The Prophecy Update Newsletter - 12/26/24

News & Information for the End Times

Dec 26, 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR!!! Day 447 - PRAY!!!

Pray For Israel — Psalm 122:6-8, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee."

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In Today’s Newsletter…

*Jerusalem At the Center: Out of Israel Came the Word of Salvation to All Nations

*Fighting Israel Is Fighting God

*Prophecy Update Videos

*Recommended Reading

*The Hinge-Point of Human History: Bible Prophecy and The Birth of The King of Kings

*Scoffers Gonna Scoff: Prophets Unaware

*Daily Jot: Exposing the darkness

*Daily Devotion: Finish Your Race

*Prophecy Update News Headlines

(Scroll Down to Read)

Jerusalem At the Center: Out of Israel Came the Word of Salvation to All Nations

By Steve Herzig - https://harbingersdaily.com/jerusalem-at-the-center-out-of-israel-came-the-word-of-salvation-to-all-nations/

John “Hannibal” Smith, leader of the A-Team in the 1980s television series of the same name, always had a plan to accomplish his mission. When it worked (and it always worked on TV), he would sit back contentedly and say, “I love it when a plan comes together!”

The Bible tells us God makes plans: “‘I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jer. 29:11). God’s redemptive plan for mankind came through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross. His plan was prophesied in the Old Testament and executed to perfection, as recorded in the New Testament’s Gospel accounts.

But God had another plan as well: to take that Good News from Jerusalem to the whole world. He didn’t need social media, telephones, computers, billboards, magazine ads, airplane banners, emails, TV broadcasts, or streaming capabilities.

Luke, the Scripture-writing doctor, recorded Jesus’ description of God’s plan to the apostles in Acts 1:8: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” God infused His witnesses with the Holy Spirit’s power to take the Good News of Jesus around the world—and that is what the book of Acts is all about.

When God repopulated the earth after the universal flood, He used Noah’s three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen. 9:18–19). According to Genesis 10, Ham’s descendants populated Africa, Shem’s descendants populated Asia, and Japheth’s descendants populated Europe.

In three consecutive chapters (Acts 8—10), Luke recorded three salvation testimonies from the descendants of Noah’s sons who became witnesses for Christ and key instruments in the propagation of the gospel around the world.

The Ethiopian Eunuch

An angel of the Lord directed Philip the evangelist to leave a successful ministry in Samaria and travel south to the desert. There he met a man from Ethiopia, which today is the area of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. A descendant of Noah’s son Ham, the man was a keeper of the treasury, a distinguished position of responsibility and authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was probably an incomplete proselyte to Judaism because, though he worshiped in Jerusalem and possessed a copy of the Holy Scriptures, he was a eunuch and therefore did not have access to the Temple.

The Holy Spirit directed Philip to the man’s chariot at the precise time the eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7–8. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked (Acts 8:30). The eunuch admitted he needed someone to explain the text concerning the suffering Servant. “Of whom does the prophet say this?” he wondered (v. 34).

Philip began to teach the eunuch from those two verses in Isaiah, taking him on a gospel ride through the Old Testament as he “preached Jesus to him” (v. 35). Philip’s instruction was imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit, which caused the eunuch to say, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v. 37). So, when they came to a body of water, the man asked Philip to baptize him.

Through the eunuch, God provided a strategic witness to take the gospel into Africa. As confirmation of this divine appointment, “the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more” (v. 39). No doubt God used the born-again African dignitary, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the Good News throughout his continent.

Saul of Tarsus

Saul of Tarsus was a Benjamite, “a Hebrew of the Hebrews,” and “a Pharisee” (Phil. 3:5). He had studied under the well-known, well-respected Pharisee Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) and had an unmatched zeal for God. That zeal was the fuel that pushed him to go to Damascus to breathe “threats and murder” and persecute anyone who was part of “the Way” (9:1–2). He posed a great threat to Christ’s newborn church, which may be the reason Jesus Himself confronted Saul on the road to Damascus.

Face to face with the glorious Christ, Saul was so overwhelmed he fell to the ground, trembling. He heard Jesus call his name twice and was blinded by the light shining around him. Then, he endured three days without sight, no doubt to cause him to ponder what had transpired. The Lord sent “a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias” to help Saul recover his sight and receive the Holy Spirit (vv. 10, 17). Saul, who once persecuted the church as a representative of the synagogues, immediately began preaching Christ, the Son of God, in the synagogues (v. 20).

Saul (his Hebrew name), thereafter known as Paul, descended from Noah’s son Shem. Like all Jewish people, he was a Semite whose roots reach back to Asia. As an apostle and author of much of the New Testament, Paul was a key part of God’s plan to take the Good News of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Cornelius the Roman Centurion

Pastor Warren Wiersbe (1929—2019) accurately summarized the testimony of Cornelius the Roman centurion in The Wiersbe Study Bible when he wrote, “The seeking Savior will find the seeking sinner.” Unlike the eunuch, a semi-Jewish proselyte from Africa, and Saul, the Jewish Pharisee, Cornelius was unquestionably a Gentile, “a devout man and one who feared God” (10:2). As a Roman centurion, he was responsible for 100 soldiers.

Through a vision, God set up a “blind date,” as it were, for Cornelius to meet the apostle Peter. Peter presented the whole gospel message to Cornelius. The centurion’s Gentile relatives and friends were “all present before God, to hear all the things commanded [Cornelius] by God” (v. 33).

Peter’s task wasn’t easy because it was unlawful for Jews to keep company with Gentiles (v. 28). But God gave Peter a vision to persuade him to go to the Gentile’s home to preach Jesus the Jewish Messiah. Cornelius and his entire household waited to hear Peter share the message of salvation.

When the Jewish believers witnessed the Gentiles being filled by the Spirit of God and speaking in other languages, they marveled. Peter said, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality” (v. 34)—and the Good News became available to the Gentiles, beginning in Europe.

The Cloverleaf Mappa Mundi

An interesting mappa mundi (a medieval map of the world) is kept in the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. With Jerusalem as the center, The World in a Cloverleaf features three cloverleaves representing Asia, Africa, and Europe. Highlighted in the center of the map is Jerusalem, demonstrating that Israel is the bridge between the three continents. God’s plan to spread the gospel included saving men who would carry the Good News to their own people on those three continents.

It brings to mind my own family, which includes believers whose ancestors originated from those three continents. My daughter-in-law, Zipporah, is African-American; my wife, Alice, is European; and I am Jewish. Thus, we are a living reality of what God started in Acts 8—10.

God’s plan for a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11) for His creation is unprecedented and unparalleled. It’s better than anything Hannibal Smith could have imagined. And it continues to come together as believers “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt. 28:19).

Fighting Israel Is Fighting God

by Bill Perkins - https://compass.org/fighting-israel-is-fighting-god/

“It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.” Zech. 12:3

I recently had a conversation with someone I’m pretty certain is a Believer. She, in no uncertain terms, let me know how much she detested Israel.

She rattled off several points in fast succession to defend her hatred of God’s chosen—none of which were true but all are making the rounds on social media and from deceived Bible teachers. All these lies are coming from our adversary, not God.

She told me she believed Israel was overreacting in their response to the 1200 Oct 7th murders of innocent and unarmed men, women and children.

She believed PM Netanyahu secretly set up the Gaza war so Israel could take over more territory and that Israel’s response to all those murders was not proportional, therefore not justified.

She said she no longer believes Jesus will literally reign as King of the earth for 1000 years.

And to top it off, she believed the Jews were only promised the land of Israel conditionally. Since they didn’t do what God said, they now have no claim to the land.

I was so shocked to hear this from a Believer that my response was a bit like what Frank Peretti once confessed to after being unexpectedly confronted with a difficult question in a live radio interview—“I had a great answer…two days later.”

On my heels I did the best I could, questioning whether or not she had read Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11, and a few other points off the top of my head.

But after I had a couple days to think about this, these are the points that I should have made for a more complete defense.

In Genesis 15 God says He will give the land to Abraham, unconditionally.

Then [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” Gen. 15:6-7

Abraham responded he wanted proof to know it was his land.

[Abraham] said, “O Lord GOD, how may I know that I will possess it?” Gen. 15:8

God responded with a covenant formally establishing what we today refer to as the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant. Basically God gave proof He would fulfill His promise to give Abraham the land.

This covenant had zero to do with Abraham or his obedience. There were no strings attached.

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates” Gen 15:18

To prove God gave the land unconditionally, the Abrahamic Covenant stayed in effect even after multiple recorded instances of sin through the years.

Abraham sinned several times after the covenant had been established (Gen. 16:20) yet the Lord confirmed to Isaac His Covenant was still in effect (Gen. 26:1-4).

Isaac sinned after the Lord’s Covenant confirmation yet the Lord confirmed to Jacob the covenant was still in effect (Gen. 28:13-15; 35:9-12; 48:3-4).

Jacob and his sons were guilty of sins yet Joseph regarded the Covenant to be in force (Gen. 50:24-26).

Moses was quite the sinner in Egypt yet he was promised by God that His Covenant with Abraham was still in effect (Ex. 2:24; 6:2-8).

David, in 1000 BC, regarded the Covenant to be in force.

Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac. 1Chr. 16:15-16 (also repeated in Ps. 105:9,10)

Obviously David wouldn’t insist the Israelites remember the Abrahamic Covenant if it wasn’t still in force.

But the most obvious nail-in-the-coffin is in Deut. 4:25-31 where the Lord says that if Israel does evil, she will be destroyed. BUT…

in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.” Deut. 4:30b-31

So this proves Israel would be in existence in the latter days with the Covenant in effect. Even though Israel fails, God will be faithful to His Covenant commitment which He had sworn to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

In the latter days the Bible predicts God will gather Israel from the four corners of the earth where they had been scattered.

“…then the LORD your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. The LORD your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.” Deut. 30:3-5

Israel's return to her land was prophesied

The Bible says after Israel was scattered around the world for about 2000 years she would return to her homeland. She did. (Hos. 6:1,2, Ezek. 37:21, 38:8, 39:27)

The Bible says when Israel returned to her land she would become a nation in a single day. She did. (Is. 66:8)

The Bible says when Israel returned she will regain her language. She did. (Is. 19:18; Zeph. 3:9)

The Bible says when Israel returns she will have remained a pure race. She did. (Rev. 7:4)

The Bible says that when Israel returns she will have two arch enemies: Russia (Gog) and Iran (Persia). They are. (Ezek. 38:3,5)

The Bible says that when she returns she’ll have a mighty military. She does. (Ezek. 37:10)

The Bible says Israel will be a burdensome stone for the world. She is. (Zech. 12:3)

The Bible says when Israel becomes a nation again the world will have nuclear weapons. (Zech. 14:12) She does.

The Bible says just before the Rapture Israel will have a group of 144,000 Jewish males who are virgins. She does. (Rev. 7:4; 14:1-5; 144k article HERE)

Finally, if you take the Bible literally, in context, after Israel returns to her homeland, Jesus WILL return and reign as King of the earth for 1000 years. The fact that “a thousand years” is recorded 6 times in 6 straight verses makes the case.

Rev. 20:2 “a thousand years”

Rev. 20:3 “the thousand years”

Rev. 20:4 “a thousand years”

Rev. 20:5 “the thousand years”

Rev. 20:6 “a thousand years”

Rev. 20:7 “the thousand years”

Hard to miss, huh!

Finally, to suggest that Israel was on a “works doctrine” to be able to remain in their land is nuts.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8

Israel is God’s chosen nation—a chosen people.

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deut. 7:6

Even though they were scattered worldwide for brutally murdering their Messiah, God promised to gather them back in the latter days to their homeland to live with their Messiah.

“Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days (2000 years implied); He will raise us up on the third day (1000 year Millennium implied), that we may live before Him.” Hos. 6:1-2

Therefore, it’s a fact that Jesus will rule the earth from Mt. Moriah in Israel for 1000 years. In the meantime…

And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. Gen. 12:3

For thus says the LORD of hosts, “After glory He has sent Me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye. Zech. 2:8

So it’s pretty clear… if you pick a fight with Israel, you’re picking a fight with God. And God always wins.

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The Hinge-Point of Human History: Bible Prophecy and The Birth of The King of Kings

By Tim Moore - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-hinge-point-of-human-history-bible-prophecy-and-the-birth-of-the-king-of-kings/

In the long centuries since Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a great nostalgic myth has arisen around His birth. Artists and songwriters have softened the circumstances of His arrival, presenting Bethlehem as still and silent, His delivery suite filled with cattle softly lowing, and stars circling silently overhead.

It is a scene befitting a baby’s birth, with solemnity suitable for a king’s nativity.

But those are not the circumstances foretold in Bible prophecy. The great passages heralding Christ’s human entry into the world tell a different story, and one that has particular relevance to us today.

Isaiah’s Vision

Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prophesied concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—all kings in Judah. Through His prophet, God’s message initially focused on the waywardness of the people of Judah and Israel: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says Yahweh. “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

The means of that restoration were not explicitly spelled out in Isaiah’s urgent call to repent. But simultaneous to that admonition was a promise that Judah and Jerusalem would be raised up, with Zion (“the mountain of the house of the LORD”) established as the chief of the mountains and focus of the nations’ pursuit of the Lord.

Early in Isaiah’s ministry, during the year of King Uzziah’s death, he was ushered into the throne room of God and given a holy commission. Despite his own sin and his origin among a people of unclean lips, Isaiah’s iniquity was taken away and his sin was forgiven. He was charged to “Go, and tell this people…”

Isaiah prophesied great suffering as cities and houses—and the Land itself—would be rendered utterly desolate. Mixed in with that devastating pronouncement was another promise of great hope—leading to the fulfillment of the previous guarantee that sins would be forgiven. But like the birth pangs that precede a baby’s arrival, that promise would be born out of great suffering for mankind—and far greater suffering for the Lord God Himself.

Hope in the Midst of War

In the days of Ahaz, son of Jotham, the kings of Aram and Remaliah rose up against Jerusalem. They lay siege to the city—one in a long series of wars that wrought destruction on Jerusalem (as they have continued to do through the modern era). Ahaz, who “did not do what was right in the sight of the LORD his God, as his father David had done” (2 Kings 16:2), was clearly given the option to choose to walk by faith. The word of the Lord to him was, “If you will not believe, you surely shall not last” (Isaiah 7:9).

God promised Ahaz that the city would be delivered and the besiegers punished, He even invited Ahaz to ask for a sign (even one as “deep as Sheol or high as heaven”) to affirm His promise. Taken at face value, Ahaz’ response seems to convey reverence for the Lord and faith in His promises. The king said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!” (Isaiah 7:12).

Yet God saw through the words and discerned the condition of Ahaz’ heart. Speaking again through His prophet, He responded, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well?”

Isaiah then revealed the promise that would find fulfillment in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The Messianic prophecy was given in the midst of war to a king who did not really believe the Word of the Lord—in the short or long term.

Scoffers try to imply that the word translated as “virgin” merely means “maiden,” implying that the birth of this promised son could be fulfilled through non-miraculous means. They sometimes point to the son born to Isaiah and his prophetess wife in Chapter 8—before the kings of Damascus and Samaria were defeated and carried away—as the completion of the promise to Ahaz. But Isaiah’s son was named “Maher-shalal-hash-baz” (Swift is the booty, speedy is the prey), not Immanuel. The prophesied virgin’s son would not appear for almost 700 years.

Isaiah’s Other Messianic Prophecies

Isaiah revealed much more about the Messiah and the circumstances surrounding His arrival. He spoke of the grace God would pour out on the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Although people in that territory were steeped in gloom and treated with contempt, the Coming One would make that region glorious once again (Isaiah 9:1). The prophecy even offered hope to Gentiles, as the promised light would shine on them as well.

Indeed, as Isaiah prophesied, the Light of the World would first reveal Himself in the area around Galilee: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isaiah 9:2). Isaiah’s Messianic revelations were woven throughout his great book of prophecy, but he would continue to paint a picture of the scene into which the Messiah would emerge:

He grew up… like a root out of parched ground
He was despised and forsaken
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief
He was like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him
He was oppressed and afflicted
He was cut off from of the land of the living

All those phrases from Isaiah 53 speak of the Suffering Servant. They document far in advance the condition of the world—and the world’s response to Him—when the Messiah would arrive.

The little town of Bethlehem may have been still and silent the night Jesus was born, but the world was a seething caldron, full of more fear than hope that night.

The Biblical Account of His Birth

Luke records an angelic visitation to a real and literal virgin named Mary. Not merely a young maiden about to conceive her firstborn, Mary fully understood the physical impossibility of the promise given to her: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).

Her question did not spring from a heart full of disbelief, but rather from perplexity over the means of such an unprecedented miracle taking place. Gabriel answered and told her that she would be overshadowed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that her Son would be called “the Son of God.”

The implications of such a revelation are overwhelming. Mary could have expected to endure ridicule and the condemnation of her family and society upon being found pregnant before consummating her marriage with Joseph. Yet, she simply said to Gabriel, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s response reveals her humility and submission to the will of God.

Mary would be singly honored in human history, which is why Elizabeth would later exclaim, “Blessed are you among women.” We are left to ponder the reception Mary experienced when she returned home to Nazareth after three months. Matthew tells us that Joseph was understandably troubled about his betrothed’s condition, until an angel of the Lord revealed the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy.

The subsequent details surrounding Jesus’ birth are described very succinctly in Luke 2. Caesar Augustus ruled from Rome. Quirinius governed from Syria. Joseph and Mary traveled to Judea to register for a census according to Roman decree. (Under the omniscience of God, even tax policies can be leveraged to fulfill His prophetic Word.) Mary went into labor and gave birth while they were in Bethlehem, laying Jesus in a feed trough because there was no room for them in the Inn. The only human celebrants to the holy birth were some shepherds rounded up from the surrounding fields by angels heralding the glorious moment.

Matthew describes other aspects of the political dynamics at play. When the Magi later arrived from the East, they first came to Jerusalem. King Herod was troubled by their inquiries, along with all Jerusalem. The paranoid king had proven a deadly adversary to any perceived threat to his power (including his own wife and sons). And, although the Jewish religious leaders were familiar with the prophecies concerning Bethlehem, they did not bother to accompany the Wise Men the few miles to go and see for themselves—let alone worship the newborn King.

Following the visit of the Wise Men, Bethlehem experienced the fulfillment of another tragic prophecy cited by Matthew. In his rage, Herod ordered the slaughter of all the male children in the vicinity of the little town. The murder that Pharoah had been unable to accomplish in Egypt was exacted upon the little boys of Bethlehem, bringing about the “weeping and great mourning” Jeremiah prophesied many years before.

Jesus’ very arrival into the world led to sorrow and acquainted Him with grief.

Nothing Has Changed

Why revisit the tragic background to the prophecies surrounding Jesus’ birth, and the conflicted details of His birth? Certainly, His appearance in the world represents the hinge-point of human history—so much so that we date time in terms of BC and AD (Before Christ and Anno Domini). And even though the estimated year of his actual birth is now known to be off a bit, we still speak of 2024 as “the year of our Lord.”

But knowing that Isaiah was given his revelations in the midst of war, that other prophets foretold details about the Messiah while Israel was still straying from the Lord, that Jesus was born in a fraught moment in human history, and that the city of His birth would see further bloodshed and grief, the nature of the Messiah’s First Advent testifies that Light always overcomes darkness.

This gives us hope and encouragement as we continue to live in this dark and troubled age. The world is still wracked by war. People and nations are still straying far from Him and bloodshed and grief still plague mankind. In short, Satan still rages, and moments of stillness and hope seem few and far between. Scripture reveals that darkness will deepen once again before the glory of Christ’s Second Coming illuminates the world. Foreshadows of that Blessed Hope are contained within the prophecies of His First Advent.

Already, But Not Yet

There is something telling in Isaiah’s word to Ahaz, Gabriel’s word to Mary, and God’s still-to-be-fulfilled promises to us. The validation of the promises will be their absolute fulfillment. This is reminiscent of God’s call to Moses to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt. The LORD promised, “I will be with you” (a premonition of the Name to be given to the Messiah: Immanuel). Then He said, “and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain” (Exodus 3:12). I AM had spoken; Moses could either obey or disobey. But the proof of His calling would only be revealed after he had obeyed and seen the hand of the Lord at work.

Isaiah provided other promises surrounding the Messiah. Isaiah 9:4-5 describes the blessing that will flow from the Messiah’s arrival. He accurately portrayed the oppression and degradation that mankind was experiencing prior to the First Advent (the “yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their taskmaster,” the “boot of the warrior,” and the “cloak rolled in blood”).

Contrast those phrases with his description of the promised Savior’s reign: “For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace. On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Reviewing the promises contained within those three verses, we see that some have been fulfilled while others have yet to be fulfilled:

Child born to us – FULFILLED
Son given to us – FULFILLED
Government on His shoulders (meaning absolute authority and affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 28:18—“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”) – FULFILLED, although He is not yet exercising His reign on the earth (as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 2:2)
Known as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace – Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes; FULFILLED
No end to the increase of His government or of peace – NOT YET
Reigning on the throne of David and over His kingdom – NOT YET
Establishing and upholding justice and righteousness – NOT YET

We can trust that the Second Coming will fulfill the rest of Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy and usher in Christ’s Millennial Kingdom. And those with eyes to see can discern that the Signs of the Times are indicating the imminence of that glorious event. The oppressive conditions described in Isaiah 9:2-5 are rising again as the world accelerates toward the Tribulation.

But instead of embracing the Light that has come into the world (and will soon burst forth again), Jesus said that most people will love the darkness rather than the Light, “for their deeds are evil” (John 3:19).

Turn to the Light

Given the continuing—and increasing—darkness in the world, some doubt the power of Christ. They refuse to accept that He has pierced the darkness and offers everlasting Light. Or they simply “hate the Light, and [will] not come to the Light, for fear that [their] deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20).

Satan still ensnares people by planting seeds of doubt and disbelief. He still asks, “Did God really say?…” He boldly asserts lies that contradict the Word of God and the promises of God. For instance, even today Satan has convinced many in the world that the Land of Israel does not belong to the Jews, that God’s chosen people are the source of malevolence instead of a God-ordained conduit of blessing. He induces many people to insist that they have no room—and no need—for Christ in their own heart.

The good news of Christmas is that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (Paul’s trustworthy statement and testimony from 1 Timothy 1:15). As the angels announced in the skies over Bethlehem, His everlasting peace is granted to those with whom He is pleased. How can we please God? By obeying Him and trusting in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).

If you are walking in darkness, invite Jesus in and let the Light of Christ illuminate your heart.

Promises Yet to Come

The promises pointing to His first coming were fulfilled exactly as they were foretold. We can trust that the Lord will fulfill every promise pointing to the Rapture of the Church and His Second Coming as well. Jesus said so three times in Revelation 22.

John records that the Spirit and the bride (the Church) say, “Come.” He says that the one who hears (accepts, believes, trusts) Bible prophecy will also say, “Come.” This Christmas, I hope your heart will lift up songs of praise to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Then I hope you will join me in lifting up a three-word prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Scoffers Gonna Scoff: Prophets Unaware

By Joe Hawkins - https://www.raptureready.com/2024/12/21/scoffers-gonna-scoff-prophets-unaware-by-joe-hawkins/

Recently, I had lunch with a colleague. Our conversations often drift into theology, doctrine, and even politics – three topics that can stir up quite the discussion. On this particular day, we talked about the current state of the world, how unsettling things have become, and the direction humanity seems to be heading. I mentioned that it seems like we’re primed for the Rapture of the Church, and I added that I, for one, am ready to take that ride up to the clouds.

His response was, well, all too common. He chuckled a little and said, “Even those in Paul’s day thought they would see the Rapture,” followed by, “People have been looking for the Rapture for years, and it hasn’t happened yet.” I’m sure as you’re reading this, you’ve heard those very words or a close variation of them. While I wasn’t surprised by his comment, I was struck by how prophetic it was. His doubt actually aligns with what the Bible says about the last days.

To be completely transparent, I’m surprised the Rapture hasn’t happened yet. But here’s the difference: God isn’t surprised. The Rapture will happen in God’s perfect timing – not mine, not yours, and certainly not the timing of the scoffers. Still, his response got me thinking: What do we have today that those in Paul’s day or in other periods of history didn’t?

Scoffers: A Fulfillment of Prophecy

First, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about scoffers. In 2 Peter 3:3-4, Peter gives a sobering prediction:

“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’”

Peter tells us plainly: scoffers would arise in the last days, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These individuals, whether knowingly or not, fulfill prophecy with their very words. Think about the common phrases we hear today:

“They’ve been saying Jesus is coming back for 2,000 years.”
“People thought the world was ending during the World Wars too.”
“We’re still here, aren’t we?”

These statements may sound like casual banter, but they’re proof that the Bible is true. God, through Peter, told us exactly what would happen…and it’s happening before our eyes.

The Unique Generation

But what sets this generation apart? Why do I believe we’re closer to the Rapture now than ever before?

Israel is Back in the Land

For nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish people were scattered across the globe. Yet, in 1948, a miraculous event occurred: Israel was reborn as a nation. This fulfilled prophecies in Ezekiel 37, where the dry bones of Israel are brought back to life, and Isaiah 66:8, which asks, “Can a nation be born in a day?” The answer, of course, is yes, Israel’s rebirth was a direct act of God.

For centuries, skeptics argued that the prophecies about Israel couldn’t be literal. They scoffed at the idea of a dispersed people becoming a nation again. But God proved the scoffers wrong. Israel’s existence today is not only a testament to God’s promises but also a major sign that we’re living in the last days.

The World is Being Preconditioned

When we look at the world today, it seems tailor-made for the events described in Daniel’s 70th Week—the final seven years of human history as we know it.

Globalism: The push for a one-world government, economy, and religion aligns with the system the Antichrist will establish.

Technology: Advances in surveillance, artificial intelligence, and digital currencies set the stage for the “mark of the beast” system described in Revelation 13.

Moral Decay: Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3 that in the last days, people would become “lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy…” It’s hard to argue against the fact that this describes the world we live in today.

We’re watching the infrastructure for the Tribulation being built before our eyes. If the signs of Daniel’s 70th Week are already casting their shadow, how close must we be to the Rapture, which precedes it?

A Convergence of Signs

Another thing that distinguishes this generation is the convergence of prophetic signs. While believers in the past saw some signs of the end, they never saw them all happening simultaneously. Today, we see:

Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
Famines and pestilences (Matthew 24:7)
Earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7)
Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9)
Increase in knowledge (Daniel 12:4)

Each of these signs is happening right now, and they’re accelerating. It’s as if the world is groaning, preparing for what comes next.

Why Do Scoffers Scoff?

So why do people scoff at the idea of the Rapture and Christ’s return? The Bible gives us some insight:

1. Spiritual Blindness: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” Scoffers reject the truth because they’re spiritually blind.

2. Willful Ignorance: Peter says in 2 Peter 3:5 that scoffers “deliberately overlook” the evidence of God’s power, particularly in creation and the Flood (be sure to check out the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter). Many choose to ignore history and prophecy because it’s inconvenient.

3. Love for This World: In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns that people will turn away from sound doctrine and embrace what pleases their itching ears. Scoffers are often rooted in this world – they don’t want to believe in Christ’s return because it would disrupt their way of life.

What Should Our Response Be?

As believers, how should we respond to scoffers?

1. Stand Firm in Truth: Just because people mock the Rapture doesn’t make it any less true. Jesus promised He would return, and we can trust His Word.

2. Be Watchful: In Luke 21:36, Jesus instructs us to “keep on the alert at all times.” Instead of being discouraged by scoffers, let’s allow their words to remind us that God’s Word is true and the time is near.

3. Share the Gospel: The Rapture hasn’t happened yet for a reason – God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Let’s use this time to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by scoffers, take heart. Their very words are a fulfillment of prophecy, and they point to the fact that we’re living in the last days. Israel is back in the land, the world is being preconditioned for the Tribulation, and the convergence of signs is undeniable.

The Rapture of the Church is closer than it has ever been. While we don’t know the day or the hour, we can see the season…and we’re in it. So, lift your head, Christian, because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). As for the scoffers? Well, scoffers are gonna scoff. But that doesn’t change the truth: Jesus is coming soon.

Are you ready?

Daily Jot: Exposing the darkness

Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com

It is amazing how the United States has been transformed from the darkness of evil since the presidential election in November. From court decisions to government reports, areas of injustice that were condoned and forced upon Americans are being exposed for the evil they are. This growing phenomena is reflective of when the righteous stand in the gap on behalf of what is right and good, the LORD’s hand is mighty. There has been a shift that took place the day that Donald Trump was saved from an assassin’s bullet. Truly a “hand of God” moment recognized by many. Trump’s iconic response of standing tall and shaking his fist in the air shouting “Fight, Fight, Fight,” fractured a principality.

It’s not only the newfound energy of hope that is being experienced by those of us who felt the oppression of the rulers of darkness over us, there’s something much deeper that is shaking the timbers of tyranny at its foundation. Court decisions have exonerated those who were targeted with false election interference charges; restored the rights of some who were discriminated against during COVID; overturned lawfare against Trump and others; halted government overreach efforts; and exposed politically-motivated judges and prosecutors. The US justice system is slow, but eventually it serves the people. The timing is interesting that these decisions are now culminating years after they occurred.

Reports are also exposing the darkness. Those of us who were marginalized by reporting the truth about COVID are now vindicated by the House Select Committee on COVID. That committee report dispelled nearly every claim that the government and the news media made about the COVID vaccine, COVID origins, government lockdowns, mandates, and efforts to silence the truth. It exposed those who perpetrated a massive and horrendous human experiment upon the public that resulted the deaths of over a million Americans, and millions more around the world. The recent report on FBI involvement in January 6 added another piece of the “administrative state” puzzle in frustrating the will and freedom of the people. We have yet to see the accountability of those responsible, but it should be foremost in our prayers for this nation.

The LORD also has exposed the government financial support of terrorists bent on the genocide of the Jewish people. Payments in the millions to terrorists in Gaza, Yemen, and Iran are now very public begging for accountability. The majority of the American people were fed up with living in the darkness of the deep state and the Democratic Party radicals. We became an Ezekiel 22:30 people where the LORD was seeking someone to stand, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” This time, however, he found 74 million who stood in the gap for the America. There is still much injustice that needs correcting, and the path forward will not be easy, but be exhorted to keep praying and exposing the darkness.

Daily Devotion: Finish Your Race

by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. —Hebrews 3:14

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/finish-your-race/ - Listen

We all will leave a legacy of sorts. It will be a positive one or a negative one. But eventually our lives will come to an end, and we will leave a legacy. People might say some nice things about us at our funerals, but afterward, the truth will come out.

Of course, we don’t know how much time God will give to each one of us. We may live long, productive lives. And maybe we will be able to look back eventually and say that we finished well.

Or, our lives may be cut relatively short. We might not live quite that long. That is why we want to make sure that every day counts. We don’t want to waste a single moment.

On more than one occasion, the Bible likens the Christian life to running a race. Writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT).

And the writer of Hebrews urges us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (12:1 NLT).

The objective in the Christian life is not only to start our race well but also to cross the finish line. We must finish this race. The Bible warns us of failing to do that.

Again, we read in Hebrews, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. . . . For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ” (3:12, 14 NLT).

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been in first place for nine laps in a ten-lap race. We have to cross the finish line. That is why Paul also said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT).

We must be so very careful.

Paul, addressing the elders of Ephesus prior to his departure, spoke of his impending imprisonment. He told them, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (Acts 20:24 NLT). That was Paul’s goal. He wanted to finish his race.

In the race of life, we’re not competing with each other. I’m not running against you. And you’re not running against me. Our goal is not to outrun each other. Rather, our goal is to stay in our lane and finish the race that God has set before us.

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