May 19, 2019 – End Times Prophecy Report

Dust to Dust: Body of Dirt

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
–Genesis 3:19

Man has a body which is made from dirt.

Adam was the first man to be fashioned (by God Himself) in this manner.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
–Genesis 2:7

Because of the origin of man, man is (in essence) encased in a suit made from the dust of the ground (dirt). This is one reason the flesh (and its appetites) are considered a source of evil.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”
–Romans 7:19

When a person becomes a believer on Jesus Christ, he becomes the dwelling place for the Spirit of God.

Though the believer has the Spirit of God within, he still commits actions which are not in line with God’s Word. This is mainly due to the flesh, which continually wars against the Spirit.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
–Galatians 5:17

The apostle Paul likened the Spirit of God inhabiting the body of a believer–which is composed of flesh (dirt/dust)–to a “treasure in earthen vessels.” Paul also wrote that this is for a reason: so that we can know the most excellent power within is from God, NOT ourselves.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
–2CORINTHIANS 5:7

For the believer, the ONLY good thing which is in this body of flesh (which comes from dust/dirt and which will return to dust upon our physical death) is the Spirit of God.

This body of flesh/dirt/dust is basically a suit of sin.

Which is why one needs the spirit of God.

“All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.”
–Job 34:15

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: May 17-19, 2019.]

MORE: This Life is a Test: It is Only a Test

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by Jeremiah James
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Muffin from Pexels.com

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-19. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP, 2007-2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s authors and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson, Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted to those blogs/website.

Treat Others the Right Way

Most modern men no NOT likely understand the basics of eternal salvation.

This point was highlighted during a recent conversation.

Someone put forth the notion, “I think it’s all about how you treat others. You have to treat others the right way.”

Not wanting to discourage someone thinking on this subject–as few seem to do–it was agreed that treating others in a manner one would like to be treated is not only biblical, it was spoken by Jesus Christ Himself.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
–Matthew 7:12

The law and the prophets: the Old Covenant God made with the Israelites.

But the Old Covenant was superseded by the New for a reason.

“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
–Hebrews 7:7-13

The Golden Rule (Matt 7:12) is a good summation of what was required under the Old Covenant.

So; do to others as, under like circumstances, you ought to wish others to do to you. This is the law and the prophets; what is required in the Old Testament.
–Family Bible Notes

The New Covenant however, is a better covenant.

“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.”
–Hebrews 7:22

“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
–Hebrews 8:6

In many ways, the New Covenant (Testament) is better because it allows for all, including Gentiles, to enter Heaven.

But in many ways, the New Covenant emphasizes faith.

1- Faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2- Faith that Jesus Christ can save a man when that man does not have the wherewithal to save himself.
3- Faith that God would provide, as promised, a better covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The covenant with Israel was gracious, for the Lord freed his people from Egyptian slavery. The covenant was also patterned after suzerain-vassal treaties in the ancient Near East. Blessings were promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. Israel failed to abide by the covenant stipulations, summarized in the Ten Commandments and as a result was sent into exile. The prophets declared in covenant lawsuits, which detailed Israel’s violation of the covenant, that judgment was coming. The covenant with Israel had a built-in obsolescence and focused on Israel as a nation; it did not transform the heart of those who heard the covenant demands.
—10 Things You Should Know about the Biblical Covenants

Back to the recent discussion.

As stated, one does not want to discourage thinking which is on the right track, but not complete. Most heathens would not have referenced the Bible at all when speaking of salvation in the next life.

It COULD have been said “If you don’t have faith in Jesus Christ, you fall short of doing what God requires.”

And perhaps this is EXACTLY what could have been said. The other person in the discussion is spoken to on a regular basis: if any mistakes were made on the part of the one who replied, they can be rectified on the next time.

Instead, a more encouraging thought–as perceived by the heathen–was offered, “Well, you certainly are on the right track. That’s not all of it, but it’s a good start.”

[NOTE: Upon further reflection, what was said was NOT the right response. However, this will be rectified upon speaking next to the man.]

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: May 13, 2019.]

MORE

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by Jeremiah James
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Zane Lee on Unsplash.com

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted to those blogs/website.

The Beast, Horns and a Wound

A recent discussion highlighted the need to remind readers about the particulars of the beasts of Revelation 13.

There are two beasts in Revelation 13. The first is a worldwide empire which controls all the world. The second beast is a religious leader (the man of sin, false Messiah, false prophet) who controls a religious system (the whore of Babylon) which rides the military and political power of the first beast to world leadership.

This religious leader is called the false prophet in Revelation.

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”
–Revelation 16:13

THEN, the kings who control the beast empire destroy the religious system (the whore of Babylon).

“And the ten horns [kings] which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”
–Revelation 17:16-17

First, let’s take a look at the first beast.

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”
–Revelation 13:1-4

An angel in Revelation 17 explains to the apostle John (who recorded Revelation) what the meaning of the beast and the horns.

“And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.”
–Revelation 17:7

Notice that the beast the angel is referring to is the worldwide political empire (it has seven heads and ten horns–Revelation 17:3).

From these selections–as well as the rest of the Book of Revelation–it should be clear that the “beast” refers to BOTH a powerful end times leader AND the powerful worldwide political system/government/empire which he leads.

But for confirmation, one only need turn to the Book of Daniel.

In Daniel 7, the prophet Daniel had a dream about four beasts. An angel came to Daniel and explained what the beasts represented.

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.”
–Daniel 7:7

The angel specifically tells Daniel that the beasts are four persons (KINGS).

“These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.”

However, the angel also tells Daniel that the beasts represent KINGDOMS.

“Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.”
–Daniel 7:23-24

SO, whenever Revelation and/or Daniel use the term “the beast” they can be referring to EITHER a king OR a kingdom (specifically the end times worldwide government governed by the beast and the man of sin). Which meaning is meant is determined by the context in which the term is used.

The entire meaning of various end times warnings and descriptions of future events can be drastically changed by misreading the biblical context.

This has happened more than once.
—Who or What is the Beast in Revelation?

So is Revelation 13:1-4 referring to the beast as a king or as a kingdom (empire)?

From the context of the verses, it is clear that Revelation 13:1-4 is referencing a KINGDOM.

Why is this?

Because the beast has seven heads and ten horns and no king has seven heads and ten horns.

So the wound which one of the heads (kings/kingdoms) suffers is a deadly wound inflicted on one of the leading kingdoms which make up the bulk of the might of the beast kingdom.

BUT NOTICE that the wound is only PERCEIVED as a deadly head wound.

” And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death“
–Revelation 13:3

ALSO, Revelation 13:14 provides an important clue to whether the beast is a person or country.

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.”

NOTICE that the beast had its wound “by a sword.”

God’s Word often uses “sword” interchangeably with “war” (depending upon context).

“For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?”
–Ezekiel 14:21

“And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.”
–Hosea 11:6

“Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.”
–Micah 6:14

“For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them”
–Jeremiah 49:37

So the beast’s wound is caused by a war.

The second beast is the man of sin (false prophet, false Messiah) who looks like a lamb (Jesus, the real Messiah) but speaks like Satan (the dragon).

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”
–Revelation 13:11

…and so, this discussion will continue…

MORE: Who or What is the Beast in Revelation?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: May 15, 2019.]

MORE

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah James
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Wikimedia Commons/pd

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted to those blogs/website.

The Most Useless Question of the End Times

The most useless question for the end times is really a RHETORICAL QUESTION.

rhetorical question:

A question posed only for dramatic or persuasive effect.
(colloquial) A question to which the asker does not expect an answer.

That most useless of question is:

“What else can I do?”

This is not so much a question as a statement of acceptance; of resignation.

“What else can I do?”

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
–Revelation 13:4,8

When the man of sin institutes his worldwide program of satanic idol worship, ALL who “dwell upon the earth” will bow their knees and worship Satan’s idol. Some of these idolaters will act as though they have NO other alternative but to bow to Satan.

“What else can I do?”

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
–Revelation 13:13-18

Their question (to which they actually do NOT want an answer) will usually be accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders and perhaps a roll of the eyes. They are basically saying “I have to do this. I have no other choices . What else can I do?”

He might even tell you his sad story about not being able to get prescriptions for his mother (or some other close family member or himself) if he does not accept the mark of the beast.

“What else can I do?”

As stated, this is not so much a real question as a statement: “I have considered it and my mind is made up. Heaven, hell, the Bible, Jesus: that’s all conjecture; speculation; a guess. I’ve got to worry about the here-and-now.”

“What else can I do?”

This is the admission by a poor, lost soul that he is quite happy to exchange an eternity of torment (which is HARD to wrap one’s head around, but EASY to deny) for a more comfortable now.

“What else can I do?”

The reader should pray that he never hears those awful words in the end times.

It is the sound of a great eternal defeat for the one who utters them.

DOES the reader consider his eternal fate OR does the reader usually only look at the immediate future here in this present life?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: May 15, 2019.]

MORE