from sin. The blood of the passover lamb was spread upon doorposts by this plant, sprinkled upon people by this plant when Moses made the covenant with God and Israel, and King David prayed that God would “purge” or cleanse him “with hyssop” so that he could be clean (Exodus 12:22; Hebrews 9:19; Psalm 51:7). The blood of Jesus is sprinkled upon us by and symbolically through Hyssop. As Jesus died on the cross hyssop was put to his lips and got covered in His blood (See John 19:29). The Living bird dipped in blood represented that Jesus would live again (i.e. be resurrected) to ascend to heaven as a flying bird, taking His blood back up and into the presence of God the Father on our behalf. Jesus’ blood was taken into the Sanctuary of Heaven, just as the flying bloody bird would do so (See John 20:17; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 9:21-24).
• The blood was sprinkled seven times upon the person to be cleansed from leprosy – The person would be pronounced clean at this time. Seven is a perfect and complete number biblically speaking. This represents that the blood of Jesus is applied directly to us when we accept Jesus as our personal savior by faith in Him! As we put our faith in Jesus, his blood perfectly cleanses away the record of our sinful lives! The disease of sin with its guilt and shame is taken away by the atoning (cleaning, forgiving, purifying, and peace-making) blood of Jesus! The blood was likely sprinkled by the hyssop that had been dipped. We will be cleansed from our shameful and deadly disease of sin when we trust in Jesus by faith and receive the sprinkling of His cleansing blood upon us! Our reproach will be taken away!
• The living bird is to fly away into the field – The living bird being loosed in the open field again symbolized that Jesus goes into heaven with His blood to minister for us there! He is alive and well today in heaven for us! (Heb. 2:17; 4:14-16; 7:24-26; 8:1-5; 1 Tim. 2:5).
• The ex-leper was to be washed in water, and to cleanse off any traces of the disease and was to be accepted back into the camp but fulfilling a seven day period (v.8) – This was to demonstrate the gospel-age truth that we must be baptized (washed in water) showing our cleansing in Christ – the water being a sign or waymark of our cleansing. All sinful traces of the disease – that is, things in our life still carrying elements of the past sinful life must be gotten rid of. We do not want to keep anything in our lives that could possibly re-inflame the disease of sin upon us (i.e. get rid of the temptations, sinful substances, sinful media, etc.). We must start a new life in Christ which is removed from the sinful things of the old life! The period of seven days separation represents that there is a period of time after baptism in which we need to be establishing ourselves in the new faith and holy life, growing and setting down roots which demonstrate that the cure is permanent and we’re not going to return to the old life of sin!

Cleansed by a bloody flying bird? Yes! We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus which was shed for us and taken to heaven by the resurrected Lord Jesus himself to be presented before God in our behalf! Jesus pays for our sin and Jesus cleanses away our sin! He removes its penalty and power from us, thus truly setting us free to live a new life in Him! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon for us if we only accept His sacrifice for us by faith, confessing and forsaking our sins (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Will you receive His sacrifice for you and invite Him into your heart today by prayer? Have faith in the One who saves! Have faith in He whose life was outlined time and time again by the prophets and ancient sacrifices. Hold onto Jesus and live the new life in Him by faith in His virtue and power! He has died and now forever lives to make us clean! Put your faith in Him, won’t you?

Coming One World Religion (Part 2) – Reversing the Schism?

In Short:

• The Pope and St. Bartholomew I are embracing a push for “unity” among Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox Church. (an incredible move in view of the 1054 AD Schism between them)
• Many other so-called “Protestant” leaders are affirming the movement for “unity” with the Roman Church, effectually reversing the Protestant movement begun by Luther and others!
• This movement compromises Biblical truths and Protestant beliefs.
• If you oppose this movement you are considered a problem – no joke!
• This is a major fulfillment of Bible prophecy written thousands of years ago in the book of Revelation and a sign of the end just before Jesus returns!
• Read more below and see how this will affect you and all the world besides!!

The Article:

If anyone has been following religious news lately, from secular press agencies and others, they probably have not failed to notice the Pope along with his and others’ emphasis on “unity.” Having diversity, but “unity.” There is great talk about being in “unity” for the sake of Evangelism, sharing Jesus, and shaping the political landscape in favor of Judeo-Christian teaching or values. While promoting Christian values can be a wonderful thing, we have to be very careful to realize what is actually going on here and what is at stake.

Many today have not realized the incredibly large prophetic ramifications of what is unfolding before our very eyes! The final events of the book of Revelation are starting to unfold in profound ways! Compromises of faith distinctions are occurring all around us that would have made the Protestant Reformers to roll in their graves if they knew what was going on, after all the blood they and others spilled in dying for the cause of truth!

Jesus himself said that we are to worship God “in Spirit AND in truth” (John 4:23-24), and not according to the “traditions of men,” but according to the word of God which “is truth” (Matthew 7:7-9; John 17:17). Jesus did pray for unity of believers, but that unity was never to come by the compromise of truth from His word (John 17:21-23; Rev. 2:9; Matthew 4:4).

God’s Bible-believing people risked their very lives to stand up for the truth of the Bible and to separate from Rome because they knew that the Romish Church would never repent of her sins, or turn from her unbiblical teachings and traditions of men. All the Protestant Reformers unanimously pointed out the Roman Catholic Church (not the people, but the church organization), to be the 1st Beast of Revelation 13, the Little Horn of Daniel 7, the Great Harlot of Revelation 17, the “Man of Sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2, and in other words, “the antichrist” character of Scripture. They did so with incredible conviction and clear evidence from the facts and the marks of identity in the Bible.

Essentially all Protestant Christians taught that up to the mid 1800s and later. But now, with the teachings of Futurism, designed by Jesuit Scholar Francisco Ribera in the 1500s as part of the Catholic Church’s counter-reformation (a movement to reverse or destroy the Protestant Reformation), many Protestant churches and people have forgotten these things. Most people are looking off to Israel, a supposed future “antichrist,” after a hopeful “Rapture” or disappearance of the church. They have lost sight of the Protestant teachings of prophecy, the real identity of the antichrist, and are heading straight back into the arms of Rome!! Martin Luther would groan or scream from his grave if he could, in warning about the peril of such things!

Here’s what the Bible tells us: “All the world will wonder after the Beast” in the last days after its “deadly wound” was healed! (Rev. 13:3). The very beast which shed the blood of the Martyrs for 1260 years during the Dark Ages, would now be praised, honored, and extolled by all the world (Rev. 13:7). And not only that, but a 2nd Beast or Kingdom would rise up and begin to pay homage to this first beast (the Romish Church and State power). A “Beast” is a Kingdom (Dan. 7:17,23). In the case of Revelation 13 these two “beasts” are very religious and intolerant towards anybody who doesn’t see eye to eye with their religious views! Their particular views involve the compromise of God’s truth and a movement of unity that will sweep the world and draw the admiration of everyone! It will look good to many at first, but will ultimately bring persecution to God’s Bible-believing, Christ-honoring, commandment-keeping people (Revelation 13:11-18; 14:12).

The 2nd Beast or Kingdom of Revelation 13 rises with “two horns like a lamb” (Rev. 13:11), but begins to “speak like a dragon” (v.12)! In other words, this very powerful, world-influencing kingdom or government starts out good with Christ-like principles of separating the church and state to allow freedom of conscience (Matthew 12:17), but their character changes, and they begin to “speak” or make laws which are in harmony with the first beast, and telling people who and how to worship!!! This 2nd Beast is United States of America, along with a Protestant influence that apparently is no-longer Protestant, because now they want to “make an image to the beast” or the Catholic Church! They will compromise truth and praise Rome, “the beast,” instead!

The movement now sweeping the world is the very same as prophecy describes!! “All the world wonders after the beast” who has the deadly wound which heals (Rev. 13:3). He has to be very popular and well loved by many, but have a terrible history, neglect of the truth, have taken a wound, but now gets healed. Many so called protestant church are now praising the pope of Rome and are making an effort to join and unite with him! This will lead to great persecution for any Bible-believing, commandment-keeping Christians who stand opposed and vocal against such a movement! Mark God’s word, it will! (Rev. 14:12).

Now for the current facts in the news!!

In 1054 AD the Orthodox (Eastern) church split from the Catholic (Western) Church, keeping many traditions the same, but not recognizing the pope’s authority! This was called “The Great Schism!” Now, they are shaking hands and talking about working together “in unity” again, but still in a diverse body, just “in unity” with the Pope (might as well be under the Pope for all the difference that makes!).

In a CNN article, updated Mon. Dec. 1st, 2014, titled “Pope Francis begins mending the Schism with Orthodox Christians,” we find the following quotes:

“Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I — the spiritual leader of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide — signed a declaration on Sunday committing to unity between the two churches.”

…Neither church will submit to nor assimilate the other, the Pope said in his homily, but they will work “towards the restoration of full Communion.”

“I want to assure each one of you here that, to reach the desired goal of full unity, the Catholic Church does not intend to impose any conditions except that of the shared profession of faith,” Francis said.

Pointing to Radical Islam and ISIS as common enemies the leader of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew I, stressed the need for working in closer “unity” with the Roman Church, and of all Christians banding together in this movement!

The article further stated,

On Friday, the first day of his visit, Francis called for religious tolerance and dialogue to counter extremism in the Middle East, as he met with Turkey’s leaders.

“Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears, which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers,” he said. (read more here)

It sounds like a good thing to work together, at first, for such a seemingly good cause, but at what price does this come to us? What are the dangers for this movement that Pope Francis outlines? “Fundamentalism” is an enemy that stands in the way of his goals. He says this has “irrational fears” and will “foster misunderstanding and discrimination.” He tells us this must be countered by “the solidarity of all believers.” In other words, any “fundamentalist” Bible belief system which does not want to get on board with Rome is an enemy to their “unity” and must be eradicated by “the solidarity of all believers” working “in unity” against them.

Is this not fulfillment of the words of Revelation 13? The whole world wonders after the beast (Rome) whose deadly wound is healed, but there is one smaller group who gets persecuted…that is the fundamentalist Bible group who “keeps the commandments of God and has the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12 and 13:11-18). That is, the group who doesn’t buy into this one world religious movement!

In another article by the Catholic News Agency (CNA), November 22, 2014, the Pope stressed that people need to be more open to a unified Christian movement from all various communions to “evangelize” together (meaning they are all on the same team). He pointed out that anyone opposing this movement is standing in the way of progress and should, essentially, be ashamed! He referred to them as “backbiting communities.” Essentially, these are the same as the “fundamentalists” who keep God’s word and don’t join the Pope’s unity movement!

Vatican City, Nov 22, 2014 / 01:16 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis said that divisions among Christians are a stumbling block to evangelization, and encouraged members of the Church to go beyond personal opinions and find value in what others offer.

“For the world to believe that Jesus is Lord, it needs to see communion among Christians. If, on the other hand, the world sees divisions, rivalries and backbiting, regardless of the cause, how can we evangelize?” the Pope said in a Nov. 22 audience. (Read more here)

In the same article Pope Francis pointed out “that true communion can only exist when they [various faith communities and people] are united to the hierarchal Church.” In other words, the Pope says that all must unite with Rome and her authority!!

Not only is the Pope pushing for this unity from his side, but popular American pastors like Rick Warren are now pushing for “unity” with Rome!! (See Rick Warren’s video appeal – here). In another video Rick Warren calls Pope Francis “our pope” and asserts that the pope is just like Jesus in manner, doing “everything right” (See 55 sec. video). Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, and many other well know Evangelical leaders have also offered their support for Pope Francis! (Read more on Joel here or Kenneth here about 42min into video until the end).

Prophecy is fulfilling before our eyes!

I will leave you with a few words written by a Protestant believer, student of Prophecy, and notable author just over 100 years ago!

Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome.The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.{GC 588.1}

As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power.{GC 588.2}

The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is now hardly distinguishable. Church members love what the world loves and are ready to join with them, and Satan determines to unite them in one body and thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Papists, who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium.” {GC 588.3} – The Great Controversy, by E.G. White.

Surely, the time is upon us! These things are happening in our days! Let’s be ready for the coming of Jesus by surrendering all to him! Let us prepare for what is now coming upon the world! Let us arouse from our sleep and sound the battle cry! A great time of trouble is about to break onto the scene for God’s people! (Daniel 12:1; Rev. 13; Matthew 24). Jesus is coming soon!! Amen and Amen!!