HALLOWEEN

An Opportunity 

To Share

JESUS ?

As I contemplated how JESUS may fit into Halloween a few thoughts came to mind.

Let me preface by saying, "yes, I know that Halloween is a PAGAN holiday in-spite of the Church's attempt to legitimize it."  For those of you who know me, that is putting it mildly.

Personally, I believe that abstinence is the best policy when it comes to some of these traditions.  

B U T  .   .   .

Let's be honest with each other for a moment.  I think we can agree that Halloween isn't going anywhere. 

It is safe to say, that our culture in general has become obsessed with the celebration of Halloween.  I can almost smell the dollar signs oozing out of my Halloween cupcakes!

 In fact, it seems that even the "strictest" of Christians give in to the excitement of Halloween.

Don't think so?  

Well, I know of a number of youth groups that have had to cancel this Halloween in fear of low turn-out.

So what's a Christian to do?

~ P R E A C H   T H E   G O O D   N E W S ~

Let's turn to Paul for some insight on these matters.

[4:1] I charge you in the presence of GOD and of Christ JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 
[2] preach the WORD; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

(2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)

Let's take every opportunity to:

• Teach our children about the Good News of JESUS
• Preach the Good News to the lost

Now you may be saying, "Sounds great...but HOW do I do it".

Simply engage your children...have a conversation with them...ask them what they think Halloween means in lieu of their FAITH in JESUS.

• You may be surprised by their responses...I know I was!

In my attempt to explain JESUS through the pagan holiday of Halloween, I have come to appreciate some stunning symbolism locked up within this tradition.

• Without JESUS every day would be like Halloween!
• Scary, dark and foreboding with no real beauty or life.
• Halloween celebrates death, whereas JESUS brings Life!

• Trick or Treat
• satan is a deceiver, who "tricks" us in believing a lie.
• John 8:44
• JESUS on the other hand, offers us fullness of life represented by "treats"
• remember all good things come from GOD! ~James 1:17

Anyway, let's remember to keep JESUS at the center of all things!

As Paul said,

[2] For I decided to know nothing among you except JESUS Christ and HIM crucified.

(1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV)

This Halloween may we share that same resolve!

May it prove to be an opportunity to PREACH THE WORD rather than taking a "break" from it!

May the LORD add HIS blessings to this teaching. . .

In The News

? Demonic Activity ?

Here we go again!

* * * W A R N I N G * * *

Let me preface by saying, this posting is not for the faint of heart.

The headlines in Hawley, PA read:

Cops: Naked, Bloody Man Gnawed on Woman's Head During Wild Neighborhood Rampage
This echoes the Miami incident that occurred this summer.

Miami Police Shoot, Kill Man Eating Another Man's Face

So what is GOING ON ? ? ?

Maybe you don't care, even though you should . . . 

Maybe you don't want to be awakened out of your comfy little slumber. . .

Truth be told, I can't say I even blame you.

BUT for some of us, the REALITY of JESUS' return is so real that it super-cedes any worldly attempt to suppress the TRUTH. 

CHURCH 

WE ARE AT WAR!

As Christians, we need to ask ourselves 
"Why are we seeing such VISIBLY bizarre demonic activity in the U.S. all of a sudden?"

I can assure you these are not isolated incidents, and I would venture to say we will see an increase of such activity.

Do some research, read the articles:  Super-human strength, Naked and growling???

It reminds me of JESUS and HIS encounter with "Legion" at Gerasenes.


[26] Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 
[27] When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. [28] When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 
[29] For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)
[30] Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. [31] And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.

(Luke 8:26-31 ESV)

My purpose is not to cause fear and panic, BUT rather to create a sense of awareness.

Remember GREATER is HE who is in you than he who is in the world!

May our LORD grant us eyes to see and wisdom to understand.

~Blessings

GOD-CENTRIC PRAYER

What's

Y  O  U  R

Motivation

For HIS Manifestation!

This blog is dedicated to a sermon Sr. Pastor Brandon Bruce and I preached on August12th, 2012 at Faith Church in Lansing.  

My hope is that our message would encourage you to take a deeper look at the 

motivations behind your prayer life. 

I have provided the link to the message below

The Heart of Prayer

I have also included my sermon notes below for further reflection.

When you pray, are you looking for a BREAKTHROUGH in your LIFE or HIS KINGDOM?

• Are you seeking  a deeper PERSONAL Relationship or PERSONAL Profit?

The problem for some of us, is that our prayer life is still patterned after our “fleshly” desires

A Proper Perspective of Prayer

ECCLESIASTES 5 : 1 & 2

 [1] Guard your steps when you go to the house of GOD,

• This carries a sense of keep or watch what you are “standing” on –WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?

• Are your motives and intentions in line with GOD?

• Do you posses a sense or an attitude of entitlement when you pray? 

To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

• Are you open to being TOLD something OR is your heart set on “telling” something.

We need to realize that we are vessels to be used by GOD rather than trying to figure out the secret formula to get GOD to do our “bidding”.

• The Fool treats GOD like a GENIE in a LAMP.

[2] Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before GOD:

• Know what is in your heart and WHAT you are REQUESTING

• JESUS says in Luke 6:45 – “…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

• When I reflect on my prayers I find it interesting how my words mirror my intentions.

• Does our prayer life sound more like NEGOTIATIONS rather than SUPPLICATIONS? 

for GOD is in heaven, and you are on earth: therefore let you words be few.

Isaiah 55 : 9 
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”

• Who knows best?

• So often we want to outline exactly how we want our requests to unfold!

• Instead of listening, we give GOD the script for how we want it go all go down!

• BE OPEN to the WAY GOD may answer your Prayer.

o   When We Pray for FAITH – GOD creates situations in which our FAITH “can” be increased

o   When We Pray to be used by GOD – and when HE tries to use us, we say “NOT in THAT way!”

~ Self-reflection ~ 

Think of something you really would like to see happen in your life...something LIFE changing!

• When it comes to that "thing" can you pray “LORD, I would really like “fill in the blank” BUT if it is going to interfere with our relationship then I do not want it!”

• Ask yourself, Who really stands to benefit?  You Or GOD?

Finally, let me encourage you to:

MOVE PAST THE TEMPORAL and MOVE INTO THE ETERNAL

•  Why Invest so much time and energy into those things which perish and fade away ?

• Why not start investing in the ETERNAL ?

GOD has a wonderful plan for you will you let HIM reveal HIS heart to you?

I pray that the GOD whom we serve may add HIS blessings to this teaching.

~ For the KING and To HIS Kingdom ~

JESUS our Sabbath

Are YOU 

Resting In

HIM ?

To this day there is much debate as to which day believers ought to gather to corporately worship the LORD.

Some denominations hold to their Hebraic roots and claim Saturday as the “appropriate” day of worship.  Still others, point to the fact that the Apostles themselves gathered on Sunday – a.k.a. Resurrection day.

Although to most Christians this is simply a matter of semantics, to some this is a VERY pertinent part of their theology.  In fact, denominations have been formed to address this very issue – Seventh Day Adventists.

My purpose in addressing this topic is NOT to discredit any of these denominations.  Rather I have learned to see these areas of disagreement as opportunities for Spiritual growth...opportunities to see the Messiah JESUS more clearly, more fully.

I do find it interesting, however, that we LIMIT ourselves to a SINGLE day of worship.

Is that what GOD really wants from us?

This to me speaks to the REAL root of the problem .

~ What is Sabbath?

• In the Greek [New Testament] it used as a direct reference the Hebraic understanding of the Sabbath [see below].
• In Hebrew [Old Testament] it denotes a time of “ceasing” or “rest”
• For the Hebrew, the Sabbath was the most Holiest of days.
• It is the term used in Genesis 2 : 2 when referring to GOD “resting” or “ceasing” from HIS creative activities.
• This then became the model for the Sabbath day for the Hebrews. 
• In JESUS’ time, the Pharisees had transformed this idea of “ceasing” to the highest degree.  No work of any type was to be performed on the Sabbath.
• This is why JESUS drew HEAVY criticism when he “healed”  and when HIS disciples plucked some grain to eat on the Sabbath.

Scriptural References:

• Mark 3 : 1 – 6
• I find it interesting that JESUS “did” much on the Sabbath.
• Mark 2 : 23 - 28

When questioned about the Sabbath, JESUS makes a very interesting declaration.

• Mark 2 : 27
• And he said unto them, The SABBATH was made for man, and not man for the SABBATH.

• Just as JESUS was certainly given to US for our benefit

I contend that JESUS is our SABBATH – our rest!

• In HIM we cease, while HE accomplishes HIS Father’s work through us!

I further suggest that we are to take REST in HIM daily!

• We are to be in continual worship –Not just Saturday or Sunday
• Hebrews 13 : 15
• Through HIM [JESUS] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to HIS name.

JESUS says in

• Matthew 11 : 28 – 29
• [28] Come unto ME, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  [29] Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

• The word here has the same connotation as that of the Sabbath – ceasing or resting.

Now I am NOT suggesting that we boycott Saturday or Sunday communal worship.  It is crucial that we come together and ENCOURAGE one another!

• See Hebrews 10 : 24 – 25

I am saying, however, that we need to realize that as Believers we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit…the Spirit of Truth…the very SPIRIT OF CHRIST ! !

And yet we often ignore this very SPIRIT for the majority of the week

And we wonder why our lives are so ineffective…

Maybe . . .

• your work has you feeling unfulfilled
• your marriage has you frustrated
• perhaps your health is failing

Whatever it is that you have been feverishly working on and not seeing the fruits of your labor. . .

Remember to REST in HIM…JESUS your SABBATH!

~ May the LORD add HIS blessings to these words ~

HIGH PLACES

P E R G A M O S

I believe the  Scriptures directed the holy ones of the past, and I believe it guides us to this very day...indeed to this very hour!

I believe the WORD of GOD transcends time and space to speak to us, often in a repetitive fashion.

I want to take a look at Revelation; specifically Revelation 2 : 12 - 13.

Let me lay it out here:

 [12 ] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;


[13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat or throne [is]: and thou holdest fast MY name, and hast not denied MY faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] MY faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.




Ok...did you catch that?




Pergamos or Pergamum is identified with Satan's dwelling place.

• Verse 13 - Tells us it is where his throne or seat is 
• Keep in mind satan is a fallen angel.  
• He is NOT a god or demi-god.
• He is not omni-present or all-knowing, so it would stand to reason that he would have a location of operation.

WOW!  

What a great piece of information that often goes over-looked!

Here is a little history on Pergamos:

• It was an ancient greek city meaning "Married to the Tower"
• if your hair just stood up, it should have!

• It was a coastal city located in modern-day Turkey [just East of the Aegean Sea].

• It was a HIGHLY cultural city with an upper and lower Acropolis.

• 'It was the epitome of Greek Culture, and a literal monument of sorts to the domination of the Grecian Empire' ~wikipedia

* * * K E Y    P O I N T S * * *

1. Pergamos comes from the Greek words

• Pergos meaning tower
• Gamos meaning married

. . .hence the name "Married to the Tower"

As a believer your mind should take you back to the Tower of Babel, because what went on in Pergamos is very similar.

  2. The next term we need to clarify is ACROPOLIS.

• This simply means a hill city or high place.

       Recall how the pagan religions of the Old Testament period often 

       worshiped in the High Places, thus the LORD GOD forbade it!

It is reflective of human efforts to go up to god

whereas it is 

GOD's plan for HIM to come down to us!

   3.  The Hebrew word for "high places" is Bamah

• Strongs H1116 [I encourage you to do a word study]

Based on that Hebraic understanding, here is what I find rather "ironic"...

Below is an Associated Press article surrounding Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention held in Denver, Co.

Matt Sayles/Associated PressEarlier this week workers prepare the stage at Invesco Field, the scheduled site for Barack Obama's acceptance speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.

DENVER -- Sen. Barack Obama will take a significant political risk Thursday when he accepts the Democratic nomination for president in Invesco Field, a 76,000-person stadium on a stage set with faux-Greek columns, accompanied by a cast of world-famous pop stars and followed by fireworks.

Democratic strategists said the goal was to play to Obama's strengths, highlighting his youth, energy, and talent for speaking before large audiences. 

But others worried it could backfire, playing into the hands of Republicans who have spent the last month portraying Obama as a vanity candidate with charisma and a heavy dose of arrogance, but little substance and not enough seasoning for the White House.

"The advantage is that it puts him at his best -- he's a great speaker, he moves audiences quite emotionally, so I think there's a great advantage for him," said Christopher Arterton, dean of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. "But the McCain effort to paint him as a celebrity is something he has to watch, and if this comes off as closer to a rock concert as opposed to a speech to a nation from someone likely to be president, I think it could be detrimental."

The white-washed plywood columns in particular became the fodder for much merriment Wednesday, as aerial photos of the stage set at at Mile High, the home of the NFL Denver Broncos, made them look like a papier-mache Acropolis.

Republicans, who have taken to ridiculing Obama as "The One," mocked the "Temple of Obama" and advised reporters on what styles of togas they might wear to the event. Democrats retorted by circulating a photo of President Bush flanked by faux neoclassical columns for his acceptance of the GOP nomination in 2004.

"This does put him [Obama] in an awkward setting where it's this, 'I'm coming from Mount Olympus to save you' sort of thing -- you have to be very careful with that imagery," said Wayne Lesperance, a political scientist at New England College in Henniker, N.H., who also said the venue could create an "exciting, invigorating, fun, upbeat atmosphere."

Republican strategist David Winston said he found the columns puzzling more than anything.

"I just don't understand how it mixes with the theme of change," he said. "I would have expected something more high-tech."

The music cast had not been officially released as of press time, but Stevie Wonder was doing a sound-check late Wednesday afternoon, and reports were circulating that Sheryl Crow, Will.I.Am. and perhaps even Bruce Springsteen would perform. 

© 2012 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.

* * * D I S C L A I M E R * * *

I am NOT suggesting that President Obama is the Anti-Christ.  

However, I do find it rather Providential that the name "bamah" is associated with Acropolis or high places.

I do think we'd better perk up and pay attention to what "may" be happening in the world today; dare I say, especially in these end times!

If you want my honest opinion, I do think he could be a model of the future Anti-Christ...

• On the one-hand appearing peaceful and diplomatic while on the other hand doing the complete opposite behind "closed" doors.
• To be sure this has been going on LONG before the Obama administration - yes, even Republican led administrations.
• My point is that there is an interesting connection at this point in time in our history.
• Is this Coincidental or Providential ? ? ?

Here is what further fascinated me:

The Great Altar of Pergamon is in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin. The base of this altar remains on the upper part of the Acropolis. It was perhaps this altar, believed to be dedicated to Zeus, that John of Patmos referred to as "Satan's Throne" in his Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:13).

~Wikipedia  

Why build a Museum to that Place [Pergamos]?




So I thought, maybe it's not so much a "European" thing as it is a German fascination.


Until I found this. . .


What I am about to show you, is not new in many Christian circles, but it often goes unaccounted in mainstream "Christianity."

On the left is a drawing by Pieter Brueghel depicting the Tower of Babel.

To the right, is the European Union building in Strasbourg, France.

The two appear eerily similar. . .hmmmmm

When Europe first began its push for closer ties and integration among member nations

 in the 1990s, it created the caption:   "Europe: Many Tongues, One Voice". 

To promote this hope of the future, it created  a poster of the Council of Europe that depicted

the European Community as the Tower of Babel under construction, with twelve starts representing the (then) twelve nations of the European Union.

Europe - Many Tongues, One Voice?

from the February 25, 2003 eNews issue

I find it amazing how the caption "Europe: Many Tongues, One Voice" speaks in direct rebellion/ defiance to what the LORD GOD did to the inhabitants of Babel in Genesis 11: 1-9.

• Where as the LORD took one voice and made it many tongues! 
• Did you notice the "inverted" stars?

Check out this image below!

     

It is a picture of Europa ~ A woman Riding The Beast outside EU building in Brussels Belgium

Brussels has also been coined as the “Capital of the World” and the “Capital of the EU”

Again, this is another reference to Greek Mythology.

All these symbols have meaning...they were not haphazardly put together.  

Many resources and much time was committed to these plans.

My point is not to label the E.U as the Kingdom of the Anti-Christ, but rather to show how these things can happen if we are not paying attention!

JESUS said, "he who is not with ME is against ME; and he who does not gather with ME scatters..." [Matthew 12:30]

Again, I think the EU could present for us a model of the future kingdom of the Anti-Christ.


JESUS was very clear about the two distinct "kingdoms" at work in the world - HIS and the fallen one.

I think all these things/events [and many more] are signs to keep us focused on the return of our KING, YESHUA!

The LORD GOD whom we serve, is trying to keep us in the game!

Do not be lulled to sleep!  

It is late in the hour, keep watch!

~ May the LORD add HIS blessings to this teaching ~ 

Temple Update

Prophecy In Motion ?

One of the more distinguishing characteristics of Biblical prophecy revolves around the re-building of the Temple in Jerusalem.

• Commonly referred to as the Third and final temple.
• It is important to note there can be NO sacrifices without a Temple.
• This is to be the Temple of the Jewish Messiah; which ironically marks the rise of the Christian Anti-Christ.
• According to Judaism, their Messiah will bring World Peace.
• It's location must be the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The information I am about to share comes from the Temple Institute - a Jewish organization NOT Christian.

If you are not familiar with this organization, do it NOW!  

Due to the importance of this organization, I have included a direct link to their website on my blog under NOTEWORTHY LINKS.


My point is this, before the LORD's return, a Third and Final Temple will be built.

Here are the Scriptural references to put some of this into context.  Although I have only given you the "highlights", I would strongly recommend you read the entire Chapter. 

Revelation 11 : 1 - 2

• Indicating the measuring of the Temple of GOD

[1] Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 

[2] but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 

[3] And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

• 1260 days indicates 3 1/2 years [there are 360 days in a Hebraic year]
• The Anti-Christ's "peaceful" rule is 3 1/2 years where he allows the Jewish people to rebuild there Temple.

(Revelation 11:1-3 ESV)

This is a direct reference to Daniel 9 : 27

[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.”

(Daniel 9:27 ESV)

• The "he" spoken of is the "prince to come" or anti-Christ [verse 26]
• In Daniel one week is symbolic of one year
• so half of the week is 3 1/2 years or 1260 days

Now that we have the logistics out of the way, please click on "If You Build It, They Will Come" below to get an update of some ground-breaking, unprecedented developments on the progress of the re-building of the Third Temple.

If You Build It, They Will Come 

Please bear in mind that they already been working diligently on the following:

• Recreating the Temple tools; such as the bronze laver

Bronze Laver

• Blueprints for building of the actual Temple are finalized!

Temple Blueprints

• Fashioning of the Priestly Garments!
• Performing DNA screening to locate Priests who are descendants of Aaron's line!

I am not saying JESUS is coming back tomorrow, but I AM saying Scripture is crystal clear that HE is coming back...and it could be tomorrow!

~May the LORD GOD whom we serve direct your paths and guide you as you seek . . .