We should remember that this current rise of Islam that we are experiencing is not the first. This is the revived empire of Islam.
Martin Luther lived during the time of the Ottoman Empire and was well aware of the dangers this empire presents.
Here is a sampling of Martin Luther's thoughts on Islam:
"I have some pieces of Mohammed’s Koran which might be called in German a book of sermons or doctrines of the kind that we call pope’s decretals. When I have time, I must put it into German so that every man may see what a foul and shameful book it is.
In the first place, he praises Christ and Mary very much as those who alone were without sin, and yet he believes nothing more of Christ than that he is a holy prophet, like Jeremiah or Jonah, and denies that he is God’s Son and true God. Besides, he does not believe that Christ is the Savior of the world, Who died for our sins, but that He preached to His own time, and completed His work before His death, just like any other prophet.
On the other hand, he praises and exalts himself highly and boasts that he has talked with God and the angels, and that since Christ’s office of prophet is now complete, it has been commanded to him to bring the world to his faith and if the world is not willing, to compel it or punish it with the sword; and there is much glorification of the sword in it.
Therefore, the Turks think their Mohammed much higher and greater than Christ, for the office of Christ has ended and Mohammed’s office is still in force.From this anyone can easily observe that Mohammed is a destroyer of our Lord Christ and His kingdom, and if anyone denies concerning Christ, that He is God’s Son and has died for us, and still lives and reigns at the right hand of God, what has he left of Christ?
Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Baptism, the Sacrament, Gospel, Faith and all Christian doctrine and life are gone, and there is left, instead of Christ, nothing more than Mohammed with his doctrine of works and especially of the sword. That is the chief doctrine of the Turkish faith in which all abominations, all errors, all devils are piled up in one heap."
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Prophecy in the Psalms- Psalm 22
Usually when we think about prophecy, we tend to think of books like Revelation, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, etc. But if we study only those books which are commonly thought of as prophetic, we might miss some real good scripture.
Not being a poetic person myself (not to mention zero artistic talent), I have always neglected the book of Psalms. I have recently decided to spend some time here in Psalms for my personal studies. For some reason I started with Psalm 22, and man was I surprised! This chapter is filled with prophecies of Jesus, yet was written long before His birth!!
Keep in mind that this was written by David as he was dealing with the situation he found himself in at that present time.
(To keep it somewhat organized, I have put the passages from Psalm 22 in red; the corresponding passage about Jesus is in green. I have also refrained from leaving any additional commentary, because I think the scriptural references are all pretty clear by themselves).
Psalm 22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
Matthew 27:46 - About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
Isaiah 49:7 - This is what the LORD says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel— to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."
4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
Isaiah 53:3 - He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
Matthew 27:41-43 - In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. 10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.
Isaiah 49:1 - Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
John 20:24-25 -Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
Matthew 27: 27-31 - Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
John 19:23-24 - When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
Hebrews 2:11-12 - Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Philippians 2:10- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Zechariah 14:9- The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.
30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn— for he has done it.
Luke 24:45-47 - He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
Not being a poetic person myself (not to mention zero artistic talent), I have always neglected the book of Psalms. I have recently decided to spend some time here in Psalms for my personal studies. For some reason I started with Psalm 22, and man was I surprised! This chapter is filled with prophecies of Jesus, yet was written long before His birth!!
Keep in mind that this was written by David as he was dealing with the situation he found himself in at that present time.
(To keep it somewhat organized, I have put the passages from Psalm 22 in red; the corresponding passage about Jesus is in green. I have also refrained from leaving any additional commentary, because I think the scriptural references are all pretty clear by themselves).
Psalm 22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
Matthew 27:46 - About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
Isaiah 49:7 - This is what the LORD says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel— to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."
4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
Isaiah 53:3 - He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
Matthew 27:41-43 - In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. 10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.
Isaiah 49:1 - Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
John 20:24-25 -Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
Matthew 27: 27-31 - Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
John 19:23-24 - When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
Hebrews 2:11-12 - Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Philippians 2:10- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Zechariah 14:9- The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.
30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn— for he has done it.
Luke 24:45-47 - He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
Monday, October 12, 2009
Kings of the North and South (Part 2)
Part 2
(you can read part 1 here: http://www.assyrianhorn.com/2009/08/daniel-11-kings-of-north-and-south-part.html
As we discussed during part 1, the 11th chapter of Daniel is important because it shows us the "roots" of the antichrist to come. These "roots" started as the 4 divisions of the Grecian Empire, and this chapter has narrowed it down to 2 regions (North and South). These 2 regions were know as the Seleucid (North) and Ptolemaic (South) empires.
Our last study ended with verse 9, so this study will focus on Daniel 11:10-20.
Daniel 11
10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and carry the battle as far as his fortress.
Antiochus III "The Great" (North) declared war on Egypt in 220 BC and conquered lands all the way to Gaza, which bordered Egypt.
11 "Then the king of the South will march out in a rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be defeated.
Ptolemy IV Philopater (South) raised up an army to defend himself from the threat of Antiochus III. The South won a decisive victory against the North, which sent Antiochus III to seek other lands to conquer.
12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant. 13 For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance with a huge army fully equipped.
14 "In those times many will rise against the king of the South. The violent men among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success. 15 Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. 16 The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it.
Antiochus III has spent the last couple years recovering from the defeat at Egypt. He has now returned with an alliance of Philip V of Macedon and some Judeans. Through these battles, Antiochus III gained control of Palestine (Israel) from the Ptolemaic Empire.
17 He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him.
Antiochus III made a treaty with Ptolemy V when Palestine was handed over to the North. Antiochus III gave his daughter, Cleopatra, to Ptolemy V as part of this agreement.
18 Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back upon him. 19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more.
After gaining Palestine, Antiochus III sets his sights on Greece and the Mediterranean coast, which are under Roman authority. The Romans crushed Antiochus III, and took his son Antichus IV to Rome as a captive. The Seleucids were also forced to pay large tributes to the Romans because of this defeat. Antiochus III later died while trying to rob a temple.
20 "His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.
Seleucus IV Philopator succeeded Antiochus III, since he was his son and his brother Antiochus IV was still a captive in Rome. Seleucus IV sent Heliodorus out to collect taxes due to the heavy tribute they were forced to pay to the Romans. He even sent Heliodorus to rob the Temple in Israel of the riches they had stored for the widows and orphans. God, however, intervened and turned Heliodorus away from the Temple in such a way that Heliodorus would not consider it again.
(you can read part 1 here: http://www.assyrianhorn.com/2009/08/daniel-11-kings-of-north-and-south-part.html
As we discussed during part 1, the 11th chapter of Daniel is important because it shows us the "roots" of the antichrist to come. These "roots" started as the 4 divisions of the Grecian Empire, and this chapter has narrowed it down to 2 regions (North and South). These 2 regions were know as the Seleucid (North) and Ptolemaic (South) empires.
Our last study ended with verse 9, so this study will focus on Daniel 11:10-20.
Daniel 11
10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and carry the battle as far as his fortress.
Antiochus III "The Great" (North) declared war on Egypt in 220 BC and conquered lands all the way to Gaza, which bordered Egypt.
11 "Then the king of the South will march out in a rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be defeated.
Ptolemy IV Philopater (South) raised up an army to defend himself from the threat of Antiochus III. The South won a decisive victory against the North, which sent Antiochus III to seek other lands to conquer.
12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant. 13 For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance with a huge army fully equipped.
14 "In those times many will rise against the king of the South. The violent men among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success. 15 Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. 16 The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it.
Antiochus III has spent the last couple years recovering from the defeat at Egypt. He has now returned with an alliance of Philip V of Macedon and some Judeans. Through these battles, Antiochus III gained control of Palestine (Israel) from the Ptolemaic Empire.
17 He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him.
Antiochus III made a treaty with Ptolemy V when Palestine was handed over to the North. Antiochus III gave his daughter, Cleopatra, to Ptolemy V as part of this agreement.
18 Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back upon him. 19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more.
After gaining Palestine, Antiochus III sets his sights on Greece and the Mediterranean coast, which are under Roman authority. The Romans crushed Antiochus III, and took his son Antichus IV to Rome as a captive. The Seleucids were also forced to pay large tributes to the Romans because of this defeat. Antiochus III later died while trying to rob a temple.
20 "His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.
Seleucus IV Philopator succeeded Antiochus III, since he was his son and his brother Antiochus IV was still a captive in Rome. Seleucus IV sent Heliodorus out to collect taxes due to the heavy tribute they were forced to pay to the Romans. He even sent Heliodorus to rob the Temple in Israel of the riches they had stored for the widows and orphans. God, however, intervened and turned Heliodorus away from the Temple in such a way that Heliodorus would not consider it again.
Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles
This year, Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, was celebrated beginning October 2 at sundown and lasts 7 days. We are given a glimpse of the future of this festival in the book of Zechariah.
Zechariah 14:16:
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. 18 If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Below is a description (in yellow) of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) from Jonathan Bermis of Jewish Voice Ministries:
___________________
Sukkot
Finally, we have the Feast of Tabernacles, third of the Fall Feasts, which is also known as the Feast of Booths* or Sukkot. This is the third pilgrimage feast when all the men of Israel were to celebrate together in Jerusalem. “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Say to the Israelites: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins.’ ” (Lev. 23:33-34)
Notice how close it is to the other feasts: the Feast of Trumpets is the first day, the Day of Atonement the ninth day and six days later, on the 15th day, the Feast of Tabernacles begins and lasts for seven days. “You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations.” (Lev. 23:41)
All native Israelites are required to live in booths for seven days. The word booth also means tabernacle, and is similar to the word John used when he wrote that Jesus became flesh and dwelled (tabernacled) among us. (Jn. 1:14)
When Yeshua came He literally tabernacled among us. This is why some theologians speculate that Yeshua was born on Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles.
Sukkot is the final wheat harvest of the year. The Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of the final gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God before Yeshua returns to Earth. This is what Matthew 24:31 is referring to when the angels gather God’s elect “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” The final shofar blast takes place during this festival, signaling the final ingathering of all souls into the Kingdom of God.
The Jewish People are to live in booths to remind them of the great Exodus out of Egypt when they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. They dwelt in simple tabernacles so that when the cloud moved by day or the pillar of fire moved by night they could follow. The pillar and cloud represented the presence of God. Believers today can learn from this example: we are to live transient lives, not becoming too attached to anything in this world, so that when the LORD moves we are prepared to move with Him. It is a reminder that just as the Children of Israel were called to follow God and trust only Him for their protection and provision, we are to do the same.
Just as the redemptive work of the spring “mo’adim” were fulfilled by the First Coming of the Messiah, the Fall Feasts are prophetically connected with His Second Coming and will be realized in the fullness of time of God’s plan for the People and the Nation of Israel.
He is coming back for Jew and Gentile. One glorious redeemed community God called us to be a part of for all eternity.
* Booth, TabernacleSukkah: A temporary shelter, built of lightweight wood or PVC, it does not have a solid roof, but is generally covered with palm fronds so the stars can be seen. It is large enough for the family table and gaily decorated with fruit and lights. The family gathers for daily meals, and the men sleep in it for the entire Feast.
Lulav (Hebrew: ckuk) is a ripe, green, closed frond of the date palm tree. It is one of the Four Species, seen here bound together, used in the daily prayer services during the biblical holiday of Sukkot. The biblical reference to the four species can be found in Leviticus 23:40.
Zechariah 14:16:
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. 18 If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Below is a description (in yellow) of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) from Jonathan Bermis of Jewish Voice Ministries:
___________________
Sukkot
Finally, we have the Feast of Tabernacles, third of the Fall Feasts, which is also known as the Feast of Booths* or Sukkot. This is the third pilgrimage feast when all the men of Israel were to celebrate together in Jerusalem. “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Say to the Israelites: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins.’ ” (Lev. 23:33-34)
Notice how close it is to the other feasts: the Feast of Trumpets is the first day, the Day of Atonement the ninth day and six days later, on the 15th day, the Feast of Tabernacles begins and lasts for seven days. “You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations.” (Lev. 23:41)
All native Israelites are required to live in booths for seven days. The word booth also means tabernacle, and is similar to the word John used when he wrote that Jesus became flesh and dwelled (tabernacled) among us. (Jn. 1:14)
When Yeshua came He literally tabernacled among us. This is why some theologians speculate that Yeshua was born on Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles.
Sukkot is the final wheat harvest of the year. The Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of the final gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God before Yeshua returns to Earth. This is what Matthew 24:31 is referring to when the angels gather God’s elect “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” The final shofar blast takes place during this festival, signaling the final ingathering of all souls into the Kingdom of God.
The Jewish People are to live in booths to remind them of the great Exodus out of Egypt when they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. They dwelt in simple tabernacles so that when the cloud moved by day or the pillar of fire moved by night they could follow. The pillar and cloud represented the presence of God. Believers today can learn from this example: we are to live transient lives, not becoming too attached to anything in this world, so that when the LORD moves we are prepared to move with Him. It is a reminder that just as the Children of Israel were called to follow God and trust only Him for their protection and provision, we are to do the same.
Just as the redemptive work of the spring “mo’adim” were fulfilled by the First Coming of the Messiah, the Fall Feasts are prophetically connected with His Second Coming and will be realized in the fullness of time of God’s plan for the People and the Nation of Israel.
He is coming back for Jew and Gentile. One glorious redeemed community God called us to be a part of for all eternity.
* Booth, TabernacleSukkah: A temporary shelter, built of lightweight wood or PVC, it does not have a solid roof, but is generally covered with palm fronds so the stars can be seen. It is large enough for the family table and gaily decorated with fruit and lights. The family gathers for daily meals, and the men sleep in it for the entire Feast.
Lulav (Hebrew: ckuk) is a ripe, green, closed frond of the date palm tree. It is one of the Four Species, seen here bound together, used in the daily prayer services during the biblical holiday of Sukkot. The biblical reference to the four species can be found in Leviticus 23:40.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
United Nations Call For A New Reserve Currency
On the heels of our last story, the United Nations has called for a new reserve currency to replace the dollar.
That didn't take long for the UN to pile on, did it?
What is interesting, is that the call came at a meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Instanbul, Turkey. Naturally, they couldn't resist the call for a global currency as well.
Click here to read the whole story:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.e272eaa74dccc30f21c6ff7638b0f37b.461&show_article=1#
That didn't take long for the UN to pile on, did it?
What is interesting, is that the call came at a meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Instanbul, Turkey. Naturally, they couldn't resist the call for a global currency as well.
Click here to read the whole story:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.e272eaa74dccc30f21c6ff7638b0f37b.461&show_article=1#
Monday, October 5, 2009
Countries Plot To End the Dollar
Russia, China, France, Japan, and the Arab states have been holding secret meetings to unpeg the price of oil from the US Dollar. Brazil and India are already thinking about joining with them.
This movement is part of a trend aimed at undermining the value of the US Dollar, and introducing a global currency. Of course, I don't have to tell you about the prophetic importance of a future global currency. If they can successfully move the price of oil from the USD, the stage will be set for this global currency.
"These plans will change the face of international financial transactions," one Chinese banker said. "America and Britain must be very worried. You will know how worried by the thunder of denials this news will generate."
You can read the whole story here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-demise-of-the-dollar-1798175.html
This movement is part of a trend aimed at undermining the value of the US Dollar, and introducing a global currency. Of course, I don't have to tell you about the prophetic importance of a future global currency. If they can successfully move the price of oil from the USD, the stage will be set for this global currency.
"These plans will change the face of international financial transactions," one Chinese banker said. "America and Britain must be very worried. You will know how worried by the thunder of denials this news will generate."
You can read the whole story here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-demise-of-the-dollar-1798175.html
Monday, September 21, 2009
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
This year, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) begins on the evening of September 27, and ends at nightfall on September 28, 2009.
We are introduced to this day in the book of Leviticus:
Leviticus 23
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
The 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to the Day of Atonement, are known as the “Days of Awe”. This has traditionally been a period of serious repentance and reflection- basically a period of time to “Get right with God”.
The blowing of the shofars (trumpets) on Rosh Hashanah served multiple purposes. One of the purposes was to awaken people from their spiritual slumber, and remind them of the need to repent. This is why these 10 days begin with Rosh Hashanah and end with the Day of Atonement.
Jesus has atoned for our sins, once for all, on the cross. We receive this atonement when we accept Jesus for who He said He was- The Messiah.
Unfortunately, I am afraid that many Christians have entered into a “spiritual slumber”, and need to be awakened. Additionally, we are all certainly in need of forgiveness through repentance of our sins to our LORD and savior. These facts create an interesting parallel with Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Atonement, especially given the lateness of the hour.
Below is a description (in yellow) of Yom Kippur, from Jonathan Bermis of Jewish Voice Ministries:
___________________
Yom Kippur
The next mo’ed is called the Day of Atonement, or in Hebrew Yom Kippur. Yom means day and Kippur means covering, like the small skullcaps that are worn by Jewish men.
Yom Kippur is the day in which the Jewish People repent for their sins. It is found in Leviticus 23:26, “The LORD said to Moses, ‘The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire.’"
Rabbis have interpreted God’s command to “deny yourselves” to mean fasting, a day to refrain from eating or drinking.
The Day of Atonement is the most holy day of the year. On this day the High Priest would enter the Holy Place to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the People. (Hebrews 9:6-7)
This was the only day of the year that this kind of atonement was made. It is a day when Jewish People all over the world go to synagogue, even those who haven’t gone for the rest of the year. Although Jewish People still observe Yom Kippur, it is missing a main component the blood sacrifice for the atonement.
Because of sin there was always a sacrifice. Yeshua fulfills every blood sacrifice that is commanded. He is the final redemption for us, the final atonement. Without Him, the Jewish People have no blood atonement.
So how do the rabbis deal with the inability to perform the yearly sacrifice due to the destruction of the Temple? They believe that like Daniel, while in captivity, through prayer and repentance they will attain forgiveness. This is one of the ways traditional Judaism has strayed from biblical Judaism.
So, each year on this day Jewish People flood synagogues to seek God’s forgiveness, but are not aware that they don’t have the blood atonement that is required according to Scripture.As Believers, we understand that the shed blood of Yeshua is the once-for-all perfect sacrifice and the only atonement for sin.How, then, can Jewish People receive this blood atonement? Zechariah 12:10 states, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication...” Grace is the unmerited favor and blessing of God.
It is only through God’s grace that we see our true condition, which causes us to cry out for forgiveness and cleansing. In that same Scripture it says, “they will look on Me whom they have pierced.” Who are “they”? The nation of Israel.
This same passage also mentions weeping in the Land a reference to a national day of repentance in Israel among Jewish communities. This will happen when the Jewish People recognize that the One the Gentiles call upon as Jesus is really the Messiah of Israel.
Zechariah 13:1 speaks of a day when a fountain will be opened for the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness. There is only one way to be cleansed from all sin through faith in Yeshua. That is the prophetic fulfillment of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which has yet to come. On that day, God will make a new Covenant with Israel and the House of Judah when, “all will know me from the least of them to the greatest.” (Jer. 31:34)
We are introduced to this day in the book of Leviticus:
Leviticus 23
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
The 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to the Day of Atonement, are known as the “Days of Awe”. This has traditionally been a period of serious repentance and reflection- basically a period of time to “Get right with God”.
The blowing of the shofars (trumpets) on Rosh Hashanah served multiple purposes. One of the purposes was to awaken people from their spiritual slumber, and remind them of the need to repent. This is why these 10 days begin with Rosh Hashanah and end with the Day of Atonement.
Jesus has atoned for our sins, once for all, on the cross. We receive this atonement when we accept Jesus for who He said He was- The Messiah.
Unfortunately, I am afraid that many Christians have entered into a “spiritual slumber”, and need to be awakened. Additionally, we are all certainly in need of forgiveness through repentance of our sins to our LORD and savior. These facts create an interesting parallel with Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Atonement, especially given the lateness of the hour.
Below is a description (in yellow) of Yom Kippur, from Jonathan Bermis of Jewish Voice Ministries:
___________________
Yom Kippur
The next mo’ed is called the Day of Atonement, or in Hebrew Yom Kippur. Yom means day and Kippur means covering, like the small skullcaps that are worn by Jewish men.
Yom Kippur is the day in which the Jewish People repent for their sins. It is found in Leviticus 23:26, “The LORD said to Moses, ‘The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire.’"
Rabbis have interpreted God’s command to “deny yourselves” to mean fasting, a day to refrain from eating or drinking.
The Day of Atonement is the most holy day of the year. On this day the High Priest would enter the Holy Place to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the People. (Hebrews 9:6-7)
This was the only day of the year that this kind of atonement was made. It is a day when Jewish People all over the world go to synagogue, even those who haven’t gone for the rest of the year. Although Jewish People still observe Yom Kippur, it is missing a main component the blood sacrifice for the atonement.
Because of sin there was always a sacrifice. Yeshua fulfills every blood sacrifice that is commanded. He is the final redemption for us, the final atonement. Without Him, the Jewish People have no blood atonement.
So how do the rabbis deal with the inability to perform the yearly sacrifice due to the destruction of the Temple? They believe that like Daniel, while in captivity, through prayer and repentance they will attain forgiveness. This is one of the ways traditional Judaism has strayed from biblical Judaism.
So, each year on this day Jewish People flood synagogues to seek God’s forgiveness, but are not aware that they don’t have the blood atonement that is required according to Scripture.As Believers, we understand that the shed blood of Yeshua is the once-for-all perfect sacrifice and the only atonement for sin.How, then, can Jewish People receive this blood atonement? Zechariah 12:10 states, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication...” Grace is the unmerited favor and blessing of God.
It is only through God’s grace that we see our true condition, which causes us to cry out for forgiveness and cleansing. In that same Scripture it says, “they will look on Me whom they have pierced.” Who are “they”? The nation of Israel.
This same passage also mentions weeping in the Land a reference to a national day of repentance in Israel among Jewish communities. This will happen when the Jewish People recognize that the One the Gentiles call upon as Jesus is really the Messiah of Israel.
Zechariah 13:1 speaks of a day when a fountain will be opened for the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness. There is only one way to be cleansed from all sin through faith in Yeshua. That is the prophetic fulfillment of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which has yet to come. On that day, God will make a new Covenant with Israel and the House of Judah when, “all will know me from the least of them to the greatest.” (Jer. 31:34)
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