What Shall be the Sign...Part 5

o       Beasts of the earth - θηρίον thērion, 1) an animal, 2) a wild animal, wild beast, beast, 3)metaph. a brutal, bestial man, savage, ferocious

o       Could this possibly be referencing trans-human creatures that we are seeing as a result of human experimentation, mixing human and animal DNA.

-         Cloning

-         See Tom Horn’s book Forbidden Gates for more information on trans-humanism.

§         Famines – λιμόςlimos, masculine noun,  scarcity of harvest, famine

§         Pestilences – λοιμόςloimos, masculine noun, a pestilent fellow, pest, plague

§         Earthquakes – σεισμόςseismos, masculine noun, 1) a shaking, a commotion 2) a tempest, 3) an earthquake

§         Troubles – ταραχήtarachē, feminine noun, 1) disturbance, commotion 2) metaph. a tumult, sedition

§         Fearful sights – φόβητρονphobētron, neuter noun, that which strikes terror, a terror, (cause of) fright

§         Great signs – μέγας megasσημεῖονsēmeion, neuter noun, a sign, mark, token a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature

§         Amos 8:11 – Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.

o       According to Amos, the famine spoken of may not be a famine as we would typically think, but the absence of the Word of God. This is becoming more and more evident in the world today when the Word of God is compromised and diluted in pulpits all over the world.

II.               Delivering up (Matthew 24:9-10, Mark 13:9-12, Luke 21:12-16)

Matthew 24:9-10	Mark 13:9-12	Luke 21:12-16
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.	But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.  And the gospel must first be published among all nations.  But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.  Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.	But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.  Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:   ForI will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.  And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death.

a.       Daniel 12:10 –Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand

§         Starting with Stephen, many have been martyred for the gospel of Christ, what the gospels are pointing to is a time of severe persecution of the true believers in Christ.

§         We are already beginning to see a culture that cultivates informants, starting out with a seemingly good motivation anonymous whistle blowers are encouraged through monetary reward.

o       During Roman persecutions people would “inform” on their neighbors for being Christian, even if they weren’t.  The accused would be taken before the governor and asked to sacrifice to pagan gods in order to prove their allegiance to the state religion, if they would not they would be tortured or killed.  Many believers walked away from the faith in fear of losing their lives.  This was a trying time for the Church that was purified through the persecutions. 

§         Acts 7:59-60 -And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

o       Stephen’s testimony before his stoning was an example of what is spoken here in Mark to “take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak…”, Stephen was given what he was to speak by the Holy Spirit.  People who yield to the power of the Holy Spirit can do amazing things in times of great peril.

b.      Revelation 6:9-11 – And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

§         Nothing more powerful than the testimony of one willing to be persecuted and killed for their belief, at the hand of an unbeliever.   These persecutions and public executions led to an explosion of new believers joining the body of Christ.

§         People just want something real, something genuine, and when they see someone willing to die at the hand of another for their belief, there is no greater attestation to their faith.

§         11 of the 12 Disciples were martyred for their faith, most notably Peter who once denied his master, why would anyone give their life for a fairy tale?  These men knew what Jesus taught was true and paid the ultimate price for their love of the truth.

§         If the occasion should ever arise, how does one prepare to make the ultimate sacrifice?

o       A lifestyle of denying self

o       A commitment to the study of God’s Word

o       Discipline in thought and deed

o       Prayer and fasting

o       Love of the truth

c.       Revelation 7:13-14 – And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.  And he said to me, these are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

§         Even though the Great Tribulation has not yet come in our timeline, many of these servants of the Most High will remain in prison and be purified (killed) at some point during the Great Tribulation.

§         How are the people of God to be purified through martyrdom if they are carried away in rapture?

o       Why does every generation think they are somehow more special than the previous generations who have endured severe persecutions?  We live in air conditioned homes, watch movies and TV, enjoy technologies that no other generation in history has had, yet for some reason we think we are more worthy to escape these persecutions than past generations.

o       We need to be preparing our minds daily, for the sudden onset of mass persecution and deception.

d.      Do these passages refer to those who have been martyred and are martyred even now or is this specifically referring to a future mass delivery of a Holy Spirit inspired message?

e.       How will the gospel be published throughout the world? We see that this comes at a time when believers are delivered up before councils…could this refer to a worldwide broadcast of public persecution and executions of Christians that could lead to mass conversions to faith in Christ Jesus?

§         “…It shall turn to you for a testimony”  Luke 21:13

III.           Rise of the false prophets (Matthew 24:11-12)

Matthew 24:11-12
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

a.       False Prophets – ψευδοπροφήτηςpseudoprophētēs, masculine noun, 1)one who, acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet, utters falsehoods under the name of divine prophecies 2) a false prophet

§         Let’s examine the entertainment industry.  Its safe to say that there is a major satanic influence over most of the performing arts. 

§         See www.goodfight.org for articles and videos that provide substantial evidence for the satanic influence through these modern day false prophets.

§         See also the influence of a man name Aleister Crowley who proudly relished in the title bestowed upon him as the most evil man on earth.  Disciples of Crowley included Timothy Leary (Harvard Professor and drug Guru), L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology), Jack Parsons (famous rocket scientist referred to Crowley as his “father”), Alfred Kinsey (initiator of the sexual deviance) Robert Anton Wilson (Author and mystic, credited with pushing the sexual revolution) and Kenneth Anger (motion picture director, has the reputation as the most influential independent filmmaker in US history) Anton LaVey (founder church of satan).  See Pastor Joe Schimmel’s Documentaries They Sold Their Souls for Rock & Roll http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBfpP4pMRk and Hollywood’s War on God  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UikA3tWu2VA

§         The alien abduction phenomenon may fit here as well; there are estimates that show that as many 3% of the population has undergone an alien abduction experience.  There is a stigma associated with anyone who claims to have had an alien encounter; therefore, many people are shamed into silence.  However, there is too much evidence to ignore and too many similarities among the victims to discount their testimonies.  See http://www.alienresistance.org for legitimate information on the topic of alien encounters.

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What Shall Be the Sign...Part 4

I wanted to briefly go back to the parable of the 10 virgins in order to provide a proper understanding of the context of the parable by discussing the customs involved in the Hebrew wedding.  

 After the groom-to-be made a formal wedding contract with the bride-to-be and her father and executed the contract with a cup of wine, the bridegroom would set out to build a home suitable for his new bride.  This would take a very long time, sometimes up to a year or more.  At the completion of the home and the bride-chamber was made ready the groom's father would inspect his son's work, nothing could proceed until the father gave his approval. 

While the bride would wait for the groom she would wear a veil to indicate that she was betrothed. She would use this time to prepare herself for married life. She would wait at home every night accompanied by her bridesmaids because she would not want to miss the bridegroom’s coming. Traditionally, he would come late at night in order to take her by “surprise”. The bridesmaids would keep oil in their lamps and keep watch in order to alert the bride to make herself ready.

At a time of his choosing the bridegroom would go to the home of the bride to “abduct” her.  When the bridegroom arrived, the bride and her bridesmaids were carried off into the night. They would travel through the streets with fanfare and laughter. The bride and groom would enter the bride-chamber for seven days of intimacy.  Afterward they would emerge from the bridechamber as husband and wife. 

 The parable of the 10 virgins references the wedding custom of the “abduction of the bride”.

Picking up with the rest of II. c.

-        John 2:3-10 - And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].  And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it].  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: [but] thou hast kept the good wine until now.

1.     Jesus replenished the wine

2.     After the manner of purifying of the Jews – a Pharisee tradition that is not mentioned in the Old Testament, this is a tradition of man that Jesus turns upside down, because the wine He made was not purified in accordance with this custom.

-        1 Corinthians 10:16 - The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

-        Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1.     Thesis à drunk…antithesis à filled

2.     Thesis à wine…antithesis à Spirit

a.      Revelation 17:1-2 - And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

-        Revelation 14:10 – The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

1.     Wine = wrath of God

2.     Wine is made through a pressing and a fermenting process, God’s wrath can have similar attributes.  God is longsuffering, not desiring any to perish.

-        In conclusion regarding the significance of the instructions given not to “hurt” the Oil and Wine according to Revelation 6:6.

1.     We have the execution of the marriage contract with the cup of wine, we also have wine symbolic of God's wrath.  At this point the intent for preserving the wine appears to be inconclusive.

2.     During this time of war, famine and pestilence we can see God’s grace continuing to be extended to those who receive it (Oil).  Therefore the intent for preserving the oil seems to pertain to the continuing presence of the grace of God.

§       Revelation 6:7-8 - And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword (wars), and with hunger (famines), and with death (pestilence), and with the beasts of the earth.

o      The pestilence could refer to a future pandemic that is promulgated through man-made viruses and weakening of the immune system through all of the vaccination, antibiotics and other foreign substances that we have allowed unwitting medical professionals to inject in our bodies.  The introduction of several adverse contaminants have plagued human populations around the globe, these include:

-        Genetically modified vegetation, See the documentaries: The Future of Food;  The World According to Monsanto

-        Fluoridation of water, See book and documentary titled The Fluoride Deception

-        Contaminated vaccinations, See Dr. Sherry Tenpenny’s book titled Saying No to Vaccines , See also Dr. Mercola’s interview with Dr. Shiv Chopra (available on Youtube)

-        Spraying of chemicals in the atmosphere, See documentary What in the World are They Spraying?

-        Hormones in meats, See The Future of Food;  Food, Inc.

-        Contamination of fishing waters, See stories related to the Gulf of Mexico spill, dumping of hazardous waste, etc.

-        Contamination of the earth, see stories regarding disposal of hazardous waste, fracking, GMO crops, etc.

-        Overuse of antibiotics

o      Governments have been trying to artificially control the earth’s climates for years.  Artificial drought can be used to reduce food supplies, thereby increasing the price of food.  As food prices skyrocket people are going to be forced to choose between food and other necessities.  Using food supplies to control populations is not new.

-        For artificial weather control programs see stories related to HAARP.

-        Also see stories related to Geoengineering, See www.geoengineeringwatch.org

What Shall be the Signs...Part 3

o      Oil…Wine, what is the significance?

-        OIL - ἔλαιον elaion, olive oil…שמן shemen, fat, oil

-        Matthew 25:1-13 – Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.  They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

1.   Ten virgins – called witnesses of the marriage, bridesmaids, companions to the bride, Christians.  At midnight the cry was made to go out and meet the Bridegroom. Who would have made the cry, but the Bride herself?

a.      Psalm 45:14 - She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

b.     All of them slept when they were to be watching and awoke when the cry was made at midnight.  (The fact that they are sleeping may be the reason they are bridesmaids and not the bride, for the Bride is awake, watching, waiting for her Bridegroom)

2.     Lamps – The chief concern of every Christian is to be salt and light in a corrupt world just as the virgins are to maintain their light. 

a.      John 1:9 – That was the true Light, Which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

b.     Matthew 5:13-16 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

c.      Philippians 2:15-16 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

3.     Oil – The fuel of the Light, that which is required to meet the Bridegroom.  Possibly the realization of Grace

4.     Five wise virgins – Those who are servants of Christ in deed and in truth.

a.      1 John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

b.     In humility they declined to give their oil to the foolish virgins, else there wouldn’t be enough for any.

c.      They did not particularly enjoy the predicament of the foolish virgins, but offered the best advice they could.

5.     Five foolish virgins – Appear as Christians, but are indeed hypocrites.  They are concerned with looking the part, (they are virgins, they are carrying a lamp) but forget that their chief concern is to maintain the light in lamp.  They had the lamp for show, but nothing in it that would provide light.

a.      Job 21:17 – How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! And how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in His anger.

b.     The day is coming, when carnal hypocrites would gladly be found in the condition of true Christians. Those who now hate the strictness of religion, will, at death and judgment, wish for the solid comforts of it. Those who care not to live the life, yet would die the death, of the righteous. The day is coming when those who now look with contempt upon humble contrite saints, would gladly get an interest in them, and would value those as their best friends and benefactors.  Matthew Henry’s Commentary

c.      Genesis 7:15-16 - And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life.  And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. (Thus shutting everyone else out)

6.     Bridegroom – The Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb

a.      Revelation 19:7-9 – Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

7.     Watch – Our instructions are to watch, be ready, with oil in our lamps

-        Luke 10:34 – And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

1.     Used to treat wounds

-        Psalm 45:7 – Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

1.     Here we can see that the oil is representative of gladness

2.     What could be the source of more gladness than the realization of the Lord’s grace.

3.     Think about how glad we are if we get pulled over for speeding, knowing full well we are guilty and the police officer, out of grace, only issues a warning?  How much more gladness are we going to experience at the realization of all the other consequences we had wiped out because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

-        Hebrews 1:5-14 – For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.  And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.  But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:  They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.  But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

1.     “Oil of gladness” same as Psalm 45

-        James 5:14 – Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

1.     Oil is to be used in concert with invoking the name of The Lord to heal the sick

2.     Not only does oil have natural healing properties as seen in Luke 10:34, but here we see supernatural healing properties as well.

3.     We are instructed to use oil when praying for the healing of the sick, how often is this command followed? Does it impact the results?

-        Exodus 27:20-21 – And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.  In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

-        1 Kings 1:39 – And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

1.     Used for the anointing of kings

2.     Maybe yet another reason that the oil is to be spared is because it will be required to anoint the coming King Y’shuah

-        1 Kings 17:16 – [And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

1.     The oil did not fail according to the Word of the Lord, what was initially ascribed to this individual circumstance may be related to the corporate as applied to the text of Revelation.

-        Psalm 104:15 – And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

1.     Two of these three items are spared

a.      Wine à makes the heart glad

b.     Oil à makes face shine

c.      Bread à strengthens a man’s heart

v    Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

-        Proverbs 21:20 – [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

1.     Just like we see the wise vigins possessed the oil and the foolish did not

-        Ecclesiastes 7:1 – A good name [is] better than precious ointment (oil); and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

1.     Why would a good name be better than oil?

2.     A good name can be equated to righteousness, if a man is righteous of himself he has no need of the grace of God, but there is none righteous, not one.

3.     There is only one name that is better than oil and that is the name of Y’shuah

-        Song of Solomon 1:3 – Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment (oil) poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

1.     Here we see the name of the Bridegroom has a name that is like oil.

2.     As mentioned in the previous verse Christ has the only name that is better than oil and He bestows His oil (grace) on the rest of us who believe on Him.

-        Isaiah 25:6 – And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

1.     Feast - משתה mishteh, masculine noun, feast, drink, banquet

2.     Of fat things - שמן shemen, fat, oil

-        WINE - οἶνος oinos, 1) wine,2) metaph. fiery wine of God's wrath

-        Matthew 9:14-17 - Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?  And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?ⁱ but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.  No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.  Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.^{ii, iii}

i.       In response to the question regarding fasting and why the disciples of Jesus do not fast.

ii.     How does this response relate to the question posed regarding appropriate fasting?

iii.   New cloth and new wine are of the same substance as the old garment and old wine, but they have not matured to their fullest, so they cannot be used in the same manner.  Likewise the disciples of Christ are of the same essence yet new to the rigors of a disciplined lifestyle.  If fasting or other “duties” are foisted upon them before they fully understand the purpose, the consequences for their spiritual development could be dire.