Archive for September, 2015

Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, Booths, The Feast, 2015

Posted in Fall Feasts, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 27, 2015 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 23:33-36 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the LORD. On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the LORD; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.’”

This is the last of God’s appointed feasts or festivals. This holiday is known by many names. It is called the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, the Festival of Tents, or the Feast of the Harvest because it is after the harvest in the fall. Simply put, it is also called “the feast” or “the festival”.

sukkot

This festival is a week-long festival from Tishri 15 to 21. When working in the fields during harvest, people lived in tents. The tents served as a reminder of the forty years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday is a reminder of the provision and safety God showed Israel during their travels in the desert as noted in Deuteronomy 8. The feast is a thanksgiving for the harvest of grapes (Exodus 23:16). It is to be a joyous festival (Deuteronomy 16:14). Sabbatical rest without work is part of the holiday. (New Manners and Customs of Bible Times).

In September 2015, The Feast is scheduled to start on September 28 and run through October 4 on our Gregorian calendar. In God’s timing, The Festival is scheduled to start on Tishri 15-21. Tishri 1 is declared when the new moon is sighted. A lunar eclipse or a blood red moon is scheduled for September 28, 2015. Man’s calendar and God’s day planner may not be on the same page.

It is God’s desire to live with humanity.

We mostly think about when God comes to Earth to dwell with us. Jesus lived with humanity 2,000 years ago (Gospel Accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The Holy Spirit has indwelled in believers since the beginning of the church in Acts 2. Christ has promised to return to Earth and reign for 1,000 years (Revelation 20). Eventually, God the Father will tabernacle with His creation on Earth in Revelation 21.

 

Trend Update: Temple Mount Violence, September 2015

Posted in Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 24, 2015 by paulthepoke

Mark 13:14a But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand)… -Jesus

Jesus is quoting Daniel 9:27, the abomination of desolation passage. This is where the antichrist takes his place in the Temple and declares himself to be God.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.

Today, September 2015, there is no Temple. The antichrist has not shown himself. There is no 7 year peace treaty. There is not a 10 nation federation or a group of 10 leaders who are working together for world peace. We are not in the Tribulation.

The world is not going to end in September 2015.

templerocks

That said, this area is one hot piece of real estate. Violence has been occurring for over a week on the Temple Mount area. The violence started before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets. Muslims have called for days of rage. Recent violence escalated when rocks and explosives were found in the Al Aqsa Mosque. Death and injuries have resulted from the violence.

The world sees the Temple Mount as a place of Muslim worship. Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray on the site. This was the agreement after the 1967 war. It is argued this is the site of the first and second Jewish Temple.

Israel is taking heat from the international community. Under agreement, Jordan is responsible for security on the Temple Mount. Jordan’s King Abdullah is critical of Israel’s management of the violence. Israel has reminded Jordan they are responsible for security.

http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/netanyahu_blasts_jordans_king_abdullah_for_temple_mount_criticism

President Erdogan of Turkey has stated Israel defending the Temple Mount is a “Red Line”.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/200940#.VgHHkd9VhBc

Egyptian President el-Sissi is calling on Israel to calm tensions on the Temple Mount.

The United Nations, United States, and European Union are encourage restraint on all sides.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypts-sissi-condemns-violations-on-temple-mount/

Zechariah 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

Trend Update: Russia (Magog)/Israel, Ezekiel 38-39, September 22, 2015

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 22, 2015 by paulthepoke

Exodus 19:5-6 “Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” -God

Israel is God’s chosen people. Israel is to depend on Him for their protection. When these verses were spoken, God had just removed His people out of slavery from Egypt.

Historically, Israel gets in big time trouble when they abandon their covenant relationship with God and turn to other nations for their protection and security. The Old Testament is littered with examples such as the Hittites, Egyptians, and Assyrians. The end result was judgment. The land was pillaged. Their people were murdered or taken into captivity. Peace treaties with other countries NEVER ended well for Israel.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Russia and Israel agreed to share military information regarding issues concerning Syria and ISIS. The two countries have agreed to coordinate activities in Syria. Russia and Israel look to avoid a “misunderstanding” between the two countries’ military forces. Prime Minister Netanyahu also signaled a new era, a Middle East without America.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.677080

There is concern from the Israelis. Russia is placing military equipment such as surface to air missiles. This should not be necessary to fight ISIS. They have no Air Force. What is the intention of the Russians? (Strobe Talbott, President, Brookings Institute).

Visiting Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu R) speak after making their joint statements following their meeting and a lunch in the Israeli leader's Jerusalem residence, on June 25, 2012. Putin is on  a rare trip to Israel where he is expected to hold talks on the situation in Syria and Iran's nuclear programme. AFP PHOTO/ RIA-NOVOSTI/ POOL/ ALEXEY DRUZHININ        (Photo credit should read ALEXEY DRUZHININ/AFP/GettyImages)

AFP PHOTO/ RIA-NOVOSTI/ POOL/ ALEXEY DRUZHININ (Photo credit should read ALEXEY DRUZHININ/AFP/GettyImages)

At some point in the future, Russia is prophesied to invade Israel. See Ezekiel 38-39 for complete details.

The Bible and ancient historians point to the fact the land of Magog is modern day Russia. Gog is their leader. See attached post.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/01/07/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-january-2015/

Even worse, we know there is another treaty of “peace” coming. It will be seven years in length. A really bad guy will broker the deal with Israel.

http://paulthepoke.com/2014/12/07/antichrist-peace-treaty-part-2/

Daniel 9:27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.

Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement, 2015

Posted in Fall Feasts, Prophecy, Teshuvah/Repent, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2015 by paulthepoke

Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is celebrated on Tishri 10th. It is the last day of the 40 day period of Teshuvah. In 2015, it is effectively September 22 or 23 on our Gregorian calendar. The holiday officially will be 10 days after the civil new year (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets) is declared at the sighting of the new moon. The new moon was declared on Tuesday, September 15 in Jerusalem. This holiday is viewed at the holiest day of Judaism. The day is a Sabbath day of rest. Yom Kippur is the only day a fast is required. The day begins at sun down. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was kept awake during the dark of the night. The high priest was dressed in a white robe. Sacrifices of a bull, ram, and a goat occur. The priest makes a sacrifice for himself and for the nation of Israel. Yom Kippur is the day the high priest came into the inner sanctuary of the temple to make sacrifices on behalf of the nation of Israel. He is the only person allowed into the inner sanctuary. This day is the only day the high priest is allowed in the inner sanctuary. He entered the highest holy place with incense and coals. The incense was burned. Next, the recovered blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat, the top of the Ark of the Covenant. This is the busiest day of the year for the high priest. See Leviticus 16 for specific details. New Manners and Customs of Bible Times

http://paulthepoke.com/2014/09/21/yom-kippurday-of-atonement/

two-goats

Yom Kippur 2015 could be very unique. The question is whether or not this God appointed holiday, Yom Kippur, will initiate a year of Jubilee. A year of Jubilee can only take place after a Sabbatical or Shemitah year. As of roughly September 13-15, 2015, a Sabbatical or Shemitah year will be completed as best as we can tell. A year of Jubilee occurs every 50th year.

Leviticus 25:8-13 “You shall count seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the time of the seven weeks of years shall give you forty-nine years. Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land.  And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of itself nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines. For it is a jubilee. It shall be holy to you. You may eat the produce of the field.  In this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his property.”

Is Yom Kippur 2015 in keeping with God’s calendar in regards to the Jubilee??? Some clarity on the issue is necessary.

Trend Update: Russia (Magog)/Israel, Ezekiel 38-39, September 2015

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2015 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 39:4-6 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord God.  I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord.

At some point in the future, Russia is prophesied to invade Israel. The results are noted above in Ezekiel 39:4-6. See Ezekiel 38-39 for complete details.

The Bible and ancient historians point to the fact the land of Magog is modern day Russia. Gog is their leader. See attached post.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/01/07/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-january-2015/

The point of the Russian invasion of Israel is stated by God Himself. Ezekiel 38:16 “and you will come up against My people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It shall come about in the last days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I am sanctified through you before their eyes, O Gog.”

God is still here and He remains in charge. Ezekiel 38:23 “I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD.”

PutinAssad

Russia has recently moved military troops, naval hardware, and air support into Syria which is north of Israel. Russia says they are supporting the government of President Assad of Syria. Russia is present to fight against ISIS and terrorism. Secretary of State Kerry has warned Russia not to interfere with the fight against ISIS.

Two Lebanese sources said the Russians were establishing two bases in Syria. One is near the coast and an operations base further inland. The Russians have installed modular housing units for hundreds of people at the airport. Portable air traffic control equipment has been placed.

It is important to understand Syria’s President Assad has the support of Iran.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/09/us-mideast-crisis-syria-exclusive-idUSKCN0R91H720150909

http://news.yahoo.com/u-voices-concern-russia-over-latest-military-moves-023835214.html

http://news.yahoo.com/huge-russian-military-planes-land-syria-221502659.html

It remains to be seen if Vladimir Putin is “Gog”. If he is, Vladimir’s history has been written by a Hebrew prophet roughly 580 years before Christ. From our standpoint (September 2015), this was written approximately 2,600 years ago. If Putin is “Gog”, he is like a fish being reeled in by the Lord Himself.

Ezekiel 38:3-4 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords…”

Ezekiel 39:1-2 “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal; and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel.

Gog’s fate is sealed in Ezekiel 38-39.

Ezekiel 39:8 “Behold, it is coming and it shall be done,” declares the Lord GOD. “That is the day of which I have spoken.”

Trend Update: Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets Declared, 2015

Posted in Creation, Fall Feasts, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , on September 14, 2015 by paulthepoke

The following is an observation from people in Jerusalem looking for the new moon. Below is the schedule of fall holidays per today’s non-sighting of the new moon.

The definitive questions…Are these God’s times and day planner for His appointed holidays? Is tomorrow, Tuesday, sunset, September 15, the last day of the Sabbatical or Shemitah year? Does the civil new year start tomorrow at sunset?

Time will tell…

waxingcrescent

http://whenisthenewmoon.com/new-moon-not-sighted-today-in-israel-2/

New Moon NOT sighted today in Israel…

Shalom Y’all!

The New Moon was NOT sighted today on Monday, September 14th in Israel. Yom Teruah/Day of Trumpets and Rosh Ha Shanah will begin on Tuesday, September 15th at sunset going through Wednesday, September 16th.

This will be the first day of the Seventh Month, also known as Tishri or Ethanim.

We will then count till the 10th day of the Seventh month and Keep Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement, then Sukkot/ Feast of Tabernacles will begin on the 15th day of the Seventh month.

These dates fall as follows…

Yom Teruah:  September 16th, 2015.

Yom Kippur: September 25th, 2015

Sukkot: September 30th, 2015 – October 6th, 2015

Last Great Day: October 7th, 2015

May you all have a blessed Holy Day, and Memorial of blowing of Trumpets!!! I cannot wait to see what things Yah has in the plan and what this year will hold!

He is coming SOON!!! :)

Chag Sameach!!!
Happy Rosh Ha Shana!

Brother Mark Harris

Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets, 2015

Posted in Fall Feasts, Prophecy, Rapture, Resurrection, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 12, 2015 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 23:23-25 Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.  You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord.’”

Numbers 29:1 ‘Now in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall also have a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work. It will be to you a day for blowing trumpets.

yomteruah

The Feast of Trumpets is the only new moon holiday on God’s calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish civil New Year, the head of years. The terms Rosh Hashanah, Feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah, Jewish New Year, Hidden Day, New Moon Festival are synonymous.

This year, 2015 on the Gregorian calendar, the holiday begins on September 13. Yom Teruah is officially declared when the crescent of the new moon is observed by two witness and confirmed by the high priest. By definition, it is a holiday no one knows the day or hour.

God operates on a lunar calendar. Jews have utilized the following procedure every month for thousands of years. It is called Rosh Chodesh which means “head of the month”. At the end of a lunar cycle, the moon is dark and is not seen for 2-3 days. So, the new moon could be identified during this 2-3 day period …of that day or hour no one knows…

There are people who are trained witnesses to identify the new moon. They are outside of Jerusalem when the moon goes dark and they are looking for the tiny sliver to emerge. If you are interested, see this website.

http://whenisthenewmoon.com/

This year (September 13, 2015) is unique. There will be a partial solar eclipse occurring on God’s appointed holiday, Yom Teruah. A celestial event as a time marker on God’s appointment. God says He uses the sun, moon, and stars to communicate to humanity.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/08/30/gods-handiwork-the-heavens/

Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

Yom Teruah is set aside by God with prophetic implications. The Feast of Trumpets is a promise for the future. Jesus is the reason. Resurrection and rapture, He makes it happen. The issue may not be the hour or the day. The issue may be the year…

http://paulthepoke.com/2014/08/17/resurrectionrapture-no-one-knows-the-day-or-hour-maybe-2/

http://paulthepoke.com/2014/09/07/yom-teruahrosh-hashanahfeast-of-trumpets-part-1/

Does the information God communicated to Moses on Mount Sinai thousands of years ago really matter to us today in 2015 and beyond?

Trend Update: Land for Peace/Palestine, September 2015

Posted in Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on September 8, 2015 by paulthepoke

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.

Joel 3:12 Let the nations be aroused and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

Israel and they have divided up My land. It is a foregone conclusion as to the result of God’s land Israel. The nations have and will further divide the land. Humanity is a serial offender of dividing God’s land.

UN

France is expected to present a plan to the United Nations (UN) that would call for a nation, Palestine. The plan is to be presented in September 2015. It appears likely to be passed. Last year, the vote failed by one nation. Take it to the bank. Eventually, the land will be further divided.

http://www.ibtimes.com/israel-palestine-conflict-french-un-security-council-resolution-table-favor-2059816

The start of the UN’s General Assembly is Tuesday, September 15, 2015. It is likely to be a who’s who of world leaders. Obama, Putin, Xi, and Rouhani are scheduled to speak.

The Palestinians are asking to fly their flag at UN headquarters prior to the arrival of the Pope’s visit in late September, 2015. Typically, only member states are allowed to fly their flag. The United States and Israel are opposed. They say the flying of the Palestinian flag will undermine the “peace process”.

http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/08/26/palestinians-vatican-could-raise-un-flags-before-pope-visit

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…

The consequences of scattering God’s people and dividing His land are clear. He will gather the “nations” or goyim in the original Hebrew. Per Strong’s Concordance, the goyim are the nations or non-Hebrew people.

The meeting place of the nations is defined, the valley of Jehoshaphat. The Hebrew meaning of the valley is “Jehovah has judged” (Strong’s Concordance). Some take this to be the valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives to the east. It is also known as the Kidron Valley. At first glance, it would appear this modern day valley is not large enough to allow for the nations of the world to fit in such a small place (September 2015).

Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come, has an excellent observation in light of Zechariah 14:4 In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. When Jesus returns, the size of the valley is going to increase significantly. Geography of the land will change.

…a very large valley… The Hebrew words for “very large” are m@`od (muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly, to a great degree) and gadowl (great and large in magnitude and extent). Definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance.

I will enter into judgment… God will bring them to the “Jehovah has judged” and He is going to judge or shaphat in the Hebrew. Shaphat means judge, govern, vindicate, punish. The grammar in the Hebrew language indicates God will enter into judgment with the nations (Strong’s Concordance).

The United Nations will not be consulted.

Trend Update: Pope Francis Extends Forgivesness, Abortion, November 2016

Posted in Culture, Gospel, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 2, 2015 by paulthepoke

November 21, 2016: Pope Francis has extended forgiveness for abortion. All priests around the world have been granted this authority from the Pope. This act of mercy and forgiveness is now a permanent edict from Pope Francis.

Previously, abortion brought automatic excommunication. There were special, technical conditions where excommunication could be avoided. But as of today…

“Pope Francis delineates the path of the future life of the church so that it can always be an instrument of mercy toward everyone, without ever excluding anyone,” Archbishop Fisichella.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/world/europe/pope-francis-abortion-priests.html?_r=0

On September 1, 2015, Pope Francis announced he was granting authority to priests to forgive women for the sin of abortion. Women must demonstrate contrition for the forgiveness. The forgiveness was available during the upcoming Catholic holy year of Jubilee. At the time, it was not clear if this forgiveness would be extended after the holy year was completed. Would it be a one-time only offer? The Pope was doing this as an act of mercy during the Catholic year of Jubilee. This Catholic Jubilee year is not to be confused with God’s Jubilee year described by Moses in the Law.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/09/01/pope-allow-priests-forgive-abortion/71502832/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34118105

The Pope is a very likeable guy. He is the Pope of the people. Pope Francis is a nice man and appears to have good intentions. But, the Pope it is not capable of forgiving sin(s). Francis’ word or decree does not cleanse anybody. It is the shedding of Christ’s blood that is the forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9:12 He (Jesus) entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Romans 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Jesus is our High Priest. He is our representative before the Father. At this time (September 2015), we do not need an earthly priest. Pope Francis, a priest, or any other human on earth does not represent us before God the Father.

Hebrews 7:24-26 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.

With Jesus, forgiveness of sin is not a one-time special offer. “For this year only…” No, you can come to Jesus any time you want. It does not have to be a special year or date. When Jesus dealt with sin, it was taken care of once and for all time. All people covered if they are accepting of His effort and payment.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

Romans 6:10a For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all…

The Greek word for “once” is hapax. It means: once, one time, once for all. Christ’s one and only death is enough to cover the sins of the planet across the ages.

Jesus forgives all sins. There is not a list of special exemptions or conditions. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. The Greek word for “all” used by John is pas. Per Strong’s Concordance it means: each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything. All sin is forgiven.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

God saves us from sin via the shed blood of His Son. The fine has been paid. There are no strings or conditions attached. Eternal life is a merciful, gracious gift, plain and simple.

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