“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Psalm 32:11).

We live in the time of the signs, and prophecy is being fulfilled quickly. We hear news headlines, or people talk around the water cooler at work, and the words are of doom, gloom, and fear. It’s so easy for us to lose sight of the fact that Christians can rest easy in God’s truth. God hasn’t changed at all, and His word is still truth. Unfortunately, many Christians choose not to study God’s word. Liberal media gets high priority in reading material, but God’s word is left on a shelf to gather dust. As that happens, it’s the secular view of life that gets seared into our minds and hearts.

In October of 2023, Hamas committed a vicious and heinous act of terrorism against Israel. At first, the world was stunned that such a brutal attack could be done by one group of humans against another group. Then, the liberal media began blaming Israel. If you study Scripture, you’ll understand that God gave that land to Abraham and to his children forever. God had made a covenant with Abraham.

“In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites” (Genesis 15:18-21).

There were no conditions or time limits on that promise. There have been times when Israel has fallen out of fellowship with God, but that didn’t cancel the promise.

Much later, God did give rules to Moses to pass along to the Jewish people. “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel” (Exodus 19:4-6).

Israel is a treasure to God, even when they are in rebellion. They’ve been in rebellion for many years. In 1948, Israel was reestablished as a nation, not because of any work of men but because God ordained it. The Jewish people have all rights to Jerusalem and, indeed, to every inch of Israel. When God makes a promise, He will never go back on it.

Prophecy is an important Biblical study, and Christians need to make every effort to understand it. Why is this important? God doesn’t want us to be taken by surprise. He wants us to understand the times in which we live. By understanding, we can find peace when others are wringing their hands and fretting.

Prophecy is also a great witnessing tool. Sadly, even Christians are having trouble dealing with all the evil that’s happening in the world. The horrid attack that Hamas inflicted upon Israel has many people talking about the end times. Some talk mockingly, but others truly want to understand what God says. Scripture tells us that Jerusalem will be a “problem” to all nations. Guess what? There’s a war going on today because the Muslim nations that surround Israel want to destroy them, and all nations of the world are affected.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zechariah 12:2-3).

Some say this is a prophecy concerning the final battle when Christ returns at the end of the Great Tribulation. That may be, but it looks very much as if it could be happening now, before the Tribulation. What we can absolutely know for sure is that God will never allow Israel to be uprooted again. Prophecy is clear on that point.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:11-12).

If you study the history of how it all came together for Israel to be reestablished, it was miraculous and obvious that God orchestrated it.

In the last few years, much has happened to cause anxiety. The pandemic caused so much trouble, and what we know now makes it look even worse. Evil men were behind it, and the supposed “cure” was just a long line of jabs. There’s talk of more pestilence coming. Food tampering, as well as genetic tampering (as in the days of Noah), is a reality today. When the disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, He gave some signs.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8).

Jesus said not to be troubled when we see these things, but He also said it’s just the beginning. As I see prophecy being fulfilled, I get scared and upset, but I also find peace knowing that God has told us what is coming, but He has also promised Christians that we will be Raptured prior to the final seven years of history. We’re seeing things happening faster, and we can trust in the Lord to take us away from the Tribulation. Christians need to represent Christ in a way that honors Him and gives hope to others, not in a way that follows the world.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing another sign that the days are coming to an end. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

Today, people just don’t study or share God’s word. Paul also wrote a letter to Timothy warning about what will happen to congregations in the later days. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

Many pulpits today are filled with much false doctrine… doctrine of devils. There is truly a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. This lack of teaching allows world events to put fear into the hearts of Christians. There’s no reason to only blame preachers. Most people have access to Bibles and can study Scripture for themselves. There are many excellent Bible teachers online, but use discernment; there are many false teachers. The best way to study and teach Scripture is to start in Genesis 1:1 and teach line upon line and precept upon precept through Revelation 21:21. That way, no important truths will be skipped.

If you are a Christian and spend your time fearfully listening to all of the bad things happening in the world and fretting and worrying about what you read, remember that MSNBC and CNN raise their ratings by feeding on people’s fears. Satan also feeds on lies and fear. No wonder many Christians are scared. Instead of keeping tuned to God, they stay tuned to secular programming. Christians should be the ones who are calm and faithfully representing Christ. We are the ones who need to have answers to help the unsaved find salvation and peace in Christ.

Peter is a good example of a man who was changed by Jesus. Peter followed Jesus for years but didn’t really know Him. That’s like many Christians today. It wasn’t until after the resurrection that Peter let go of his fears and became a true man of God. He no longer hid in fear of people knowing he was a follower of Christ. He wrote letters of encouragement that still edify us today. In his first letter, Peter spoke of living a God-honoring life. If you walk closer to Jesus, you will have less fear.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:14-15).

If a non-believer is filled with anxiety over news reports or anger because they blame Israel for the war, do you have answers? If they look at you and you’re anxious and have no joy in the Lord, will they even know you’re a Christian? On the other hand, if you show joy in your life because you are a child of the King, they may feel comfortable asking you about your peace. Will you have an answer? Can you explain why Israel owns the land and why the war is happening? Can you explain that things will get worse and that the only hope to escape the horrors of the Tribulation is to truly repent of sin and turn to Jesus? These are important answers to important questions.

If you represent Christ with joy and strength, you are serving Him well. The world holds no hope for anybody. For a person who has not given their life to Christ, there is no chance to live eternally in Heaven; they face an eternity in the lake of fire. On the other hand, Christians have so much in which to find joy. Our sins have been forgiven.

Do you really understand what that means? Sin separates us from God. Even what we think is a small sin is still sin and will condemn us to an eternity in the lake of fire. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If you dwell on that fact, it can be very depressing, but there’s more to that thought. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26).

You cannot have any joy or peace unless you have realized that you are a sinner and that sin has separated you from God. It’s time to repent of sin; that means to change your mind and turn to Christ. If you live an adulterous lifestyle, that’s sin. Repent and turn to Christ for forgiveness. He will forgive you. Then, turn away from sin. You cannot represent Christ in a good way if you’re living a life that glorifies the world.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Give your thoughts to God, and don’t let fear stop you from representing Christ in a way that honors Him.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

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

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

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

Do you believe Scripture? Any Christian who doesn’t believe God’s word from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 can’t truly understand their faith. Every word is from God, and He doesn’t lie or deceive anybody. His truth is the only truth.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There may be things that are hard to understand, but the fault is in us, not in Scripture. Most of us would like everything to be sunshine and roses, but Scripture prepares us to stand strong when things get tough.

Satan is still the enemy. He is a created being and is pure evil, but many people don’t want to hear such things. We live in a time that many prophecies are being fulfilled. Because many Christians have turned from a strict understanding of Scripture, the Holy Spirit is ignored. Many pastors and denominations today won’t teach about the evil forces described in Scripture, but only teach about happy things that tickle ears. By not teaching all of Scripture, many Christians are ill-prepared for the supernatural and demonic manifestations happening.

What do you believe about God? Is He a man-like being with a long white beard sitting in the heavenly realm? There is only one God, but He is three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. God exists outside of time as we know it and is in the spiritual realm. God the Son became flesh and took on the body of a man. The Father and Holy Spirit remain spirits. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To worship God in the spirit means that outward things we do aren’t true worship.

Going “to church” doesn’t mean you’re worshipping God in spirit. You may be fellowshipping there, but you may also just want people to see your car in the parking lot. True worship can happen anywhere and at any time. When you worship in truth, that means you worship according to the whole counsel of God’s word. You need to study Scripture in order to serve God on His terms. Taking the whole of God’s truth into consideration, we can see that there are evil spirits all around us. God has given a great effort to tell us there are demons and to save us from their power.

Where did this evil begin? Clues in Genesis tell us that angels, created beings, were created before Genesis 1:1. Genesis gives us the true account of the creation of the earth and all that’s in it. In Job chapter 38, God is speaking to Job and asking him about the creation. “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:4).

No human was there to observe the creation, and anything contrary to Scripture is just fairytales. Since Scripture tells us God did it in 6 literal days, that’s truth. Believe it.

God continued His conversation with Job; “Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:6-7).

Here’s where it’s important to understand the original words. “Morning stars” and “sons of God” refer to angels. They were there when the earth was created, so they had to have been created first. Scripture is about the age of man, so it doesn’t tell us about the creation of angels. Still, we know they shouted for joy at the creation. We know that when God saw His creation, He was very pleased with it. We also know that evil was already at work. It didn’t take long for sin to enter. Sin is when God tells us how to behave, but we don’t listen to His directions. In this case, God told Adam not to eat the forbidden fruit, and Adam should have made that clear to Eve. She chose to listen to a lying entity and eat the fruit. Scripture says the “serpent” deceived her.

I encourage you to do your own study to see that this was Satan. Eve talked Adam into eating the fruit, and all of creation fell. Satan is pure evil and wants to separate all of humanity from God.

After the fall, things continued to get worse. Cain murdered his brother Abel, and we can see the evil of anger. Paul wrote about anger and that a Christian shouldn’t allow anger to rule. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Anger is a tool of Satan. Anger causes much evil, and it was what caused Cain to murder Abel. Cain was angry because Abel chose to offer a sacrifice that pleased God. Cain gave God what was easy for him and not what honored God. Cain was angry, but God explained it to him. “If thou doest well, shall thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7). Sin ruled over Cain and caused his anger to grow and to murder his brother. Satan tempted Eve to sin, and he tempted Cain to sin. You can be tempted, too.

Satan is unable to be everywhere at once. Only God can do that. Satan needed minions to help corrupt humanity, and he came up with a plan. He talked some of his fellow angels into rebelling against God. When that happened, sin became worse. “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair, and they took them wives of all which they chose” (Genesis 6:1-2).

Remember in Job, the “sons of God” shouted with joy at the creation? Sons of God are angels. The angels mated with humans, and a hybrid race was created called Nephilim. These creatures were part human and part angel, and they weren’t at all nice creatures. Unfortunately, this truth isn’t preached from most pulpits. This leads to many false teachings. God saw that Noah and his family were genetically pure, so they were saved from His judgment. Enoch was also genetically pure and was raptured prior to the judgment.

Scripture doesn’t tell us where demons originated, but it’s my belief that they are the spirits of the Nephilim. Their spirits aren’t welcome in Heaven and wander in search of embodiment. Some people believe demons are the fallen angels. Study and come to your own conclusion. Either way, the fact remains demons are real and desire to possess people. How do I know demons are real and possess people? Scripture makes it clear.

You may think demons only go after non-Christians. The Holy Spirit indwells Christians so we cannot be possessed, but we can be harassed by demons. An example is found in the book of Acts. Paul was on a missionary journey and traveled to the city of Philippi in Macedonia. “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, and brought her masters much gain by soothsaying” (Acts 16:16).

Paul and his companions were in prayer when this possessed woman began harassing them. She followed Paul and his friends around for days. “The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). Those words were true, but from this demon-possessed woman, they were meant to mock God.

Could someone like this woman be a part of your congregation? Or maybe a television preacher who sounds as if he is praising God when, in fact, he’s mocking Him by living a lifestyle that is contrary to Scripture. Jesus warns us not to be deceived in these final days in which we live. Study Scripture so you’ll be able to discern truth from lies.

Paul finally got tired of this woman following them. “And this did she many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:18).

The name of Jesus is powerful. There was no “holy water” used, nor any fancy words. All it took was the name of Jesus and faith. We are not at the mercy of demons but have the mercy of God with us. This got Paul beaten and thrown in prison. What was meant for evil, God used for good. The jailer in that city came to salvation.

How can a person become demon-possessed? You must open a door and invite the demon to enter. Do you play with Ouija Boards? They aren’t just toys but an invitation to a demon. Drug use is another invitation to evil. When you numb your mind, you are unable to fight a demonic attack, and possession is easy. It’s not just street drugs that can open doors. Be very careful if you take any prescriptions that affect your thinking.

Another way is to live lifestyles that are opposed to God. Yoga and meditation are also ways to open yourself up demons. No Christian should practice any form of meditation, except for meditating upon Scripture. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways” (Psalm 119:15). Keep your mind and heart turned toward Jesus.

Jesus had many encounters with demons. Of course, those wicked spirits were no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Most people are aware of the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes. When Jesus arrived there, he was met by a man with an unclean spirit who made his home among tombs. He was a wild man who would break chains if anyone tried to bind him. “And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:5). Why would anybody do anything to open themselves up to this?

When this possessed man saw Jesus, the demon inside him recognized Jesus and ran and worshipped Him. Jesus wasn’t flattered by the worship of demons. “For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion; for we are many” (Mark 5:8-9). The demon begged Jesus not to send him away, so Jesus allowed this legion of demons to enter a large herd of swine. These evil spirits wanted a body to dwell in, even if it was swine. Those poor pigs were so tormented that they ran down the mountain into the sea and drowned.

Oddly enough, there were witnesses to this miracle, but they wanted Jesus to leave. Even though a man was healed from demon possession, they didn’t want Jesus around. The man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go to his home and friends and tell them what Jesus had done. Demons are real, but Jesus can set you free.

There were many instances where Jesus dealt with demons. He never made a circus of it, but He spoke with authority. He is our authority. His name is powerful. Christians need to not be afraid to confront evil in the name of Jesus. Don’t let your faith waiver, but take authority in Jesus’ name. Are you prepared to confront a demon? The supernatural world is all around us. There is God, whose love and promises are so reassuring. But there’s also the evil supernatural. I hope I never have to confront this evil, but if I do, I know what I need for the spiritual battle: spiritual weapons.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Even if we feel as if our enemy is a human being, our fight isn’t against people, but we must fight the spiritual powers and principalities that are using the human. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

Notice that it’s God’s armor that you need. It isn’t by your own power, but God’s power.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:14-20).

It all sounds so easy, but as you study each piece of God’s armor, really think about what each piece is used for. Don’t wait until you’re deep in a spiritual battle, but practice using the armor now. Become familiar with the gospel of peace before you face battle.

How do you use the shield of faith? Figure that out before your faith is tested. Demons are real, and they will look for a hole in your armor to cause you to doubt your salvation and falter in battle. If you’re a pastor, you need to equip your flock for battle. The days are getting darker, and Christians need to be armed for battle. If your pastor doesn’t arm you for battle, arm yourself. Study Scripture and pray. Don’t wait. God will help you learn to fight the battle.

Demons are real, so be prepared. The first step is placing your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

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

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

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

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).