Eli-Yahu`s Word For The Week

APOCALYPTICISM

2011-07-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

APOCALYPTICISM

Apoctalypticsm is the name given to a particular literary style (or form) which tends to point towards the end of the world.

The Apocalyptics of the Canon of scripture being Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel and Joel; (from Tanach) and in NT the Book of Revelation.

Apocalypticism therefore must be seen to stand in close connection with what is termed as Eschatology – the study of the “Last Things” or the “end times.”

Apocolyptic eschatology can also be found in Isa chapters 24-27 – 55-56

In such passages (also Zech ch 9-14) eschatology is presented or foreseen in terms of the consequence of the direct intervention of YHVH in the creation (Cosmos) – a universal “Day” or “Era” of judgement – specifically – judgement upon “the nations.”

Parallel to this concept there is the view of a “new age” of salvation in which the entire cosmos is radically transformed. These then are the twin strands at the core of what might rightly be called the transcendent themes of apocalyptic belief.

The apocalyptic view of the resurrection of the dead is derived from passages such as Isa 26:19 or Dan 12:2. The more literary or what we might call the prophetic narrative forms of the apocalypse itself are to be found in the visions of Ezekiel and Zech ch 1-6

Apocalypticism however is not as old as the message of the prophets of YHVH.

In fact it only began to flourish and gain popularity during the time of the prophetic silence – the 450 years of “famine of Hearing God`s words in the land” which occurred between the ministries of the prophets Malachi and John the Baptiser.

Its real emergence can be traced to the end of the 2^nd century BCE – when it became more prolific and widespread during the crisis to the national faith of Israel caused by the advancement of Antiochus Epiphanes.

Some of you will know that it was at this time that the embryonic movement of the Hasidim began to rise up as a protest to the corruption of the Sadducees and the entire Temple Cult service. The Hasidim of course later evolved into the Pharisees and ought not be connected in any way with the eastern European mystical sect called Hasidim which exists in our time.

The Hasidm were a holiness and purity movement calling for national repentance and a restoration of the purity of the faith. They objected strongly to the Sadducean hellinasation at the hand of Antiochus and vigorously promoted the idea of YHVH`s intervention for deliverance of His people

There influence on emergent apocalypticms therefore should not be minimised; It was after this time that apocalypticism began to constitute certain breakaway groups or sects within what we might term (albeit wrongly) the umbrella of Judaism – these affected sects would be the Zealots, Essenes, emergent Pharisees, and later, after the advent of Moshiach ha, the Messianic Jews of Jerusalem.

It is worthy noting then that not all apocalypticms is one and the same; as are the varieties of the beliefs of the Jewish sects with their emphases and omissions of certain aspects of Judaism – so too the apocalyptic literature passages favoured by each sect in turn.

Just as we find in Christian eschatology therefore, we also find in Jewish apocalypticism. - the prevailing views of millennialism of Christian eschatology for instance, pre- post and “a” are also represented in some form within the umbrella of Jewish apocalypticism.

A literary device peculiar to the Jewish Apocalypses is the adoption of a pseudonym – usually derived from the name of a Tanakh saint – Enoch for instance – or Moshe. This practice has more often than not been misunderstood or misinterpreted by many lay Christians – who believe that the Apocalyptics adopted such names in an attempt to pass their works off as the works of Enoch or Moshe. - but in truth the Jewish Apocalyptics assumed these names as a purely literary device intended to draw attention to the particular emphasis of their own contribution to the growing library of Apocalyptic literature. They are seeking to present themselves as trustworthy interpreters of the revelation of Tanakh prophecy

Itt is usually in times of national crisis then that Apocalypticism flourishes. We see it's prominence amongst Jewish thinkers, Rabbi's and the minds behind Talmudic Judaism (the Pharisees under the leadership of Rabbi Ben Zakkai and Gameliel II) – also amongst the Messianic believers under the leadership of the apostles of Yeshua, how it prevails over all eschatological thinking in the period following the fall of Jerusalem in 70-73 AD and the tragic failure of the Jewish revolt led by Bar Kokhba

APOCALYPTICISM IN THE JEWISH APOCRYPHA

Jewish Apocalypticism can be dated to have risen to prominence between the 2^nd century BCE and the second century AD.

We can find a library of apocalyptic literature outside of Bible canon – the so called Apocrypha for instance offers the works of Enosh – a collection of writings dating from the 5^th century BCE -

or the Testimony of Moses (also known as The Assumption of Moses) dated as late as 165 BCE or even early 1^st century AD

There is also the work called 2 Baruch and the Apocalypse of Abraham, 2 Esdras (which you can find in the English version of the Apocrypha), all from the period of 70-140 AD – from the time of the Fall of Jerusalem to the latter stages of the Roman expulsion of Jews from haeretz.

Some additional apocalyptic literature was also discovered at Qumran – amongst the so called Dead Sea Scrolls.

Most of these listed works are largely eschatological in content and can be said to continue to pattern of Tanach prophecy. They do however reveal something of what we might call Greek Apocalyptica – the apocalypticsm derived from the NT – which is primarily concerned with the secret counsel of YHVH`s plans throughout Cosmic history and of the triumphalism of the 2^nd advent at the end of the age – some of the content is also purported to reveal the mysteries of the Cosmos – see for instance the work of Enosh where Enoch is taken on his journey through the mystical heavens and the realms of the dead.

We must understand that what is called Cosmology comes into its own very much in the Hellenistic writings dating from the Christian or post apostolic era. We see this in such works as 2 Enoch, and 3 Baruch where the purity of eschatological hope and vision has in large part faded, become obscured.

ESCHATOLOGICAL APOCALYPTICISM

In its literary form Apoctalypicsm has its own form and convention of symbols and imagery. It also has its own peculiar terminology. It consists in dreams and visions which usually focus on the Heavenly throne Room (The Government) of God – especially in its visions.

Apocalyptic eschatology will often be found within lengthy discourses or narratives of the symbols and imagery which sets it apart from the more conventional content of Biblical prophecy. These symbols may sometimes appear to be artificial or contrived by the author, but are inevitably vivid and effective for the communication of their “burden”

Some scholars are of the opinion that in all likelihood, the Apocalyptics themselves did not primarily intend to present a vision of the end times in literal terms – as many fundamentalists are prone to insist, It is more conservatively believed that what they had in mind was a vision of a future salvation or deliverance for the chosen nation which would most certainly transcend all historic expectation.

Along with this idea goes the suggestion that the Apocalyptics liberally borrowed its form of symbolism from pre-existent literature. This is thought the more likely to be from amongst the communities of the eastern Diaspora of the ten Northern tribes dating back to 735 BCE. It is also thought that such ideas were embraced from the ancient Canaanite societies as well as the hellenistic culture of Greater Syria) what might be called Palestine)

If these things are accepted as fact, it follows that the Jewish Apocalyptics might also be attributed the influence of their non-Jewish settings and environs – the Babylonian and Persian captivity –

Whether or not any of these things re true, what is beyond doubt is that the eschatology of Jewish apocalypticism is rooted and founded in Tanach prophecy; as such it has been called the “heir” to Tanach prophecy – since its rise to popularity was witnessed during the time of the prophetic silence to Israel

It is certainly true to say then tat Jewish apocalyptic literature interacts with the International culture of its own particular time in History.

The Jewish Apocalyptics of the prophetic silence were not prophets; and this must be clearly understood. After all, it is accepted that they lived during a time when prophecy had ceased to be heard in the land; during the time of the Famine of Hearing God`s words in the land, just as Amos had spoken almost 400 years before.

A common concept to Apocalyticism for instance is the idea of adopting a fictional position in past times (the era of Enoch etc.) and presenting a review of history up their own present time; thus creating a pseudo allusion to classical prophecy. It is for this reason that many scholars and textual critics of the western world have undermined the authenticity of the writings of the prophetic Daniel. Forward tipping his works to the times of Judah Maccabee. - who indeed, does present a detailed historic narrative of the prophetic passages of Daniel 8 and Daniel 11. However we have the authority of Yeshua Himself to vouch safe for the authenticity of Daniel; for Yeshua draws the attention of his Jewish hearers to Daniel in His own eschatological even apocalyptic discourse on Matt 24 (Mark11) and calls him “The prophet Daniel”

And again, the reason they do this is not to create some fraudulent means to pass off their works as authentic prophecy, but much rather from the motivation of their intent to present a view of God's plan as supervisory to the shaping and forming of Jewish History – as it is affected by the unfolding history of the nations.

So we can say that the Apocalyptics see themselves not as prophets per se but as interpreters scribist commentators of Tanakh prophecy. However this can not rule out the fact that they claim to possess Divine inspiration. After all, what they themselves believe they are doing is interpreting by revelation the eschatological purposes of God in Human or even cosmic history.

It was from such “revelation” that many of the emergent groups and sects within a fragmenting religious establishment (Temple Cult of Sadducee priesthood under the corrupting hellenistic and Mammon dominated culture of Antiochus Epiphanes) found fuel for their fires of an eschatological millennialism – the birth or dawn of a new age – a new Golden age – i.e. The restoration of the Davidic Kingdom to Israel.

Most traditional Christian Theologians who accept the adoption of such self conscious views by the Apocalyptics speak of their essentially intertestamental position. This tends to ascribe to them a measure of authority as interpreters of Tanakh prophecy that may in truth be undeserved.

Such a position, from this Gentile. Greek minded Christian theological perspective can therefore be defined as follows: “that the Apocalyptics interpret Tanakh prophecy in an age when prophecy is closed, yet to a generation to which the fulfilment of Tanakh prophecy is eagerly anticipated and imminently expected.”

The same theologians argue that its exclusion from Canon should not be viewed as a negative judgement on their content or value, nor its considerable contribution to the development of intertestamental Jewish religious thought. They would insist that to the contrary, by sustaining and intensifying the eschatological hope of the nation for a future deliverance they continued the function of the prophets, and as such must be accredited with a valuable and acknowledged position as a suitable bridge between the two dispensations of Old and New testament.

Now, undoubtedly there is some reasonably measure of truth in such an appraisal of their role and their contribution to the development of Jewish religious thought; but whatever the persuasive infleuences of the evidence may be upon the minds of the western Gentile Christian theologians, there is also the significant fact to take into account, that they all have personal interests in subscribing to such a view as this. They all subscribe to the systematic theology of a a partciluar persuasion – and as such, are all equipped with a knowledge and understanding of a particular form of eschatological bias to begin with; such a conclusion is unavoidable; therefore their preference towards this or that particular school of Apocalypticism cannot be presented as flawless, nor without prior influence or persuasion; it is not neutral; it is not objective; it cannot be vouched safe as pure or even trustworthy.

We shall begin to explore this entire issue much more later on.

When we appreciate the fact that Apocalypticism came to prominence at a time of particularly heightened crisis to the national faith – at the hands of a gentile power – we can all the more understand I think, the embryonic reasons for the rise in the wave of messianic Expectancy which began to emerge amongst many sects of the Jews in the 100 years before the birth of Yeshua. And His subsequent appearance in the midst of the people.

We must also understand how the apocalyptic perspective of Jewish history and the eschatological hope, developed in the post exilic period and it is very much in this contextual setting that it must first of all be examined and appraised. It was a time when Israel remained under the dominantion of Gentile power – and a time when the promises of the prophets pertainting to a future deliverance and glorious liberation of self determination remained unfulfilled, unrealised.

We must therefore examine the self perception of Israel's protracted historical position of subjection, in the light of God's seeming extension of the “period of contradiction” between the glorious promise and the miserable reality.

The people wondered “How long O Lord how long” Had God abandoned His people?

“May it never be” thundered the confident response of the Apocalyptics.

For to this fact they trumpeted the Supremacy of Divine Sovereignty over history.

It was God and not man who determined the entire course of History, and He did so according to His own purpose towards His chosen nation – Israel.

God has predetermined the entire course of human history – cosmic history – for the sake of His beloved people. And the END of things would surely come at His appointed time.

They people of Israel could revive their faith with this sure and certain truth; that the pagan powers of the nations only ruled and reigned and even survived, as long as God was willing to permit their existence.

At the same time, the Apocalyptics rightly avoided the pitfalls of fatalism, in their presentation so strong a deterministic view of Cosmic History, by calling upon the national leaders to repent and having repented, intercede for the nation through “ethical action”

THE APOCALYPTIC VIEW OF ESCHATOLOGICAL DELIVERANCE

This is in large part envisaged as Universally transcendent.

The events of “the apocalypse” are seen to far transcend the unfolding events of human history – something greater than this - further reaching than this – way beyond the ability of human thought and imagination to conceive.

In past times, God has intervened on many occasions for His nation, to deliver them from dangers; but what is yet to come will far exceed even the greatest of these interventions.

It amounts to .a “vision” of a “new creation” a “new order” of the Cosmos in which ALL forms of evil are eliminated – annihilated. - even death will be conquered – the last enemy. - and this is justified by the fact of the bodily resurrection of the dead (The transcending and overcoming of death) and the concept of spiritual immortality -

The GOLDEN AGE – or as we may call it - “The Eschatological Age” will consist in the KINGDOM of God – which replaces all earthly dominions having triumphed over them all for evermore.

There is also the major themes of what we might call “The Day of Reckoning” or “Day of Judgement” - the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord when the eternal fate of the GENTILE nations and powers is settled with finality once for all;

As to what “fate” or “judgement” this may be – the Apocalyptics do not hold to a uniform harmony of persuasion.

But it is fair to say that the essential view promotes the idea of the condemnation of Israel's oppressors and a “salvation” or deliverance of Israel which is rooted and grounded in absolute Righteousness.

Some of the apocalytpics however seem to hold to the view that even the nations (Gentiles) will have their share in Israel's final and irrevocable deliverance of Righteousness in the Kingdom of God.

The Universalism of the Apocalyptics is thought by scholars to be drawn from Israel's post exilic

interaction and “passive” influence in world history and not least, Gentile empirical rule and dynasty.

This picture of the Gentiles as brutal pagans is metamorphosed into a uniquely apocalyptic symbol for universal evil.

THE APOCALYPTIC VIEW OF “TEMPORAL DUALISM”

This is reasonably derived from the obvious negative experience of Israel within the unfolding scenario of World History – when contrasted to the transcending reality of the promise of a future deliverance.

By this device -(temporal dualism) the Jewish Apocalyptics made a distinction between the dispensation of the AGES – i.e. the Old (existent order) and the New Creation which was yet waiting its time to be revealed.

But it was only in the latter stages of Apocalypticsm that DUALISM became more fully developed.

And this is because it is plainly seen how the idea of the TWO AGES is rightly expressed by the apostles in the NT. - and therefore it is understood how the terminology of the temporal duality of the Two Ages is only given expression by the Jewish Apocalyptics during the latter part of the 1^st century AD. In other words, it almost certainly derives it`s inclusion in apocalypticism by influence of the writings of the Jewish apostles of Yeshua.

Thus it is never presented as an “absolute dualism” - for whilst the powers of the evil age have become dominant – (“a coming to their fullness”) - yet over and above them GOD remains in Supreme and Sovereign control, even over these powers of evil. Thus, the NEW AGE – New Creation – is presented more and more as a concept of RENEWAL – or RESTORATION – by a gradual programme of outworking of Divine purpose – as manipulation or Governing over the PROVIDENTIAL affairs of the world.

The degree or extent of “continuity” to this RENEWAL varies according to the different schools of the apocalytpics themselves; Unlike the apostles and prophets of the Scriptures, the apocalytpics rely more on reason and interpretation – and thus there is no true uniformity amongst them on these things.

Apocalyptic dualism is presented in its rawest form in 2 Baruch and 4 Ezra

It is in these works that we see the strongest expression of a deepening mood of despondency and pessimism and the tendency to present and view the History of their “Present Age” in an extremely negative dimension.

Out of this somewhat extreme “doom and gloom” eschatological perspective we find a convenient stepping stone for the discussion on what maybe called the Cosmological Dualism of the Gnostics.

THE INFLUENCE OF APOCALYPTICISM ON THE NT

This is a question which has been much debated over the long centuries of the history and development of the Gentile Christian Church.

To be sure, there to be found with the content of the synoptic gospels passages which would seem to strongly resemble the style and form of the writings of the Jewish Apocalyptics (i.e. Matt 24, Mark 23, Luke 21)

Like wise the epistles to the Churches, especially in the writings of Paul; (see 1 Thess 4:16ff – 2 Thess 2)

and of course, the entirety of the Revelation of Messiah to John. (Book of Revelation)

It is clear, from many other passages of NT scripture besides these, that Yeshua and the apostles - thus the apostolic Messianic Congregations of Judea and the neighbouring nations, were apocalyptic in their view of all things eschatological. - i.e. The concept of the Resurrection, the Two Ages, the concept of the figure The Son of Man (Bar Enash) – the time of the great tribulation and of course the Kingdom of God, which Yeshua in particular used as the chief theme for His teachings and the basis for the proclamation of His Gospel to the Jews. (i.e The Restoration of the Kingdom being at hand.)

(*MY NOTE:) - This view, as held by the Western Gentile theologians and the classical scholars of BIBLIACL TEXTUAL HISTORY is really quite absurd – for it places YESHUA the WORD of God in the place of being influenced by the writings and thoughts of mere men.

We must understand that – just as we have said, and as all theologians are agreed – since the Apocalyptics are themselves not prophets, nor claiming to be prophets, nor are they accepted as prophets, they are not bringing DIVINE REVELATION directly.

What they ARE seen to be and are aware of being in themselves, is INTERPRTETORS of prophecy)

They are largely Scribes of the same ilk as the Sadducee Scribes – men of learning and academic proficiency; men versed in the Law and the prophets and the Sacred writings of Hebraic scripture.

They are the Jewish commentators of that era – and as such influential to the minds of the Religious teachers and thinkers of their own time.

It ought not rightly be considered as credible that Messiah Yeshua, the Living WORD of God who comes as the Greater Light by which to read and Understand the Hebraic Scriptures would himself be influenced in His own mind by anything other than the Thoughts of the mind of YHVH which He, as the WORD gives exact representation to in the inspiration of Holy Scripture (Just as it is written in Rev 19:10)

This being said however, it does raise the question of the validation or verification of the offerings of the Scribist Apocalyptics, even tho they DO write during the time of the prophetic silence; for if indeed, as seems beyond question, The Testimony of Yeshua endorses and upholds key aspects of their own Apocalypticism (i.e. The concept of the Resurrection, the Two Ages, the concept of the figure The Son of Man (Bar Enash) – the time of the great tribulation and of course the Kingdom of God,) - then we are bound to recognise their role and function in the programme of the revelation of the Truth of God's will and purpose in Cosmic History.

ALONG WITH THIS it must be said that the future orientation of Jewish Apocalypticism falls short of the revelation through the apostles as it is disclosed in NT. Here the pessimism of the Apocalyptics is completely overshadowed by the clear and present conviction that the fulfilment of God's End Time Deliverance and Restoration has already begun; It is not a thing yet awaiting a future time; it is here now, present in the world, and progressing to it's ultimate and inevitable fullness and realisation to the nation.

God is and always ha been at work according the mystery purpose of His will in human history., just as Paul tells the Ephesians; which He put into effect, suitable to an administration of the times” - and which also was not made known in former ages – having been hidden in God.

This “administration of the times” refers to the Temporal dualism idea found in apocalypticism – and also in the NT writings of the apostles; it is this administration of the times – or ages – to which we ourselves refer when we speak to you of that mystery which also has been made known to us by the revelation of God through the agency of Holy Spirit and which we have often referred to in terms of “The Mystery Providence Of God.”

So then we can conclude that apocalypticism is very much evident within the apostolic NT and that it is Messiah centred. It takes a firm hold of the dualism theory of the dispensation of the ages, and sees Messiah Yeshua was the pivotal point – the point where the entire direction of providence, whilst always forward moving, turns back upon itself to reverse what has transpired in human history until now, in order to bring into effect the Renewal of the creation and the Restoration of all things to God's chosen people, through His chosen vessel, whom is Called Moshiach ha Yeshua.

In the NT it is rightly said by certain Christian commentators and historians that apovcalypticsm becomes the primary means by which God declares His eternal purpose concerning the Manifest destiny of His Son, the Word of God who became Yeshua whom God has made Moshiach ha and Adonai, and that through the advent of This Messiah to Israel, God's prophetic purpose of redemptive restoration to His people has already been pout into effect.

THE RAPTURE TEACHING (Part III)

2011-03-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

THE RAPTURE TEACHING (Part III)

THE TIME OF THE “RAPTURE”

Introduction to Part III

Daniel and the King`s Dream

Dan 2:26-29 --- Then the king (Nebuchadnezzar) said to Daniel --- “are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen and it`s interpretation?” Daniel answered - “As for the MYSTERY about which the king has inquired; neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. However, there is a God in heaven who REVEALS MYSTERIES and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in THE LATTERDAYS. --- “As for you O king, while you lay on your bed, YOUR THOUGHTS TURNED TO WHAT WOULDTAKE PLACE IN THE FUTURE. And He who REVEALS MYSTERIES has MADE KNOWN TO YOU WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE.”

To King Nebuchadnezzar the question was no mere matter of idle speculation or natural curiosity. The dynasty of this Empire and his own place in history was at the core of his desperate need. To compound his problem, he could not remember the dream - either that or he had little faith in the abilities of his court magi to provide an accurate interpretation for him. Well we know that many of our own time are men pleasers don't we --- those who seek the approval and acceptance for reward of men – men of influence or just our peers, for reward or hope of personal advancement. There is always a mjoritive audience waiting to have their ears tickled by hearing those things they like to hear. Jer 5:30-31

As for the Magi – their problem was compounded by something far ore vital than reward of advancement. Unless thy came up with the right answer to the riddle --- Nebuchadnezzar was intent on killing the lot of of them.

And as for Daniel-? His motivation in this matter is simply stated in the scriptures and so we are spared need for speculation: :

AH! - If only the king had been willing (or able) to relate the details of his troubling dream to the magi -it might all have been a very different story. Then they might have noted the symbolism highlighted in the dream – they might easily have saved Daniel a night of prayer --- not to mention their own lives. But I guess we all know by now – the truth of the reality world in which we is a world in which the wishful dreams for an “If only” have no place – no existence. Wed like it to be so – but it`s not so. And it`s never going to be so – is it!?

Deut 29:29 - “The secret things belong to the LORD (YHWH) but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever that we might observe all the words of His Law.”

Most Christian teachers do not teach their flocks to embrace the things plainly revealed in such a way as to make primary their devotion to observing all HIS Law. --- well do they? Because if they do – how is it they yet hold to this lawless gospel of Cheap grace? How is t it they make a V line to my page to take me and other Messianic teachers to task for daring to raise to their hearing the obnoxious question of the Law.? Well like I`ve said already; the day for apologising for proclaiming the truth to Babylon is finished. Enough said.

Another thing you will find, if you look closely enough and objectively at the nature of the grain which is set before you for you to eat --- is that there are a multitude of curious men and women who will eagerly trample like swine over the pearls of the things plainly revealed in order to grab hold of a piece of insight on the SECRET THINGS – as if by their own grasp they can snatch them out of the Hand of the Lord.
Do they not know how way back in Eden, after Eve had eaten of that certain fruit by which, being beguled, she believed would make her wise like God, that through Adam`s calculated choice for the woman over God, God appointed two CHERUBIM to guard that Tree of Life, “lest they reach out their hand and eat of its fruit and live forever.” Gen 3:22

Well, its only meant to be an intro not a full blown sermon (lol) so Ill say no more for now. But simply ask you all to bear these things in the forefronts of your minds as you continue in this part of the study. And let him who has an ear HEAR with FAITH what The Sovereign Lord Most High is desiring to say to His people.

PRE TRIBUATION? MID TRIBULATION? or POST TRIBULATION?

The Two Tribulation Views

The theory of the "Pre-Tribulation" rapture is often wrongly attributed to a 15-year old Scottish-Irish girl named Margaret McDonald (at that time a “follower” of Edward Irving - who in 1830 had a vision of the end times which describes a post-tribulation view of the Rapture that was first published in 1840.) It was published again in 1861 but two important passages demonstrating post-tribulation were removed to encourage confusion concerning the timing of the Rapture.

*** (I have decided to write a fuller account of the Margaret McDonald vision which I will publish in a few days from now as a separate note – and appendix to this study series.)

The mass popularity and swift ascendency of pre-millennialism towards the end of the 19th century, (significantly so amongst those who were formerly conservative or even “luke warm” Evangelicals) is in large part due to the teaching of John Nelson Darby. -

In 1908, the “doctrine” of “the rapture” was further popularized by an evangelist named William (Eugene) Blackstone. His book entitled “Jesus is Coming” sold more than one million copies. The first known theological use of the word "rapture" in print occurs with the Scofield Reference Bible (JN Darby`s dispensationalist hand book with annotations and “commentary”) (published 1909)

Fifty years later, a Theologian from Dallas Theological Seminary called John Walvoord published “The Rapture Question” lending “scholarly support” to the Pre-Tribulation rapture theory.

One year later, in 1958 J. Dwight Pentecost also published a book supporting the Pre-Trib Rapture theory called “Things To Come.” (A Study in Biblical Eschatology) Mr Pentecost had been instrumental in Rome's post Vatican II offensive to Ecumenise the Evangelical protestants back to the fold. This had in large part been accomplished through the “Charismatic Renewal.”

During the 1970s, Hal Lindsay further popularised the pre trib rapture theory through his best selling book - “The Late Great Planet Earth” Then came the ground breaking movie “A Thief in the Night,” Lindsey proclaimed that the rapture was imminent, based on world conditions at the time. The Cold War and the European Economic Community figured prominently in his predictions of impending Armageddon. (in my opinion the author was obsessed with the subject)

Other aspects of 1970s global politics were seen as having been predicted in Scripture. Lyndsay even suggested that the seven-headed beast with ten horns, (Book of Revelation) was none other than the European Economic Community (EEC) – a forerunner of the European Union which at the time aspired to ten nations; (now 27)

In 1995, the doctrine of the Pre-Tribulation rapture theory was kept burning brightly by Tim LeHaye`s published “series” - “Left Behind!

”

TIMELINE DISTINCTIONS? (Maybe – Maybe Not!?)

In the a-millennial and post-millennial and also post-tribulation rapture view there are no distinctions in the timing of the rapture. All regard the rapture as supposedly described in 1 Thess 4:15-17 as coincident to the second advent of Messiah as claimed by Matt 24:29-31, - or maybe a “meeting in the air” with Messiah immediately preceding His second advent.

Within pre-millennialism, the pre-trib position is the predominant view and distinguishes between the rapture and second coming. These events, they say, are two separate events.

There are also two minor positions within pre-millennialism that differ with regard the timing of the rapture, these two views are known as the “mid-tribulation” and “partial rapture” view.

Pre-Tribulation

The pre-tribulation position suggests that the rapture will occur before the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation period, and that the second advent occurs at the end of the seven-year Tribulation period. Pre-tribulationists often describe the rapture as “Jesus coming for the church” and the second advent as “Jesus coming with the church.” Many pre-tribulationists are also dispensationalists.

Mid-Tribulation

The mid-tribulation position espouses that the rapture will occur at some point in the middle of the Tribulation period. The Tribulation is typically divided into two periods of 3.5 years each. Mid-tribulationists hold that the saints will go through the first period but will be raptured into heaven before the severe outpouring of God's wrath in the second half of the Tribulation. Mid-tribulationists appeal to Dan 7:25 which says the saints will be given over to tribulation for "time, times, and half a time," - interpreted to mean 3.5 years. At the halfway point of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will commit the "abomination of desolation" by desecrating the Jerusalem temple which is yet to be built on what is now called the Temple Mount, where the abomination of desecration called the Mosque already stands. Mid-tribulationism is a minority view among pre-millennialists.

Pre-Wrath

While we are looking at these things, its worth mentioning the Pre-Wrath view since it also places the rapture at some point during the Tribulation period before the second coming.

This view holds that the tribulation of the church begins toward the latter part of the seven-year period, being Daniel's 70th week, when the Antichrist is revealed in the temple. This latter half of the seven-year period is defined as the great Tribulation, although the exact duration is not known. References from Matt 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 (all three Gospel narrativves being accounts of the same sermon) are used as evidence that this tribulation will be cut short by the coming of Messiah to deliver the righteous by means of rapture, which will occur after specific events in Revelation, in particular after the sixth seal is opened and the sun is darkened and the moon is turned to blood.

However, by this point many Christians will have been slaughtered as martyrs by the Antichrist. After the rapture comes God's 7^th seal wrath of trumpets and bowls (a.k.a. "the Day of the Lord"). The Day of the Lord's wrath against the ungodly will follow for the remainder of the seven years.

Marvin Rosenthal who wrote the book, "The Prewrath Rapture of the Church" is a primary proponent for the pre-wrath rapture view. His belief is founded on the work of Robert D. Van Kampen (1938–1999); his books "The Sign", "The Rapture Question Answered" and "The Fourth Reich" detail his pre-wrath rapture doctrine.

Partial Rapture

Briefly, we must also include what is known as “The Partial Rapture” view which seems to hold to multiple raptures of believers at the beginning and during the seven year Tribulation period.

The term "partial" refers to the idea that only some Christians will be raptured at a time. This is in contrast to other rapture views which hold all Christians would be raptured in a single event. The criteria for who would be raptured are those who will be faithful and watchful. In this view, the rapture is in essence a reward to the faithful.

The writers for this view interpret certain eschatology parables as revealing the partial rapture, such as the parable of the ten virgins. All ten virgins are seen as genuine believers, in which the five who were prepared are taken while the others are left. Advocates for this view include Robert Govett (1813–1901) and George Lang.

Post-Tribulation

The post-trib position places the rapture at the end of a tribulation period. Post-tribulation writers define the tribulation period in a generic sense as the entire present age, or in a specific sense of a period of time preceding the second coming of Christ. The emphasis in this view is that the church will undergo the Tribulation — even though the church will be spared the wrath of God. Matt 24:29–31; "Immediately after the tribulation of those days...they shall gather together his elect...", is cited as a foundational scripture for this view. Post-tribulationists perceive the rapture as occurring simultaneously with the second coming of Christ. Upon Messiah`s return, believers will meet him in the air and will then accompany him in his return to the earth.

An Interim Conclusion to Part III

Luke 17:20-21 – Now, having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He (Yeshua) answered them and said; “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT COMING WiTH SIGNS TO BE OBSERVED – nor will they say “Look here its is” or “There it is!” For Behold! THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS IN YOUR MIDST (or literally “within you)

YESHUA said this Himself. Was He right- do you think? Had He interpreted the scriptures right do you suppose? Or was it just His own opinion?

But He said - “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT COMING WITH SIGNS TO BE OBSERVED – THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU.”

You may think that this statement bears more relevance to the question of Millennialism than it does to the teaching on the Rapture; but has anyone of the mentioned thinkers and theologians and pioneers of the Rapture theories listed throughout this series presented to anyone a concept of a Rapture which is apart from its connection to the Millennial rule of Messiah?

The Kingdom of which Yeshua speaks and of which he Himself is made KING – (Dan 7:13-14 ***) is not primarily focused in the temporal dimensions of the physical creation – or the earth. It is first of all SPIRITUAL. It is WITHIN YOU, --- just as HOLY SPIRIT (the Spirit of God) is within you. - And so just as Yeshua first said to the Pharisees that the whole idea about the Kingdom of God is not as they imagined thought supposed or expected. - so too do we say to you all --- the Kingdom of God is Spiritual and has already come in power Yom Shavuot by the coming of Holy Spirit) and this same Holy Spirit is within you also, just as it was first within the 120 believers. (Acts 2) If indeed we are all of Messiah who profess to believe in Messiah.)

(***) - Note on Dan 7 - (for those who think in terms of a literal 1,000 years of millennial reign – which is most people – Christians and MJ`s together --- consider how the KINGDOM received of the father is an everlasting KINGDOM. How van such an everlasting Kingdom be measured in terms of years -- even 1,000 years????)

AUTHOR`S NOTE: -

If you l know me at all, you know this is always a problem to me; I run out of time or in this vcase space. Lol - So anyway, it is now necessary to extend the series by one Part – which means there will be a Part IV

In the next part we really will bring it to and end, by taking a closer and more objective look at the four chief bricks of the Rapture Theory House. - i.e. Matt 24:29-31, I Thess 4:15-17, 2 Thess 2:1-3 and Rev 1:7 - and we will try to establish the proper place and context of these scriptures in reaction to what we might call a Bigger Eschatological Overview.

Ill also make a statement on my own perspective on these issues, and Ill include by way of an appendix – a more detailed account of the Margaret McDonald "Vision ”

Until then, may the true Shalom of our Lord and Messiah Yeshua abide between you and me.

THE "RAPTURE TEACHING" (Part II)

2011-03-04T01:12:00.000-08:00

THE RAPTURE TEACHING (Part II)

Introduction To Part II of this Series)

Shalom!

Part I of our studies certainly seemed to shake up the Christianity Rapture tree. But I make no apologies for the offence my articles seem to be causing. My friends, it`s time to stop believing the lies and start believing the TRUTH!

These are the days of the Spirit of Elijah; and this is the time for the restoration of the "keys to knowledge" which the "Moses Chair" teachers and prophets have for so long removed from you - just as those before them removed it from them. And so it goes, this chain of bondage can be traced back to the severing of the original and authentic Hebrew Roots of the Faith and Gospel of Yeshua Messiah.

WHO DID THIS? The true founder of the Christian Church did this! Contrary to what you have been told and popular belief shared by 1.4 billion souls worldwide, the true founder of the Christian Church was not JESUS CHRIST but the LITTLE HORN of whom the messenger Gabriel speaks to the prophet Daniel (Dan 7)

The true founder reveals himself plainly to us all as being that one. He it was who changed the laws and the seasons (Hebrew festivals) from those days and times ordained by Yahweh substitute PAGAN days and feasts. (Did you never wonder why you keep Shabbat on SUN-day and not on the 7th day? (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) Or why you celebrated CHRISTMAS and EASTER instead of Peshach, (Passover) Yom Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) and Sukkoth (Tabernacles??

He it was, this LITTLE HORN, who severed the major artery of the true and authentic faith and gospel of Yeshua Messiah from the nations, long before you were ever born or sought for God or came to believe.

It was this LITTLE HORN who ordained that idolatrous images representing his JESUS be set on a pedestal in the midst of a Roman pagan temple, surrounded by every idol known to a a godless, lawless and pagan "mankind" - throughout the nations of the sprawling yet disintegrating Roman Empire - and decreed that his JESUS was to be worshipped above all the gods whether pagan and barbarian men believed in him or not - men of every tongue, race, creed and colour.

Beloved friends, who from a heart of sincerity and truth seek after TRUTH - this is the true founder of the Christian church this LITTLE HORN - better known to us all by the name The Roman Emperor Constantine.

His was a spurious conversion in or around 312 AD - determined by the press of battle and political expediency. He pledged his allegiance to this strange JESUS whom he actually believed to be the son of the Roman/Babylonian SUN-god (for this very reason did he change the day of Shabbat to SUN-day in honour of the "Venerable Sun god"- his own words.)

The long and winding road to Rev 17:17 was set in place and in motion by the Council of Nicea some 16 years later - ((325 AD) – and professing believers in Christ worldwide have been travelling down that inevitable road, to some degree or another, even until this very day. (16th/17th century and Reformation and French Revolution not withstanding)

Shocked? Outraged?! Have I got your attention yet? GOOD Now read on.

The Book of Revelation is the single most source from which the major share (or should that be snare) from which Christian Millennialism is "drawn" It is without question one of the two most studied and pored over books in the Bible with specific reference to the entire theology of Christian Eschatology; (The other being the book of Daniel)

But it is perhaps most notorious for one thing above all – even amongst unbelievers: By reading it and studying it and trying to “work it all out too much” so that you can make sense of it all – well, not to put too fine a point on it - you can go crazy. (lol) Its funny – but it's true

The Mishnah tells the sad and sorry tale of four wise men of ancient times who took their chances and entered into the pardes – (the Hebrew name for orchard or garden – or in a mystical sense “Paradise”) to study the Book of Secrets (Revelation was formerly know as the Apocalypse meaning “The Revealing of the Secrets”) The first one died on entering in – the second stayed a while then lost all faith – the third went insane and the fourth – ah – the fourth sage came out in tact and promptly proclaimed Himself The Messiah. (The learned Rabbi`s do not mean “Yeshua”)

Its a caustic and humorous tale – but it makes the point well.

The Book of the Revelation was never meant to be “worked out” by charts and symbols and mathematical leaps of quantum proportion – which, lets face it, is the way the majority of Christians theologians and teachers seem to have approached it. -The Secrets of the Apocalypse are plainly set forth for all to see and yet, God has clearly intended that their secrets can only be known and understood by the disclosure of them – the uncovering or unveiling of them – by God Himself through Holy Spirit, and to whosoever He wishes to make privy to His secret counsel.

We don`t even need to guess or work out by formulaic charts who such men are. We don't even need to get some experience from a laid on hand by which we know that we know that we are one of the lucky few - – for God Himself tells us plainly – IN THE SCRIPTURES:

Amos 3:7 - “Surely the Lord does nothing unless He reveal it to His servants the prophets.”

Eph 3:3-5 - -- “that by revelation He made known to me the Mystery of Messiah which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.”

Matt 13:10-11 - His disciples came and said to Him “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And He answered and said to them; “”To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted granted ”

Beloved friends: The apostle John did not sit with books and maps and charts and papers to work it out did he? - No the very beginning of the Apocalypse itself reveals to us how He came to know the Secrets of the Mysteries of Messiah.

Rev 1:1- The Revelation (Revealed Secret) of Yeshua Messiah, which God have HIM (Messiah) to show to His bond-servants (apostles and prophets) things which must shortly take place . And He sent and signified it by His angel (Messenger) to his bond-servant John.

What are we talking about? We are talking about the difference between the limited abilities of the Chaldean magi to know and understand and make known – compared to the man Daniel who knew all that they knew – and to whom God had chosen to reveal the mysteries.

When it came time to help the king – the magi were of no use – and would have surely perished if God had not revealed it to His chosen vessel – the prophet Daniel – who by faith knew that only God could and so only God would.

So then; introduction being over, lets make start on the Evolution of the So called rapture Teaching – in order that seeing the facts for yourselves, not one of you should be left in any doubt concerning the true nature of this false doctrine.

The Early Evolution Of The Rapture Theory

Dispensationalists see the immediate destination as heaven, with an eventual return to earth; "in the air" can indicate a period of up to seven years. Roman Catholic commentators, for example Walter Drum (1912), identify the destination of the 1 Thess 4:17 gathering as heaven.

Some Anglican commentators, for example N.T. Wright identify the destination as a specific place on earth. Often the destination identified is Jerusalem – a popular theory often assumed especially by many Mainstream Evangelical “environmentalists”

The concept of the “rapture,” in its inextricable connection with pre-millennialism, has been well stated by many Christian thinkers who seem to hold to the theory that believers will be “caught up” in the air, followed by judgements on the earth and then - the millennium reign of Messiah will begun in the earth.

The term itself “rapture” was expressly used as far back as 1738 by Philip Doddridge and ten years later by John Gill (in their respective New Testament Commentaries) - 150 yrs before Brethren thinker John Darby began to formulate the notion into a loose Dispensationalist “doctrine.”Both Doddridge and Gill presented believers with the theory that they would be “caught up” prior to judgement on the earth and thus the second advent of Messiah.

Besides this, I know of two pre-millennialist theories dating from the 18th and 19th centuries respectively published as essays and written by Morgan Edwards 1788 (a Baptist from Philadelphia) and latterly of course England's very own John Nelson Darby.

Edwards had first voiced the concept of a pre-tribulation rapture in 1812 in the works of Catholic Priest, in the writings of a Catholic priest by the name of Emmanuel Lacunza and Darby followed in likewise fashion as early as 1827

Lacunza a Jesuit Priest, born in Chile in 1731 – held sharply opposing views to the interpretation offered by Morgan Edwards Much of what he offers is largely discredited by the fact that for a time Lacunza, having arrived in Italy, sought to pass himself off as a converted Jew and published several articles under the pseudonym Juan Josafat Ben Ezra, He also wrote a sprawling work of pseudo Apocalyptic proportions entitled; The Coming of the Messiah in Glory and Majesty (Published 1811)

Ten years after his death (1827) the book was translated into English) - it`s citation written by one Edward Irving - a friend of John Nelson Darby. It is no secret that Darby was hugely influenced in the development of his Rapture theories by the extensive research work of Irving`s rapture/pre-millennium concept. And so, in this light we are bound to wonder - "Do all roads lead to Rome after all???"

Evidence of this influence has been presented by respected theologian and scholar S.P. Tregalles (who was himself intellectually nurtured during the development of the rapidly blossoming “secret Rapture” theory) Tregalles write a paper and later published a pamphlet tracing the rapture concept through Darby and then to the root of Edward Irving.. Edward Irving did not himself employ the term “rapture” per se – It was Matthew Henry who first used the term in his commentary of 1 Thessalonians 4.- a work to which Irving now devoted his studies. And eventually accepted the idea of the “one man” Antichrist first muted by Christian thinkers such as James Henthorn Todd, Sammuel Roffey Maitland and Robert Bellarine.

Irving now developed the heresy one step beyond; he began to teach a two-phase return of Messiah. (the first phase being a secret rapture prior to the rise of the Antichrist). In all there would be “three gatherings”–

(i): The “First”, of the “first-fruits” of the harvest, the wise virgins who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth;”

(ii): The abundant harvest gathered afterwards by God;

(iii): The gathering of the wicked for punishment.”

J.N. Darby, hailed as many conservative Evangelicals as the apostle of neo Dispensationalism, continued to publish his pre-millennium - pre-tribulation rapture – and this position eventually became the official doctrine of the Plymouth Brethren (England) But before long, this teaching was being embraced by a wider group of trans-denominational sects both in Britain and in America. This mass impacting of the Trans Atlantic Churches came primarily by their writings (Irving and Darby) but later through key events staged by the Bible Conference Movement, starting in 1878 with the Niagara Bible Conference. These conferences, which were ostensibly to be inclusive of historicist and futurist premillennialism, quickly gave way to the presentation of the private interpretations of the two British preachers. The theory became increasingly popular even being embraced by by futurist pre-millennialists from within the denominations of the Christian church.

The futurist pre-millennial theory readily joined hands with the pre-tribulation rapture members of the Presbyterian, Baptist and Congregational assemblies. Numerous Popular (sensationalist) books fanned the flames of its widespread acceptance.

The minority faction of Amillennialism holds to a differing perspective again – yet somehow manages to retain

the popular themes expressed by Pre and Post factions. Their idea of a preliminary rapture originated not with MESSIAH YESHUA or even Jewish apostles, but with Alexandrian scholars such as Clement and Origen – (both of whom would lay the theological foundations for the soon to appear Roman Catholic Ecumenical Empirical “Church” - (the true mother of Christianity) by the grafting in of Augustine of Hippo.

Critics of the Pre-Tribulation proponents (me being one) maintain that the earliest known extra-Biblical reference to the "Pre-Tribulation" rapture is from a sermon attributed to the fourth-century Church father Ephraim the Syrian who writes - “For all the saints and Elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins." Other scholars continue to debate whether the interpretation of this writing actually supports a Pre-Tribulation rapture at all. As my good friend Bob Gordon (a Theologian of note in his own right) liked to tell us “With theologians its always a case of maybe – maybe not.” lol. (let the reader understand – especially *Rosanna ) ----- {* my daughter}

But in the horizontal . Very temporal and limited 3D world in which we live and move and have our being – its forever business as usual – grey areas and all – and the more the better. Today, the convoluted doctrine of the rapture continues to be an important component in North American “Fundamentalist” Evangelical Protestant Christian Eschatology

MY CONCLUSION TO PART II

The Eschatology of the Original Messianic Believers of Yeshua Messiah.

The original Messianic congregations founded by the apostles of Yeshua had NO tradition whatsoever of a preliminary return of Messiah – and would today reject the doctrine root and branch (as indeed do we of the Jude 3 Hebrew Roots faith)

The reasons for such rejection, by the early believers and by us also, are simply twofold:

For one thing there is no mention nor reference to such a notion among any of the NT apostles (despite the absurd claims of most Christians to the contrary – Nor indeed amongst the early Church fathers (often called the Patristic fathers)

Nor is their any record of any traditional teaching amongst the Messianic assemblies of the first and and second century and besides all that – it is contrary to the Law and the prophets thus not to be received or acknowledged according to the authority of the prophet Isaiah. In short. IT IS SIMPLY NOT BIBLICAL – NOT SCRIPTURAL. - and to prove it, it blatantly contradicts the chronology of End Tome events as taught by Yeshua messiah Himself.

Its not just a dichotomy of Christian thought – its not just a disagreement between brothers and sisters – its not even a potentially heretical banana skin; what it is is Antichrist teaching.

Yes – that is right – you heard me well – I said it is ANTICHRIST TEACHING. And all who believe it believe in an ANTICHRIST teaching which is a LIE and not the TRUTH. It comes from the Abyss through the natural minds of men not sent to reveal secrets – being neither apostles nor prophets – and does not come from God on High through Holy Spirit.

If by some chance I have failed to say this plainly enough please tell me and Ill make that correction straight away.

Let me tell you in plain words the precise reason why it is ANTICHRIST TEACHING – that which is ANTI- (Greek) is whatever is offered in the place of – or in substitution for – or in preference to – the original and authentic article – in this sense MESSIAH – and specifically His Testimony which is the Spirit of Prophecy. Rev 19:10

Since this Rapture Teaching is just so, on all three counts – then it is as we have said without shame ANTICHRIST TEACHING.

Some of you who have walked with us until now will leave us now – I expect. And we will be sad that you do – but even tho` you do – it will change nothing for you – what you believe will still be as ANTICHRIST as if you had stayed. This is the Truth. Others will argue and contend and remonstrate and complain that I am rude,offensive insolent and arrogant. My the envelope is flawed – not the colour of your preference – but what of the message; will your vain contentions make your beliefs any less ANTICHRIST than they truly are? Not in your own minds perhaps – but even so – in the eyes of GOD.

In Part III we shall finish the series by looking in some depth at the various popular notions of the Rapture Teaching in relation to the Tribulation.

Until then May God abide in True Shalom between you and me.

THE "RAPTURE TEACHING" (Part I)

2011-02-28T10:19:00.001-08:00

THE “RAPTURE” TEACHING

An Introduction to The Rapture Teaching

and my reasons for presenting this to you all in this way.

From the first day I believed, I studied the Scriptures. And from my first encounter with Mainstream Evangelical Christian Eschatology, I could not embrace the confusion of theories by which the Evangelical view of “Millennialism” is presented. Much less could I subscribe to the mythical notion which is popularly called the RAPTURE of the saints

I have never once, in 31 years of faith, found sufficient bricks to build a house or doctrine supporting this absurd and foolish notion – which in my humble opinion for what it may be worth to any one of you, is nothing more than a great error of textual interpretation by the natural mind of man, nor the grounds to support the slightest hint that in the last days the believers in Messiah shall be taken out of the earth either before , in the midst of or after the time of the Great Tribulation.

Recently, however, I have received any number of questions about this Rapture; articles and notes which promote the “doctrine” – from all its varying positions, there have been many questions asked of me, “what do you think about all this?” etc. =- and in recent days I have been involved in two discussions about this subject – the first discussion was amongst pro Rapture theorists the second where the majority shared my own conviction of faith.

I think its time to say something about all this. And so this is the reason for this series – which I will publish here on FB and elsewhere in various format, including audio CD messages for our growing Word of God catalogue.

What Are We Talking About?

Essentially we are exploring the theology of what we must rightly identify as Western Gentile Evangelical Protestant Perspective on ESCHATOLGY – the study of the last things Or those events which are eternally decreed, prophetically proclaimed, and thus destined to occur in the earth in the “end times or the “last age.”.

In order to speak with any understanding of the doctrines of the Scriptures, it is necessary to first both know and understand what the scriptures have said. And since in so many cases with which we find ourselves involved and in dispute of – it is also necessary to understand the grounds by which such doctrines are constructed. It is necessary if we are to render any kind of judgement or appraisal on such doctrines to know and understand the root, authority for, the history and evolution of such teachings; and it is reasonable to acquire knowledge and understanding of the causes of the confusion which arises from such doctrines so as to cause the schism of sectarianism and faction amongst even the ranks of those who hold to the doctrine, itself, as it is classically, stated and popularly believed.

I fully appreciate that some of you will soon become disinterested with this article because of the numerous Theological technicalities I find it necessary to employ. I am sad for this – but I stand by my decision to include them all, and for the reasons stated above.

So introduction over. Now, lets take a closer look at the Rapture theory.

(Part I) THE THEOLOGY OF THE RAPTURE

The Rapture is an event in the so called “futurist” interpretation of popular Christian Eschatology in which it is believed that the “Christians” will be “gathered together in the air” to meet Messiah.

The term (rapture) means “to be taken up and is derived from the Latin raptus and is seconded by translation scribes from the original Greek term “hapazo” to be presented in the English language as rapture.

In truth, the Bible doesn't speak of a rapture at all – nor support it – nor provide legitimate Tanakh authority for its existence. It exists then by the assumption of Greek minded “teachers” form the reading of what is written to believers in Thessolonica by the apostle Paul's statement of 1 Thess 4:17 where he says “harpazo ” - translated as "caught up"

Harpazo means "to carry off," "snatch up," or "grasp hastily." The translation from harpazo to "rapture" involved two steps: first, harpazo became the Latin word; second, raptus became the English word "rapture."

Denominational Christians (both present and former) are divided on whether this will occur at the immediate time of his second advent, or in a several year period prior to this. The primary passage used to support this idea is 1 Thess. 4:17 - "...and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Paul`s term “harpazo” rendered here as “caught up” is offered to us as the authority by which to establish this Rapture and “proof” of this authority is presented by the words pf Yeshua in Matt 24 regarding the 2nd advent of Messiah – which they insist is for the purpose of gathering the believers.

Essentially, there are TWO VIEWS common to Denominational Christianity regarding this so called “Rapture of the saints.” The views are presented as “doctrines” and divided into two chief themes:

(a): with regard to the timing of Messiah`s second advent. Whether this is a separate event to the Rapture or gathering (b): regarding the destination of the 1 Thess 4 aerial gathering: For now we shall examine only the first of this divisions or distinctions.

Dispensationalist Pre-millennialists and neo Pentecostal Evangelicals, (especially in the United States) hold the return of Messiah to be in two stages.1 Thess 4:15-17 is seen to be a preliminary event to the return described in Matt 24:29

Both views describe the return of Messiah “- in the clouds with angelic activity, trumpets, heavenly signs, and for one faction “the gathering of the saints” is presented as a separate event. The first event being “unseen” - whilst the “rapture” is visible to all, when the saved are prophesied to be 'caught up,' from whence the term rapture is taken.

To others, the 'second advent of Messiah is held as a “universally visible” event – for the purpose of determining with finality the warfare of “Armageddon

The majority of dispensationalists teach that the first event immediately precedes the period of The Tribulation. - and together with Dispensationalist Pre-millennialists and neo Pentecostal Evangelicals, (especially in the United States) believe that the return of Messiah is in two stages.

The majority of dispensationalists hold that the first event immediately precedes the period of Tribulation.

A third faction, known as Amillennialists (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Lutheraniism and the Presbyterianism of the PCUSA view the event to be figurative, rather than literal. - but nevertheless, all three of the major Millennialist factions regard the return of Messiah as a single event, and take their stance for this from the "word of the Lord" cited by Paul in 1 Thess 4:15-17 is the Prophetic disclosure of Yeshua to the Jews in Matt 24:29-31.

In truth however, Amillennialists hold to what is more rightly called the "Postmillennial" positiin (prevailant amongst a minority sect of U.S. Presbyterians) -whilst the majority of the other factions favour the more Historic Pre millennial perspective of the Calvinistic Baptists

It is commonly held amongst Rapture theorists that all passages of scripture by which they build their doctrine (i.e. Matt 24:29-31, I Thess 4:15-17, 2 Thess 2:1-3 and Rev 1:7 with specific regard to the return of Messiah “in the clouds” amidst trumpets, with angelic activity and heavenly signs, such as astronomic symbols universally witnessed, and the resurrection of the dead. - Only some of them hold that this single event also included the Rapture – i.e. the “gathering of the saints.”

Although the doctrinal relationship of the rapture and the Second Advent are the same in all three major factions of Millennialism, Historic Pre-millennialism will use the term "rapture " to make a clear distinction between their own beliefs and those of the Dispensationalists.

MY CONCLUSION TO PART I

It is my conviction in the faith of Yeshua Messiah, and as an emissary of Yeshua Messiah, that I am called to - “pay attention to myself and to my teaching and to persevere also in those things – for if I do this I will insure salvation both for myself and for those who hear me. 1 Tim 4:16

It is also my conviction in the faith of Messiah that I am called to “Be diligent to present myself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth ” 2 Tim 2:15

Therefore, because of this conviction, and by the fruits of this conviction, I may confidently say to the Western Gentile Protestant Evangelical Christian, and in the light of this, my conviction of faith, I say this much; - It is the undeniable and indisputable factual evidence of your own Church History that, from 325 AD to this present day – that before the spurious conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine (who is without doubt the Little Horn depicted in the apocalyptic prophecy of Daniel 7 – no one within the assemblies and congregations of the authentic faith of Messiah believed or even knew of such a doctrine as this Rapture teaching. In fact to be precise, and in order that you all who are sincere seekers for truth above false hope of delusion, to prove to you all that the Rapture teaching is a man made myth – find me one presentation of this teaching as it`s many adherents hold it, to be written or presented prior to the latter years of the 19th century. You will not be able to my friends, because just as our brother and Rabbi David Taylor has pointed out: THERE NEVER WAS A RAPTURE TEACJHING PRIOR TO THE LATE 1800`s

In light of this, it is more than safe to confidently assert to you that this doctrine therefore originated in the Greek mind and outside of the era of the publishing of the Law Torah and the proclamation of the Prophets Nevi`im

It is also a fact that Christian thinkers, scholars and theologians, the Greek minded scribes who by their various commentaries establish to the ministers they train the doctrines of the faith, are just as fond of constructing their doctrines from the writings of the NT apostles as they are from TheTestimony of Yeshua or even Tanakh (OT)

Conversely, Paul and all the other NT apostles took their authority to teach from Tanakh – the Law and the Prophets. And even Yeshua Himself (n the whom the WORD of GOD was found in flesh) did not introduce any new teaching in the three and one half years that He walked amongst the Jews. What He really and actually did was shine a Greater Light on the Tanakh (OT) than the prophets including Moses had been able to shine. Heb 1:1-2

However, the Christian ministers taught and equipped by these Greek minded Christian theologians will pass these doctrines to the sheep of their folds where you and cointless millions like yu sit and seek to feed. This they set before you all as the Truth of Gods word. And for the Christian Church, rooted in the religious system called Christianity, but it is flawed, errant and misleading; and it has been so for the Christians of the Western world for more almost 1700 years.

My friends, and all who are faithful and true in the faith of Messiah; there are a number of scriptural reasons why I reject this false teaching called the Rapture Teaching, and I will, in the course of this series, reveal them all in full. But one of the chiefest of these is rooted in three principal scriptures which I use as a key to approaching every so called doctrine presented by every so called apostle, rabbi, teacher and professing believer of every faith or religion. The scriptures are these.

(1): - “The Testimony of Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy" Rev 19:10

(2): - “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of ones own private interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Pet 1:20-21

(3): - For thus the Lord spoke to me with mighty power and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people – and to bind up the testimony, (of Yahweh through His servants the prophets) (and to)seal the (teaching of the) Law among my disciples. (those who hear our teaching) - To the Law and to the Testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn " (not the first glimmering of enlightenment in the truth of God`s word. Isa 8:11,16,20

And this is the principle reason by which I reject the teaching of the Rapture as false. It is not in accordance with the Testimony of God by His servants the prophets, nor the teaching of the Law given by Yahweh to Israel through the servant prophet called Moses. As it is classically presented to you, this doctrine offers no authority from Tanakh – and what is more had no existence as a teaching at all prior to the Dispensation al Darby-ism of the late 19th century.

Because of these things and by the authority of this word – I reject this Teaching of the Rapture and judge it (appraise it if you prefer) to be worthless, false, deceptive and contrary to the testimony of God and the Lord Yeshua Messiah.

Therefore know this: that I shall vigorously and earnestly contend for the faith with any individual, so called teacher or professing believer, who seeks to present this nonsense to myself, or to any for whom I have care. My friends, the day for us to apologise for proclaiming the truth to you all is finished.

To you all I say - look to the OT if you will – if you care to know the truth of what I and other teachers are saying to correct this foolish delusion of false hope. Look to Tanakh – look even to Torah and to Enoch – for it is true to say that Enoch walked with God and was no more (Gen 5:24)– but is this a Rapture?

Look again to the prophets – for it is no less true to say that Elijah the Tishbite was snatched away to heaven by the chariot of fire, as Elisha watched and caught his mantle (2 Kngs 2:1-11) – but again – is this a rapture?

Next time, as God wills, we will examine the views concerning the destination of those raptured or gathered up. And also, begin to explore the opposing perspectives on the Rapture in relation to the period of the Tribulation. Until then - SHALOM

THE LATTER DAY RAIN MOVEMENT

2011-02-17T02:26:00.000-08:00

THE RIVERS OF BABYLON

A series establishing the Major Contributing Tributaries of the the Great End Time religious Deception and the Apostasy which is poured out into the great sea of the nations.

(A condensed version of a Chapter from the planned Book "TO THE CHURCH OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM WRITE---- " (David Israel)

(Part 2) THE “LATTER DAY RAIN MOVEMENT”

One of the biggest influences on the counterfeit "river" movement of the Third Wave is without question the New Order of the Latter Rain.

The origins of this cult-like faction of the emergent church are found in the mid-1940's,, in the times of the signs and wonders zeal of the neo Pentecostal church revivals that had their own beginning in the Azuza Street Awaekening of 1900 – (see Part 1 of this series) -

But this was almost half a century before, and the people were eager and anxious to witness their own “move of the spirit.” They were in truth a generation who sought for a sign.

Back in 1907-1910 David Wesley Myland had begun teaching the elemental structural tenets of this so called Latter Rain theology. But not until 1947 did William Branham and George Hawtin begin to teach more systematically (if that is the right term for their heretical code of typological doctrines) the details of the so called New Order of the Latter Rain. Very quickly, the Movement evolved to become in large part almost entirely based upon the “teachings” and “signs and wonders” ministry of the so called Prophet of the Latter Day Rains, William Branham, Without question, it was Branham`s convoluted and heavily typological “prophetic” exposition of selective Bible passages which formed the basis for the Latter Rain theology. And as I have said, almost from the start of the movement, Branham was hailed as its “prophet”

Latter Rain doctrines soon divided traditional Pentecostalism which resulted in the condemnation of the 'The New Order of the Latter Rain' by the General Council of the Assemblies of God convened Seattle. (1949).

It was at this council that the General Council of the Assemblies of God overwhelmingly (but not unanimously) approved a resolution “disapproving” “certain practices” of the Latter Day Rain Movement. Such Practices and heretical doctrines included:

1. The overemphasis relative to imparting, identifying, bestowing, or confirming of gifts by the laying on of hands and prophecy.
2. The erroneous teaching that the Church is built on the foundation of present-day apostles and prophets.
3. The extreme teaching as advocated by the "New Order," regarding the confession of sin to man and deliverance as practiced, which claims prerogatives to human agency which belongs only to Christ.
4. The erroneous teaching concerning the impartation of the gift of languages as special equipment for missionary service. (Interestingly this is the only tenet no longer being promoted. Why? Because it didn't work the way it was advertised.)
5. The extreme and unscriptural practice of imparting or imposing personal leadings by the means of the gifts of utterance.
6. Such other wrestlings and distortions of scripture interpretations which are in opposition to teachings and practices generally accepted among us.

Many A.O.G. ministers resigned – some were excommunicated because of their persistence to promote Latter Day Rain theology to their congregations. Eventually, the inevitable schism occurred and many (usually small) new neo Independent Pentecostal “churches” were established. These were immediately called Latter Day Rain assemblies. independent Latter Rain churches.
It is a fact of indisputable truth that every system of doctrine devised by man is flawed – and so as in all man made religions and as with all man devised religious systems – the ever evolving doctrines of the Latter Day rain movement became increasingly heretical – even to the errant Orthodoxy of mainline Protestant Evangelicalism - and, the majority of these new assemblies rapidly degenerated into what we might clearly identify as “CULT” churches. Principle examples of such CULT churches would be “Church of the Living Word,” “The Body,” and “House of Prayer.”

The two individuals who kept the Latter Day Rain Movement in focus at that time were the so called apostles of the Latter Rain Third Wave - namely Bill Hamon and Paul Cain.
Paul Cain ended up working alongside R.T. Kendall (another of my former day heroes) at Westminister Chapel in London – until Cain was exposed as a practicing homosexual – which he called a “lapse” based on “wrong advice.” He often gave “advice” himself – to his congregations; one example of his wise counsel was given to an audience at Christ Chapel Florence, Alabama in Aug 1995. “wait until you get to heaven to examine his exposition of the `Manchild Company,' (his endorsement of the Manifest Sons of God apostate theology which we shall examine later.)

How would this stand the test of scripture - “beloved believe not every spirit but test every spirits for not every spirit is of God. because many false prophets have gone out into the world”1 John 4:1

Perhaps his prophetic intuition anticipated objection – because he added “ I know some of you are going to disagree with this. Don't you even stop to disagree. Rev 12:5. If you disagree, just file it in `miscellaneous' and check it out. And don't bother with it; when we get to heaven we'll check it out and you'll find out I'm right"

On an audio tape message entitled “The New Breed” Paul Cain states, as with apostolic authority - “ "So my point is this, that there will be a manifestation of the sons and daughters of God. And it won't be this baloney that we've heard of in the past; I mean, there's been a few people tried to walk through a wall like this over here and knocked their brains loose, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a manifested son of God; if anyone walks through this wall over here, they're not going to tell you about it--I mean, they're just going to do it. And sons of God don't tell you they're sons of God, they'll just show you! Amen."

In our own day, the Latter Day Rain doctrines have all the more evolved and from themselves have created a number of fast growing fast moving apostate tributaries of the Rivers of Babylon. These would include what is known as RESTORATIONISM, which we have elected to treat to its own chapter - or Kingdom Now/Dominion Theology, Progressive Revelation, Revival/Harvest, Joel's Army, Replacement Theology, Post-Millennial Eschatology, Signs and Wonders, (I worked for a time after I first believed with one of the John Wimbur teams) Territorial Warfare, Neo Ecumenism, Restoration of Apostles and Prophets, Jubilee/Feast of Tabernacles, and the Post-denominational Church.

Today, the Latter Rain has now become almost totally mixed together with doctrines of the Manifest Sons Of God movement. Here is a brief thumbnail sketch of our understanding of this heresy of the so called Third Wave:

Kingdom Now Theology combined with the Manifest Sons of God doctrine promotes what might rightly be described as a doctrine of the ongoing incarnation of God, It is the common concept of such apostate Churches tha) believers are "little gods" exercising autonomous sovereignty within their spheres of dominion. (We would have to include the name it and claim it heresy of the Word of Faith teachers in with this also)

This is perhaps THE most controversial aspect of such nonsense and utterly Antichrist theology and as such all named movements and schisms deserve their own separate chapter.

As for Manifest Sons of God teaching (indivisible from Latter Day Rain theology, we must here say this much: that this is the head of this “Leopard like beast” which has been called by many The Emergent Church and by me, The Changing face of Christianity in the earth – is fast become the new standard of Universal Christianity – Church is not the same as it was 20 years ago. The entire understanding of the average Christian has changed dramatically in the past 20 years – two short decades – it is well said that the leopard body of the beast (Rev 13) is so symbolised for its swiftness.

Many diligent Watchmen wonder whether in another 20 years it will be entirely different again? We however have reason to think it will be stopped by another form of deception and judgment which is coming and which we are now so boldly beginning to declare to you. Indeed such change is dramatic, The Christian Church as we know it is no more. There is not one denomination of the mainstream Evangelical Institution that is unaffected by at least one of the many plagues of lies which God has sent upon those who did not come to a love of the truth so as to be delivered. (see 2 Thess 2 if you are bold enough ) Some say the just charges will come against this Babylon of Apostate religion from outside the church. Indeed they must for it is in the wilderness that Messiah has raised up the new Priesthood to replace those who have shown themselves unable to distinguish between holy and profane, c;lean and unclean truth and Lies.

Today The Latter Rain/MSOG movement is one of the principle branches of the New Apostolic Reformation, and the endless wave of the counterfeit revivals, promoted and endorsed by the many TBN televangelists This convoluted set of doctrines has by far had the most influence on the apostate church of our time which Yeshua warned us would come. It has come. And many of you are part of it. That is why we appeal to you now – before the judgement that is coming arrives – COME OUT OF BABYLON. May God grant those whom he loves an ear to hear. Amen.

MAKE CERTAIN OF HIS CALLING AND CHOOSING OF YOU!

2010-06-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

ARE We Certain that We Are

CHOSEN OF GOD

The question we ask is as old as the FAITH – “How can I be sure I am truly chosen of God?”

In Matt 22 – and the Parable of the Wedding Feast, - the King sent out His servants to invite first the Jews and then the Gentiles to come. In the end, although all had been called, only some came.

Yeshua summed up this “kingdom mystery with 7 plain words: “many are called, only the few are chosen.”

Later, the writer to the Hebrews says it this way: - “For indeed we had good news preached to us, just as they also, but the word they heard did not profit them because it was united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He said “As I swore in My wrath - (Psa 95:11) - “they shall not enter my rest.” although His works were finished before the foundation of the world. Heb 4:2-3

We ALL believe we have been CALLED! So how can we be certain we've been CHOSEN?

2 Pet 1:1-11 --- (Would you all take one moment to READ this passage for yourselves?)

Peter's faith was more than intellectual belief; Peter's faith was the abiding conviction of His heart concerning the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth. He was driven by an unshakable assurance of the life transforming power of the Word which dwelt richly in his heart – and to this word and this vision, Peter remained faithful all the days of his earthly life. His faith was evidenced by his obedience to the commandments of Yeshua; for this was the Law that was written on his heart'; “Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all Thy Mind and Strength, and you shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Peter, by this law, was under the compelling hand of God to serve the least of the brethren of his own generation – and to walk in the purity of holiness before God thus demonstrating to the watching world a life wholly devoted to the single purpose for which Yeshua had laid his hand upon him.

What once Peter had mistakenly called “little faith” was shown to be “no faith” at all.

If we would have a faith like Peter's the same Holy Spirit who indwelt Him and empowered him for his ministry of service must dwell in us and empower us also, and in like manner.

And when we do possess a faith of the same kind as Peter, an experimental reality to which he himself exhorts us, then our assurance of having been chosen of God will be every bit as sure and unshakable as his own. Sure and immovable – but something he would never take for granted – and nor should we. It's only as we continue in our obedience to the word of Christ that we demonstrate the perseverance of faith – and if we endure until the very end, we shall as surely inherit the promise of God along with peter, and together with him, we shall spend eternity in the presence of God through the person of our Lord and Messiah, Yeshua. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!

Not everyone who is truly called of God has yet attained to what might be called the maturity of the faith. But we can not, and indeed we should not, take any comfort or licence from this, Who can say that you or I might prove to be merely temporary as did so many of those in that wonderful parable of the Seeds? Not not everyone of those who is truly chosen of God has yet attained to the maturity of the faith. Peter tells us that Kingdom Babies feed on the pure milk of the word, whilst mature men, feed on the pure meat of the mysteries of the Kingdom.

For some people however, things never seem to work out quite as they would like it. They are restless souls – always hungry always thirsty, never eating never drinking, always looking always longing, never entering in. The word they so eagerly received and told everyone about seems to have been snatched away – or become tangled in thorns or weeds – or lost by the wayside. Why? Because it was never truly united in the heart with faith. The faith of their repentance was “little faith” - incomplete and insufficient to get the job done. Such people were never fully persuaded by the message they heard – never truly united to the Lord and Saviour they claimed to have trusted in. Friends, it may be unpleasant, it be distressing, but we are going to have to face this truth before we stand before Him. We have to see this, we have to appreciate it and we need to understand it if we are ever going to be assured that we are truly chosen of God – or ever going to prove effective in our works of service to the House of God.

2.5 million men who God led out of Egypt under Moses. Only two from that entire generation made it across Jordan into the land of Promise. Joshua and Caleb – men of whom God testified saying “These are men of a different spirit.” The rest of their generation perished after 40 years of aimless wandering in a barren desert – a waterless wilderness. For God has sworn in His wrath “They shall not enter their rest.” on account of their faithlessness, and unbelief.

The writer to the Hebrews tells us that - “these things happened to them as an example to us.” - Friends, we need to take note of this scripture lest we presume too much and realise too little: You know, John Calvin – the one who designed the classical doctrines of elective grace and Predestination believed that there would be more people in heaven than in hell. I hope he's right; but the Testimony of Yeshua is against his optimism; Many are called but few are chosen. Only a few in every generation make it inside of that narrow gate, because hard is the way that leads to life, and few there be who find it.

BENNY HINN - And The Emperor`s New Clothes

2010-03-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

BENNY HINN
Is this man “anointed of God?
Or is he just wearing
the Emperor's New Clothes

SHALOM!

In my opinion, and for what it may be worth, it remains one of the greatest mysteries of the modern era how Richard Nixon came to be elected to a second term in the White House; and those entirely aside from the Watergate scandal which followed. I mean the guy lied to the people the first time around, and said he would find an end to the conflict in Vietnam; of course he didn`t; instead he stepped up the US commitment to the war far effort to the tune of billions of deficit dollars - the considerable benefit of the Beast with iron teeth that is called the Military Industrial Complex, and more importantly, young human lifes-blood. But come rel-election time, what did he do; he sold the public the same lie as the first time round, and they voted in greater numbers than they did before.

Well, that`s the wonderful make belief world of secular worldly wise politcs I guess. It`s all anti-Christ.

Now: Here are the facts about Benny Hinn. He was born Toufiq Hinn in 1939 to Palestinian Arab parents in Jaffa, (a coastal town in the suburbs of modern day Tel Aviv) On many occasions, Benny Hinn has claimed that he was born “Jewish” But an inspection of the civic records reveals the truth: His father, Constandi, was actually Palestinian/Arab born of Greek immigrants, whilst his mother was and Arab born native of Ramallah. These facts were brought to light by a Personal Freedom Outreach investigation of the documented facts behind Benny Hinn`s autobiographical claims. For instance, he said that his father had served two terms as “Mayor of Jaffa.” This claim was shown to be an “impossibility” since as a classified Palestinian Arab, Constandi Hinn (who's officially stated religion was Greek Orthodoxy, not Judaism) could not have been appointed “Mayor” of an Israeli held municipality. Mr Hinn Snr has said he considers himself neither Arab or Jew.

It can be very “confusing” trying to establish the “truth” from the “myth” of all things Benny Hinn. He`s prone to saying different things to different people. The problem is, he claims so much of what he says is to be received as “Divine revelation” Truth to tell, when examined in the cold light of scripture and official public record, Benny Hinn seems to lie about almost everything! This is especially alarming since Benny Hinn is one of the Biggest Names of the modern era Faith Movement. He reaches almost 20 million people watch his God TV programme daily, whilst his Orlando based “home church” has a congregation in excess of 12,000 people. His books and video material have been read and viewed by millions more worldwide – and in the age of the Internet – it is quite staggering to contemplate just how many potential hearers the heresy and lies which litter the “revelation teaching” of Benny Hinn might actually reach.

He misrepresents his educational record claiming to have “completed” his senior year at Georges Vanier in Canada in February 1972” - but in 1972 Taufiq Hinn as pictured in the Georges Vanier Secondary School year book was an “undergraduate.” The Dec 26th 1976 edition Toronto Globe and Mail states: “He finished Grade 12 at Georges Vanier Secondary school ---” Benny Hinn later made this statement through Christianity Today (Oct 5th 1992) “I never said I was a senior, period ---” But clearly, he did!!! But why lie? Peter and John were uneducated and untaught by the Rabbis – but does that make them second rate apostles? Does ghat mean they must have been “unintelligent” men? As for me, seven CSE`s and a computer literacy certificate – it`s nothing to boast about is it? Then again, it`s nothing to be ashamed of. So why lie? If you ask me, “name it and shame it, and to hell with the PRIDE OF THE FLESH.!

And what about this “ANOINTING” he's always “boasting” about? He'll tell you himself, how he “coveted” this for years after “seeing” “God`s power” upon healing “Evangelist” Kathryn Khulman – (make of that what you will) Benny Hinn implies that this “anointing” makes him “superior” to run-of-the-mill 1 Jn. 2:20 anointed “Christians!?” (it`s all there in his book “The Anointing”) But didn't God first say: “Thou shalt not covet!” (Ex 20:17) Wasn't it “covetousness of every kind” which uncovered the fullness of the wretchedness of sin within the flesh of a Holy Spirit anointed apostle called Paul? (Rom 7:7ff)

Benny Hinn likes to issue warnings to his critics – “touch not the Lord's anointed!” All I can say is, Mr Hinn is in danger of nothing from me; because I for one would not touch his anointing with a spear on the end of a long iron shaft, and even if I did, I doubt it would “avail.” (see Job 41:1-34) Only God can crush that kind of “anointing” (Psa 74:14) Still, you have to say, “Nice coat I see you wearing on God TV!” Puts me in mind of – I don't know, some kind of Emperor – something like that; and the logo too; nice touch that – kind of puts the seal to it.”

I guess I'll get letters: “You're not simply reproving, there's a tone of mockery in what you say.” Well, perhaps you have a point! But have you never read of the prophet Elijah on Mt Carmel? How, whilst the 400 prophets of Ba`al danced and wailed from dawn ``til dusk, cutting themselves with knives, whipping themselves into a frenzy, beseeching Ba`al to send fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, Elijah, the Man of God, sat there and enjoyed his rest and even urged them on and on to give it a “double dose: - He even wondered if perhaps, Ba`al had gone to the toilet, or whether he was over-sleeping and needed to be awakened. (1 Kngs 18:27) Was that simply “reproof” or was there a measure of mockery underscoring his words?

I believe that “these are the days of Elijah, who comes for the restoration of all things.”

If that offends you, or outrages you, what can I do about that: But let me ask you this: How long can we keep on doing the same thing and hoping for a different result? It's insanity, isn't it? And how long will we keep on talking about “end time” predictions and never expect and consign them to a distant future? There's something unreal about all of that, don't you think? The Bible states clearly (without mystery and ambiguity) certain events which must occur before Yeshua returns. But why must we continually assign them a distant future period? It is possible, isn't it, that they are happening right now, in our time?
I know that some people (not like you and me eh?) will keep on stoning the prophets that visit their own generation, whilst building tombs for the prophets of yester-year. I`m saying: perhaps if we opened our pulpits up to the “spirit of Elijah” prophets things might just begin happen, things might just begin to change; who knows? We might all see a different result this time, if thats truly what we desire. What do you think? As for me, I believe (therefore I speak) that - “The prophets of prosperity have had their turn from dawn until long after dusk; now it`s time for them to stop, and let God have His turn.” I believe The Lord is saying “Your day is over – behold! A New day is come.”

Do we cast pearls before swine? Do we give to dogs what is holy! (?) If so, I can understand your offence. But I do not share it. Folks, if you feel insulted by my words, let me say, if the cap doesn`t fit, don't wear it. But I believe that God is heartily sick of all the hypocrisy and spiritual unreality which pollutes the churches. I believe it`s high time we all put away the “childish things” and began acting “like men.” (or even “young men”) I bel;ieve it`s time we all woke up to smell the roses: or whatever we're supposed to smell when we wake up: As long as we WAKE UP, I guess that would be good enough eh?

Truth to tell, Benny Hinn lies about almost every aspect of His Christian life – from the year he got “saved” (Compare the versions given separately in “The Anointing” and “Good Morning Holy Spirit”.) You're left wondering was it in Toronto “right after” 1968? or in his “senior year” at school in Montreal in Feb 1972.

REPENTANCE
During a sermon given at Orlando Christian Center Florida, 30/5/87, Mr Hinn declared: “Most of us don't even know what repentance means, we think “I`m sorry, forgive me” and go mess up again tomorrow. That's not repentance. Repentance is a completely changed life, godly sorrow takes hold of you and you say “That's it! Never again!” That's repentance.” But does he practice what he preaches? It was claimed by his supporters that Mr Hinn had made a series of “public apologies” - that he had confessed to “numerous errors.” In his book “Welcome Holy Spirit” (pg 289) Mr Hinn claims to have received “prayer for forgiveness.” So, does he embrace the “Never Again” doctrine he preaches? Or does he regurgitate the same lies in barely disguised form whilst practicing the same self indulgences? The real problem here is not so much the man's transparent hypocrisy, but the authority he claims by which he teaches and behaves in such an outrageous way; Benny Hinn seeks to “justify” his methods by claiming the revelational authority of God.

It's certainly true that Benny Hinn has been “targeted” for investigation by his critics. And it`s true that he's made “numerous” public apologies for past “errors.” But what is clear to one and all, we trust, from official documentation, the content of his “teaching” and the behaviour of the man himself that the “axe” has hardly been laid (anywhere close) to the root of his tree. In truth, Benny Hinn repents of nothing.

THE MIRACLE MAN
Benny Hinn lies about “miracles.” For instance, in May 1983 Benny Hinn and five fellow travelers were returning to Orlando from in a small private aircraft, when due to “fuel starvation” the aircraft crash landed at Avon Park Municipal Airport The Orlando Sentinel reported that all six passengers received injuries and were admitted to (Walker Memorial) Hospital, where “five remained” under observation the following day. The Avon Park News (28th May 1983) reported that one young man named Robert Hill, “the most seriously injured person in the crash,” had required “plastic surgery.” (at Florida Hospital Orlando.) There was no report of any “miracles” having occurred at the scene of the crash, either from the Press nor from the National Transportation Safety Board, nor the Highlands County Sherri f Dept, nor strangely, from Benny Hinn himself, who along with his wife Suzanne had been transferred from Walker Memorial to Florida Hospital “so to be closer to their home.”
Sometime later whilst “guesting” on the TBN show “Praise the Lord” - Benny Hinn related to Paul Crouch a very different version of this well documented incident, claiming to have laid hands on Mr Hill and how a miracle of restored sight occurred to the young man's injured eye. (which said Mr Hinn, had come “right out of” it`s socket – He said “Pray for me”. -- I took that eye and stuck it back in his face.” Benny Hinn claimed that Mr Hill “walked away from the scene with no problems.”

He told Paul Crouch “Faith is vital to our existence. And on that plane, I too spoke back and said nothing will happen. The Lord just spoke to me, we're gonna be all right and not one of the six people on that plane either died, of course there were – some injuries, some serious injuries, but no one died.”

When Robert Hill was interviewed by telephone. He said: “--the crash ripped my eye and the side of my face, they rebuilt the whole thing.---” Mr Hill required numerous subsequent surgeries. He said, “When I was hit, I went into an air vent, it destroyed the left side of my face. My eye was like a scrambled egg. - I never was unconscious – my thought was My God, theres so much blood--- I said “Benny I`m blind. He came around me and laid hands on me and prayed and sight came into my left eye. What happened was on my right eye. We hit so hard it pulled the vitreous jelly from the eye and put a hole in my eye. They said if I moved at all I'd be blind in that eye, In the other eye they had to build the skin and all that, all around it.” Hill reports that today he has perfect vision “Thanks to surgery.”
When you weigh the balance of the documented evidence, and testimony, you have to say that something happened to Robert Hill as a result of Mr Hinn`s prayer – but what did not happen to Mr Hill as a result of that prayer was what Benny Hinn later claimed as truth. Once again, you are made to ask, “why does he need to lie about such things? Who is he seeking to persuade or impress? Himself perhaps, or the 20 million people who watch his TV “show?” Why does Benny Hinn lie?

REVELATION
He lies about “Revelation” received received from God. In the same meeting he will tell you: “If I tell you something that's not in the Bible, say the Bible is right!” A few minutes later he'll come to the front of the platform and shout down to you “I got this revelation from God, so don't question this teaching. Only the immature question it.” What kind of “revelation” are we not to question? How about this: He claims that God told him there were nine persons in the Godhead (a trinity of trinities) [and I thought Tertullian`s convolution was difficult enough} When asked for an explanation of this “revelation” on God TV Benny Hinn waives it away and says “Oh that was just a joke.” Do God`s revelations come in joke packages now? Maybe that would account for all this hysterical laughter we've all been hearing. I mean, come on! Tommy Cooper makes me laugh – a lot - Do you think I should prepare a 7 part teaching tape series on Creation called JUST LIKE THAT! Well, it`s just a silly thought – and in case, “I`m only joking!”

Is there anything Benny Hinn doesn`t lie about? Does he even care what the Scriptures actually teach? Does lying manifest the nature of God? Yeshua said:“I am the Way the TRUTH and the Life.” - He said: “For this purpose was I sent into the world the bear witness to the Truth.”

No doubt Benny Hinn will continue to wish that his “god” might arm him with a “Holy Spirit machine gun” to turn upon those who dare reach out a hand “against his “anointing” -

“Love your enemies:
do good to those who persecute you!”
Two PFO researchers who attended one of Benny Hinn`s meetings heard him relate a story of persecution at the hands of a Chicago Airport customs official. Mr Hinn told his “audience” “If I could have killed him I would.” He went on to say: “God has been showing me in the Psalms that the body of Christ in America will sooner or later become militant and say “We've had it. You touch us one more time and drop dead brother. If you pray “get `em nothing can prevent that from happening.”

Does this reflect the Holy Spirit of Yeshua? In view of all these things, what might Yeshua say today to Benny Hinn? All I know is that He strongly admonished the Jewish Rabbis who taught contrary to His teaching; to these He spoke a plain word to shame and 4xpose: “You are of your father the devil, and you want too do the desires of your father; He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever He speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me.” John 8:44-45 - Yeshua said “When, He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth for He will not speak on His own initiative but whatever He hears, He will speak --” John 16:13

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.” Rev 22:14-15

Yeshua warned His disciples: “Do not give to dogs (and liars are counted amongst such “dogs” - see above) what is Holy. Do not throw your pearl before swine lest they trample them underfoot and tear you to pieces.” Matt 7:6

Maybe Benny Hinn would do well to come down from his pedestal and sit a while beneath the table of Yeshua that he might feed on the crumbs that might fall from His true lips. (Matt 15:26) In the uncompromising light of so much scripture, we must surely ask: “Does the SPIRIT of truth, the Spirit of God, really speak to Benny Hinn – at all? - When Benny Hinn says “I`m Benny Jehovah” it reminds me of the Morris Curello teaching - “You're not looking at Morris Curello, you`re looking at Jesus.” I can`t help thinking that when I`m looking at Benny Hinn I`m seeing nothing more than a confused and gullible would be “emperor” wearing his “new clothes?”

THE "PROFITS"OF FAITH

2010-03-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

The “PROFITS” OF “FAITH” & “PROSPERITY”
The post-Toronto decade has dealt a crushing blow to the “Faith Movement” A series of damning indictments have been issued against it`s senior “Prophets”- and Judicial rulings have been handed out by the US Courts. Faithful Watchmen have unmasked so much of the delusion, and more and more discerning believers have been given a long hard look behind the mask. --- And yet, the Faith Movement tip-toes through the hail stones as if miraculously protected by a cloak of immunity. These neo-Pentecostal “Faith teachers” continue to reach several hundred millions of viewers day by day. From dawn until long after dusk, the “Profits of Faith” are on TV, promoting new books and videos, book-marks, cloths and even blazers, all of which are guaranteed to increase your “anointing” make you rich ans make you well. In fact, if Kenneth Copeland is to be believed, you might live as long as you wish to enjoy it all. All this and heaven too, for the easily affordable “gift-cost” of so many dollars and 99c.”
Well, come on - who wouldn't want to be rich and live forever? “Isn't it your right through faith? - Isn't it your Covenant inheritance sealed by the Blood of Jesus!” We say, “Yes!” “Amen!” but only if the teaching of the Faith Prophets are “one” with the Mind of God as expressed to perfection in the Testimony of Yeshua. Do they truly promote the Conditional Covenant of Grace which is sealed by God through the blood of Yeshua? Let's take a long hard look and try to establish the truth from the error; but first ----

A WARNING TO THE MURMERERS
I guess we all know how there are some people have nothing and can`'t ever seem to get anything. In my experience, such people are constantly grumbling about the Faith and Prosperity Prophets who seem to have so much, whilst “others” (meaning themselves) have so little, Friends, That's not righteous indignation they manifest; it`s fleshly discontent, and worse than that, it`s just plain mean heartedness. Can our own lowly circumstances justify our covetousness?” Doesn't it simply proclaim to the world a spirit of envy?
If some seem to “prosper” in this life where is our Scriptural warrant to condemn and demand they share their “inheritance” with us. Yeshua warns His disciples against such as these: “Be on your guard against all forms of greed!”

We do have Scriptural warrant to speak against any deceptive doctrines introduced to the Ekklesia of God, but if all we do is indulge our carnality, we will provide the watching world with ample reason to condemn us. Let's learn the lesson of that generation of murmurers who perished in a wilderness, never seeing the promised Land.

If this is our condition, let us repent before we dare to risk God`s displeasure by criticising the values of another man (and let's face it, that's what people like me do isn't it?) Better be sure our own hearts are right before the Lord - and after that let's make doubly certain that we're “handling correctly the word of God” and “rightly dividing the scriptures,” Just as Paul counsels Timothy, we must “pay close attention to ourselves as well as our teaching” (1 Tim 4:16) Let's make sure that we're doing right things for RIGHT reasons. Alright! Now, let's take a look at --

THE CULT OF FAITH
According to those who “know” about such things, “Cult teachers” are usually men of personal charisma, bringing “new revelation teaching,” through legalistic systems, methods and formulae. Cult followers tend to soak up like sponges the “pearls” which drip from the lips of their “guru's.” But most of these “Faith “Teachers” are influenced by the “strange fire” of William Kenyon who's “theology” is deeply rooted in the Science of the Mind, and Christian Science; His catchphrase, “What I confess, I possess” is quoted by one and all. Yet the Scriptures say: “I am against the prophets” says the Lord, “who steal My words from each other.” Jer 23:30

So then; it`s reasonable to classify the Faith Movement as a Cult. But worse than that, it`s heretical!

THE HERESY OF FAITH
By “heresy” we mean any teaching or “theology” contrary to the Testimony of ha Mashiach, the Spirit of Prophecy. Rev 19:10 In this light consider the following statements: “Satan conquered Jesus on the cross.” (Kenneth Copeland). Now compare this with the Testimony of Yeshua from the cross.“It is accomplished!” Is this the cry of a defeated man? On the contrary; this is the cry of the victorious Roman General who realises the battle is won. “Tetelestai!”

Look to the words of King David, “God has sworn to Him (ha Mashiach) He was neither abandoned in Hades nor did His flesh suffer decay.” Psa 16:10

Or the Testimony of Kefa speaking on Yom Shavuot: “This man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. And God raised Him up again -- since it was impossible for Him to be held in (death's) power --- Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of Holy Spirit, He has poured forth that which you both see and hear. --- Therefore let all the House of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Mashiach! - this Yeshua whom you crucified.” Acts 2:23-36

When Kenneth Copeland says “Satan conquered Jesus on the cross.” he speaks “heresy” and blasphemy for his words glorify Satan above ha Mashiach. Surely the sincere believer must wonder by what nature and what spirit do such men really speak?” If Ba`alam was unable to prophesy a word against Israel contrary to God`s will, how can Kenneth Copeland claim that by God`s anointing he contradicts the Testimony of Yeshua, the Son of God?

What about this from Morris Curillo: “You're not looking at Morris Cerullo, you`re looking at God, you`re looking at Jesus.” Well, I`m tempted to speak unkindly so Ill let Yeshua Himself answer: “Philip said to Him “Lord, show us the Father.”
Yeshua said to him: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:8-9 Tell me, Friends: when you look at ha Mashiach in the scriptures, do you immediately think “Morris Curello!” Be honest now! Do you see the light of the Glory of the Son of the Living God, the radiance of His Glory, and the exact representation of His nature shining forth from the face of Morris Curello? When he looks in the mirror do you think, he does ? (2 Cor 4:6)

Robert Tilton`s mission is: “to persuade the poor to give what they (can) to God`s surrogate - so they too (can) be blessed.” He raised 65 million dollars in one single year. Benny Hinn receives over $100.000.000 in “donations” and “sales” per annum. Most of those who so generously give are oblivious to the heresy of these “profits” because Faith Movement theology is extremely seductive to “the mind set on the flesh” That's why Paul warns believers: “do not even associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, - or a swindler 1 Cor 5:11
We cannot condone doctrinal error amongst the Ekklesia of God. Where there is wrong thinking, we must seek to correct it. If we are negligent to do these things, how can we say we have a love for the “brethren” - indeed, are we really loving our neighbours as ourselves? “Do you not judge those within the “Church” 1 Cor 5:12 + 1 Pet. 4:17

But, you can have all that these “faith teachers” are offering you for so many dollars and 99c. if that's what you really desire. For the rest of your lives you can live in health and prosperity by the power of your faith, granting God your permission to “work His works,” never realising that it`s Satan, not Yeshua, who really sits in your temple. 2 Thess 1:3-4 But before you make your final decision, listen to the words of Jeremiah: “An appalling and terrible thing has happened in the land,” says the; The prophets prophecy falsely in My name, the shepherds rule by their own authority and my people love it so: But what will you do at the end of it? (Jer 5:30-31)

We believe it's reasonable to classify the teachings of the Faith Movement as heresy; But worse than that: it`s deception.

THE DECEPTION OF “FAITH”
What is the most often heard appeal of the Faith teachers?
Is it “Give your life to Christ?”
Or “Give your tithes; and God will bless you the ten-fold.” Answers on a postcard -- But seriously folks!!! - I don't deny they are a generous people: amongst their own kind. But as members of the Apostolic Church, ought not there “giving” be shared “generously” amongst “all?” (Acts 2:44-45)

In truth, isn't it the same kind of “hoarding” and “keeping” spirit which works within Romanism? We hear now how the Vatican has decreed excessive wealth to be sin. We're making plans to ask the Vatican Bank for a “large contribution” to our war chest for Ephraim. “Watch this space” by all means; but don't hold your breath!

But it`s not just Mr. Copeland is it? What about “God`s servant,” Morris Cerullo, who ought to be running Argos, if you ask me. Truth to tell, Mr Cerullo is no one's servant but his own: In my opinion (for what it`s worth) he's nothing more than a self serving, self promoting money grabbing fraud, a false prophet and a fool to boot! Strong stuff you say? Alright then; in what way is Morris Cerullo any different than Simon Magus? (Acts 8:9-24)

If YESHUA Moshiach ha is truly “the same yesterday, today and forever more,” what would He say to a man like Morris Curello who will “sell you” the anointing of God`s Son for so many dollars and 99c? It may well be “Christian” but it`s certainly not Biblical, (nor is it HOLY Spirit) And yet every day millions of gullible people part with their money out of desperate hope or maybe the same desire to make a fast buck! For once the world has got it right; it`s just a scam, or as Yeshua says it, a “green” Fig Tree, CURSED OF GOD! Don't be fooled. It's Simon Magus ministry.

THE POWER OF FAITH
Power OF faith? THERE IS NO POWER IN FAITH! To think this is as foolish as thinking Yeshua came to restore the Sovereignty to Israel. This is the mind which works in the pre Pentecost disciples; they are pre-occupied with the idea of the Restoration of the Kingdom to Israel because their minds were yet apart from the Spirit of Divine Wisdom, whom Yeshua would send upon them “not many days from now!” Consequently, their vision was firmly fixed upon the things of the world – after all hadn't Yeshua just spent 40 days speaking to them about "the Kingdom of God.” Didn't every sermon He ever preached begun “The Kingdom of God is like ---”

Yeshua of course, had already declared to Pilate how His Kingdom was not of this world, and He had told His disciples how flesh and blood do not inherit His Kingdom. And yet, the last question they ask of Him as He prepares to ascend to His Father is - “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) But did Israel ever possess the Sovereignty in the first place? Or is the God of Israel the Sovereign LORD over all things? It's true that during the days of David Israel was united under one king, but if the Kingdom of David is a type of the Messianic Kingdom isn't the real idea pointing to the Sovereignty of God rather than the Sovereignty of Israel?

I`m saying it`s no different for the disciples of Copeland, Cerullo, Hinn, who seek to possess of themselves the Power which belongs to God alone. Only when His Holy Spirit works in us will God`s Holy power work through us:
Don't we find the same principle at work in our Justification by faith? Are we made Righteous? Do we possess of ourselves any Righteousness? Or is it rather the Righteousness of Yeshua, the only Righteous man, which the Father reckons to our account?

Faith is not the power to obtain anything – but by the gift of faith we shall prove faithful to the Testimony of Mashiach in obedience to His Commandments.

To define our faith as possessing Divine power is to present to men the idea that by the possession of faith they have power to do pretty much whatever they will. (Which I guess is what the faith teachers are really saying.) But the Bible teaches that “faith” is really the means by/through which we lay hold of the unlimited Power of God through the name (authority) of ha Mashiach. Apostolic “faith” is always “united with the word of God which abides in the heart” (Rom 10:8 Heb 4:1-2) “Have faith in God” says Yeshua, (Mark 11:22) - not “have faith in faith.” Who are you going to believe?

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR PROSPERITY
“Do not be anxious then saying “What shall we eat,? what shall we drink?” or “with what shall we clothe ourselves?” For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and ALL THESE THINGS shall be added to you.”

Some people ask: Is “Prosperity” God`s will for us?” Well, did you ever count the numbers of sheep and cattle those Israelites possessed? The Bible promises the many blessings of prosperity to those who obey God`s commandments. Biblical Prosperity is “the inevitable consequence of our faithfulness to God.” If there ever was a “Doctrine of Prosperity” it`s author would not be short of scriptures upon which to establish it; but it would surely be built upon the same foundational principle of which Paul speaks in 2 Thess 2:13 when he says “God has chosen you for a salvation through sanctification.”

In other words, those who are sanctified are shown to be chosen for salvation. Likewise we say, only those who prove faithful to the keeping of His commandments will be shown to “reap” Biblical Prosperity.

There is absolutely no Scriptural warrant by which you, me or anyone else might set down the promise of prosperity as a formula for personal gain. It seems, at best, Morris Cerullo & Co. have either gotten hold of an entirely different idea, (see 1 Tim. 6:3-7) or they have deliberately perverted and corrupted the original idea into a gospel of Personal gain. This is almost ironic, since Biblical prosperity rests on the sure foundation of Divine integrity.

To be a beneficiary of Mr Curello`s promise of prosperity, all you need do is send him your tithe, pledge a $10,000 miracle offering, or purchase one of his trinkets for so many dollars and 99c
But to become a beneficiary of Biblical prosperity, you must first establish to a measure of certainty within your own heart that this is the kind of prosperity you really seek. You will need to be as sincere as you are certain.

Notice bow Yeshua likens those “Jews” who are preoccupied with the things of this world to the “Gentiles.” (meaning the nations of the so called “godless peoples”) Wouldn't He by the same measure apply the same words to “Christians”? What Yeshua is saying in Matt 6 is that it`s only by the abandonment of self, whole and entire, that any man (Christian or Israelite) can truly qualify as a citizen of God`s Kingdom.

The emounah of our experimental obedience to the First and Greatest Commandment is the gateway to the land of Promise: “Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul mind and strength;” And what is the second greatest commandment? Only the grace of God will persuade a man to embrace the promise of Biblical Prosperity. We could never prove more faithful to God`s word than Himself, so we can be certain that the One who numbers the hairs of our heads, who knows in advance all our need, will surely provide all things to those who trust in Him.

Does this sound difficult to you? Well, did Yeshua say that salvation was a “difficult” business, or an “impossible” one? Didn't He also say “many are called but few are chosen.” Matt 22:14

Sadly, Biblical prosperity is not what the many are seeking. The alternative route to worldly riches offered by the Faith Teachers are more to their liking.
But we hope for better things from you -- who have been chosen for a salvation through sanctification to be revealed in the “last days.”

JUDAISM AND PROSPERITY
Someone's bound to wonder: “Are you an “old covenant guy?” Well in a way I am, because I am a renewed covenant guy. No one in the Bible ever said you don't need to keep the Law;But they did say “you don't need to keep the law by the efforts of your flesh;” - because you'll never do it That's why Yeshua gives to you His Spirit of grace – because That's the only way you can ever do it. (Just as God promised “Old Covenant” Israel (I prefer Tenach Israel) Ezek 36-37)

Don't worry, I`m not coming to Judaize you all; It's just that it might be good for us all to have a look at what “old covenant” people think about all of this. To the Orthadox Jew the Sovereign Will of G-d is arbitrary in deciding who is born into wealth and who into poverty. However, the individual, regardless of his providence, remains responsible for producing the means by which God finds His basis for blessing, (our obedience)

Charity is very important - The Hebrew word is “tzedakah” - “righteousness” and the best way to give tzedakah, is as an indefinite interest free loan, thus delivering the recipient of any “embarrassment” should they prove unable to repay a debt. What a wonderful teaching eh? “Giving” should be joyful rather than out of a sense of duty. Torah giving is YHWH giving and the motive is the secret joy of knowing that the one to whom the gift is given doesn`t know who gave it.

Jewish believers are encouraged to give their tithe as tzedekah using their wealth wisely to provide for the needs of family, neighbours, and even the stranger in their midst.

Now look, I`m not saying for one moment that every believing Jew is 100% obedient to every teaching of their “faith” - but then – is every “Christian” 100% obedient to every teaching of Jesus? If only it were so, then you'd really start making us all jealous.

Judaism discourages materialism, whilst recognising the role material possessions play in the service of G-d. “Where there is no flour there is no Torah.” (Mishnah) Talmud teaches: “a pleasant home, nicely furnished” is important for a persons psychological well being.

Makes good sense doesn`t it? Likewise, Judaism is acutely aware of the dangers of great wealth, which has no lasting value of itself. As with Materialism, Judaism teaches that the real value of wealth is that generous contribution it affords the wealthy to the furtherance of our good service of others. “When a man leaves the world neither silver nor gold nor precious stones nor pearls will accompany him, but only ha Torah he has learnt and the good works he has performed.” {Mishnah} (we prefer James 2:23-24)

I don't see much wrong with any of that. In fact, to be honest, That's really what I believe..

PROSPERITY vs POVERTY?
A few years ago, Bryn Jones sent me this booklet, which he opens with the anecdote of a telephone conver--sation with a reporter who asked whether he preached a “Prosperity message?”
Bryn's response? “Well I certainly don't preach a Poverty one.” (Pure Bryn!) But you see, that statement sets the whole tone of his argument or more accurately “doctrine.” He compares one “extreme” taken deliberately out of context in order to “defeat” it by negating the opposite extreme. It's a philosophical ploy; one we've all made use of over the years.

But when we begin to take our stand on the quickness of our minds; or when we begin to build our doctrines out of our own intelligence, we will inevitably embrace a theology of personal preference. We will always choose for ourselves what seems (to us) the “most desirable,” but sometimes, it`s nothing more than the “lesser of two evils.”

This is the fruits of the Tree which gives knowledge of good and evil. And so many today, just like Eve, are beguiled by the craftiness of the Serpent to reach out their hand and taste and see! But it`s not the Wisdom of God is it? For that we will need to eat fruit from a different tree.

To rely on human reason may well “enlighten” or “enable” us to the discerning of good from evil: but what do we do about the ulterior motive of our heart, or the self corrupted intention of our thinking?
At best we are making our “judgments” by our perception of what we esteem as the highest moral (or ethical) authority. I`m saying, isn't there a greater need? Must we not also learn to discern our perceptions?

In the end, we all tend to see things as they “appear” to be – one man's truth is just another man's image of honesty – one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist and so on - because we are seeing things from the limited perspective of a fallen man.

God on the other hand sees things as they really are, and to have vision like that, we need to eat of the fruits of His Wisdom. We may say “We have the wisdom of God” but our words and our actions will always reveal the truth.

So then: I guess the fact that we are wide open to the charge of preaching a “Poverty Message” is in large part because we speak against the faith and prosperity teachers; or because we do not believe that any true servant of God should charge any man (unmuzzled oxen not withstanding) for the privilege of “witnessing” to the Testimony of our Lord and King, Yeshua. Freely we have received; and freely shall we give.

We don't preach a popular message do we? Our words cause offence all over the place. So we don't receive many invitations to preach on big platforms to crowds who'll happily throw their credit cards into a dustbin to support our “ministry.” We are small (like Jonathan and his amour bearer) and our “costs” for this ministry run to the hundreds per month not the millions. Our bank account never seems to have too much in it at any given time, but like a magic porridge pot (or something) there's always enough to meet the need.
Do I preach a “Poverty Message?” Not at all! For one thing, the message I am preaching to you is the gospel of King Yeshua and His Kingdom. But truth to tell, I don't consider myself “impoverished” but “prosperous” In fact, I believe I`m a rich and wealthy man. It's just that I don't measure true riches in terms of dollars and sterling and euro`s. Because I don't believe that “mammon” is the kind of riches God`s promise is speaking about. It's really about the riches of the wealth of the treasures of knowledge and wisdom which are found in Yeshua – the Living Torah – that wonderful field in which we've been walking, happened upon a pearl of great price. In exchange for everything we possess, the owner of that field has given to us the legal right to dig that entire field and the right to possess whatsoever treasures we may find there.” I guess I've been digging that field for a good while now, and I`m depositing all the treasures I've found in the Bank of Heaven, That's my riches and my wealth:

“Do not lay up for your-selves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven – for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt 6:19-21

Some people don't read their Bible much do they? There's all sorts of reasons I guess. But maybe if they did, they'd be richer and more prosperous and have far less to grumble and complain about eh? Well it`s just a thought!

But Ill confess this much to you: sometimes I look around my house and get a bit religious and think “I really must sell some of my possessions.” God always seems to ask “Why?” More often than not, He seems to say “Here, have some more!” See, I sometimes forget how good and how generous my Abba really is;

Those who love me make sure I have plenty to eat and that I don't walk around in rags (even if some people think I do) Am I a giving person? I think so, but you can ask others about that. All I ever try to do is live my life moment by moment believing that everything I have is given by God. So I've given it all back to Him, and so He`s given it all back to me; (I bet I get worn out before He does) I tell Him, “Take what you want from what you gave me and do with it whatever you wish.” And sometimes He does just that, and if He ever discerns a grumble or complaint, I usually get a thick ear (so to speak) because we've entered into Covenant. All He ever asks of me (or anyone else) is that by our faith we are faithful to Him just as we “abide in Him; in His word” And so He abides in us as Living Torah) and by His Spirit of Grace He performs His own work, and it always “pleases Him.”(Did I say that right Lord?)

HEALTH & HEALING
I've heard Kenneth Copeland say “Healing is God`s will;” and there's a lot of truth in this statement – but not the whole truth. Mr. Copeland means that it`s God`s declared will to heal all sickness - in the whole world.
This stands in direct contradiction to the Testimony of Scripture. I've heard Paul Cain express the same idea. “I foresee a day when every hospital ward will be empty.” He is saying that by the Spirit of God, he “foresees” a time, whilst the world yet exists, when God removes all sickness from all mankind. The Word of God tells us: “The Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10 And again: “know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Pet 1:20-21 - Do we take our stand on the Testimony of Yeshua or the “private interpretations:” of “faith prophets?” We all know of many “prophecies” which don't come to pass: And yet, in our time, the world has never seen so many “anointed” prophets and apostles, if the Latter Day Rainers, Restorationists & neo-Pentecostals are to be believed. But as surely as “all roads lead to Rome,” all false prophecy generates false vision and false teaching. Why? Because you have to feed the beast of your making. False vision entices ignorant and unseeing men to focus upon a future which can never be realised by a promise that can never be fulfilled because God is not the one who has spoken it. But men “by an act of human will” spoke it.

So subtle and persuasive are Satan`s schemes, that if it were possible, and if the times had not been limited, even the elect would be deceived. “Where there is no vision the people cast of restraint.” False vision is no vision. And what does the scripture say: “For lack of knowledge my people perish.” So many “Christians” will one day stand before Yeshua and say: “Lord, Lord, did we not perform many miracles in your name?” And Yeshua will answer: “I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice Lawlessness.”
Friends, the predictions of Paul Cain and Kenneth Copeland will never come to pass, because of what God has first said through the true prophet, Moshe: - “Now it shall be, if you will diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, - all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, - the Lord shall command the blessing upon you in your barns and all that you put your hand to - the Lord shall establish you as a Holy people to Himself as he swore to you, - And the Lord shall make you abound in prosperity Deut 28:1-14 - “Therefore you shall keep the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which I am commanding you today, to do them - And the Lord will remove from you all sickness and He will not put on you any of the harmful diseases of Egypt which you have known, ” Deut. 7:11-15

God does not promise to remove all sickness from the world (for Egypt is the symbol of the World) But He does promise to remove all sickness from those who will be diligent to obey His commandments and careful to walk in His ways.

The “Faith teaching” on Health raises many problems in light of Scripture: For example, do some teach that all who are presently sick are in sin? We do not deny that sin is the doorway for death the enter the world, and that sickness belongs to death. But are all sick people afflicted with their sickness as a chastisement or even punishment for sin? The Scriptures reveal that this is not the case. Sin is not the universal reason that sicknesses remain unhealed. But there is no “single” reason why it is not so; Yeshua points to the man born blind. It's not that this is the “exception to the rule” - there are “no rules!” except one: God who is Sovereign over all will do just as He will to whom he will when He will and as it pleases He is the God who makes sick and makes well. You can't put that kind of rule in a box and sell it for so many dollars and 99c. Watch out lest by laying an unclean hand upon a stumbling Ark of the Covenant the Glory of the Lord should break out against you. - not for you.

I believe the same God who commands me to speak commands me to pray for the sick “believing.” Will everyone I pray for be healed? I sure hope so; but all I`m doing is “acting” in the obedience of faith; the rest is in the heart of God. There's no question that God can do it: But to speak presump-tuously is utter foolishness, and guarantees nothing save God`s displeasure.

SIGNS & WONDERS & MIRACLES
Morris Cerullo will tell you; “The greatest revelation God ever gave me was signs wonders and miracles.” He'll say it at least twice every day on God TV. Benny Hinn reaches hundreds of millions of people day after day, promoting his miracle power anointing that makes him just that little bit superior to the likes of you and me.

The people love it so: the donations from the undiscerning flood into the coffers: No one seems to care that so many of these miracles turn out to be fake. At the risk of repeating myself, I believe“an evil and adulterous generation seek for a sign.” Yeshua said that.

But does anyone actually deny that God can work Signs & Wonders & Miracles? Overwhelming evidence “proves” that they do occur from time to time. Of course, the kind of “Signs & Wonders & Miracles” Morris Curello boasts of don't actually stretch to the mind numbing “Parting of the Red Sea or the Sun Standing still, or the Transforming of well water into New wine. In fact, they don't even stretch to dizzying heights of “visualising” yachts and private jets into their existence within the Holy of Holies” - which is what more than a few of them claim to be possible: (Kenneth Copeland for one) – No! These “signs & wonders & miracles” are really to do with fantastic sums of money appearing or arriving “miraculously,” or the kind of healing and deliverance variety of miracles which are common throughout the entirety of the more Mainstream Charismatic Churches. As with all these Faith Movement “Signs & Wonders & Miracles, they are performed as attesting “proofs” for the “Faith Prophet's “anointing.” Paul Cain has said: “Nothing attests to the ministry of a man more than signs and wonders.”

But is this really what the Scriptures teach? They certainly vindicate the ministry of ha Mashiach, as “that prophet like unto Moses” whom God should raise up from amongst the sons of Israel. “that they might believe in Him whom the Father has sent” - but then, Yeshua is not crusading with a light show, manipulative music and a catalogue of goods ready to launch His make-me-rich appeal is He? - well come on, is He? Because if this is your Jesus, he won't be able to save you from anything. At best, he's a figment of your own imagination, and at worst, he's an Antichrist counterfeit.
If that “attacks your faith” I guess you qualify for membership of the Jeremiah club. “Some people” really do love it so. But what will they do at the end of it?

Then again, “some people” don't seem bothered about very much at all, so long as they get prosperity, health personal salvation and – oh yes, justification especially before their accusers, because heaven forbid anyone should ever dare to charge them of “sin.” - especially since they are on their way to heaven. (You're surely not such as these – are you – well come on – are you?)

Signs & Wonders & Miracles will do very well for those who seek a salvation without cost. But be warned: “An evil and adulterous generation seek for a sign.”

THE TRUE COVENANT
How is it that so many “Christians” fail to see that the Covenant of Grace through Yeshua does not exempt believers from obedience to the Law of God? How is it they've failed to see that this Covenant of Grace is not a “New” or “different” Covenant to that established through Moshe? The promise of the Holy Spirit is not a new dynamic offered “exclusively” to “New Testament” believers. (see Ezek 36) How have so many “Christians” failed to see how the Law of God is really the promise of God.

This is the True Covenant God makes with mankind: It is a Conditional Covenant of Grace through Yeshua. Not a “New Covenant” - but a “Renewed Covenant.”

We do not deny that the Law is a “curse” and not a blessing for the “flesh” of fallen mankind. But “Religious Men” have always “believed the promise of God” and sought to obtain the “rewards” by and for the flesh, By doing so, they have denied the very heart of the Promise of God in which they have believed. Fallen mankind forgets one vital truth very quickly; that he is fallen mankind. This is exactly what Paul is getting at in Rom 8:3 “What the law could not do (set Israel free from the law of sin and death) weak as it was through (it`s dependence in ) the flesh.“

The apostle of Yeshua says that the perfect Law of God is “weak” but from who's perspective is it weak? If from God`s perspective, he must say (as he does say) “The Law is good, and Holy being of God” Rom 7:12 But in Rom 8:3 he speaks from the perspective of the flesh, for later he will say; “that for which Israel is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, (as the first fruits of Israel) and the rest were hardened.” Rom 11:7 And how did some obtain it whilst the many did not? “Some” obtained it by Grace, through faith (Eph 2:8) whilst many continued to seek it by the efforts of the flesh in hope of obtaining for the flesh the blessings of Covenant. Rom 8:2-4

Is it really any different for the Christian than for the Jew? Is the promise of the spirit, by works of the law or through faith? To enter into Covenant with God one must first embrace the conditions of Covenant. Christians will talk about the “Unconditional Covenant of Grace.” In truth, there never was an Unconditional Covenant – the Abrahamic Covenant came close, but then, Abraham obeyed God, not for himself but for His descendants. The Condition of the Covenant is the obedience of faith. Eph 2:8 This is the teaching of Moshe as well as Yeshua.
IN CONCLUSION
I guess some of you won't care too much for what I've written. Well, no one is forcing you to believe anything; (or making you wear a cap that doesn`t fit) But if I've touched the heart of God, thats all that really matters, and if some “good Christian folk” are outraged at my “tone” well, maybe Kerux isn't really your kind of food - eh?

I believe the Prophecy of Zech 11 is the God`s heart for the “Faith Movement” and that we're about to witness a demonstration of God`s Sovereign Power. Since the days of Kefa men of God have been saying “Now is the time for judgment to begin in the House of God.” To this generation, I believe that God is coming to Vindicate His Great Name, and secure for Himself a faithful remnant, made ready for the day of deep darkness and distress which is soon coming upon the face of the earth.
I believe that God is about to perform an astonishing and extraordinary work in our midst; when people will say: “This is the thing that God will never do.” But God will defy you to expose false religion, and the false professor of “faith.” Let every jug filled with wine soberly consider the question: “For what purpose were you filled with wine?”

We speak first to the prophets of the Faith Movement because these are the ones God has “first” indicated to us. REPENT whilst a little while remains to you, or PERISH. God is coming to break covenant with you, to break up your union and to strike at the prophets that He might make an end of it.” WHY? Because -----

“An appalling and terrible thing has happened int the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority, and My people love it so; NUT WHAT WILL YOU DO AT THE END OF IT?" Jer 5:30-31

Shabbat Shalom faitfhul believer. See to it that no man mislead you.

DAVID ISRAEL
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THE TRANSGRESSION OF CHRISTIAN RESTORATIONISM

2010-02-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

THE TRANSGRESSION OF CHRISTIAN RESTORTATIONISM

The Transgression of Judah: -
The Real transgression of the Christian restorationists is foreshadowed by the transgressions of those who were the major players – the movers and shakers if you will in the former age. It all begins more than 2,000 years before the birth of Moshiach ha - It begins with Judah, the fourth son of Yacov. In Genesis, we read how Yacov, whilst he yet had 11 sons (Benjamin was not yet born) loved Yosef – the youngest, more than he loved the others. He gave to Yosef the vari-coloured coat as a sign of his favour – and more significantly, as a down-pledge of his blessing which he would one day bestow to him, through Yosef`s two sons, - the blessing of the birthright of the firstborn. So, just as we read in 2 Chron 5:1-2 - Judah corrupted the minds of his brothers in order to remove the threat of Yacov`s favourite and Yosef, was sold as a slave into Egypt - at Judah's suggestion, (that “his blood should not be on our own hands”- Gen 37:26-27 - And with Yosef was out of the way, and “dead” to his father, Judah scheming and manipulated behind the scenes so to speak to devise the means by which he might win for himself his fathers blessing.

In Gen 49 we see how whilst Yacov prophecies the leadership of Israel to Judah, Gen 49:9-11 until the coming of “Shiloh” – an ancient epithet for Messiah - he does not give the blessing of the right hand to any one of them. But in Gen 38 we see how Yacov has already bestowed the blessing of the right hand to Yosef through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh – and that to Ephraim the youngest belongs the promise of the first born – (Gen 48:13-22) – along with this incredible prediction: “

Much later, after Yacov was dead and buried in Egypt, Judah continued to usurp the rightful inheritance of Ephraim, so that to this day, the legacy of Judah is seen in the name which is given to a “people” - the sons of Israel are called Jews and not Efray-im-ites as they ought to be – although Israelites would do just as well. This is the transgression of Judah.

The Transgression of Rome: -

Now, we can all say what we like about The Roman's – but they were not altogether devoid of culture and wisdom; But because it was overshadowed by their thirst for power and conquest, it remained immature, never really taking on a definable shape or form to mark it out as unique from the cultures of the Barbarian nations. - That is, until the Romans discovered the Greeks. Well, they conquered the Greeks – because Rome is that terrible crushing beast of the prophecy of Daniel which overcomes the Leopard. And when they had conquered them, Rome stole from the Greeks their culture and their wisdom and claimed it as their own. This is hardly surprising since the father of such a beast is the dragon of old, who gives it it`s power and authority; for the Dragon of Old is Satan, the adversary of God, and Yeshua has described his nature to us only too well saying “He seeks to kill and to steal and to destroy, and he is the father of all lies.” But here's the thing that disturbs me; it's the same self seeking, self serving, bullying and intimidating spirit as was seen in Judah.

The Transgression of the Christian Church: -
For Rome, it doesn`t quite end there: Because after the Roman Emperors, just as Gabriel had prophesied to Daniel, came one like them, but different to them – a Religious Emperor rather than a Militaristic Ruler. And the first of these was really Constantine, the man who singlehandedly founded the Roman Catholic Christian Church. And this is the same kind of self seeking self promoting spirit which had worked in Judah, and in the Roman Emperors, now came to light in the Christian Pope. What Constantine founded presumed to call itself the Church of Christ in the world; and It's Chief Priest was to be hailed as Father and Leader of all Christians in the earth – the Pope was presented as the substitute for Christ in the earth – That's what the title Vicar of Christ really means.

From the outset, Roman Catholic decrees not only legalized Christianity as the One World Religion, but moved quickly to sever It's ties to the Hebraic roots of the faith. Not only did Constantine change the Shabbat from the 7th day to Sun-Day to honour his true God, the Babylonian/Persian Sun King, not only did he change the seasons and the times of the Divinely appointed festivals replacing them with Easter and Christmas. It's true to say that not even Hitler and Stalin combined have so persecuted the Hebrew people as have his successors, the Roman Popes.

Friends, such is the anti-semitic hatred of the Antichrist spirit which works in their midst and in the midst of their temple; and such actions are claimed to be carried out under the authority of the name of their Christ who is set on a giant image in the heart of their Temple and worshiped and exalted by them as being God, and they present him to the world as God, and to him they give the glory and honour for all the victories of all the murders and of all their Antichrist doctrines of theology. READ (2 Thess 2:3-4)

The Transgression of Replacement Theology:

This same spirit works openly and freely in the midst of the Christian Restorationists. They'll tell you it doesn`t – but the nature of the tree is known by It's fruit. The deny that Israel remain the Chosen people of God. They claim that they themselves are the chosen people of God. They deny to Israel the promise of the Restoration of all things because they say, to them alone the Gentiles who believe in Jesus, belongs the promise of the Restoration of all things. They say God`s purpose for the Jews was finished long ago when he punished them for their transgression. I say look to World War 11 and the pogroms of Russia. Not so long ago, by their own thinking eh? They tell you a Jew can be saved if he becomes a Christian and joins the Christian church. They say they are apostles of Christ. What does a true apostle of Christ say about that? Let me encourage you all to take time to Read Rom 11: - and we'll be speaking about this scripture later on. - Yeshua said it best: “A Tree is known by it`s fruits.”

What these “bible believing – Jesus preaching Gentile Christians have done is steal and remove from Israel every promise and blessing which God ever made to the sons of men and they have done so in the name of Jesus whom they claim is their God and the Son of their God, who is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. But, they say, God no longer cares for Israel as He once did; because they have violated his covenant through their rejection of Christ; therefore Christ has made a new covenant, not with the Jews, but with the gentiles, through the establishing of the Gentile Christian Church.

To these Christian Restorationists does this scripture apply: “-- do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root but the root supports you. You will say then, branches were broken off so that I may be grafted in.” Quite right; they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith; Do not be conceited but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches neither will He spare you.” Rom 11:18-21

They have become arrogant towards the natural branches, and the prophet Joel, writing 700 years before the time of ha Moshiach predicts the outcome for such as these when he is inspired to write these words|: - “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and my inheritance, Israel whom they have scattered amongst the nations and they have divided up my land. --- and I am going to arouse them (Diaspora Hebrews) from the place where they have sold them and return recompense on your head.” (Joel 3:1-2 +7)

HOW MANY ANTICHRIST`S ?

2010-02-05T09:07:00.001-08:00

HOW MANY ANTICHRIST`S ?

DANIEL CHAPTER 11

1: Daniel speaks in the first few verses of the Persian Empire/
2: But the main burden of the chapter is about the detailed development of the Grecian empire after the death of Alexander the Great.
3: It involves the parceling up the Grecian empire into 4 parts – North, South East and West.
4: It is mostly concerned with the most dominant two quarters, North and South.
5: Dan 11:15 – the King of the North prevails and there begin a series of protracted yet unsatisfactory attempts by the North to conquer the South.
6: On one occasion, whilst the North is intending to come into the South, his forces are intercepted by “Ships from Kittim.” who halt his progress and turn him back. (Kittim is Cyprus” - and the Ships are probably “Roman.”) - see Num 24:24 – Isa 23:1
7: The King of the north returns to his own land enraged at “the Holy Covenant” and decides to “take action.”by returning with his armies to the “Beautiful” Land - (Israel)
8: He shows regard for those who forsake the covenant.
9: It is at this time forces arise and -- “desecrate the sanctuary fortress and do away with the the regular sacrifice and they (his forces) will set up the abomination of desolation.” Dan 11:31
10: My question is this. This King of the North clearly stands as a “man antichriist” and his forces desecrate the Temple set up “the abomination of desolation.” But others have done such things also,

I am asking: How Many antichrist`s?
How many abominations of desolation?
And how can we know which one is that one of whom Yeshua is speaking in Matt 24 and of whom Paul is speaking in 2 Thess 2???

We can say that whilst Yeshua in Matt 24 is speaking about the things which bring to an end the former age (in this regard) and that the abomination of desolation of which Daniel speaks is fulfilled by Rome, it is also clear that Paul in 2 Thess 2 is speaking of a different figure to the one of whom Yeshua speaks. For the one of whom Paul speaks if “yet to be revealed.”
Yet the things of which Yeshua speaks are already revealed in the destruction of the city, the sanctuary and the setting up of the abomination of desolations.
When we consider the king of the north as an antichrist figure, we find many clues by which to identify the strategies and tactics he is likely to exhibit or deploy.
(a): He uses “smooth words” to corrupt those who act wickedly against the covenant.
(b): By these “smooth words” he turn them to godlessness thus lawlessness. Therefore, he can rightly be called “The Man of Lawlessness.” which is the title or designation applied to the Antichrist man by Paul in 2 Thess 2

The history of Dan 11 is important to us for the establishing of the identity and origin of this man.
In the purpose of God this corruption to godlessness – lawlessness is designed to result in the purification of faith in the hearts of those to whom God has given understanding.

Dan 11:36-45

This King of the North is Willful of Self willed king.
It is this one who will magnify himself above all gods (including the gods of his fathers.) therefore he is clearly PAGAN – Gentile – goyim – and also the “desire of women.” meaning the desire of Hebraic women to conceive Moshiach. (remember Gabriel is speaking to Daniel 500 years before the birth of Moshiach)

vs 38 – His “god” is called a “strange” or “foreign” god whom none of his fathers have known, and he worships or honours this “strange” god with “wealth” “riches.” (wealth of the nations)

His god is therefore to be seen as a new Ba-al – and is this one whom he claims to be the embodiment of. Gabriel tells Daniel that this strange god whom the kibng of the north honours with wealth is identified as “a god of fortresses” (strongholds.)

He will take action against “the strongest fortresses” (strongholds) with the help of this strange god.
He will honour those who acknowledge him and place them as rulers over peoples and nations and he shall also parcel out land to them (assign to them territories over which they exercise authority.)

There is no doubt that this one, the King of the north of whom Gabriel speaks, is that one of whom Paul bases his predictions concerning the revelation of the man of lawlessness in 2 Thess 2

vs 40 – at the end time, the King of the South will collide with him and the king of the north will storm against him.”

There is to be a final conflict – war, hostilities between the king of the north and the king of the south. And in order to reach the South, - “he will enter countries, pass through them and overflow.”

He does this “in order to come into the “Beautiful Land” (Israel.”

Many countries will fall but Edom, Moab and the foremost sons of Ammon will be rescued out of his hand.
What is interesting about this is that these three represent the three most grievous enemies towards Israel both en-route to the promised Land and after they entered the promised Land.

Then he will stretch out his hand against Egypt (amongst other countries yet Egypt will be his goal) and he will gain control of Egypt`s “hidden wealth” - and Lybians and Ethiopians will follow on his heels – (on the wings of abomination comes one who makes desolate? Maybe???)

The king of the North will establish his Royal Tent (pavilion) between the two seas (Dead Sea and Med) and the Holy Mountain – (Mt Zion) – at a point south of Jerusalem between the two seas – the Negev perhaps or Jordan valley???)

vs 45 - “yet he will come to his end and no one will help him.”

(a); It is an appointed or decreed end
(b): None of his fiends and associates allies etc will help him..

After this, there will be a time of unprecedented Distress in the earth and immediately after that period of distress, the End of the Age.

Does Gabriel mean “the former age” or the new age of the “end times” which is ushered in by the advent of Moshiach??

Fortresses - “Forces” (Heb 4581) – Ma`oz

A fortified place – fig of a defence, fortress or force (as in power and resources)
A rock of strength or strengthening – most strong or strongest.

It is a “god” with power to give success or withhold it – and the king honours it with wealth.

Q: Is it Mammon? - whom Yeshua says the “Gentiles worship” Matt 6:24 – Luke 16: 9-13

MAMMON – The “god” of this world.
A Chald word – from Heb 5801 – Azaz (aw-zaz) – to be hardened impudent, strong of will.

Mammon – 3126 Gk – Mammanos – (of Chald origin) – confidence in wealth – or even wealth personified. Avarice deified – therefore a personal name – Mammon – or Mammonos

The king of the north will claim to be the embodiment of his strange god and take action against the strongest fortresses (strongholds) Could Gabriel be talking about the Banks of the nations???

THE HISTORY OF DANIEL 11

The four Kings who inherit the Grecian empire of Alexander the Great are 4 Generals.

1: SELEUCUS – one of the lesser generals who was given control of Syria - NORTH
2: PTOLEMY – given power over Egypt – SOUTH – (ancestor of Cleopatra who was therefore Greek not Egyptian)
3: LYSINICUS – given Asia Minor – Regions of Turkey etc – EAST
4: CASSANDER – Given the “homeland” – Macedonia – Northern Greece - WEST

The divided Kingdom continued in it`s internal conflict for about 150 years after the death of Alexander in 323 BC – until the dominant Seleucid kingdom of the NORTH was in turn conquered by ROME in or around 148-145 BC as foreseen by Daniel (See Dan 7:7)

HOW MANY ANTICHRIST`S?

1: It seems clear from the testimony of prophetic scripture that “the Man of Lawlessness” described by Paul in 2 Thess 2 is based upon Antiochus Epiphanes – (the king of the North of whom the prophet Daniel writes – in Dan 11) – Thus we can say that it seems like Paul is percieving in his spirit the “idea” of “one” who comes in the “likeness” and “image” of that Seleucid/Greek – Antiochus Epiphanes. Or another way to say it might be “one who comes in the spirit and power of Antiochus Epiphanes.”

2: Yeshua, in Matt 24, also draws the focus of the minds of His disciples to the prophecy of Daniel.
We might ask: “Of whom is He speaking – since the time of which Yeshua speaks is clearly the time of the destruction of the Sanctuary (Temple) and the Holy City (Jerusalem) – and this occurred under the Romans (Titus and Vespasian) – the Roman legions who effect this destruction are the ones of whom the prophet Daniel wrote - “the people of the Prince who is to come.” Dan 9:26

My question then is this:
Does Yeshua speak of another figure as the type of that antichrist “who is to come.”?
Does He even speak of a “man antichrist” at all in this chapter?
Or does He speak only in specific reference to the “ABOMIONATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the Holy Place --” Matt 24:15

(see Dan 11:31 – Dan 12:11 - *) -these are the only scriptures in the entire prophetic narrative in which is found direct reference to this phrase “Abomination of Desolation” {or more rightly, according to translation; “the abomination which makes desolate.” (the the sense of being the cause of subsequent desolation)

In Dan 11:31 it must be taken in association with Antiochus Epiphanes and cannot therefore be “The Roman general (and future emperor) Vespasian.” - for Gabriel plainly says (speaking of “the king of the north, after he has been “turned back to his own land” in disappointment by the ships from Kittim (Greece/Cyprus) --- “And forces from him (the king of the north) will arise, desecrate the sanctuary “fortress” [**] and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they (the forces of the king of the north) will set up the abomination of desolation.” Dan 11:31

(a): The king of the north is clearly Antiochus Epiphanes – a mammon worshiping Greek – (Tacitus the Roman calls him “The apostle of the Greeks.”

(b): The forces who set up the abomination of desolation of which the prophet Daniel is told are the forces of this Greek out of the north (the regions surrounding Syria) – the point is, they are not the Roman forces of Titus or Vespasian.

* - In Dan 12:11, the reference to the “abomination which is the case of desolation” is found alongside the phrase “abolition (or doing away with) of the “regular sacrifice” is used only as an indication of the Divine time-frame for the Providence of purpose to reach it`s appointed time – i.e the enigmatic period stated as “1290 days” - 42 Hebraic calendar months (each month of 30 days) i.e 3.5 years plus one month. Rev 11:2 + Rev 12:6 are thought to shed light on this period (together with the 45 additional days (1335 of 12:7 - for which believers are exhorted to “wait” in order to inherit a greater blessing) – but in both references we find a period of 3.5 years stated by deliberate distinguishing configurations – i.e the 42 months of Rev 11:2 during which the Gentiles are given authority to tread under foot the holy City (Jerusalem) {concurrent with the 1260 days during which “my two witnesses will prophecy clothed in sackcloth” - the Hebraic symbol/sign of repentance and mourning)– and the 1260 days of Rev 12:6 which is the period during which “the Woman clothed with the Sun” after “giving birth” (to her male child) is nourished in a Divinely prepared wilderness place.)

** - We must seriously consider whether by the phrase “desecrate the sanctuary fortress” Gabriel signifies the “stripping away of the Temple gold and it`s vessels as later described by the writer of 1st Maccabees in direct reference to the actions of Antiochus Epiphanes (in or around approx. 169 BC)

THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS.

READ Dan 7: 7-8 - There is something different about the 4th beast – something which marks it out from the three former beasts – the Lion, the Bear and the Leopard - this beast is not described as being of the likeness of a beast – or animal. - but as something else. That's the first thing to notice. Secondly, there is more to this beast than to the three former beasts. And it has to do with the Ten Horns. Notice again – and mark it well, what Daniel is shown in this vision – Whilst he was “contemplating the horns --” what was the mean\ing of the horns - this was the single feature to which he was drawn above every other feature of this great and terrible crushing beast. What was the meaning of the horns. We read: “another horn, a little horn came up among them --- possessing eyes like the eyes of a man. and a mouth uttering great boasts.”

What is the meaning of the horns and especially this Little horn, this is now the consuming question in the mind of Daniel – He saw the beast was brought to an end – (vs 11) - “it`s body was destroyed and given to the burning fire.” - In Eph 4 the apostle Paul calls the Ekklesia the “body”of Moshiach ha – Yeh-shua being the “Head.” What might Gabriel be showing to Daniel?
(vs 12) - “As for the rest of the beasts. Their dominion was taken away but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time.” --- Turn to Rev 13:1-2--- Of the Beast who came out of the Sea, (nations)- we read - “he had ten horns and seven heads and on his horns were ten diadems (the symbol of a Prince but not of a King) – “and on his heads were blasphemous names.” (he is a religious beast) - “and the beats which I saw was like a leopard (his form resembling Greece) - “and his feel like those of a bear-”- (he walks like Medo/Persia) - “and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.”- (he speaks words like Babylon) – “and the Dragon – (ha Satan) gave him his power and his throne and great authority.”

The angel who speaks to John on Patmos is saying: that the 4th beast of which Gabriel speaks to Daniel, will be destroyed (Rev 13:3) and after that, he will live again, for an appointed period of time through a Beast which arises from out of the nations whose identity is revealed by his appearance – for he is an amalgamation, or confederation, or blend, of the first three beasts of Dan 7 – the beasts of the Gentile Powers into whose hands for an appointed period of time, God`s Chosen people Israel, were given over.

After these things, whilst he is yet contemplating the horns of the 4th beast – Daniel is shown an even greater even – he is shown the throne room of God in heaven and “One like a Son of Man” (the elective thus favoured self designation of Yeh-shua as Moshiach ha) - who comes up with the clouds – (Acts 1:9) - and given a Kingdom which will not pass away (an everlasting Kingdom) which can never be destroyed. - Daniel is shown, in the midst of the visions of the 4th beast, the Ascension of Yeh-shua Moshiach ha to the Right Hand of God`s power from where He would send Holy Spirit to His disciples on Yom Shavu-ot – and in this way, in the days of the rule of the 4th beast, (Dan 2:30+44) - His Kingdom might be seen, in the earth, as coming (at it`s initiating) with power. (Mark 9:1 Acts 1:6-8 + Acts 2:1-4) –

Now I know it is taught by many that the Kingdom does not come in power until the time of the second advent of Moshiach ha – and therefore the Mark 9:1 scripture is often interpreted as if Yeh-shua had used the word “generation” - in it`s application to “ethnicty” or “race” – as in Matt 22:36 or 24:34 – where He cannot mean “within the life-span of one generation: every prediction will be completed – because in truth, some of them were not – and some of them are not even yet, In such cases the Gk text reads – genea – meaning “an age” or “a generation belonging to an age” - the idea being – this age shall not pass away until all the events disclosed are realised. Along those lines –

But this is not what Yeh-shua says to the people in Mark 9:1 – the word genea is not once attributed to Him – Here He says something far more straightforward than needs to be complicated by an artificial mystery element – he says “Some of you standing here in the hearing of My words, will not taste death until you see the Kingdom coming in power.” i.e. “Some of you (the disciples for certain) will be alive on Yom Shavu-ot when I send Holy Spirit in power.”

I believe those who speak against such simplicity look for a more earthly type of Kingdom than Yeh-shua is meaning: And, tho` some, or even many of them, know and believe that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom;” (1 Cor 15:50) - and that His Kingdom is “not of this world;” (Jn.18:37) – that only on our transformed spiritual bodies shall we be gathered to Him at his Second appearance, and inhabit the Kingdom on earth: and I believe they do well to believe all of these things: - But I truly believe they will do even better if they overcome the conflicting ideas of their natural minds when seeking to hold to a spiritual truth. We look for a Spiritual Kingdom which is in Heaven, a Kingdom which was initiated in the spirit by the Spirit on Yom Shavuot as the down-pledge – and which even now, in this age, is being completed, and will yet, at the end of this age, be revealed.

In Dan 7:23-27 – Gabriel provides the answer to Daniel`s concerns because of the vision of the 4th beast and it`s horns. The Beast is a Kingdom – (we know it is Rome and so it is the Roman Empire) and the ten horns are it`s Kings (The Roman Emperors) – ten horns = ten Emperors – which in Hebraic symbolism and numerology, in which Daniel, as Chief of the Persian Magi was expert, could mean the fullness of a thing, - as the 10 commandments represent the fullness of God`s Law – or it could mean literally 10, more than 9 less than 11 – Ten. --- After the ten comes another - different from all of the ten --- (vs 25) - He will oppose God – stand in opposition to God – and wage warfare on God`s people (called saints – sanctified ones – holy ones) “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” - Jude 3 – the same kind of people, having the same kind of faith, to whom the apostles of Yeshua will address all their letters. These are the people whom this different horn shall oppose. So the question must be: “Who is this Little Horn – and how can this one be identified?” And the clues are right there in vs 25 - “he will intend to make alterations in times and in law and they (the saints) will be given into his hand for a time, times and a half time.”

Look to the clues by which this Little Horn might be identified; – he is described first as different from those before him, with the eyes like a man – a mouth speaking great boasts, He is in opposition to God (thus antichrist) and wages warfare on the saints - (thus antisemitic) and his intention is clearly, to change the times (seasons) and the law. --- Lets look to History. There`s no shortage of material from which to establish a good working knowledge of Rome and her Emperors: But we're just wasting our time arn`t we – Is there anyone of you who needs convincing that Rome has persecuted the saints more than any or all? Or that not even Hitler and Stalin combined - have shown more rabidly antisemitic hatred towards the people of Israel than have the Roman Emperors, and those who came after them – the Roman Catholic Christian Popes. No one has killed and murdered and tortured and butchered more Israelites than the Popes. And if any one yet needs convincing of these things, then surely, it is for lack of knowledge that you go into exile – and that you are even now, perishing.
We are not even speaking of the secret things of God – or His wisdom which is beyond finding out – because if you do not even know the things plainly revealed – how will you understand the Mysteries of the Kingdom?

Let's look to the clues of the Scriptures – and Let's look at what Robert Linden ha called the “conversion to faith in Christ” of the Roman Emperor, Constantine. - I've said that I believe that the Christian Churches of our time are troubled by 3 major plagues – and the greatest of these is the Plague called The False Gospel in which it believes and which it perpetuates like a virus to the world through the medium of Evangelism. And I`ll speak plainly about this False Gospel before too long.

ECUMENISM -- Tens of millions of professing Christians believe that Ecumenism is a good thing and born of the Spirit of God. But Ecumenism is evil – it is of the spirit which is antichrist – that it may deceive the many and if it were possible, even the elect – the Chosen Ones of God. - Ecumenism is not from above but from below; from the pit – from the Abyss.

Yahveh told the prophet Ezekiel; “When I say to the wicked, “You shall surely die” and and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way, that he may live, that wicked man shall surely die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself.” Ezek 3:18-19 -- S

There is nothing new under the sun: and Ecumenism is as old as the Roman Christian Empire. Indeed, Ecumenism is the the real reason behind emperor Constantine's “conversion” of convenience to the “Christ” in or around 312-313 AD –
In truth, it was a conversion of political expedience and is the real reason for the decreeing of empirical laws and edicts through the vehicle of the Council of Nicaea, some 13 years later. It was here that Constantine legiaslated the christian religion upon the gentile world of the crumbling Roman Empire.

These laws were put into judicial effect throughout the length and breadth of the Roman empire – every tribe and tongue from every nation could keep their own gods, in fact an image of every god would be incorporated into the temple of the Christian God – whom Constantine believed was the father of the Divine Sun – Constantine's conversion was really to the worship of the Sun-god – a pagan non-deity common to most if not all of the ancient civilizations, which for him meant more of the same plus the name of Christ. That's why, in 321 AD he changed the Shabbat from the 7th day to Sun-day – which he claimed to be “the venerable day of the Sun.”

That's why he changed the seasons and festivals appointed by God from Pesach to Easter – an ancient feast of the Chaldeans celebrating Astarte, who was a Babylonian Ba-al otherwise known as Beltis – the so called “queen of heaven.” And what about “Christmas,” which has nothing at all to do with celebrating the birth of Moshiach – How many people in our Western gentile world are really celebrating Christ on December 25th – Yeh-shua was not born on Dec 25th – but according to the roster of the Priestly division, (specifically, Abi-yahu of the sons of Aaron, to which Zachariah, the father of John belonged, Yeh-shua was more probably born around the time of the feast of Tabernacles – (Sept/Oct) But Dec 25th is “Lady-Day” - one of the 5 principle festivals of pagan Rome; it`s parallel is in the ancient Babylonian day for celebrating Astarte (Beltis) - the mother of the Sun-god - in whom Constantine believed, both before and after his “conversion” to “Christ.” )The son of the Egyptian deity Isis, was born around this same time - (“the time of the winter solstice”)

During the Christian “Christmas” “the Christian Jesus” may come to mind, in between the mince pies and the parties and the drinks all round. But it`s not really the Birth of this “Jesus” they celebrate, is it? Look, I`m not against people exchanging gifts, or enjoying alcohol in moderation: I`m not that way at all – I`m saying, what's the difference between the Christian Christmas and the Pagan Roman festival called Saturnalia – a time for merrymakers - drunkenness and orgy? Orgy is all about an excessive appetite, and if that doesn`t apply to Christmas. See, it`s one thing for the unbelieving to indulge in these things, and we have nothing to with judging anyone of them. Such were some of us. Myself for one. But what about professing believers, especially in the clear light of God`s word expressing God`s mind:

God fixes a day for Shabbat – the 7th day – He also fixes the times and seasons of His appointed festivals – Pesach, Shavuot and Succoth – Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. There are other festivals and special days, lesser festivals, and Rabbinic Days – but God only requires that we keep His Shabbat and the three festivals that are important to Himself. It's very clear – It's God`s word as expressing God`s Mind. God is the same yesterday today and forevermore – in person, in purpose, in attributes and in Mind. God does not bend or change for any man – either for the Jew or the Israelite or the Hebrew or the Gentile. The Psalmist declares: “He appointed the moon for the seasons.” Psa 104:19 – in the Hebraic perspective, the seasons and the festivals are one. And then God sounds this warning in His word – His prophetic and certain word. In Dan 7:24-25 – speaking in direct reference to the fourth beast (Rome) – and in particular of one of It's “ten horns” - He tells us, “out of this kingdom, ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones --- He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One and he will intend to to make alterations in times and in law and they will be given into his hand for a time, times and half a time.”

It was Constantine who changed God`s time and God`s seasons – both Shabbat and Holy Festivals. He is the one who must stand as the type or model of the Little Horn of Dan 7 – the one who stands in opposition to God and not “for” God - The one who wages warfare against God`s people with the intention of destroying them, not the one who nurtures them, with the intention of giving them life.

Heres the thing that troubles me – The vast majority of Christians who are told about these things in relation to Sunday sabbath and Easter and Christmas take absolutely no notice – they ignore it – the reject it they pay it no mind – the carry on regardless. I`m not judging hearts; I`m telling you what the Scriptures say, what Roman Christianity has done, and what the vast majority of professing Christians do to this very day. Don't you think that something, somewhere is amiss?

2010-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

THE WOMAN IN THE EPHAH
Zech 5:5-11

All false teaching comes from false knowledge, and all false knowledge comes from “The Woman in the Ephah.” Zech 5:7

Yeshua said: “Woe to you lawyers. For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.” Luke 11:52

This also is on account of the Woman who sits in the Ephah.
The “Lawyers” whom Yeshua reproves are the so called “experts” of the Law – it`s “interpreters” and “commentators.” These are the men who are the most influential to the construction and development of Torah theology.

“When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question testing Him, - “Which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Matt 22:34-35

The Gk word translated “lawyer” is – nomikos – see also Lk 7:30 Lk 10:25 Lk 11:45,46,52 Lk 14:3
The term specifically describes a man (men) considered “expert” in Jewish law (which is essentially Torah/Mosaic law. Such men are often, and more commonly called “Scribes.” (see Ezra 7:6,10)

Yeshua therefore says, “The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses` seat --” Matt 23:2 - He exposed them not for their teaching but for their hypocrisy; their externalism in religion – by which they manifested the same leaven as was at work on the Sadducees.
Lawyers and Scribes. - The “Seat” of Moses refers to the position of a “Teacher of the Law” to the Jews. To “teach” is to pass on “knowledge.” Knowledge of Torah is of itself neutral – it can be memorised from Torah. The “key to knowledge” is “understanding” - and understanding comes by two ways or means:
(a): by study and interpretation. (b): by insight of revelation.
Insight is greater than interpretation, yet insight is interpretation – insight is the key to unlocking the text of Torah.

It is the function of the “Lawyer/Scribe” to provide (furnish) those who teach the Jews with the right interpretation of the Scripture. Yeshua exposes them for failing to do so. They have proved inadequate to their appointed work of service, and are therefore unworthy of their title/office. The result of their failure is the impoverishment of the people in a right understanding of Scripture. The interpretations of the lawyer/scribe is faulty, falling short of the mark, and must therefore be viewed as corrupt.
Ezra the Scribe. - We see clearly the responsibility and requirement of the Scribe in the following scriptures:
Ezra 7:6 – Ezra was a “skilled” Scribe in the law of Moses.
Ezra 7:10-11 – Ezra had “prepared his heart” (devoted or consecrated) to “seek” the law of the Lord and to “do it.” to teach Torah statutes and ordinances to them. - Ezra the priest/Scribe was “expert” in the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of the statutes to Israel.
(i): He was “skilled”: - gifted, naturally equipped with abilities, talents, qualities, which fitted him to his work of service.

(ii): He “prepared his heart” - not just his mind – he sought not only to know the law as it was written on the stone tablets or within the Torah scrolls, but for the law to be inscribed upon his heart. To this end, he devoted himself in a whole hearted consecration to the work of service to which He was appointed. He set himself apart to the Lord from every other “work” or “pursuit” in order to be dedicated whole and entire to this work of service.
(iii): He determined to “do them” - not to know and understand only, but to “keep” the commandments of the Lord, to walk in obedience to them – to abide in their guidance and counsel. Thus, it became “wisdom” to him. Remember, it was on account of their hypocrisy and not their teaching that Yeshua rebuked the Pharisees.
Ezra the Scribe was a man considered qualified to make comment upon the law – to offer “commentary” which is “interpretation.”

Commentary and interpretation provide an understanding of knowledge. It requires dedication and research; it is the work of the “theologian” - one who seeks to “construct” a teaching or doctrine for widespread consideration.

This is as much applicable then to the Gentile Christian theologian as to the Jewish lawyer/scribe. Teachers teach doctrine, and the lawyers/scribes/theologians are the ones who devise, or construct them.
“Systems” of doctrine combine collective teachings dealing with a variety of subjects, issues, aspects of Torah truth considered most appropriate or faithful or necessary to a right or true understanding of knowledge.
By such “method” or “skill” men such as Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai constructed “Rabbinic Judaism” and delivered it to the Diaspora Jews after the demise of the cult of Temple Judaism, which had been the domain of the Sadducee/priest system until the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 AD.

Ben Zakkai was a Pharisee, and a Lawyer/Scribe. He became the architect and founder of a new kind of Judaism which was tailored to meet the requirements and needs of Diaspora Jewish communities. This would eventually evolve into what we might call Talmudic Judaism – the Judaism of the Pharisees – and it is Pharisee Judaism which has held most sway over the generations of Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora to this very day.

The early evidence for the desire of the Pharisees to usurp the Sadducee/priests who regulated the prevailing Temple Judaism at the time of Yeshua is found in the opening salvo of Matt 22:34 - “When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.”

Lets look now at the prophetic vision disclosed to Zechariah – the vision of the Woman in the Ephah.

Zech 5:5-11
Zech 5:5-6 – Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me; “Lift up your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.” So I asked “What is it?” And he said, “It is an ephah that is going forth.” And again he said, “This is their appearance in the land.”
(i): an ephah – is a Jewish measure, usually for grain. Some Rabbis suggest that the term for the measure is employed loosely and that it might as easily apply to a measure for oil or wine – i.e “a barrel” - but the word in the Hebrew text is “ephah” a term employed for dry measure (used only in relation to cereals)- and not “bath” a commonly used liquid measure (the exact equivalent of the dry measure “ephah”) - or “log” which appears only once in Lev 14:10 as a measure for oil.
As to the actual volume of the measure – the Hebrew ephah is properly a small portion, 1/10th of an homer - or .65 of a bushel - yet the “ephah” depicted in Zech 5:6 is large enough to conceal “a woman.” Whether we are going to allow for spiritual licence or insist on a literal application of the text, Lev 19:36 makes clear to us that the measure of the ephah is an exact measure and to be treated as such.

“Grain” is the symbol for the “words” of God – the “texts” of the Hebraic Scriptures. It is by “pure grain”, finely ground, that the Levitical Priests prepare the Most Holy food – (Lev 23:5-9) - the cakes/loaves of Shewbread, (lehem happanaim) [Lit. “bread of the face.” - an Hebraic term denoting God`s “favour” or “presence” thus by inevitable connection, “glory”) - which stand upon the Table of the Presence-Bread (Shewbread) before the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle/Temple of the Lord. (another name for the Shewbread is “lehem hamma reket” 1 Chr 9:32) meaning lit. “bread of ordering.” These are “ordered” “arranged” or “set forth in their place upon the Table of Shewbread in two rows of six – one loaf for each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. And upon each row frankincense is placed “as a memorial” (le azkara) to be offered by “fire to the Lord.” Lev 24:7 – i.e. as a sweet smelling aroma (prayer of remembrance)
And the 2/10th of one ephah is the precise measure which is to be most diligently observed in measuring the amount of grain which is to be finely ground to make the basis for the Shewbread. (see Lev 24:5)
The Most Holy food is but a type of Yeshua who is the “True Bread” - “The Word became flesh” and tabernacled (“dwelt” or “made His dwelling”) amongst us.” It is this “flesh” we must “eat” - to partake of the Most Holy Promise of God, Holy Spirit, and thus inherit eternal life. (See Jn 1:14 - Jn 6:32-35 - Jn 6:47-58)
(ii): the ephah is “going forth.” - It has a place of origin: it is depicted as “going forth” - into the land. (The land being Israel) [ha-eretz]- this suggests “mission” and “purpose” - it goes forth for a reason, to accomplish the task for which it is “sent forth.”
(iii): This is “their appearance in the land.” - The ephah then, obviously signifies a collective group of “men” and their “appearance” in the land is as an “ephah.” - this is what they look like – or appear to be.

Zech 5:7 – “and behold! a lead cover was lifted up, and he said, “And this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.”
(i): the lead cover. - It is “heavy” - it is used to “seal” or “close” or “imprison” the woman within the ephah that she may not herself go forth into the land (she does not have free reign but is limited, confined) – but only as she is transported through the land within the traveling ephah. - (“lead” denotes a harmful substance – it is poisonous – Lead is not a pure metal, but an extract product usually from galena, (a mineral grey-ish in colour and the principle ore of lead.) – it is dense, thus weighty – it`s relative density being 11.35 – heavier than iron [one of the symbols for Rome] Dan 2:40 (with a rel. den 7.87) – and malleable (even ductile) – capable of being shaped or formed – or hammered into wire by thinning out) The point being that tho` lead is dense, it can also be surprisingly subtle.

In Tanakh scripture, it is to be “cleaned” by fire Num 31:22-23 – being in itself “impure.” It is employed metaphorically in the Song of Moses, (Ex 15:10) – to described the destruction of the Egyptian chariots at the Red Sea) and in Ezekiel's lament for Tyre, (Ezek 27:12) we see how lead was considered valuable for trade and commerce amongst the gentile nations.

(ii): the woman – signifying a type of Eve – an agent through whom deception enters the world by hearing the words of ha Satan – the adversary of God. (see Gen 3:1-7) – and consider soberly the determination of the apostle Paul in view of this testimony – 1 Tim 2:11-12 - “Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman, being quite deceived, fell into transgression.” - 1 Cor 14:34-35 - “Let the women keep silent in the churches for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says. And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.”
In Jewish thinking, the family is the important unit of community life. And within the family, the woman has a vital role and makes a valuable contribution. It is also a clear teaching of Judaism that discrimination of every kind, (including on the grounds of gender) is wrong and “prevents a person reaching his or her potential and serving God properly.” The portion to underline would be “serve God properly” - and to serve God properly, one must presumably serve God in a way or manner approved of God)

The apostle Paul taught nothing different to this, yet His teaching was not to synagogue Jews, but to Messianic believers. The modern day Christian believes him/herself true brethren of these early Messianic saints, and yet Paul's clear teaching on the role of women within the churches is one of - (if not the) – most unpopular ideas to be voiced within the “Christianity” of Western Europe and North America. Consequently, it has become an extremely rare and marginal teaching within the Church of the Third Millennium.
It is generally thought in the world that the emancipation of women is a good thing – and that the campaign for equality of status and eventually independence is both good and desirable. It is one thing that this should be the common mind of those who are influenced by the spirit which is in the world – but within the Churches, ought it not be different? - 1 Cor 2:12 - “Now we have received not the spirit which is in the world, but the Spirit who is from God that we might know the things freely given to us by God.” {see Deut 29:29, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
It is one thing for the Synagogue of ha Satan which calls itself the Church of England, to endorse the ordination of female priests – yet this is no precedent for the Evangelical Christian denominations to do likewise. If they do, they are deserving of the same judgment – since they do, they shall surely receive it.
So many women (men also) within the so called Churches simply dismiss Paul's teaching out of hand and show open contempt and scorn for the authority of an apostle of Yeshua. Others feel compelled to attempt to deal with the “unpopular” teaching – and to this end they voice their objections – all of them errant, and reflecting their natural foolishness rather than a wisdom born of a right understanding of Scripture. Usually, such objections run along such lines as - “The prohibition for women applied only in the O.T. era” Paul, however, is speaking in the N.T. era; They say “Paul is not speaking by the authority of God, but expression a personal idea.” The inference often being that Paul was a misogynist, which is too ridiculous to deserve response. It's true that on rare occasions Paul, not being fully confident that his thoughts have the seal of Holy Spirit authority, offers an opinion by way of counsel or advice – e.g. The question of “marriage” vs “remaining single.” - (see 1 Cor 7:10ff)
However, in 1 Cor 14, Paul is clearly speaking with all confidence in Holy Spirit authority – since he is declaring to the assembly at Corinth and to Timothy (his sub apostolic delegate to the churches) a “teaching” and apostolic determination already established in all of the churches under Paul's “covering” or “nurturing supervision” - an he is instructing Timothy to follow this teaching and apply it when he visits the various churches. Further to this, Paul cites the Law as his authority, and so such an argument is easily disqualified.

The significance of the “woman” in the “ephah” is simply this: that those who present themselves to Israel as her teachers of Torah are corrupted within their own hearts by the leaven of deception, and as such, they are depriving the people of the key to knowledge.

Zech 5:8 – Then he (the angel) said “This is wickedness.”- The woman who sits in the ephah is “wickedness.”
What is the meaning of this? First of all, she “sits” - she has a “seat” - as did the “Scribes of the Pharisees” in the day of Yeshua – She is as the spirit (influence) of interpretation – she not only determines the shortfall in the measure of the grain by her own presence within the ephah – but she also “interprets” the value of the grain (words of God) in whom she works as wicked leaven – (she gives it a “meaning” - since by her deception, she corrupts it.

The Heb word translated “wickedness” is rish`ah – the fem. Form of resha – meaning – “wrong” – especially in a “moral” sense – generally used to denote “iniquity” It is from the root rasha – meaning to “be” wrong – thus to “do” or “declare” what is “wrong.” By implication therefore “to trouble or cause to be disturbed” - i.e. So as to “lead astray.” (cause to depart from) – So the meaning of the name given by the angel to the woman in the ephah is simply this: “To be faulty so as to be and do wrong.” Wickedness is iniquity and iniquity is sin.

The Parable of the Hidden Leaven
The vision of the woman in the ephah as shown to Zechariah holds the same hidden truth which is disclosed in the Kingdom parable of Yeshua {Luke 13:21] - “To what shall I liken the Kingdom of God? It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three pecks (measures) of meal (grain) till it was all leavened.”

We see how the woman “hid” the leaven in the three pecks of grain. It was intended to be concealed – not on open view. And the fact that it is leaven is a bad thing since it denotes wickedness, pride, and corruption of every kind – whereas bread that is unleavened is shown to be honest, true and sincere. So, it cannot mean, as some have it, that the leaven causes the Kingdom to grow (in a positive sense) towards maturity and fullness. But to the contrary, it works to corrupt those who are within the Kingdom – i.e. the Jews.
In this spirit, Paul writes these words to the Messianic community in Corinth: - “Your glorying - (proud boasting and toleration of sin) - is not good Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (or “causes the whole batch of dough to rise?”) 1 Cor 5:6
Paul is saying, “Beware, lest your error works to corrupt the entire assembly” - (vs 7) - “Therefore purge out the old leaven (corrupted influence of the natural mind) - that you may be a new lump - (new creature created in Moshiach ha, influenced by the Mind of God through Holy Spirit) – since you truly are unleavened - (honest and sincere in your profession of faith) – For indeed, Moshiach ha our Pesach was sacrificed for us.” - (vs 8) – “Therefore, let us keep the feast not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (see also Gal 5:9, Gen 19:3)
In Ex 12:14-20 – Yahweh gives instructions to Israel through Moses for the keeping of the first feast of Passover/Pesach. It is a feast which Israel are to keep by “an everlasting ordinance throughout your generations.” wherein “For seven days, you shall eat unleavened bread.” And on the first day Israel shall remove the leaven from their house. This tradition is continued today by the Jews and called bedikat chametz - “the search for leaven” But please take note: this is what Israel must do as part of their “preparation” for the feast.

For Messianic believers is means the serious preparation of the heart before the Lord as we come to God by the repentance of faith. For us, Yeshua is our true Passover (Pesach) lamb, and by His death and by His blood, we have our deliverance from the world, the redemption from the power of sin, and the forgiveness of all our transgressions. For all of this, we Praise God form a heart of sincere gratitude for Yeshua.
What Paul clearly establishes to us from 1 Cor 5 is that the symbol of “leaven” in Berit Chadashah retains all it`s meaning carried over from Tanakh.
In the Parable of the Kingdom, Yeshua identifies “Three Pecks” or measures of grain in which the leaven is hid. These Three Pecks may be seen as:
(i): The leaven of the Sadducees:
The Sadducees were the oldest of the three major Jewish sects which held sway amongst the people in the time of Yeshua. Their emergence can be traced back to the Babylonian exile (586 BC) – and the desecration of the Temple which effectively suspended (for 70 years) the regular sacrifice and the service of ha cohanim (Levitical Priesthood)

The Sadduccean Priest/Scribes were the authors of the Babylonian Talmud – which to this day remains the chief subject studied in the Jewish yeshivot (Rabbinic academies) Although the Rabbinic code of Mishnah and Talmud are largely associated with the sect of the Pharisees, we see how Ezra, the architect of restoration Judaism in the restored Temple, was identified as both cohen and sofer – both Priest and Scribe.(see Ezra 7:10-11) – (see also Neh ch 8) But if Ezra's principle concern was Torah Law, the focus of the Sadducees was towards the Temple sacrifices, and despite the significance and influence of Ezra, the sect of the Pharisees would not emerge until the time of the Maccabees, when they were pioneered by the obscure and somewhat mystical cult of the “Hasidim” (“pious ones”) These also, were primarily concerned with Torah.

The leaven of the Sadducees is seen in it`s superiority of mind and boasting of caste or class. It's seen in their unhealthy skepticism of Nevi-im and Ketuvim They accepted only the Five Books of Moses for their doctrine of faith (See Matt 22:23,29) - It was seen in their corruption of the Law in which they professed faith – in the unjust measures of the temple Precincts, the loaded weights of the money changers, and the extortionate rates of those licensed by the temple to sell sacrificial animals. The Sadducees took a sizable percentage of such profits for their own purses. They colluded with the Herodians in the guarantee of Priestly succession (High Priest) claiming their authority as sons of Tzadok. meaning “Righteous” (Zadok) a descendant of Aaron (1 Chron 24:1-3) who remained loyal to David during Adonijah`s rebellion (1 Kng 1:8-27) and was rewarded by Solomon as Abiathar`s successor as High Priest - cohen gadol (1 Kng 2:35) (hence their Hebraic name “Tz`udikim”
Within one generation of Yeshua`s death (by their hands) the era of Sadducee's Judaism would be finished – (it`s demise was already being plotted by the popular and more numerous sect of the Pharisees. The Diaspora inflicted upon Jewish Israel by the Romans at their destruction of the Temple, effectively brought to an end the restored period of regular sacrifice and the Cult of Temple worship, as well as necessitating the transference of influence and leadership from the Priesthood” to the new “Rabbis” of the emergent Diaspora Judaism.

(ii): The leaven of the Pharisees. - As we said, the early origins of the Pharisees (P`rushim) dates back to the times of the Maccabees and Antiochus Epiphanes. They were from their beginnings a Torah focused sect – their name P`rushim. (meaning “separated ones”) At first they were viewed as a radical “holiness” sect. By this time, the peoples Judaism had become corrupted by political intrigue, a Hellenistic Priesthood and a love of mammon – Ha P`rushim separated themselves from “worldly ways” and “worldly people” They believed Tanakh to be God`s word. But they also believed that the ceremonies and traditions passed down through the centuries from the “ancient sages” who taught an Oral Torah – were also God`s word, and as such, treated them every bit as “holy” as the Written Torah) This formed the basis for their Rabbinic code, which they applied to every aspect of life.

The Pharisees agenda called for strict observance of the Mosaic Law (which already was becoming Rabbinic law) for the restoration of a Theocracy to Israel, and therefore, they opposed Rome and Roman occupation, administration and especially, it`s taxes. Their “politics” were less “active” than those of the Sadducees, Herodians and especially, the more radical sect of the Zealots.) They were in many ways kindred spirits of the Essene communities of the wilderness regions bordering the Dead Sea. (Qumran)

The Pharisees were least reconciled to the Herodians, whom they rightly saw as being overtly political and not at all religious. The design of the “testing” question, in which they readily recruited the assistance of the Herodians, concerning the “payment of taxes to Caesar” was to force Yeshua to alienate Himself from either the Pharisees or from the Herodians, who encouraged the acceptance of Roman taxes. By His insight and wisdom, Yeshua perceived their wickedness and avoided their trap. (see Matt 22:15-22) The “leaven of the Pharisees” was seen in the externalism of their religion, the excessively outward show of piety, and in their mean mindedness. Yeshua charges them greatly over their rejection of Yochannan the Baptiser. Both John and Yeshua denounced their “faith” as “hypocrisy,.” and their Rabbinic code as the “precepts of men.” (see Matt 23) They claim to be “separated ones” but in truth are not “separated from worldliness” at all) We see how in Acts 23:6 the apostle Paul (Sha`ul) declares to the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) “Brothers I myself am a Pharisee.” (Parush) - (he says “I am” not “I was”) It is worth bearing in mind then that Yeshua never rebuked the Pharisees for their “name” but their “dead works” Matt 22:2-3 - “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themsleves in the chair of Moses, therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say things and do not do them.”

(iii): The leaven of the Herodians. - We are least concerned with these, since their “leaven” is seen in their worldliness, an excessive love of sensuality and their pursuit of self indulgent pleasures. It is seen in their essentially political agenda for the Hasmonian Dynasty (kingly line of the Herod's) in the land of Israel. The Herodians are exposed as lovers of mammon. (see Matt 22:16-21, Mark 3:6)
Zech 5:8 – he (the angel) thrust her down into the ephah and threw the lead cover over it`s mouth.
Here we see the Sovereignty of God moving according to Mystery purpose. This thrusting down is done by a higher or superior hand or power – and it is an action performed with deliberate intent.
God “decrees” to the woman her place within the ephah – and then prevents her escape by sealing her there. To all intents and purposes she is imprisoned within the ephah. She can do no other than her nature dictates, which is corrupt the content of the grain measure. But why would God do such a thing?

We need to establish the close relation in which the preceding vision of the Flying Scroll stands to the vision of the Woman in the ephah, Look at Zech 5:1-4 – Zechariah sees a large Flying Scroll. The angel tells him this Scroll decrees a curse upon the face of the earth. The purpose of which is the exposure of all wickedness and falsehood. Why would God decree such a terrible thing? The reason is found in the Testimony of Yeshua in Matt 13. where in response to his disciples` question “Why do you speak to them (the Jews) in parables?” He answered them, “Because to you it has been given (granted) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (granted)” Here is seen the Sovereignty and arbitrariness of God in election – and the disclosure of His mysteries to whom it pleases Him. Paul's insight into this “mystery” is laid out for us in Rom 9): and in (vs 14-18) he states: - “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, (Ex 33:19) “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” “So then, it does is not depend upon on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh ” (Isa 10:22-23) - “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” “So then, He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.”

We must understand that God is working to a Mystery Purpose within the earth. And He is working through an unfolding Providence which He set in motion from before the foundations of the earth. It is a predestined purpose dependent upon His will and not His foreknowledge. To kick against this truth is to corrupt the purity and simplicity of that “faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3 for which we are exhorted to “earnestly contend.” - We may not “like it” but we must “believe it” It is seen in the granting of insight to some and not others - “To as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, -- who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 – it is not the signed and sealed guarantee of son-ship which is immediately given to those who receive Him (or even believe in His name) but rather the “right” to “become” children of God. It is seen in the “partial hardening” which has come upon Israel (yet not all Israel) until “the fullness of the Gentiles” (melo ha goyim) has come in.” Rom 11:25 ( also Gen 48:19) – This is the mystery purpose of God which is being outworked in the end times, of which Paul does not want believers to be “uninformed” or in ignorance of.

The Mystery purpose of God requires the hardening” of some whether partial or everlasting – in order that it should come to completion; It is that common purpose to which all unenlightened men are working, even to the giving up of their kingdoms to the antichrist beast Rev 17:17 – and it is God Himself who has put this purpose into their hearts. This is very much in the same spirit as those who worked together with one common purpose to build the Tower of Babel on the plains of Shinar. Gen 11:1-9) What we all need to accept in all humility of heart as well as understand in the enlightenment of our minds, is that our Great and Almighty God and Father, Yahweh, has a purpose of end times Babylon as well as for end times Zion.
In the same way and same spirit in which God “raises up Pharaoh” in order that through his humbling and defeat by the fullness of the cycle of the 10 plagues, and the covering of the Red Sea, God should demonstrate the Glory of His Sovereignty, so too does God send forth the Flying Scroll of His decreed curse upon the face of the whole earth – that by the demonstration of His great and all surpassing mercy at it`s ultimate completion of the purpose for which it sent – all mankind might see the true nature and power of God as having been displayed and executed in perfect justness and perfect righteousness.

And so, it`s by the woman of wickedness in the ephah which “goes forth” in the wake of the Flying Scroll, that this “curse” is brought about upon the face of the whole earth. This “deception of wickedness” within the ephah, is in effect, one and the same with that “deluding influence” against which Paul warns believers in Thessaloníki which God sends upon those who “did not receive a love of the truth so as to be saved but who believed instead an antichrist spirit who works towards them with all the “deception” of “wickedness” - should all the more believe what is false.” in order that all may be judged who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in “wickedness.” 2 Thess 2:3-12 {Paraphrase mine)
When Yahweh says (Zech 5:8) - “He thrust her down into the ephah and threw the lead cover over it`s mouth.” we cannot help but be mindful of those scriptures which speak of the casting of ha Satan into the abyss (bottomless pit) and his sealing there. (Rev 11:7 + 17:8) – first comes the spirit of antichrist who “works until now” says John and Paul attributes to this antichrist spirit, which ha Satan - “the star from heaven who had fallen to the earth,” to whom is given “the key to the abyss.” (bottomless pit) Rev 9:1-3

This is the spirit of ha Satan which works effectually through the performing of false signs and wonders and the words of false prophets, in order to bring about the “end time apostasy” The time of his release is seen in close conjunction to the testimony of the Law and the Prophets – and the appearance of Moshiach ha – Rev 11:7 (since the angel sent by Yeshua to John on Patmos tells him, “the beast you saw, was and is not and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction.” Rev 17:8)
And when the spirit of antichrist has worked to his required end, then comes the personification of the spirit of antichrist who is first to be “revealed” (2 Thess 2:3) – and will ultimately be “consumed” by “the breath of His (Yeshua`s) mouth (Holy Spirit) [see John 20:22] – and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” (Shekinah of His glory)- (2 Thess 2:8) - His sealing is temporal until the appointed time of his “release from his prison” when he goes forth “to deceive the nations.” Rev 20:7-8

Likewise we see how this woman of wickedness within the ephah is sealed in her prison, until they have completed building her temple in Shinar (Babylon) and when it is completed she will take her placed in it`s midst upon her “pedestal.” (at “her revealing.”) - Zech 5:10-11

Consider those appointed to “carry the ephah” out of the land to it`s proper place. (Shinar) – Zech 5:9 - “There were two women coming with the wind in their wings, for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.”
(i): the two women with the wind in their wings: - These are her guardians, and heralds, (prophetic evangelists). In keeping with the corrupted nature of the woman within the ephah, and her influence or leaven of deception towards the grain, her guardian angels are depicted also as “women” - They are clearly meant to signify “angelic” beings or creatures – a wicked parallel or equivalent of the Cherubim perhaps who have a human appearance as well as two sets of wings. That they are meant to serve as “prophetic or evangelical heralds” is indicated to us by the appearance of the eagle, which flies in mid heaven between the proclamation of the 4th and 5th trumpets in Rev 8:13

These two “spiritual” creatures are the evangelical agents who spread her message abroad on the face of earth and they do so “swiftly” - with alacrity - with all the assistance and empowering of a “providential” wind.
Notice the “likeness” of their “wings” - “like the wings of a stork.”
The Stork is listed in the Levitical dietary prohibitions as an “abomination” to be considered “unclean” Lev 11:13,19) This in all probability is due to the fact that the Stork (like the Vulture) feeds on dead flesh in which remains the blood. And in this way transgresses the commandment to abstain from eating the flesh of any animal which retains it`s blood, since according to God`s requirements through the Noah-ide Covenant, “Only you shall not eat flesh which has it`s life, that is, it`s blood.” Gen 9:4 – and again as Lev 17:10-11 succinctly declares “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” And since it feeds on what is ”dead” (contact with dead flesh renders a person ritually unclean through contamination) [Lev 11:24-28] - the Stork, like the Vulture etc has the propensity to spread disease, and in this way bring the risk of plague to the people.

It is not that we are implying that God demands obedience to His commandments from animals, or the birds of the air – (tho` there is no “good” or “justifiable” reason why He should not) - but that these are the righteous laws is by which the wisdom of God is made known to those who observe them – and it is unthinkable therefore that an angel of the Lord should disclose to a prophet a vision and it`s mediation which does not embrace every jot and tittle of every last one these.
Finally, we need to return again to Zech 5:10-11 – and the prophets question to his angelic mediator: “Where are they taking the ephah?” The angel answers: “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar, and when it is prepared, she will be set there on her own pedestal.”
That the woman who sits within the ephah is the antichrist spirit “which has gone out into the world, to give rise to many false anointed ones [1 John 2:18] - is now placed beyond all reasonable dispute. There are two many mirror images of the role and function of Holy Spirit in bringing about the appointed time of the revelation of the True Moshiach ha in the midst of the heavenly temple to permit argument. (see Rev 11:19, Rev 19:20, 2 Thess 2:3-4, Dan 7:8, 8:9-12, Isa 14:14, Ezek 28:2 etc)
At the appointed, time, when the spirit of lawlessness has worked effectually to the fullness of it`s given and permitted measure, the “Man of lawlessness” will be revealed who “exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God showing himself, that he is God.” [2 Thess 2:4]

There are three types of Temple signified in the Scriptures: The First is the copy of the True pattern, which is seen first in the Tabernacle of Moses and later in the Temple built by Solomon (and all subsequent versions of the earthly Temple are faithful to David`s design, which he in turn based upon the model of the Tabernacle.)

Then there is the True Pattern itself, which is Spiritual, having It's existence with God in the heavenly places. And thirdly, there is the figurative Temple of the body of believers (after the example of the body of Yeshua as that temple God would raise up within three days. This Temple is rightly viewed as the Corporate Body of Messiah, but is also applicable to the enlightened soul of the individual believer. And so, the question is; to which Temple does Paul refer in 2 Thess 2??? We attempt our answer in this way:

First, that the Man antichrist can not possibly seat himself in the true temple which is in heaven, which no one is permitted to enter until the 7 last plagues of the wrath of God (by the 7 bowls of the 7 angels) are poured out. [Rev 15:5] - (the ultimate judgment of the “end time Babylon” is included in these) Indeed, it is impossible for the Man of lawlessness to take his seat in this temple, since God Himself and His Lamb, are that most pure and holy temple, {Rev 21:22] - and the redeemed remnant of mankind are it`s Living Stones, which Holy Spirit has built and set each one in their appointed place [2 Cor 5:1, Heb 12:22-23] – and Moshiach ha Yeshua is the True Ark of the Covenant revealed in it`s midst. [Rev 11:19]
Secondly, the question of an earthly Temple: Many sincere believers (both Messianic and Christian) believe that in the Last days, the Jews will re-build a Temple in Jerusalem, and that it is in this Temple that the Man of Lawlessness (the personification of the spirit of antichrist) shall “take his sea,” having first, by means of “smooth words” and the corruption of wickedness through the temptation of mammon, seduced the many, including the Jews. We have heard (and can well believe) that there exist definite plans and blueprints by which to re-build such a Temple at an opportune time, and we do not rule out the possibility that it shall one day be built. But we think it unlikely that the Temple the apostle Paul has in mind can be a physical house.

Which brings us to be third consideration; the figurative temple of the Body of Believers. We believe that this is more faithful and in keeping with the operative theology of the apostle Paul, who everywhere emphasises the superiority of the Spiritual, heavenly and and eternal over what is merely the physical, earthly and thus temporal. We confidently suggest that it is the more probable that Paul speaks of the figurative temple (tabernacle) of the body of believers who profess faith in Moshiach ha The Temple is their own spiritually enlightened souls, of which the heart or inner most room is of a type become as a most holy (sacred) place. It is here we suggest in this temple that the personification of antichrist spirit shall “take his seat, exalting himself as God and being worshiped as tho` he were God.” 2 Thess 2:4
We do not for one moment suggest that it shall prove to be so for the true (sincere) believer, whose salvation is the outcome of his experiential sanctification (2 Thess 2:13) This is made the more certain to us by Rev 13:7-8 - “all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of the Life of the Lamb who has been slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear.”

In conclusion, we say to our brothers and sisters within the Messianic Congregations and communities of the U.K., throughout Western Western Europe and the continent of North America, (and let us say it in the Spirit of our Lord Yeshua) What is vital to us all in these Last days, is that we all are drawing our spiritual nourishment from that Rich and cultivated Root of the Olive Tree into which we all have been grafted together, as the True Israel of God. It is vital that we are drawing our food and drink from this one source to the exclusion of every other source – that we are no longer making our bread from grain drawn from a faulty ephah – so that we are yet teaching as doctrines the precepts of men; and that our strengthening and purifying may prove fruitful to our many brothers and sisters of the families of the Whole House of Israel, who presently live by a faith or want of faith that is devoid of the Spirit and nature and power of Yeshua our true Moshiach.

We must take determined measures to purge from our minds the former leaven of the Babylon of Confusion, to which so many of us once belonged, Having “come out of her midst” there is no further need to be marred by her many plagues. Let us all prove all the more, be diligent, to make certain of our choosing by God as well as our calling. Let us seek excellence in our understanding and purity in all our teaching, as we grow the richer in every way the more we feed from our Hebraic Roots of the faith. In this way, may we all avoid the snares of those seductive doctrines of error into which some of our unsuspecting and unguarded brothers and sisters, have been led astray. We pray for their release by the grace and mercy of God, who is able, through the effectual working of Holy Spirit, to grant to each one, the revelation of His pure word of truth, resulting in true liberty.

Yeshua Himself has promised; “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jn 8:32 He Himself has prayed for us, that the Father should “Sanctify them (us) in Thy Truth. Thy word is truth.” Jn 17:17

We pray that you may find food and drink in this study – for we believe it is from Holy Spirit – and so we offer it to you for your encouragement and up building together in love, true unity, towards our mutual maturity in the faith which is rooted and grounded in Moshiach ha Yeshua.

May the True Grace and Shalom of Yeshua our Lord be with each one of you and also with us. Until the next time. Shalom! -
Eli-Yahu