2014 has come and gone. There is still snow and ice at the North Pole. This is An Inconvenient Truth…
Archive for December, 2014
Trend Update: Climate Change, November 2014
Posted in Uncategorized on December 30, 2014 by paulthepokeAntichrist, Greek Empire Roots, Part 2
Posted in Antichrist/Beast, Prophecy with tags Alexander the Great, Antichrist, Apocalypse, Daniel 8, goat, Greek Empire, little horn, Revelation 13, Tribulation on December 28, 2014 by paulthepokeDaniel 8:23-25 “In the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise, insolent and skilled in intrigue. His power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will; he will destroy mighty men and the holy people. And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence…
This king will be insolent and skilled in intrigue. Other adjectives in the original Hebrew could describe him as strong, mighty, and fierce. He will understand and be able to teach and communicate riddles, difficult questions, parables, enigmatic and perplexing sayings or questions. (Hebrew definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance)
His power will be mighty, but not by his own power… His strength and power will be exceedingly great. It will be given to him. Revelation 13:2b, 4 tells us from where the man draws his power. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. They worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”
…and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will… The Hebrew grammar states he is the source and cause of destruction. He will destroy physical property to the point of ruination. He corrupts morally and is perverted. The destruction would appear to be beyond one’s power and difficult to do. The level of destruction will be extraordinary and difficult to comprehend. In a bizarre twist, his destruction will result in prosperity. In our vernacular, he will do whatever the hell he wants.
…he will destroy mighty men and the holy people… The Hebrew word for mighty is `atsuwm. Per Strong’s, it means: mighty, vast, numerous, countless, and strong (in number). Lots of people are going to perish at the antichrist’s hands. God’s people will also suffer at his hands. Revelation 13:7 It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them…
And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence…He will demonstrate shrewdness or sekel in the original Hebrew. Sekel can be defined as: cunning or crafty in a bad sense. The antichrist is going to be one slick-talking, smooth liar. And he is going to be able to sell.
Merry Christmas, Tradition, Part 2
Posted in Christmas, Gospel with tags 1 corinthians 15, Christmas, December 25, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Luke 2, Roman Catholic Church, Saturnalia, taxes on December 21, 2014 by paulthepokeLuke 2:1-3 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
December 25 is the day we culturally celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church declared December 25 as the day of the birth of Christ. This declaration occurred in 336 AD. It was an attempt to replace the Roman holiday Saturnalia, a week long holiday of every imaginable debauchery. December 25 was the birthday of the sun. In the interest of getting along with the culture, the Catholic Church replaced the birthday of the sun with the birthday of the Son. Today in the 21st century, we have returned to the roots of Saturnalia. The “Christmas” celebration through New Year’s has become a week long party. There is nothing new under the sun…
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Christmas/christmas.html
There is no Biblical evidence for a specific December 25 date for the birth of Jesus. If you find it, let me know. Christmas, December 25 is not a God Appointed Feast/Holiday, plain and simple.
This is the context of the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary were on their way to pay taxes.
Now, say you are a money grubbing emperor or a king or a politician. Let’s say you want to collect tax revenue from your subjects. When would you do this? For maximum collection of funds, travel conditions and weather would need to be at their best. People are going to have to travel to register. Would you pick late December? I don’t think so. Greed dictates a different season of the year to allow for the best possible participation and revenue.
There are many factors that point toward Jesus being born in the early fall. Some of these include: the timing and relationship to the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1), shepherding habits and timing (Luke 2), Biblical patterning of God’s appointed Fall Feasts, and Zechariah’s appointed priestly Temple service.
Excellent arguments are made for Jesus being born in the Spring. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn makes an articulate case.
The bottom line is this. The Bible does not say specifically when Jesus was born. When He was born is not the issue.
But, what is of the utmost importance is stated by the Apostle Paul. This is the priority. As believers in Jesus Christ we should draw a line in the sand and stick a flag in the ground over this issue.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…
He was born.
It is not about when He was born…He died, was buried, and was raised.
Merry Christmas, Tradition, Part 1
Posted in Christmas, Gospel, Prophecy with tags Bethlehem, Christmas, December 25, Herod, Jesus Christ, Light of Israel, Luke 2, Matthew 2, Matthew 24, Micah 5, shepherds on December 18, 2014 by paulthepokeDecember 25 is the day we culturally celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:3). The point Christ was born in Bethlehem is also confirmed twice by an enemy of Jesus, King Herod. In Matthew 2:8 Herod sent the Magi to Bethlehem to look for the child. In Matthew 2:16, Herod had all boy children two and under killed in the town of Bethlehem. Christ’s birth in the town of Bethlehem fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2 But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.
Where is the Biblical evidence for celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25th? Is this the day on the calendar when Jesus was born? Does the Bible support the date of this celebration? The answer is no. Look all you want, you are not going to find it. The date of Christ’s December birth is a man made tradition unfounded in the Bible.
Christmas, December 25 is not a God Appointed Holiday.
What evidence is in the Bible for when Christ may have been born? There are some clues, but there is no definitive statement. Evidence is circumstantial.
Luke 2:8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
The grammar of the sentence states the shepherds were living in the fields as a lifestyle. They were sleeping out in the open fields. This was not a one night campout. The word “staying” is agrauleo in the original Greek text. The verb is present tense in the Greek meaning continual action. It is defined as: to live in the fields, be under the open sky, even at night (Strong’s Concordance). If they were doing this in late December, they would have been pretty miserable.
Historically, shepherds are out of the fields past October. Grass does not grow in the winter. There is no pasture available for sheep to feed in late December. Shepherds are not in the field in late December. In the winter, shepherds are responsible for provision and feeding the animals. Often times in bad weather, sheep and shepherds would retreat to caves for protection. Sheepfolds or small buildings would also be built. These structures would keep sheep out of the wind and cold elements (Manners and Customs of Bible Lands).
Matthew 24:20 But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath…-Jesus The context of Jesus’ comments is the Olivet Discourse. He is talking about leaving Jerusalem immediately when the antichrist defiles the Temple and claims to be God. His concern is traveling conditions that are noted in the region during winter. These areas are often impassible during the winter.
Christmas celebrated on December 25th.
Accurate birthday for Jesus???? I don’t think so, but do your own homework.
Antichrist, Greek Empire Roots, Part 1
Posted in Antichrist/Beast, Prophecy with tags Alexander the Great, Antichrist, Daniel 8, end times, Gabriel, goat, Greek Empire, Prophecy on December 14, 2014 by paulthepokeDaniel 8:23-25 “In the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise, insolent and skilled in intrigue. His power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will; he will destroy mighty men and the holy people. And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; and he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human agency”.
Daniel 8:23-25 is a description of the future antichrist. The prophet Daniel is given clarification and comprehension from the angel Gabriel of a vision he had previously received. The time point in history is clearly stated on three occasions. Gabriel specifically tells Daniel, in 8:17 “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.” The angel Gabriel restates again in 8:19 “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end.” A third time in Daniel 8:26 we are told of the period in history. “The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true; but keep the vision secret, for it pertains to many days in the future.” So I take it these passages have to do with the end times…
Daniel 8:22 tells where this character will emerge from, the area of the Greek Empire. The shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king. The broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power. The prophet Daniel was in Babylon from approximately 606 BC to approximately 530 BC. Over 200 years later in 323 BC, Alexander the Great would conquer the known world and fulfill this prophecy. Alexander is the large horn. His kingdom was divided into four kingdoms (Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy). Notice in the map below, Rome or modern day Italy was not part of the Greek Empire. Modern day Greece is the country furthest west. This is suggestive the antichrist will not come from western Europe.
Historically, there has been a pause of over 2,300 years since Alexander the Great. History is running its course. And we continue to wait for a king who will arise…not a nice guy.
Trend Update: Land for Peace/Abrahamic Covenant, December 2014
Posted in Prophecy with tags acid reflux, diaspora, Euphrates River, Gaza Strip, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 15, Israel, Joel 3, Land for Peace, Nile River, Obama, Palestine, Roman Empire, Walter Reed, West Bank on December 10, 2014 by paulthepokeGenesis 15:18-21 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.”
This is the original land grant from God to Abram (later renamed Abraham by God). These are the land boundaries of Israel’s future. This configuration has never been realized. This calls for the geography of Israel to stretch from the Nile River to Euphrates River. One could argue rather this implies the Arabian Peninsula or not. Now this sounds impossible in today’s world and geo-political climate. Can you imagine the uproar if this was proposed at the United Nations? But, there will be a land for peace deal when Jesus returns. It will look something like this. Two maps are included as possibilities.
In today’s world (December 2014), there are all kinds of discussion for a two state solution. Israel will achieve peace when they give land to the Palestinians, so the template goes. Turning over the Gaza Strip (2005) to the Palestinians has not resulted in peace. But we move forward any way.
According to Scripture, the division of the land is a foregone conclusion in the book of Joel. Israel’s people were scattered in 70 AD with the diaspora at the hands of the Roman Empire. Israel’s land will be divided. The process has begun with the Gaza Strip. Are we on the verge of seeing this prophecy fulfilled in our time? Joel 3:2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.
The United States, along with the rest of the world, continues to pressure Israel. The concern is building Israeli settlements in West Bank is only adding to the tension. The Obama Administration has even gone to the lengths of considering sanctions on Israel. The consideration reached press outlets on 12/6/14. This policy position is at odds with God’s proclamation in the Abrahamic Covenant. Genesis 12:3 “…And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
This would appear to be bad personal and foreign policy towards God’s chosen people when compared to Genesis 12:3. Incidentally, President Obama went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a sore throat. The President was diagnosed with acid reflux the same day 12/6/14…
http://www.wnd.com/2014/12/obama-makes-1st-move-toward-sanctions-on-israel/
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/us/obama-visits-military-hospital-for-sore-throat.html?_r=0
Antichrist, Peace Treaty, Part 2
Posted in Antichrist/Beast, Peace Plan, Prophecy, Temple with tags abomination of desolation, Antichrist, Daniel 9, Israel, jerusalem, Jesus Christ, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Pre Tribulation, Revelation 11, Seven Year Peace Treaty, Temple, Temple Mount Institute on December 7, 2014 by paulthepokeDaniel 9:26-27 “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”
Look at all of the references to violence and destruction in these two verses: cut off, destroy, flood, war, desolation/desolate (3 times), put a stop, abominations, complete destruction, poured out… This is not a peaceful time.
even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. War, battle, conflict, and violence will be a feature of the time until the return of Christ. The Hebrew grammar states this is a fact and it is decreed.
he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week… The man who brokers the deal will definitively be the man who makes it happen. He will have the personality and be the center of attention. In the Hebrew, he is gabar: to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, or be great. He forges the alliance, treaty, or pledge. The treaty will be with the many or rab in the Hebrew. This can mean: much, many, great, abundant, or numerous. Middle East peace is going to be a big deal!
The length of the treaty is for “one week” or one shabuwa`. A shabuwa` is defined as a seven, period of seven (days or years), heptad, or week. This is an expression of how Jews keeps time.
Revelation does not specifically state a seven year period. Revelation 11:2-3 does give reference to periods of time of 42 months and 1,260 days. Both time periods are 3 ½ years. Added together, seven years. “Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering… The sacrificial system will be reinitiated in the Temple. Today (November 2014), the only thing preventing the Jews from starting the Temple service is the need for a Temple. See the Temple Mount Institute for details.
https://www.templeinstitute.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Temple-Institute/22738684968
Halfway through the seven year treaty, the sacrificial system of the Old Testament is halted by the beast in the Temple. And when this happens, get out of Jerusalem immediately! Do not waste time! See Matthew 24 and Mark 13 for details.
Matthew 24:15 Jesus confirms the writings of the prophet Daniel. “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)…”
Matthew 24:21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. –Jesus.
Trend Update: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, December 2014
Posted in Prophecy with tags 1 Thessalonians, 1492 AD, 2 Thessalonians, Acts 17, Apostle Paul, Day of the Lord, Greece, Holocaust, Inquisition, Jerusalem of the Balkans, Jesus Christ, judgment, Macedonia, Mother of Israel, Rapture, Thessalonica, Thessaloniki on December 3, 2014 by paulthepoke1 and 2 Thessalonians were two letters in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul in approximately 50 AD. A key theme of 1 Thessalonians is the coming of Christ. Another doctrine in 1 Thessalonians is the rapture. Themes of 2 Thessalonians are the Day of the Lord and God’s judgment. The citizens of the city were being deceived regarding these doctrines. The point of the letters was to encourage believers about the imminent return of Christ.
Thessaloniki, Greece was and is a real place. There were believers in Jesus in this town and area. In Paul’s time, 1st century AD, Thessaloniki was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. It was the largest city with a population of approximately 200,000 (Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & Charts). Understanding the history of the city, it is not difficult to imagine how and why a riot broke out when Paul arrived on the scene (Acts 17:1-9).
The first Jews are thought to have arrived in the region in 513 BC. The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon. The Jewish community remained uninterrupted in Thessaloniki until 1492 AD, the time of the Spanish Inquisition and expulsion of Jews from Spain. 20,000 Jews migrated to the city to escape persecution. Thessaloniki continued until the early 20th century. It was called “Mother of Israel” and “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.
Today (December 2014), the Greek city is looking to revive its Jewish past. In the early 20th century, the city was essentially Jewish. In 1911, David Ben-Gurion and Yitzhak Ben-Zvi visited Thessaloniki. Their purpose was to study a functioning Jewish society. They were looking for a model for the future state of Israel. The Jewish community in Thessaloniki was destroyed by the Holocaust during World War II.
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-features/.premium-1.626438
Curious, the modern day city of Thessaloniki is looking to return to its Jewish roots. The city is a reminder of the letters written by the Apostle Paul. His message to the church is that of encouragement. Jesus is coming to get His bride. He is coming back as judge. His return is imminent.
