General Articles

In Christ Alone :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR10

This message is shorter than usual.

I have been blessed to have several members of my family visiting for Christmas.

Some live several hundred miles away, and I do not see them very often.

I tried to spend most of my time with them.

Concerning the New Year, the great Hal Lindsey wrote, “Christians can look forward to 2023 with renewed hope, but not because the world is getting better. It is not. More than ever before, it should be obvious that our hope is not in the mechanisms and programs of this world. It is in Christ alone.”

One, concerning the division of Israel: on Dec. 21, 2022, it was reported that a group of former Israeli military, security, and police officers warned that the EU is clandestinely collaborating with the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over Judea and Samaria and merge it with other areas to make it part of a future Palestinian state.

The group warned that most of Judea and Samaria is strategic territory that is critical to the defense of Israel, and turning it over to the PA would threaten the security of Israel.

(Note: There will be Jews in Judea at the middle of the Tribulation Period. The Antichrist will defile the Temple at that time, and Jesus said, “Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains” (Matt. 24:16).

(My opinion: Satan wants to give Judea to the PA who would drive the Jews out if they could. That would prevent the fulfillment of prophecy, but God’s Word must be fulfilled.)

Two, concerning the division of Israel: on Dec. 22, 2022, it was reported that the EU has confirmed that it is actively working with and for the PA to protect the rights of the Palestinians and to ensure that Judea and Samaria are part of a future Palestinian state.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israel has clearly notified all EU officials at every level of service in Israel that what the EU is doing is unacceptable.

(Note: Jewish annexation of most or all of Judea and Samaria will lead to an increase in violence and war.)

Three, concerning the Israeli government, dividing the land of Israel, Judea, and Samaria: on Dec. 22, 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu officially informed Israeli Pres. Herzog that he has put together a new government with 64 partners.

It will be the most religious government since Israel became a nation.

This is because Netanyahu agreed to make Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria part of the nation of Israel (called the Sovereignty Plan) to get the religious parties to join his government.

Netanyahu took office on Dec. 29, 2022, and world leaders (the EU, the PA, Iran, and others) are already denouncing his government.

(Note: This is why the Jews in Judea need to flee into the wilderness when the Antichrist defiles the Temple. The Antichrist will be from the EU, and he will try to kill the Jews in Judea. God will supernaturally protect those that flee, and they will be part of the terminal generation that will not pass away until everything is fulfilled. They will also be among the people with natural bodies that will repopulate the earth during the Millennium.)

Four, concerning the Israeli government, dividing the land of Israel, Judea and Samaria: on Dec. 24, 2022, it was reported that Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. are talking, and Netanyahu said he would suspend his annexation policies in Judea and Samaria for a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu said, “If we have peace with Saudi Arabia, we are effectively going to bring an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

Five, concerning the Israeli government, dividing the land of Israel, Judea: on Dec. 24, 2022, it was reported that Netanyahu reached an agreement with the religious parties that want him to annex Judea and Samaria, and they will not obstruct his efforts to reach a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.

It is important to remember that on Dec. 8, 2022, Danny Danon, Israel’s former ambassador to the UN, said: “I expect we’ll see an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia this year (in 2023).”

He based this upon information that he could not reveal.

(My opinion: It is obvious that things are changing almost daily, and we should know that at some point, there will be an agreement. After that, the Antichrist will confirm it, but Christians will not be here, and then the Temple will be rebuilt. Reports such as Netanyahu seeking a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia could indicate that the world is being prepared for the Tribulation Period. People need to make their salvation sure.)

Six, concerning violence: Netanyahu’s agreement with the religious parties includes the passage of a law to execute terrorists that harm the nation of Israel and its people.

The execution of Muslim terrorists will cause Muslim radicals and many world leaders to harm Israel any way they can.

Seven, concerning rain returning to Israel and the desert blooming at the end of the age: it has been a very dry year in Israel, but at least some meteorologists are saying that heavy rain is on the way.

Having said that, the Mediterranean Sea is on Israel’s west; the Red Sea is on Israel’s south; Israel has built desalination plants at Ashkelon (2005), Palmachim (2007), Hadera (2009), Sorek (2013), Ashkelon (2015), and two more are on the way (for a total of 7), so Israel has not hurt for water like other nations have in the Middle East.

Eight, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: God said Russia and her allies (Iran, etc.) will cover the land of Israel like a cloud (Ezek. 38:9).

Earlier this year (spring of 2022), Iran sent pilots to Russia to learn how to fly Russian Su-35 fighter jets.

In Sept. 2022, Israel said Iran’s purchase of the Su-35 is on the agenda.

On Dec. 9, 2022, it was reported that Iran is supplying drones to Russia for her war with Ukraine, and Russia has increased her supply of military equipment to Iran.

(My opinion: This growing partnership between Russia and Iran may indicate that the Battle of Gog and Magog is approaching, but no weapon formed against Israel will prosper.)

Nine, at the end of the age, God will cause Jews to return to Israel from all over the world.

On Dec. 23, 2022, it was reported that about 70,000 Jews returned to Israel from 95 nations in the first 11 months of 2022 (Jan. 1-Dec. 1, 2022).

Ten, concerning natural disasters: according to AccuWeather, on Dec. 21, 2022, the temperature in Cheyenne, Wyoming dropped 40 degrees in 30 minutes.

This was a national record.

Eleven, concerning natural disasters: on Dec. 23, 2022 (2 days before Christmas), Buffalo, NY received 1.98 in. of rain before it started snowing; AccuWeather predicted 4-6 feet of snow with wind gusts approaching 74 mph or greater by Christmas, visibility was zero for 16 hours, drifts were enormous, and there were many places that first responders could not get to.

This is record-breaking.

(Note: On Dec. 25, 2022, it was reported that the storm had killed at least 34 people in the U.S., millions of people were without natural gas and electricity, and almost 2 million travelers were stranded.)

(More: On Dec. 19, 2022, a town in Japan got 43.3 inches of snow in 24 hours.)

Twelve, the end of the age will be like the days of Noah when the wickedness of man was great.

On Dec. 25, 2022, it was reported that 135 businesses and property owners in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco have notified the mayor that they want a full and complete refund of all sales and property taxes because the city has abandoned its responsibility to keep the city safe.

Thirteen, concerning corruption in the FBI and the coverup of the Hunter Biden scandal: Special Counsel John Durham is in the final stages of preparing a report.

On Dec. 26, 2022, it was reported that a former Obama spokesperson, Matthew Miller, came out against releasing the entire report because it may unfairly tarnish some members of the FBI.

From the article, I got the impression that the report will go Merrick Garland and the DOJ where findings that the Biden administration does not want the public to know can be redacted.

Put another way, it looks like the Durham investigation is going to be turned into a waste of time and taxpayer money.

Fourteen, concerning corruption in the FBI: on Dec. 27, 2022, it was reported that released Twitter files clearly confirm that the FBI and others were actively aiding and abetting executives at Twitter during and since the 2020 election.

(Note: A different report, dated Dec. 26, 2022, notes that Klaus Schwab’s World Economic Forum (WEF) is now recommending that interested people keep up with WEF activities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, WeChat, and Weibo. It looks like Twitter is now being censored by people that are stealing elections to gain control of governments and establish a world government.)

Fifteen, concerning wickedness, deceit, and population reduction: on Dec. 27, 2022, it was reported that since the Covid vaccination campaign began 2 years ago, 1,011 athletes that took the jab have suddenly died, and many officials and commentators believe the number is much higher than reported.

(Special note: I wish everyone a blessed, happy, and prosperous New Year. I also wish that everyone that has not truly accepted Jesus as their Saviour will do so immediately, but know that salvation is in Christ alone.)

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

 

Watching And Waiting :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR10

Once Christmas becomes a happy memory, what do you do? Do you go to the store and exchange your gifts for something that fits better or is a better color? Do you play with all the fun new gadgets you received from loved ones? We all have traditions, but on that first Christmas, a young mother was simply caring for her baby… the Son of God.

There were certain things that had to be done in order to fulfill Jewish Law. Even though Jesus was God incarnate, He had put aside His deity in order to be a kinsman to the humans He created. He was born under very humble conditions to a very normal mother and stepfather who followed the Law precisely. After all, Jesus became human to be our Kinsman Redeemer, and He wouldn’t allow Himself to be above the Law. There were different requirements for male babies than for female. God knows there is a difference and that gender isn’t a choice, nor is it “fluid.”

God told Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days: according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled” (Leviticus 12:2-4). This was the Law when a son was born.

Joseph and Mary were obedient to the Law and did all that was required. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

When Mary was visited by Gabriel and told she was chosen to give birth to the Son of God, he also told her to name Him Jesus. This is the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation.” The name is important because that’s descriptive of why He was born. Salvation is only found in Him, and by faith, we are saved by His grace.

The next big event took place when Mary’s days of purification were accomplished. “And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord)” (Luke 2:22-23).

Children are important to God. They are to be loved and nurtured. When God chose Mary to give birth to His Son, He knew that she would be faithful to the Law and love and nurture Jesus. Joseph, too, was a special man who would make sure the Law was followed. This is the example of a Godly family. A father who leads his family in the ways of the Lord, a mother who humbly submits to her husband, and both parents are God-honoring examples to their children.

The reason they were in the Temple that day was to present Jesus to the Lord. “And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24). The Law required a sacrifice. “And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her: and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female” (Leviticus 12:6-7).

You see, not only was the child to be presented to God, but the mother had to be cleansed. Mary wasn’t perfect, nor was she above the Law. She was required to fulfill her responsibility. There was more required of her. “And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean” (Leviticus 12:8).

These offerings were for cleansing of her sins. Gabriel had greeted her, saying that she was highly favored and blessed among women (Luke 1:28). He didn’t say she was perfect and without sin. She needed salvation as much as anybody. We know from reading the account in Luke chapter 2 that she brought a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. She didn’t have a lamb to sacrifice… or did she? She brought with her the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. Jesus.

It would seem logical that the priests of the Temple, who very religiously served God, would have recognized that it was their Messiah who was being presented to them that day. After all, not many days before, there had been angels proclaiming the birth of the King of kings to a group of shepherds. Those shepherds probably herded sheep to be used as sacrifices at the Temple. It would be reasonable that the priests would have heard about what the shepherds had seen and heard.

Much like today, the religious leaders weren’t watching and waiting for their Messiah. They knew that one day He would appear, but surely He would be a man of war who would save them from the oppression of the Romans. They weren’t looking for a baby born in a manger. They just didn’t believe prophecy, nor did they understand that there would be two comings of the same Messiah. The first would be a man of peace who would teach humility and love. An example for all to follow. The second coming will be when He destroys Satan, the true enemy of all mankind, and establishes His Eternal Kingdom.

Many people today are blind to the truth and deny that prophecy is quickly being fulfilled and that the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord, will return with power and might. Some of us today do understand that Christ will call us Home soon, then fight the final battle, defeating Satan and his minions. Many people are willingly ignorant. “Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant…” (2 Peter 3:3-5a). God’s word is truth, and prophecy will be fulfilled.

Today, there are many of us who do believe God and are looking for our Lord to call us Home. There were some long ago who also were looking for the Messiah. When Mary was on her way to fulfill her duty under the Law, she encountered two people who were not blinded by religious rites and those who wanted to control people. They believed God. “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him” (Luke 2:25).

Simeon was a special man. I’d like to be described as “just and devout.” The Holy Spirit wasn’t something new that appeared on the Day of Pentecost. The difference is that after Pentecost, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Simeon had the Holy Ghost upon him. It’s the same Spirit, whether before or after the cross, who will lead a person to a close walk with the Lord. So, it was with Simeon.

“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:26-32).

That’s quite a statement. Simeon, being led by the Holy Spirit, took joy in knowing that Jesus came to the nation of Israel and also to Gentiles, an unusual statement by a Jewish man but a statement inspired by the Holy Spirit. A Pharisee or priest would never make such a statement. We can learn more from Simeon than we know. He was content to die, having seen his Saviour with his own eyes. Until we come to salvation through Jesus Christ, we cannot die in peace. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will bring eternal life.

Simeon lived prior to the cross but had been looking forward to the Messiah. Simeon also spoke a prophecy to Mary. “And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). The day would come when Mary would be devastated as she watched her Son being crucified and pierced with a sword.

Simeon wasn’t the only one that day who recognized Jesus. “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-37).

It seems as if the only ones who understood who this Child was were the ones who walked closest to God. If you are upset because you don’t know where God is leading you, or you think He doesn’t speak to you, maybe you should study Simeon and Anna and learn their ways. “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Once she found Jesus, she couldn’t keep Him to herself. She told everyone.

This was a short study about people who were greatly blessed by walking close to God, believing His word, and patiently watching and waiting for His promise. Many people today call themselves Christians but have no idea what that means. At one time, my husband thought he was a Christian because he lived in the United States. Then he met Jesus. What a revelation that was to Ron! Like the shepherds who were told by angels to go find the Child in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, they couldn’t keep their discovery quiet, and they shared what they had found. Ron couldn’t keep his joy to himself but shared the Good News. Simeon and Anna had been watching and waiting for many years, and because they lived close to God, they recognized their Redeemer when they met Him.

What about you? Do you desire to find Salvation? If you’ve met Jesus, do you share with others? We need to because if you study Scripture and walk close to the Lord, you know that Jesus is about to call born-again believers Home. We all need to be watching and waiting for that call, but we need to share the Gospel with everyone we know. The Rapture will happen soon.

The Apostle John was given the revelation of the end of days but was shown that before the Tribulation, Christians will be called Home. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2).

I’m watching and waiting; how about you? Until then, I’m walking as close to God as I can. How about you?

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.