Israel’s Greatest Need :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR10 Category:Daymond Duck, General Articles

On Apr. 17, 2024, Iran’s president said Iran would completely destroy Israel if Israel proceeds with even the tiniest invasion of Iran.

A few hours later, Germany’s Foreign Minister tried to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran for attacking Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles.

Netanyahu said,

  • Israel will do whatever it needs to defend itself.
  • I appreciate the advice, but I want to be clear: Our decisions we will make ourselves.

I admire Netanyahu for what he has done and said, but according to Bible prophecy, Israel will not do the most important thing it needs to do (accept Jesus as their Messiah) for at least 7 more years.

Here is a short list of Bible prophecies about Israel.

  • Israel had to become a nation in one day before she travailed (before the Tribulation Period; Isa. 66:5-9).
  • Israel cannot be destroyed again (Israel’s enemies need to pay attention: Amos 9:15).
  • Israel must complete 490 years (70 weeks of years, including the 7-year Tribulation Period) before the Jews accept Jesus as their Messiah (Dan. 9:24-27).
  • The 7-year (2,520 days on the Jewish calendar) Tribulation Period will begin when the Antichrist confirms a covenant with many for one week of years (Dan. 9:27).
  • God will make Jerusalem a problem for the entire world during the Tribulation Period (Zech. 12:2-3). He will defend Jerusalem and destroy every nation that attacks her (Zech. 12:6-9; 14:12).
  • God will pour out His Spirit on Israel at the end of the 7-year Tribulation Period, Israel will accept Jesus as their Messiah (Jer. 23:5-8; Ezek. 36:24-28; Zech 12:10-14), He will come back, and all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26).

Israel needs to understand that she cannot defend herself, but God can, and Israel’s troubles will continue until the Jews accept Jesus as their Messiah (and they will).

Here are some events that appear to indicate that we are close to the end of the age.

One, concerning God’s protection of Israel and Iran’s attack on Israel: Rabbi Meir Lau (Rabbi of Tel Aviv) said, “God did us a great favor that 99% of all the UAVs were destroyed without harming us. There was only some damage to places and no harm to people. This whole story was a great miracle, but we still have not appreciated its magnitude. We experienced God’s true protection and this connection with the superpowers and our neighbors, as well as other details that are confidential, all I can say is that this was a great divine miracle.”

(More: Prophecy expert Amir Tsarfati said, “Prayer was the most successful air defense system.)

(More: Robert Gottselig, Director of The Friends of Israel, said, “We know that when God’s people pray, and especially when they have been and still are interceding for Israel and the Jewish people, God hears their prayers.”)

Two, on Apr. 22, 2024 (Passover day in Israel), two armed terrorists drove a car into pedestrians in Jerusalem (slightly wounding 3); they emerged from their vehicle trying to fire makeshift submachine guns at their victims and others, but their weapons failed, and they ran to escape. They were spotted by a police helicopter and arrested.

Officials called the minor injuries and failed guns a “Passover Miracle.”

Three, concerning the Israel-Hamas war: on Apr. 17, 2024, Israel said, “IAF planes conducted airstrikes against terrorists and terror infrastructure (in northern Gaza), hitting more than 40 targets over the past day, including underground launching posts, booby-trapped structures, military structures where armed terrorists operated, observation posts, underground terrorist infrastructure, and additional terrorist infrastructure.”

Israel also struck several targets in Rafah.

Four, concerning inflation, the decline of America, and the emptying of America’s strategic oil reserves: on Apr. 19, 2024, the Department of the Interior announced that it will prohibit any new oil drilling project in the U.S. Arctic Ocean as well as on 11 million acres of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve and nearly 3 million acres of Alaska’s coastal waters.

Five, concerning a borderless world and illegal immigration: on Apr. 19, 2024, it was reported that illegal immigrants in New York complained that the amount of (free) food they get, their housing, (free) services, and other benefits they are getting are not enough and that this is unacceptable.

Six, concerning corruption in Washington and the belief by many that we can no longer trust the elections: I cannot count the times I have heard someone say that they do not believe the globalists will let Trump win the next election even if it becomes necessary to assassinate him.

I hope it is not true, but on Apr. 19, 2024, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives proposed legislation to strip Pres. Trump of his Secret Service protection if he is convicted and sentenced for a felony.

Seven, concerning Biden’s efforts to force Netanyahu and Israel to obey him: on Apr. 21, 2024, it was reported that U.S. officials have confirmed that Biden intends to impose sanctions on an Israeli military unit on the West Bank of Israel (Judea and Samaria) for violating the rights of Palestinians.

Netanyahu said, “At a time when our soldiers are fighting terrorist monsters, the intention to sanction a unit in the IDF is the height of absurdity and a moral low.”

(My opinion: Biden is daring God to curse America.)

Eight, concerning America’s unstainable national debt and the economic collapse of the U.S.: on Apr. 3, 2024, it was reported that the White House intends to use funds appropriated to advance America’s national interest (democracy, freedom of speech, free market values, etc.) to train at least 200 LGBTQ+ activists to spread transgenderism in India.

Nine, concerning an increase in wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age: on Apr. 22, 2024, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said military spending is soaring across the globe and it reached an all-time high in 2023.

Ten, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: on Apr. 23, 2024, Iran vowed to annihilate Israel if it launches a major attack on Iranian territory.

Iran’s Pres. Raisi said there will be nothing left of the Zionist regime (Israel).

Eleven, concerning hatred for Israel at the end of the age: on Apr. 22, 2024, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton asked Pres. Biden to mobilize the National Guard to protect Jewish students on college campuses.

Hawley sent a letter to Biden that said:

  • “On college campuses across the United States, Jewish Americans are at risk. … In your statement on Passover, you stated that “in recent days, we’ve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous — and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.’ Now you must take action to match those words.”

(More: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian students have been arrested at Columbia University, New York University, and Yale University.)

(More: On Apr. 23, 2024, it was reported that 25 Republican Senators sent colleges a warning to shut down the Jew-hating mobs on campus or risk losing their public funding.)

Here is my daily update on the Israel-Hamas war.

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024 (Day 194): The one hundred-thirty-ninth day of the resumed war.

  • Iran and its proxies (Hezbollah, etc.) have gone on high alert in anticipation of Israel’s retaliation for Iran’s recent drone attack on Israel.

Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024 (Day 195): The one-hundred-fortieth day of the resumed war.

  • It is being rumored that the U.S. will impose severe sanctions on Iran for attacking Israel, approve Israel’s actions on Rafah in the south and Hezbollah in the north, and transfer financial aid to Israel, if Israel will not retaliate against Iran.
  • The U.S. vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would open the door for Palestine to become a state in the UN.
  • Israel used missiles to launch a limited strike near an airport and a major military base next to Iran’s nuclear reactor. There were simultaneous explosions in Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
  • Israel killed a senior Hamas intelligence official.
  • Israel captured several terrorists that were hiding in a school in Gaza.

Friday, Apr. 19, 2024 (Day 196): The one hundred-forty-first day of the resumed war.

  • Iran played down Israel’s strike on the previous day and signaled that it will not retaliate.
  • Israel’s strike on Iran accomplished what Israel set out to do – destroy the Russian anti-aircraft system that was installed to defend Iran’s nearby nuclear facility.
  • S. officials confirmed that Israel attacked a terrorist base in Iraq (base destroyed, one terrorist killed, 8 terrorists injured).

Saturday, Apr. 20, 2024 (Day 197): The one hundred-forty-second day of the resumed war.

  • Turkey’s Pres. Erdogan urged Palestinian Arabs to unite against Israel.

Sunday, Apr. 21, 2024 (Day 198): The one hundred-forty-third day of the resumed war.

  • Israel indicted the sister of Hamas’ top leader Ishmail Haniyeh on charges of inciting Muslims to kill Jews.
  • Netanyahu said he will fight sanctions the U.S. imposes on the Israeli military unit on the West Bank (Judea and Samaria).
  • Netanyahu said Israel will inflict painful blows on Hamas in the coming days to free the remaining hostages. He compared Hamas to Pharaoh, “It hardens its heart and refuses to let our people go; therefore, we will bring it more painful blows—and it will happen soon.”

Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 (Day 199): The one hundred-forty-fourth day of the resumed war.

  • Israel struck 3 villages in Lebanon, and Hezbollah fired about 35 rockets into Israel.
  • An independent Palestinian news anchor reported that Hamas deliberately killed numerous aid workers and stole shipments of food sent to Palestinians because Hamas wanted to be the only entity in Gaza in control of the warehousing and distribution of food.

Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2024 (Day 200): The one hundred-forty-fifth day of the resumed war.

  • Israeli intelligence learned that Hamas was loading several launchers in Gaza to fire rockets into Israel. Israeli jets struck the launchers before the rockets were fired.
  • Hamas urged Israel’s enemies to attack Israel on all fronts.

Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2024 (Day 201): The one hundred-forty-sixth day of the resumed war.

  • Per Biden’s demands to protect Palestinians, Israel will evacuate about 1.4 million civilians from Rafah in preparation for an attack starting about 3 weeks from now (Israel estimates that it will take about 3 weeks to eliminate Hamas in Rafah).

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com

 

Hold Fast :: By C. Gray Adams

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles

The book of Revelation contains specific messages to seven churches, of which all but two, the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia, are admonished for shortcomings. An earlier article, “Help Us Lord to Overcome,”[1] deals with the overarching admonition of Jesus for the believer, no matter what type of church they find themselves in, to overcome. As noted in that article, overcoming is best achieved by complete surrender to the Lord’s will, which He reveals to us through His Word as we maintain a prayerful attitude.

This article will focus on one specific church, the church in Philadelphia, which is eerily reminiscent of the remnant church we see today. More specifically, we will look at the condition of this church and the admonition of Jesus to ‘Hold Fast’ and how the faithful remnant, found within the end-times church, should deal with the signs that herald His soon return.

The Condition

Revelation chapter three describes the condition of the church in Philadelphia in great detail:

Revelation 3:7-13

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”[2] (emphasis mine)

At first glance, one may consider the condition of the church in Philadelphia as dire, for it has little strength. However, closer examination will demonstrate that this lack of strength is anything but a weakness. Instead, the lack of strength mentioned here is perhaps the very reason the church in Philadelphia is not reprimanded like most of the churches. To clarify, it is not the lack of strength that makes this church so special. Instead, it is what the people do when they have little strength; they remain faithful in keeping the word of the Lord, and they refuse to deny His name.

In response to the faithfulness of those whose strength has diminished, Jesus sets an open door before them that no man can shut. He also utters a most incredible promise that the faithful of every generation cling to, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev 3:10). Clearly, this promise speaks of the pre-tribulation rapture of those who hold fast and the Tribulation period for those who do not.[3]

Today, many churches across the land find themselves in the same condition as the church in Philadelphia, mentioned in Revelation chapter 3, in that they have diminished in strength, particularly in numbers, as the seats of the faithful who go on to be with the Lord remain empty. This diminishment is also partly due to the next generations flocking to churches that resemble those reprimanded in Revelation 2-3.

One additional reason is the fact that some have decided it is too hard to keep the word of the Lord in a world where His Word is no longer popular. Sadly, those who succumb to the pressures of this present world will fail to ‘hold fast’ what they have and, therefore, forfeit their crown mentioned in verse eleven, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11).

What does ‘Hold Fast’ mean?

Before going on, I encourage you to read Revelation chapters two and three along with the article “Help Us Lord – To Overcome.” Understanding what an overcomer is and the importance of the message of Jesus to the overcomers in each of the seven churches is crucial. After all, if one overcomes, they also ‘hold fast.’

To aid in the examination of what it means to ‘hold fast,’ I will restate the Scripture in question along with variations presented in other translations, which enable us to see more clearly the idea that we are to ‘hold fast’:

Revelation 3:11

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Other translations read “Hold Fast what you have” (ESV, NKJV, NASB: 1995 – 1977).

To ‘hold fast’ is to endure, to persevere, or to stand firm even in the midst of great difficulty, traits commonly exhibited by the Apostles and many in the early church who, more often than not, suffered for their faithfulness to the name of Christ and their defense of the faith via sound doctrine. By way of reminder, eleven of the twelve Apostles were martyred. Early traditional sources say John was boiled in oil but was unhurt. Scripture reveals that he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos for His faithfulness (Rev 1:9).

History also proves that since the inception of the church many have suffered great affliction in order to ‘hold fast.’

Fox’s Book of Martyrs has compiled a great deal of information about our forefathers in the faith who suffered greatly in order to ‘hold fast’ and not deny the name of Jesus.[4] The faithfulness of the witnesses contained within the pages of this great book should spur us on to make full proof of our ministry as we endure afflictions while doing the work of an evangelist in order to finish well our good fight of faith as Paul did:

2 Timothy 4:6-8

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith [Paul Held Fast]: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” [Author’s comment in brackets]

Failure to Hold Fast – The Bittersweet Sign

Unfortunately, unlike the early church, great failure is afoot today; many churches fail miserably at the task of holding fast as the influence of the selfish populace of the world grows within their ranks. Sadly, many churches that once influenced many to turn away from their evil ways have now, because they have succumbed to the influence of the world, become havens for those who refuse to hold fast. How has this happened?

The primary reason for this is the fact that many leaders, in order to draw men unto themselves, now wish to please the people rather than God. Churches that take surveys amongst the populace to determine what they want to see and hear in church come to mind here.[5] Simultaneously, and perhaps because of this, many churchgoers are now looking for ear-tickling messages that never offend or talk about the woes of sinful living. Incredibly, it seems as though the Apostle Paul was peering nearly two thousand years into the future when he, by unction of the Holy Spirit, uttered these words:

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Acts 20:29-31

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

2 Timothy 4:3

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

It is abundantly clear that we now live in the bittersweet time predicted by the Apostle Paul when many churches would depart from sound doctrine and alter ‘His word’ to fit the current narrative of the most popular movements on earth (2 Tim 4:3). Thankfully, the reason this time is not just bitter is the fact that these signs indicate we are living in the last moments before the rapture, a fact that is sweet indeed for the faithful that long for His coming.

While we can draw some comfort from knowing the rapture is near, this knowledge should also alert us to the fact that our time to evangelize is short. Indeed, it is because of this knowledge that we must double our efforts to ‘hold fast’ while we simultaneously do everything in our power to reach the lost ones within our spheres of influence.[6]

Hold Fast – Church

Church… small or great, weak or strong, hold fast. Preach and teach the unadulterated truth of the Word of God. Lift up Jesus, for He is the only way man can be set free:

John 8:31-32

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

This often-quoted Scripture makes it clear that the truth makes us free, not fancy words, gimmicks, and light shows designed to please the selfish. Please hear this… Only the truth of Jesus sets people free. After all, Jesus said this to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Before moving on, a closer look at John 8:31-32, quoted above, is worthwhile. In this passage, Jesus uses the phrase, “If ye continue in my word” to relay the same message He conveys in Revelation Chapter three, where He admonishes the church in Philadelphia to ‘hold fast.’ The idea here is we must persevere, church. We must remain faithful until the end, and it is equally important that every leader caves not to the pressures of society to water down the Word of God so the selfish can handle it. Instead, as leaders, we must continue to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15) as we proclaim and defend the unadulterated gospel (1 Pet 3:14-17).[7] After all, this is the only way for man to be saved:

Romans 10:14-15

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Church… If we fail to hold fast, a cascade of events will not take place: The truth will not be spoken. Without hearing the truth, the lost will not believe. Lack of belief will result in the lost not calling on the name of the Lord. Without calling on the name of the Lord, the lost will not be saved. Think about it church… we are literally the last hope for the lost in a dying world to hear the gospel and thereby be saved. Therefore, “Hold Fast.”

Conclusion

Throughout the land, many faithful churches are beginning to resemble the church in Philadelphia in that they are of little strength. This loss of strength comes upon a church in various ways, but the root cause amongst the living is often defection by those who fail to ‘hold fast’ to the truths of Scripture. Knowing this, we could assume a negative posture, believe that all hope is lost, and close our doors; or, we can choose to look at the positive side of this and realize we have an opportunity to follow the will of the Lord and ‘hold fast’ while we do the work of an evangelist and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to as many as we can, for as long as we can.

I leave you with the First Psalm and the lyrics of the popular song “I Shall Not Be Moved”:

Psalm 1

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

I Shall Not Be Moved – Written by Mississippi John Hurt

I shall not, I shall not be moved
Oh, I shall not, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I’m on my way to heaven; I shall not be moved
On my way to heaven, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved

Oh, I shall not, I shall not be moved
I shall not, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved

Oh preacher, I shall not be moved
Oh preacher, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I’m sanctified and holy; I shall not be moved
Sanctified and holy, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water
I shall not be moved

Oh I, I shall not be moved
I shall not, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved[8]

Website: In His Commission

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[1] For greater understanding, see the article, “Help Us Lord – To Overcome.”

[2] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.”

[3] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Five W’s of the Rapture.”

[4] For more information, see “Fox’s Book of Martyrs.”

[5] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Rise of Many.”

[6] For greater understanding, see the article, “Watch – Warn – Win Souls.”

[7] For greater understanding, see the article, “We Must Apologize.”

[8] YouTube video of “I Shall Not Be Moved” sung by the author Mississippi John Hurt.