Clearer By The Day :: By Dave Hubley

(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)

The continuing unraveling of society, human government, and the rule of law is making it increasingly clear to those who observe the world through the lens of Truth that the prophecies contained within the Word of God are nearing their culmination.

However, it is important to point out that, in order to truly understand the events unfolding around us, it requires the presence of the gift of the Holy Spirit of God.

His presence allows a person to be able to understand the real “why” this world is barreling toward self-inflicted destruction.

When a repentant sinner receives the Grace of God and becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, he or she also becomes the recipient of this promise:

However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come” (John 16:13). Emphasis added by me.

This claim of comprehension of Empirical Truth is not just some idle claim by believers that only a Christian has access to this understanding because he is some sort of intellectual giant or exceptional mind. When unbelievers label us in that way, it is just mockery and scornful name-calling, and it is inaccurate.

Instead, the Word of God reveals the true source of this knowledge, wisdom and understanding:

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). Emphasis added by me.

So those who reject God’s Grace and Salvation, whatever their reasons, may well be brilliant intellectuals with a high IQ and technical knowledge that transcends the levels of most other “average” (of which I am one) people. Instead, it is that they lack the Spiritual understanding that is really a Gift of God in Christ.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness” (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Further, God makes the reasons for this lack of Spiritual comprehension in the worldly man clear in the following verses:

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles” (Romans 1:21-23).

Why is it that God makes the claim: “Although they knew God”?

“For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).

It is because of the removal of the veil that obscures Spiritual comprehension from knowledge of worldly matters that those believers in Christ who choose to pursue the revelations contained in God’s Word are enabled to understand their message and meaning.

Even more so, when God grants this Spiritual gift, the understanding, meaning, timing and purpose of already fulfilled prophecies are enabled. The believer also receives discernment, so he or she is enabled to comprehend those same meanings and purposes in prophecies yet future.

It is quite common in today’s world for those of us who try to warn of the coming execution of God’s final judgments to be mocked and ridiculed.

Most of us understand that along with this spiritual gift of prophetic understanding, we are also charged with the responsibility to perform the obligation of the Watchman on the Wall:

“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand” (Ezekiel 33:6). Emphasis added by me.

The gift of prophetic understanding is not a hobby or a casual pastime, and relaying its message is a solemn duty to perform in honor of our One and Only Savior.

Noah managed to hold up under it, and so shall we: for we have the same Spirit.

As we have come to expect from God’s Word, it is as simple as this:

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Human society, governance and behavior have been in a steady downhill spiral since the door on the Ark was unsealed by God after the flood.

That its decline has been restrained for so long is a gift of God to His entire creation and for a reason made clear in His Word:

“Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9).

It is also clear that God, by His own Authority, has a benchmark that, when reached, causes Him to execute His promised judgments.

“But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16). Emphasis added by me.

How long before the iniquity of this world reaches the point of “completion”?

We don’t know the answer to that question, but to be sure, it is at such a level of debauchery and rebellion that even the unbelieving world has started to notice the presence of Evil in every facet of our lives.

God’s Word records where Jesus Christ made it clear that any person who dies without receiving Him is condemned:

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Emphasis added by me.

If you are still in your living years, it is not too late.

Though I don’t know you, I am praying for you that the Holy Spirit will be able to open your eyes and you will open the door of your heart to eternal life:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Emphasis added by me.

The special message I promised you:

For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life.

You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.

It requires that you come before God on His terms.

And, what are His terms according to His Word?

  • Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
  • Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
  • That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
  • To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
  • Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.
  • To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.

God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.

  • No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
  • No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
  • Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.

If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.

“Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life” (John 5:24).

There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.

The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God, with all your heart, He will hear you.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Pro Salvator Vigilans

To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com

Chafer Conference… Israel: Past, Present, and Future :: By Paul J. Scharf

The Chafer Theological Seminary Pastors’ Conference met for the 19th time at West Houston Bible Church this past Monday through Wednesday, March 4 to 6. In the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the conference focused on “Israel: Past, Present, and Future.”

Roughly 250 attendees came together on site, with 1,600 unique viewers observing online during the three days. They had the rare opportunity to hear from representatives of three leading Israel-focused ministries, along with connecting with many others who love and serve the Jewish people in various ways.

Dr. Randall Price (president of World of the Bible Ministries and a board member for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry) was one of the keynote speakers, along with Dr. Mike Stallard (vice president of international ministries for FOI and a professor for Chafer). They were accompanied by Dr. Mitch Glaser (president of Chosen People Ministries) and Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum (founder and director of Ariel Ministries).

Price delivered the three evening addresses. He drew on his many years of study, research, archaeological excavation, and living in Israel to provide responses to these three critical topics:

  • “Who Owns the Land?”
  • “What is the Cause of the Middle East Conflict?”
  • “How the Middle East Conflict is Preparing the World for the End Times”

“These are very crucial things to think about,” Price said. “It’s a desperate time. Israel is in a fight for its survival. The ramifications affect us in our country.”

Price added: “This is a religious war. People don’t get that. People in the streets don’t know what they’re saying because of the way they’ve been groomed and indoctrinated.”

Price explained how our woke culture is ignorant of the Islamic worldview, as well as the nature of this conflict and the Biblical importance of Israel—a dangerous combination that often yields a desire to identify with Hamas. “Much of the Western world is woke and indoctrinated against facts and logic,” he stated.

Stallard opened the conference with this topic: “What is the Meaning of the Word ‘Israel’ in the Bible?”

“Israel means Israel—don’t ever leave that truth,” he stated. “We’re pro-Israel, and the number one reason is theological. God loves Israel, and we need to love what God loves.”

Stallard concluded his opening lecture by looking at two problem passages for dispensationalists—Romans 9:6 and Galatians 6:16. “We only have two, and we have a couple thousand to throw at [our opponents],” he said with a smile.

“Every Jewish believer you meet is a signpost of God’s faithfulness,” Glaser proclaimed. “We are part of the remnant. The true ‘Never Forget’ is to never forget His promises because He is a God who raises the dead.”

Fruchtenbaum broke down the various views related to the regathering of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. He explored the often-overlooked Biblical teaching that the nation must first return in unbelief to face judgment—before coming to faith and experiencing God’s blessing in her final return to the land.

Other speakers included Paula Joffe (an advocate for the awareness of antisemitism, formerly of StandWithUs), Dr. Charlie Bing (founder and director of GraceLife Ministries and a professor for Chafer), and Dr. Andy Woods (pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church [Sugar Land, TX] and president of Chafer). Dr. Thomas Ice (director of the Pre-Trib Research Center) was unable to attend due to illness. His session was taken by Dr. Robert Dean (the host pastor and a board member and professor for Chafer and president of Dean Bible Ministries).

Joffe compared the current climate in the United States to that of Europe before World War II. “The majority of Jews live in fear,” she said. “Antisemitism is tolerated and accepted as an expression of free speech. [New York City] has become a cesspool of Jew hatred.”

Activities included a commencement ceremony for seven new Chafer graduates. Woods delivered a commencement address based on the Apostle Paul’s words in Acts 20:18-35. “This is the highest and holiest calling that you can do with your life,” Woods exclaimed. There are about 150 students taking classes from Chafer this school year.

Price concluded the conference with a rousing call for all to become alert to the realities of Biblical prophecy.

“End-time events have their focus on Israel,” he said. “It’s all about Israel—it always has been.”

Presentations from this year’s conference, along with previous editions, are available to view at DeanBibleMinistries.org/Conferences.
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Paul J. Scharf (M.A., M.Div., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary) is a church ministries representative for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, based in Columbus, WI, and serving in the Midwest. For more information on his ministry, visit sermonaudio.com/pscharf or foi.org/scharf, or email pscharf@foi.org.