SPRINGS OF THE ABYSS

Rare Diamond Shows Earth's Interior Is All Wet, Confirming Long-Held Theory About Mantle

Live Science | by Becky Oskin

Posted 03/12/2014

Here is an exert of the article [I just love the beginning of this article - oh irony]:

"A battered diamond that survived a trip from "hell" confirms a long-held theory: Earth's mantle holds an ocean's worth of water.
"It's actually the confirmation that there is a very, very large amount of water that's trapped in a really distinct layer in the deep Earth," said Graham Pearson, lead study author and a geochemist at the University of Alberta in Canada. The findings were published today (March 12) in the journal Nature."

The entire article can be found at: Ocean's Below

So what is my point ? ? ?

Well this is just another example of secular science catching up to the WORD OF GOD.

THE FLOOD 

Let's take a look at Genesis 7 : 11 :

 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Again in Genesis 8 : 2 - 3

² The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained,

³ and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated...

The Hebrew used here is tehowm [H8415]; which means deep places [subterranean waters] or the Abyss

The windows of heaven refer to the "water" canopy that enclosed the Earth prior to the Flood.

⁶ And God said, “Let there be canopy  in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”

⁷ And God made the canopy and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so.

Genesis 1 : 6 - 7 ESV

So the Flood was two fold [according to Scripture]:

1. The waters below the Earth's crust sprouting up
2. The water canopy above crashing down to the Earth

1 + 2 = Massive GLOBAL flooding of EPIC proportions!!!

My prayer...my hope is that all Believers would learn to trust in the WORD of GOD rather than assume human knowledge is greater.

Be Blessed by the Abundance of HIS GRACE, that is YESHUA the MESSIAH!

~NOtW

Jason

I BELIEVE

"The Working Out Of 

My Salvation"

The above quotation is from a saying which Paul coined in Philippians 2:12.

For me it ties ever so beautifully with the idea of  

continuously "seeking the LORD."

In today's blog, I want to post some additional parameters that I have come to believe.

As an aside, I would encourage you to take an inventory of your Faith...that is take some time to put into writing what you REALLY have come to believe.

What I am about to relay, is in addition to the basic tenets I hold as a follower of YESHUA the MESSIAH.

• I.E. Virgin Birth, death and resurrection, Salvation through JESUS alone, etc.

Let us begin:

• I Believe that HELL is a place for the UNBeliever - John 3:18 & Matthew 12:37

As opposed to the idea of HELL being a destination for the "sinner."  

If that were the case, WE ALL would be condemned to an eternity in HELL.

1 John 2 is NOT suggesting that we will never sin nor that it is possible not to sin.  

If that were the case, HE would be contradicting himself from the earlier verse, and thus making him a liar.

It is generally accepted that John's epistle was directed at thwarting the emergence of "Gnosticism" within the Church.

One school of thought embraced by early Gnoticism was the idea that sin did not exist.

• I Believe that SIN means what it means [both in the Hebrew & Greek] - "to miss the Mark" 

This definition lines up with JESUS' concept of sin; which is FAR more encompassing than the "willful disobedience towards GOD" definition that some have created and seek to ascribe.

• I Believe in preaching INTIMACY over Religiosity - which JESUS himself condemns.

Religiosity boasts of what I can do whereas Intimacy is a humble mindset of  what HE has done for me.  

[It is the Peter versus John mentality]

What is My/Our/Your motivation for following JESUS?

A fear of HELL or a compulsion to Follow HIM because HE first loved me and that only HE can lead me to Eternal Life?
 

I have to ask myself, do people see my relationship with JESUS and say 

"I NEED/WANT THAT!"

or Do I have the opposite effect and act as Spiritual "Bug-spray?"
 

• I Believe that the FATHER saved the best for last, and that the NEW Covenant is a far better Covenant than the Old.

Hebrews 8

• I Believe RIGHT Believing leads to RIGHT living NOT vice versa.

Abraham is a perfect example - Romans 4                        

• I Believe "for by GRACE we have been SAVED through FAITH, and that this is not our own doing - it is the GIFT of GOD, NOT a result of works so that no one may boast. " 

~Ephesians 2:8-9   'nough said!

• I Believe we have yet to see the full effects of the Fruit of GRACE, but we are in fact seeing the Fruit of "mixing new wine with old wineskins" ripening in our generation.

Or to put it more plainly the mixing of OLD Covenant laws with New Covenant principles.
                        

• I Believe in the LAST DAYS knowledge will increase.  Daniel 12:4

This increase in knowledge will affect both the believer and skeptic alike.  

                          

For the believer, it will add a freshness to the way we approach the Scriptures.

Not changing who JESUS was, but allowing for greater clarity and thus deeper intimacy with HIM.

As for the world, their increase in knowledge based primarily on technological advances will serve to only drive them further from the Truth and deeper into despair.

I appreciate you taking the time to read, and please feel free to leave me any comments.

Abundant Grace & Mercy to you,

Jason

The UNFORGIVEABLE Sin

~ A Sin of Disbelief ~

In ALL THREE Gospel Accounts, we read of YESHUA's account of the "unpardonable" sin.

[Matthew 12 : 31 -32 // Mark 3 : 29 // Luke 12 :10]

Seeing that all three gospels found it necessary to record these words of YESHUA, I think it might prove beneficial to study it a little further.

To be sure, some believers get nervous at the mere thought that there could be a "sin" that not even GOD-HIMSELF could forgive.

Hopefully after we are done with this study, you will notice that this is not so much a GOD-issue as it is a human one.

It may be helpful to remember that 

GOD is FOR YOU, 

and HE LOVES YOU 

so do not be fearful of HIS Truth!

Now on to our study . . .

Matthew 12 : 31 -32

[31] Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the SPIRIT will not be forgiven.

• SIN in both the Hebrew and Greek means literally to "miss"
• i.e. to miss the mark - as an arrow misses its target.
• An arrow only needs to be off a fraction to miss its designated target.
• Blasphemy is evil speaking with the intention of "hurting" the reputation of the intended person or thing. 

[32] And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the HOLY SPIRIT will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Why is JESUS so passionate when speaking of the HOLY SPIRIT here?  

And WHO is this HOLY SPIRIT of which HE speaks?

I think once you begin to understand the importance of the HOLY SPIRIT, you will agree that this is the only logical assessment JESUS could have made.

John 14 : 15 - 17 ; 26

[15] If you love ME, you will keep MY commandments. 

[16] And I will ask the FATHER, and HE will give you another ADVOCATE, to be with you forever, 

[17] even the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. You know HIM, for HE dwells with you and will be in you.

John 15 : 26

[26] But when the ADVOCATE comes, whom I will send to you from the FATHER, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, who proceeds from the FATHER, HE will bear witness about ME.

• It is impossible to deny or blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT and accept JESUS as the Messiah, because one cannot deny the other...they are of the same SPIRIT!

~ IF there is a SPIRIT of TRUTH then there must be a Spirit of Error at work as well ~

1 John 4 : 1 - 6

[1] Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from GOD, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

[2] By this you know the Spirit of GOD: every spirit that confesses that JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh is from GOD, 

[3] and every spirit that does not confess JESUS is not from GOD. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 

[4] Little children, you are from GOD and have overcome them, for HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 

[5] They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.

• The World derives their information through Sensory Processing Or to put it another way via Empirical Data collected through the senses.
• Taste, Touch, Sight, Hearing, Smelling.
• The Epitome of this belief system is ATHEISM
• Seeing is Believing philosophy

[6] We are from God. Whoever knows GOD listens to us; whoever is not from GOD does not listen to us. By this we know the SPIRIT of TRUTH and the spirit of error.

GOD's Process Works Differently

• Believing is Seeing philosophy.
• The HOLY SPIRIT or SPIRIT OF TRUTH is to be the lens through which we view things.
• By seeking a relationship with JESUS the MESSIAH, the SPIRIT of TRUTH resides within us!
• In relationship with HIS WORD - The BIBLE - we can learn to discern what is of the world and what is of HIS Kingdom!

~ Have you been RENEWING and TRANSFORMING your MIND To HIS TRUTH ?

I love the charge of  ROMANS 12 : 2

[2] Do not be conformed to this world, but by being transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

• When you became a believer did you commit to renewing and transforming your mind?
• Are you still being renewed and transformed?

This is not a one and done, check it off your list activity . . . This is a continual process!

Just as you are a work in progress!

Only the HOLY SPIRIT can move a person to a place where they REALIZE they are in NEED of Saving!

You see it is quite simple, actually. . .

A "blasphemous" mind-set towards the HOLY SPIRIT [a.k.a. the SPIRIT OF TRUTH] is one that is SELF-condemning.

In order to be saved you must put on a NEW Mindset - one of FAITH in JESUS!

Be Blessed today!

~Jason
NOtW

What Is The Church?

In Pursuit of Man or the Messiah?

I want to discuss one of the more controversial verses found in the Scriptures.  To be sure, there are many controversial statements buried within our Bible.

For me, it is these very verses that not only add to the legitimacy of the WORD, but also provide the greatest amount of spiritual growth.

Let's take a look at Matthew 16 : 13 -18

As a side note, Caesarea Philippi was very hostile territory. Let's be honest, nearly every territory was hostile towards JESUS and HIS disciples - even JESUS' hometown wasn't exactly a picture of acceptance.  It was a Roman City that basked in the worship of Baal and Pan.



13 When JESUS came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

   Let me ask you . . .

• What do men say about JESUS?  Who do they say HE is?  
• What is your experience with sharing/discussing JESUS...at home or at work?  
• KEY : What are you hearing and how does that affect your view of HIM? 

14 And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

• All of these individuals played a part in ushering in or heralding the Coming Messiah - JESUS.
• Part of me has to wonder, if they were simply telling JESUS what they thought he wanted to hear.
• To be sure, the Pharisees and Sadducees were not as "kind" in their descriptions. 

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Here's the kicker . . .

• BUT "Who do  Y O U  say that I am?
• So who do YOU say that HE is?  
• Are you letting those around you influence your understanding of HIM?
• More importantly JESUS wants to know what your understanding of HIM is!

In hostile environments, even hostile times [and I believe these are certainly hostile times] WE as HIS followers NEED to be absolutely sure of who HE is!

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living GOD.

Here is the right answer!

• JESUS is not only the Christ or Messiah - literally "anointed one" BUT HE is also or equally the SON of the Living GOD ! ! !

17 And JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my FATHER which is in heaven.

• It was the HOLY SPIRIT at work here...revealing to Simon this very TRUTH.
• Interestingly enough it is this very declaration in Acts 2:22-47 that brought people to salvation!
• Focus on the message not the messenger - does it point to JESUS?
• Note 3000 thousand souls were saved that day! 
• And some would say the "Church" blossomed that day : )

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

A lesson in Greek Grammar

• Peter here in the Greek is PETROS - it means rock.  Grammatically it is Masculine.
• Strong's Greek #4074
• This rock [which JESUS is referring to] is PETRA - it means a literal rock as in a rock foundation.  Grammatically it is Feminine; therefore it CANNOT be referring to Peter himself or literally.
• Strong's Greek #4073.
• It can however refer to the declaration that Peter made about JESUS - that HE is not only the Messiah but also the SON of the LIVING GOD!

Now for the obvious . . .

• Who is promising to build the Church?  JESUS said HE will build it!  Not Peter!

A side note of the "Church"

• We get Church from the Greek word "EKKLAYSEIA"
• Strong's Greek #1577
• In a literal sense it means an assembly of people "who are called out"

So it is not what is the Church, but WHO is the Church . . . ? 

It is YOU and I declaring JESUS ! ! !

The purpose of the CHURCH is quite simple

TO KNOW JESUS and to make HIM KNOWN

Funny how simple things become when we keep our eyes on HIM . . .

in the midst of controversy there is Peace!

I found this video and it says in 2 minutes what would probably take me 2 hours to explain . . . enjoy

"click on What is the Church"

What is the Church ?

May you be Blessed and encouraged by this teaching!

JESUS really does LOVE you . . . HIS Church!

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 ~