Introduction

Basic Christian: blog History Study - The 8 Kingdoms of the World (PDF)
Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, [Revised Rome - NWO] Antichrist, Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ. [article link]

Basic Christian: blog Bible Study - Genesis - Revelation (PDF)
The complete Basic Christian blog Bible Study covering Genesis to Revelation in PDF format. [article link]

The blog Bible Study has concluded the Bible study portion! - Sometime after Holy Week and Resurrection Day (Easter) the study will continue with some ancient history and Church history segments - Thanks to everyone for your participation and especially for your prayers!
The blog Bible Study concluded fairly quickly - I had looked at the website visitor logs a couple of weeks ago and saw that people were scattered all throughout the study though primarily in the New Testament while the study was blogging O.T. studies at the time and that's a good thing because the material is designed to be a self-help service but with people so scattered [though many people were current] I decided to move along and if at all possible conclude the study and the study has been concluded. The material is now available as a complete resource for the convenience of anyone who wants to use it. The study really turned into an amazing, fascinating study! I learned a lot during the study and I mostly learned that I need to spend more time reading the Bible and being in prayer, and in fellowship and just in general being in a Christian life. We serve a Great God!!! Thanks to everyone especially for your prayers - the study truly encountered the heights of Heaven and the depths of other things unmentionable and through it all it was the prayers of the Saints in fellowship that gave us a tremendous victory! After Holy Week we will continue with the history portion of the study but in the time before Holy Week it seems like a good opportunity to look at some areas and aspects of the events of Holy Week as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week 2010. Then after Holy Week and some history segments the blog will continue with some basic Topical Bible studies and devotions. -- God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown [article link]

Update Summer 2010: The Majesty and Glory of King Jesus Christ! "All Blessings, Honor, Glory, Majesty and Praise to the King and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ" - The Basic Christian Ministry is currently undergoing the series "The 8 Kingdoms of the World" regarding the Majesty and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ
Basic Christian has recently completed the 'blog Bible Study' and is currently in the process of the 'blog History Study' including the '8 Kingdoms of the World' study. The current plan is to study at a slower pace than the fast paced blog Bible Study and also to insert a couple of Topical Studies before the 8 Kingdom Study really gets back on track. Ideally the plan is to really get into the 8 Kingdom Study this Fall and then conclude the 8 Kingdoms (Kings) study just before we celebrate Christmas 2010 and the birth of the King the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 2:2). Then to spend the time from Christmas to Resurrection Day Easter (2011) studying Christian Church History as we prepare for Resurrection Day 2011 and the birth of the Christian Church - the Christian Church having started on the Resurrection Day of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [article link]

A Basic Christian Study: The Christian Apostles {Note: To say that the Christian Church only started at Pentecost [50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ] and not on the Resurrection Sunday of Jesus (Luke 24:45, John 20:22) is to say that the Apostles were not Christians [the entire 40 days that Jesus met with them after His resurrection and before His ascension] it wipes out the [True] Christian Apostolic dispensation [lasting only 40 days] and with it a great part of the foundation that the Christian Church is founded and based upon.}
Matthew 10:2-4 Now the names of the Twelve Apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. -- Matthew 28:18-20 And [40 days after the resurrection] Jesus came and spake unto them [Apostles], saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations [the Christian Apostles' doctrine], baptizing them [converts to Christianity] in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them [fellow Christians] to observe all things whatsoever I [Jesus Christ] have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you [Disciples] alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. -- Acts 2:42 And they [Pentecost converts to Christianity] continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. -- 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 After that [first resurrection days of Jesus - being seen by Peter and the {remaining} 12 Apostles {at that time only 11 Apostles} and then over 500 resurrection witnesses at one time], He [resurrected Jesus] was seen of James [Gospel of James - son of Joseph and half-brother of Jesus]; then of all the Apostles [who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ]. **And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me [Apostle Paul - The 12th Apostle, Judas' replacement - chosen by God (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, etc.) not by the casting of lots (Acts 1:26)] also, *as of one born out of due time [missing the 40 days of the Apostle dispensation]. For I [Apostle Paul/Saul] am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. -- Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye [Gentiles] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the [Jewish] Saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon *the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, **Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief [foundation] Corner Stone; In [Jesus Christ] whom all the [Temple] building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation [living place] of God through the [Holy] Spirit. [article link]

Update: Coming in the next weeks the study of the "Fall Feasts of Israel" - The first of three Feasts is Rosh Hashanah [Feast of Trumpets] Thursday 9 September 2010 (not 9/11 as was previously posted in error) - It also looks like in the coming study we might divert again into some more End Time scenarios
Also: There should be several postings to upcoming Audio and Mp3 postings from other various Ministries. -- Then there are a couple more topics that I want to suggest before we begin our actual 8 Kingdoms study that is coming soon. It has been on my heart to go over some material regarding "original sin" and the error of "infant salvation" two topics that generally seem to be getting further and further apart from standard Biblical precepts. [Hint: Sin originated with Adam and Eve and is (physically) passed down through the human bloodline to each generation - presumable each person inherits the sin background and potential from the previous two or three generations.] -- Looking forward to the coming studies and material postings ~ God bless everyone, David Anson Brown [article link]

[3 Fall Feasts 2010] Rosh Hashanah in 2010 is Sundown Wednesday, the 8th of September and will continue for 2 days until Sundown Friday, the 10th of September 2010 - Then Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement] is on Saturday, the 18th of September 2010 - Sukkot [Feast of Booths] in 2010 will start on Sunset Wednesday, the 22nd of September and will continue for 7 days [1 week] until Wednesday, the 29th of September 2010. {Jerusalem time is +7 hours (later) than NY time and +10 hours (later) than West Coast time.}
Rosh Hashanah in 2011 will start on Thursday, the 29th of September and will continue for 2 days until Friday, the 30th of September. *Note that in the Jewish calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Jews will celebrate Rosh HaShanah on the **Sunset of Wednesday, the 28th of September until Friday, the 30th of September 2011. [article link]

THE FIRST 69 WEEKS [Global Gentile Kingdoms] OF THE 70 WEEKS OF DANIEL - "Calculation of the 69 Weeks" - PALM SUNDAY [actually Saturday], DAY 173,880 MARKS THE TERMINUS OF THE 69 WEEKS - This then, is that all important number that Scotland Yard Inspector *Sir Robert Anderson (29 May 1841 - 15 November 1918) arrived at for the 69 weeks - He did this work in the late 19th century [1800's] and wrote the book, "The Coming Prince" outlining his discoveries - For a fuller outlining of the calculations involved for the first 69 weeks see article #8 in this series or click on the chart below - These are calculations you can verify yourself [I have to confirm it but apparently Robert Anderson's 69th Week calculation ended on Saturday but he felt 1 day was missing from his (Solar - Sun based) timeline adjustments so he added 1 day to conclude on Palm Sunday (in keeping with the modern tradition) instead of on the actual Saturday [Sabbath Day] Triumphal Entry of the Bible.] {Note: The 69th Week of Daniel concluded on Saturday the Triumphal Entry day of Jesus into Jerusalem fulfilling the 1st of the 8 Feast Days of Leviticus 23. While the [2,000 year] gap exists between the 69th and 70th (Revelation - Tribulation Week - final 7 years) is waiting to be fulfilled many of the 8 Feasts [at least 6 of the 8] are being fulfilled. Also Note: Apparently any way that the math is done the 69th Week ends about Passover 32 A.D. within 25 or so days without taking into account any necessary calendar adjustments that bring the calculation to the day of (Palm Saturday) or within a day of traditional Palm Sunday. -- Jesus being 33½ years old at His death and resurrection. John the Baptist began his Levitical ministry at the priestly age of 30 and then Jesus six months younger than John the Baptist began His (reconciliation) Melchizedek Priesthood duties also at 'about' the age of 30 (Luke 3:23). Jesus' birth is marked as the year 0 then at 29 A.D. [30 years old] began to minster on earth for 3½ years concluding in 32 A.D. [during Passover in Jerusalem 32 A.D.] in the 33rd year of Jesus' physical life on earth.}
THE 70 WEEKS BEGINS WITH THE EDICT OF ARTAXERXES LONGINUS [King of Persia (Iran) - 4th Global Gentile Kingdom]. THE AUTHORITY TO RESTORE THE POLITICAL SOVEREIGNTY OF JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN TO NEHEMIAH. And how would the 70 weeks begin? On a certain special day in holy history a king would issue a royal edict. The story is told in Nehemiah chapter 2. And as the new moon of Nisan came up that year Nehemiah, his cup-bearer, laid out the burden of a scattered people to the supreme ruler of Persia. Nehemiah had been sad as he had remembered Israel's former Passovers in happier times. Now the holy city was under the sovereignty of the Medo-Persians, the superpower of that time. And in spite of a rebuilt temple and the return of many from Judah the city was still in ruins. It was a day of high drama. In fear of his very life Nehemiah had asked the king for something of a very sensitive nature. He was asking Artaxerxes for permission to restore the city of Jerusalem, its walls and its gates. He was, in effect, asking for a royal edict allowing the Jewish House of Judah to return with supplies, money, and royal authority to restore the sovereignty of the Holy City as a self-governing city-state. This was a very tense moment. He could have been executed for this. But Nehemiah found favor in the eyes of the king. And the Medo-Persian ruler Artaxerxes Longimanus issued that all important decree. It was a stupendous day in holy history. The edict given by Artaxerxes in his 20th year was highly significant. It gave permission for the political restoration of the city of Jerusalem. -- Medo-Persia was the world superpower of the time. This edict would give authority for returning Jews to do something they had not been able to do before. They were being given this edict in the peace, security, and and superpower protection of Artaxerxes to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. The City of Shalom, the city of the coming Prince of Peace was to be restored. Soon its walls and gates would be rebuilt. And it would function as a sovereign city-state. The key to all this was the stipulating of restoration of "gates and walls". The "city gates" were the entrance to the city. This was more than just a portal for entry. The city gate was an enclosed structure, the place where the town elders sat and judged in all sorts of governmental matters. This edict, would set in motion the restoration of the integrity and sovereignty of Jerusalem as a self-governing city-state. King Cyrus is often mentioned in this context of the 70 weeks prophecy. But this earliest edict was given nearly 90 years earlier in 537 B.C.. The edict of Cyrus is outlined in Ezra chapter 1. The edict given by Cyrus was a proclamation of emancipation for the captives of Judah. It had its religious side to it as well. Cyrus had given them a grant and every encouragement the returning Jews to rebuild the Temple. But the political side to the equation was missing. Because in the Cyrus decree (and also the decree of Artaxerxes given to Ezra 80 years later in 457 B.C.), there was no mention of any permission being given to attend to the restoration of gates and walls of the city of Jerusalem. Cyrus had not given this critical permission for restoration of political sovereignty. That would come in the century to follow and only with the grant given to Nehemiah in 445 B.C.. This is an extremely important point overlooked by many Bible teachers. -- These earlier edicts allowed the Jews to return to the land of Israel and to rebuild the Hebrew Temple in Jerusalem. And they did return, initially experiencing some delays due to opposition in the land. Finally, in the time period 520 B.C. to 516 B.C. and after the exhortations of Habakkuk the rebuilding program got under way under the able leadership of Zerubbabel. The following century would see another significant event, the decree of Artaxerxes in his 7th year in 457 B.C.. This came about by a revival among the Jews who remained in Persia. That revival began like all revivals. The Word of God was shared with the people. The discovery of the scrolls was followed by a public reading of the Torah by the scribe Ezra. This is what sparked the revival of interest by the Jewish exiles. Suddenly, they remembered their destiny. Soon after the edict was issued large numbers of former captives began returning back to Jerusalem. It was Ezra who prepared the hearts of the people, not only for another Aliyah to the Land but also for the civic responsibilities that would come later on under Nehemiah. But it was only after the later edict given to Nehemiah that the city of Jerusalem would be restored to political sovereignty. We know for a certainty that neither Zerubbabel or Ezra had rebuilt the walls and gates. Because when Nehemiah came along, (and this was eight years after Ezra in the spring of 445 B.C.), Nehemiah had received sad news. We read (in Nehemiah 2) that he had been told that the walls of Jerusalem were still in ruins. And the gates were burned with fire. There were some sad social consequences to this. The city walls were a broken shell. and offered no had no civic protection. And so the people camped out within these broken down walls were being oppressed by marauders. It was still a wild Persian territory without the law and order that brings peace and security. This is what prompted Nehemiah to petition the king. As the king's cup-bearer he was in a privileged position to take the bull by the horns and to pop the big question. As he did so he was trembling. In this act he was actually taking his life in his hands. If the king did not give his scepter and his favor Nehemiah was a dead man. His request would be regarded as a rebellious act against the Persian realms. He could have been charges with treason and executed speedily. But Nehemiah, as the king's cup-bearer was energized by the God of Israel. And so he asked the king to allow the Jewish returnees to rebuild the city walls and gates. This was no light matter. This act of rebuilding and restoration was not just a beautification program. This rebuilding of city infrastructure would restore the city of Jerusalem as an independent sovereign city-state. -- And so it was, that in 445 B.C., in the month of Nisan, the Persian King Artaxerxes Longimanus in his 20th year would receive a petition from his Jewish butler. And Artaxerxes would issue a royal edict to allow the restoration of Jerusalem, God's holy city. (Neh.1-2) This was not an obscure event. It was a highly significant event and it was recorded in the pages of holy history. This edict we see showcased in Nehemiah 2 would set the clock ticking for the seventy weeks of Daniel. 173,880 days later, the people of God, and the city of Jerusalem, would come to a pivotal and epic moment in holy history. In all of His three and a half year earthly ministry this particular day would be a time like no other. On this specific and momentous day, in the springtime of 32 A.D., in the month of Nisan, and on the 10th day of the moon, they would see their coming Prince! On this special day He would enter into His holy city! [article link]

Re: Rapture on the feast of trumpets - The 2 Witnesses are really the key to understanding the timing of [not] the 1st Resurrection [but the] and Rapture! {Ok, so the Feast of Trumpets is a Two Day Feast, both in the days of Jesus and also in our modern day. The two days are necessary to 1. Establish and confirm the New Moon event by two witnesses (usually on a darkened hill in the country outside the lights and distractions of the city of Jerusalem) 2. To relay the news of the New Moon and the start of a New Year to Jerusalem and also to other cities throughout Israel. Though the primary focus is on the Two Witnesses and of an accurate and reliable New Moon [Lunar Calendar] sighting. -- With the 8 Feasts of Leviticus 23 being fulfilled in order [Sabbath - Triumphal Entry being the first fulfilled] and Pentecost [5th of the 8 Feasts] being the last initiated/ fulfilled Feast and the Feast of Trumpets [the 6th Feast] is the next Feast in order to be initiated/fulfilled. Since all the Feasts are initiated in Jerusalem the question then becomes are the Two Witnesses of Revelation (Revelation 11:3-12) the Two Witnesses that will Witness the lunar New Moon and bring in the Tribulation Period? - The Two Witnesses of Revelation prophesy for 1,260 days or 3½ years but their 3½ years seems to start prior to the revealing of the Antichrist and during the reign (or at the start) of the reign of Antichrist the False Prophet (Revelation 11:7) is going to make war with and kill the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem.}
The 2 Witnesses are really the key to understanding the timing of [not] the 1st Resurrection and Rapture! Let me explain... In Matt 24:36 & Mark 13:32 when Jesus' disciples asked him when will these things be fulfilled, he answered them "On the day and the hour no one knows, not even the angels, but the Father in Heaven." Jesus was actually pointing to the Feast of Trumpets by using the Jewish idiom describing this feast. Of the 7 Feasts of the Lord, it is the only one that begins on the 1st day of the month so no one knows the exact day or hour... until the New Moon comes out. You see in the Hebrew lunar calendar a month can either be 29 or 30 days, so the custom is to wait for at least 2 witnesses to see the New Moon, then the start of the feast is declared. In Rev 11:7-12 is the prophecy of the 2 Witnesses. At the end of their 3.5 yrs of testimony (end of GT) they were killed by the Beast and their bodies left in the street of Jerusalem, 3.5 days later they came back to life and a voice from heaven called them "COME UP HITHER!" and they rise up to the sky. Do you see the parallel meaning of this event? Their resurrection marks the momentous fulfillment of the prophecy of The Feast of Trumpets! The 2 Witnesses are actually declaring the start of the Feast in the tradition of Ancient Israel when at least 2 witnesses must see the New Moon for "the day and the hour." The 2 Witnesses ARE [NOT] the first of the First-Fruits leading the Resurrection of the saints and then the Rapture of the elect! [article link]

Revelation 11 - The 3rd Temple in Jerusalem is measured and described - At the time that the Disciple John was writing this in about 95 A.D. the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem had already been destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Legions of forces of Rome -- 'Revelation 11:1-2 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the Angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the Temple of God [3rd Temple], and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the Temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city [Jerusalem] shall they tread under foot forty and two months [3½ years].' - Note: There are several 3½ year segments in the Tribulation time period however they are not all a part of the same 7 year period. This 42 month period could be well under way before the Rapture then the 3½ years of the Two Witnesses could occur right after the Rapture and at the start of the 7 years of Tribulation. Just keep in mind that there are multiple 3½ year periods with different starting times and different completion times.
Revelation 11:3-13 And I [God] will give power unto my Two Witnesses [Two Prophets - possibly Moses and Elijah], and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days [1,260 days, 3½ years - 360 days in a Biblical prophetic year], clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth (Zechariah 4:3). And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them [the Two Witnesses], he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city [Jerusalem], which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations *shall see [via global television] their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood [resurrection] upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: **and *the *remnant were affrighted, and **gave glory to the God of heaven. The *second *woe [demonic infestation - demons from the bottomless pit] is past; and, behold, the third woe [Satan himself - Antichrist] cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign [the 8th Kingdom] for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the Nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the Temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His Temple the Ark of His Testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. - Note: The 7th global Kingdom of mankind gives way to the Kingdom of God, the 8th Kingdom, the eternal Righteous Kingdom of Jesus Christ. [article link]

Basic Christian: Jesus Walk 10 Day Timeline Devotion for Easter, Holy Week - The Eight Appointed Holy Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23
Feasts Observed on the Seventh month (Tishri) [approx. September - October] Corresponding to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Trumpets - "Leviticus 23:23-25 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an Holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." The offering of fire is likely the Baptism of Fire that the Christian is undergoing since the Flames of Fire upon the heads of the believers occurring at the Feast of Pentecost. The Trumpet is an announcement and in this case it is an announcement for God's people to gather together into one place. For the Church this is very likely fulfilled in the Rapture, the calling by God of His Church into Heaven to be with Him and to escape His coming judgment that is about to come upon the entire world of non-believers. "Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the voice which I heard was as it were of a Trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." -- Atonement: "Leviticus 23:27-32 Also on the Tenth day of this Seventh month there shall be a day of Atonement." This feast in a large part was completed at the cross of Jesus as Jesus is the Atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Atonement is the repair the mending of a broken relationship. For a relationship to be repaired there has to be a desire to repair the union and there needs to be an acknowledgment of the wrong that severed the relationship in the first place. It is corresponding to the second coming of Jesus because there is still much to be fulfilled with this particular feast. For starters at the Atonement Feast Leviticus 16:1-34 there are two goats the first goat is sacrificed for the atonement, the removal of sin, because the result of sin is death so only when death occurs is sin satisfied. This sacrifice is a representation of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. Meanwhile, the second goat called the "scapegoat", the carrier of sins is released far away carrying with it the sins of the people and if that scapegoat never returns then the sins never return and are completely removed and stay away. If the scapegoat does return then all of the sins return with it. It is evident that at the cross of Jesus that a man called Barabbas was the scapegoat, as Barabbas was set free and he was never heard from again. That is until the Antichrist comes because the Antichrist will be carrying the name of "Son of the Father" which translated into Hebrew is "Barabbas" Bar = son and Abba = Father. Unfortunately the scapegoat the carrier of sin "Satan" will be returning one day as he will again be accepted by the people to be their friend and their king and when he does come he will bring with him the sins of the world. Also the Jewish people as a nation have not yet recognized Jesus as the true Messiah and this will happen at the second coming of Jesus so this feast is still partially yet to be fulfilled. -- Tabernacles (tents) - Booths (temporary shelters): "Leviticus 23:34-43 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The Fifteenth day of this Seventh month shall be the feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. ... That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." The Tabernacle is a Tent a temporary shelter as opposed to a Temple which is a permanent building. The Jewish Temple originally was a Tabernacle a Tent that the Hebrews carried with them and set up during their wilderness journey prior to their entry into the Promise Land of Israel. Once in the Promise Land, the permanent living place the Tent was then replaced in Jerusalem by the permanent Temple made of stone. This is the comparison of our earthy body to our future Spiritual body. Currently we Tabernacle in a Tent body a temporary body made of flesh. Whenever anyone dies their spirit and soul departs this tent and if you are a child of God, God then accepts you into Heaven our Permanent home and we receive our new Temple body, a Spiritual body to match our spirit and our soul. "John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled, 4637)[physically, temporarily stayed among us] among us." It is possible that the Birthday of Jesus occurred on the Feast day of Tabernacles as John in the Gospel of John uses the word Tabernacle to describe Jesus manifesting into our physical earthly realm. [article link]

THE RAPTURE ON ROSH HASHANA [Feast of Trumpets] - In the Christian world, Rosh Hashanah is known as The Feast of Trumpets - Many Christians observe this festival for its Christian prophetic application the Rapture of the [Christian] Church - All the Spring Feasts were fulfilled at Christ's first coming - All the Fall Feasts picture the Second Advent, and the Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts, picturing the Rapture - Now there are more feasts to be fulfilled with the second coming -- Yom Teruah (Rosh HaShanah) / Feast of Trumpets [possibly] The Church Rapture; the last trump; wedding of the Messiah [to the Church bride]; New Moon; Open Door [Church goes into Heaven] -- Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement -- Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles (Booths - structures - dwelling places - homes for individuals)
In the Christian world, Rosh Hashanah is known as The Feast of Trumpets. Many Christians observe this festival for its Christian prophetic application - the Rapture of the Church. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:51-53) "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) All the Spring Feasts were fulfilled at Christ's first coming. All the Fall Feasts picture the Second Advent, and the Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts, picturing the Rapture. ... A special season known as 'Teshuvah' which in Hebrew means "to return or repent", begins on the first day of the month of Elul and continues 40 days, ending with Yom Kippur. Thirty days into Teshuvah, on Tishrei 1, comes Rosh HaShanah. This begins a final ten-day period beginning on Rosh HaShanah and ending on Yom Kippur. These are known as the High Holy Days and as the Awesome Days. The sabbath that falls within this ten-day period is called 'Shabbat Shuvah', the Sabbath of Return. Five days after Yom Kippur is 'Sukkot', the Feast of Tabernacles. Teshuvah begins on Elul 1 and concludes on Tishrei 10, Yom Kippur. Each morning during the 30 days of the month of Elul, the trumpet (shofar) or ram's horn is blown to warn the people to repent and return to God. Rosh HaShanah is also referred to as 'Yom Teruah', the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, or the Day of the Awakening Blast. On Yom Teruah, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, it is imperative for every person to hear the shofar. Yom Teruah is the only festival that no man knows when exactly it will occur. This is due to the fact that it begins on the new moon. The new moon was sanctified when two witnesses see the new moon and attest to it before the Sanhedrin in the Temple. This sanctification could happen during either of two days, depending on when the witnesses come. Since no one knew when the witnesses would come, no one knew when the Feast of Trumpets would start. On the 30th of each month, the members of the High Court assembled in a courtyard in Jerusalem, where they waited to receive the testimony of two reliable witnesses. They then sanctified the new moon. The new moon is very difficult to see on the first day because it can be seen only about sunset, close to the sun, when the sun is traveling north. So, looking for a very slim faint crescent moon, which is very close to the sun, is a very difficult thing to do. If the moon's crescent was not seen on the 30th day, the new moon was automatically celebrated on the 31st day. For this reason, Yom Teruah is always celebrated for two days. These two days are celebrated as though it is just one long day of forty-eight hours. The reason that it is celebrated for two days is because if they waited to start the celebration until after the new moon had been sanctified, they would have missed half the celebration because the new moon can only be sanctified during daylight hours. The command seems to be that we know the season, but not the day or the hour (Matthew 24:32-36). Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets, is the only feast that we do not know the day in which to keep it. Therefore, we have to be on the alert and watch for it. Teruah means "an awakening blast". A theme associated with Rosh. HaShanah is the theme "to awake". Teruah is also translated as "shout". [article link]

Rapture! Pentecost or Feast of Trumpets? - The Feast of Trumpets [an 'observed' Feast Day only after the New Moon event first appears and is apparent to the eye - not a calculated Feast Day i.e. Pentecost [always 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits] or The Lord's Passover always on the 14th of Nisan] is the best fit for the rapture of the bride and is consistent with Jewish marriage customs
We see a pattern emerging in the Feasts that shadows [foreshadows - prophecy] the steps of the Messiah. There is really no denying the accuracy of the life of Jesus Christ to that of these first three feasts. The gift of the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of Pentecost the 4th feast. What I've noticed is that many anticipate the rapture to be on Pentecost because of the two loaves presented at Pentecost as a wave offering. But if we kept with the pattern of the Feasts with the eyes of a bride prepared for her wedding we will keep the order of the feast. ... The Feast of Trumpets is the best fit for the rapture of the bride and is consistent with Jewish marriage customs. We need to look at the Feast with Jewish eyes. The Jews had several idioms for the Feast of Trumpets that are significant in identifying the nature of this feast. The feast was referred as "No one knows the day or hour". It was referred to this because it was celebrated by the first appearing of the moon. This could be difficult if there was any overcast, therefore, the feast could be delayed. No one literally knew the day or hour it would be celebrated. If after two days the new moon could not be detected then it was celebrated. The two days were considered one. ... Here are the signs to look for. Just when the bride of Christ is recognized she will be gone. The Feast was celebrated at the first appearing of the moon, which is not its on reflection but that of the suns. When we see the bride emerge from all the others she will be reflecting the glory of the Lord. As of now the true meaning of Jesus' bride has not been understood even by those who are called by His name. The Shulammite in the Song of Songs is the epitome of the bride of Christ she says, "Before I realized it, my desire set me over the royal chariots of my people (Song 6:12). She was caught up above her people and her desire was that of intimacy. Desire here in this verse is the Hebrew word "yada". Her people, i.e. Church says, "Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, that we may gaze on you" (Song 6:12)! Once the bride is taken out from among her people there will be a cry to know more about her and to be with her as well. But Jesus reply's, "Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim" (Song 6:13). The dance of the Mahanaim was a dance where the young virgins would go out and dance. As they danced, men would come and steal them to be their bride's. His reply to them is why do you look for the bride she has been stolen by me! Number two the rapture can't be this year 2009! For one, the day's in-between the Feast of Trumpets 2009 and the Feast of Yom Kippur 2016, the Day of Atonement is 2,580 days. This is 30 days more than what Daniel says the number of days for the 7year covenant will last and 60 days longer than what Revelation allows. So this year can not be the rapture scripturally. Look for the rapture on the Feast of Trumpets in the month of September and October of each year where there is 86 moon duration like the year 2011 and you will be closer to what Scripture has revealed about the 7 year covenant and rapture lengths. [article link]

DebbieSchlussel.com: Happy New Year (Rosh Hashanah 2009) - Tonight, at sundown, Rosh HaShanah-the Jewish New Year-begins - One of the two most important Jewish holidays the other is Yom Kippur, it marks the beginning of the Jewish "Ten Days of Repentance" [10 Days of Awe] during which we repent for our sins and pray for a good new year - On the holiday, we traditionally eat apples with honey (and other items with honey) to signify that we seek a new year that is as sweet as that uber-sweet combination - Thanks to all of my readers who sent me e-mails and i- and e-cards wishing me a Happy New Year - Right Back at Ya! [Note: Regarding all 8 Jewish Feast Days of Leviticus 23 - a good summary is that - only Jesus fulfills each Feast in His accomplishments alone [1 Corinthians 5:7] - while the Jews 'Proclaim' each Feast in its appointed season (time) [Leviticus 23:4] - yet the Christians simply acknowledge each Feast [Acts 18:21, Acts 20:6], not observing it as the Jews do, but receiving [i.e. Sabbath Rest (Hebrews 4:3)] from it the accomplished works of Jesus Christ. -- "Acts 18:18-21 And [Apostle] Paul after this tarried there [at Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; [Paul] having shorn [shaved] his head in Cenchrea: for he had a [Nazarite] vow. And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they [Christians] desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, saying, **I must by all means {as a personal choice} keep [G4160 - to declare (commemorate), to do, do well, to carry out, to celebrate] this Feast [Passover - Holy Week] that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus."]
Tonight, at sundown, Rosh HaShanah-the Jewish New Year-begins. One of the two most important Jewish holidays (the other is Yom Kippur), it marks the beginning of the Jewish "Ten Days of Repentance," during which we repent for our sins and pray for a good new year. We believe that on Rosh HaShanah, G-d inscribes our fate for the year, and that at the end of Yom Kippur, that fate is sealed. ... On the holiday, we traditionally eat apples with honey (and other items with honey) to signify that we seek a new year that is as sweet as that uber-sweet combination. (My favorite apples, BTW, are McIntosh.) The holiday ends at nightfall on Sunday Night. During two days of intense prayer at synagogue, we hear the blowing of a ram's horn (called a "shofar"), which makes several different kinds of sounds we are required to hear. A little bit more about the Jewish New Year excerpted from my post on this in a previous year. ... To all of my Jewish readers and friends, Shanah Tovah u'Metukah KeTapuach B'Dvash-May You Have a Good New Year, As Sweet as an Apple with Honey. Thanks to all of my readers who sent me e-mails and i- and e-cards wishing me a Happy New Year. Right Back at Ya! I hope you have a happy and healthy new year. [article link]

Judaism 101: Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year - More on this concept at Days of Awe (The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement] are commonly known [in Judiasm] as the Days of Awe) - No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah - Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded - In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays - Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's (God's) sovereignty
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game. There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe. The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25. The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah (literally, "big tekiah"), the final blast in a set, which lasts (I think) 10 seconds minimum. Click the shofar above to hear an approximation of the sound of Tekiah Shevarim-Teruah Tekiah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays. Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. This was the second Jewish religious practice I was ever exposed to (the first one: lighting Chanukkah candles), and I highly recommend it. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observed on the afternoon of the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying (the bread) on Shabbat. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's sovereignty. The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." More on that concept at Days of Awe. [article link]

[The Three Fall Feasts of Israel (Second Coming of Jesus Christ) - Rosh Hashanna/Feast of Trumpets starting at Sundown Sept. 8 - Sundown Sept. 9, 2010 (two days are Traditional in that it took time, two days for a messenger from the Temple in Jerusalem to spread the news of the New Moon sighting to all the ancient Nation of Israel i.e. the traditional Jewish celebration will be Sundown Sept. 8 - 10, 2010)] - Summary of reasons why Christians expect to see the rapture happen on the Feast of Trumpets / Rosh Hashanna - Feast of Trumpets "At the instant that the Jewish workers heard the trumpet sound, all would immediately stop harvesting, even if they were not finished (think about that!) and go to the Temple for worship! [Christians at the Rapture will go to the Temple in Heaven and Worship Jesus/God] - Rapture parallels with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShana) - The New Moon is "born again" at the Feast of Trumpets while Believers are "born again" at [belief/identity in Jesus] baptism - Since the Feast of Trumpets is the only Feast of the Lord that falls on a new moon, we should take particular note
Summary of reasons why Christians expect to see the rapture happen on the Feast of Trumpets / Rosh Hashanna: 1. All the Spring Feasts were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, and on the exact day of the feast. All the Fall Feasts picture the second advent, and the Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts, picturing the rapture. 2. The Feast of Trumpets is when the "last trump" of the rapture of 1 Cor 15 is blown. 3. The Feast of Trumpets is known as the Wedding of the Messiah, and the Church is the Bride of Christ, and the rapture is when the Church is caught up to heaven to be wed with Christ. 4. The Feast of Trumpets happens on the "new moon", which is 29.5 days after the last one, meaning it might occur on the 29th or 30th day, nobody knows for sure. "Of that day or hour no man knows" is an expression referring to this feast, and thus, the rapture. 5. "Of that day or hour no man knows, but my Father only" is an expression used by a groom when asked when his wedding will be. He says this because it is his Father that will tell him when his preparations on the bridal chamber are completed and it is time. Again, the wedding pictures the rapture. 6. The "Open Door" of the rapture in Matt 25, and Rev 3, & Rev 4:1 is a symbol of the Feast of Trumpets. [Ezek 46:1] "Thus says the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut on the six working days; but on the sabbath day it shall be opened and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened. 7. We are told that the new moon and the Feasts of the Lord are a shadow of things to come in Col 2:16,17. *Since the Feast of Trumpets is the only Feast of the Lord that falls on a new moon, we should take particular note. 8. There are seven days of awe in between the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement. These picture the seven years of tribulation. Atonement pictures Satan being defeated and cast away at the end of tribulaion. If you add the two day Trumpets feast, and the day of atonement, the 7 days of awe are "ten days of tribulation" which might be referred to in Rev. 2:10. 9. In the Jewish Wedding [For seven consecutive evenings following the wedding, it is customary that friends or relatives host festive meals in their honor. The act of feasting recalls the "seven-day celebration" after the marriage of Jacob to Leah -- 1) During the week before the wedding, it is customary for the groom and bride not to see each other, even during the day. - Source: http://www.jewish-history.com/minhag.htm], a marriage takes place over a period of time known as the "bridal week". During the bridal week, the groom and bride have sex [Intimacy] in the bridal chamber. At the end {beginning} of the week, there is a marriage supper [21) During the week of rejoicing following the wedding, the groom or bride should try not to go alone, even in each other's company - They should always be escorted by another person - Source: http://www.jewish-history.com/minhag.htm]. Compare Judges 14, Rev. 19, and Gen. Genesis 29:22-28 This bridal week will be the tribulation week on earth, while the bride of Christ is in heaven. 10. In the Jewish Wedding, the groom comes for his bride "like a thief in the night" [at an unannounced/unknown time] to take (size / rapture) her away and into the bridal chamber for the bridal week at his father's house. 11. The Feast of Trumpets is also known as the coronation of the Messiah, when he will start reigning as king, thus the beginning of the "Day of the Lord", which includes the tribulation. 12. It is also time for the bema judgment, or the judgement of the works of the righteous, and judgement must begin at the house of the Lord. -- [2Cor 11:2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [article link]

Acts 15 - The 1st Church Council takes place about 52 A.D. at the Church in Jerusalem - The 1st Church Council was specifically in regard to the major number of Gentiles that were now joining the Christian Church daily [predominantly through Missionary efforts] and whether or not the Gentiles would have to be circumcised and observe any of the Jewish customs or take part in any of the established laws of Moses -- 'Acts 15:6 And the Apostles and [Church] Elders [including James the ½ brother of Jesus] came together for to consider of this matter.'
Acts 15:6-22 And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing [arguing], [Apostle] Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago [Cornelius and his household at Caesarea] God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, *giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, **purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke [law of Moses] upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? **But we believe that through the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we [Jews who are Redeemed] shall be Saved, even as they [Gentiles who are now being Saved - Salvation]. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James [the ½ brother of Jesus - Church leader in Jerusalem] answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon [Apostle Peter] hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, ***to take out of them a [Christian] people for His Name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After [Gentile Christian Church] this I [Messiah] will return [2nd Coming], and will build again the Tabernacle [House - Dwelling] of [the Throne of King] David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That [during the Christian Church Age] the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. ***Known unto God are all His works ***from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God [those who have the Holy Spirit]: But that we write unto them, *that they abstain from pollutions of [Gentile] idols, and from [Gentile] fornication, and from things strangled [Jewish law], and from blood [Jewish law]. **For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him [abstain from idols and fornication because it is un-Christian, abstain from unclean food and blood only if it offends the local Jewish population], being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole Church [in Jerusalem], to send chosen men of their own company to [the Church in] Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren … - Note: The early Church recognized that God was active in calling Gentiles into His Christian Church and they also recognized that the Gentiles would have to conduct their new life in a manner consistent with Biblical Christianity and finally they concluded that it is important for Christians not to openly offend those that have remained Jewish. Also Note: All food including blood is now clean because the eternal blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed the world. Eating animal blood and probably human blood if it were obtained in a legal manner does not make a person unclean. Satan has devised a scheme that the world is unclean however it is not. It is unprofitable to do questionable things and germs and disease might be involved but if someone for example drank pig blood thinking it is an evil act the act itself is not but the intentions of their heart might be. - Some cultures eat blood foods and if the Jews are simply notified that it is a custom and not a slight on Moses then they are free to eat their blood food of course not offering any of it to a devout Jewish person because that would be terribly offensive. The 1st Church council was saying to the Gentiles to have our Christian Gentile liberties but also to be mindful and respectful of the [Redeemed] Jews who do still follow the laws of Moses. [article link]

Matthew 21 - Jesus and His Disciples are now near Jerusalem - Jesus sends two of His Disciples to a Donkey with its young offspring - The Disciples bring the Lord [ultimate owner] His Donkey [the guy probably didn't redeem His donkey according to the law (Exodus 13:13) and as a first born colt it did belong to God] - Jesus then enters into Jerusalem riding upon an untamed colt [untamed to man but tame to God] -- 'Psalm 118:23-29 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day [Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem] which the LORD hath made; we (Kingdom Disciples) will rejoice and be glad in it. Save [Salvation] now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity [healing]. Blessed be He (Jesus) that cometh in the Name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the House [Temple worship] of the LORD. *God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice [Jesus] with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art My God, and I will praise thee [while Jesus is enduring His suffering He will praise His Father in Heaven]: thou art My God {My Father}, I will exalt [honor] thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.' {Note: The 70 Weeks of Daniel are counting the days of Gentile Kingdoms starting at "the commandment [by king Artaxerxes to Nehemiah to rebuild the Jerusalem wall about 445 B.C. (source: http://www.bereanwatchmen.com/j.r.lawendowski/daniels-70-weeks.html) - following the earlier King Cyrus 538 B.C. command for the Jews to return back to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity - both commands were given during the Gentile Persian empire of the 4th Global Gentile Kingdom] to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah" -- The 69th Week concluded on Saturday [not Sunday but (Palm Saturday)] the day of the [Jewish] Triumphal Entry [fulfillment of the Feast of Sabbath] of Jesus into Jerusalem [ending Global Gentile Kingdom reign (the beginning of the end of 1 Nation Gentile Global Reign until the 7th Kingdom, the Global Kingdom of Antichrist)]. Also Note: The 70th and final week of Daniels' 70 Weeks is in the Book of Revelation during the Gentile Antichrist Global Reign while the time period between the Triumphal Entry of Jesus (completed in Resurrection Sunday) is the Christian Church Age (Acts 15:14-18) until the empowerment of the 1 Antichrist Global Kingdom.}
A Day foretold by the Prophets and the Scriptures: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was foretold throughout the Hebrew Old Testament. The Psalms particularly Psalm 118, the Prophets Daniel and Ezekiel and in fact all of Heaven and all of creation desired to see the Day that the LORD had made the day that God came and established His Holy, just and righteous Kingdom among all mankind. - 'Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass [donkey], and upon a colt the foal [baby donkey] of an ass.' - 'Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass [donkey], and upon a colt the foal [baby donkey] of an ass.' - **'Daniel 9:24-27 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people [Jews] and upon thy Holy City [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision [Law] and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy (Jesus). Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah (Jesus) the Prince shall be seven weeks [seven Jewish decades 49 years - these weeks were the Jewish decade of seven years the Levitical decade seventh year of release], and threescore and two weeks [62 Jewish decades 434 years]: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks [the 434 years] shall Messiah be cut off [crucifixion], but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And He [Antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [the 70th and final week regarding Jerusalem]: and in the midst of the week at [3½ years] he [Antichrist] shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation [in the rebuilt 3rd Temple] to cease, and for the overspreading [saturation] of abominations [evil] he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation [end of the Book of Revelation], and that determined shall be poured [bowl judgments of Revelation 16:1] upon the desolate.' [article link]

Introduction: The Book of Daniel - The Prophet Daniel [from the Tribe of Judah] is the Old Testament counterpart to the New Testament "beloved" Disciple John - The prophet Daniel is the only person in the Old Testament to be directly called "beloved" Daniel is called "greatly beloved" three times - At a young age Daniel was removed from his native Israel and taken captive to the distant Nation of Babylon (Iraq) - Daniel will perform his entire ministry in captivity outside of Israel - The Prophet Daniel will interpret dreams and have visions and dreams that are the most sweeping, global and broad based of any Prophet in the Bible - Daniel will mainly prophesy in three areas 1. Regarding Nations [and their fallen angelic guides] the 5 remaining Gentile world Nation Kingdoms [4 empires and the final emergent Antichrist kingdom] - The coming 1,000 year Messiah Kingdom - 2. The reestablishment of Nation of Israel [the Archangel Michael] as an angelic assistant for the Nation of Israel and the rebuilding of the 2nd Jewish Temple in Jerusalem - 3. The bringing in of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, into the world and among mankind the entry of the Messiah assisted and foretold [in the ministry of the Archangel Gabriel] - *Daniel's "70 Weeks" prophecy is perhaps the most famous prophecy in the Old Testament
Daniel 9:23-24 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. **Seventy weeks [Jewish decades - 7 years each] are determined upon thy people [Jews] and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins [cross], and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness [resurrection], and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and (for the Nation of Israel in Jerusalem) to ***anoint [at the 2nd Coming] the most Holy [Jesus Christ - starting the 1,000 Millennial Reign]. - John 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples [the Disciple John], whom Jesus loved. -- Both the Prophet Daniel and the Disciple John are referenced as 'beloved' of God. Daniel will have and write all of his prophecies outside of Israel. The Disciple John like Daniel will be sent away captive, the Disciple John being imprisoned on the Island of Patmos when he has his end time Revelation of Jesus Christ [Daniel 10:7-11 - Revelation 1:13-15]. Daniel was miraculously saved from the den of lions, Church tradition has the Disciple John miraculously saved from Roman martyrdom [immersed in boiling oil]. The Prophet Daniel will prophecy the rebuilding of the 2nd Temple (Sanctuary) in Jerusalem [Daniel 9:26]. The Disciple John will prophecy the rebuilding of the 3rd Temple (used by the Antichrist) in Jerusalem [Revelation 11:1-2]. [article link]

Leviticus 1-5 - The Laws for the offerings of the Levitical Priesthood - {There are multiple parts to the Old Testament Levitical Atonement 'Kaphar' (3722) Covering Sin Offering: 1. The sacrifice has to have a cost to the sinner, a precious useful animal was to be sacrificed. 2. The laying on of hands onto the animal's head then the confession and transfer of sins from the sinner to the innocent sacrifice. 3. The sacrifice dies with your sins, death of the sins. 4. The blood [life] of the animal is poured out providing a New Life opportunity (for a season, often one year) from the blood of the sacrifice for the sinner.}
1. The Burnt Offering Sacrifice: Giving totally to God, the entire sacrifice is consumed in fire and given to God. [Note: humans can and should concentrate themselves to God for a time, a season or even just an event. Where the animal offering was burnt and given to God it is the human service, fellowship that is consecrate to God. - The pagan practice is to burn a human in the fire but if a Christian person died in a fire that would end their consecration not start it and there is no such alter of God that would ever accept a human offering, a human is never ever to enter a physical fire as a sacrifice in Judaism/Christianity. The pagan practice of human sacrifice is strictly forbidden and prohibited in worshiping the true God of Israel.] 2. The Grain Offering: A sweat smelling (savor) freewill offer given to God. Bread flower covered with oil and sprinkled with Frankincense aroma is burnt in the fire with the smell of baking bread ascending up into heaven. No human induced ingredients are allowed no leaven [sin] and no honey [mans accomplishments] are allowed in the offering. 3. The Peace (Fellowship) Offering: An animal to be roasted as a celebration meal. The animal had to be without spot [inherited birth defect] or blemish [acquired defect]. The animal was to be roasted the fat [worry] was to be removed and burned separately and given to God the people couldn't eat the fat [worry]. The blood [life] was also to be poured out as at no time could they eat any blood [life of the animal]. 4. Sin Offering for Unintentional Sin (weaknesses): A young bull for the sins of individual people. A mature bull for the sins of a Priest. A [goat] that the leader was to lay hands on it for the sins of the nation. 5. Trespass Offering for Intentional Sin: A sin offering plus a grain (flour) offering withholding the oil and the Frankincense aroma. -- Having sacrificed to God and their sins now covered for a year the O.T. Saints could then live in the presence of God to commune and interact with God however the O.T. animal sacrifices did not provide the individual direct access to God. The individual people did not live in the perceivable presence of God, did not have direct access to God and did not experience God the way individual N.T. saints often do. [article link]

(Part 1) Note: Before we begin to look at "The Fall Feasts of Israel" (Second Coming events of Jesus Christ) study starting about Sept. 1, 2010 we need a little more background on the "Covenants of Israel" (1st Moses [Mt. Sinai, in the desert] - 2nd Jesus [Mt. Zion, Jerusalem]) and of the "Promises of Israel" (Ephesians 2:12-13)
Israel began with a promise from God to Abraham (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:18) - Then [430 years later (Galatians 3:17)] the 1st Covenant [Law - instruction] was enacted from God to the Nation of Israel through Moses for the purpose of temporary instruction (Galatians 3:24) regarding the coming permanent [eternal - salvation] Covenant of Jesus Christ - The Promises of God and the Laws (1st Covenat) of Moses provided an unregenerated (Redemption) relationship between God and mankind. The Promises of God and the (2nd Covenat) accomplished events (works) of Jesus Christ and the accompanying giving of the Holy Spirit provide a regenerated (Salvation) 'born again' relationship between God and mankind. Where the Promises of God [starting in Genesis 1:26] came before any of the Covenants [Noah, Abraham, Moses] and all the covenants facilitate the promises of God, the "Feasts of Israel" [the individual Feasts (Leviticus 23:1-2) primarily being observed as "a statute for ever (eternally)" Leviticus 23:41] arch between the two Covenants of Israel and facilitate both the Promises of God and the Covenants of God by helping to reveal and provide the structure of God's unfolding and ongoing reconciliation plan regarding mankind. [article link]

(Part 2 - Transition from Law to Grace) Jesus continued to transition the people from Law [Mt. Sinai] to Grace [Mt. Zion] - First it is important to understand, as the early Jewish Christians did, that Jesus is the physical manifestation of the voice that spoke from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2, Exodus 3:14 - John 8:24) and that also spoke from the Mountain top at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:11-25) -- "Hebrews 12:26 (Jesus) Whose voice then shook the earth [at Mt. Sinai]: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." {Note: The Levitical Priesthood was primarily an earthly Priesthood while Jesus' Melchizedek Priesthood [encompasses] has authority both on the earth and also in heaven.}
"Exodus 19:11 And [followers of God] be ready against [on] the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai." -- "Matthew 5:1-3 And seeing the multitudes, He (Jesus) went up into a (Biblical, Government) Mountain [Jesus is starting His 2nd Covenant Ministry - where He left off His previous 1st Covenant Ministry - on a Mountain]: and when He was set, His disciples {only - Peter, Matthew, John, etc.} came unto Him: And He opened His mouth [naturally - no occult activity], and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." ... "Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these [Sermon on the Mount] sayings, *the people [Jesus had transitioned from Law to Grace and also from just disciples being the audience to everyone being the audience] were astonished at His doctrine: For He [Jesus] taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." [article link]

(Part 2) Mount of Beatitudes Location of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount - a small hill or eminence in the vicinity of Capernaum (Photo)
What is known as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6:20-49) is believed to have been given near the top of the ridge in the above photo (where you see part of a church). Although called the Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus did not speak from an actual mountain but [a Biblical Mountain (Government)] from a small hill or eminence in the vicinity of Capernaum. Scriptural References: Matthew 5-7; Luke 6 (KJV Bible) Sources Used: Easton's Bible Dictionary; Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible. [article link]

(Part 3 - The Nation of Israel) The Nation of Israel, separate and distinct from the Christian Church, is comprised [Redemption - Salvation] of the Promises of God (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:18) and of the accomplishments of God, not just the Laws of God - The Law [apart from the Promises of God, combined with the Actions of God and an individual's faith in God] in itself the 1st Covenant (Law) does not offer Salvation [then or now] or even Redemption for that matter - Therefore the removal of the Law the 1st Covenant and the accompanying Temple sacrifices and ordinances did not remove Redemption (Isaiah 43:1) from Israel [the Jews] in that the Promises of God to the Jews remains eternal [Numbers 18:19, Psalms 89:34-37]
The Promises of God to the Jews are embodied in five primary instances. 1. Male circumcision on the 8th day. 2. The keeping of the Jewish Sabbath on the 7th day [sundown Friday to sundown Saturday] of each week. 3. The keeping of the of the 10 Commandments [Exodus 20:3-17]. 4. The keeping of the 8 Levitical Feasts [Leviticus chapter 23]. 5. Identity with the Nation of Israel (Jacob) as a Jew (i.e. Jewish customs, traditions, dietary and food laws, etc.) [Isaiah 2:3]. -- "Genesis 17:9-10 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep My covenant [promise] therefore, thou, and thy seed [children] after thee in their generations. This is My covenant, which ye shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised." - "Leviticus 12:3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised." -- "Exodus 20:9-11 [10 Commandments] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." - "Leviticus 23:1-3 [8 Levitical Feasts of Israel] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the Feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be Holy Convocations, even these are My Feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an Holy Convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings." -- "Isaiah 56:4-8 For thus saith the LORD [even] unto the eunuchs [and foreigners] that keep My Sabbaths, and choose the things that please Me, and take hold of My Covenant [promise of Redemption/Salvation]; Even unto them will I give in Mine House and within My walls a place and a name better than of [earthly royalty] sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD [Jesus Christ], to serve Him, and to love the Name of the LORD, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath [rest - trust in God, the finished works of Jesus Christ] from polluting it, and taketh hold of My Covenant; Even them will I bring to My Holy Mountain [Government], and make them joyful in My House of Prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for [only in Jesus Christ] Mine house shall be called an House of Prayer for all people. The Lord GOD which gathereth the [Jewish] outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others [Gentiles] to Him (Jesus), beside those [Jews] that are gathered unto Him." -- Jewish Redemption: "Exodus 12:14 And this [Passover] day shall be unto you for a [Redemption] memorial; and ye shall keep it a Feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a Feast by an ordinance for ever." -- "Exodus 15:11-13 11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in Holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in Thy mercy hast led forth the [Jewish] people which *Thou hast redeemed [the Passover in Egypt]: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto Thy Holy habitation." -- "Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee [at the Passover in Egypt], I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." [article link]

AGES [EONS] OR ETERNITY AND THE KING JAMES VERSION (List of Bible Verses)
Let us examine the English word AGE as used in the Old and New Testaments of the King James Version. The English word AGE is a true single word translation of the Hebrew word OLAM and the Greek noun AION. These words have a common meaning and are used interchangeably as the scriptures well note. Check Psalms 45:6 and Hebrews 1:8. Although the word AGE is a direct translation of the words OLAM and AION, it must quickly be added that AGE will not imply the same meaning to everyone. Now our only course of action, in order to form a most correct definition of this word AGE as was in the mind of the inspired writers, is to observe the way it is used in the scriptures. Let us proceed to observe the use of the Hebrew word CLAM, and the English noun AION, its plural AIONS, and their adjective AIONION, to ascertain their common meaning. -- "2 Timothy 4:10. For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world (Eon, Age - G165, Aion), and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." - "Romans 1:25 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever (G165, Aions - all Eons, Ages). Amen." [article link]

(Part 4 - Transition from physical to Spiritual) The ultimate transition from physical to Spiritual, from Nations, Jew and Gentile and into both eternal Redemption and Salvation occurs after the completion of the earthy [eon, age] (Matthew 28:20) - after the 1,000 year (Revelation 20:6) Millennial [Eon, Age] Reign of Jesus Christ
"Romans 8:23 And not only they [creation], but ourselves also, which have [Salvation] the Firstfruits ('born again' - Easter, Firstfruits Feast Day) of the [Holy] Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the [Spiritual] *redemption of our [physical] body." -- "Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a Mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world [lit. Eon (Age), end of the earth, world - G165, Aion (Eon - Eternity)]. Amen." - "Revelation 20:1-8 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years [Reign of Jesus Christ] should be fulfilled: and after that he [Satan] must be loosed a little season (Time - G5550). And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them [Martyred Saints of Revelation] that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the [condemned] dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection [Holy]. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death [Judgment] hath no power, **but they shall be [Melchizedek] Priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters [all reaches] of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of [unfaithful] whom is as the sand of the sea." - "Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." - "Revelation 21:4-7 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, ***Behold, I make all things new [completed bodily Spiritual Redemption and soul Spiritual Salvation]. And He said unto me, Write: for these Words are True and Faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." [article link]

(Part 5 - Conclusion: Transitions and Unifications in Progress) The Transition from the Old Covenant [Physical] to the New Covenant [Spiritual] was completed almost 2,000 years ago in Jesus Christ [the Word was made {transitioned to} flesh (John 1:14), Last Supper, Cross and Resurrection] yet the resulting transitions [physical to Spiritual, time to eternity] and Unifications [heaven - earth, ages (Adam, Eve, Abel, Seth) - ages (Noah, Job, Abraham, Jews, Church, Martyred Saints of Revelation, 144,000, etc.), Jews - Gentiles, Angels - humans] have yet to be completed -- See Also: The Three Fall Feasts
"Ephesians 4:4-10 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace [individuality] according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He saith, When He [Jesus united Heaven and earth the past, present and the future] ascended up on high [Heaven], he led [the O.T. saved Saints from captivity (hades) into Heaven] captivity captive, and gave gifts [to the newly formed Christian Church] unto men. Now that He [Jesus] ascended [into Heaven], what is it but that He also descended [went down into 'hades' - for three days and three nights after the cross] first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended [and reconciled the past O.T. Saints] is the same also that ascended [and reconciled Heaven - God to man] up far above all [visible] heavens, that He might fill [reconcile] all things [Heaven, earth, past, present and future]." - "Revelation 10:5-7 And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to Heaven, And sware by Him [God] that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time [completing] no longer [separation between God and mankind]: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the *Mystery of God should be finished [final revealing begins], as He hath declared to His servants the prophets [and is recorded in the Holy Bible]." [article link]

The Three Fall Feasts: of Leviticus Chapter 23 seem to be the Transition Phase out of the approximately 2,000 years of individuals serving and fellowshipping with God in the Christian Church Age - Into the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom of Messiah the reign of Jesus Christ among the Nations on the Earth
The whole concept of the 8 Kingdom Study has been that there is a major transition in the Kingdom of God that is to take place and that is the Kingdom of God being shifted from the individual perspective (Church Age) to the National perspective (Kingdom Age). The shift from the individual (remnant) worship of God to the (corporate) National worship of God is continued and completed during the transition of the Antichrist Kingdom. In short throughout human history and particularly while going through the Book of Revelation there are two separate [parallel] Kingdoms at work in the Kingdom of Antichrist and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. In the Book of Revelation while the Antichrist Kingdom is attempting to unify (666 - fallen angels, fallen humans, demons) and is unable to do so the Kingdom of God [888 (in a sense) - Holy God, holy Angels, redeemed mankind] does unify. The Kingdom of God starts out in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:10-18) with Jesus walking among the 7 Churches of the earth and holding the stars of Heaven in His hand as Jesus is in the process of reconciling the earth back to Heaven to make the two separate Kingdoms of Heaven and earth back into one Kingdom. Jesus writes seven letters to His Church in each letter identifying Himself with each Church. Then in Revelation (Revelation 5:6) Jesus is seen as The Lamb Slain as Jesus identifies Himself with all of His Martyred Saints from all of the Children of God from throughout all human history. During the events of Revelation the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ becomes so identified with and intermingled with the Saints on earth and the holy Angels of Heaven in bonding and closeness that as an Angel appears (Revelation 10:1-7) it is difficult to tell if it is an Angel speaking and acting or if it is Jesus Himself speaking and acting. Note: In concluding this 8 Kingdom summary by reading the events of the Bible's Book of Revelation the Kingdom of God becomes identified with the Christian Saints, the Martyrs and even the holy Angels of Heaven at the very same time that the Kingdom of Antichrist is attempting to unify with fallen mankind, fallen angels and the demons but the Kingdom of Antichrist is falling apart and coming apart at such a rapid pace and in reality is never anywhere close to mixing into a unified Kingdom as the "iron does not mix with the clay" of Daniel. While in complete success the Kingdom of God is unified, united and completly identifiable with both mankind and with the holy Angels of Heaven all through the accomplishments and achievements of God the Son Jesus Christ. -- Ephesians 1:10-14 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times [ages] He [God] might gather together in one all things in Christ, *both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we [Christians] have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we [Apostles] should be to the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye [individuals] also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: in whom also after that ye [individuals] believed, ye [individuals] were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our [individual] inheritance until the redemption {Kingdom Age} of the purchased possession, unto the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory. [article link]

{Looking Back - The Basic Christian: blog Bible Study} Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God - How long has God existed? There is a dimension in which time does not exist, timelessness/eternity - God has existed from eternity - Before God created the physical universe He thought about you and provided for your redemption - Jesus was crucified for us before the foundation of the world [Revelation 13:8] - In John 1:1 we also read "In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God"
Note: In the beginning God ... God is upfront and open about His existence, about who He is, about His availability to us and about why He has created us [for His pleasure - Revelation 4:11]. The Bible is about God, the Bible is about mankind and the Bible is about God's special, ordained and unique relationship He has with all of mankind. It is therefore the opportunity and the ability of each individual human to acknowledge God and to enter into that special childlike relationship that mankind is intended to have with God. A relationship that God has thoughtfully and diligently provided for each of us in a relationship that is recorded for us in the scripture verses on the pages of His Holy Bible. [article link]

Bible verse: John 8:12-19 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I Am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life ... {The complete Bible is available at ChristianFaithDownloads.com}
John 8:12-19 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I Am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto Him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man [physically]. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true [spiritual]: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I Am one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me. Then said they unto Him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know Me, nor My Father: if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also. -- Holy Bible [article link]

Exodus 1-2 - Exodus is a continuation of the accounts of Genesis - In the New Testament [Mark 12:26] Jesus quotes from Exodus and calls it the book of Moses - about {200} years later after the death of Jacob and Joseph the Israelites now number about 600,000 military age men twenty years old and older with about 2.2 million Israelites total including women and children - the newest Pharaoh [possibly - Thutmose III the pharaoh of the Oppression and Amenhotep II the pharaoh of the Exodus] feared that the Israelites would take their skills and their labor and depart back to Canaan - Pharaoh suppressed the Israelites to keep them in the Egypt - Though trying to keep the Children of God down they prospered all the more - Under the edict of Pharaoh, Moses as a child was to be put to death - His mother placed him in a basket and Pharaoh's daughter found Moses and took him as her own - God tells Moses that He has seen their afflictions - Exodus 3:7-8 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I Am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey
Note: The Egyptian midwives had some knowledge of the God of the Israelites and feared God. The midwives didn't tell a complete lie 'Exodus 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere (before) the midwives come in unto them' in that God is life and the midwives were interceding on behalf of God for life, though they didn't tell the complete truth. We can only tell the amount of truth based on the amount of faith and knowledge we have in God 'John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.' Jesus said He is the truth - The Egyptian midwives had a little knowledge of God and were able to tell a little of the truth but they also had some of their preconceived excuses mixed in with the truth they had. God did bless them for acting on the amount of truth that they had. - Also Note: Stephen in the book of Acts [Acts 7:25] quotes that Moses was aware that he was the chosen deliverer. Moses knowing he was the deliver attempted to deliver a child of God from the whip of an Egyptian however Moses was unable to redeem even one Israelite and in fact the entire Jewish nation at first rejected Moses as their leader. Later when Moses was under the guidance of God, then God did successfully deliver the children of Israel from Egypt the strongest nation on the earth at that time. [article link]

Who Was The Pharaoh Of The Exodus? - Assuming the pharaohs mentioned in Exodus 1:8, 22 and 2:23 are all the same person, he would have had to reign for over forty years - Amenhotep's predecessor, Thutmose III, is the only pharaoh within the time specified in I Kings 6:1 who reigned long enough (54 years) to have been on the throne at the time of Moses' flight and to die shortly before his return to Egypt - This would make Thutmose III the pharaoh of the Oppression and Amenhotep II the pharaoh of the Exodus
The Bible nowhere mentions the name of the pharaoh of the Exodus, but Bible students have always been curious as to who he was. No doubt, some Christians will be wary of trying to discover something the Bible has not clearly revealed; but in studying this question one can come away with his faith increased in the Bible as the unerring word of God. Although the Bible does not specifically name the pharaoh of the Exodus, enough data is supplied for us to be relatively sure who he was. Admittedly, there are two schools of thought concerning the date of the Exodus (i.e., the early date and late date theories). Proponents of the late date theory (1290 B.C.) are clearly in the majority, but they reject clear Biblical statements with reference to the date of the Exodus. Therefore their arguments in favor of a particular pharaoh will not be considered in this article. In I Kings 6:1 the Scriptures say: "And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Zif, which is the second month that he began to build the house of the Lord." One can readily see that the times for both the Exodus and the beginning of the Temple have been specifically stated in God's Word. Scholars have identified the fourth year of Solomon's reign as 966 B.C. (Gleason, A Survey of Old Testamsnt Introduction, 1974, p. 223). Using this 966 B.C. date, we find that the Exodus took place in 1445 B.C. Now, if this information is correct, the Exodus occurred in the third year of the reign of the pharaoh Amenhotep II. Before concluding that Amenhotep II was, indeed, the pharaoh of the Exodus, we will need to study further other evidence that can be presented. For instance, when comparing Exodus 7:7 with Acts 7:23, we learn that Moses was in Midian approximately forty years. Assuming the pharaohs mentioned in Exodus 1:8, 22 and 2:23 are all the same person, he would have had to reign for over forty years. Amenhotep's predecessor, Thutmose III, is the only pharaoh within the time specified in I Kings 6:1 who reigned long enough (54 years) to have been on the throne at the time of Moses' flight and to die shortly before his return to Egypt. This would make Thutmose III the pharaoh of the Oppression and Amenhotep II the pharaoh of the Exodus. History tells us that for several years after 1445 B.C. Amenhotep II was unable to carry out any invasions or extensive military operations. This would seem like very strange behavior for a pharaoh who hoped to equal his father's record of no less than seventeen military campaigns in nineteen years. But this is exactly what one would expect from a pharaoh who had lost almost all his cavalry, chariotry, and army at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:23, 27-30). Furthermore, we learn from the Dream Stela of Thutmose IV, son of Amenhotep II, that he was not the legitimate successor to the throne (J.B. Pritchard (ed.), Ancient Near-Eastern Texts, p. 449). This means that Thutmose IV was not the firstborn son, who would have been the legitimate heir. The firstborn son of Amenhotep II had evidently died prior to taking the throne of Egypt. This would agree with Exodus 12:29 which says the pharaoh's first-born son was killed during the Passover. If the Exodus did take place in 1445 B.C., forty years of wilderness wandering would bring us to 1405 B.C. for the destruction of Jericho. Interestingly enough, John Garstang, who excavated the site of ancient Jericho (city "D" in his survey), came to the conclusion that the destruction of the city took place around 1400 B.C. (Garstang, The Story of Jericho, 1948, p. 122). He also concluded that the walls of the city toppled outward, which would compare favorably with Joshua 6:20. Scholars have been fascinated by a revolutionary religious doctrine which developed shortly after 1445 B.C. that threatened to sweep away the theological dogmas of centuries. These scholars have credited Amenhotep IV, great grandson of Amenhotep II, with founding the religious concept of Monotheism (the idea that there is only one God). The cult of Aton set forth this idea to the Egyptian people and scholars have mistakenly credited this idea to the Egyptians. But it does not seem unusual to me that a people who had been so influenced by the one God of Moses would try to worship the God that had so convincingly defeated their gods. A continually increasing body of evidence indicates that this cult of Aton had its beginning in the reign of Thutmose IV, son of Amenhotep II, pharaoh of the Exodus. Although the final verdict is not yet in, we can be reasonably sure that Amenhotep II was the pharaoh of the Exodus. [article link]

Deuteronomy 32-34 - Moses prepares himself for his death - The Song of Moses -- 'Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Because I will publish the Name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He'
Death Outside the Promise Land: Moses the Lawgiver was only allowed to go to the border of the Promise Land, he was only allowed to glimpse the Promise Land from a distance but he was not allowed to enter into the Promise Land. Moses the Lawgiver had broken the law when Moses had unlawfully struck the Rock a second time. In actuality striking the Rock a second time was not the only law that Moses broke it was just one of the more obvious laws that Moses broke. Moses like all the rest of us he was unable to keep the law because the law can't be kept it can only be observed just as Moses observed the Promise Land from a distance, observing but not entering. - The Law does not take us into the presence of God but only to a boundary that actually keeps us apart from God. The original law in the Garden of Eden was a boundary, a boundary between mankind and the experience and knowledge of evil. Mankind crossed God's Law boundary and went into the knowledge of evil [God continued to give mankind the knowledge of good]. With mankind now knowledgeable of evil the Law is not just a boundary from evil but out of necessity the Law has now also become a boundary between mankind and the Holiness of God. - The Law is the Image and Holiness of God and therefore the Law now reveals God to a separated mankind and once seeing God in His Holy Law mankind can easily recognize the need for mankind to be separated from the presence and Glory of the Holy God. Separated from God that is only until a remedy can be provided to fix man's sinful predicament and remove the boundary of sin and of the Law. The remedy for our predicament and separation from God has been provided but not in our life only in a new life in the Resurrection Life provided by God's Son Jesus Christ. The Son of God, Jesus Christ will safely take us into Heaven, His Promise Land, just as certainly as Joshua the son of Nun led the Children of Israel into their Promise Land a place that the law at best could only glimpse from a distance and could not enter into but a place where the Son could not be kept out of as the Son will enter in and place his foot upon the Promise Land. -- 'Deuteronomy 31:23 And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the Children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.' - 'Deuteronomy 32:52 Yet thou [Moses, Lawgiver] shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the Children of Israel.' [article link]

Revelation 15-16 - The Martyred Saints of Revelation continue to assemble in Heaven - The 7 Vial (Measured) Judgments, the final judgments of Revelation are revealed -- 'Revelation 15:1-4 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven Angels having the Seven *last plagues [the 7 Measured Bowl judgments]; for in them is filled up the wrath [lit. passion for justice and righteousness] of God. And I saw as it were a Sea of Glass {now} mingled with fire {the earlier view while the Christian Church was present (Revelation 4:6) was without the Great Tribulation Wrath fire}: and them [Martyred Saints of Revelation] that had gotten the victory over the beast [Antichrist, Satan], and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number [666, incomplete, a trinity of emptiness] of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they [Martyred Saints of Revelation - having not yet experienced the "Feast of Firstfruits" the being 'born again' by the Holy Spirit from 'above' within the Promise Land - Heaven] sing the (Redemption/Salvation) **Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-18) the servant of God, and the Song of the Lamb [Jesus Christ], saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and True are Thy ways, Thou **King of Saints [Martyred Saints]. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy Name? for Thou only art Holy: for all Nations shall come and Worship (give thanks for eternal life) before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest [visible].' - Note: The Martyred Saints of Revelation [Gentiles] coming through the Tribulation Period [with redemption (Revelation 6:11) but not yet salvation] have more in common with Moses and the Children of Israel [Jews] then they do with the Christian Church that did possess Salvation while upon the earth (before the rapture).
The 7 Vial Judgments of Revelation are poured out primarily on the Demonic realm however the Demonic realm, the earth and the human realm have all intermingled at this point in time regarding human events: Revelation 16:1-21 And I heard a great voice out of the Temple [in Heaven] saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials [measured bowels] of the Wrath wrath [lit. passion for justice and righteousness] of God upon the earth. And the first [Angel] went, and poured out his vial upon the earth [demonic infestation]; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark [demonic mating] of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea [demonic habitation]; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers [demonic streams] and fountains [demonic teachings] of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun [demonic astrology]; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give Him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat (earth) [throne] of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. *And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Mystery Babylon], and out of the mouth of the beast [Antichrist], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [the all Satanic unholy trinity - see also: Zechariah 11:8]. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world [7th Kingdom], to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. **Blessed is he [Saints] that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he [Antichrist] gathered them [armies of the world, also the 6th Trumpet judgment] together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air [Satan's realm (Ephesians 2:2)]; and [after the 7th Vial, then the 6th Seal, an earthquake (Revelation 6:12)] there came a great voice out of the Temple of Heaven, from the Throne, saying, ***It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake (6th Seal), such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the Nations fell: ***and great Babylon [Satanic mystery system] came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. And every island [far away place] fled away, and the mountains [governments] were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail [rocks, stones]; for the plague [stoning of blasphomey (Leviticus 24:16)] thereof was exceeding great. [article link]

Note: A Basic Christian Update - The purpose of the Fall 2010 Series of Bible Studies
The purpose of the Basic Christian Fall 2010 Series of Bible Studies is to present the individual Christian Walk to individual Christians. As Christians we are "saved" out of sin and out of this present world system but then the question is often asked, since we are not saved into an empty void what exactly are we saved into? Being saved is having entered into the realm and Kingdom of God, a realm that has a very definite meaning and purpose for each of us in the present here and now. -- Becoming a Christian is having received a new 'born again' Spirit of God inside of each of us. The Spirit of God, along with giving Spiritual life to each of us, is also comprised of the properties of God (love, patience, longsuffering, endurance, etc. - Galatians 5:22-25), the offices of God (prophet, priest and king) and also some of the authority of God. Instead of studying at this time all of the attributes, characteristics, offices and authority of God that are now within each Christian, the Fall 2010 Bible Studies are going to lead into an eventual (Summer 2011) focus and study of primarily our own individual Priesthood (offerings) to God - and at a later date studying more of the other offices and characteristics of the Holy Spirit of God within each Christian. -- Of the three offices [prophet, priest, king] that each Christian is currently taking part in it is the Office of Priest [eternal, righteous, Melchizedek Priesthood] our offering to God, comprised of our own present and current individual offerings [lifestyle] to God that is the most direct, continuous and most relevant for each of us as New Testament Christians. A Christian in rare instances might prophecy and in even more rare occasions might exercise kingdom authority over an evil spirit but it is the individual Priesthood [a major portion of the moment by moment] relationship with God that is most important to us in the shaping and defining in the eternal Kingdom life of each Christian. -- "Romans 12:1 I urge you brethren by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual [priestly] service of worship." -- "1st Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." [article link]

Note: The Basic Christian Info Feed is going to begin to transition out of the Summer 2010 Discernment [events] postings and into the Fall 2010 Bible Studies: "The Fall Feasts of Israel" (Second Coming events of Jesus Christ), "Human accountability and the Three Biblical Judgments" [Water, Blood and Fire (Spirit)], "The Vagabond Priesthood," and "The 8 Kingdoms of the World" studies
Also Note: Throughout the remainder of August there are going to be a few more pauses and breaks to the postings and then by early September a new posting routine with the Bible Studies should be getting established. ~ God bless everyone, David Anson Brown [article link]

Preview: The Vagabond Priesthood [man's rogue, independent, unsanctioned priesthood] and The 8 Kingdoms of the world - The biblical concepts of Earthly Kingdoms does not regulate the kingdoms and governments of the world [or of hell] to Satan - Satan the eventual Antichrist will in all actuality have only one Kingdom, his coming [brief] Antichrist Kingdom - Satan does not currently have direct Kingdoms of his own yet he does have influence and persuasion [deceit, lies, manipulation] into the affairs of mankind
In Matthew 4:10 Jesus did not directly dispute the claims of Satan that he [Satan] had kingdoms of the world to seemingly offer to Jesus or to anyone else at Satan's desire. However, Jesus not refuting Satan's claim is only in line with a reasonable person (Jesus) not disputing with an unreasonable entity (Satan) and is not indicative of Satan actually possessing kingdoms to distribute at his will. "Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the Devil taketh Him (Jesus) up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me [Satan]. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him [God] only shalt thou serve [see also Hebrews 2:17-18]." -- In the same concept that Satan does not directly possess his own kingdoms Satan does not officiate as the head [high priest] of his own priesthood or of any [i.e. rouge "Vagabond"] priesthood - as even the "evil spirit" did not recognize the Vagabond Priesthood (Acts 19:15). The concept of mankind serving Satan (the "man of sin" 2 Thessalonians 2:3 - instigating and manipulating human sins) is in the context of man actually serving and being in the slavery of sin. "Romans 6:16-23 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience [to God] unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of [Christian - Apostolic] doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness [not in sin, not in a Vagabond (cult) priesthood, but only in the eternal Melchizedek Priesthood (Hebrews 6:19-20) - Jesus being the High Priest (Hebrews 3:1)]. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? **for the end of those [sin] things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. *For the wages of sin [rejecting Jesus] is death; but **the gift of God is eternal life [Hebrews 13:20-21] through Jesus Christ our Lord." [article link]

Preview: The Biblical triune (3 in 1) nature [testimony, salvation, judgment] of the water, blood and Spirit (also represented in breath, wind, fire) that are each freely offered and given from God to all of mankind globally as a witness of sin (and eventually as a judgment against sin), a testimony of the once physical presence of Jesus Christ and as an eternal remedy for our own individual Salvation
Where the Apostle Peter's significant life changing event during his time with Jesus seemed to be at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-8, 2 Peter 1:16-18) the Apostle John's significant life changing event with Jesus seems to have been at the cross (John 19:34-35, 1 John 5:7-9) when Jesus was pierced by the Roman spear and the blood and water poured out from the wound in Jesus' side. The Apostle John then regards the presence of the Spirit and the separation of the blood and water coming out from Jesus as a witness, a judgment, and a testimony of salvation for all of mankind. When the Basic Christian blog History study returns in about a week we will Biblically look into the blood, water and fire (spirit), testimonies and judgments of the Bible from throughout the Old Testament starting in Genesis and continuing consistently throughout the entire Bible then concluding in book of Revelation [the sin of Adam and Eve and the shedding of blood, the flood of Noah, the Aaronic Priesthood, the Last Supper Communion, the atoning cross of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection of Jesus and birth (Alpha) of the Christian Church, the Pentecost global Spirit empowerment and witness, the calling home into heaven by Jesus the rapture (Omega) of the Christian Church, Revelation-Tribulation]. -- "John 19:34-35 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His [Jesus'] side, and forthwith came there out {the global Judgment, global Testimony and global Salvation of} *blood and *water. And he (Disciple John) *that saw it bare record [testimony], and his [testimony] record is true: **and he knoweth that he saith true, ***that ye [individuals] might believe [salvation]." -- "1 John 5:7-9 For there are *three (triune) that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear *witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, *the witness [Spirit, water, blood] of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ]." [article link]

Feast of Trumpets: The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the Fall Feasts [of Israel] - The interval of time between 'first coming of Jesus' [3 Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits (Easter)) and] the last of the spring feasts [or middle Feast] (Pentecost [4th Feast] or Weeks) and the first of the [three] Fall Feasts {to be completed at the 'second coming of Jesus'} [a total of 7 Holy Feasts - 8 Feasts counting the weekly Feast of Sabbath that was also fulfilled on the first visit of Jesus - from Leviticus Chapter 23] (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age - In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts - {3 Fall Feasts} Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah) is on September 11, 2010 [in 2001 the Feast of Trumpets (a lunar calendar feast, not a solar 365 day year) was on September 18, 2001] - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim) September 20, 2010 - Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) September 25, 2010 - Source: escapeallthesethings.com/holy-day-calendar.htm
The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts. The Jewish people call this feast Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "Head of the Year," and it is observed as the start of the civil year (in contrast with the religious year which starts with Passover) on the Jewish calendar. The Feast of Trumpets is so important in Jewish thinking that it stands alongside Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") to comprise what Judaism calls "the high holy days" on the Jewish religious calendar. It begins the "ten days of awe" before the Day of Atonement. According to Leviticus 23:24-27, the celebration consisted of a time of rest, "an offering made by fire [only the normal acceptable Levitically prescribed Temple offerings not some made-up 'strange fire' offering]," and the blowing of the trumpets. Modern Rosh Hashanah (Ezekiel 40:1) is traced back to the Feast of Trumpets which is the sounding of the trumpets on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the religious calendar year (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1). The trumpet referred to here was the shofar, a ram's horn. It was distinctive from the silver trumpets blown on the other new moons. Silver trumpets were sounded at the daily burnt offering and at the beginning of each new month (Numbers 10:10), but the shofar specifically was blown on the beginning of the month Tishri. The interval of time between the last of the spring feasts (Pentecost or Weeks) and the first of the fall feasts (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age. In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost started the Church Age [coming after the 40 day Christian Apostolic Age (the personal earthly fellowship of the Disciples with the resurrected Jesus)]; and Trumpets, which will signal Christ's second coming to rapture the Church and {begin Revelation to ultimatly} judge the wicked, will end the Church Age. [article link]

Basic Christian: - The Basic Christian Bible Study: The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth - The 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th Kingdom the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ -- The Kingdoms: beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments after (Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon) - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. [article link]

Rapture - The Old Covenant [Old Testament] is considered an earthly covenant while the New Covenant [New Testament] is considered a Heavenly Covenant - causing the gathering of the Christian Congregation [the Rapture] to occur in Heaven - {Note: It seems to be that this is why Jesus did not write documents while He was on earth [as Moses did] because it would replicate the (O.T.) Old Covenant. Therefore Jesus speaks (writes) from Heaven as the N.T. is based in Heaven "Heavenly Jerusalem" and no earthly documents were from Jesus because that would have duplicated the O.T. Ministry of Moses. Also Note: The Book of Revelation in parts i.e. (Revelation 1:17-3:22) is a direct transcript from Jesus "Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God [the Father] gave unto Him [the Son], to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel [mesenger] unto His servant [Disciple] John:"}
Hebrews 12:18-29 For ye [Christians] are not come unto the [unapproachable] mount [Mt. Sinai "out of Egypt" (Exodus 18:1,5) in Saudi Arabia - where God came down] that might be [physically] touched [and the person who touched it died], and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of Words; which voice they [Congregation of Moses] that heard intreated that the Word should not be spoken to them any more (Exodus 20:18): For they [Congregation/Church of Moses] could not endure that which was commanded [by the voice of God], And if so much as a beast touch the mountain [Mt. Sinai], it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that *Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: But ye [Christians] are come unto [approachable] mount Sion [Mt. Zion in Jerusalem - cross and resurrection of Jesus], *and unto the city of the living God, the *Heavenly Jerusalem [Heaven - where God (Jesus) ascended up into], and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly [O.T. Saints] and [Christian] Church of the Firstborn [Jesus Christ], which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect [complete in Jesus Christ], And to Jesus the mediator [for mankind to God] of the New Covenant, and to the [N.T.] blood of sprinkling (O.T. Exodus 24:4-8), that speaketh better things than that of Abel (Genesis 4:10). **See that ye [Christian] refuse not Him [Jesus] that speaketh [from Heaven]. For if they [Congregation of Moses] escaped not who refused Him [God revealed] that spake [O.T. Covenant] on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from ***Him [Jesus revealed] that speaketh from Heaven: [Jesus] Whose voice then shook the earth [at Mt. Sinai]: but now He [Jesus] hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this Word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made [man-made], that those things [of God] which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a [eternal] Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. [article link]

The Rapture [Just a reminder! - We didn't go down this road "Feast of Trumpets" possibly equals Christian Church Rapture last year, but let's do it this year, also on Sept. 11, 2010 this year - and for the record I don't think the rapture is this year - I have no idea of when the rapture is or if it actually exists but I suspect it does Biblically exist and will happen and happen sooner than later, whenever that is but only according to God's exact will and His exact timing -- still to come a few more rapture topic postings!] - The taking (Rapture) into Heaven the Church body [Ekklesia - G1577] of Jesus Christ {Note: The Rapture [speculated to possibly occur on a future Feast of Trumpets day] of the 'born again' Spirit Church by Jesus into Heaven is the conclusion of the giving of the 'born again' Spirit (John 20:22) by Jesus *that started on the Resurrection Day the Feast of Firstfruits (Easter) and continues [by Jesus] throughout the entire Church Age concluding at the Rapture. The rapture is not the conclusion to the later, separate and distinct work and giving of the Holy Spirit that occurred on the later Feast Day of Pentecost. The [witness and empowerment] work of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost continues on throughout the Tribulation period while the 'born again' working of the Feast of Firstfruits will be concluded with the Spiritually 'born again' Church being removed from the earth and brought into Heaven by the call "shout" of Jesus.}
The Church Rapture: "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you [Christians] to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [passed away], that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe [cross and resurrection] that Jesus died and rose again, **even so them also which sleep in Jesus [are already in Heaven with Jesus] will God [Jesus] bring [at the rapture] with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we [Christians] which are alive and remain unto the [rapture] coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep [they are already in Heaven]. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout [a bidding call - command - G2752], with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ [already in Heaven] shall rise first: Then we [Christians] which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air [the rapture precedes the 2nd coming where Jesus physically returns to earth - unto to His brethren the Jews]: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - "Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted [become a Christian], that your sins may be blotted out [The O.T. didn't forgive 'blot out' sin as the N.T. does the O.T. only temporarily (yearly) covered sin], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit]; And He shall send Jesus Christ [2nd coming], which before was preached unto you: **Whom the heaven must receive [Jesus will remain in Heaven - the rapture, uniting of the Church with Jesus will occur in the air (heaven) not on earth - Jesus returns to the earth to the Jews (not the Church) later in the 2nd coming (Zechariah 12:10, Revelation 14:1)] until the [2nd coming] times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." -- The Spirit baptism of Jesus began on the feast of Firstfruits and continues throughout all of Church history until it concludes at the event of the Rapture of the Church. - "John 1:32 And John [the baptist] bare record, saying, I saw the [Holy] Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him [Jesus]. And I knew Him not: but He [God] that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see *the Spirit descending, *and remaining on Him, the same is **He [Jesus] which baptizeth with *the [Spirit] Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." [article link]

Feast of Trumpets: The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the Fall Feasts [of Israel] - The interval of time between 'first coming of Jesus' [3 Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits (Easter)) and] the last of the spring feasts [or middle Feast] (Pentecost [4th Feast] or Weeks) and the first of the [three] Fall Feasts {to be completed at the 'second coming of Jesus'} [a total of 7 Holy Feasts - 8 Feasts counting the weekly Feast of Sabbath that was also fulfilled on the first visit of Jesus - from Leviticus Chapter 23] (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age - In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts - {3 Fall Feasts} Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah) is on September 11, 2010 [in 2001 the Feast of Trumpets (a lunar calendar feast, not a solar 365 day year) was on September 18, 2001] - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim) September 20, 2010 - Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) September 25, 2010 - Source: escapeallthesethings.com/holy-day-calendar.htm
The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts. The Jewish people call this feast Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "Head of the Year," and it is observed as the start of the civil year (in contrast with the religious year which starts with Passover) on the Jewish calendar. The Feast of Trumpets is so important in Jewish thinking that it stands alongside Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") to comprise what Judaism calls "the high holy days" on the Jewish religious calendar. It begins the "ten days of awe" before the Day of Atonement. According to Leviticus 23:24-27, the celebration consisted of a time of rest, "an offering made by fire [only the normal acceptable Levitically prescribed Temple offerings not some made-up 'strange fire' offering]," and the blowing of the trumpets. Modern Rosh Hashanah (Ezekiel 40:1) is traced back to the Feast of Trumpets which is the sounding of the trumpets on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the religious calendar year (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1). The trumpet referred to here was the shofar, a ram's horn. It was distinctive from the silver trumpets blown on the other new moons. Silver trumpets were sounded at the daily burnt offering and at the beginning of each new month (Numbers 10:10), but the shofar specifically was blown on the beginning of the month Tishri. The interval of time between the last of the spring feasts (Pentecost or Weeks) and the first of the fall feasts (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age. In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost started the Church Age [coming after the 40 day Christian Apostolic Age (the personal earthly fellowship of the Disciples with the resurrected Jesus)]; and Trumpets, which will signal Christ's second coming to rapture the Church and {begin Revelation to ultimatly} judge the wicked, will end the Church Age. [article link]

Feast of Trumpets: The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the Fall Feasts [of Israel] - The interval of time between 'first coming of Jesus' [3 Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits (Easter)) and] the last of the spring feasts [or middle Feast] (Pentecost [4th Feast] or Weeks) and the first of the [three] Fall Feasts {to be completed at the 'second coming of Jesus'} [a total of 7 Holy Feasts - 8 Feasts counting the weekly Feast of Sabbath that was also fulfilled on the first visit of Jesus - from Leviticus Chapter 23] (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age - In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts - {3 Fall Feasts} Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah) is on September 11, 2010 [in 2001 the Feast of Trumpets (a lunar calendar feast, not a solar 365 day year) was on September 18, 2001] - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim) September 20, 2010 - Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) September 25, 2010 - Source: escapeallthesethings.com/holy-day-calendar.htm
The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts. The Jewish people call this feast Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "Head of the Year," and it is observed as the start of the civil year (in contrast with the religious year which starts with Passover) on the Jewish calendar. The Feast of Trumpets is so important in Jewish thinking that it stands alongside Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") to comprise what Judaism calls "the high holy days" on the Jewish religious calendar. It begins the "ten days of awe" before the Day of Atonement. According to Leviticus 23:24-27, the celebration consisted of a time of rest, "an offering made by fire [only the normal acceptable Levitically prescribed Temple offerings not some made-up 'strange fire' offering]," and the blowing of the trumpets. Modern Rosh Hashanah (Ezekiel 40:1) is traced back to the Feast of Trumpets which is the sounding of the trumpets on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the religious calendar year (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1). The trumpet referred to here was the shofar, a ram's horn. It was distinctive from the silver trumpets blown on the other new moons. Silver trumpets were sounded at the daily burnt offering and at the beginning of each new month (Numbers 10:10), but the shofar specifically was blown on the beginning of the month Tishri. The interval of time between the last of the spring feasts (Pentecost or Weeks) and the first of the fall feasts (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age. In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost started the Church Age [coming after the 40 day Christian Apostolic Age (the personal earthly fellowship of the Disciples with the resurrected Jesus)]; and Trumpets, which will signal Christ's second coming to rapture the Church and {begin Revelation to ultimatly} judge the wicked, will end the Church Age. [article link]

{Flashback} The Blood Moon Scenario - tracking solar and lunar eclipses and comparing them with Levitical Feasts
In the spring of 2015 Israel's religious year will begin with a total solar eclipse, followed two weeks later a total lunar eclipse on Passover. And then six months later the sequence will repeat itself with a second solar eclipse on Rosh Hashanna followed two weeks after that by another total lunar eclipse on the Feast of Tabernacles, all in 2015. The last time anything like this happened was in 1967, when Jerusalem became an undivided Jewish city again, and before that there were several occurrences during the years of 1948-50, as Israel was becoming a nation. There were none at all in the 1800's, 1700's, or 1600's, and none in the 1500's that coincided with Feast Days. ... If these earlier Blood Moons did in fact announce the re-birth of the nation and the reunification of Jerusalem as it appears, then the next major step in Israels' journey toward the Kingdom is their national reunion with their Creator. This is the way Ezekiel saw it happening, and in my view is important enough to God to merit such a celestial announcement. After all He's been waiting to take them back for 2000 years. [article link]

Pentecost - Three different things were being accomplished on the one Feast Day of Pentecost - 1. The Apostles who were already Christians (Luke 24:45, John 20:22) became Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened in the Gospel of Jesus Christ - 2. Ordinary Citizens (those who had not witnessed the resurrection of Jesus as the Apostles had) began to respond to the teachings and preaching of the Apostles and became Christians [without receiving the miraculous wind, speaking in tongues or the flames of fire that the Apostles had just received] - 3. According to the Apostle Peter quoting the Prophet Joel the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon all people [the world having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus] as a witness [the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31) now globally doing the sanctifying and witness work that the (Tabernacle and later the) Temple in Jerusalem once did] witnessing (Colossians 1:6) to the world regarding the accomplished resurrection of Jesus Christ in order that all people [since Pentecost] will have the Spiritual opportunity to come to faith and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior
1. "Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [Apostles] were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled [empowered] with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. -- 2. "Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:" - "Acts 41-42 Then they [new Christians] that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [to the Christian Church] unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." -- 3. "Act2:16-21 But this [Holy Spirit outpourning] is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit **upon all flesh [all people, Jews, Gentiles - saved, unsaved - as a witness to every one of the completed works of the Messiah Jesus Christ - note: it is the 'upon' witness of the Holy Spirit and is separate and different from the 'indwelling' presence of the Holy Spirit in the 'born again' Christian, a person who has responded to the 'upon' presence of the Holy Spirit receives God inside and becomes a 'born again' Christian]: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: {during Revelation} The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day [2nd Coming] of the Lord come: And it [through it all] shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] shall be saved [eternal life]. [article link]

Biblical Election: The true Biblical Election Calling [for a task or a 'purpose' of God i.e. Jacob 'elected' over his brother Esau for the task of fathering the Tribes of Israel, the Nation of Israel] and is not to be confused with the Redemption/Salvation Calling also of God
The Bible uses the lives and events of the Old Testament in order to more easily explain New Testament doctrines and concepts to [us] Christian believers. "1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these [Old Testament] things happened unto them [O.T. people] for ensamples [examples]: and they are written for our [Christian] admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1. First is the 'Called' invited into a redemption/salvation relationship with God i.e. Abraham. - "Acts 7:2-4 And he [Stephen] said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he [Abram] was in Mesopotamia [Babylon], before he dwelt in Charran, And [God] said [calling] unto him, Get thee out of thy country [Babylon], and from thy kindred, and come [answer the calling of God] into the land [Israel] which I shall shew thee. Then [answering the call-invitation of God] came he [Abram, later renamed to Abraham] out of the land of the Chaldaeans, ..." 2. The 'Chosen' are those who have answered the universal call from God (John 12:32 And I [Jesus], if I be lifted up (crucifixion & resurrection) from the earth, will draw (call/invite) all men to Me.) to enter into a relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Example: Isaac was chosen to receive the promises and blessings of his father Abraham over his older brother Ishmael. "Galatians 4:28 Now we [Christians], [Gentile] brethren, as [Jewish] Isaac was [chosen over Ishmael], are the children of promise [along with the Jews (Romans 9:4)]." 3. Election: Those who are chosen are then elected (called) to a specific task or calling to accomplish for God i.e. Jacob being elected over his older brother Esau to be the father of the Tribes of Israel. "Romans 9:10-13 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; For the [twins] children [Esau - Jacob] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the *purpose [task] of God according to *election might stand, not of works, but of Him [God] that calleth [for a purpose - election]; It was said unto her [Rebecca], The elder [Esau] shall serve the younger [Jacob]. As it is [later after they both lived their life and died] written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau [who sold his birthright (Hebrews 12:16)] have I hated." - "Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he [Esau] would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." 4. Glorified: those who accomplish the task they have been called (elected) by God to preform are glorified 'accomplished' in God. "Acts 7:8-10 And He [God] gave him [Abraham] the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham [the example of: called] begat Isaac [the example of: chosen], and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob [the example of: election]; and Jacob [elected to the task] begat the twelve patriarchs [Tribes of Israel]. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph [the example of: Glorification - (see also: 2 Samuel 13:18)] into Egypt: but God was with him [Joseph], And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh [Pharaoh Akhenaten] King of Egypt; and He [God] made him [Joseph - Glorified] Governor over Egypt and all his house." [article link]

Basic Christian: - The Basic Christian Bible Study: The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth - The 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th Kingdom the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ -- The Kingdoms: beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments after (Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon) - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. [article link]

Note: Jesus during His visitation went into the Synagogues in His area and into the Temple to teach and to serve and that is what we are to do in our day is to enter into the Church and participate, to serve and to fellowship with one another - "Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."
It's not always easy to attend Church and especially the more mature we become in Jesus the more difficult it is to get nourished and built up by the simple and often repeated messages that now routinely flow from the majority of pulpits [regardless of denomination] from most Christian Churches. However we do have our Salvation and having the knowledge of our own eternal Salvation we have Peace with God and having Peace with God we have Rest in ourselves [within our soul] and having Rest we can ultimately Trust in God. Trusting in God we are to go into the Churches and enjoy the fellowship and presence of other Christians where we can rejoice and serve and encourage one another in the love of Jesus all the while we work with one another to facilitate fellowship in the building up of the Kingdom of God while we seek to eliminate strife, division (1 Corinthians 3:3) and the increasingly ever present factions that are mindlessly turning Christian against Christian. The building up of the Christian Church universal is not an easy task but it is a necessary task, it is a meaningful task and ultimately it is an eternal task making it one of the most important tasks we can personally be involved in. Go to Church knowing that it is in fellowship with the Holy God that we gather together and praise the name of Jesus Christ! [article link]

Note: Tips for Church Attendance
1. Go to a Church close to your home - attend a local neighborhood Church. 2. Start out by attending a non-Sunday service. Attend a weeknight or early morning Bible study, event or retreat first before attending the Sunday service. 3. Don't donate any money for the first three months, this will give you an opportunity to access the fellowship based only on merit without the added difficulty of financial entanglement. Only contribute when financial statements are publically available and then only contribute a portion of your giving while also trying to give directly to Missionaries, Counseling Services, Support Groups, Internet Ministries, etc. - don't just give to a Church thinking that they will adequately fund other Ministries with your donation. 4. Attend more than one Church or fellowship at a time. Attend a small Church and also a larger Church and likewise attend a Church close to home and also one further away from home. Rotate Church attendance between Sunday services and weeknight Bible Studies and also be open to attending as a guest the Churches and fellowships of other friends, co-workers and family members. [article link]

Thomas Twitchell Blog: "Tim Guthrie Winning Truth? Surely You Jest" - If you've followed the Ergun Caner story this year, you no doubt have heard about the SBC pastors like Tim Guthrie, Tim Rogers, and Peter Lumpkins whose staunch defense of Ergun Caner rivals the Democratic spinsters who defended Clinton after the Lewinski affair - Thomas Twitchell has written an excellent blog comparing the Caner defenders to those of Clinton {Note: If we do step out of Church fellowship it should only be for a season while we continue to evaluate and grow in our own personal walk with Jesus. Just remember that whether we attend a Church or fellowship on our own God is always on the Throne and He is always accessible to each of us. The Kingdom of God is established [including on earth] and it is in existence and in authority over all mankind, thankfully regardless of our situation or status of fellowship.}
comments: Anonymous said...I am personally sick of this entire "Caner" story and situation. I know this is what some are hoping for that many will just give up and accept whatever defense has been made on behalf of Caner. But just the opposite seems to have happened. My reaction is, I am fed up with these self-promoting preachers (all that qualify as self-promoting), the millionaire boys club. The autocratic authority guys. Do as I say but not as I do. And don't question me as I am the preacher group... This is my opinion: I have no more time for these celebrity preachers, country club churches, no more money, not one dime, no more "faith" in any of them. I have "moved on" in life. I have actually drawn closer to the Lord. I have gotten my eyes off these people. They no longer occupy my thoughts or time. I read and understand my own Bible. The Holy Spirit leads my understanding. I don't need these self important authorities, that know less than I do, to tell me anything. Just like in the early days of the church, they try to make one believe that you can't understand your Bible and probably need them to be saved. You can't understand your Bible unless they tell you what it says. Baloney! My answer is "Who needs them"? They fight amongst themselves to keep the club going. All trying to be "big-shots". I don't need them, don't want them, not interested in them. God will take care of them one day. I am interested in the furtherance of the Gospel (self study) witnessing, and in people coming to Jesus by any means that is OF GOD. I also pray for Mr. Rich and family to prevail as they should never have been treated they way they were. Thus, this is why I read this blog. ... Anonymous said...And as more and more [people] read the blogs, they will move on [to the Bible] just like you to discovered the Holy Spirit is the Best Teacher. And Free except for the cost of the Bible. A hearty AMEN to you, friend! Welcome to the Body of Christ. Not the entertainment social club that expects you to pay dues so they can live well and build 'their' earthly kingdoms. ... X P M C MEMBER said...I used to wonder why people never went to a church. I used to wonder why there were NO traffic jams on Sunday mornings. Now I am one of them because of what religion has taught us in today's time which is......."B E W A R E OF THE W O L V E S" I quit listening to these decievers and am much happier with the "personal" relationship I now have with Christ. Now all you that follow these men, I hope you enjoy their ride...NOW I KNOW THE REAL MEANING OF BEING A " WISEMAN" ... Thy Peace said...An interesting sermon that relates to some of the comments that are disillusioned with church is from Pastor Wade Burleson, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Enid, OK. The sermon is titled "1 John - The Anointing of the Father", March 22, 2009 - Part 11 of series (1 Jn. 2:26-27). As their church is redoing their website, the audio mp3 is not yet available on their new website, but you can watch the video here. The sermon starts around 28:00. [article link]

The inherited 'born again' Christian gifts given to each Christian from God - Jesus Christ [Prophet, Priest, King] in us (Colossians 1:27) - each Christian [with the born again Spirit] prophecies to others according to our own individual faith - each Christian (as a part of Jesus' priesthood) offers gifts to God according to our own individual faith - each Christian exercises spiritual (Kingdom of Jesus) authority [over the Church realm and over the spiritual realm] according to our own individual Christian faith -- "Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified [made right with God] by [our] faith [in the works of Jesus Christ, His cross and His resurrection], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access [to God] by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
"Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not meat [food] and drink [socializing]; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth (serves) [Jesus] Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men." -- The individual Christian gift of prophecy (hearing from God): "Romans 12:5-6 So we [Christians], being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members [belongs with] one of another. Having then {inherited} gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;" --- The individual Christian gift of priesthood (offering individually to God): "Romans 12:1 I urge you brethren by the mercies of God to present [as your Christian priesthood] your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual [priestly] service of worship." -- "1st Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." -- "2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth [faith] in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful [faith based] giver." -- "Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." --- individual Christian gift of Kingdom authority (individual spiritual authority from God): "2 Corinthians 10:8-9 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord [Jesus Christ] hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters." -- "Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord [Jesus Christ] commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." -- "Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee [evil spirit] in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he [evil spirit] came out [of her] the same hour." -- "Acts 17:30-31 And the times [past] of this [Gentile] ignorance God winked at; but now [God] commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus Christ] whom He hath ordained; whereof He [God] hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised (eternal life) Him [Jesus Christ] from the dead. [article link]

The Old Testament Offices of Prophet, Priest and King combine in Jesus Christ [in Office] and are now not a New Testament [human] Office but are more of an Inheritance for every Christian believer in Jesus Christ {Note: The Higher Offices of the Old Testament (Prophet, Priest and King) are completed in Jesus and complimented within each Christian in the even Higher New Testament Office - the Office of Servant of Jesus Christ.}
"Matthew 12:17-21 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, *Behold My servant (Jesus Christ), whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I [Father God] will put My Spirit upon Him (Matthew 3:16), and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice [protesting] in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto [resurrection] victory. And in His name shall the Gentiles trust." -- "Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them [Disciples] unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief (first - G4413) among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." -- "Romans 1:1-2 Paul, *a Servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Which He had promised afore [O.T. times] by His prophets in the [O.T.] Holy scriptures," -- "James 1:1 James, *a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Twelve [Jewish] Tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." -- "1 Peter 2:15-17 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness [wrong doing], but *as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." -- "2 Peter 1:1-2 Simon Peter, *a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:" -- "Jude 1:1-2 Jude, the *servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." -- "Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His *servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His *servant [Disciple] John:" [article link]

The Three Offices of God; Prophet (receives from God on behalf of mankind), Priest (access to God - offers to God on behalf of mankind), and King (God's authority to mankind on earth) -- Prophet (O.T. books of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, etc.) - Priest (O.T. books of Exodus, Leviticus, etc.) -- King (O.T. books of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, etc.) - Only in the one person of Jesus Christ are the Three Offices of God [deliberately separated among mankind] but combined into the one authority and office only in and for the one person of Jesus Christ
Office of Prophet: 1 Samuel 3:20-21 And all Israel from Dan [in the North] even to Beer-sheba [in the South] knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the LORD." - "1 Samuel 9:9 Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." -- Office of Priest: "Exodus 27:21 In the Tabernacle of the congregation without (outside) the vail, which is before the [Ark of the] Testimony, Aaron [Levitical High Priest] and his sons [Levitical/Aaronic priests] shall order [officiate] it from evening to morning before the LORD [God]: it shall be a statute [observance] forever unto their generations *on the behalf of the Children of Israel." -- "Exodus 24:4-8 And Moses [an earthly prophet of Isreal (see also: Exodus 7:1-2, Numbers 11:27-29)] wrote all the Words of the LORD [King of Israel], and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he (Moses) sent young men [of each Tribe of Israel] of the Children of Israel, which offered [through the Levitical Priesthood for Israel] burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD [God]. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant [Old Covenant - Old Testament - established via Moses - N.T. established through Jesus Christ], and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant [Old Covenant - Old Testament], which the LORD [God - King of Israel] hath made with you concerning all these [O.T. Covenant] Words." -- Office of King: "2 Samuel 6:21 And [King] David said unto Michal, It was before [in the presence of] the LORD, which chose me before thy father [King Saul], and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before [in the presence of] the LORD." - "Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He [Christ] is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass [donkey], and upon a colt [baby] the foal of an ass [donkey]." [article link]

Basic Christian: Atonement - renewed [human] access into God's personal presence - The atonement between man and God is complete and completed (Hebrews 1:3); there is no current or future work of atonement - We have received the work that Jesus as our High Priest did for us on the cross - The relationship between man and God is [now] open and available - The atonement is a sacrifice that is offered from a priest [who has access] to God - We do not receive atonement from God [we receive knowledge of the repaired relationship] - God is not offering [a sacrifice] to us because He has not offended us (but Jesus did offer His sinless, eternal life for us on the cross because no one human can amend (atone) for the sins of the world) - Now that the relationship between God and man has been atoned (repaired by Jesus Christ) it is now the responsibility of each individual person to take advantage of the repaired relationship and to have a [personal] relationship with God -- "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we [humans] have now received the atonement (repair)."
Atonement is an offering given by the offending party to the offended party. Offences separate and sever relationships. When the relationship is severed it requires a mending in order to repair and re-establish the broken relationship. The means to mend the broken relationship is called the atonement. Man has offended God. After all, all God did was to create us, give us life, bring us into existence and love us. All man does is to disobey and turn our backs and walk away from God. With this behavior it is necessary that the broken relationship between God and man be mended. In this case man is so separated from the knowledge of who God is that mankind is not even aware that we have so offended God and that the relationship is broken and needs to be repaired. When two parties are no longer communicating there is need for a third party to intercede. This third party is called the "mediator". In this case, it is man that is not talking to or seeking after God, so God sent Jesus as a mediator to get the attention of mankind and to tell mankind that we have broken the relationship with God {it is not uncommon for the offending party to be so clueless that they are completely unaware of their offending behavior}. Jesus has done much of this mediation by speaking to prophets and having the Bible written. The relationship is so broken that many people even deny the existence of God. The most shattered a relationship can become is to deny the existence of the other person. Jesus is mediating/talking to us on behalf of God, because Jesus is God and therefore He is capable of talking for God and representing God. -- When the broken relationship is identified as broken, it is then possible to determine a remedy (atonement). It is up to the offended party to declare what is suitable to repair the relationship and it is up to the offending party to desire to remedy the relationship otherwise the relationship will remain broken. -- God being the offended one has declared that a relationship in the current sinful physical state of man is not acceptable. God has determined that to repair the relationship it will be necessary to have a new birth, a new Spiritual Born Again birth. Now it would normally be up to the offending party to meet the needs of the offended one therefore restoring the relationship. In this case, man is not able to repair the breach, the brokenness is too broken for us to repair. In this case God, has sent Himself to repair (atone) the separation on man's behalf. -- The atonement is what the offending party is offering to the offended party. God has a special category of people that make offerings to Him. This group of people are called priests. A priest offers to God on behalf of man, where a prophet receives from God and offers it to man. Because God is not upset with Himself and God is not in a broken relationship with Himself, God has no need to make atonement with Himself. For this reason God had to become a man. God had to become a man and serve as a priest to offer atonement (repair) for the broken relationship between man and God. ... After the offending party offers the repair (atonement) it is up to the offended party to determine if the offering is acceptable and if acceptable, therefore repairing and restoring the relationship. We know beyond any doubt that Jesus and what Jesus did as a Priest in offering atonement to God is acceptable to God and has repaired the relationship between man and God. The reason that we know this is that God resurrected Jesus from death and gave Him a new Spiritual [resurrection] body. "Romans 1:3 Concerning His (Father's) Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." It is the resurrection of Jesus that shows us that Jesus is the Son of God. "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (repair)." The atonement between man and God is complete and completed; there is no current or future work of atonement. We have received the work that Jesus as our High Priest did for us on the cross. The relationship between man and God is open and available. The atonement is a sacrifice that is offered from a priest to God. We do not receive atonement from God. God is not offering to us because He has not offended us. Now that the relationship between God and man has been atoned (repaired) it is now the responsibility of each individual person to take advantage of the repaired relationship and to have a relationship with God. - {Note: The Limited Atonement doctrine confuses the Office of Priest (offering on behalf of man to God) with the Office of King (Divine authority and rule of God). Atonement is not just a Divine decree from God but is primarily a work (of the cross), a sacrifice, an offering to God from man [Jesus Christ].} [article link]

Note: a main reason that modern 'Reformed' (modern Calvinism) doctrine [once saved, always saved] does not resonate with people and is unaccepted by a majority of people today is that it might (as a teaching) just be out of sync with God and His current last Church Era and Dispensation
Jesus instructed Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) His last Church [emphasizing His last Church age and dispensation] that it is important for Christians to know and to understand that if people are not living their life for and with God that He will ultimately reject them. The prescribed teaching of Jesus for His Church today is not 'once saved, always saved' but the knowledge and reality that God can and will reject Christians who have found their comfort not in God but in this present world. There are several crucial teachings and corrections given to the Church of Laodicea notably. 1. The earth and the world [cosmos - world system] have both been created by God not evolution. 2. God can and will reject those who do not whole heartedly accept God. 3. The personal experience of trials and difficulties are personally beneficial to the believer who is being conformed into the image of Jesus through them. -- "Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the Church of the [last Church] Laodiceans write; These things saith [Jesus] the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning (Arche - G746 i.e. highest ruler, Chief Priest, Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4) of the *creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, **I will spue [reject] thee out of My mouth. **Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art [spiritually] wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: *I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. *As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and *repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [nourish] with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My [Kingly] Throne [on earth - 8th Kingdom, Millennial Reign], even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne [in Heaven]. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the [Holy] Spirit saith unto the Churches." [article link]

Also Coming Soon: Basic Christian Dispensation Theology - End Time Dispensation Theology without the 'Hyper'
Although the Basic Christian Ministry is posting Christian material that is often grouped, categorized and segmented into common themes and occurrences (dispensations) the Basic Christian Ministry is in no way advocating a Hyper-Dispensation Theology. Mankind as individuals we are born into our own unique location and time period [dispensation]. For instance if we wanted to experience with the Children of God their ancient bondage and slavery in Egypt with Moses, the deliverance, wilderness wandering and then with Joshua the conquest of the Promise Land, we would have to have been born about 5,800 years ago in Egypt. Though mankind is bound by dispensations (if we are alive today we cannot then later be born 5,800 years ago in a past dispensation) God is not bound by dispensations. Hyper-Dispensationalism might seek to limit God's abilities to certain timeframes and locations though Biblically God is anything but limited. Regular Dispensation Theology only seeks to group and coordinate events, times, seasons and conditions that are Biblically linked and bound together but does not in any way try to limit God or His actions to certain timeframes, locations or dispensations. Three quick examples of Biblical occurrences outside of man's dispensation but completely within God's limitless Dispensation are 1. The Apostle Paul called by God to be an Apostle after the close of the 40 Day Apostle Dispensation (1 Corinthians 15:8 - "as of one born out of due time" - out of dispensation) 2. The Disciple John being brought into the future and the End Time Tribulation Dispensation (Revelation 4:1) in order to view firsthand the events of Revelation. 3. The crucifixion offering of Jesus Christ outside of human time and existence "Revelation 13:8 And all [End Time humans] that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [Antichrist], whose names are not written in the Book of Life **of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world [eternity past]. See Also: Matthew 13:35, Matthew 25:34, John 17:24, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 4:3, 1 Peter 1:19-20. [article link]

Heart of the Matter - Live One Hour Call-in Show - Shows Aired in 2010 - Grace parts 1 & 2 (Mp3 - Mp4)
About Heart of the Matter: Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City. It's where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity face to face! Shawn McCraney, the host of Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" and the pastor of Calvary Campus. [article link]

Christian Movie: Faith Like Potatoes (2006) - BASED ON THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF ANGUS BUCHAN {Note: An Excellent movie! Extremely well-acted and produced! - Also Note: The movie (like most Christian message movies) is an emotional rollercoaster, be prepared and have the people watching it with you prepared for an excellent, emotional, true movie that is also very moving, touching and most of all faith promoting.} (DVD)
Based on the novel Faith Like Potatoes, this inspiring film tells the story of Angus Buchan, a South African farmer who suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses, but through an unlikely friendship with his Zulu farmhand and divine interventions, discovers the key to healing himself and learning to accept others lies in his unwavering belief in the power of faith. This powerful DVD includes a gripping 54 minute documentary on the real life Angus Buchan, the making of Faith Like Potatoes, director and cast commentary, deleted scenes and more. [article link]

Coming Soon: The Vagabond Priesthood - Sons of Sceva - a Bible Study by David Anson Brown
Acts 19:11-20 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of [the Apostle] Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. *Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you [evil spirit] by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the [vagabond] priests {not Levitical priests}, which did so [exorcisms]. And the evil spirit answered and said, *Jesus I know, and Paul [a servant] I know; **but who are ye [vagabond]? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and [publically] confessed, and shewed their deeds [Christian characteristics]. Many of them also which used curious arts [witchcraft] brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed. -- Wiki.com Vagabond: A vagabond or "drifter" is an itinerant person. Such people may be called drifters, tramps, rogues, or hobos. A vagabond is characterized by almost continuous traveling, lacking a fixed home, temporary abode, or permanent residence. Vagabonds are not bums, as bums are not known for traveling, preferring to stay in one location. Historically, "vagabond" was a British legal term similar to vagrant, deriving from the Latin for 'purposeless wandering'. Following the Peasants' Revolt, British constables were authorized under a 1383 statute to collar vagabonds and force them to show their means of support; if they could not, they were jailed. By the 19th century the vagabond was associated more closely with Bohemianism. The critic Arthur Compton-Rickett compiled a review of the type, in which he defined it as men "with a vagrant strain in the blood, a natural inquisitiveness about the world beyond their doors." Examples included Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Leo Tolstoy, William Hazlitt, and Thomas de Quincey. [article link]

Prophet, Seer, Apostle, 144,000 Witnesses [the coming Dispensation of Revelation Tribulation with the 144,000 Jewish witnesses (i.e. announcers, forerunners - Prophets, Seers, Apostles) for the 1,000 year Kingdom Reign on earth of Jesus Christ] -- 'Matthew 11:13 For all the [O.T.] prophets and the law prophesied [of the coming Messiah - Jesus Christ] until John [the Baptist - the last O.T. prophet]. And if ye [Spiritual Church] will receive it, this [John the Baptist] is [Spiritual] Elias (Elijah) [Elijah - "Elohim is my God"], which was [announcer, forerunner - of Christ] for to come. -- '1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all He [resurrected Jesus Christ] was seen of me [last N.T. Apostle - Apostle Paul] also, as of one born out of due time.' -- 'Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye [Gentiles] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the [Jewish] Saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon *the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, **Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief [foundation] Corner Stone; In [Jesus Christ] whom all the [Temple] building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation [living place] of God through the [Holy] Spirit.' - {Note: The Prophets prophesied of the coming Messiah (Christ) and wrote the Old Testament of the Bible with the words of their prophecies. Then with the actual arrival of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) the O.T. prophecy was completed (in John the Baptist) and scripture authority was then given to the Apostles who were in the actual presence of Jesus Christ and it was the Apostles [not Prophets] who wrote the Kingdom of God instructions in Righteousness of Jesus Christ - the New Testament. Also Note: This is Not replacement theology - the 'Spiritual Church' (seperate from physical [redeemed] Israel) began at the giving of the Spirit of Jesus after His resurrection on Resurrection Sunday [Easter Sunday] and continues until the 'Rapture' taking of the Spiritual Church into heaven. Then with the Spiritual Church removed from the earth the events of Revelation revert almost exclusively to physical events and physical [redeemed] Israel -- the only or primarily 'spiritual' events of Revelation Tribulation are the counterfeit spiritual events of the Antichrist. Also Note: We are currently in the 'Church Age' [not the Prophet, Apostle or 144,000 Dispensation or Age] the Church Age started after the Apostles [Disciples of Jesus] with the Church Fathers [disciples of the Apostles] i.e. Polycarp of Smyrna, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch.}
Seer: The Seer was part of a short distinct time period in the history of Israel and came from the office of the Prophets. The office of Seer took place during the unique time period of Israel when God was their King. With God in the midst of Israel He was no longer Prophesied about but was seen by the Seer. This time period began after the Passover and upon leaving Egypt. Exodus 13:17 "God led them" He could be Seen leading the new Nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promise Land. In those days everyone in Israel could See God as He appeared in a pillar of Cloud by day and in a pillar of Fire by night. The Seer time period lasted from the Egypt Exodus throughout the wilderness into the Promise Land including the time period of the Judges and until the regretful moment when Israel as a Nation rejected the leadership of God and chose for themselves an earthly king named Saul ('asked for') so they could be like all of the other nations around them and like all of the other nations they could no longer see God in their midst. With the anointing and placing of Saul into the office of King the brief Seer period of Israel reverted back to the prophet period and remains the prophet period for Israel until this day. "1 Samuel 10:17-19 And ye have this day rejected your God." As that day they were anointing Saul King. The Church however has God as King and is at times in a position of a Seer. "Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." As the "Born Again" "Pure in Heart" Church we at times do get to glimpse and to see God at work as He leads and directs our path into His righteousness. There are times that are just too Compassionate, to Divine and to Miraculous to be anything but the occurrence of God. It is only the Christian that is equipped and able to be a Seer into these very special moments in life [with God].... [article link]

Criteria for Christian Communion
Criteria for Christian Communion: 1. First the 'body' (of Jesus Christ) bread [wafer] is to be unleavened (sinless), unsweetened (reality), made with salt (preserved), holes (pierced) and browned (bruised). 2. Second the 'blood' (of Jesus Christ) cup [grape juice, wine] is to be mingled (combined) 1/3 water with 2/3 grape. Use three separate glasses or containers, 1 with water, 1 with grape, 1 empty. Then pour [mingle] at the same time both the grape and the water into the empty cup creating the cup of 2/3 grape mingled with 1/3 water. 3. Reading a Bible verse or passage provides the 3rd element of Communion the element of the Word of God being the Spirit of God. - Note: When the Communion bread is lifted up blessed, exalted and broken it represents the physical body of Jesus Christ on the cross then when the bread is eaten (consumed, eternalized) it represents the Spiritual [resurrection] body of Jesus Christ. Likewise when the Communion blood is mingled [grape, water] it represents the physical blood and water of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross [after His death - by the spear wound (John 19:34-35)] for the remission of our sins and then when the blood is drink (consumed, eternalized) it represents the resurrection eternal life Spiritual blood of Jesus Christ. Both [the one body] the physical (earthly) body of Jesus Christ and His eternal Spiritual Resurrection [bodily resurrection] of Jesus Christ [along with our new eternal spiritual body in Jesus Christ] are represented in the one Communion of bread and wine (grape). [article link]

Criteria for Christian Baptism
Criteria for Christian Baptism: 1. The person being baptized confesses a personal individual faith in Jesus Christ [the Apostles' Creed, a Psalm or a Bible verse can be read or recited]. Acknowledging the sinless Divine life, sacrificial atoning death on the cross and three days later the resurrection [eternal life] of Jesus Christ. 2. The person administering the baptism is to baptize in the Name of God the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit [not in the name of any individual, group or denomination] i.e. (Matthew 28:18-20) "I baptize you in the Name of God the Father, the beloved Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit." 3. The water baptism event [submerging into water] signifies our (dying) death and burial to this world (sin and death) while then [emerging from the water] signifies our own personal resurrection with eternal life in Jesus Christ entering into a new life in the eternal Kingdom of God. - Note: The water baptism [and accompanying confession of faith] is the Biblical public confession of faith for each individual Christian and is not to be confused with an alter call that although being a public stand it is not in its entirety the Biblical confession of faith. [article link]

The Biblical triune (3 in 1) nature [testimony, salvation, judgment] of the water, blood and Spirit (also represented in breath, wind, fire) that are each freely offered and given from God to all of mankind globally as a witness of sin (and eventually as a judgment against sin), a testimony of the once physical presence of Jesus Christ and as an eternal remedy for our own individual Salvation
Where the Apostle Peter's significant life changing event during his time with Jesus seemed to be at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-8, 2 Peter 1:16-18) the Apostle John's significant life changing event with Jesus seems to have been at the cross (John 19:34-35, 1 John 5:7-9) when Jesus was pierced by the Roman spear and the blood and water poured out from the wound in Jesus' side. The Apostle John then regards the presence of the Spirit and the separation of the blood and water coming out from Jesus as a witness, a judgment, and a testimony of salvation for all of mankind. When the Basic Christian blog History study returns in about a week we will Biblically look into the blood, water and fire (spirit), testimonies and judgments of the Bible from throughout the Old Testament starting in Genesis and continuing consistently throughout the entire Bible then concluding in book of Revelation [the sin of Adam and Eve and the shedding of blood, the Aaronic Priesthood, the Last Supper Communion, the atoning cross of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection of Jesus and birth (Alpha) of the Christian Church, the Pentecost global Spirit empowerment and witness, the calling home into heaven by Jesus the rapture (Omega) of the Christian Church, Revelation-Tribulation]. -- "John 19:34-35 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His [Jesus'] side, and forthwith came there out {the global Judgment, global Testimony and global Salvation of} *blood and *water. And he (Disciple John) *that saw it bare record [testimony], and his [testimony] record is true: **and he knoweth that he saith true, ***that ye [individuals] might believe [salvation]." -- "1 John 5:7-9 For there are *three (triune) that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear *witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, *the witness [Spirit, water, blood] of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ]." [article link]

Bible verse: 1 John 5:1-21 ... For whatsoever is [Spiritually] born [again] of God overcometh the world: and *this is the victory that overcometh the world, even **our faith ... {Note: it is 'our faith' in the completed and accomplished works of Jesus Christ, His works, His sinless life, His cross and His everlasting resurrection life that overcomes this fallen and sinful world. Our faith in Jesus overcomes the fallen world because Jesus overcame the sin and death of the world and it is not our works (good, bad or otherwise) that overcome the world but exclusively our faith in Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for us to freely receive of from His eternal life. - Also Note: some new teachings now insist that God as assigned evil works or necessary evil in works of death and destruction for some [chosen or appointed] people to carry out i.e. 'messengers of destruction and death' or 'death angels' and it's simply another deception (Romans 3:8) and lie from Satan as the True God [the Holy God of Israel] is the God of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. The Holy God is not the god of human schemes of murder and mayhem. God is the God of forgiveness of sins, reconciliation for mankind and eternal life all in Jesus Christ.} The complete Bible is available at ChristianFaithDownloads.com
1 John 5:1-21 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ (having and giving eternal life) is [Spiritually] born [again] of God: and every one that loveth Him [God the Father] that begat [sent Jesus into the world] loveth Him [Jesus] also that is begotten [was physically manifested in the world] of [in the exact Spiritual image of] Him [God the Father]. By this we know that we love the Children of God [Christians], when we love God, and keep His commandments [Love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39)]. For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments: and His Commandments [of Love] are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and *this is the victory that overcometh the world, even **our faith [in love for God]. Who is he [worshiper] that overcometh the world, but he [Christian] that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He [Jesus] that came by water [womb] and blood [cross], even Jesus Christ; not by water [O.T. judgment upon the entire earth (Genesis 6:7, Numbers 31:23)] only, but by water and {now also} blood [N.T. judgment upon the entire earth (Matthew 26:28)]. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness [of the global judgments of water (O.T.), blood of Jesus (N.T.), the judgment of fire (2 Peter 3:12) yet to come and of the only Eternal Life through Jesus Christ], because the [Holy] Spirit is Truth. **For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. **And there are three that bear [judgment and eternal life] witness in earth, the Spirit [of Jesus Christ (Luke 23:46)], and the water [from the cross of Jesus Christ (John 19:34-35)], and the blood [from the cross of Jesus Christ (John 19:34-35)]: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ]. He [person] that believeth on the Son of God hath the [Holy Spirit] witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him [God] a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is [only] in His Son [Jesus Christ]. He that hath the Son hath [eternal] life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not [reconciled to God] life. These things have I written unto you that believe [faith] on the Name [Jesus] of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. If any man see his brother sin a sin [mistakes] which is not [unbelief] unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin [unbelief] unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All [mistakes] unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin [of mistakes] not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not [by not denying that Jesus is God]; but he that is begotten of God (born again) keepeth himself, and that wicked [Satan] one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come [personally], and hath given us an [Holy Spirit] understanding, that we may know Him [God] that is True, and we are in Him that is True, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the True God, and eternal life. Little children [Christians - not yet adopted as Sons of God], keep yourselves from idols [unholy desires]. Amen. -- Holy Bible [article link]

Apprising Ministries: The Emerging church - Three voices from the "emergent church" will explore this capacity of postmodern Christianity *to embrace and redefine tradition, ... Who should attend: Any futurist who feels that everything must change about [traditional Christian] religion and is curious about how progressive [New Age] Christianity is a leading indicator of change - What you'll learn: Attendees will learn how to ground [embed and saturate] their leadership and foresight in the concerns of tomorrow's [New World Order] spiritualities and relate religious concepts to futures thinking through a theology of (false and deceptive) hope - How can this *new knowledge be applied: Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how postmodern spiritualities are **reshaping conservative theologies and communities
Back in November of 2005 the online apologetics and discernment work Apprising Ministries warned you about what is now a full blown cult of neo-liberalism operating within mainstream evangelicalism, the sinfully ecumenical Emerging Church. These past few years this EC has been busy forging together its new form of postmodern liberal theology, a Liberalism 2.0 many call Emergence Christianity, which Emergent Church guru Brian McLaren begins laying out in his latest book A New Kind of Christianity. ... Three voices from the "emergent church" will explore this capacity of postmodern Christianity to embrace and redefine tradition, ... Who should attend: Any futurist who feels that everything must change about religion and is curious about how progressive Christianity is a leading indicator of change. What you'll learn: Attendees will learn how to ground their leadership and foresight in the concerns of tomorrow's spiritualities and relate religious concepts to futures thinking through a theology of hope. How can this new knowledge be applied: Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how postmodern spiritualities are reshaping conservative theologies and communities. [article link]

Apprising Ministries: MYSTICISM PART 5 - Pietism [personal rightiousness] & Subjective [my version of self-rightiousness] Christianity - Where Did Pietism Go Wrong? Of course that is a loaded question and presupposes that Pietism did go wrong - Given the fact that Pietism, to some degree, lives on in church related groups as diverse as Amish, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and the Amana Society it is hard to be precise - But, wherever experience and subjectivity reigns supreme over Scripture in the lives and churches of twenty-first century believers there is something wrong {Note: The Basic Christian ministry at its core is really a remnant of the Anabaptist - Pietism movement. In about 2001 the Basic Christian: Statement of Faith was re-written and expanded including the phrase "while to the *righteous He [Jesus Christ] will give of His life, His gifts, and His glory" this was added with much consideration and what it means is that the purpose of the Basic Christian ministry at its core is a Ministry of Righteousness in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is an extremely loaded word and it should be but it is so loaded that after that one small phrase [and a few more words] were added to the Basic Christian: Statement of Faith that article went from among the most popular articles on the website to one of the least popular articles on the site yet Righteousness (our righteousness only in Jesus Christ) is such an important Biblical concept that I decided to leave that phrase in the Statement of Faith just to help us keep our goals and ambitions on track and in a proper order. - The coming Millennial 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth is going to be His Kingdom of Righteousness [Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 26:9, Isaiah 45:8, 19, Romans 1:17, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Corinthians 3:9, 5:21, Galatians 5:5, Revelation 22:11] and in order for us as individuals to be able to inhabit properly within the Kingdom of God we need to have a concept of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ in our own lives. - Starting in about 2012 the Basic Christian Ministry is hoping to transition into more Biblical exploration of just what is the Righteousness of Jesus Christ and how does it apply to each Christian in our own personal life and really the Righteousness of Jesus Christ functions and is displayed through the Holy Spirit and in the eternal Melchizedek, Righteous High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.}
Although Pietists adhered to the inspiration of the Bible, they advocated individual feeling as being of primary importance. That may have been an adequate method for avoiding cold orthodoxy of "Protestant scholasticism," it opened the door for the equally dangerous enemy of "subjective experientialism." The first generation of Pietists could recall and reflect on its grounding in Scripture while validly advocating the need for individual experience. A second generation would stress the need for individual experience, but often without a proper Biblical or catechetical basis. This would leave a third generation that would question individual experience with no Biblical or doctrinal "standard" to serve as an objective criterion. In turn, their unanswered questions would tend to demand an authority. When Scriptures were neglected, human reason or subjective experience would fill the need as the required "standard." Thus while not causing other movements Pietism gave impetus to three other movements in the post-Reformation church: deism [reason and logic used apart from the Bible to get to know God], skepticism [doubting Biblical passages that don't seem to relate to the physical realm] and rationalism [placing personal human physical reasoning and understanding as a higher authority than the scriptures of the Holy Bible]. ... The great-grandchildren of Pietism live on in modern evangelicalism. On the positive side, much like original Pietists there is a great hunger today for spirituality. People want a spirituality that works in the trenches of life. They want a faith that is relevant, provides answers and draws them closer to God. There is little interest in "dead orthodoxy." People want to feel something - experience something. George Gallup documents this spiritual hunger in his book, The Next American Spirituality. Unfortunately much of the spirituality that he observes is without biblical foundation leading him to warn, "Contemporary spirituality can resemble a grab bag of random experiences that does little more than promise to make our eyes mist up or our heart warm. We need perspective to separate the junk food from the wholesome, the faddish from the truly transforming." But perspective is hard to come by due to the massive level of biblical illiteracy, not only in America but among Christians as well. Half, he says, "Of those describing themselves as Christians are unable to name who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Many Americans cannot name the reason for celebrating Easter or what the Ten Commandments are. People think the name of Noah's wife was Joan, as in Joan of Ark." Then there is what some have called "the great disconnect." That is, there is a wide chasm between what Americans in general, and self-proclaimed Christians in particular, claim to believe and how they live. While the general populace claim to have a great interest in spirituality, and Christians claim to be followers of Christ, our societies, homes and churches are inundated with corruption, violence, substance abuse, racism, divorce and materialism. This "cluster of moral and theological shortcomings seemingly throws into question the transforming power of religious beliefs," Gallup admits, leading him to state, "Just because Americans claim they are more spiritual does not make them so." That leans into an excellent question, "Is the church really rediscovering its spiritual moorings - or just engaging in retreat from seemingly insoluble problems?" ... Such [emotional self-experience] "piety" is changing every facet of Christian and church life. Take worship for example. Monte E. Wilson has noted, "For the modern evangelical, worship is defined exclusively in terms of the individual's experience. Worship, then, is not about adoring God but about being nourished with religious feelings, so much so that the worshiper has become the object of worship." The cause for this type of worship, Wilson believes, is the loss of devotion to Scriptures. He writes in pejorative terms, "Others-probably the majority in modern American evangelicalism-have utterly neglected any commitment to the content of the Word and have ended with narcissistic 'worship' services where everyone drowns in a sea of subjectivism and calls it 'being bathed in the presence of the Holy Spirit.' These people come to church exclusively to 'feel' God." Pietistic leanings, of course, are not limited to worship and the gathered church. Where they are most evident, and most concerning is in the area of "God's leading." How does God speak to and lead His people according to Scripture? And how has Pietistic understanding of these things affected the way we interpret both Scripture and our subject feelings? This will be the topic of our next paper. [article link]

[Modern] Pietism - Pietism was a movement within Lutheranism, lasting from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century and later - It proved to be very influential throughout Protestantism and Anabaptism, inspiring not only Anglican priest John Wesley to begin the Methodist movement, but also Alexander Mack to begin the Brethren movement - The Pietist movement combined the Lutheranism of the time with the Reformed, and especially Puritan, emphasis on individual piety, and a vigorous Christian life
History: Although pietism surely had roots prior to the Reformation and to some extent the cause of it, as a distinct movement within Protestantism pietism became identifiable in the 17th century. The Lutheran Church had continued Philipp Melanchthon's attempt to construct an intellectual backbone for the Evangelical Lutheran faith. By the 17th century the denomination remained a confessional theological and sacramental institution, influenced by orthodox Lutheran theologians such as Johann Gerhard of Jena (d. 1637), and keeping with the liturgical traditions of the Roman Catholicism of which it saw itself as a reformed variation. In the Reformed Church, on the other hand, John Calvin had not only influenced doctrine, but for a particular formation of Christian life. The Presbyterian constitution gave the people a share in church life which the Lutherans lacked, but it appeared to some to degenerate into a dogmatic legalism which, the Lutherans believed, imperiled Christian freedom and fostered self-righteousness. However, in the pietist view, ritualistic elements which Luther wanted to remove were captivating the mainstream of the Lutheran church, squeezing the pietists into fellowships with which they were comfortable. ... In Pia desideria "Pious Desires" (1675), Spener made six proposals as the best means of restoring the life of the Church: 1. The earnest and thorough study of the Bible in private meetings, ecclesiolae in ecclesia ("little churches within the church"). 2. The Christian priesthood being universal, the laity [people] should share in the spiritual government of the Church. 3. A knowledge of Christianity must be attended by the practice of it as its indispensable sign and supplement. 4. Instead of merely didactic, and often bitter, attacks on the heterodox [variant views] and unbelievers, a sympathetic and kindly treatment of them. 5. A reorganization of the theological training of the universities, giving more prominence to the devotional life. 6. A different style of preaching, namely, in the place of pleasing rhetoric [examples directed from news, events and stories], the implanting of [Biblical] Christianity in the inner or new man [spiritual man], the soul of which is faith, and its effects the fruits of life. - This work produced a great impression throughout Germany, and although large numbers of the orthodox Lutheran theologians and pastors were deeply offended by Spener's book, its complaints and its demands were both too well justified to admit of their being point-blank denied. A large number of pastors immediately adopted Spener's proposals. ... In modern societies where Pietism has had a profound impact its religious foundations are no longer apparent. Atheistic pietism is a term used by Asgeir Helgason to describe a pietistic (moralistic) approach to life without religion. "We have denied the existence of God but kept the pietistic rules". Atheistic pietism has been suggested to be one of the characteristics (traits) of the modern day Swedish national spirit. The term is first known to have been used by W.H. Mallock in 1879. [article link]

[Modern] Anabaptist - Anabaptists "re-baptizers" or "adult baptism" [believer's baptism - credobaptism (reciting the well-known "Apostles' Creed" or a personal Bible verse or a Psalm at baptism)] are Christians of the Radical Reformation - Puritans of England and their Baptist branch arose independently, but were influenced by the Anabaptist movement - Where men believe in the freedom of religion, supported by a guarantee of separation of church and state [government], they have entered into that [Anabaptist] heritage - Where men have caught the Anabaptist vision of [N.T.] discipleship, they have become worthy of that heritage - Where corporate discipleship submits itself to the New Testament pattern of the church, the heir has then entered full possession of his [N.T. - Anabaptist] legacy
[Some] Anabaptists rejected *conventional [common and Biblically acceptable] Christian practices such as wearing wedding rings, taking oaths, and participating in civil government. They adhered to a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount and Believer's baptism. The name Anabaptist is derived from this, because credobaptism ('Believer's baptism' - adult baptism) was considered heresy by all other major Christian denominations at the time of the reformation period (specifically, all major Christian denominations saw [infant] baptism as necessary for salvation and necessary for infants, and held that it was wrong to delay baptism until the child had reached a certain age; they did, however, require that those who converted later in life should confess a baptismal creed [the Apostles' Creed] at baptism (credobaptism). Anabaptists required that candidates be able to make their own confessions of faith and so refused baptism to infants). As a result, Anabaptists were heavily persecuted during the 16th century and into the 17th by both Roman Catholics and other Protestants. ... Somewhat related to this is the theory that the Anabaptists are of Waldensian origin. Some hold the idea that the Waldenses are part of the apostolic succession, while others simply believe they were an independent group out of whom the Anabaptists arose. Estep asserts "the Waldenses disappeared in Switzerland a century before the rise of the Anabaptist movement." Ludwig Keller, Thomas M. Lindsay, H. C. Vedder, Delbert Grätz, and Thieleman J. van Braght all held, in varying degrees, the position that the Anabaptists were of Waldensian origin. ... The Anabaptists were early promoters of a free church and freedom of religion (sometimes associated with separation of church and state). When it was introduced by the Anabaptists in the 15th and 16th centuries, religious freedom independent of the state was unthinkable to both clerical and governmental leaders. Religious liberty was equated with anarchy; Kropotkin traces the birth of anarchist thought in Europe to these early Anabaptist communities. According to Estep: Where men believe in the freedom of religion, supported by a guarantee of separation of church and state, they have entered into that heritage. Where men have caught the Anabaptist vision of discipleship, they have become worthy of that heritage. Where corporate discipleship submits itself to the New Testament pattern of the church, the heir has then entered full possession of his legacy. [article link]

Apologetics Training Videos - Shepherd's Fellowship of Greensboro - In part I of our series on apologetic and evangelistic methods, Dustin S. Segers defines the problems inherent in modern evangelistic and apologetic methods and then goes on to discuss biblical methods of apologetics and evangelism {Apologetics Training from a Reformed, Calvinistic Theology - Good material but with the patented Reformed biased view. Charles Finney (1792 -1875) one of the greatest men of the Christian faith is referenced in the teaching as a heretic but it's not true. [Finney was a primary influence on the "revival" style of theology which emerged in the 19th century (1800's). Though coming from a Calvinistic background, Finney rejected (Shepherding) tenets of "Old Divinity" Calvinism which he felt were unbiblical and counter to evangelism and Christian mission. - Wiki.com]. Many of the Reformed theologies and Apologetics teachings in this series are excellent it is just that a heavily biased Reformed Only (Shepherding) view is never that excellent of a way to share, teach or preach the Holy Bible to fellow Christians.} (YouTube)
Why Do We Exist? - 5. Restoring (Shepherding) Biblical Pastoral Oversight [vs. body of Jesus Christ fellowship, individuality (grace), freedom, ability and equality in Jesus Christ]. Many church leaders have neglected the duties of overseeing the spiritual welfare of individuals and families. Programs, facilities, and finances are managed and promoted by many pastors. If pastors and elders fail to care for souls, they fail to obey God to the great detriment of the church (1Pet. 5:1-2; Acts 20:28). We desire to see each individual in Shepherd's Fellowship mature to the glory of God so that each life produces a great harvest in the kingdom of God. While we want to purpose to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3), we wish to see continually good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ (Col. 2:5). Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:17) In conclusion, our desire is to glorify God in all that we do through proper preaching, teaching, ministering and evangelizing (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Cor. 12:31). We pray that God will cause His gospel to spread quickly through our local area to bring honor and glory to Christ and to seek and save those who are lost (Eph. 3:21). [article link]

The Nicene Creed (325 A.D.): ... And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic [universal] and **[A]postolic Church [based on the foundation of the Apostles] - I acknowledge one Baptism [personal - individual identity (cross and resurrection) with Jesus Christ] for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come - Amen
The Three Ecumenical or Universal Creeds -- The Apostles' Creed [The title, Symbolum Apostolicum (Symbol or Creed of the Apostles), appears for the first time in a letter from a Council in Milan (probably written by Ambrose himself) to Pope Siricius in about 390 A.D. - Wiki.com]: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic [universal] Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. -- The Nicene Creed [adopted in the city of Nicaea by the first (second) ecumenical council (Jerusalem Acts 15:6 was the first ecumenical Church council), which met there in 325 A.D. - Wiki.com]: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic [universal] and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. -- The Athanasian Creed [The use of the Creed in a sermon by Caesarius of Arles, as well as a theological resemblance to works by Vincent of Lérins, point to Southern Gaul as its origin. The most likely time frame is in the late fifth or early sixth century A.D. (475-525 A.D.) at least 100 years after Athanasius (293 A.D. - May 2, 373 A.D.) - Wiki.com]: Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic [universal] faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic [universal] faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three Eternals, but one Eternal. As there are not three Uncreated nor three Incomprehensibles, but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord, So are we forbidden by the catholic [universal] religion to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none: neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before or after other; none is greater or less than another; But the whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal: so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped. He, therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man of the substance of His mother, born in the world; Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood; Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ: One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking the manhood into God; One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead; He ascended into heaven; He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give an account of their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the catholic [universal] faith; which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved. [article link]

1689 Baptist Confession of Faith - "The Baptist Confession of Faith adopted by the ministers and messengers of the General Assembly which met in London in 1689" the Second London Confession, originally composed in 1677, has ever since been called "The 1689 Confession"
This became the most popular confession of Calvinistic Baptists in the English speaking world. It enjoyed editions in Britain in 1693, 1699, 1719, 1720, 1791, 1809. In 1855 C. H. Spurgeon issued a new edition. It was only the second year of his ministry at the New Park Street Chapel. Spurgeon wrote, "I have thought it right to reprint in a cheap form this excellent list of doctrines, which were subscribed to by the Baptist Ministers in the year 1689. We need a banner because of the truth; it may be that this small volume may aid the cause of the glorious gospel by testifying plainly what are its leading doctrines ... May the Lord soon restore unto Zion a pure language, and may her watchmen see eye to eye." He addressed these remarks to "all the Household of Faith, who rejoice in the glorious doctrines of Free Grace." Other British editions have appeared in 1958, 1963, 1966, 1970, 1972, 1974. -- In the later 1600's Benjamin Keach and another minister of London published the 1689 Confession with two articles added, one on "the laying on of hands" and another''the singing of psalms". When Elias Keach, son of Benjamin, became a Baptist minister in America in 1688, he became a part of the Calvinistic Baptists who formed the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1707. Through him the Second London Confession with his father's addenda was adopted by the Philadelphia Association. For years the association appealed to the confession, formally adopting it in 1742. The first edition of the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith" was printed by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. Under this name the 1689 confession became the definitive doctrinal statement of Calvinistic Baptists throughout the colonial and early United States periods. Associations in Virginia (1766) Rhode Island (1767), South Carolina (1767), Kentucky (1785), and Tennessee (1788) adopted the confession. It came to be known in America 85 "The Baptist Confession". Familiarity with the Confession and its doctrines declined in the latter half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. But since God has remarkably revived Biblical Calvinism among Baptists in recent days, interest in this historic confession has been renewed. [article link]

Historic Baptist Documents - Confessions, Catechisms, Creeds
Many contemporaries have a deep-seated suspicion of catechisms. In our own Baptist denomination, many would consider the words "Baptist catechism" as mutually exclusive. A popular misconception is that catechisms are used in times and places where inadequate views of conversion predominate or the fires of evangelism have long since turned to white ash. If the Bible is preached, they continue, no catechism is necessary; catechisms tend to produce mere intellectual assent where true heart religion is absent. This concern reflects a healthy interest for the experiential side of true Christianity. Concern for conversion and fervor, however, should never diminish one's commitment to the individual truths of Christianity nor the necessity of teaching them in a full and coherent manner. An Encouragement to Use Catechisms, Tom Nettles -- I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly's and Baptist Catechisms, for the use of my own church and congregation. Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass. ~ C. H. Spurgeon -- "There never was a man in the world without a creed. What is a creed? A creed is what you believe. What is a confession? It is a declaration of what you believe. That declaration may be oral or it may be committed to writing, but the creed is there either expressed or implied." ~ B.H. Carroll [article link]

***Highly Recommended - (PID) VFTB 048: Sarah Leslie - False Christs and False Prophets - The *New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world {Note: Back in the day (mid-90's) I read several of the books and bought a few [especially books on prayer by Cindy Jacobs] proposing a modern apostolic movement based on 'globally' impacting ministries. The modern definition of a modern apostle being a global ministry and at the time this seemed reasonable to me however after more Bible study it's easy to see that the modern term for apostle has been redefined. A Biblical Apostle is strictly one of the people [the Apostle Paul being the last Apostle (1 Corinthians 15:8)] who personally witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ and who primarily wrote the New Testament scriptures based on the teachings of Jesus from their personal time spent with Jesus. Also Note: A Christian ministry was always intended to have a global impact and regular Christian ministry is mentioned in the Bible apart from any reference to any local apostolic authority or mandate. - Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your [regular Christian] faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. -- *No global apostolic mandate is mentioned or referenced here by the Apostle Paul.} (Mp3)
We're watching prophecy unfold before our very eyes. The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world. Sarah Leslie of Discernment Ministries, publisher of the excellent Herescope blog, joined us to talk about this movement-its history, its beliefs, and the links between these new apostles, mainstream evangelicals, New Agers, and political power brokers. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see this leading to the one-world church of the Apocalypse. [article link]

Apprising Ministries: PID RADIO WITH SARAH LESLIE - FALSE CHRISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS - The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world (Mp3 links)
Apprising Ministries is pleased to point you to this program where my friend Derek Gilbert interviews another person I'm blessed to call a friend: Sarah Leslie of Discernment Ministries, publisher of the excellent Herescope blog, joined us to talk about this movement-its history, its beliefs, and the links between these new apostles, mainstream evangelicals, New Agers, and political power brokers. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see this leading to the one-world church of the Apocalypse… We're watching prophecy unfold before our very eyes. The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world. Recommended reading: Joel's Army by Jewel Grewe - The Coalescing of the Christian Right with Apostolic Dominionism by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp - The Tea Party's Strange Bedfellows and What They Believe by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp - May Day Prayers by the Discernment Research Group - You can download and/or listen to this important program right here. In addition, over at the fine website Slaughter of the Sheep Chrystal tells us in her post New Apostolic Reformation: Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries did a one hour program on the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) with guest Mike Oppenheimer of Let Us Reason Ministries on Saturday, May 15, on her Understanding the Times radio program which is one of my favorite radio programs. It covers pertinent information as it relates to the New Apostolic Reformation and C. Peter Wagner's International Coalition of Apostles… Ingrid Schlueter of the Crosstalk America radio program did a program on May 3rd with guest Sarah Leslie of Discernment-Ministries, Inc., which covered the same topic… Both programs will inform and educate you on the key players of the NAR, as well as the dangerous doctrines they teach. You will find the links to listen to both of these programs right here. [article link]

[Modern] Apostles, Prophets & The {Legitimate} International Fellowship of Christians & Jews - David Cannistraci wrote "Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement" in 1996 - It is stated that it is, "A Biblical look at Apostleship and how God is blessing His church today" - Bill Bright, David Yonggi Cho, Ted Haggard and Cindy Jacobs are some of the many [modern apostolic movement] endorsers - Cannistraci's close friend and mentor, C. Peter Wagner, has declared this book to be required reading for all his "Fuller" students - Wagner wrote in the forward of the book of the Postdenominational Movement, that being a world-wide movement that is recognizing the reinstatement of the new apostles as authoritative leadership
David Cannistraci wrote "Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement" in 1996. It is stated that it is, "A Biblical look at Apostleship and how God is blessing His church today." Bill Bright, David Yonggi Cho, Ted Haggard and Cindy Jacobs are some of the many endorsers. Cannistraci's close friend and mentor, C. Peter Wagner, has declared this book to be required reading for all his "Fuller" students. Wagner wrote in the forward of the book of the Postdenominational Movement, that being a world-wide movement that is recognizing the reinstatement of the new apostles as authoritative leadership. 'Inherent in today's postdenominational churches...are "apostolic networks,' in which both the gift and office of apostle are recognized and accepted." ... The definition of [modern] apostle within the book is "...one who is called and sent by Christ to have the spiritual authority, character, gifts and abilities to successfully reach and establish people in Kingdom truth and order, especially through founding and overseeing local churches...Apostolic people are Christians who support and participate in apostolic ministry, but are not actual apostles...people work with apostles to reach the lost through dynamic outreach, church planting and nurturing. Apostolic churches...recognize and relate to modern-day apostles...The apostolic movement is the Holy Spirit's worldwide activation of apostles and apostolic people to come together as a part of a great revival on earth....a restored function of New Testament apostles is not only important it is critical...' Excusing the failure of people like William Branham, "who appears to have become deluded near the end of his life..." Cannistraci states "apostles are primary in the Body of Christ, they are only human and as such they will be imperfect and fallible..." That is no different than Rick Joyner declaring God's prophets to have the normal acceptable error in predictions anywhere from 10-90%. Not unlike the Catholic church and "fathers", the author presents the concept of apostles taking on a fatherly role. ... Since people like Rick Joyner and others like him are considered by many to be Apostles, are we now to call him our spiritual father? In 1986, the ever ecumenical Oral Roberts, considered the apostle of healing, formed the International Charismatic Bible Ministries (ICBM.) ICBM advertises last years Conference audio and videotape which shows speakers/video workshops to have included "Bill Basansky & Rodney Howard-Browne" teaching, "Church Growth/Home Cell Ministries" and Oral Roberts & Benny Hinn working together. Their new conference is slated for June20-22, 2000. Their slogan has been "Love and Unity through Signs and Wonders." The ICBM conducts "leadership conferences," and is a "coalition of charismatic leaders," many of whom are dominionists. While noting that the names change occasionally Al Dager cited an Ad for Charismatic Bible Ministries, in Charisma, May 1987 showing that the original officers and trustees were: Oral Roberts* - Chairman; Ken Copeland* - Secretary; Jack Hayford* - Vice Chariman; Billy Joe Dougherty* - Treasurer; Paul Yonggi Cho-International Honorary Chairman; Executive Committee Members: Charles Green, Marilyn Hickey, Karl Strader. [article link]

Update Summer 2010: The Majesty and Glory of King Jesus Christ! "All Blessings, Honor, Glory, Majesty and Praise to the King and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ" - The Basic Christian Ministry is currently undergoing the series "The 8 Kingdoms of the World" regarding the Majesty and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ
Basic Christian has recently completed the 'blog Bible Study' and is currently in the process of the 'blog History Study' including the '8 Kingdoms of the World' study. The current plan is to study at a slower pace than the fast paced blog Bible Study and also to insert a couple of Topical Studies before the 8 Kingdom Study really gets back on track. Ideally the plan is to really get into the 8 Kingdom Study this Fall and then conclude the 8 Kingdoms (Kings) study just before we celebrate Christmas 2010 and the birth of the King the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 2:2). Then to spend the time from Christmas to Resurrection Day Easter (2011) studying Christian Church History as we prepare for Resurrection Day 2011 and the birth of the Christian Church - the Christian Church having started on the Resurrection Day of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [article link]

Westminster Seminary: Christ, Kingdom & Culture Conference [January 2010] - This conference addressed the sovereignty of God as it relates to His Kingdom (7 Free Video Downloads)
What is the Christian's relationship to culture? This conference addressed the sovereignty of God as it relates to his kingdom, to our role as Christians in God's world, in the state, at work, at school, and in the church. [article link]

Heart of the Matter with Shawn McCraney - Show #211 David's Sin (Mp3, Video)
Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City. It's where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity face to face! Shawn McCraney, the host of Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" and the pastor of Calvary Campus. Live One Hour Call-in Show Airs Tuesdays 8pm MST, Rebroadcasts Tuesdays 11am MST, Salt Lake City Channel 20, KTMW Boise, Idaho Channel 18 KCLP. [article link]

Revelations Radio Network - The Frank & Chris Show: Episode 103 (Mp3)
The Revelations Radio Network is an online family of Christian Podcasts and Talk Shows. Together we cover a wide range of topics including Bible Study, End Times Bible Prophecy, Spiritual Deception, Apostasy Within the Church, The New World Order, and Conspiracy "Theory". If you've ever felt like world is spiraling out of control and you're looking for Scripturally sound answers as to the how and the why, RRN is for you. The comment section is restricted to members only. [article link]

The Threshing Floor with Randy Maugans - The Plummet is Laid (Mp3)
There is now a division in the Spirit. Those who live as predators, hunter-gathers, and merchandisers of souls…have passed their "point of no return." Grace, which became the licence for lawlessness is disappeared for such. This is the "quickening," it is the time of the plummet laid to the line of judgment. [article link]

Dr. Scott Johnson - End Time Current Events: 4-25-10 Parts 1 & 2 (Mp3s)
Dr. Scott Johnson, 04/25/2010 -- Part of the Current Events & Bible Study series, preached at a Sunday Morning service Iceland's Volcano Simply Explodes! President Obama is pushing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to carve up Jerusalem Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines Aborted Babies & Vaccines Deadly airborne fungus in Oregon set to spread--The new, rare strain has killed 1 in 4 infected, researchers say The "Emergent" Church Movement Exposed Max Lucado Joins "Covenant for Civility" Amazing Quotes From Heretics You Shouldn't Forget About Keeping it Under Wraps: Giants, Mummies and Megalithic Mysteries More Lies from Old Splitfoot's "Pride and Joy": Devil Betraya [article link]

Impact Ministries - Free Audio - The Gospel of Peace - The 4 Most Important Messages (Mp3s)
I've got great news for you: God is madly in love with you! That's right! Sure you've got problems; maybe your life isn't what you want it to be, but that doesn't matter... God is for you and never against you! He doesn't find fault in you and He's not looking for fault in you! He just wants to give you the most incredible life you could imagine... and more! God never meant for the world to be so messed up, corrupt and full of pain. But He gave us the freedom to make our own choices... and it seems we've habitually made the wrong choices, you know, the ones that end in pain and suffering! Religion has probably convinced you that God is angry at you for all the bad choices and destructive things you've done! They've probably convinced you that all the pain in your life is God's punishment for your shortcomings! But I assure you, nothing is farther from the truth! Years ago, I became totally disgusted with religion. And, you'll be glad to know God hates religion too, so I committed myself to helping people experience God without getting caught in all the religious traps. I started this ministry called Impact Ministries. I believe that experiencing the love of God will make the most powerful impact on your life that you could ever experience. We've been around since back in the seventies. It exists to help people like you find wholeness through the love of God. You may be asking, "What do you mean by, people like me?" Simple! People who are searching for the real God of the Bible, people who have been worn out by religion, people who want God but don't want to spend their life jumping through religious hoops, being controlled and playing games, people who want a real relationship with God without all the useless religious stuff. You see, I found out a long time ago that religion has made the world afraid and angry! Religion starts wars. Religion despises man. But God loves man. He makes peace. He is the giver of life not the giver of death! He never wants you to be afraid of Him. He never wants you to suffer. If what you've heard about God makes you afraid, you just haven't heard the truth! In fact, the Bible says it is what legalistic, controlling leaders have said about God that causes His name to be hated and blasphemed. The same prophet goes on to say that a day will come when people will see God as He is and in that day they will turn to Him. Maybe today is your day to see God as He really is. Everything in this website is dedicated to just that: showing you who God really is! As you read and listen to the information on this site I promise you this: I will never use fear - I will never use manipulation - Everything I tell you will be based on the finished work of Jesus - Everything God offers you is a free gift - Because of Jesus you are qualified for everything God offers - God will never hurt you! [article link]

It is only by FAITH in Jesus Christ (His sinless life, His atoning cross, His eternal life resurrection) that a person becomes a Christian - NOT by any kind of personal WORKS, good, bad or otherwise (Holy Bible)
"John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth [faith] in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name [Person] of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light [Jesus Christ] is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their [works] deeds were evil [selfish]. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light [God], neither cometh to the [True] light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth [Biblical] Truth cometh to the light [God], that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought [made - relationship] in God." -- "Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins {the sins of Adam and Eve}, hath quickened us together with [Jesus] Christ, by grace ye are saved; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. **For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: *Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto [God's] good works, *which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." [article link]

The works of God are different from the works of man - The Good Works of God are embodied in the works of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Holy Bible)
"Matthew 16:24-28 Then said Jesus unto His Disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and **take up his cross, and follow Me. *For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life [die to this world] for My sake shall find it [eternal life]. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole [fallen] world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For [Jesus Christ] the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of [God] His Father with His [holy] angels; and **then He shall reward every man according to his [godly - Jesus centered] works [after taking up the cross]. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man [glorified - Mt. of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)] coming in [displaying] His [righteous] Kingdom." -- "Hebrews 12:2-8 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our [Christian] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." -- "Hebrews 12:12-17 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame [human good works] be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed [relationship with God]. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently [to God] lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." -- "Hebrews 12:22-25 But ye [disciples] are come unto Mount Sion [Zion - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ], and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of [holy] angels, To the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn [covered by the blood of Jesus], which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect [complete], And to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him [Jesus] that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him [Moses] that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him [Jesus] that speaketh from heaven:" -- "Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we [Christians] receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved [shaken down], let us have grace [individuality], whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire [removing unrighteousness]." [article link]

The Dalai Lama is wrong - There is "one truth" behind the "many faiths" and that core truth, he argues, is compassion [good works - i.e. Pastor Rick Warren's 'purpose driven' agenda] - Followers of the Dalai Lama revere him as a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion - So it should not be surprising that he sees compassion at the heart of all religions - Jesus came, according to most Christian thinkers, to stamp out sin and pave the path to [eternal] salvation (humans reconciled back into a (family) *relationship and *fellowship with Holy God) - religion is an immensely powerful force both personally and politically
By Stephen Prothero, Special to CNN - I am a big fan of the Dalai Lama. I love his trademark smile and I hate the fact that I missed his talks this week in New York City. But I cannot say either "Amen" or "Om" to the shopworn clichés that he trots out in the New York Times in "Many Faiths, One Truth." Recalling the Apostle Paul—"When I was a child, I spoke like a child"—the Dalai Lama begins by copping to youthful naivete. "When I was a boy in Tibet, I felt that my own Buddhist religion must be the best," he writes, "and that other faiths were somehow inferior." However, just as Paul, upon becoming a man, "put away childish things," the Dalai Lama now sees his youthful exclusivism as both naïve and dangerous. There is "one truth" behind the "many faiths," and that core truth, he argues, is compassion. Like the Dalai Lama, who writes of how he was influenced by Thomas Merton, I believe we can learn greatly from other religions. I too hope for tolerance and harmony in our interreligious interactions. I am convinced, however, that true tolerance and lasting harmony must be built on reality, not fantasy. Religious exclusivism is dangerous and naïve. But so too is pretend pluralism. The cause of religious harmony is not advanced in the least by the shibboleth that all religions are different paths up the same mountain. If you ask religious universalists what lies at the top of the mountain, the answers they will give you are not one but many ... As I argue in my new book, "God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World—and Why Their Differences Matter," religion is an immensely powerful force both personally and politically. So if we want to understand the world we must understand the world's religions. This includes reckoning with both similarities and differences, and with the capacity of each of the great religions to do both good and evil. I know that when it comes to the Dalai Lama we are all supposed to bow and scrape. So I am happy to applaud his project to find "common ground" across the world's religions. But I also know that the Buddha said to worship no man. And I cannot agree with the Dalai Lama's claim that "the essential message of all religions is very much the same." The Dalai Lama was doubtless naïve when, as a boy, and before learning about other religions, he arrived at the conclusion that only his religion was true. But it is no advance out of innocence to make the equally fantastic claim that all the religions are at heart vehicles for compassion. If we are to build a world of interreligious harmony, or even a world of interreligious détente, it will have to be constructed on a foundation of adult experience rather than youthful naivete. [article link]

Oprah and Julia Roberts Make Push for New Age 'Eat, Pray, Love' Summer 2010 Movie - the message in Gilbert's book 'Eat, Pray, Love' is a New Age one that encourages eastern meditation [contemplating that all is one and all is well in this world without the cross and reconciliation of Jesus Christ (no sin) vs. fellowshipping with God in a right relationship of sinful human and loving, Holy God (Isaiah 1:18)] as a way to find peace and fulfillment in life - According to Time magazine, the following people are among the 2008 (100 most) influential people in the world - The ones we have listed all have some connection to promoting the New Age movement: #81 - Rupert Murdoch
On May 24th, on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Julia Roberts joined Oprah to promote the upcoming film, Eat, Pray, Love, based on Elizabeth Gilbert's New York Times Best Selling book with the same name. The movie will be released this summer and will most likely be a box office hit with Roberts starring in the film and Brad Pitt producing. Sadly, the message in Gilbert's book is a New Age one that encourages eastern meditation as a way to find peace and fulfillment in life. ... According to Time magazine, the following people are among the 2008 100 most influential people in the world. The ones we have listed all have some connection to promoting the New Age movement: #1 - Dalai Lama, #3 - Barack Obama, #4 - Hilary Clinton, #22 - Oprah Winfrey, #67 - Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), #81 - Rupert Murdoch. [article link]

{Flashback} Calvary Chapel Senior Pastor Chuck Smith now supports Rick Warren [Rick Warren's good friend (and Saddleback Church attendee) Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News also owns and distributes the Satanic bible, is a leading promoter of evolution and abortion and is also one of the leading distributors of pornographic material throughout the world] - {Note: Chuck Smith seems to think that 'anything' he does is a move of the Holy Spirit or is endorsed 'blessed' by the Holy Spirit simply because he does it and that is complete blasphemy! Pastor Chuck Smith needs to continually submit himself to the Holy Spirit in the same way and manner as everyone else. There are no special circumstances or special people, even in these End Times [or especially in these End Times], everyone is to be submitted to God at all times and there are no exceptions. Honestly, Pastor Chuck Smith and Pastor Rick Warren seem to think that they have some special anointed 'secret agent' End Time calling on their life and are to define and complete the Church and to personally above everyone else 'deliver the Church personally to God' as some super servant at the 2nd Coming appearance and return of Jesus and it is certainly not the case. - The Apostle Paul had the calling of Apostle on his life and the Apostle Paul openly and publically declared to everyone his calling [1 Corinthians 1:1] and his intentions within the Church. We now live in days where Church leaders and pseudo Church leaders like Smith and Warren seem to be enacting out a secret fantasy of an End Time calling [that does not exist] with their secret intentions and hidden agendas and it's not Biblically correct. Secrecy is a deception that is being imposed upon the Christian Church by the leaders of the Church and the Church doesn't need it or want it. - Also Note: Chuck Smith is always overselling his Calvary Chapel agenda and Rick Warren is always overly aggressive in demanding his agenda and both approaches towards people and audiences are unbiblical.} (YouTube)
This video shows the many compromises that Chuck Smith has made, on this one I fear he has gone beyond the pale. [article link]

Church Discipline: The Guest Teachers Series - DOES THE TRUTH MATTER ANYMORE? by John MacArthur $64.95 (5 Parts DVD) - entire series $203.72 (CrossTv.com) {Note: Christianity involves two parts, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. We follow Jesus in our own death (dying - self discipline) to self, sin and this world and in our own personal resurrection in living to God and His Holy Spiritual realm. Much of what the Emergent (New Age) Church is trying to do is to live the spiritual resurrection (grace, peace, holiness, wellbeing, sharing, joy) without first experiencing the death to self, sin and this world. Christianity is grounded and based in both parts, both dying to self (discipline) and resurrection (joy) living to God - these videos are more about the dying to self (self discipline) part but don't forget to also live the holy spiritual (grace, peace, holiness, wellbeing, sharing, joy) resurrection part. (Philippians 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 10:31)} (DVDs)
Everywhere is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better." Those words were written by Charles Spurgeon MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO! Yet, he might have just as easily been describing the state of the church at the beginning of the 21st Century. Well, in this "tell-it-like-it-is" indictment of the attitudes, methods and approaches of much of the modern church, Pastor John MacArthur picks up where Charles Spurgeon left off. This is 'MUST VIEWING" for the modern Christian. Presented by: John MacArthur [article link]

Washington Post: Obama names Cook religious freedom ambassador - The White House just announced that they're filling the long awaited position of ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom - The appointee is Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, whose experience includes pastoring a New York City church and founding a group called Wisdom Worldwide Center She has also been a chaplain for NYPD
UPDATE: Cook's name had been out there for months (as we reported in January), so there has been plenty of time for the self-described international religious freedom community to react. Reaction has been pretty uniform -- respect for Cook's work in building a New York City-based mega-ministry and in her interest in public service, but concern for the lack of any expertise in international religious freedom and human rights work, or foreign policy work in general. And this at a time when President Obama has beefed up the staffing and role of religion in embassies worldwide. International religious freedom advocates have also been upset that the position remained empty for so long and that Cook -- unlike other ambassadors-at-large within the State Department -- and her staff will have less access to the Secretary of State than they believe the law creating her position envisioned. [article link]

LighthouseTrailsResearch.com: Obama Names Suzan Johnson Cook Ambassador For International Religious Freedom - According to a Washington DC press release in 2009, Johnson Cook is "dubbed Billy Graham and Oprah rolled into one" i.e., a new spirituality "Christian" - According to Johnson Cook's website, she is also a member of Renaissance Weekend, an interfaith **think tank [NWO 'think tank' religion i.e. Rick Warren] that "seeks to build bridges across traditional divides of professions and politics, geography and generations, religions and philosophies"
According to a Washington DC press release in 2009, Johnson Cook is "dubbed Billy Graham and Oprah rolled into one" (i.e., a new spirituality "Christian). Since aggressively stepping up to the "spiritual" plate during the 911 attacks in 2001 [Ergun and Emir Caner also arose out of the ashes of 9-11-2001], serving as the only NYPD Chaplain's until now, Dr. Sujay has been called, "America's Chaplain". She firmly believes that, "We are mind, body and spirit which means it's time to put the stress of the current economic decline aside and get back to the basics of life - which is simply getting back in touch with your God, His wonderful promises and purpose for our lives." According to Johnson Cook's website, she is also a member of Renaissance Weekend, an interfaith think tank that "seeks to build bridges across traditional divides of professions and politics, geography and generations, religions and philosophies." [article link]

Wikipedia.org: Mike MacIntosh "a Ground Zero Chaplain" - the senior pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, California a Calvary Chapel affiliate - [Book] (2002) When Your World Falls Apart: Life Lessons from a Ground Zero Chaplain by Mike MacIntosh, Foreward by Anne Graham Lotz {Wow! 9-11 books and bracelets - some Calvary Chapel pastors seemed to see 9-11 as an opportunity to make some quick money. No wonder Calvary Chapel Pastors don't investigate [or even publically talk about] the possible NYC 9-11-2001 events because it seems in their best interest (best income opportunities) to go along with the official 9-11 version of events.}
Mike MacIntosh (born 1944) is the senior pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, California, and is a Christian leader in the United States. MacIntosh left the hippie scene of the 1960s and got involved with Calvary Chapel. He then went on to pastor Horizon Christian Fellowship, a Calvary Chapel affiliate, beginning in 1974. He is also the organizer of Festival of Life, an international evangelical outreach program. MacIntosh has also served as a chaplain for the San Diego Police Department, and has been involved in post-9/11 rescue efforts in New York City, as documented in his book When Your World Falls Apart. [When Your World Falls Apart (2002): Life Lessons from a Ground Zero Chaplain by Mike MacIntosh, Foreward by Anne Graham Lotz - Amazon.com] -- An Unofficial Associate Pastor: An example of this is Calvary of Albuquerque [pastor Skip Hietzig] where Skip's wife, Lenya, functioned almost as a pastor for women. Her "9-11 bracelet" idea [was it her idea alone or was it a 'think tank' religion idea being passed along through Lenya Hietzig?] ended up costing the church hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory write-offs. - Source: http://calvarychapel.pbworks.com/pastors-wife [article link]

{Flashback} Calvary Chapel (Skip Heitzig) Albuquerque States: Leonard Sweet Will Not Be Speaking at Conference - Lighthouse Trails Calls For Answers - Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? - the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque {Note: Because of deceptive and non-Christian practices emanating from various Calvary Chapel pastors the website links from Basic Christan to Skip Heitzig and several other Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) resources, Churches and pastors have recently been removed by the Basic Christian Ministry.}
This is an update regarding the Lighthouse Trails report that New Age sympathizer Leonard Sweet is scheduled to speak at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque for the National Worship Leader Conference this June. Conflicting reports are occurring as to whether Sweet's speaking engagement has been cancelled. Please refer to our recent posting, Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? where we write on some of these conflicting reports. A number of Lighthouse Trails' readers contacted us over the last couple days sending us copies of an email they each received from an undisclosed personnel at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque. **The form letter states: Thank you for contacting us here at The Connection and thanks for writing to Pastor Skip. We always love to hear from you. The conference is not a Calvary conference. The conference is being put on by Worship Leader Magazine using our facility - just like CAPE, Home school graduation, funerals, etc. Therefore, Leonard Sweet is not speaking at "Skip's Church". [LT: Heitzig is one of the speakers at this event.] He is part of a conference using Calvary's facilities. Leonard Sweet will attend the conference but WILL NOT BE SPEAKING. It is our prayer that God will continue to reveal Himself to you through His Word as you seek to know Him. Love in Christ, Connection Communications -- Because the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque, an official public notice from CCA stating that Leonard Sweet will not be speaking there could help clear up the present confusion. Just as important, a statement explaining to the body of Christ why they have decided to remove him from the platform would be important. In a day and age when so many Christian leaders are sending out mixed messages to the Church regarding spiritual deception, those wanting to maintain biblical integrity need to be forthright and clear in what they believe and stand for. And regardless of what denomination or movement this confusion is occurring in, those particular leaders do have a biblical obligation to the entire body of Jesus Christ. This is not Lighthouse Trails saying this - this is what the Bible requests of leaders and pastors. [article link]

{Flashback} Note: There has been a change to the referencing for each of the Basic Christian blog Bible Study postings - Each posting will now contain the Bible's book and chapter and will no longer provide a reference to an alternate past study by Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa - The change is being made out of necessity in that the teachings of the Basic Christian blog Bible Study are too divergent from the alternate material of Calvary Chapel and therefore providing Chuck Smith or Calvary Chapel as an alternate reference in the blog Bible Study has been causing too much confusion within the current blog Bible Study - The re-referencing of each post will be completed as soon as possible - My sincere apologies for any inconvenience that this has caused or might cause for anyone studying the Bible - God bless you, David Anson Brown
Originally the postings to the Basic Christian blog Bible Study were listed with an alternate past study of the Calvary Chapel C3000 series by Chuck Smith however the teachings and material of Chuck Smith have become to inconsistent and run to counter to the current [in progress] teachings given in the Basic Christian blog Bible Study and therefore there is no reason to [continue to] provide a listing to an alternate Chuck Smith resource. Sadly, it has also recently [in part through the faithful and diligent ministry of Randy Maugans at The Threshing Floor] come to the attention of the Basic Christian ministry that there are now several serious allegations that Chuck Smith does not have his own material but often plagiarizes much of his material from other sources [including now New Age material i.e. his 2006 book "When Storms Come" by Chuck Smith with (later removed) portions plagiarized from two New Age authors] and that Chuck Smith had then put his name on the material of others as though it was his own material. In Short there was an attempt to provide a reference to some past material as an alternate counterbalance to the Basic Christian material however it quickly became evident that the material of the alternate teaching of Chuck Smith is filled with too many personal antecedents has too many inconsistencies [biblical names, dates and locations] (probably from his use of too many external sources i.e. other commentaries) and even outright biblical misrepresentations [i.e. Kingdom - eternal rewards] to the point that the past study of Chuck Smith is incompatible with the current Basic Christian blog Bible Study and therefore for clarity all references to any Calvary Chapel or Chuck Smith material will be removed from all of the Basic Christian material. [article link]

{Flashback} Dr. Norman Geisler On Ergun Caner by Peter Lumpkins [Apparently it's not a hoax and Dr. Norman Geisler did author that incoherent rant.] {Note: We live in crucial times and as such it is now time that we REJECT the current Christian pastors, teachers and leaders that are unable or unwilling to accurately evaluate and assess the post 9-11-2001 era of danger, beguile and betrayal that we now exist in. Too many Pastors are still more interested in their own personal agendas, comfort and finances than in spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ. -- Past pastors, teachers and leaders like Chuck Smith Sr. of Calvary Chapel, Rick Warren, John Hagee, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, James Dobson, Norman Geisler, Jerry Falwell Jr., John MacArthur, Rick Joyner, Mark Demoss, Tony Perkins, David Brody, Lee Strobel, R.C. Sproul, Max Lucado and a host of others who consider themselves to be apostles, prophets, teachers and leaders need no longer be taken seriously or even be considered to be viable as a Christian Church authority by those within or without the true Christian Church. It is time to call into question their motives, abilities, agendas and desires that make them unwilling to accurately or faithfully proclaim the trusted Gospel of Jesus Christ!}
COMMENTS: Peter, With all due respect to Dr. Geisler's acomplishments of years past, I fear this is another of a group of recent statements showing how out of touch he is with present [since 9-11-2001] reality. What have we come to in the evangelical community when fabrications, exaggerations and lies are dismissed and those who expose such things are called "libelous"? I'm sorry, but relying solely on the assessments of men like Elmer Towns and Norm Geisler in a postmodern, digital age is not altogether sound. It would be safe to say that these men spend little or no time on the internet, much less reading blogs, web sites, twitter feeds, etc. The abundance of information today can be overwhelming for those of previous generations. This is not to say that the present environment is better, just VERY different. Moreover, Dr. Geisler is not a completely unbiased source in this matter. Caner is a regular speaker at apologetics conferences held at Southern Evangelical Seminary, founded by Geisler. Futhermore, how is it possible that he able to render summary judgement on this matter by only talking to "Dr. Caner and other principal parties at Liberty"? How can one make a final judgement on a matter by only talking to one side of the matter? What if we applied this same standard in our legal system? What if judges rendered judgement on a case after only speaking with the defendent? This seems grossly biased to me. Lastly, I agree we all should "pray for and encourage our brother". We should PRAY that DR. Caner will repent of his fabrications and falsehoods. We should ENCOURAGE Dr. Caner to start telling his TRUE testimony: that of a child from a broken him divided between Islamic and secularistic values whom God miraculously and graciously brought to salvation. {Amen!} [article link]

The Threshing Floor Radio Show-June 27, 2010-Randy Maugans - The End of Religion (Mp3)
"The tendency to turn human judgments into divine commands makes religion one of the most dangerous forces in the world." Georgia Harkness -- We have got to deal with this: Many religious doctrines are of men, not God. Religion is a tool of control that drives blind allegiances to falsehoods, stifles growth, and limits our capacity to be both critical and embracing of new information. Religion substitutes rigid rules and narrow interpretation for genuine seeking of TRUTH. Even worse, religion is conformity to a world-view that streams into the goals of the elites…easily aroused to passions of fervor, the religious become unwitting pawns in a game of social control, genocide, and war. This is about you…your quest…your battle for truth regardless of cost…heedless of risk. Faith begins at the point of not knowing, it ends at the moment you think you "know." [article link]

The Zeph Report - "Z Live" on WWCR - June 26, 2010 - Guest Randy Maugans - An extended transmission of the live shortwave feed (Mp3)
"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5" - A word is spoken in the show: REJECT FEAR! Additionally, I would say embrace love-AGAPE. The gulf oil spill is a shadow of the wounds that are in each of us…places that bleed, are broken, and need healing. Empty out yourself from yourself and get real before the Lord. The off-air segment finds us discussing music, along with summarizing the themes brought out in the broadcast. Nothing planned…no agendas…the Spirit heals in the places of our wounds. [article link]

PREEMPTION BROADCAST with Russ Dizdar - Prophecy Prayer, the Past Present and Future (Mp3s)
Prophecy Prayer, the Past Present and Future the Book of Daniel chapter 9. [article link]

Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we [Christians] have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit which is of God; that we might know *the things that are freely given to us of God. {Note: As Christians if we were to try to go the 'works' route in attempting to facilitate a relationship with God our own works would continually keep us from experiencing the fullness of God, all that God has for us at any one moment. Works imply receiving something later, a later payment that is missing but a personal relationship facilitates fullness in God and with God at all times regardless of our own works or of our own abilities.}
'1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we [Christians] have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.' -- 'Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.' -- 'Romans 5:17 For if by one man's [Adam's] offence death reigned by one; much more they [Saints - Christians] which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.' -- 'Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the [born again] Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, *that we are the Children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.' -- 'Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.' [article link]

Ernie Harwell [May 04, 2010], Detroit Baseball Fans Say Farewell To Harwell - Fans lined the sidewalk outside Comerica Park in downtown Detroit on Thursday to pay their final respects to cherished broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who was considered by many Tigers fans to be the voice of summer - "In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey," [devout Christian] Harwell [had previously] said at a microphone behind home plate
Westland resident Tyler Amaro said he was focusing not on the sadness of Harwell's passing, but on the joy he brought to people. "He was my hero not for necessarily what he did behind the microphone, but what he did as a person when he wasn't behind the microphone," he said. "When he would meet somebody, he would genuinely be appreciative that the person wanted to meet him. Dozens of postings also are being left on Facebook fan pages, while several videos announcing Harwell's death Tuesday have been posted on YouTube. There's even a Facebook campaign to change Comerica Park to "Harwell Field at Comerica Park." Across the street, the marquee of the Fox Theatre read: "Thanks for the memories Ernie." Other venues also had similar public messages. He said last September he had inoperable cancer, a month after surgery for an obstructed bile duct. Shortly after Harwell's announcement, the Tigers honored him during the third inning of a game against Kansas City on Sept. 16, showing a video tribute and giving him a chance to address the crowd at Comerica Park. "In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey," Harwell said at a microphone behind home plate. "The blessed part of that journey is that it's going to end here in the great state of Michigan." Harwell spent 42 of his 55 years in broadcasting with the Tigers. He was their play-by-play radio voice from 1960-1991 and 1993-2002. [article link]

Max Palevsky, who died on Wednesday [May 05, 2010] aged 85, was one of the early pioneers of the electronics industry in America's "Silicon Valley"; he helped to found Intel, the world's largest maker of computer chips, and became one of the country's richest men - in 1971, [Intel] produced the first microprocessor the "computer on a chip" that made possible hand-held calculators and personal computers - The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Max Palevsky was born on July 24 1924 in Chicago - His father, a house painter, spoke little English, owned no car and hauled his equipment around the city on trams
As a venture capitalist in his own right, Palevsky became a founder investor and director of the semi-conductor giant Intel Corp, launched in 1968. It led the world in the development of memory chips and, in 1971, produced the first microprocessor - the "computer on a chip" that made possible hand-held calculators and personal computers. Today more than 80 per cent of the world's PCs contain Intel microprocessors. ... Although he played a key role in fostering the modern obsession with computers, Palevsky latterly became a critic of the revolution he had helped to create, complaining that computers and the internet had become "substitutes for interaction with the real world". "I haven't touched a computer, watched TV or used a credit card in 15 years," he told a reporter in 2001. "I am a Luddite." The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Max Palevsky was born on July 24 1924 in Chicago. His father, a house painter, spoke little English, owned no car and hauled his equipment around the city on trams. Max graduated from a local high school and during the Second World War served in the US Army Air Corps as a weatherman. Having studied Science and Mathematics at the University of Chicago, and Electronics at Yale, he was posted to the USAF's main electronics base in the South Pacific. After the war he returned to Chicago University, graduating in Mathematics and Philosophy. It was while he was working as a teaching assistant at UCLA that Palevsky attended a lecture about the arrival of computer technology. He realised the implications, and resigned to join an aircraft company developing the last, and most sophisticated, of a postwar generation of differential analysers which, in the early 1950s, were superseded by electronic computers. In 1957 he moved to Packard Bell and persuaded the company to enter the computer business, working on the development of the first silicon computer, the Packard Bell PB250. In 1961 - with an initial $60,000 investment of his own, and having raised $1 million in venture capital - Palevsky set up SDS with a view to penetrating the market for small and medium-sized computers. After some modest early successes, the company made the critical breakthrough in 1966 with the introduction of the Sigma 7, the machine that propelled the company into business data processing. In little more than three years, he had sold SDS to the Xerox Corporation for $920 million. ... His interests were eclectic: he rescued Rolling Stone magazine from bankruptcy in 1970 by buying a substantial shareholding and becoming chairman of the board. He also moved into independent film production, in a joint venture with the former vice-president of Paramount Pictures, Peter Bart. [article link]

Continuing with our Holy Week 2010 preview - The 8 Kingdoms [Kings - Nimrod, Pharaoh Akhenaten, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Antichrist (Satan), Messiah (Jesus Christ)] of the earth - The Kingdom of Jesus Christ [specifically starting with His Triumphal Entry (as King of all creation - Luke 19:38-40) into Jerusalem] when His eternal Kingdom was initially established during His events of the original Holy Week in Jerusalem approximately 2,000 years ago
After Holy Week the Basic Christian info feed is going to post a Bible Study regarding the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth however since the events of Holy Week are when Jesus was ushering in His Global Kingdom for us it would be a good time to look at both an introduction and a brief summary regarding the 8 Kingdoms before the events of Holy Week 2010 to help us put the events of Jesus Christ and Holy Week into a Global Kingdom perspective then shortly after Easter we can do the actual 8 Kingdom study in its entirety.

Continuing to examine the Thursday and Friday of the ancient Holy week Timeline - The original Holy Week days of Thursday and Friday having been meshed together into the one Friday of the modern Holy Week [a Friday crucifixion - because Saturday is the Sabbath Day] excludes the purchasing of additional oils and ointments to further anoint the body of Jesus while it lay lifeless in the tomb -- 'Mark 16:1 And when the [Thursday] (evening) Sabbath [from the 1st day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread] was past, [on Friday - a normal working day] Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, **had bought (purchased) sweet spices, that they might come [on Friday] and anoint Him (Jesus).' {Note: it appears that by the time of their arrival to the tomb on Friday, with the oils and spices to anoint the body of Jesus, the tomb had just been sealed by Roman guards and they would have to come back on Sunday [at the end of three days] when the seal was to be removed by the Romans intending that the un-resurrected body of Jesus would still be in the tomb on Sunday but early Sunday morning Jesus resurrected.}
The Gospel of Luke tells us that the newly purchased oils and spices were prepared in order to further anoint the body of Jesus. "Luke 23:55-56 And the women also, which came with Him [Jesus] from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre (tomb), and how His body was laid. And they returned, and [Friday] prepared [labored] spices and ointments; and rested the [Saturday] **Sabbath day according to the Commandment [4th of the 10 Commandments - Exodus 20:9-10]." -- On Thursday [15th of Nisan] the Feast Day [Feast of Unleavened Bread] the Jewish leaders stayed outside of the presence of the Romans in order to observe the Feast day. "John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas [the Jewish High Priest] unto the [Roman] Hall of Judgment: and it was early [Thursday]; and they [Jewish leaders] themselves went not into the [Roman] Judgment Hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the [Unleavened Bread] Passover." while on the next day [Friday] the day when the Jewish elders requested that the tomb of Jesus be sealed the Jewish leaders did not remain outside of the presence of the Romans because Friday being a normal day the Jewish leaders were able to enter into the presence of the Romans. "Matthew 27:62 Now [Friday] the next day, that followed the [Thursday] day of the preparation [Feast of Unleavened Bread], the [Jewish] Chief Priests and Pharisees *came together **unto Pilate," -- Noting again that the ancient events that took place over two days [Thursday and Friday] are combined into the one Friday of the modern Holy Week timeline of events. Also Note: "Luke 23:56 … and rested the Sabbath day according to the [4th] Commandment" Luke now references the Sabbath [the week] after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the Sabbath of the Commandments. Luke might be saying that the Sabbath of the Levitical Feasts was previously fulfilled and completed on the previous week with the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and that what was taking place now was a Commandment Sabbath and not a Feast Sabbath. - The 4th of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the first of the Eight Feasts of Leviticus chapter 23 are both the weekly Sabbath day.

A Preview and look at some of the aspects of Holy Week and of the 10 Day Jesus Walk 2010 Easter Timeline Devotion - 1.) The events that Jesus Christ participated in and completed or initiated for us to receive from are primarily distributed throughout the 8 Levitical Feasts [Leviticus Chapter 23] the Jewish Feasts days that were in occurrence during the Holy Week Events - {Note: It is important to know that Leviticus stipulates that the Feasts themselves are to be Observed and Fulfilled in their proper order beginning with the Feast of Sabbath. In other words there would not be a proper observance of either the Passover or Pentecost feasts without first having properly observed and having entered into the Feast of Sabbath Rest as fulfilled and offered to us in Jesus Christ.}
Leviticus 23:4 These are the [8] Feasts of the LORD, even Holy Convocations [gatherings], which ye shall proclaim *in their Seasons [in their proper order and at their proper time]. - The Jesus Walk 10 Day Easter Timeline Devotion originally started out [in 1994] as a Bible study simply attempting to following Jesus through the events of Holy Week. The original study-devotion did not start out as a devotion focusing on the 8 Levitical Feasts as the devotion has primarily become since 2000. The essence of the Jesus Walk devotion is fellowshipping with Jesus by following along with Jesus during His origional Holy Week events, events that happen to be foretold and previously explained by Moses in the 8 Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23. The original Jesus Walk Easter Timeline Devotion started as a Bible study project in 1994 however I was completely unable to fit the 10 days of Biblical events [Anointing Friday - Resurrection Sunday] into the eight days [Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday] observed in the current modern Holy Week format. Frustrated with trying to fit the Biblical events into the modern timeline I twice [in 1997 and later in 1999] gave up on the Jesus Walk project but in 1998 with the verse "1 Corinthians 5:7 ... For even Christ our Passover (the week of Passover - Holy Week) is sacrificed for us" ringing in my head I also read some of a book [Armageddon: Appointment with Destiny] by Grant R. Jeffery and he pointed out that Easter Sunday was actually the Feast of First Fruits and also that the crucifixion was on the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Previously most of the preaching that I had heard only referenced The Feast of Passover and it was usually wrongly associated with the crucifixion day of Jesus while 1 Corinthians 11:23 says that the Last Supper "Passover" was on the night Jesus was betrayed not on the day he was crucified so clearly the events of Holy Week had been enacted on specific days in accordance with the 8 Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23 where the Holy Week events had originally been embedded for our later understanding. After another major effort during Easter 1999 the Jesus Walk project was again given up in failure until previous to Easter 2000 when some really horrible teaching [by Dave Hunt - saying that Jesus never even kept the Passover] put me right back into the Jesus Walk project and in 2000 I thought I had a word of discernment from the Holy Spirit that the project would come together that year and as Easter 2000 came and went I still felt encouraged to continue the study and at the end of May 2000 the devotional timeline days were shifted in my study notes [because they just didn't fit in the modern timeline] and Palm Sunday was backed up to [Palm Saturday] and I couldn't believe it Sunday had become a Saturday fulfilling the First Feast Day but I immediately thought that there was a verse in the Bible that proclaimed the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to be on a Sunday but there was no such verse and after some careful examination in the Greek I realized that [not Sunday] but Saturday is the day Biblically supported as the Day of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and then finally with the day of the Triumphal Entry established the Jesus Walk Holy Week Study Devotion became the completed 10 Day Holy Week Timeline Devotion. ~ David Anson Brown

2.) Examining the Dave Hunt Heresy [John 18:28] where Hunt incorrectly contends that Jesus intended to celebrate the Passover but was unable to do so - Hunt's theory is only speculation and confusion on Dave Hunt's part - Hunt confuses the later Feast of Unleavened Bread [15th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:6] for the earlier Feast of the Lord's Passover [14th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:5]
It is easy enough to prove that Jesus and the 12 Apostles did observe the Lord's Passover Feast: Luke 22:7-16 Then came the day [14th of Nisan - Feast of the Lord's Passover] of unleavened bread, when the Passover (lamb) must be killed. And He (Jesus) sent Peter and John, saying, **Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. And they said unto Him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And He said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city [Jerusalem], there shall a man [thought to be Mark] meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover. **And when the [evening] hour was come, He sat down, and the Twelve Apostles with Him. And He [Jesus] said unto them, ***With desire I have desired to eat [fulfill] this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it [Feast Days] be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. - Dave Hunt's Heresy contends that based on [John 18:28] Jesus was unable to fulfill the Passover. - "John 18:28 Then [the next day the 15th of Nisan (Thursday, crucifixion day) - the Feast of Unleavened Bread] led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they [Jewish leaders] themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the [Unleavened Bread] Passover." -- {This verse proves that the crucifixion took place on the 15th of Nisan the day after the Lord's Passover because the Lord's Passover [14th of Nisan] is not a Sabbath Rest Feast but the next day [15th of Nisan] the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is (at sundown) a Sabbath Rest.} "John 19:31-35 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the [Unleavened Bread] Sabbath day, *for that Sabbath day was an high day [not the regular Saturday Sabbath], besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he [Disciple John] that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. - Note: The Feast of the Lord's Passover [14th Nisan] is not a Sabbath (rest) feast [that is why Jesus and the 11 Apostles were able to go out to the Garden of Gethsemane that night - had the Lord's Passover been a Sabbath (evening rest) Feast, by Jewish (Torah) Law they would have had to remain inside resting] (the original Lord's Passover [Exodus 12:11] was not a day of rest it was the [busy] day "in haste" when the children of God busily prepared to leave Egypt) the accompanying Feast the Feast of Unleavened Bread [starting the 15th of Nisan] is a seven day feast and the first day [15th Nisan] and the seventh day [21st of Nisan] are both (evening rest) Sabbath rest days. Leviticus 23:6-8 And on the fifteenth day of the same month [Nisan] is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day [15th of Nisan] ye shall have an *holy convocation [evening Sabbath]: ye shall do no servile work therein (after sunset). But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [for] seven days: in the seventh day [21st of Nisan] is [also] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. -- The Dave Hunt Heresy is so easily wrong in so many ways and in so many obvious aspects that it can almost be concluded that Dave Hunt is deliberately, intentionally and systematically propagating disinformation within the Christian Church, regarding the life, ministry and accomplishments of Jesus Christ.

3.) Continuing with the Hunt Heresy - Dave Hunt after deliberately offending Protestants by wrongly claiming that Jesus did not observe the Passover Feast - Hunt then goes on to deliberately and to systematically offend the Catholics by haphazardly pointing out that the crucifixion was on Thursday rather than on the common Friday [Good Friday] of modern Catholic tradition - {Note: Roman Catholicism is a Christian sect [the main Christian sect] it is also highly built upon traditions and as a part of their traditions they seemingly [a very long time ago] shortened Holy Week by one day so that for convenience Holy Week [Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday] would encompass two Sundays (for convenient Church attendance) instead of the Saturday [Triumphal Entry] to Sunday of the Biblical events. The Catholic Church is not engaging in deceit because they have never said that Jesus didn't fulfill His three days and three nights prophecy the way Dave Hunt is saying that Jesus never observed Passover even though Jesus Himself had said [Luke 22:7-16] that He had highly "desired" to eat the Passover with His 12 Apostles.}
The error in a Friday crucifixion is that clearly only two days and two nights are fulfilled in Jesus' own prophecy. [Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.] Jesus prophesied that He would spend three days and three nights in the center (heart) of the earth. With Dave Hunt previously stating that Jesus did not observe the Passover and with the common teaching of the Friday crucifixion opening the door to yet another 'seemingly' unfulfilled prophecy then it does clearly open the way for a usurper an Antichrist to enter in and to pretend to fulfill prophesies, prophesies that are already fulfilled and completed by Jesus Christ it is just that modern teachers (pastors), teachings and modern interpretations have readily and systematically edited Jesus out of His own fulfillments and out of His own accomplishments. Dave Hunt does offer Thursday as the crucifixion day however in his already greatly confused and highly truncated timeline of events Hunt offers the Thursday crucifixion seemingly more as a momentary opportunity to deride Catholicism than as a fundamental opportunity to express fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy. All the while Dave Hunt continues to attempt to lead the Christian Church into confusion and with confusion into factions [Protestant, Roman Catholicism] and with factions then comes unwanted strife and division within the Christian Church.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (John 1:12) accepted by some and rejected by others - The Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ in initially being rejected by the rulers of this world (Luke 23:24) has been placed in an individual (experiential) basis until the fullness of the Kingdom of God is brought into its knowable entirety during the events of the Book of Revelation - Basically what we are going to do in the next few days before Holy Week is to begin to consider and to reconcile the [Kingdom on earth] Messiah Prophecy of Daniel [Daniel's 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:25-26)] and the [Eternal Spiritual] Kingdom Revelation of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) with each other and attempt to more fully understand the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ that is currently being so generously offered by God to all mankind
Note: Regarding the rejection and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The people of Jesus' day asked Him for a sign that He was indeed God (Matthew 12:40) and Jesus also said (John 2:19) the sign that He would give the world would be that He would resurrect the 3rd day from death. The resurrection of Jesus proved the Deity (Immortality) of Jesus to all mankind for all time. So the events of Holy Week that ended in the crucifixion and later in the resurrection of Jesus were not events that went astray but were events that were foretold and necessary in order for God to unmistakably reveal and reconcile Himself to all mankind. Having then revealed Himself to all mankind by His prophecies, miracles and resurrection He is now selecting for Himself a Kingdom of believing people for His own from within mankind. -- Romans 1:3-5 Concerning His [God's] Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made [physically] of the seed of [King] David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, **by the resurrection from the dead: By [Jesus] whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the [Christian] faith among all Nations, for His Name:

8 Kingdoms Introduction: Some brief criteria for the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth - Throughout human history there have been many glorious [in man's eyes] Empires, Kingdoms and Dominions but only 8 of the Kingdoms of mankind are the incredible (Revelation 17:10) Kingdoms of the earth {Note: The Basic Christian blog History Study is also going to include some of the additional great Kingdoms primarily Hammurabi (Saudi Arabia), Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia), Solomon (Israel), and Sennacherib (Assyria).}
8 Kingdoms Summary: The Seven incredible Gentile Kingdoms of Revelation 17:10 are Nimrod (Tower of Babel), Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and [revised Rome] the Antichrist Kingdom. While the 8th and final Kingdom is the eternal, righteous Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of these 8 Kingdoms is going to share some remarkable similarities: Each Kingdom will have possessed all of or a majority of the world's wealth [gold, silver, precious gems] at one time. Each Kingdom has or will have knowledge [both public and secret knowledge] beyond that of their peers. The Kingdoms will also possess influence, military power and political prestige beyond the peers of their day. *Most importantly each of the 8 Kingdoms will also have exerted FAVORABLE influence over the Jews, over Jerusalem and over the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Nimrod [about two generations and 100 years after the flood of Noah] encompassed all of humanity including Abraham's forefather Arphaxad (Genesis 11:11), the Kingdom of Nimrod possessed all human wealth, knowledge and wisdom and the Kingdom of Nimrod built a Temple (the Tower of Babel). Egypt the 2nd Kingdom amassed much of the fortune of the world and much of the knowledge of the world and a great part of that fortune would be "favorably" given to the Jews at their Passover departure from Egypt (Exodus 3:21-22). The wealth of Egypt would then be used by the Jews in the building of the Tabernacle of God by Moses at Mt. Sinai (Saudi Arabia) and later the wealth of the Tabernacle would be transferred into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The wealth of the Temple in Jerusalem would be given back to Egypt by the Jewish King Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25-26). The 3rd Kingdom Babylon [initially very favorable to the Jews, Jerusalem and the Temple] captured the wealth of Egypt in Egypt and took it to their Palace in Babylon. The 4th Kingdom Persia [Iran] conquered Babylon [Iraq] and consolidated the wealth of the world into the Palace at Shushan (Esther 1:4) part of the wealth of Persia was given to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:28, 2 Chronicles 36:23). The 5th Kingdom Greece and Alexander the Great [on either 10 or 11 June 323 B.C., Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon at the age of 32 - wiki.com]. King Alexander the Great who immersed the world in Greek thought and philosophy and after sparing the Jews, Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple then "at the age of 32" died among the wealth of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia. The 6th Kingdom Rome oversaw an extensive expansion in the size of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The 7th Kingdom the Kingdom of Antichrist is going to sign a favorable [7 year] covenant with the Jews and the Nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27) and will also in some way rebuild [and eventually occupy (Matthew 24:15)] the now destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. The 8th and final Kingdom the Eternal, Righteous Kingdom of Jesus Christ [Jesus being Jewish] will of course be very favorable to the Jews as Jesus will rule the entire world from the unprecedented Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 43:7) in Jerusalem.

Part 1. Reconciling the general community (Corporate) [Kingdom on earth] Messiah Prophecy of Daniel [Daniel's 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:25-26)] with the [Eternal Spiritual] individual (Remnant) Kingdom Revelation of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43)
Daniel a Prophet to the Nations: A summary of Daniels (Corporate) Messiah's Kingdom on earth "70 Weeks (490 years) Prophecy" - Daniel 9:22-27 And he [the holy angel Gabriel] informed me [Daniel], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding [of the previous vision from God]. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the *vision. Seventy weeks [490 years (involving all of the Global Kingdoms from Babylon until the Kingdom of the Messiah totaling 6 of the 8 Global Kingdoms - Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Antichrist and finally the Kingdom of the Messiah, Jesus Christ)] are determined upon thy [Jewish] people and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish [make an end of] the [world's] transgression {intentional sins}, and to make an end of [all] sins {intentional and unintentional}, and to make [global] reconciliation for iniquity, and **to bring in Everlasting Righteousness [the 8th Kingdom - the Kingdom of God], and to seal up [conclude] the vision and prophecy, ***and to anoint [Messiah - Jesus Christ] the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks [it would take 49 years to rebuild Jerusalem], and threescore (60) and two weeks [434 years of a rebuilt Jerusalem]: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after [the] threescore and two weeks [after 483 years of the 490 years] shall Messiah be cut off [lit. executed - crucifixion], *but not for Himself [but for the sins of the people]: and the people of the [Antichrist] prince that shall [future] come [7th Kingdom - Antichrist (Satan)] shall destroy the city [70 A.D.] and the [Temple] sanctuary [also destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.]; and the end thereof shall be with a flood [overflowing of destruction], and unto the end of the war [with Satan] desolations are determined. And he [Antichrist - 7th Kingdom] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [the 70th and final week - the final 7 year period - not yet started]: and in the midst of the week [3½ years] he [Antichrist] shall cause the [Temple - 3rd Temple in Jerusalem] sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading [completeness] of abominations he [Antichrist] shall make it [the entire earth unholy] desolate [empty], even until the consummation [end of human history - human separation from God], and that determined [vial-bowl judgments of Revelation] shall be poured upon the desolate [sky and earth].

Part 1a. The anointing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ being anointed individually by His followers - The corporate (group) anointing of the Messiah prophesied by Daniel the Prophet is alluded to but [temporarily] becomes individualized as individuals are anointing Jesus the Messiah for His Kingdom in the same way that the thief on the cross as an individual [not yet the Nations of the world] acknowledged and entered into the eternal Kingdom of the Messiah - In short the two individuals [women] who anointed Jesus with oil and the thief on the cross were all doing the very same thing, each individually anointing and acknowledging the Kingdom of Messiah - Individuals (a remnant) acknowledging and entering into the Kingdom of Messiah [Kingdom of God] long before the Prophesied Nations as a whole are to enter into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and **to anoint [Messiah] the most Holy. -- John 12:3 Then {Friday} took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. -- Matthew 26:6-7 Now {Tuesday} when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman [thought to be Mary Magdalene] having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head, as He sat at meat [dinner]. -- Luke 23:42 And he [thief on the cross] said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom. {Note: How the corporate (group) anointing (the head) of the Messiah and the general acceptance of the Messiah as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet becomes an individual anointing of the feet of the Messiah and later another anointing by another individual this time anointing the head of Jesus. Both anointings and the acknowledging of the Kingdom of God [also divine revelation from the thief on the cross] are in reference to the Prophecy of Daniel {the thief on the cross was probably directly recalling Daniel 9:26} but are not yet a direct fulfillment of the anointing and general acceptance of the Messiah as Prophesied by Daniel in his 70 Week prophecy.}

Part 1b. Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy is an explanation of an earlier Vision [Daniel chapter 7] regarding the Kingdoms of the Earth [Daniel 7:17 the 4 remaining Kingdoms - Persia, Greece, Rome, Antichrist] - Keep in mind that the 490 years of Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy are all years that occur only during one of the Kingdoms of Earth - Currently we are not directly under one of the Kings of the Earth nor are we directly in one of the Kingdoms of the Earth and therefore not yet using up one of the 490 years of the prophecy [but we are in the period (Daniel 2:42) of the Revising of the Roman (iron) Empire without yet the direct global King] - 483 years [Persia, Greece, Rome] of the 490 years have been completed and only the final [Antichrist] Week '7 years' of the prophecy remains to be fulfilled
According to Daniel (Daniel 9:25) at end of the 69th Week the Messiah would reveal Himself [the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem] and make available His Kingdom [*ending the reign of the Kings of the earth] then "after" the 69th Week "shall Messiah be cut off" the crucifixion of Jesus Christ occurred 4 days after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ. The Triumphal Entry did end the reign of the Global Kings of the Earth {as King Herod (part of a Global Kingdom - Rome) feared it would in Matthew 2:2-3} the rejection of Jesus Christ by both Rome and Jerusalem and the crucifixion of Jesus 4 days later then re-opened the (now postponed) 70th Week and the Antichrist Kingdom. The 70th Week specifically belongs to the Antichrist and since the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem at the completion of the 69th Week the timeline of the Prophecy of Daniel has stopped until the Kingdom of Antichrist claims its 1 Week (7 year period) that will be given to it by God. The amount of time [2,000 years so far] between the 69th week of Daniel and the 70th and final week of Daniel has been the Church Age. The Church Age where almost the entirety of the Book of Acts was spent grappling with the issue that the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ had momentarily become completely individualized {the early (remnant - firstfruit) rain (Hosea 6:2-3)} [with the individuals entering into the Kingdom of God primarily being the Gentiles] and that it will not be until the final events of the Book of Revelation [the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth] that the Kingdom of God becomes evident primarily through the Nations of the earth {the later (community - harvest) rain (Hosea 6:2-3)} and not just primarily through the individuals of the earth as it is now.

Part 2. The Anointing and Throne of a King: King David was anointed three times [first among his own family (by Samuel on behalf of God), later by the Tribe of Judah (lit. Praise) and lastly by the Elders of the Nation of Israel] -- Saul was anointed twice both times by the same person [Samuel] - Solomon was anointed King *twice [first by a select committee (1 Kings 1:32-40) - then by the people (1 Chronicles 29:22)] - Jesus Christ is anointed King three times, First by His family [God (Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 10:38)], Secondly [among His Praise] the Church Age of individuals, Thirdly by each of the Nations as a whole [in the Kingdom Age] beginning with the Nation of Israel at the 2nd Coming return of Jesus Christ
King Saul [a type of Satan] was chosen by God and anointed the first time privately by the Prophet Samuel [1 Samuel 10:1]. Saul was initiated [1 Samuel 10:17-24] as the 1st King of Israel [in Mizpeh of Gilead] without anointing and while Saul was personally in hiding (i.e. hidden as Satan is in hiding now). Saul was anointed by Samuel a second time though oil is not mentioned it might have been strictly a verbal anointing with the Prophet Samuel speaking prophecy over King Saul and not anointing him with oil. -- King David [a type of Jesus Christ] was anointed three times [1 Samuel 16:12-14 (Bethlehem), 2 Samuel 2:4 (Hebron), 2 Samuel 5:3 (Hebron) - the first (person) anointed in Jerusalem was the Temple (a direct representation of Jesus Christ), it was dedicated (anointed) in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:10-11) before Solomon or any of the later Kings, the descendants of Solomon, were anointed in Jerusalem] and the moment David was anointed the first time the anointing of God departed [1 Samuel 16:14] from the presence of then King Saul [a type of Satan] so only one of them was anointed by God as King at any one time and when King Solomon [a type of the Antichrist] was anointed there is no indication or recording of the anointing of God leaving King David the way it previously had left King Saul. -- King Solomon [a type of the Antichrist] was anointed twice, first [1 Kings 1:32-40] by a chosen and selected committee [the High Priest, the Prophet and the people gathered in Gihon who happened to be in knowledge of the event] and later by all the people [1 Chronicles 29:22]. -- Jesus Christ the Messiah has been anointed twice. First by His family of God [Matthew 3:16-17]. "Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me [Messiah, Jesus Christ], because He [God] hath anointed Me [Jesus] to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." - "Acts 4:26-28 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against thy Holy Child Jesus, whom Thou [God] hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined [to kill Jesus] before to be done." - Jesus is currently being anointed throughout His Christian Church Age. "1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God [Jesus] was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on [anointed] in the world, received up into glory." - "2 Corinthians 1:20-22 For all the promises of God in Him are yea [yes], and in Him Amen [Truth], unto the glory of God by us. Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] in our hearts." {My perspective on the Church rapture is just when is the Antichrist 'anointed' by God to receive his Kingdom on earth is it pre-tribulation [this happens to be my position on End Time events]? or is it 3½ years later at pre-wrath [also a very possible position for End Time events]? The anointed Church (2 Corinthians 1:20-22) and the future Kingdom of Antichrist are not going to co-exist and when the anointed 'born again' Church is raptured only then will the Antichrist be anointed for his Kingdom on earth. Then with the Christian Church gone the Antichrist will preside over a Kingdom on earth that will go horribly wrong for everyone involved as the Antichrist attempts to receive the anointing of the Nations starting in the Holy of Holies (Matthew 24:15) with the Nation of Israel.} - There is yet a third and future anointing of the Messiah Jesus Christ the anointing among the Nations starting with Jesus being anointed King by the elders of Israel in Jerusalem. "Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks [490 years] are determined upon thy people [the Jews] and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness [the Kingdom of God among the Nations], and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint [Messiah] the most Holy." - "Zechariah 12:10-14 And I will pour [anoint] upon the House of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the [Holy] Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me [Jesus Christ] whom they have pierced (crucified), and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in [agony] bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning *in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the House of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the House of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain [after the Tribulation], every family apart, and their wives apart." {Note: the coming Tribulation during the events of Revelation is primarily a Gentile (Martyred Saints) Holocaust the Jews having already suffered their [WWII] Holocaust will primarily be exempt from the Holocaust to come but still it will be dangerous and difficult times for everyone and not every family will make it through the events. Presumably the Nation of Israel will emerge (anoint the Messiah Jesus Christ) and enter into the Kingdom Age [1,000 year reign of the Messiah] far more intact than any of the Gentile Nations.} - "Ezekiel 43:5-7 So the [Holy] Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court [Millennial Temple - 4th Temple in Jerusalem]; and, behold, the Glory of the LORD filled the House. And I heard Him speaking unto me out of the House; and *the Man [Jesus Christ] stood by me. And He said unto me, Son of man [Ezekiel], the place of My Throne, and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell [as anointed King] in the midst of the children of Israel for ever ..." [article link]

Part 2a. A brief look and introduction into the 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th King Jesus Christ: Beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. [article link]

Part 3. The Three Fall [Harvest] Feats of Leviticus 23 - the Three [Second Coming] Fall Feasts of Leviticus 23 - The Three [First Coming] Spring Feasts [month of Nisan] initiated the individual Church Age and it is thought that in the same way the Three Fall Feasts of Leviticus 23 [month of Tishri] conclude the 8 Kingdom Feasts of God and initiate the 8th Kingdom the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (Messiah) and His 1,000 year Kingdom of Nations reign on earth
The 8 Holy Feasts of Leviticus 23: Three Feasts corresponding to the Second Coming and the Kingdom on Earth of Jesus Christ. --Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Rashanah) "Leviticus 23:23-25 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an Holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." The offering of fire is likely the Baptism of Fire that the Christian is undergoing since the Flames of Fire upon the heads of the believers occurring at the Feast of Pentecost. The Trumpet is an announcement and in this case it is an announcement for God's people to gather together into one place. For the Church this is very likely fulfilled in the Rapture, the calling by God of His Church into Heaven to be with Him and to escape His coming judgment that is about to come upon the entire world of non-believers. "Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the voice which I heard was as it were of a Trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." -- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) "Leviticus 23:27-32 Also on the Tenth day of this Seventh month there shall be a Day of Atonement." This feast in a large part was completed at the cross of Jesus as Jesus is the Atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Atonement is the repair the mending of a broken relationship. For a relationship to be repaired there has to be a desire to repair the union and there needs to be an acknowledgment of the wrong that severed the relationship in the first place. It is corresponding to the second coming of Jesus because there is still much to be fulfilled with this particular feast. For starters at the Atonement Feast Leviticus 16:1-34 there are two goats the first goat is sacrificed for the atonement, the removal of sin, because the result of sin is death so only when death occurs is sin satisfied. This sacrifice is a representation of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. Meanwhile, the second goat called the "scapegoat", the carrier of sins is released far away carrying with it the sins of the people and if that scapegoat never returns then the sins never return and are completely removed and stay away. If the scapegoat does return then all of the sins return with it. It is evident that at the cross of Jesus that a man called Barabbas was the scapegoat, as Barabbas was set free and he was never heard from again. That is until the Antichrist comes because the Antichrist will be carrying the name of "Son of the Father" which translated into Hebrew is "Barabbas" Bar = son and Abba = Father. Unfortunately the scapegoat the carrier of sin "Satan" will be returning one day as he will again be accepted by the people to be their friend and their king and when he does come he will bring with him the sins of the world. Also the Jewish people as a nation have not yet recognized Jesus as the true Messiah and this will happen at the second coming of Jesus so this feast is still partially yet to be fulfilled. -- Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) "Leviticus 23:34-43 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The Fifteenth day of this Seventh month shall be the feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. ... That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." The Tabernacle is a Tent a temporary shelter as opposed to a Temple which is a permanent building. The Jewish Temple originally was a Tabernacle a Tent that the Hebrews carried with them and set up during their wilderness journey prior to their entry into the Promise Land of Israel. Once in the Promise Land, the permanent living place the Tent was then replaced in Jerusalem by the permanent Temple made of stone. This is the comparison of our earthy body to our future Spiritual body. Currently we Tabernacle in a Tent body a temporary body made of flesh. Whenever anyone dies their spirit and soul departs this tent and if you are a child of God, God then accepts you into Heaven our Permanent home and we receive our new Temple body, a Spiritual body to match our spirit and our soul. {Note: The 8 Holy Fests of Leviticus Chapter 23 have been separated primarily into two parts, the three Spring Feasts of the 1st Coming [Firstfruits] of Jesus Christ and the three Fall Feasts and the2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Together the 8 Holy Feasts combine to usher in on earth the one Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.}

Part 4 the Conclusion: The three Fall Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23 seem to be the Transition Phase out of the approximately 2,000 years of individuals serving and fellowshipping with God in the Christian Church Age - Into the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom of Messiah the reign of Jesus Christ among the Nations on the Earth
The whole concept of the 8 Kingdom Study has been that there is a major transition in the Kingdom of God that is to take place and that is the Kingdom of God being shifted from the individual perspective (Church Age) to the National perspective (Kingdom Age). The shift from the individual (remnant) worship of God to the (corporate) National worship of God is continued and completed during the transition of the Antichrist Kingdom. In short throughout human history and particularly while going through the Book of Revelation there are two separate [parallel] Kingdoms at work in the Kingdom of Antichrist and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. In the Book of Revelation while the Antichrist Kingdom is attempting to unify (666 - fallen angels, fallen humans, demons) and is unable to do so the Kingdom of God [888 (in a sense) - Holy God, holy Angels, redeemed mankind] does unify. The Kingdom of God starts out in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:10-18) with Jesus walking among the 7 Churches of the earth and holding the stars of Heaven in His hand as Jesus is in the process of reconciling the earth back to Heaven to make the two separate Kingdoms of Heaven and earth back into one Kingdom. Jesus writes seven letters to His Church in each letter identifying Himself with each Church. Then in Revelation (Revelation 5:6) Jesus is seen as The Lamb Slain as Jesus identifies Himself with all of His Martyred Saints from all of the Children of God from throughout all human history. During the events of Revelation the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ becomes so identified with and intermingled with the Saints on earth and the holy Angels of Heaven in bonding and closeness that as an Angel appears (Revelation 10:1-7) it is difficult to tell if it is an Angel speaking and acting or if it is Jesus Himself speaking and acting. Note: In concluding this 8 Kingdom summary by reading the events of the Bible's Book of Revelation the Kingdom of God becomes identified with the Christian Saints, the Martyrs and even the holy Angels of Heaven at the very same time that the Kingdom of Antichrist is attempting to unify with fallen mankind, fallen angels and the demons but the Kingdom of Antichrist is falling apart and coming apart at such a rapid pace and in reality is never anywhere close to mixing into a unified Kingdom as the "iron does not mix with the clay" of Daniel. While in complete success the Kingdom of God is unified, united and completly identifiable with both mankind and with the holy Angels of Heaven all through the accomplishments and achievements of God the Son Jesus Christ. -- Ephesians 1:10-14 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times [ages] He [God] might gather together in one all things in Christ, *both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we [Christians] have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we [Apostles] should be to the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye [individuals] also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: in whom also after that ye [individuals] believed, ye [individuals] were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our [individual] inheritance until the redemption {Kingdom Age} of the purchased possession, unto the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory.

Basic Christian: blog History Study - The 8 Kingdoms of the World (RSS)
Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, [Revised Rome] Antichrist, Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ [article link]

History of the Rosetta Stone (Youtube)
History of the Rosetta Stone and Israel Archaeology. Randall Niles looks at the importance of Egyptian Hieroglyphics to Biblical Studies. Visit http://www.AllAboutTheJourney.org/isr to read how the history of the Rosetta Stone and other Egyptian artifacts impact the integrity of the Jewish scriptures. Also, go to http://www.RandallNiles.com/videos.htm to watch more videos about the history of the Rosetta Stone and other archaeological treasures related to Israel Archaeology! [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- 8 Kingdoms [Revelation 17:10] Introduction: Some brief criteria for the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth - Throughout human history there have been many glorious [in man's eyes] Empires, Kingdoms and Dominions but only 8 of the Kingdoms of mankind are the incredible (Revelation 17:10) Kingdoms of the earth {Note: The Basic Christian blog History Study is also going to include some of the additional great Kingdoms primarily Hammurabi (Saudi Arabia), Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia), Solomon (Israel), and Sennacherib (Assyria).}
8 Kingdoms Summary: The Seven incredible Global Gentile Kingdoms of Revelation 17:10 are Nimrod (Tower of Babel), Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and [revised Rome] the Antichrist Kingdom. While the 8th and final Kingdom is the eternal, righteous Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of these 8 Kingdoms is going to share some remarkable similarities: Each Kingdom will have possessed all of or a majority of the world's wealth [gold, silver, precious gems] at one time. Each Kingdom has or will have knowledge [both public and secret knowledge] beyond that of their peers. The Kingdoms will also possess influence, military power and political prestige beyond the peers of their day. *Most importantly each of the 8 Kingdoms will also have exerted FAVORABLE influence over the Jews, over Jerusalem and over the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Nimrod [about two generations and 100 years after the flood of Noah] encompassed all of humanity including Abraham's forefather Arphaxad (Genesis 11:11), the Kingdom of Nimrod possessed all human wealth, knowledge and wisdom and the Kingdom of Nimrod built a Temple (the Tower of Babel). Egypt the 2nd Kingdom amassed much of the fortune of the world and much of the knowledge of the world and a great part of that fortune would be "favorably" given to the Jews at their Passover departure from Egypt (Exodus 3:21-22). The wealth of Egypt would then be used by the Jews in the building of the Tabernacle of God by Moses at Mt. Sinai (Saudi Arabia) and later the wealth of the Tabernacle would be transferred into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The wealth of the Temple in Jerusalem would be given back to Egypt by the Jewish King Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25-26). The 3rd Kingdom Babylon [initially very favorable to the Jews, Jerusalem and the Temple] captured the wealth of Egypt in Egypt and took it to their Palace in Babylon. The 4th Kingdom Persia [Iran] conquered Babylon [Iraq] and consolidated the wealth of the world into the Palace at Shushan (Esther 1:4) part of the wealth of Persia was given to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:28, 2 Chronicles 36:23). The 5th Kingdom Greece and Alexander the Great [on either 10 or 11 June 323 B.C., Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon at the age of 32 - wiki.com]. King Alexander the Great who immersed the world in Greek thought and philosophy and after sparing the Jews, Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple then "at the age of 32" died among the wealth of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia. The 6th Kingdom Rome oversaw an extensive expansion in the size of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The 7th Kingdom the Kingdom of Antichrist is going to sign a favorable [7 year] covenant with the Jews and the Nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27) and will also in some way rebuild [and eventually occupy (Matthew 24:15)] the now destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. The 8th and final Kingdom the Eternal, Righteous Kingdom of Jesus Christ [Jesus being Jewish] will of course be very favorable to the Jews as Jesus will rule the entire world from the unprecedented Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 43:7) in Jerusalem. [article link]

Basic Christian: - The Basic Christian Bible Study: The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth - The 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th Kingdom the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ -- The Kingdoms: beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments after (Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon) - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- "Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven [sky] and the earth." - Christian Creationism vs. Secular Evolution
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven (sky) and the earth. - It is only through creation and not by means of evolution that people can be "created in the image of God" therefore creation is the very heart of the plan of God. "Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image ..." Either people are created and are therefore in the image of God making us capable of fellowship and able to have a relationship with God or we are involved in some random evolution process in a random universe that is without meaning and ultimately is totally useless. "Revelation 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made (created) heaven, and earth' ..." [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- BasicChristian.org: Article Introduction - The 7 physical and spiritual realms as unfolded in the 7 Days of the Genesis creation model {the 8th realm being God's realm of unrestricted eternity}
Humans exist in and are limited to the first three physical dimensions (length, height, width) and also the fourth dimension (restriction) of time. The spiritual realm of demons, angels and in part the coming Antichrist exists in the less restricted 5th and 6th dimensions. In fact the coming Antichrist is going to bring down or "contact" the 5th and 6th dimensions and infuse 4th dimensional human beings with 5th dimensional demons [Nephilim spirits] and 6th dimensional fallen [Satanic] angelic spirit beings consequently orchestrating 5th and 6th dimensional miracles and signs and wonders in order to deceive mankind. Note: So who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek is the manifestation [into our human realms] of the infinite dimensional (infinite dimensions - no restrictions - unrestricted) God in Person. Melchizedek is God the Holy Spirit in Person. Melchizedek is the Order of the Holy Spirit Priesthood. -- Also Note: In the Basic Christian article "Who is Melchizedek?" the 8 dimensions (restrictions) are listed in conjunction with the original creation week (Genesis 1:1-2:4) and are categorized as follows: 1. Length [Day one creation - light separated [Judgment] (length) from darkness] 2. Height [Day two creation - divided the waters above from the waters below] 3. Width [Day three creation - dry land and plants] 4. Time [Day four creation - sun, moon, stars for times and seasons] 5. Demonic [Nephilim spirits] - demons [Day five creation - fish from the waters below, birds from the waters above] 6. Angelic - Holy Angels and also Satan with all of his fallen angels [Day six creation - land animals and humans (pre-fall) - humans the highest part of creation created separate and above the animals and equal to the angels but with sin mankind fell from the 6th dimension to the 4th dimension, in fact with the sin of mankind all of creation also fell from its original creation status] 7. Human Salvation redeemed by the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ [Day seven creation - Rest] 8. Unrestricted [outside of creation] - The only Unrestricted, Eternal, Wise, ∞ Infinite, Almighty God consisting of God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. -- "Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ..." [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- The Pre-flood 'dispensation' is one of several human groups or dispensations separated out and grouped together by God as part of a continuing and ongoing work of God in order for God to continually reunite a separated mankind back into His closeness and presence -- "Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven [Christian Church Age - New Testament Dispensation] is greater than he [John the Baptist - Old Testament Dispensation]."
Various dispensations are carefully alluded to throughout the Bible including in the New Testament. "1 Corinthians 9:16-18 For though I [a Christian] preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe [misery] is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will [unwillingly], [still] a dispensation [part] of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my [willing] reward then [not money - but fellowship with God]? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." ... "Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He [God - the Father] might gather together in one all things in [Jesus] Christ, both which are in heaven [Angels], and which are on earth [humans]; even in Him [Jesus Christ]:" - Note: As John the Baptist was greatest among the O.T. Saints in having Divine Messianic Revelation, he was least when compared to the Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation that each Christian possesses. Later each Christian has less Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation then possibly each of the Martyred Saints of Revelation (Revelation 7:15) and certainly the Christian Church has less Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation then any the 144,000 Jewish (Salvation) Firstfruits of Revelation (Revelation 14:3). [article link]

Antediluvian [Pre-flood] Civilizations - {The pre-flood civilization up until the days of Noah encompassed about 2,000 years of human history and probably involved several billion people. - Note: In the pre-flood earth it doesn't appear that there were any Kings or Governments and that the long lives [experience and expertise] of each individual precluded them from being reigned and ruled over by others. Instead of a governmental structure of Kings and Politicians the earth seemed to have been Governed strictly by each family patriarch (head) according to God's governance and that after the flood in the new, young and now naive post-flood civilization the inexperienced human civilization now required [and allowed strangers - nonfamily members] rulers and Kings and that Nimrod was possibly the first King though human history had existed for some 2,000 years before Nimrod. - Also Note: Jesus is not a stranger but He is family with everyone and as family He has our own individual best interest at His heart. Jesus is the kinsman (relative - related) redeemer to everyone [we are created in God's image - relationship] and His (Fatherly, creation - Brotherly, redemption and salvation) relationship to all humans is maintained via His Virgin (Divine) birth.}
Introduction: "'Antediluvian civilizations'" are civilizations believed to have existed before the Great flood of Noah. If the fossil record is indeed the result of the Biblical flood as described in the Bible, then it is somewhat expected for evidence of antediluvian (pre-flood) civilizations to exist. It is assumed by many that humans reached advanced stages of technological development before the flood. Such presuppositions are usually based on the Biblical genealogy, which states that ancient people lived to approximately 10 times our current life span. Also it is frequently mentioned that Adam and Eve would likely possess higher than normal intelligence since they were created as adults, with knowledge that subsequent humans obtain from their parents. Another theory states that the antediluvian race called the Nephilim was superior to other humans in this respect. All accounts of the Great flood from civilizations around the world indicate that there were civilizations before the flood. However, as a result of the destruction during the flood and the passage of time, the remaining evidence is scanty. As a result of the flood, the earth was covered in hundreds of feet of sediment, and very little of the antediluvian horizon has been exposed. It is also problematic that the scientific community is quick to dismiss any artifacts that dispute their presupposed interpretation of the fossil record. Nevertheless, any truly advanced civilization would have left durable traces or constructions that would likely surface during excavations or by erosion. Relatively insightful accounts can be drawn from the Bible, apocrypha, and ancient Babylonian and Greek accounts of antediluvian civilization. ... Implications of the Tower of Babel: We can not dispute the existence of atypical knowledge possessed by Adam and Eve, however, we should also consider the tower of Babel curse as it relates to human accomplishments to that date. Monumental constructions are a great source of pride for humans. It was most likely this type of technological development that God attempted to retard by creating the language barriers at the tower of Babel. The Babel event suggests that the tower was the first major monument that mankind had ever built. It was the first construction that had no purpose but to be a monument [temple] to human achievement [based on Satanic interaction]. The tower was not a particularly important technological development [Babel was a major object of Satanic interaction between humans and Satan - harming humans to the extent of possibly permanently altering our human (DNA) making us more susceptible to disease, illness and further shortening our lifespan and also harming our psyche (soul) by lessening our confidence and our decision making capabilities making us even more susceptible to Satanic deceptions]. It was built out of bricks, and was therefore incomparable to even the limestone pyramids. In comparison to our modern building it was hardly more than a mud mound. Many better monuments would be built afterwards, but given God's reaction, it is logical to propose that nothing like it had been built prior to the flood. [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- Apparently there was a breakdown very early after the original creation regarding the patriarchal family structure of one husband and one wife with God as the ultimate head and authority for each family group - Today we have many counterfeit and substitutional family groups; the workplace, friends, political parties, sports teams and even church denominations are all common substitutes for the Divinely sanctioned family group with Jesus Christ remaining the head and authority for each individual
In Cain and Lamech we see the early breakdown of the godly sanctified family as the intended family is being substituted and misused for power, sex, authority and greed. "Genesis 4:17-26 And Cain knew [sexualy] his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch {3rd from Adam}: and he [Cain] builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. *And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubal- cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. *And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. And Adam knew his wife [Eve] again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed (Genesis 3:15) instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call [in the hope of the coming Messiah-Redeemer-Seed, Jesus Christ] upon the Name of the LORD." -- The breakdown in the traditional family is restored in the Spiritual family of Christianity with Jesus Christ remaining as the head and authority over the entirety of the Christian Church family. "John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw His mother [Mary], and the disciple [John] standing by, whom He loved (greatest good and highest wellbeing love, Spiritual-emotional, unselfish, non-sexual, eternal love - G25 Agapao, Agape), He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He (Jesus) to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." {Note: This event that took place at the crucifixion of Jesus is the structuring of the Christian Church into a Spiritual family. Also Note: This is not an adoption event as adoption has with it a house (i.e. John 14:2, a future adoption event) and Mary went to John's house, permanently precluding adoption (Mary did not adopt John - and the younger does not adopt the elder) Mary went with the Disciple John to his house as a part of a Spiritual, united Christian family.} [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- We Are One In The Spirit (YouTube)
Music by the band Jars of Clay. [article link]

The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- The Date of Noah's Flood - The placing of a catastrophic global flood in the year (about) 2304 BC [and Creation at about 4,000 B.C.] means that all civilizations discovered by archaeology [today] must fit into the last 4,285 years {The flood of Noah (about 4,284 years ago) destroyed all the previous civilizations so about 4,284 years of land based archeology exists - though pre-flood archeology may well exist [and some evidence (artifacts 'Ooparts') have been found and do exist] deep under the sea or deep underground.}
Since we exist in the present, we are really trying to find information that will enable us to add up the years between us and Noah’s Flood. As our starting point we will take the Birth of Christ. It is unlikely anyone will dispute that Christ was born approximately 1,984 years ago. Since Christ is recorded as having referred to Noah’s Flood as a past event it should be obvious that we need data that will take us back beyond 2,000 years. The next date we can put down with reliable certainty is 967 BC or 2,948 years ago. This is the date at which Solomon laid the foundation of the Temple (1 Kings 6:1). For those who are interested in the detailed evidence as to why this event can be placed in 967 BC I would refer you to Professor Edwin Thiele’s work The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings. His work can be summarized by the statement that both the chronology of the Ancient Assyrian Culture and the Biblical record point to this date. The first verse of Kings chapter 6 is also useful in that it tells us there was a time span of 480 years (see Appendix 1) from the time Israel left Egypt (the Exodus) until Solomon began to build the Temple. The Exodus occurred therefore roughly 1,981 + 967 + 480 years ago (see Appendix 2) or 3,428 years ago or 1447 BC +/- 1 year. Why do I say +/- 1 year? As the chronologist compares the family trees or chronologies in the Bible, it is interesting to note that these lists use only whole years (e.g. Gen. 11). Now if a person is listed as being 44 years of age when their son was born, they may have been just 44 or nearly 45. Anywhere in this period of 12 months they are still 44. This introduces a margin of error of up to 12 months or 1 year for each person or event in such a list. -- As the Bible records the Flood a significant time before the Exodus, let us examine data which will take us back before this event. Paul, a university trained Jew, well skilled in the Hebrew language, the religion of the Jews and the writings of Moses, wrote in the early years of the Christian era, a letter to the church at Galatia (Galatians 3:17). He stated that the Israelites left Egypt to return to the promised land 430 years (see Appendix 3) after God gave the promise to Abraham, the founder of the Jewish race. According to Acts 7:4 and Genesis 12:1-4, Abraham was 75 years old when God gave him the promise and in the same year his father Terah was 205 years old and Abraham was born when Terah was 130 years of age (Gen.11:26-33). (See Appendix 4.) The statements of genealogy in Genesis 11:10-26, are father-son statements and link Abraham to Noah’s son, Shem. The statements list the persons by name. Their year of birth against their father’s age is listed and their father is named. These chronologies do not have missing generations; there are no gaps. If we add up the figures mentioned between Shem’s 100th year (Gen. 11:10) and Abraham (Gen. 11:26) we get 350 years. Since 9 names are mentioned it is 350 years +/- 9 (9 margins of error of up to 1 year each). Genesis 11:10 tells us that Shem was 100 years old, 2 years after the Flood had finished. When was Noah’s Flood? 1,981 years to AD 0 plus 967 years to the founding of Solomon’s Temple plus 480 years to the end of the Exodus plus 430 years to the promise to Abraham plus 75 years to Abraham’s birth plus 350 years to Shem’s 100th birthday plus 2 years to the Flood. The Biblical data places the Flood at 2304 BC +/- 11 years. This date is, as expected, in conflict with secular archaeology which regards the Flood as either local or a myth and the Biblical chronologies as irrelevant or inaccurate. The placing of a catastrophic global flood in the year 2304 BC means that all civilizations discovered by archaeology must fit into the last 4,285 years. The significance of this fact will be pursued in later articles. [Ed.- for more information, see TJ 2 (1986), pp. 56-87 and TJ 3 (1988), pp. 96-136.] [article link]

Ancient Brass BELL (Oopart - Out of place artifact) Found Encased IN COAL supposed to be about 300 million years old! - the bell is an antediluvian [before the deluge, pre-flood] artifact made before the Genesis Flood (Noah's Ark) - For more detailed pictures of the bell and the [idol] demon-like figure on top, click here (Photos)
In 1944, as a ten year old boy, Newton Anderson dropped a lump of coal in his basement and found that it contained this bell inside. The bituminous coal that was mined near his house in Upshur County West Virginia is supposed to be about 300 million years old! What is a brass bell with an iron clapper doing in coal ascribed to the Carboniferous Period? According to Norm Sharbaugh's book Ammunition (which includes several "coal anecdotes") the bell is an antediluvian artifact (made before the Genesis Flood). The Institute for Creation Research had the bell submitted to the lab at the University of Oklahoma. There a nuclear activation analysis revealed that the bell contains an unusual mix of metals, different from any known modern alloy production (including copper, zinc, tin, arsenic, iodine, and selenium). -- Genesis 4:22 states that Tubal-Cain was "an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron..." Perhaps when his civilization came to an end in the flood, this bell was buried with a mass of vegetation that became coal and ended up thousands of years later in Newt Anderson's coal bin. ... Later on, Newton Anderson spent a great deal of time researching the demon atop the bell. He discovered similarities to the Babylonian Southwest Wind Demon and the Hindu deity Garuda. Garuda is sometimes depicted on top of bells, as is the Egyptian Isis. [article link]

OOPARTS (out of place artifacts) & ANCIENT HIGH TECHNOLOGY -- Evidence of Noah's Flood? - Do unexplained technologies of the ancients provide possible proofs of Pre-flood civilizations? - If you believe that the flood of Noah actually happened, what was the state of the technology of (antediluvian) pre-flooders? Could they have left physical evidence of their existence? - We expect you to use your own knowledge filter (Christian discernment) on this site
Point of View: We have a Biblical viewpoint on the world. Ooparts are evidence, we think, that the Flood actually happened. News items or magazine articles that report them may not have the same perspective that Christians do. When we read for instance, a scientific article that puzzles over our lack of genetic variability, we think of the Flood of Noah. We would include that article here, without editing, because we expect Christians to use their filters on such an article. That does not mean that we agree with the evolutionary timeframe given in said article. -- We think it's more interesting when general newspaper articles or science articles observe data that they might see one way, but that Christians might see another way given our own knowledge about God, creation and the flood. It's more interesting to quote Stephen Jay Gould saying that "the lack of transitional fossils is the trade secret of paleontology", than it might be to hear another Christian say it. So, no we don't believe the universe is millions or billions of years old. We don't know how old it is-we just know who created it and how long it took Him. We do not believe in pre-Adamic races, though we do believe that there were "civiilizations" prior to the Flood. We don't believe in space aliens or cooties. We expect you to use your own knowledge filter on this site. [article link]

Coming Soon: blog History Study - Church History (RSS)
A.D. 0 - 100 A.D., A.D. 100 - 200 A.D., A.D. 200 - 300 A.D., A.D. 300 - 400 A.D., etc. [article link]

Church History - This study is crucial for understanding what God is doing in our day - A Church Lecture Series - 13 Lectures {This is an excellent intro into Church history. It is very informative, there are a few misquotes though so some fact checking, as always, is in order.} (Free Mp3's)
"Someone once noted that history was 'simply one thing after another.' However, for the Christian history represents an amazing story of the redemption of mankind in which our sovereign Lord is seen to be advancing His purposes towards His pre-ordained and pre-determined end. For the modern day believer, this study is crucial for understanding what God is doing in our day." [article link]

Church History - 35 messages on church history by Pastor Phillips - Pastor Phillips takes us on a tour of some of the early Christians after the death of the Apostle Paul (Free Mp3's - Note: Church History **John Bunyan 1628 - Save the "Play!" Version, open it in a player and save it that way - the Mp3 download version has an Error.)
"WOW - what a great series!!" A couple years ago I followed the journey of the early church by a comprehensive study of the Acts of the Apostles, etc., and have wanted to fill in the gap of church history from that time to present, but don't have much time to read. I like to listen to sermons on the treadmill and in the tractor, so I searched for a series on church history. I found the first 3 and did extra time on the treadmill today so I could keep listening! Pastor Phillips has a way of telling the facts in a very interesting way and then finishes with application and lessons for today. After the 3rd sermon (on Augustine) I really wanted to hear more so I searched again. I was THRILLED to find 39 messages on church history by Pastor Phillips!! I plan to download all of them since spring seeding is coming up and I will be spending many hours in the tractor, and now I am looking forward to that! In the meantime, I'll keep at the treadmill. Thanks for posting all those great sermons! [article link]

The blog Bible Study has concluded the Bible study portion! - Sometime after Holy Week and Resurrection Day (Easter) the study will continue with some ancient history and Church history segments - Thanks to everyone for your participation and especially for your prayers!
The blog Bible Study concluded fairly quickly - I had looked at the website visitor logs a couple of weeks ago and saw that people were scattered all throughout the study though primarily in the New Testament while the study was blogging O.T. studies at the time and that's a good thing because the material is designed to be a self-help service but with people so scattered [though many people were current] I decided to move along and if at all possible conclude the study and the study has been concluded. The material is now available as a complete resource for the convenience of anyone who wants to use it. The study really turned into an amazing, fascinating study! I learned a lot during the study and I mostly learned that I need to spend more time reading the Bible and being in prayer, and in fellowship and just in general being in a Christian life. We serve a Great God!!! Thanks to everyone especially for your prayers - the study truly encountered the heights of Heaven and the depths of other things unmentionable and through it all it was the prayers of the Saints in fellowship that gave us a tremendous victory! After Holy Week we will continue with the history portion of the study but in the time before Holy Week it seems like a good opportunity to look at some areas and aspects of the events of Holy Week as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week 2010. Then after Holy Week and some history segments the blog will continue with some basic Topical Bible studies and devotions. -- God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown [article link]