Now it Begins

What does our Future Look Like?

Ahmadinejad -- It would seem that the Hitler for our generation has been spouting off again, issuing threats of doom and gloom against the nation of Israel. Physically, he is also a lot like Hitler - very slight build, a funny cartoon face, and dubious facial hair. But all kidding aside, this man is the Number One Enemy of the Jews today. He has a satanic blood lust to see all Jews everywhere tortured, killed painfully, and driven into the sea. This is his over-arching ambition in life, and has been furiously stockpiling caches of weapons and technology towards this end.

The battle of Gog and Magog will be World War III, but it will not be the last war where all the nations of the world will surround Israel and attempt to defeat her. The battle of Armageddon will be the last battle to be fought. But all the players for WW III, prophesied by God in the Holy Bible,are now all taking the stage, assembling their armaments, and are waiting for the moment when they will all attack.

Certainly we are living in the "last-days" and Christ will be returning very soon. For some that will be a time of great joy, but for others will be much different.

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, set your face against God, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord say: I am agains you, O Gog, cheif prince of Meshech and Tbal. I will turn you around, put hooks in you jaws and bring you out with your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops -- the many nations with you (Ezekiel 38:1-6).

To understand what is being stated, you need to know who the players are. God gives us the lists the major nations that will attack Israel, and they are:

1. Magog - this is modern day Russia
2. Persia - this is modern day Iran
3. Meshech and Tubal, Togarmah - this region is modern day Turkey
4. Ethiopia - this is modern Ethiopia
5. Libya - this is modern day Libya
6. Gomer - this is modern day Germany

Russia, the biggest End Times player, has already helped Iran build a nuclear reactor. Iran has repeated over and over their desire to wipe Israel off the map. Iran now has nuclear weapons capable of reaching Israel.

Militant Islam has two goals in our day and age. The first is that of spreading Islam to every country in the world. Second is the complete and total destruction of the Jewish people. Listen to this hatredin their own words, I don't want to be guilty of misstating their position:

This is not the position of just the "radical extreme", no, it's the position of hundreds of millions of Muslims today, and they are united in their desire to see harm come to Israel, and more important, the Jews themselves. Ideally, they would like to "drive the Jews into the sea" so that they might claim Jerusalem as their own.

Our future has been planned...there is no stopping it. Christ will be proclaimed Lord of Lords one day. That you can count on. It is not a question on how, but when!

The Promise Land

On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great, the Euphrates -- the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites"

(Genesis 15:18-21).

Note the territory, according to Scripture.

There is a common misperception, that the Jews were forced into the diaspora by the Roman after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and then, 1,8000 years later, suddenly returned to Palestine demanding their country back.

In reality, the Jewish people have maintained ties to their historic homeland for more than 3,700 years. A national language and a distinct civilization have been maintained. The Jewish people base their claim to the land of Israel on at least four premises:

1. God promised the land to the patriarch Abraham;
2. The Jewish people settled and developed the land;
3. The international community granted political sovereignty in Palestine to the Jewish people and
4. The territory was captured in defensive wars.

The term "Palestine" is believed to be derived from the Philistines, an Aegean people who, in the 12th Century B.C., settled along the Mediterranean coastal plain of what is now Israel and the Gaza Strip. In the second century A.D., after crushing the last Jewish revolt, the Romans first applied the name Palaestina to Judea (the southern portion of what is now called the West Bank) in an attempt to minimize Jewish identification with the land of Israel. The Arabic word "Filastin" is derived from this Latin name.

When Jews began to immigrate to Palestine in large numbers in 1882, fewer than 250,000 Arabs lived there, and the majority of them had arrived in recent decades. Palestine was never an exclusively Arab country, although Arabic gradually became the language of most the population after the Muslim invasions of the seventh century. No independent Arab or Palestinian state ever existed in Palestine. When the distinguished Arab-American historian, Princeton University Prof. Philip Hitti, testified against partition before the Anglo-American Committee in 1946, he said: "There is no such thing as 'Palestine' in history, absolutely not." In fact, Palestine is never explicitly mentioned in the Koran, rather it is called "the holy land" (al-Arad al-Muqaddash).

Today there are many misconcepts; many that have been developed by those who have not right to claims any land that belows to Israel. Israel's international "birth certificate" was validated by the promise of the Bible; uninterrupted Jewish settlement from the time of Abram onward; the Balfour Declaration of 1917; the League of Nations Mandate, which incorporated the Balfour Declaration; the United Nations partition resolution of 1947; Israel's admission to the UN in 1949; the recognition of Israel by most other states; and, most of all, the society created by Israel's people in decades of thriving, dynamic national existence.

Revelation 19:11-16

Tomorrow will come in His Timing
Not Ours!

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. he treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16

2012 - Fact or Fiction?

2012

Signs of the End of the Age
Matthew 24

There has been much talk about the world coming to an end, but it is only talk. Scripture is very direct when it comes to prophecy. Jesus answered, "Watch out that no one deceived you" in Matthew 24:4. He lays out a step-by-step outline of what needs to be completed prior to His return.

• Many will come claiming to be Christ, "I am the Christ" Matthew 24:5.

• You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come Matthew 24:6.

• Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places Matthew 24:7.

• You will be handled over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me Matthew 24:9.

• Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, Matthew 24:12

• And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come Matthew 24:14.

But He also stated that "all these signs are but birth pains and not His return." In Matthew 24:15, He states: "So when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation spoken in the prophet Daniel -- let the reader understand -- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak." ABOMINATION THAT CAUSES DESOLATION is Satan taking over the earth and proclaiming himself as god within the Temple.

So when people state December 21, 2012 as the end of this world...think back to what they said about Y2K not so long ago. Matthew 24:36, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father."

For the Glory of It All

Why Holloween?

Most holidays commemorate or celebrate something. But what about Halloween? What is Halloween actualy a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of som ancient pagan ritual where folks get together for parties, dress-up in costumes, and bob for apples?

The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its orgins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31st. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New Year.

One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.

Naturally, the still-living did not want to be possessed, so on the night of October 31st, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. they wourl then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes (similar to today's Halloween Costumes), and noisily parade around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.

Probably a better explanation of why the Celts extinguished their fires was not to discourage spirit possession, but so that all the Celtic tribes could relight their fires from a common source, the Druidic fire that was kept burning in the Middle of Ireland, at Usinach.

Some accounts tell of how the Celts would burn someone at the stake who was thought to have already been possessed, as sort of a lesson to the spirits. Other accounts of Celtic history debunk these stories as myth.

The Romans adopted the Celtic practices as their own. But in the first century AD, Samhain was assimilated into celebrations of some of the other Roman traditions that took place in October, such as their day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, which might explain the origin of our modern tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween.

In Greek Mythology, goddesses of the underworld were often used to invoke the Samhain. Popular costumes portray Hecate and Medusa. Hecate was the most favored goddess by Zeus, and wandered the emptiness between the worlds of life and death looking for souls of the dead. Both were considered serpent goddesses, and their ancient dark legends spawned myths such as vampires, who fed off the living using venom and snake-like fangs. Ritualistic dress includes snake adornments and three headed masks. Today, Hecate is often referred to as the goddess of witches.

© 1995-2011 by Jerry Wilson

Following Jesus - What does that mean?

Recently we had Glenn offer some words on our campus. Below was the subject...hope you enjoy.

Glenn Murray: Practical thoughts on Jesus [DVD Cut] from Glenn Murray on Vimeo.

A DREAM TO REALITY - Mercy Ships

Discover the origins of Mercy Ships along with a brief history of this international humanitarian organization which brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor. Hope you enjoy...

AFRICA MERCY ARRIVES IN SIERRA LEONE-2011

The Africa Mercy has reached Freetown, Sierra leone...2-28-2011, for her 10 months of serving the forgotten poor, providing FREE life-changing surgeries, as well as other medical and dental care to those in desperate need. This is the 5th Service to Sierra Leone, and we wanted to share this special moment with you.

What is Dry Dock?

I just wanted to share...what a typical Dry Dock looks like.

Africa Mercy -- January 2011

He Knows My Name

We all need this song...please play and enjoy

New World Order

I want your Money

Praise You in the Storm

Psalm 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

There will be storms in life. But it is how we trust Him
-- Before, During, and After --
will reflect how good you have secured your anchor!
Trust Him to see you through each situation.

So it is Christmas_2010

Christmas is different for everyone; each looking at the true meaning and then changing it to meet their specific needs. But Christmas really doesn't change; it is the individuals who change from day to day, month to month, and year to year. There is a truth that never changes; the true meaning of Christmas. In Luke 2, the New Testament offers the sacred account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told."

So this year, instead of running around, fighting all the traffic...stop and consider the true meaning of Christmas and share it with someone you love.

Discover the Meaning of Christmas

Newt Gingrich_A Time to Impeach

Our country was once the greatest country on this planet...the question at hand is...WHAT AND HOW DID IT CHANGE? If you can answer that question then it is time to make the change together and take back what has been lost.

Man Contracts A Computer Virus

He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that now one may buy or sell except on who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of man: His number is 666 (Revelation 13:16-18).

We live is a world were technology seems to be increasing expeditiously; reflecting a time when we are controlled by the same technology we once controlled. We go to the movies and see such worldly ideas of having Terminators that go around killing mankind and/or Big Brother Governments that watch our every move...believing that it will never truly come about. or never get to that! But the future is here and Satan will use every means he can to control the masses. I am certainly not anti-technology; for the information has been posted based on today's technology, but certainly one needs to view technology based on Scripture to determine what is right or wrong. I leave that up to you to determine.

Just so you don't think I am going off the deep-end and reading too much into this...I leave you with this: For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). Any government can make statements that are believable, "for the good of mankind," but the question at hand is -- for who's good is it really? We are living in a time (2008-2012) where the government is Big Brother; forcing new and better ways to live, but is it truly better or the start of something that will turn on us later. Chips, in plants for security, sound like a great concept; you don't have to carry money, but in light of Revelation 13...it should make you stop and wonder before running off to the local store to receive! What starts small (sin) normally takes over big time. Satan has that ability to turn good to bad in a heart beat!

Loma Togo-2010

We're helping the blind to see.
To date, we have touched the lives of nearly 30,000 people with both eye procedures and evaluations.

We're making a lasting impact.

In the recent months we taught seven surgeons and two nurses in Togo how to use innovative medical techniques to treat cataracts and other vision issues in West Africa. Because of their training, they will be able to serve hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of people who live in this region for years to come.

We're caring for the forgotten poor.
On the vision team alone, over 50 volunteers, mainly professionals, are bringing care and compassion to Mercy Ships' patients. From the initial eye screening appointments held weekly throughout Togo, to guiding the patients on the ship for surgery, to the Celebration of Sight ceremonies where patients often engage in African dancing and song, our patients feel the love they deserve.
Mercy's on its way,



Don Stephens
Founder/President
Mercy Ships

The Story: Acts 8:26-40

In the middle of a successful crusade in Samaria, Philip was called to go south into desert country. He left the city for the country, the crowds for one person, Samaritans for an African. But this was no “wild goose chase.” It never is with God. The call came from an angel and guidance came from the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26,29).

The man Philip was to meet was an Ethiopia who worked under Candace, the queen mother. He was secretary of the treasury, and he was spiritually thirsty. In fact, he traveled 800 miles to Jerusalem to get some answers for his seeking heart. He left Jerusalem with a copy of the scroll of Isaiah. Miraculously, these two connected on the Gaza road—the eunuch in his royal chariot and Philip, perhaps, on a camel.

As Philip approached the chariot, he heard the Ethiopian reading Isaiah. Philip asked a great question, which is the key to the story: “Do you understand what you are reading?” (8:30). And the man’s response was, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (v.31). Seekers need a guide. The Greek word for guide, hodegos, is interesting. When Peter appealed to the believers in Jerusalem to replace Judas, he identified Judas as the one who was guide to those who arrested Jesus. He guided with a kiss and a torch that illuminated the face of Jesus. But Philip was a different kind of hodegos for the eunuch as he used Isaiah to light up the face of Jesus and said, “Believe!”

Philip evangelized the Ethiopian from Isaiah 53. And the rest of the story is one of belief, baptism, and rejoicing. The eunuch returned to his homeland with his spiritual thirst quenched as he drank of the water of life (John 7:37-38).

What I want to suggest from this story is -- how many times have you felt that what you are doing is just a wast of time. If Philip thought that, what would have become of this encounter with the Ethiopian? Certainly it would have been a missed chance to share the gospel, but more than that, it would have not allow Philip to be blessed by the encounter. We all need to take time for others; allowing us to be blessed by thinking of others before ourselves. No trip will ever be a "wild goose chase" if God is involved. Think about it -- the next time you feel that your time is being wasted!

I'm a Christ Follower

How do we approach our relationship with Christ? Certainly all of us need to address; but what we come up with and how it is perceived will determine how affective we are in sharing the Gospel. Think about it; especially when it is time to open your mouth.