Summary of Bible references on the Rapture
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Arise, Slay and Eat
Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
The offense here is not that he talked to them, the offense is that he ate with them in a house that was not kosher. The Jewish laws concerning what is clean and unclean to eat include the kitchen. You can't eat in a kitchen that prepares unclean things to eat.
4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Now the word of God is eternal. In the Old Testament the word was interpreted at face value, but now God is telling us something new, that the cross of Christ has cleansed the things that were once unclean. This does not blot out the word of God, it is still there, but now it is referring to things spiritually. For example, in the Old Testament those unclean animals referred to animals that people might eat, but in this vision they refer to the nations. The unclean animals refer to people. "Rise, Kill, and Eat". For example, the early church used hymns that were played in taverns and put new words to the old songs. The music was unclean, but they killed that song, put new words in, and then were able to "eat" that song. In the Old Testament you can't "eat" that song because the music was prepared by someone who is "unclean". But now in the New Testament we can "kill" that song, apply the cross of Christ to it, and it can be redeemed. This is what Hudson Taylor did when he came to China and what all the missionaries did. They understood that the Lord's death cleansed those who we would have seen as "unclean". There is no way for the gospel to go to the nations without understanding this vision.
Also, in Galatians we learn that the pressure from the Judaizers caused Peter to withdraw himself from the nations so that he wouldn't eat with them. This is not simply about going into someone's home to have a meal. New believers will often want to write new songs. They may want to bring in a band, or a new style of music. First you rise, meaning you must be walking in the resurrection life. Second, you kill, everything must be crucified with Christ. Then you can eat. Lucifer is a former worship leader and he is very talented at writing songs. You must be careful, a song can sound Christian but be filled with witchcraft. Once it is crucified with Christ then it is safe to eat.
Let's consider another example. I was a missionary in Taiwan and our plan to evangelize the island was heavily influenced by someone with a background in "ROI analysis". Think of a business major trying to apply what he learned about business to the gospel. It was a total failure, sounded great, but had not been crucified with Christ. But the good thing was they were evaluating results and honest enough to admit failure. So then they applied principles of the New Testament, sent us out in groups of three, and said we needed to take this to the Lord and figure this out. So I was in a group of three, one other brother and one other sister. We each went to the Lord, we were each led by the Lord and four months later we had preached the gospel to just about everyone on that campus (it was a graduate school of engineering, Taiwan's MIT). Of those we had taught hundreds the word of God and of those we had 18 brothers (this was an all male school) who had been baptized and were now in the church located next to that school. The reason for the success was not the "business plan" but rather three saints walking in the resurrection life and being led by the Lord. We had to overcome all kinds of obstacles, I was not free at night to preach the gospel, I was only free in the afternoon. The brother was only free at night. Likewise the sister, but it was not appropriate for one sister to go with one brother into the dorms, so instead she worked with the church to set up home meetings for the ones that the brother and I would lead to the Lord. No one could have conceived this plan other than the Lord. No one would have approved it either had it not been for the Lord.
Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
The offense here is not that he talked to them, the offense is that he ate with them in a house that was not kosher. The Jewish laws concerning what is clean and unclean to eat include the kitchen. You can't eat in a kitchen that prepares unclean things to eat.
4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Now the word of God is eternal. In the Old Testament the word was interpreted at face value, but now God is telling us something new, that the cross of Christ has cleansed the things that were once unclean. This does not blot out the word of God, it is still there, but now it is referring to things spiritually. For example, in the Old Testament those unclean animals referred to animals that people might eat, but in this vision they refer to the nations. The unclean animals refer to people. "Rise, Kill, and Eat". For example, the early church used hymns that were played in taverns and put new words to the old songs. The music was unclean, but they killed that song, put new words in, and then were able to "eat" that song. In the Old Testament you can't "eat" that song because the music was prepared by someone who is "unclean". But now in the New Testament we can "kill" that song, apply the cross of Christ to it, and it can be redeemed. This is what Hudson Taylor did when he came to China and what all the missionaries did. They understood that the Lord's death cleansed those who we would have seen as "unclean". There is no way for the gospel to go to the nations without understanding this vision.
Also, in Galatians we learn that the pressure from the Judaizers caused Peter to withdraw himself from the nations so that he wouldn't eat with them. This is not simply about going into someone's home to have a meal. New believers will often want to write new songs. They may want to bring in a band, or a new style of music. First you rise, meaning you must be walking in the resurrection life. Second, you kill, everything must be crucified with Christ. Then you can eat. Lucifer is a former worship leader and he is very talented at writing songs. You must be careful, a song can sound Christian but be filled with witchcraft. Once it is crucified with Christ then it is safe to eat.
Let's consider another example. I was a missionary in Taiwan and our plan to evangelize the island was heavily influenced by someone with a background in "ROI analysis". Think of a business major trying to apply what he learned about business to the gospel. It was a total failure, sounded great, but had not been crucified with Christ. But the good thing was they were evaluating results and honest enough to admit failure. So then they applied principles of the New Testament, sent us out in groups of three, and said we needed to take this to the Lord and figure this out. So I was in a group of three, one other brother and one other sister. We each went to the Lord, we were each led by the Lord and four months later we had preached the gospel to just about everyone on that campus (it was a graduate school of engineering, Taiwan's MIT). Of those we had taught hundreds the word of God and of those we had 18 brothers (this was an all male school) who had been baptized and were now in the church located next to that school. The reason for the success was not the "business plan" but rather three saints walking in the resurrection life and being led by the Lord. We had to overcome all kinds of obstacles, I was not free at night to preach the gospel, I was only free in the afternoon. The brother was only free at night. Likewise the sister, but it was not appropriate for one sister to go with one brother into the dorms, so instead she worked with the church to set up home meetings for the ones that the brother and I would lead to the Lord. No one could have conceived this plan other than the Lord. No one would have approved it either had it not been for the Lord.
How to get the naysayers to hold their peace
Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
This is the Lord. If this was a typical church organization they would first want Peter to come to this council and discuss his vision and for everyone to weigh in on what they think it means. And they would have come up with some explanation that was super spiritual and had nothing to do with going to the nations. This was similar to what happened to us. I knew I was going to be on that campus in the coming semester. Everyone else had returned to the states but I could not afford to do that. So instead I decided to go scout out the campus, found some students who were also staying over during the break and began teaching them english. When the brother and sister saw what I was doing a few weeks later they decided to work with me. The one brother would go through the dorms at night preaching the gospel and directing anyone interested to my English class. From that point on it would be packed with students, standing room only. The sister would show up when the class ended and take any brothers interested in more fellowship to a home meeting for dinner next to the campus.
12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
If we had all gone there together and we realized our schedules conflicted they would have demanded that I be replaced with someone who fit their schedule. Instead, they saw the class and instead of doubting went with it.
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Before you can "rise, slay and eat" you must be prepared by the Lord. The brother I was working with had been extremely successful in the gospel the previous year in Taiwan. As a result he was also being blamed for the failure. Prior to coming to Taiwan he had run a very successful campus ministry at the UT in Austin and I had run a successful campus ministry at Rice University in Houston. We both knew each other and that helped a lot in trusting each other. Meanwhile this sister was very skilled at bringing brothers into a small group meeting for fellowship. While the brother and I had been speaking to them, she in contrast to us was listening to them. Each of us had a function, we had been put together by the Lord as a team, and this was an answer to our prayers concerning the gospel.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
This is when we learned about the "business plan" of the ministry we were working with. They wanted to sell books. They were writing books that they thought would be ideal for the english class and the home meeting. I let them know I had never used any of their books. I would pray, the Lord would give me a word, and that would be the basis for my english lesson that day. It was based on the Bible. I would liken the first verse to be the diving board that would kick off the lesson and then the lesson would fly through the air for awhile and end up in the pool, which was the gospel. But that would not sell books, so they instead pushed books for home meetings which also flopped, just as they had the year before. By that I mean there was no fruit, they were able to sell a lot of books, so if you were looking for fruit they were a flop, if you were looking for money, maybe they weren't.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
This is the problem, are the words simply water or are they the Holy Spirit? If you hear the word of God without the Spirit it is water, you will be washed. But the word needs to be one with the Holy Spirit, then it becomes living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. You can't simply use canned messages, you have to pray over every word and be led by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise you are doing a good work that has little or no fruit.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Do you understand? If we had been discussing this as a plan prior to doing it then it would have been shot down because the people wanting to sell books would realize this won't work for them. But if you have already done it and this is fruit you were looking for, then who can withstand God? That is why the minute Peter comes out of his vision the men are there and he is quickly taken to Cornelius without first conferring with the brothers.
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
This is the Lord. If this was a typical church organization they would first want Peter to come to this council and discuss his vision and for everyone to weigh in on what they think it means. And they would have come up with some explanation that was super spiritual and had nothing to do with going to the nations. This was similar to what happened to us. I knew I was going to be on that campus in the coming semester. Everyone else had returned to the states but I could not afford to do that. So instead I decided to go scout out the campus, found some students who were also staying over during the break and began teaching them english. When the brother and sister saw what I was doing a few weeks later they decided to work with me. The one brother would go through the dorms at night preaching the gospel and directing anyone interested to my English class. From that point on it would be packed with students, standing room only. The sister would show up when the class ended and take any brothers interested in more fellowship to a home meeting for dinner next to the campus.
12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
If we had all gone there together and we realized our schedules conflicted they would have demanded that I be replaced with someone who fit their schedule. Instead, they saw the class and instead of doubting went with it.
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Before you can "rise, slay and eat" you must be prepared by the Lord. The brother I was working with had been extremely successful in the gospel the previous year in Taiwan. As a result he was also being blamed for the failure. Prior to coming to Taiwan he had run a very successful campus ministry at the UT in Austin and I had run a successful campus ministry at Rice University in Houston. We both knew each other and that helped a lot in trusting each other. Meanwhile this sister was very skilled at bringing brothers into a small group meeting for fellowship. While the brother and I had been speaking to them, she in contrast to us was listening to them. Each of us had a function, we had been put together by the Lord as a team, and this was an answer to our prayers concerning the gospel.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
This is when we learned about the "business plan" of the ministry we were working with. They wanted to sell books. They were writing books that they thought would be ideal for the english class and the home meeting. I let them know I had never used any of their books. I would pray, the Lord would give me a word, and that would be the basis for my english lesson that day. It was based on the Bible. I would liken the first verse to be the diving board that would kick off the lesson and then the lesson would fly through the air for awhile and end up in the pool, which was the gospel. But that would not sell books, so they instead pushed books for home meetings which also flopped, just as they had the year before. By that I mean there was no fruit, they were able to sell a lot of books, so if you were looking for fruit they were a flop, if you were looking for money, maybe they weren't.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
This is the problem, are the words simply water or are they the Holy Spirit? If you hear the word of God without the Spirit it is water, you will be washed. But the word needs to be one with the Holy Spirit, then it becomes living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. You can't simply use canned messages, you have to pray over every word and be led by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise you are doing a good work that has little or no fruit.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Do you understand? If we had been discussing this as a plan prior to doing it then it would have been shot down because the people wanting to sell books would realize this won't work for them. But if you have already done it and this is fruit you were looking for, then who can withstand God? That is why the minute Peter comes out of his vision the men are there and he is quickly taken to Cornelius without first conferring with the brothers.
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
He wasn't a good man to begin with, but in the end he was.
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
This is why Stephen was martyred. All things that happen can only happen if the Lord allows it. He allowed this because by scattering the believers the gospel would go forth, just like blowing on a dandelion will send the seeds forth.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Today we see people who have "purpose of heart" but they aren't cleaving to the Lord. Social Justice Warriors who feel they can lie and act abusively and it is OK because it is for a good cause. It has always amazed me how much evil is done in the world be people "with a good heart". This is the deceitfully wicked heart that the Bible talks about. Anyone thinking it is OK to act abusively because you have "a good heart" has a deceitful heart. Then there are others who cleave to the Lord but seem devoid of purpose of heart. The church is supposed to be traveling through the wilderness headed to the good land, we aren't supposed to be camped out here building a house with a swimming pool. If you consider how far the church has come from where we were in AD 33, it is nothing short of miraculous. But this is how we defeat the enemy, it is not by power or by might but by the Spirit, saith the Lord. The best way to respond to the persecution where they kill Stephen or Charlie Kirk is to convert Saul of Tarsus, to revive Peter's ministry, and to see many evangelists scattered as a result who rise up like Candace Owens. Candace used to be working for the Daily Wire which is similar to Saul of Tarsus working for the religious leaders persecuting the church.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Barnabas is "a good man". This is very clear in the book of Acts. He is sold out to the Lord, and he is the one who exhorts others to follow the Lord and he is the one who recognized that Saul of Tarsus was a genuine believer and a valuable member of the church.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
We need to appreciate this. Had it not been for Barnabas Saul likely would have never had a ministry. Saul was sent out by the church and he would not have been sent out by them had it not been for Barnabas. Saul was a very gifted brother, no doubt, but sometimes we don't appreciate the gifts of those who are the glue that can attach a brother like that to the church. You need them both, both the joints and the bands.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
This is the early years of Saul, he is teaching for an entire year in Antioch with Barnabas. Again, we need to appreciate that Barnabas was a good man. Some people want the preeminence. Saul of Tarsus was very well trained in the word of God, he had been trained under the preeminent Bible teacher in Judaism. If Barnabas wanted to be the lead elder he would have not wanted Saul to be there. But what he wanted was to help lead the church in the best way possible without worrying about where he stood.
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
How did the church in Antioch recognize that this was the word of God? They had a spirit, no doubt their spirit responded to this word. But just as importantly Barnabas and Saul must have also confirmed this word. We see elders and pastors, some will respond to a word from the Lord others refuse to. Why? Well if you are trying to build up your little kingdom in this church in this city then the word may seem to be in conflict with your goals and plans. The lesson for all of us is we need a godly fear of the Lord because He is the one who tries the hearts. If your heart is not right, he'll reveal it.
I was listening to this recent link from Vicky Goforth Parnell (VGP) and I had to laugh. She has a prophetic ministry and she mentioned that some of her prophecies had been fulfilled but not in the way most wouldh have wanted. I can think of some, but hypothetically suppose she prophesied that the water would be turned to blood and sure enough, there is an amazing video of what looks like the water turned to a river of blood. But we wanted all the water worldwide turned to blood, not just a few places. This is God trying the hearts. If you are a prophet and you wanted to give these big giant prophecies this is not what you wanted, maybe you walk away. That is because there are stones in your heart that need to be removed. Suppose you hear this and say "that fulfillment is not enough" because it did not match what you wanted to see, so you start calling her a false prophet. Well, the Lord is trying your heart, revealing there are stones in your heart that you need to deal with.
George Foreman says that his loss to Mohammed Ali was the best thing that could have happened to him because it made him a better person. What it did was reveal stones in his heart and because he dealt with those stones he became a better person. In my recollection there are two different people called George Foreman. One, prior to the defeat was always scowling and angry. The other after having fully dealt with the defeat was always happy and joyful. He wasn't a good man to begin with, but in the end he was. Isn't that the goal of any ministry, to transform people to be fit for the kingdom of the heavens?
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
This is why Stephen was martyred. All things that happen can only happen if the Lord allows it. He allowed this because by scattering the believers the gospel would go forth, just like blowing on a dandelion will send the seeds forth.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Today we see people who have "purpose of heart" but they aren't cleaving to the Lord. Social Justice Warriors who feel they can lie and act abusively and it is OK because it is for a good cause. It has always amazed me how much evil is done in the world be people "with a good heart". This is the deceitfully wicked heart that the Bible talks about. Anyone thinking it is OK to act abusively because you have "a good heart" has a deceitful heart. Then there are others who cleave to the Lord but seem devoid of purpose of heart. The church is supposed to be traveling through the wilderness headed to the good land, we aren't supposed to be camped out here building a house with a swimming pool. If you consider how far the church has come from where we were in AD 33, it is nothing short of miraculous. But this is how we defeat the enemy, it is not by power or by might but by the Spirit, saith the Lord. The best way to respond to the persecution where they kill Stephen or Charlie Kirk is to convert Saul of Tarsus, to revive Peter's ministry, and to see many evangelists scattered as a result who rise up like Candace Owens. Candace used to be working for the Daily Wire which is similar to Saul of Tarsus working for the religious leaders persecuting the church.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Barnabas is "a good man". This is very clear in the book of Acts. He is sold out to the Lord, and he is the one who exhorts others to follow the Lord and he is the one who recognized that Saul of Tarsus was a genuine believer and a valuable member of the church.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
We need to appreciate this. Had it not been for Barnabas Saul likely would have never had a ministry. Saul was sent out by the church and he would not have been sent out by them had it not been for Barnabas. Saul was a very gifted brother, no doubt, but sometimes we don't appreciate the gifts of those who are the glue that can attach a brother like that to the church. You need them both, both the joints and the bands.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
This is the early years of Saul, he is teaching for an entire year in Antioch with Barnabas. Again, we need to appreciate that Barnabas was a good man. Some people want the preeminence. Saul of Tarsus was very well trained in the word of God, he had been trained under the preeminent Bible teacher in Judaism. If Barnabas wanted to be the lead elder he would have not wanted Saul to be there. But what he wanted was to help lead the church in the best way possible without worrying about where he stood.
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
How did the church in Antioch recognize that this was the word of God? They had a spirit, no doubt their spirit responded to this word. But just as importantly Barnabas and Saul must have also confirmed this word. We see elders and pastors, some will respond to a word from the Lord others refuse to. Why? Well if you are trying to build up your little kingdom in this church in this city then the word may seem to be in conflict with your goals and plans. The lesson for all of us is we need a godly fear of the Lord because He is the one who tries the hearts. If your heart is not right, he'll reveal it.
I was listening to this recent link from Vicky Goforth Parnell (VGP) and I had to laugh. She has a prophetic ministry and she mentioned that some of her prophecies had been fulfilled but not in the way most wouldh have wanted. I can think of some, but hypothetically suppose she prophesied that the water would be turned to blood and sure enough, there is an amazing video of what looks like the water turned to a river of blood. But we wanted all the water worldwide turned to blood, not just a few places. This is God trying the hearts. If you are a prophet and you wanted to give these big giant prophecies this is not what you wanted, maybe you walk away. That is because there are stones in your heart that need to be removed. Suppose you hear this and say "that fulfillment is not enough" because it did not match what you wanted to see, so you start calling her a false prophet. Well, the Lord is trying your heart, revealing there are stones in your heart that you need to deal with.
George Foreman says that his loss to Mohammed Ali was the best thing that could have happened to him because it made him a better person. What it did was reveal stones in his heart and because he dealt with those stones he became a better person. In my recollection there are two different people called George Foreman. One, prior to the defeat was always scowling and angry. The other after having fully dealt with the defeat was always happy and joyful. He wasn't a good man to begin with, but in the end he was. Isn't that the goal of any ministry, to transform people to be fit for the kingdom of the heavens?
False Prophets
1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
How am I supposed to know what I am to pray for? Maybe someone comes to me and says they are in the hospital, or they need a job. That is one way. But the kings and all who are in authority are not going to come to me and they are not going let the things they are dealing with become known publicly. This is where we need prophets.
For example, Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Claudius Caesar is not going to tell us this. (If you don't understand why then pray and ask God for wisdom and He will explain it to you). So we need prophets to tell us.
The Lord said that not one jot or tittle of the Bible will fall to the ground without it being fulfilled. God said He watches over His word to fulfill it. These verses are referring to our covenant with God, that is the Bible. Yes, that is God's word. But to say that every word of warning from God must also come to pass is stupid. God can warn us through prophets that a famine is coming and therefore we should send aid otherwise the people will starve to death. That doesn't mean that if the people don't starve to death the one who delivered the warning is a false prophet. How stupid would it be if God could not advise us on how to pray for kings and those in authority.
For example, I got names of people who are in authority. I know the whole world lies in the evil one, so I understand that these people in authority are clearly being influenced, manipulated, threatened, coerced or whatever term is appropriate by the prince of darkness. So I prayed for them that just like Saul of Tarsus they would be converted, and that being converted they would have fruit worthy of repentance. Jesus promised us in our covenant that the things done in secret would be proclaimed from the housetop. I assume there are many things done in secret that those in authority are aware of, pray for them to be converted and pray that they would shine a light on the things that are being done in secret. Most of these people are held in fear, so pray that the Lord would give them a spirit of power and of love and a sound mind and that they would not be in fear but instead they would know the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Now why would God tell us there are ten suitcase nukes set to go off in ten US cities? Obviously this warning is so that we could pray and act. Perhaps by praying there would be fewer that go off. Perhaps the warning would let you know you need to move. Suppose in the end only five go off. Does that mean that the prophet who gave the warning is a false prophet? I don't know. Only the Lord knows. Maybe when they gave the prophecy there were ten suitcase nukes in ten cities set to go off, but after many people got on their knees and prayed five of those planned attacks were thwarted. Yes, every word of our covenant, the covenant that was sealed with the Lord's blood, will be fulfilled. That doesn't mean that God is limited and can't advise us what we need to pray about. People who say that are lacking in wisdom. Now if they claim someone is a false prophet because a warning did not take place when they thought it would and how they thought it would, well then, when they appear before the Lord's judgment seat you can be sure they will have to answer for that. If they were right and acting according to the Lord's leading then that will be quite good for them at that time. If they were wrong, wow, that means they will be judged as the false prophet. But even if they were right but did not follow the Lord's leading in how to deal with the situation then they will still suffer some judgment. Think about a legal case. You can be right, you can have the real killer in custody, but if you fail to follow the proper procedure in prosecuting this person they could escape judgment. For example, you could have the evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is guilty, but if the evidence is mishandled it can be excluded from the trial by the judge. Without that evidence it may be impossible to convict the person. So then you have to be completely certain that a person is a false prophet before making that accusation and if you are certain then you must follow the Lord's leading.
Read the Old Testament, genuine prophets were accused of being false prophets. Jesus was crucified because He was accused of blasphemy. All those accusers were false prophets. If we count up the "false prophets" in the Bible (Balaam and Judas) we will see the vast majority of false prophets were the people accusing the genuine prophets of being false prophets. It is highly likely that every single genuine prophet was accused of being a false prophet, I don't know, the Lord knows. I do know that the Lord said if you are persecuted when you speak a word from the Lord that this is how they treated the prophets in the Old Testament. So to me, being persecuted by religious leaders who are one with Satan is a good housekeeping seal of approval for any genuine prophet.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
When I first heard Dana Coverstone and then Vicky Goforth Parnell my thought was "hooboy, Satan is about to bring a world of hurt on these ones". I had experience with this and I prayed to the Lord asking Him not to give me dreams. I decided I'd rather focus on the more sure word of the Bible because I realized I would come under attack and it just seemed easier to defend the word of God as being the word of God. Was I a coward? I don't know, but I do know I appreciate those who are willing to walk out on that high wire.
1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
How am I supposed to know what I am to pray for? Maybe someone comes to me and says they are in the hospital, or they need a job. That is one way. But the kings and all who are in authority are not going to come to me and they are not going let the things they are dealing with become known publicly. This is where we need prophets.
For example, Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Claudius Caesar is not going to tell us this. (If you don't understand why then pray and ask God for wisdom and He will explain it to you). So we need prophets to tell us.
The Lord said that not one jot or tittle of the Bible will fall to the ground without it being fulfilled. God said He watches over His word to fulfill it. These verses are referring to our covenant with God, that is the Bible. Yes, that is God's word. But to say that every word of warning from God must also come to pass is stupid. God can warn us through prophets that a famine is coming and therefore we should send aid otherwise the people will starve to death. That doesn't mean that if the people don't starve to death the one who delivered the warning is a false prophet. How stupid would it be if God could not advise us on how to pray for kings and those in authority.
For example, I got names of people who are in authority. I know the whole world lies in the evil one, so I understand that these people in authority are clearly being influenced, manipulated, threatened, coerced or whatever term is appropriate by the prince of darkness. So I prayed for them that just like Saul of Tarsus they would be converted, and that being converted they would have fruit worthy of repentance. Jesus promised us in our covenant that the things done in secret would be proclaimed from the housetop. I assume there are many things done in secret that those in authority are aware of, pray for them to be converted and pray that they would shine a light on the things that are being done in secret. Most of these people are held in fear, so pray that the Lord would give them a spirit of power and of love and a sound mind and that they would not be in fear but instead they would know the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Now why would God tell us there are ten suitcase nukes set to go off in ten US cities? Obviously this warning is so that we could pray and act. Perhaps by praying there would be fewer that go off. Perhaps the warning would let you know you need to move. Suppose in the end only five go off. Does that mean that the prophet who gave the warning is a false prophet? I don't know. Only the Lord knows. Maybe when they gave the prophecy there were ten suitcase nukes in ten cities set to go off, but after many people got on their knees and prayed five of those planned attacks were thwarted. Yes, every word of our covenant, the covenant that was sealed with the Lord's blood, will be fulfilled. That doesn't mean that God is limited and can't advise us what we need to pray about. People who say that are lacking in wisdom. Now if they claim someone is a false prophet because a warning did not take place when they thought it would and how they thought it would, well then, when they appear before the Lord's judgment seat you can be sure they will have to answer for that. If they were right and acting according to the Lord's leading then that will be quite good for them at that time. If they were wrong, wow, that means they will be judged as the false prophet. But even if they were right but did not follow the Lord's leading in how to deal with the situation then they will still suffer some judgment. Think about a legal case. You can be right, you can have the real killer in custody, but if you fail to follow the proper procedure in prosecuting this person they could escape judgment. For example, you could have the evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is guilty, but if the evidence is mishandled it can be excluded from the trial by the judge. Without that evidence it may be impossible to convict the person. So then you have to be completely certain that a person is a false prophet before making that accusation and if you are certain then you must follow the Lord's leading.
Read the Old Testament, genuine prophets were accused of being false prophets. Jesus was crucified because He was accused of blasphemy. All those accusers were false prophets. If we count up the "false prophets" in the Bible (Balaam and Judas) we will see the vast majority of false prophets were the people accusing the genuine prophets of being false prophets. It is highly likely that every single genuine prophet was accused of being a false prophet, I don't know, the Lord knows. I do know that the Lord said if you are persecuted when you speak a word from the Lord that this is how they treated the prophets in the Old Testament. So to me, being persecuted by religious leaders who are one with Satan is a good housekeeping seal of approval for any genuine prophet.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
When I first heard Dana Coverstone and then Vicky Goforth Parnell my thought was "hooboy, Satan is about to bring a world of hurt on these ones". I had experience with this and I prayed to the Lord asking Him not to give me dreams. I decided I'd rather focus on the more sure word of the Bible because I realized I would come under attack and it just seemed easier to defend the word of God as being the word of God. Was I a coward? I don't know, but I do know I appreciate those who are willing to walk out on that high wire.
The rise of Islam during the tribulation as a world empire is not because people are turning to Islam
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dvzq1oztnM8
Rather the leaders are panicked that if they don't start killing Christians everyone will leave Islam.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dvzq1oztnM8
Rather the leaders are panicked that if they don't start killing Christians everyone will leave Islam.
A dress rehearsal for the rapture of the church
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
What time was this? In the previous chapter we learn that many are going out and preaching the gospel, not just in Jerusalem but in all of Israel and a great number of people are getting saved. Satan doesn't kill people as his first choice, that is a sign that he is desperate to stop the spread of the gospel. Here is says that Herod wanted to "vex the church". That is just like Pharaoh who was concerned with how many Jews there were in Egypt.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
This is now the second martyr recorded in the book of Acts, Stephen was first, and now an apostle is second.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
This is interesting. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of certain destruction. Peter being snatched out of prison right before he is to be executed is a picture of the rapture. This takes place after two witnesses have been martyred: Stephen and James. It is also interesting because the Feast of unleavened bread begins with Passover, just as the church age and the gospel begins with Jesus being sacrificed as our Passover lamb. It lasts for seven days depicting the entire church age. One week depicts an entire age, and the fact that it is seven days points to the church. If Jesus is cut off after 69 weeks and if the seventeeth week is the seven year tribulation, well then that points directly to the feast of unleavened bread. Jesus was crucified prior to the start of the feast of unleavened bread, that means the next seven days are the "seventeeth week". Think of the Church age as being one week of seven days or the completion of that being 10x7x7 = 490. Jesus told the disciples that we are to forgive for 70x7 times. So 490 depicts a complete period of forgiveness. Now it is also interesting because if the rapture takes place at the end of the feast of unleavened bread then it would be the end of the church age according to typology and it would also be the end of the complete period of forgiveness. Not only so, but 1,260 days later, the period of the ministry of the two witnesses will arrive at the day of atonement. The atoning sacrifice is when we sacrifice a goat, signifying a sinner and not a lamb signifying the sinless Jesus Christ. This sacrifice involves two goats, two sinners, not individuals but representing the two groups of people, Jews and Gentiles. One goat is sacrificed and one is scapegoated. This is what happened when Jesus was crucified, the Jews who received His death were forgiven, their sins were atoned for, and those who didn't were scapegoated, driven out of Israel to wander the wilderness as the scapegoat for the entire church age. At the end of that age the two witnesses are killed as a testimony, and then they are raised as proof that God has accepted the sacrifice. This will cause many of the Jews who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah to repent and say "blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord". Not only so, but if the two witnesses are raised 3 1/2 days after the day of atonement they will be raised up just in time to lead the wedding procession on the Feast of Tabernacles.
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
This shows how the calendars are off. Easter is a pagan celebration at the start of the harvest season and here it takes place at the end of the feast of unleavened bread. The Christians are now celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, not on the day of resurrection, but at Easter which would be a few days later. Jesus rose from the dead three days after the crucifixion which was the start of the feast of unleavened bread. Now Christians are celebrating that resurrection at the end of the feast of unleavened bread, that is, the end of the church age. So instead of being a memorial it is now also a dress rehearsal for the rapture of the church.
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
What time was this? In the previous chapter we learn that many are going out and preaching the gospel, not just in Jerusalem but in all of Israel and a great number of people are getting saved. Satan doesn't kill people as his first choice, that is a sign that he is desperate to stop the spread of the gospel. Here is says that Herod wanted to "vex the church". That is just like Pharaoh who was concerned with how many Jews there were in Egypt.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
This is now the second martyr recorded in the book of Acts, Stephen was first, and now an apostle is second.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
This is interesting. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of certain destruction. Peter being snatched out of prison right before he is to be executed is a picture of the rapture. This takes place after two witnesses have been martyred: Stephen and James. It is also interesting because the Feast of unleavened bread begins with Passover, just as the church age and the gospel begins with Jesus being sacrificed as our Passover lamb. It lasts for seven days depicting the entire church age. One week depicts an entire age, and the fact that it is seven days points to the church. If Jesus is cut off after 69 weeks and if the seventeeth week is the seven year tribulation, well then that points directly to the feast of unleavened bread. Jesus was crucified prior to the start of the feast of unleavened bread, that means the next seven days are the "seventeeth week". Think of the Church age as being one week of seven days or the completion of that being 10x7x7 = 490. Jesus told the disciples that we are to forgive for 70x7 times. So 490 depicts a complete period of forgiveness. Now it is also interesting because if the rapture takes place at the end of the feast of unleavened bread then it would be the end of the church age according to typology and it would also be the end of the complete period of forgiveness. Not only so, but 1,260 days later, the period of the ministry of the two witnesses will arrive at the day of atonement. The atoning sacrifice is when we sacrifice a goat, signifying a sinner and not a lamb signifying the sinless Jesus Christ. This sacrifice involves two goats, two sinners, not individuals but representing the two groups of people, Jews and Gentiles. One goat is sacrificed and one is scapegoated. This is what happened when Jesus was crucified, the Jews who received His death were forgiven, their sins were atoned for, and those who didn't were scapegoated, driven out of Israel to wander the wilderness as the scapegoat for the entire church age. At the end of that age the two witnesses are killed as a testimony, and then they are raised as proof that God has accepted the sacrifice. This will cause many of the Jews who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah to repent and say "blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord". Not only so, but if the two witnesses are raised 3 1/2 days after the day of atonement they will be raised up just in time to lead the wedding procession on the Feast of Tabernacles.
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
This shows how the calendars are off. Easter is a pagan celebration at the start of the harvest season and here it takes place at the end of the feast of unleavened bread. The Christians are now celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, not on the day of resurrection, but at Easter which would be a few days later. Jesus rose from the dead three days after the crucifixion which was the start of the feast of unleavened bread. Now Christians are celebrating that resurrection at the end of the feast of unleavened bread, that is, the end of the church age. So instead of being a memorial it is now also a dress rehearsal for the rapture of the church.
Harpazo --
Catch:
"to snatch or catch away," is said of the act of the Spirit of the Lord in regard to Philip in Act 8:39; of Paul in being "caught" up to Paradise, 2Cr 12:2, 4; of the Rapture of the saints at the return of the Lord, 1Th 4:17; of the rapture of the man child in the vision of Rev 12:5. This verb conveys the idea of force suddenly exercised, as in Mat 11:12, "take (it) by force;" Mat 12:29, "spoil" (some mss. have diarpazo here); in Mat 13:19, RV, "snatcheth;" for forceful seizure, see also Jhn 6:15; 10:12, 28, 29; Act 23:10; in Jud 1:23, RV, "snatching."
See PLUCK, PULL, SNATCH, TAKE (by force).
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Peter was "harpazo'd" even though the word is not used, he is taken, the prison was spoiled, it was a forceful seizing and he was taken to "paradise" being the church.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Paul says we have been given a foretaste of our salvation, what happened here to Peter is the foretaste. You can see that some were watching and praying, so they also have a testimony.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
Both Peter and Mark represent the left behind saints. The gospel of Mark is written with the specific agenda of speaking to those left behind after the rapture.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
We see this picture with the church in Laodicea where Jesus is outside knocking and if they will open to Him He will come in to them and sup with them.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
This persecution against the church will also be repeated during the tribulation. Right now we can see it in certain countries, but then it will be worldwide.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
This foreshadows a time of war and famine, and the rule of an evil tyrant, the Antichrist. After the rapture the Antichrist is revealed.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
This also points to the Antichrist who sets himself up in the Temple (holy sanctuary) of God and makes himself out to be god.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
And that is how the tribulation ends with the Lord smiting the armies of Antichrist. This could also depict wormwood hitting the earth in April of 2029, pouring out the wrath of God on the earth.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
This is what we need to see, as all these things take place there is one constant, the word of God is growing and multiplying. Only things that are alive will grow and multiply.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Catch:
"to snatch or catch away," is said of the act of the Spirit of the Lord in regard to Philip in Act 8:39; of Paul in being "caught" up to Paradise, 2Cr 12:2, 4; of the Rapture of the saints at the return of the Lord, 1Th 4:17; of the rapture of the man child in the vision of Rev 12:5. This verb conveys the idea of force suddenly exercised, as in Mat 11:12, "take (it) by force;" Mat 12:29, "spoil" (some mss. have diarpazo here); in Mat 13:19, RV, "snatcheth;" for forceful seizure, see also Jhn 6:15; 10:12, 28, 29; Act 23:10; in Jud 1:23, RV, "snatching."
See PLUCK, PULL, SNATCH, TAKE (by force).
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Peter was "harpazo'd" even though the word is not used, he is taken, the prison was spoiled, it was a forceful seizing and he was taken to "paradise" being the church.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Paul says we have been given a foretaste of our salvation, what happened here to Peter is the foretaste. You can see that some were watching and praying, so they also have a testimony.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
Both Peter and Mark represent the left behind saints. The gospel of Mark is written with the specific agenda of speaking to those left behind after the rapture.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
We see this picture with the church in Laodicea where Jesus is outside knocking and if they will open to Him He will come in to them and sup with them.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
This persecution against the church will also be repeated during the tribulation. Right now we can see it in certain countries, but then it will be worldwide.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
This foreshadows a time of war and famine, and the rule of an evil tyrant, the Antichrist. After the rapture the Antichrist is revealed.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
This also points to the Antichrist who sets himself up in the Temple (holy sanctuary) of God and makes himself out to be god.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
And that is how the tribulation ends with the Lord smiting the armies of Antichrist. This could also depict wormwood hitting the earth in April of 2029, pouring out the wrath of God on the earth.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
This is what we need to see, as all these things take place there is one constant, the word of God is growing and multiplying. Only things that are alive will grow and multiply.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Ezekiel 38 -- Russia leads an army against Israel
38:1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
Gog = Russia
Magog = all the "stans" (Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, etc)
Tubal = Turkey
All three of these groups have an intense hatred for Israel.
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
The two leaders of this coalition are Russia (Meshech refers to Moscow) and Turkey.
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,
The picture is of a fisherman with a fish on the line. God will use some bait to catch Russia, they have already taken the bait in supporting Syria, Iran, etc. This will in turn be a hook in the jaw. Russia is committed to BRICS, at this point there is no turning back. If they capitulate now it would be total humiliation and all the evil rulers in Russia would be killed by the people. In the BRICS alignment it is understood that Russia becomes the new policeman in the Middle East. Right now people are wondering if the US and Israel are going to attack Iran. The fact is, if they do attack then Russia is obligated to go down and defend them, because if they don't then the idea that they will protect the Middle East in the future is a joke and BRICS will collapse. So then, the hook is already in the jaw of Russia.
and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
Persia, Ethiopia and Libya are still called by those names, Gomer is associated with countries to the North of Turkey (Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo, etc), Togarmah is basically Armenia which is also north of Turkey.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
To be a guard unto them means that Russia will be the general and all these nations will be assembled by their armies. Again, the Lord is describing this as fish caught on the line, being pulled into the boat to be killed.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. 9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
The picture is of a great army covering the land. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of sudden destruction and this great army would be that sudden destruction. The picture depicts the tribulation with the red horse of the apocalypse, war. The thought is that this is during the first half of the tribulation while the second half has an even bigger and more universal army assembled.
38:1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
Gog = Russia
Magog = all the "stans" (Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, etc)
Tubal = Turkey
All three of these groups have an intense hatred for Israel.
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
The two leaders of this coalition are Russia (Meshech refers to Moscow) and Turkey.
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,
The picture is of a fisherman with a fish on the line. God will use some bait to catch Russia, they have already taken the bait in supporting Syria, Iran, etc. This will in turn be a hook in the jaw. Russia is committed to BRICS, at this point there is no turning back. If they capitulate now it would be total humiliation and all the evil rulers in Russia would be killed by the people. In the BRICS alignment it is understood that Russia becomes the new policeman in the Middle East. Right now people are wondering if the US and Israel are going to attack Iran. The fact is, if they do attack then Russia is obligated to go down and defend them, because if they don't then the idea that they will protect the Middle East in the future is a joke and BRICS will collapse. So then, the hook is already in the jaw of Russia.
and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
Persia, Ethiopia and Libya are still called by those names, Gomer is associated with countries to the North of Turkey (Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo, etc), Togarmah is basically Armenia which is also north of Turkey.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
To be a guard unto them means that Russia will be the general and all these nations will be assembled by their armies. Again, the Lord is describing this as fish caught on the line, being pulled into the boat to be killed.
8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. 9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
The picture is of a great army covering the land. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of sudden destruction and this great army would be that sudden destruction. The picture depicts the tribulation with the red horse of the apocalypse, war. The thought is that this is during the first half of the tribulation while the second half has an even bigger and more universal army assembled.
And it shall also come to pass!
Ezekiel 38:10 Thus saith the Lord God; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, 12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
There is no nation in the area described by the first nine verse of Ezekiel 38 that is at rest, dwelling in safety, without walls and having neither bars nor gates. Because of that many say Ezekiel 38 cannot happen yet. However, this is something in addition to the armies coming against Israel. If you are going to attack Israel then you have to also attack their ally, the US. The US is at rest, dwelling in safety without walls and having neither bars nor gates. The US is the people who have been gathered out of the nations, we have cattle (Israel doesn't) and goods. At the same time that Israel is attacked the US will also be attacked. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of certain destruction, the US is the only Christian nation on earth, so the idea of Harpazo would indicate sudden destruction coming to the US as well as the rest of the earth.
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
Tarshish refers to Britain. They are going to complain about this attack on the US because the US is also a strong ally to Britain. Sheba and Dedan are in Arabia, could refer to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is easy to see that the nations of BRICS would want to carry away all the silver and gold in the US. This cannot refer to Israel because if it did it would not be about carrying away a lot of cattle. This must be about the US.
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord God; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
"My people of Israel" could refer to Jews. There are as many Jews in the US as there are in Israel. It could also refer to Christians since Israel means "prince of God". As children of the king all Christians are princes.
Ezekiel 38:10 Thus saith the Lord God; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, 12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
There is no nation in the area described by the first nine verse of Ezekiel 38 that is at rest, dwelling in safety, without walls and having neither bars nor gates. Because of that many say Ezekiel 38 cannot happen yet. However, this is something in addition to the armies coming against Israel. If you are going to attack Israel then you have to also attack their ally, the US. The US is at rest, dwelling in safety without walls and having neither bars nor gates. The US is the people who have been gathered out of the nations, we have cattle (Israel doesn't) and goods. At the same time that Israel is attacked the US will also be attacked. Harpazo means to be snatched out of the way of certain destruction, the US is the only Christian nation on earth, so the idea of Harpazo would indicate sudden destruction coming to the US as well as the rest of the earth.
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
Tarshish refers to Britain. They are going to complain about this attack on the US because the US is also a strong ally to Britain. Sheba and Dedan are in Arabia, could refer to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is easy to see that the nations of BRICS would want to carry away all the silver and gold in the US. This cannot refer to Israel because if it did it would not be about carrying away a lot of cattle. This must be about the US.
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord God; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
"My people of Israel" could refer to Jews. There are as many Jews in the US as there are in Israel. It could also refer to Christians since Israel means "prince of God". As children of the king all Christians are princes.
What people need more than anything is a father, not a teacher.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Barnabas is the one taking the lead here, he is the one who is mentoring Saul. Barnabas is a "good man", he was not egotistical, he was not trying to build up his own ministry and he was someone who was encouraging and consoling the body of Christ. He is also someone who is absolute, fully given to the Lord. Those are the things that made him the leader, Saul was well trained in the word of God, he was gifted and his eyes had been opened. Also, just as Barnabas had given everything, for Saul to repent of who he was and be converted required him to count everything that he was as dung. He had forsaken everything that he thought he had. But that is just the prerequisite. Here the Lord says to "separate" these two unto the work. To separate is to sanctify. When a priest is sanctified to be a priest he is separated unto the Temple for seven days. Previously they were fully given to the Lord, now the Lord wants them to also be fully given to the work. We are not saved by our works, rather we are saved unto them. I cannot be a priest of the Lord by doing good works, I can only become a priest of God if I am washed by the blood of Jesus and born again. But if you are saved, if you are a child of God, then what? Well then you should become a priest to God and that requires that you be fully consecrated and sanctified for the work.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
A lot of people do a work for the Lord, but some of them they go out without the church laying hands on them. Our labor needs to be one with the body. Don't get me wrong, you answer to the Lord, not to a board of directors. Let me give you an example. I was a brother in the church in Houston. I went to Irving and served full time in the ministry, being sent there by the church. I then went to Odessa to raise up a church. At that time an elder from Dallas came out to Odessa and attacked me describing me as a crazy kid, overcome with sins, that they were concerned about and had been praying for. This was an attempt to torpedo what was going on and seize control of that church. The members didn't know what to think. For the last year they had had a honeymoon with the church, everything was growing, everyone was full of joy and now they are being told it had been a lie and I was a crazy person. This caused a lot of confusion for a month. But then this elderly couple from Houston came and so they asked this couple about me. Their testimony obliterated what the elder had been saying. But we see it all the time, some kid gets saved, is all gung ho for the Lord but he is not sanctified. He condemns others for being "luke warm" and not absolute, and yet he is living in sin. The church realizes he needs to deal with the sin and these hidden rocks in his life first, before getting into ministry, so he gets offended and goes out on his own without their blessing. That is actually far more common than what we see here in Acts 13. We also see something else as well, a very gifted brother in the word, but who is still young in the Lord. He needs to be mentored by an older brother. Perhaps this brother is not so gifted in the word, but he is gifted nonetheless in the areas this brother is deficient in. The younger brother needs to recognize that the older brother is the leader and follow his lead and be mentored by him. The things that the world does not appreciate the Lord does. Do you realize that being able to teach the word is not a criteria for an elder? Paul says those that are able to teach the word should be given double honor. The primary function of an elder has to do with being a positive role model and example to the rest of the church in leading a family. We are told if you can't lead your own family then how can you lead the church of God? Leading your own family well is a prerequisite for an elder, teaching the word of God is not. Christianity has it backwards, they make teaching the word of God the prerequisite and leading your family well is a plus. Meanwhile the apostasy is in rebellion to the Lord. The word of God clearly says the elder must be the husband of one wife. That is a prerequisite and yet they simply toss that out as being unimportant. The single biggest problem in society and the single best testimony the church can have is to heal broken families. What people need more than anything is a father, not a teacher. This is also true of Saul, he needed Barnabas, not to teach him, but to mentor him.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
The Lord did not say "separate unto me John for the ministry". This is not John the Apostle, this is John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas. We are going to learn later that Mark was not ready for the ministry. He was there because Barnabas was hoping he could train him as well.
6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Interestingly, this is the 666th mention of Jesus in the New Testament and it is a reference to a counterfeit Jesus, or "antichrist". in the previous chapter we could see a correlation between Peter being released from prison and "harpazo" or rapture. Now in this chapter we see the Antichrist being revealed.
7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
This false prophet has attached himself to a deputy of the country. This means he is a "little horn", the deputy is the one who has the authority, but he is being manipulated by this false prophet. The deputy desires to hear the word of God, this is like Trump, he is the one with the authority and he has made it clear from his words and his advisors that he desires to hear the word of God. But we also know from his advisors that one is a very manipulative false prophet.
"Anyone who tells you to deny yourself is from Satan". Paula White, spiritual advisor to President Trump.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew said you needed to deny yourself, Mark also said it, Luke also said it, and Jesus said it. According to Paula White they are all from Satan.
2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
This word from her denies the Lord. This is what false prophets do and say.
I don't go where I'm tolerated. I go where I'm celebrated. Paula White, spiritual advisor to President Trump.
3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
She is very straightforward in admitting she loves to have the preeminence. She is exalting herself and only goes where she will be exalted.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Elymas means "a wise man". This is how the false prophet portrays himself, it is the cloak that he puts on to disguise himself as a messenger of God.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Barnabas is the one taking the lead here, he is the one who is mentoring Saul. Barnabas is a "good man", he was not egotistical, he was not trying to build up his own ministry and he was someone who was encouraging and consoling the body of Christ. He is also someone who is absolute, fully given to the Lord. Those are the things that made him the leader, Saul was well trained in the word of God, he was gifted and his eyes had been opened. Also, just as Barnabas had given everything, for Saul to repent of who he was and be converted required him to count everything that he was as dung. He had forsaken everything that he thought he had. But that is just the prerequisite. Here the Lord says to "separate" these two unto the work. To separate is to sanctify. When a priest is sanctified to be a priest he is separated unto the Temple for seven days. Previously they were fully given to the Lord, now the Lord wants them to also be fully given to the work. We are not saved by our works, rather we are saved unto them. I cannot be a priest of the Lord by doing good works, I can only become a priest of God if I am washed by the blood of Jesus and born again. But if you are saved, if you are a child of God, then what? Well then you should become a priest to God and that requires that you be fully consecrated and sanctified for the work.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
A lot of people do a work for the Lord, but some of them they go out without the church laying hands on them. Our labor needs to be one with the body. Don't get me wrong, you answer to the Lord, not to a board of directors. Let me give you an example. I was a brother in the church in Houston. I went to Irving and served full time in the ministry, being sent there by the church. I then went to Odessa to raise up a church. At that time an elder from Dallas came out to Odessa and attacked me describing me as a crazy kid, overcome with sins, that they were concerned about and had been praying for. This was an attempt to torpedo what was going on and seize control of that church. The members didn't know what to think. For the last year they had had a honeymoon with the church, everything was growing, everyone was full of joy and now they are being told it had been a lie and I was a crazy person. This caused a lot of confusion for a month. But then this elderly couple from Houston came and so they asked this couple about me. Their testimony obliterated what the elder had been saying. But we see it all the time, some kid gets saved, is all gung ho for the Lord but he is not sanctified. He condemns others for being "luke warm" and not absolute, and yet he is living in sin. The church realizes he needs to deal with the sin and these hidden rocks in his life first, before getting into ministry, so he gets offended and goes out on his own without their blessing. That is actually far more common than what we see here in Acts 13. We also see something else as well, a very gifted brother in the word, but who is still young in the Lord. He needs to be mentored by an older brother. Perhaps this brother is not so gifted in the word, but he is gifted nonetheless in the areas this brother is deficient in. The younger brother needs to recognize that the older brother is the leader and follow his lead and be mentored by him. The things that the world does not appreciate the Lord does. Do you realize that being able to teach the word is not a criteria for an elder? Paul says those that are able to teach the word should be given double honor. The primary function of an elder has to do with being a positive role model and example to the rest of the church in leading a family. We are told if you can't lead your own family then how can you lead the church of God? Leading your own family well is a prerequisite for an elder, teaching the word of God is not. Christianity has it backwards, they make teaching the word of God the prerequisite and leading your family well is a plus. Meanwhile the apostasy is in rebellion to the Lord. The word of God clearly says the elder must be the husband of one wife. That is a prerequisite and yet they simply toss that out as being unimportant. The single biggest problem in society and the single best testimony the church can have is to heal broken families. What people need more than anything is a father, not a teacher. This is also true of Saul, he needed Barnabas, not to teach him, but to mentor him.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
The Lord did not say "separate unto me John for the ministry". This is not John the Apostle, this is John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas. We are going to learn later that Mark was not ready for the ministry. He was there because Barnabas was hoping he could train him as well.
6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Interestingly, this is the 666th mention of Jesus in the New Testament and it is a reference to a counterfeit Jesus, or "antichrist". in the previous chapter we could see a correlation between Peter being released from prison and "harpazo" or rapture. Now in this chapter we see the Antichrist being revealed.
7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
This false prophet has attached himself to a deputy of the country. This means he is a "little horn", the deputy is the one who has the authority, but he is being manipulated by this false prophet. The deputy desires to hear the word of God, this is like Trump, he is the one with the authority and he has made it clear from his words and his advisors that he desires to hear the word of God. But we also know from his advisors that one is a very manipulative false prophet.
"Anyone who tells you to deny yourself is from Satan". Paula White, spiritual advisor to President Trump.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew said you needed to deny yourself, Mark also said it, Luke also said it, and Jesus said it. According to Paula White they are all from Satan.
2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
This word from her denies the Lord. This is what false prophets do and say.
I don't go where I'm tolerated. I go where I'm celebrated. Paula White, spiritual advisor to President Trump.
3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
She is very straightforward in admitting she loves to have the preeminence. She is exalting herself and only goes where she will be exalted.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Elymas means "a wise man". This is how the false prophet portrays himself, it is the cloak that he puts on to disguise himself as a messenger of God.
It takes one to know one
Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
This is a very clear reminder of the blindness that Saul had. There is a principle in biology, when you recover from a viral infection your body will have immunity to that virus. Your body studies it and develops special immunity to identify and destroy that virus. James was the leader of the cult of the "Judaizers", the group that Paul called "the concision" in the book of Galatians. When he recovered from that "infection" he wrote the book of James which is the cure to anyone in a cult. Here we see that prior to being saved Saul was infected by those who pervert the right way of the Lord. They are subtle, it is not obvious what they do, they are children of the devil and they are the enemy of all righteousness. Interestingly the Lord Jesus referred to the Pharisees in this way as well. It is very easy to see that a Cartel boss is the enemy of all righteousness, it is much harder to see that a corrupt governor who is on the take is also the enemy of righteousness. They are subtle, they do not go contrary to the law, rather they try to pervert the law. Arresting an illegal who is involved in a gang becomes "racism". He doesn't give money to human traffickers, no he gives money to child care centers which are simply a front for human traffickers. When the scales fell from Saul's eyes he saw many things that the Jewish religious leaders were doing that he had previously been blind to or made excuses for.
12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
It is very possible that Trump has believed. But if you are going to pray for his salvation you need to pray for this, that the Lord Jesus would speak through His faithful servants to rebuke false prophets who are full of all subtilty and mischief. This is also a reference to the rapture. There are several types and shadows of the rapture. One is Samson pushing out the pillars, that represents the church, the pillar and base of the truth. When they are taken out, the entire temple and worship of Dagon collapses. That is when the false prophets are revealed as being the enemy of all righteousness and perverting the way of the truth. Another example is when Elijah called down fire, after that they slaughtered the prophets of Baal. After the rapture the false prophets will be manifested and those who were deceived by them will be outraged. Now many will have been deceived, so they will not be killed, but they will walk around blind and humbled for a season. One day you are the advisor to someone very powerful and influential, the next day you are a fool. Think of Don Lemon, one day he was a CNN news anchor known by everyone nationwide, the next day he is this fool violating the law, and disrupting a church service. He is an example of someone who loves to have the preeminence. He had the nerve to say that he was a Christian. A genuine Christian would worship the Lord Jesus and lift Him up, they wouldn't try to exalt themselves and disrupt the worship of the Lord Jesus. I pray that the hand of the Lord will be upon him that the whole world can see that you do not touch the apple of the Lord's eye. Amen.
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
In verse 9 we learn that Saul is also called Paul. But after rebuking BarJesus he will be called Paul from now on. The word Paul means small or little. Paul said he was "less than the least". He just rebuked this powerful and influential advisor to the deputy of this land. This was a "David vs Goliath" moment and Paul was clearly the "David". In that story David was trained by Jesse, his father, and Paul was mentored by Barnabas. Think of Gus D'Amato and Mike Tyson. Gus trained Mike, but when it is time to get in the ring Mike is the one in the ring. Mike needs Gus in his corner. This is the picture we are given of this ministry team.
Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
This is a very clear reminder of the blindness that Saul had. There is a principle in biology, when you recover from a viral infection your body will have immunity to that virus. Your body studies it and develops special immunity to identify and destroy that virus. James was the leader of the cult of the "Judaizers", the group that Paul called "the concision" in the book of Galatians. When he recovered from that "infection" he wrote the book of James which is the cure to anyone in a cult. Here we see that prior to being saved Saul was infected by those who pervert the right way of the Lord. They are subtle, it is not obvious what they do, they are children of the devil and they are the enemy of all righteousness. Interestingly the Lord Jesus referred to the Pharisees in this way as well. It is very easy to see that a Cartel boss is the enemy of all righteousness, it is much harder to see that a corrupt governor who is on the take is also the enemy of righteousness. They are subtle, they do not go contrary to the law, rather they try to pervert the law. Arresting an illegal who is involved in a gang becomes "racism". He doesn't give money to human traffickers, no he gives money to child care centers which are simply a front for human traffickers. When the scales fell from Saul's eyes he saw many things that the Jewish religious leaders were doing that he had previously been blind to or made excuses for.
12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
It is very possible that Trump has believed. But if you are going to pray for his salvation you need to pray for this, that the Lord Jesus would speak through His faithful servants to rebuke false prophets who are full of all subtilty and mischief. This is also a reference to the rapture. There are several types and shadows of the rapture. One is Samson pushing out the pillars, that represents the church, the pillar and base of the truth. When they are taken out, the entire temple and worship of Dagon collapses. That is when the false prophets are revealed as being the enemy of all righteousness and perverting the way of the truth. Another example is when Elijah called down fire, after that they slaughtered the prophets of Baal. After the rapture the false prophets will be manifested and those who were deceived by them will be outraged. Now many will have been deceived, so they will not be killed, but they will walk around blind and humbled for a season. One day you are the advisor to someone very powerful and influential, the next day you are a fool. Think of Don Lemon, one day he was a CNN news anchor known by everyone nationwide, the next day he is this fool violating the law, and disrupting a church service. He is an example of someone who loves to have the preeminence. He had the nerve to say that he was a Christian. A genuine Christian would worship the Lord Jesus and lift Him up, they wouldn't try to exalt themselves and disrupt the worship of the Lord Jesus. I pray that the hand of the Lord will be upon him that the whole world can see that you do not touch the apple of the Lord's eye. Amen.
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
In verse 9 we learn that Saul is also called Paul. But after rebuking BarJesus he will be called Paul from now on. The word Paul means small or little. Paul said he was "less than the least". He just rebuked this powerful and influential advisor to the deputy of this land. This was a "David vs Goliath" moment and Paul was clearly the "David". In that story David was trained by Jesse, his father, and Paul was mentored by Barnabas. Think of Gus D'Amato and Mike Tyson. Gus trained Mike, but when it is time to get in the ring Mike is the one in the ring. Mike needs Gus in his corner. This is the picture we are given of this ministry team.
One prayer away from a testimony
Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Ecclesiastes says "that which has been is that which shall be". The start of the church age is very similar to the end of the church age, like two bookends. Peter being released from prison is like a "harpazo", this is followed by the start of Paul's ministry. The book of Acts presents two witnesses: Peter and Paul just as the end of the age will have two witnesses, the two olive trees. At the same time that Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul we see that Barjesus, a foreshadowing of the Antichrist is revealed and the apostasy is judged.
15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Now notice that the ministry begins in a synagogue, think of that being a church during the tribulation. But, these are those who have been left behind. They claim they are christians but they were not raptured. You can see they have been humbled, it would be unusual for you to visit a church and the Pastor to call on them asking if they have a word of exhortation, however, after the rapture we can imagine those who are left behind will be humbled and looking for anyone to speak a word of exhortation.
16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Paul goes back to the beginning, not to Adam, not to Abraham, but when Israel was in Egypt. Not only in Egypt, but when they were exalted, lifted up. Prior to the rapture the church will have a significant place in society. Egyptians (think of unbelievers in the world) were very happy to have Christians in their community until they started to multiply and take over. It is Christians that want to be politically active and change the laws that scare them. When they are simply employees paying taxes that was fine, but when they want to get involved in politics and become a powerful political voice, then Pharaoh is intimidated. That is what prompted the persecution, and the prayers and God bringing them out of Egypt with a high arm.
18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
Take a look at church history, yes there are many men of God who led us to this point, but there were also a lot of ungodly manners that God suffered. Think of all the pagan practices woven into worship, Christmas, Easter, and the practices of the Nicolaitans (clergy laity system).
19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
We have seven churches who have taken over this land of the seven nations of Canaan.
20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
We have the church fathers until we came to Martin Luther. Samuel dealt with the corrupt priesthood of the house of Eli and Martin Luther dealt with the corrupt priesthood of the Catholic church which was selling indulgences and behaving every bit as evil as Eli's sons.
21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
When Christians left the Catholic church they demanded denominations. The denominations acted much like the Catholic church, they had their rules in order for you to become a member of the church, communion was closed, and you had a very clear clergy laity system in place with seminary, etc.
22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
However, since WW2 we have had the "non denominational" movement. People saw from the word of God that we are not to denominate ourselves, we are all the body of Christ. We did away with "closed communion" and we did away with rules about who can and cannot be in the church. The only rule is if you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and you have been baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
It is from this group of non denominational Christians that Evangelical Christians are raised. Prior to this we had denominations send out missionaries to bring people into their denomination. Now we have evangelical ministries that are not affiliated with any particular denomination (for example, the Gideons).
24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Repent for what? If you are left behind at what point did you leave the word of God? Paul says that they will have itching ears and heap to themselves teachers. Those who are in the apostasy, deep down they know they have left the word of God. Deep down, when they aren't lying to themselves, they know the gospel they are preaching is not exactly what the word of God says, rather it is what they wished the word of God said. They have been doing what is right in their own eyes and arguing that this is OK with the Lord. When they are left behind it is clear that it was not OK with the Lord. They have been humbled. They must start again with the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist was preaching a "do over" for Israel. Repentance means that this is God giving you a second chance.
25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
This should be very encouraging, yes, you have been left behind, but remember, our God is the one who gives you a second chance. You need to repent.
26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
This word of "salvation" is a reference to the fact that we messed up, we did what was right in our own eyes, we are left behind, but God is giving you an opportunity for a second chance.
27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
This is the same thing that Joseph told his brothers. You meant it for evil but God meant it for God. All those terrible things you did and said, well repent. Everything you did has worked out according to God's plan, you haven't harmed God you have only harmed yourself. Think of Paul, this must be the same word that comforted him after he realized he had helped to kill Stephen and persecuted many of God's children. A ministry is when you minister the same comfort that God comforted you to others. Paul is telling us his testimony by identifying with the Israelites who had failed. He is not identifying with the prophets of old but with those who knew not God. Prior to being saved he was just like them, but now that he is saved he is just like the prophets of old! That is very good news for anyone who is left behind!
28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Sounds like Saint Stephen just as much as Jesus. The word of God needs to convict us of our sins, do not treat this as "their failures". Dig down until you realize, this is just as much me as it was them.
29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
When Paul laid Stephen in the sepulchre he would have thought "OK, that is that, now let me mop up this band of heretics".
30 But God raised him from the dead:
Oops, so much for that plan. All of a sudden they learned that Jesus would rise from the dead, they could not conquer him, just as Paul would realize it was hard for him to kick against the pricks, he cannot conquer the risen Christ.
31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
The apostles, and the five hundred. Paul knew them, I don't know if Stephen was one of them, but he knew Peter, and in the book of Corinthians we learn that he had tracked down many of the 500. The book of Luke is supposed to be a gospel heavily influenced by Paul, indicating that Paul was going around and getting testimonies from all that knew Jesus.
32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
Do you want a powerful gospel message? When God fulfills a promise by answering your prayer, that is a powerful testimony for the gospel. There is a line in a song that says "I am one prayer away from a testimony".
Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Ecclesiastes says "that which has been is that which shall be". The start of the church age is very similar to the end of the church age, like two bookends. Peter being released from prison is like a "harpazo", this is followed by the start of Paul's ministry. The book of Acts presents two witnesses: Peter and Paul just as the end of the age will have two witnesses, the two olive trees. At the same time that Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul we see that Barjesus, a foreshadowing of the Antichrist is revealed and the apostasy is judged.
15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Now notice that the ministry begins in a synagogue, think of that being a church during the tribulation. But, these are those who have been left behind. They claim they are christians but they were not raptured. You can see they have been humbled, it would be unusual for you to visit a church and the Pastor to call on them asking if they have a word of exhortation, however, after the rapture we can imagine those who are left behind will be humbled and looking for anyone to speak a word of exhortation.
16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Paul goes back to the beginning, not to Adam, not to Abraham, but when Israel was in Egypt. Not only in Egypt, but when they were exalted, lifted up. Prior to the rapture the church will have a significant place in society. Egyptians (think of unbelievers in the world) were very happy to have Christians in their community until they started to multiply and take over. It is Christians that want to be politically active and change the laws that scare them. When they are simply employees paying taxes that was fine, but when they want to get involved in politics and become a powerful political voice, then Pharaoh is intimidated. That is what prompted the persecution, and the prayers and God bringing them out of Egypt with a high arm.
18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
Take a look at church history, yes there are many men of God who led us to this point, but there were also a lot of ungodly manners that God suffered. Think of all the pagan practices woven into worship, Christmas, Easter, and the practices of the Nicolaitans (clergy laity system).
19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
We have seven churches who have taken over this land of the seven nations of Canaan.
20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
We have the church fathers until we came to Martin Luther. Samuel dealt with the corrupt priesthood of the house of Eli and Martin Luther dealt with the corrupt priesthood of the Catholic church which was selling indulgences and behaving every bit as evil as Eli's sons.
21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
When Christians left the Catholic church they demanded denominations. The denominations acted much like the Catholic church, they had their rules in order for you to become a member of the church, communion was closed, and you had a very clear clergy laity system in place with seminary, etc.
22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
However, since WW2 we have had the "non denominational" movement. People saw from the word of God that we are not to denominate ourselves, we are all the body of Christ. We did away with "closed communion" and we did away with rules about who can and cannot be in the church. The only rule is if you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and you have been baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
It is from this group of non denominational Christians that Evangelical Christians are raised. Prior to this we had denominations send out missionaries to bring people into their denomination. Now we have evangelical ministries that are not affiliated with any particular denomination (for example, the Gideons).
24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Repent for what? If you are left behind at what point did you leave the word of God? Paul says that they will have itching ears and heap to themselves teachers. Those who are in the apostasy, deep down they know they have left the word of God. Deep down, when they aren't lying to themselves, they know the gospel they are preaching is not exactly what the word of God says, rather it is what they wished the word of God said. They have been doing what is right in their own eyes and arguing that this is OK with the Lord. When they are left behind it is clear that it was not OK with the Lord. They have been humbled. They must start again with the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist was preaching a "do over" for Israel. Repentance means that this is God giving you a second chance.
25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
This should be very encouraging, yes, you have been left behind, but remember, our God is the one who gives you a second chance. You need to repent.
26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
This word of "salvation" is a reference to the fact that we messed up, we did what was right in our own eyes, we are left behind, but God is giving you an opportunity for a second chance.
27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
This is the same thing that Joseph told his brothers. You meant it for evil but God meant it for God. All those terrible things you did and said, well repent. Everything you did has worked out according to God's plan, you haven't harmed God you have only harmed yourself. Think of Paul, this must be the same word that comforted him after he realized he had helped to kill Stephen and persecuted many of God's children. A ministry is when you minister the same comfort that God comforted you to others. Paul is telling us his testimony by identifying with the Israelites who had failed. He is not identifying with the prophets of old but with those who knew not God. Prior to being saved he was just like them, but now that he is saved he is just like the prophets of old! That is very good news for anyone who is left behind!
28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Sounds like Saint Stephen just as much as Jesus. The word of God needs to convict us of our sins, do not treat this as "their failures". Dig down until you realize, this is just as much me as it was them.
29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
When Paul laid Stephen in the sepulchre he would have thought "OK, that is that, now let me mop up this band of heretics".
30 But God raised him from the dead:
Oops, so much for that plan. All of a sudden they learned that Jesus would rise from the dead, they could not conquer him, just as Paul would realize it was hard for him to kick against the pricks, he cannot conquer the risen Christ.
31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
The apostles, and the five hundred. Paul knew them, I don't know if Stephen was one of them, but he knew Peter, and in the book of Corinthians we learn that he had tracked down many of the 500. The book of Luke is supposed to be a gospel heavily influenced by Paul, indicating that Paul was going around and getting testimonies from all that knew Jesus.
32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
Do you want a powerful gospel message? When God fulfills a promise by answering your prayer, that is a powerful testimony for the gospel. There is a line in a song that says "I am one prayer away from a testimony".
The way that results in you being filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
We follow Jesus, we know that He is the Son of God because God raised Him from the dead. In the same way, right now there is a lot of confusion, a lot of debate over who is right, who is wrong. These guys say this is the right way and those guys say something different. But after the rapture there should not be anymore confusion. What did the guys who were raptured say? They said that Jesus and the apostles were the ones who were telling you the right way to go.
34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Be at peace, He is a merciful savior. We all have sinned, we all have come short of the glory of God, and we all need the sure mercies of the Lord.
35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Have some faith. Don't fear the Antichrist, don't fear being beheaded, you have a promise, the Lord is mighty to save. They asked for a word of exhortation and this is that word!
36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Some of us will die and some won't. The dead in Christ rise first and then those who remain. But I think we can all agree that David will be one of those who rises and he saw corruption. So don't worry if you get beheaded.
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
This is what brings us to the forgiveness of sins. First I must be convicted that I have sinned. The prophets of God gave me the fellowship of the apostles and I rejected it. I did what was right in my own eyes. As a result I am left behind and in dire straits here in the tribulation. But the Lord is powerful to save, and He is merciful. Yes, you have sinned, so understand the forgiveness of sins. Jesus paid for your sins with His blood. If you owe a debt that you cannot repay and someone else pays it, then the debt is forgiven, it is over. You didn't deserve that, it is true, it was a mercy of the Lord. But if Satan comes around asking about that debt you can tell him to get lost because that debt has been paid in full. Of course that is only true if you have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer you that live but Christ that lives in you.
40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Can you imagine this? The Jews were warned about this and yet this is what they did, they refused to believe in the Lord's saving work. Likewise all the nations were warned about this as well during the church age and yet, here we are, after the rapture, and why are you left behind? Because you refused to take up your cross and follow the Lord even though you were told this is the only way to God. You are getting a second chance, but don't blow it, there may not be a third chance.
42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
We have learned that the gospel has already begun going to the Gentiles as a result of Peter going to Cornelius. But now we see Paul emerging as the one who is to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Look at that! Almost the whole city? Imagine living in a city of 100k, not a big city, but "almost the whole city comes out to hear you the next week"!
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
This is why the Jews rejected this message, envy. They contradicted Paul and blasphemed, not because of some doctrinal question but because of envy.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
This is a very bold move, prior to this speaking in the synagogue was the avenue for the gospel. Notice how it says "Paul and Barnabas". You must be one. This is not what caused a split between the two. In a move this big the Lord must speak to both of you.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
When they were praying about this no doubt this is the word that the Lord spoke to them. It must have been as soon as they saw that word the lights went on and both Barnabas and Paul realized, this was the Lord's speaking to them. When you have a difficult decision pray that the Lord give you a clear word, just like this.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
What did they hear? They heard that God cared about them. Prior to this all they ever heard was that the Jews were "the chosen people". Now all of a sudden they hear that God has prophesied that he would send people specifically to them as a light for salvation.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
This is before the printing press. This must have been quite a labor.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
We have seen this. I was expelled from Facebook and Youtube and another "Christian" forum.
51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
And yes, this is the appropriate response. You shake off the dust and go to the next city. This forum is now the third forum that I have come to, I had to shake off the dust of two previous forums.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
And this is how you know you are following the Lord. You will have life and peace. You will be filled with joy. If you make a decision and at first you are happy but very quickly you don't have any joy and peace, then return to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him what the issue is. Many times we must make very difficult decisions, do not take the easy way, take the way that results in you being filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
We follow Jesus, we know that He is the Son of God because God raised Him from the dead. In the same way, right now there is a lot of confusion, a lot of debate over who is right, who is wrong. These guys say this is the right way and those guys say something different. But after the rapture there should not be anymore confusion. What did the guys who were raptured say? They said that Jesus and the apostles were the ones who were telling you the right way to go.
34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Be at peace, He is a merciful savior. We all have sinned, we all have come short of the glory of God, and we all need the sure mercies of the Lord.
35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Have some faith. Don't fear the Antichrist, don't fear being beheaded, you have a promise, the Lord is mighty to save. They asked for a word of exhortation and this is that word!
36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Some of us will die and some won't. The dead in Christ rise first and then those who remain. But I think we can all agree that David will be one of those who rises and he saw corruption. So don't worry if you get beheaded.
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
This is what brings us to the forgiveness of sins. First I must be convicted that I have sinned. The prophets of God gave me the fellowship of the apostles and I rejected it. I did what was right in my own eyes. As a result I am left behind and in dire straits here in the tribulation. But the Lord is powerful to save, and He is merciful. Yes, you have sinned, so understand the forgiveness of sins. Jesus paid for your sins with His blood. If you owe a debt that you cannot repay and someone else pays it, then the debt is forgiven, it is over. You didn't deserve that, it is true, it was a mercy of the Lord. But if Satan comes around asking about that debt you can tell him to get lost because that debt has been paid in full. Of course that is only true if you have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer you that live but Christ that lives in you.
40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Can you imagine this? The Jews were warned about this and yet this is what they did, they refused to believe in the Lord's saving work. Likewise all the nations were warned about this as well during the church age and yet, here we are, after the rapture, and why are you left behind? Because you refused to take up your cross and follow the Lord even though you were told this is the only way to God. You are getting a second chance, but don't blow it, there may not be a third chance.
42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
We have learned that the gospel has already begun going to the Gentiles as a result of Peter going to Cornelius. But now we see Paul emerging as the one who is to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Look at that! Almost the whole city? Imagine living in a city of 100k, not a big city, but "almost the whole city comes out to hear you the next week"!
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
This is why the Jews rejected this message, envy. They contradicted Paul and blasphemed, not because of some doctrinal question but because of envy.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
This is a very bold move, prior to this speaking in the synagogue was the avenue for the gospel. Notice how it says "Paul and Barnabas". You must be one. This is not what caused a split between the two. In a move this big the Lord must speak to both of you.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
When they were praying about this no doubt this is the word that the Lord spoke to them. It must have been as soon as they saw that word the lights went on and both Barnabas and Paul realized, this was the Lord's speaking to them. When you have a difficult decision pray that the Lord give you a clear word, just like this.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
What did they hear? They heard that God cared about them. Prior to this all they ever heard was that the Jews were "the chosen people". Now all of a sudden they hear that God has prophesied that he would send people specifically to them as a light for salvation.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
This is before the printing press. This must have been quite a labor.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
We have seen this. I was expelled from Facebook and Youtube and another "Christian" forum.
51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
And yes, this is the appropriate response. You shake off the dust and go to the next city. This forum is now the third forum that I have come to, I had to shake off the dust of two previous forums.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
And this is how you know you are following the Lord. You will have life and peace. You will be filled with joy. If you make a decision and at first you are happy but very quickly you don't have any joy and peace, then return to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him what the issue is. Many times we must make very difficult decisions, do not take the easy way, take the way that results in you being filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.
2 Big Coverstone Prophecies Fulfilled Sunday 01/20/2026
1. I think October is Hamas invading Israel in 2023 and November coming up and things getting really intense refers to the election in 2024. He taps the calendar three times, indicating the three Novembers when Biden was president and then the fourth is when the fist hits the calendar.
2. Armed protestors with guns -- that we have not seen. But this isn't the same thing, it is when the vision "starts up again". What is starting up again? it is the war in the MidEast. Look at the protestors in Iran, 30k might be dead and 300k are injured. Look at the protests in the US, they will soon be as bad as those in Iran.
He points out we saw a glimpse of this in 2020, then it started up again with 2023 and all the protests over Gaza, and now in 2026 it is starting up again.
We have seen inflation, we have not seen hyperinflation, not yet.
Step by step guide to having a ministry.
Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Acts gives us a step by step guide on how to have a powerful ministry. First you must be absolute for the Lord. Being absolute means you give all that you have to the Lord, we see that in Barnabas, and it also means you count everything that you used to think was your treasure as dung. There are way too many "Christian preachers" who don't do that. Then you must grow in grace in the church. The church laid hands on them and sent them out, you can see a lot of "gung ho" Christians who complain that the church they were at had problems and so they left and went out on their own. Peter was the leading apostle, Paul confronted him and stood against him in Antioch (he tells us about this in Galatians). Speaking the word includes correction, and that includes to those who are reputed to be something. But it doesn't change the fact that the Lord spoke to the church to send out Barnabas and Saul for the ministry and they obeyed the Lord. Third, you don't go out by yourself. The church laid hands on them indicating they had their back and they went out two by two. None of us is complete in ourselves. You need the testimony of two or three for a thing to be established. Then it is critical you can hear the Lord's voice so that when He tells you to leave the Jews and go unto the Gentiles you respond. This was a bold, unprecedented move of the gospel and they both heard from the Lord, both Barnabas and Paul. From that event we can see they were abiding in the word of God and prayer and we saw that the word of God was a lamp unto their feet. Today it is easy to give people canned messages. To get a message on any verse or any chapter in the Bible is simple. But don't fall for that. If you want a ministry you must pray that the Lord speak a word and as we saw with BarJesus you need to appreciate your personal experience. With what comfort the Lord comforted you when you were saved, with that same comfort we minister to others. If you have all of that then there is only one more step to arrive at Iconium with a great multitude believing. That is you must be unstoppable. Paul said he was persecuted at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. Do not stop simply because you are attacked by the enemy. Being attacked by the enemy is proof you are over the target. Sometimes I liken speaking the word to chopping down a tree. You have to hit that tree many times before it starts to fall. So then, if they attack you keep on with the ministry, if they pretend you aren't making a dent, keep on with the ministry.
Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Acts gives us a step by step guide on how to have a powerful ministry. First you must be absolute for the Lord. Being absolute means you give all that you have to the Lord, we see that in Barnabas, and it also means you count everything that you used to think was your treasure as dung. There are way too many "Christian preachers" who don't do that. Then you must grow in grace in the church. The church laid hands on them and sent them out, you can see a lot of "gung ho" Christians who complain that the church they were at had problems and so they left and went out on their own. Peter was the leading apostle, Paul confronted him and stood against him in Antioch (he tells us about this in Galatians). Speaking the word includes correction, and that includes to those who are reputed to be something. But it doesn't change the fact that the Lord spoke to the church to send out Barnabas and Saul for the ministry and they obeyed the Lord. Third, you don't go out by yourself. The church laid hands on them indicating they had their back and they went out two by two. None of us is complete in ourselves. You need the testimony of two or three for a thing to be established. Then it is critical you can hear the Lord's voice so that when He tells you to leave the Jews and go unto the Gentiles you respond. This was a bold, unprecedented move of the gospel and they both heard from the Lord, both Barnabas and Paul. From that event we can see they were abiding in the word of God and prayer and we saw that the word of God was a lamp unto their feet. Today it is easy to give people canned messages. To get a message on any verse or any chapter in the Bible is simple. But don't fall for that. If you want a ministry you must pray that the Lord speak a word and as we saw with BarJesus you need to appreciate your personal experience. With what comfort the Lord comforted you when you were saved, with that same comfort we minister to others. If you have all of that then there is only one more step to arrive at Iconium with a great multitude believing. That is you must be unstoppable. Paul said he was persecuted at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. Do not stop simply because you are attacked by the enemy. Being attacked by the enemy is proof you are over the target. Sometimes I liken speaking the word to chopping down a tree. You have to hit that tree many times before it starts to fall. So then, if they attack you keep on with the ministry, if they pretend you aren't making a dent, keep on with the ministry.
'All he can do the foe, is just release the flow'
Acts 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
"Whatever the enemy does, the foe, all he can do is release the flow". Jesus is greater and mightier. The reason many Christians don't see signs and wonders done by their hands is they have skipped all the steps previously hoping to jump to this step. The signs and wonders are not a "magic show". This is the Lord miraculously responding to an evil attack from the enemy. Satan prefers to operate in the shadows. However, if you are relentless in your ministry and unable to be stopped any other way then he will come out and attack you openly like those people who entered a church in St. Paul, Mn this last week. This is the best way to promote the gospel, make it clear that the whole world is divided over it and fighting over it.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
I remember when this happened to us in our campus ministry. The entire campus was divided. Some of the brothers who were with us thought the problem was our approach. We needed to be more agreeable. Once I graduated they took over the ministry and within the very first year it fizzled out. The reason for the multitude to be divided is not because of the gospel, it is because of Satan's attack. A common tactic among Satanists is to go to a church and sow dissent. Murmur, complain, try to divide the congregation. I remember one church in the North East, a college town, they did this to the church and it was so bad they were going to have to close down. Because of that no one could speak a message. So instead what they would do is pray and read over verses in the Bible. Simply read a verse, and based on that verse people pray, and you might go through a chapter in the Bible that way and that is your message. This exposes and silences the enemy. If they murmur and complain about the word of God then they are exposed. The word of God is a high tower, if you are under attack run into the word of God.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel.
Look at how intense the attack was, they were going to stone them for speaking the word of God. Satan will do anything to stop the gospel. Why are we seeing wars in Ukraine and Iran? There are indications that both Russian and Iran were involved in Christian revival. War is a very effective time for the gospel, when people are facing imminent death they are much more open to hearing about the gospel. Satan doesn't want wars, but it is a last ditch attempt to stop the gospel when all else has failed. These three towns have meaningful names. Lystra means ransoming, Derbe is a tanner, and Lycaonia is wolf land. The gospel is the message that Jesus has paid our ransom and covered us, clothed us with His righteousness. Now we are walking among wolves, like Psalm 23, but we aren't afraid because the shepherd is with us. He has a staff that can do great damage to those wolves. But you better stay close to the Shepherd.
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
War helps people believe, it helps them to focus on the word spoken and it also makes them bold to speak and minister themselves.
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
This reveals that Barnabas appeared like the father, and Paul like the son being mentored by the father.
Acts 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
"Whatever the enemy does, the foe, all he can do is release the flow". Jesus is greater and mightier. The reason many Christians don't see signs and wonders done by their hands is they have skipped all the steps previously hoping to jump to this step. The signs and wonders are not a "magic show". This is the Lord miraculously responding to an evil attack from the enemy. Satan prefers to operate in the shadows. However, if you are relentless in your ministry and unable to be stopped any other way then he will come out and attack you openly like those people who entered a church in St. Paul, Mn this last week. This is the best way to promote the gospel, make it clear that the whole world is divided over it and fighting over it.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
I remember when this happened to us in our campus ministry. The entire campus was divided. Some of the brothers who were with us thought the problem was our approach. We needed to be more agreeable. Once I graduated they took over the ministry and within the very first year it fizzled out. The reason for the multitude to be divided is not because of the gospel, it is because of Satan's attack. A common tactic among Satanists is to go to a church and sow dissent. Murmur, complain, try to divide the congregation. I remember one church in the North East, a college town, they did this to the church and it was so bad they were going to have to close down. Because of that no one could speak a message. So instead what they would do is pray and read over verses in the Bible. Simply read a verse, and based on that verse people pray, and you might go through a chapter in the Bible that way and that is your message. This exposes and silences the enemy. If they murmur and complain about the word of God then they are exposed. The word of God is a high tower, if you are under attack run into the word of God.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel.
Look at how intense the attack was, they were going to stone them for speaking the word of God. Satan will do anything to stop the gospel. Why are we seeing wars in Ukraine and Iran? There are indications that both Russian and Iran were involved in Christian revival. War is a very effective time for the gospel, when people are facing imminent death they are much more open to hearing about the gospel. Satan doesn't want wars, but it is a last ditch attempt to stop the gospel when all else has failed. These three towns have meaningful names. Lystra means ransoming, Derbe is a tanner, and Lycaonia is wolf land. The gospel is the message that Jesus has paid our ransom and covered us, clothed us with His righteousness. Now we are walking among wolves, like Psalm 23, but we aren't afraid because the shepherd is with us. He has a staff that can do great damage to those wolves. But you better stay close to the Shepherd.
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
War helps people believe, it helps them to focus on the word spoken and it also makes them bold to speak and minister themselves.
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
This reveals that Barnabas appeared like the father, and Paul like the son being mentored by the father.
Understand the spiritual warfare and how to protect the flock of God
Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Do not embrace the way of the nations. If Satan can't beat you, he will join you. Mixing pagan practices with the church is not a victory, it is a defeat. Easter and Christmas are examples. Then after embracing those for years you see the apostate churches embracing Halloween. All you have done is let idol worship into the church to corrupt it. The ministry was winning, do not fall for this deceit. It is a common temptation, just like those brothers in our campus ministry. You think if we are just a little more accommodating instead of all this division we can all worship the Lord together as one. Baloney, Satan is not permitted to worship the Lord. Jesus did not let the demons preach the gospel. They are reserved for judgement, surrender is not an option to them.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
We are witnesses. We don't get to rewrite the Bible. Judgement is coming on those that reject the gospel and you can be sure there will be some who do. We are fighting a spiritual warfare against an intractable enemy, they are not going to capitulate, but they will act deceptively and deceitfully.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Do you see this? If they can't add you to their idolatrous worship then they will stone you to death. The Christians who push for "putting Christ back into Christmas" don't get this. Pagans are not worshipping Jesus. Their goal is to get Christians to embrace paganism, and failing to do that they will stone you.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
They don't call Lycaonium "wolf land" for nothing.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
The context of "we must go through much tribulation" was the people following them about from other cities to stir up people against them, to think evilly and to stone them. If you don't have these experiences in your ministry then you have a problem. We do not go seeking trouble, instead it seeks us. For example a shepherd leading a bunch of sheep through the wilderness is going to attract wolves. You would be foolish not to realize that just beyond the tree line is a pack of wolves eyeing that herd of sheep. In other words, if your church is in right standing with the Lord Satan and a pack of wolves are watching right now.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Elders must be ordained to understand the spiritual warfare and how to protect the flock. Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 are two excellent Psalms concerning the spiritual warfare. Here are the basic principles. When we take the Lord's table it renews our covenant, saying that this house is covered by the blood of Jesus and the destroyer cannot enter. Likewise we can pray before every meeting that the meeting be covered and protected by the Lord's hand. You can pray for light and the Spirit to convict those in the meeting of sin. It is risky for Satan to send spies into a meeting where they might get convicted of sin, confess and repent. If you are absolute for the Lord, hidden under his wing and abiding in the word of God then Satan can't touch you. But, just to be safe pray that the Lord doesn't lead you into temptation. If you get proud and arrogant the Lord will lead you into temptation to humble you. As long as you are in Christ Satan can't touch you. He is looking for those who peek their heads out of Christ.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
The church sent them out because we are praying that the kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven. But you want to give a report back to the church on a regular basis so they can know what to pray for and can see that the money they gave has born fruit.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
This is how we learn. Read books from others who went before you.
Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Do not embrace the way of the nations. If Satan can't beat you, he will join you. Mixing pagan practices with the church is not a victory, it is a defeat. Easter and Christmas are examples. Then after embracing those for years you see the apostate churches embracing Halloween. All you have done is let idol worship into the church to corrupt it. The ministry was winning, do not fall for this deceit. It is a common temptation, just like those brothers in our campus ministry. You think if we are just a little more accommodating instead of all this division we can all worship the Lord together as one. Baloney, Satan is not permitted to worship the Lord. Jesus did not let the demons preach the gospel. They are reserved for judgement, surrender is not an option to them.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
We are witnesses. We don't get to rewrite the Bible. Judgement is coming on those that reject the gospel and you can be sure there will be some who do. We are fighting a spiritual warfare against an intractable enemy, they are not going to capitulate, but they will act deceptively and deceitfully.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Do you see this? If they can't add you to their idolatrous worship then they will stone you to death. The Christians who push for "putting Christ back into Christmas" don't get this. Pagans are not worshipping Jesus. Their goal is to get Christians to embrace paganism, and failing to do that they will stone you.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
They don't call Lycaonium "wolf land" for nothing.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
The context of "we must go through much tribulation" was the people following them about from other cities to stir up people against them, to think evilly and to stone them. If you don't have these experiences in your ministry then you have a problem. We do not go seeking trouble, instead it seeks us. For example a shepherd leading a bunch of sheep through the wilderness is going to attract wolves. You would be foolish not to realize that just beyond the tree line is a pack of wolves eyeing that herd of sheep. In other words, if your church is in right standing with the Lord Satan and a pack of wolves are watching right now.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Elders must be ordained to understand the spiritual warfare and how to protect the flock. Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 are two excellent Psalms concerning the spiritual warfare. Here are the basic principles. When we take the Lord's table it renews our covenant, saying that this house is covered by the blood of Jesus and the destroyer cannot enter. Likewise we can pray before every meeting that the meeting be covered and protected by the Lord's hand. You can pray for light and the Spirit to convict those in the meeting of sin. It is risky for Satan to send spies into a meeting where they might get convicted of sin, confess and repent. If you are absolute for the Lord, hidden under his wing and abiding in the word of God then Satan can't touch you. But, just to be safe pray that the Lord doesn't lead you into temptation. If you get proud and arrogant the Lord will lead you into temptation to humble you. As long as you are in Christ Satan can't touch you. He is looking for those who peek their heads out of Christ.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
The church sent them out because we are praying that the kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven. But you want to give a report back to the church on a regular basis so they can know what to pray for and can see that the money they gave has born fruit.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
This is how we learn. Read books from others who went before you.
These are Pdfs anyone can download of all my posts and for the first time this includes what I wrote on Christmas being a foreshadow of the rapture. Please note, there are 12 days of Christmas beginning with December 25th (the Gregorian date) and going to January 6th (the Julian date).
The Holy Bible -- King James Version
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggLlInqsXzE3k2f_2XahguwjP-2ZMvbW/view?usp=sharing
A Letter to those left behind after the rapture
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dM18beTF9Jka3w8XUk10ARkI-cYnltH5/view?usp=sharing
I based most of my letter on the Gospel according to Mark and the Book of Acts.
Index of Bible References volumes 1-5
I would have done this for all of them but ran out of time. However, it does help those who are interested in a particular verse to find the verse and what is said about it. One reason I did this was so I could look for verses that had not been referenced.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YK4mY8xfqh13sW00JjXqcusX3a4jqZPRBFvVXh12fVA/edit?usp=sharing
This is a reference of Bible verses in these four volumes. But anyone can download these Pdfs and create an index of the Bible references for all 13 of them.
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 1)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JvGt0moH2kzWMqdxBiO73Gaj7UxxqvfD/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 2)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAIgnWSGMkVw_Fawa_dbXyJTi1yOWwks/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 3)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dg9eD4It_H1V8XCMuAc7Im8G2UfuvEjV/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 4)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RwFhRsl7Ww5ZAn1C3ro7VrNCo5baWqPN/view?usp=sharing
Look up your redemption draws near (vol 5)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/160buxQxCAsHjuN7qfTVY7dOQft8VA4L_/view?usp=sharing
Look up your redemption draws near (vol 6)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ewv-l-yh4A2KRcPnQmOJB_51S1HQ095X/view?usp=sharing
Look up, your redemption draws nigh (vol. 7)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l7FBpjTk2NNVgYBAATm-3Th3rfeXEDhG/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OkRHsPs36DZ-gFO-UgGUj-mVa63TI1vR/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (9)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xECKmu-anfa0J_Sxn9ysUtpQSG2HVvtt/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (10)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-3KMmo6qiJsAcP4hQGBbrNrT2Za0p3S/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your redemption draws near (Volume 11)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lc-CjfWlJPXc7D5H7ocz8WaF72zW3JqZ/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 12)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1li_fbCxYOZrWF7No3d2DiN7k1H1rPmx0/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 13)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVVP6WWS5TrcniRSmT_8r8xsGcpeGzby/view?usp=sharing
Who is the Great Babylon
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQatkwB8A2Xi6og2WRxNvfw3CEV0n2_n/view?usp=sharing
This Pdf goes through every verse in the New Testament and many in the Old referring to Babylon. I see which of the various interpretations fit. The main three are: Israel, Vatican and the US, though I also see if England fits any. I used to subscribe to the teaching of Darby and Watchman Nee on this, however, everyone should know that when they taught the US was not a superpower, Hollywood and Multinational corporations did not exist (true for Darby, Watchman Nee was around at the time of silent movies). The pandemic had not taken place and the apostasy in the US had not taken place. You could not compare the US to Sodom and Gomorrah at the time of Darby or Watchman Nee.
Does Christmas depict the rapture?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKs66qjobk-HihgNVW617poUoJ8kakOK/view?usp=sharing
This is 25 pages going through verse references in the Bible about the rapture that also appear to be describing Christmas.
James the Keel of the Church
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1coj11i6yERgYLhtCSrKkJP44dl-7a1IA/view?usp=sharing
1 Peter the Gospel of the 2nd Chance
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13UKCQIJq7GIQl20D86x_PFC9YbCeR6mH/view?usp=sharing
2 Peter -- Ministering an Entrance unto You
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11bM_yAsaMeh_T3s_X42Pt_NP-EOTz9Uf/view?usp=sharing
1 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e9bXQV7NsQQOYdfXePMD4AD57u864e7Y/view?usp=sharing
2 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lmrtn2bHjOp431KLTrdEVMhSm5hubwJG/view?usp=sharing
3 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tgZwMD5B-1VmGcEbZ9HjIoD6d0WgzieM/view?usp=sharing
Jude
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1oK68ijqTgfPACu31SXfHrfuYJrNDuf/view?usp=sharing
Matthew
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gao_VZffMPY7DNR0bMtx_UHATWPIwMbJ/view?usp=sharing
The Gospel of Mark
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13FdKKF_b_kuBBH3Q9Y-7vcRfKbg8x6ce/view?usp=sharing
The Gospel of Luke
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UEUSo6eRkUSj2bEM2pg9ApRc-H9k91Qv/view?usp=sharing
Here is the Pdf for the entire book of Revelation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WudDGTDeIra1nQPVOfxNKchdBtdxctrP/view?usp=sharing
802,620
The Holy Bible -- King James Version
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggLlInqsXzE3k2f_2XahguwjP-2ZMvbW/view?usp=sharing
A Letter to those left behind after the rapture
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dM18beTF9Jka3w8XUk10ARkI-cYnltH5/view?usp=sharing
I based most of my letter on the Gospel according to Mark and the Book of Acts.
Index of Bible References volumes 1-5
I would have done this for all of them but ran out of time. However, it does help those who are interested in a particular verse to find the verse and what is said about it. One reason I did this was so I could look for verses that had not been referenced.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YK4mY8xfqh13sW00JjXqcusX3a4jqZPRBFvVXh12fVA/edit?usp=sharing
This is a reference of Bible verses in these four volumes. But anyone can download these Pdfs and create an index of the Bible references for all 13 of them.
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 1)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JvGt0moH2kzWMqdxBiO73Gaj7UxxqvfD/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 2)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAIgnWSGMkVw_Fawa_dbXyJTi1yOWwks/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 3)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dg9eD4It_H1V8XCMuAc7Im8G2UfuvEjV/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 4)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RwFhRsl7Ww5ZAn1C3ro7VrNCo5baWqPN/view?usp=sharing
Look up your redemption draws near (vol 5)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/160buxQxCAsHjuN7qfTVY7dOQft8VA4L_/view?usp=sharing
Look up your redemption draws near (vol 6)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ewv-l-yh4A2KRcPnQmOJB_51S1HQ095X/view?usp=sharing
Look up, your redemption draws nigh (vol. 7)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l7FBpjTk2NNVgYBAATm-3Th3rfeXEDhG/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OkRHsPs36DZ-gFO-UgGUj-mVa63TI1vR/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (9)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xECKmu-anfa0J_Sxn9ysUtpQSG2HVvtt/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (10)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-3KMmo6qiJsAcP4hQGBbrNrT2Za0p3S/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your redemption draws near (Volume 11)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lc-CjfWlJPXc7D5H7ocz8WaF72zW3JqZ/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 12)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1li_fbCxYOZrWF7No3d2DiN7k1H1rPmx0/view?usp=sharing
Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 13)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVVP6WWS5TrcniRSmT_8r8xsGcpeGzby/view?usp=sharing
Who is the Great Babylon
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQatkwB8A2Xi6og2WRxNvfw3CEV0n2_n/view?usp=sharing
This Pdf goes through every verse in the New Testament and many in the Old referring to Babylon. I see which of the various interpretations fit. The main three are: Israel, Vatican and the US, though I also see if England fits any. I used to subscribe to the teaching of Darby and Watchman Nee on this, however, everyone should know that when they taught the US was not a superpower, Hollywood and Multinational corporations did not exist (true for Darby, Watchman Nee was around at the time of silent movies). The pandemic had not taken place and the apostasy in the US had not taken place. You could not compare the US to Sodom and Gomorrah at the time of Darby or Watchman Nee.
Does Christmas depict the rapture?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKs66qjobk-HihgNVW617poUoJ8kakOK/view?usp=sharing
This is 25 pages going through verse references in the Bible about the rapture that also appear to be describing Christmas.
James the Keel of the Church
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1coj11i6yERgYLhtCSrKkJP44dl-7a1IA/view?usp=sharing
1 Peter the Gospel of the 2nd Chance
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13UKCQIJq7GIQl20D86x_PFC9YbCeR6mH/view?usp=sharing
2 Peter -- Ministering an Entrance unto You
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11bM_yAsaMeh_T3s_X42Pt_NP-EOTz9Uf/view?usp=sharing
1 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e9bXQV7NsQQOYdfXePMD4AD57u864e7Y/view?usp=sharing
2 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lmrtn2bHjOp431KLTrdEVMhSm5hubwJG/view?usp=sharing
3 John
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tgZwMD5B-1VmGcEbZ9HjIoD6d0WgzieM/view?usp=sharing
Jude
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1oK68ijqTgfPACu31SXfHrfuYJrNDuf/view?usp=sharing
Matthew
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gao_VZffMPY7DNR0bMtx_UHATWPIwMbJ/view?usp=sharing
The Gospel of Mark
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13FdKKF_b_kuBBH3Q9Y-7vcRfKbg8x6ce/view?usp=sharing
The Gospel of Luke
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UEUSo6eRkUSj2bEM2pg9ApRc-H9k91Qv/view?usp=sharing
Here is the Pdf for the entire book of Revelation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WudDGTDeIra1nQPVOfxNKchdBtdxctrP/view?usp=sharing
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