Dark Cloud on a Sunny Day

But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14

At the home of a very dear friend, as we conversed, I saw a change come over him. His countenance darkened and he took on a hostile look. "I don't believe Alexander the Great died in Babylon. What proof do you have?"

Some time before, as I was studying Alexander, I had mentioned this fact, now in dispute. Why now, and why about such an arcane subject? Though the question was easily resolved by referring to my friend's encyclopedia, I was puzzled by his sudden change.

This sort of thing is certainly not unheard of in my life and in that of others. It is as if you reached out to pet your dog and it snapped at you.

My wife and I often drove to a pastry shop, and I would go in to get some treats and coffee. The wife of the owner, usually pleasant, showed such an expression one morning. "You wait on your wife?" she asked. She could have said this in a kidding way, and I would have told her in turn that I was my wife's slave--one mistake on my part and she would beat me.

But she was not kidding. Her expression had that same darkness that I had seen in my friend's face before. I told her that, yes, I did wait on my wife in this case and that when I came into the shop I had the benefit of conversing with her husband. He was an Iranian citizen and taught micro economics at a local university. We had a lot to talk about.

Just yesterday, a long time friend called me. She had been married to my childhood pal until his death. Her usual cheerful manner had been replaced this morning by a fake cleverness. She twisted every statement I made, laughed inappropriately, and her voice became vicious and mocking when she mentioned the names of some of my recent guests. Though I had known her for decades, today she was a different woman.

What happens to these people? Is there a brief interlude where an evil spirit overshadows them? Even in this present satanic world, such happenings are usually of short duration. How I look forward to the time when they will be gone completely.

When Animals Did Not Fear Us

The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Genesis 9:2

The first time that "fear" is mentioned in the Bible is when God says that from now on all animals will fear us. Can it be more obvious that until He made this pronouncement, animals did not fear us? The flood changed so much. It brought in the death penalty and made animals a source of our food.

In his beautiful autobiographical book, The Dark Child, Camara Laye tells of how his father, while working in his shop, talked to a snake. After a while the snake would leave to return at another time.

My dear niece and I discussed the nature of this natural communication. My view was that this once took place all the time, in the years before the flood, before animals feared us. So Dr. Dolittle is not just fantasy. It reflects on a time when we could be with animals without fear on either side, just as in Isaiah chapter eleven.

Oh wonderful peaceable kingdom, lost now, but soon to be recovered.

A Lead Pipe Cinch

Does anyone use this phrase any more? It was quite common as I was growing up, oh so long ago. It might have come from the mouth of a snarling gangster in a B movie, but we all knew what it meant--an outcome that was a sure thing. It might seem like a big leap from the use of this phrase to a Biblical theme, but I will try to make it.

Disadvantaged through early exposure to an "activist" church, I carried the burden on my little shoulders of the need to "do something". This was almost as important as not doing a whole bunch of things. But we all carried the onus that if we all did not work together, God's plan of saving the world would fail. However, working real hard would bring about a heaven on earth, both religiously and politically. We might even get to heaven if we were good enough, but that was not a foregone conclusion.

I came to hate such burdens, which included our duty to support World War II. The food we ate, the War Bonds we bought, the scrap drives we worked on--though necessary--were quite a load, especially for a young boy. A little freedom would have helped, but every aspect of life was ruled by sacrifice for the war effort, or the striving for perfection of moral character.

Needless to say, I did better at my war efforts. Young people rebel, and I was young, so I quit my church in disgust. I never learned anything, and learning was very important to me. So I gave up on religion and turned to what was for me "scientific/materialist".

This phase did not last long. Soon great writers, some of them scientists, brought me to repentance. I returned to the fold, confessed my sin of desertion from the faith, and thought and believed like the Christian I was. But I never forgave the Corporate Church which had stifled my mind.

When I first learned of the subject of prophecy is lost to me. It could have been from a radio sermon or a used book store, but I came to realize that the Great Outcome of history was not dependent on human effort at all. It was in fact going to take place regardless of human effort. This represented the lifting of a great burden from me.

Human efforts are needed, and God will reward them, but the outcome of the Devil's World, his rebellion and final doom, will result from the action of God. I came to love this great Biblical idea and still do. Others have their callings, but this one is mine.

The world is disintegrating as I write this. But Lord Jesus promised to take his church out--living and dead--before the time of Jacob's trouble. Satan has been doomed since the early part of Genesis. Though he and his angels will war against God, his fall, and the restoration of creation, are assured. God and his saints will prevail. It's a lead pipe cinch.

Celebrity Chefs

And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates. Deuteronomy 28:57

My best friend and I read an article about a common factor among decadent cultures--cultures which were ending. To our surprise it was that in each, chefs were elevated to celebrity status. It seems that as we go downhill we emphasize our sensory pleasures. As much as I enjoyed Julia Child, mostly as a delightful person, I see the meaning of this trend.

The lady in the preceding verse of the above quotation is described as "delicate", refined; but under the desperate condition God describes, she eats her children. Elsewhere, we hear of women exchanging their babies. "You eat my baby, I'll eat yours." A wartime video shows a woman in a bombed out city using a tiny piece of bread to wipe the insides of a garbage can for nutrition.

I fear if I were let loose in your kitchen, my culinary creation might be something like "carbonated chocolate spaghetti". My cooking skill is limited to where to set my microwave to thaw out frozen meals. I admire those who make wonderful food (I love anything baked), but let's not get too proud.

Strange times are coming. Let us never leave God out of our feasts.

Sticking Up for Cain?

Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. 1John 3:12, NIV

The Bible is so plain and simple about him, yet it has been my experience that there are often those who will defend Cain. The idea to them is that Cain did not get a fair shake. God had it in for him.

I remember a pugnacious young man in one of my classes who thought I was not being fair to Cain, as if I was the one who made up the story. It seemed to him like a personal slight that Cain was a farmer and did not please God with his gift, but was pleased with his brother's. The ire was directed against me because I agreed with God.

That Cain did not have a flock (supposedly) and gave of his produce, was inconsequential. Isn't a turnip as good as a lamb? That Cain could have bought or traded his crops for a suitable offering was not brought up. Cain defenders usually lasted for one class.

Besides the issue of Cain, you often meet those whose minds are made up as to what seems right to them. When they hear an idea from the Word of God with which they disagree, they strain to reconcile it with their fleshly mind set.

A pastor I knew struggled to reconcile the creation account with the classic geologic ages. He did not want to be found disagreeing with "science"! Had he studied even a basic course in geology, he might have found that the classic "ages" have been found nowhere on Earth, but are a hypothetical construct assembled to back up a ridiculous theory.

The vast Canadian Shield is composed of "old rock" overlaying "younger rock". But who knows enough to argue the discrepancy, or who even cares?

So it is that individual prejudices are opposed to the Bible. The motto for these is, "But I still say."

The Invitation to the Wedding Banquet

Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9, NIV

The last time I heard an invitation to a supper in a church was to a spaghetti dinner as a fund raiser to buy gold lame jackets for the ushers. (I don't know how to put the accent mark over the m in lame, so I'll just leave it as "lame", because lame it was.) Doesn't take a lot of discernment to see the tragically misplaced emphasis here.

Ever go to a church where the service sounded like a business meeting? But, hang on, drink your coffee, and wait patiently. Joke time is coming.

We have such an invitation to tell of! Our host will be our Savior. For some it will be their first full meal, and such a joyous occasion is offered to us. The future for the redeemed is eternal life in a perfect new body. What more could we ask for? Yet our Lord, who never ceases giving, adds this wonderful promise .

Oh, dismal, self-centered churches. Take your eyes off yourselves, and look upon Him.

A wise interpreter of the Bible explained that our robes of righteousness will not just be white. They will sparkle like snow. I'll bet the ushers will look nice in their jackets and that the spaghetti will taste just fine. But at their best they fall short of the glory that lies ahead for the saved.

The church has the wonderful opportunity to issue God's invitation, if they would just lift up their eyes.

How to Have a Strong Family

I just heard an "advice from the Bible" broadcast on a religion station, with this title. Modern preaching and teaching sounds like articles from the "Ladies' Home Journal", to me. Families are falling apart, money is a tragic issue, and so forth. I expect to hear a "Home Decorating the Bible Way" broadcast.

I will give you my ideas on how to have a strong family. First, start slowly, with medical exams for everyone. Begin with a warmup and stretching exercises. Then mild weight lifting. Small children can use up to 2 and one half pound hand weights. Before you know it, your 6 year old daughter will have "six pack" abs.

I am making fun of people in desperate trouble, but how bad off must we be? I wonder if we are just waking up to find that things are falling apart?

We have heard of the woes of PK's or preachers kids. I knew one. I really do not believe that super piety is the answer. I have seen those who maintain a stern religiosity fail with their families.

Perhaps there is another way? I'll call it the Visual Way. For those who wish to make their kids good by lecturing, I suggest listening, instead. I craved it as a youth, but never got it. I had lots of zany ideas, but needed someone to listen to them anyway.

Now to the Visual Way. A wise counselor said, "Children do not get their good behavior by listening, but by watching. And the one they watch the most is you."

Our Lord lectured to a nation that rejected him. But in the end he acted. He allowed himself to be crucified. He offered himself as a spectacle for all to see. Even those who do not read can look at a crucifix or a picture of Jesus on the cross, and they understand.

A Most Serious case of HH

The doctor said the test results were in. They were final and unmistakeable. The patient had a serious case of HH.

"HH?" his friends replied.

He went on to explain that it was incurable. No one recovers, and in this case, the patient did not even wish to.

For HH is short hand for "Heaven Hunger". Some might think it results as a desire for a last minute "reprieve" by a sinner afraid to die. This old man, though he had sinned plenty, has had touches of it since he was a little boy.

He spoke of first experiencing it when a cousin, whom he dearly loved, died as a result of appendicitis . She had been treated for abdominal pain by a "society doctor". This doctor dismissed the case as constipation and recommended a patent medicine known as "Ex- Lax." Soon, the little girl died at home of a burst appendix. After that, the boy thought of being with her in heaven. How wonderful it would be.

"So this is not a case of last minute conversion then?" they asked.

"No, he has had it in him for a long time. Some even think it is genetic. You know, an 'elect gene', though this is not widely held. It would be a gene marker setting even stubborn sinners apart from the world, and sometimes surfacing as a hunger for the next world."

"Is he suffering?" they asked.

"Not physically, but he has a lot of impatience. He describes dreams where even family members ignore him and do not speak to him. He says getting e-mails from people is difficult, except for his best friend."

And so, an old man longs for heaven and the only satisfaction for his hunger. There he knows that we all will communicate with one another.

Thank You So Much, Mark!

Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Mark 11:10

This wonderful scene of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey is represented elsewhere. So why do I quote Mark here? Because Mark adds a vital element. Jesus represents Himself as king on that day, the only passage in which He does so.

So much for the "invisible, spiritual kingdom within you" theory. There was nothing invisible here, everyone saw it. So I am extremely grateful to Mark for pointing this out. Many would like very much to represent the kingdom of God as "spiritual", and at least potentially, within each of us.

People, who if they were honest (and that is asking a lot), would admit that this coming world-ruling kingdom of David will be quite real and visible. It is just not time yet for it to be established. Jesus was rejected by the rulers that day, but he will return, and so will the Davidic kingdom.

Many years ago, when I read these words recorded by Mark, I was thrilled. I realized how Mark stops the mouths of those who teach that Israel has been rejected forever, or replaced by the church.

It has been said that this gospel was written by one who acted as a reporter or journalist. Not a bad description. He shows Jesus as a man of action, but also, in this verse, reveals the true nature of our King and of His coming kingdom.

The Church Epistles, Our Own Letters

To the poor people instructed by the corporate churches, Bible reading can be confusing for many Christians. I mean who are we? Are we Gentiles? Are we Jews following the Law of Moses? Which portions of Scripture apply to us?

Despite what we are continuously taught, the Gospels contain nothing of the church except by promise. Even in the Acts of the Apostles we are still struggling to become free of Judaism. But with the letters to the churches, we are reading actual letters to us. Finally, we have our own mail, sent through the Roman postal system, to real churches.

Yet under Church Replacement Theology, the whole Bible applies to us. I'm jealous. I want my own mail, my own letters. And starting with the Book of Romans, that is what we have. Of course, the entire Word of God is instructive to the church. Let me be so bold as to say that only the church understands the whole Bible.

But, despite the claims of the would-be elite, Moses was not a Lutheran. He was not even a Presbyterian! When God spoke to Moses, Moses was a circumcised Jew.

The church is separate and we have our own portion of the Bible, dedicated just to us. Perhaps if an Aaronic priest led a lamb to the so-called altar of a church and cut its throat, people would catch on?

I know that as a child, how confused I was to hear continuously of Jesus as a soft-spoken carpenter teaching in the temple. Such wonderful lessons indeed, but I did not hear of our risen Lord, now in heaven, and certainly never ever of His immanent return.

Many churches are stuck in the Gospels. To them, the church epistles are unfamiliar territory, except as devotional guides. They teach the Sunday sabbath as binding because it is in the ten commandments, even though the letters to the church tell us we are under no such restriction. Some call this attitude "Saved by grace, kept by the law".

Almost two thousand years after the formation of the church and the writing of the church epistles, we may wonder, will we ever be free of the Judaizers? The legalists are doing an amazing job of keeping us ignorant. And no wonder, we pay them to do so.

But how wonderful it is to realize that there is now no distinction between the varied peoples of the Earth. We are the church, and God has written love letters just to us.

The Broken Covenant

Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we or our ancestors have been able to bear? Acts 15:10

There is a widespread belief that the Old Covenant God made with Israel through Moses was a way to show men how to obtain salvation. Keep the law and get saved. But, since Israel did not keep the law, God cast them off and tried the New Covenant.

I wish to say that no one was ever saved by keeping the law. The law was never intended as a means of salvation. Seth, Abraham, and Isaac were saved long before the law was given. They were saved through faith, as is every person who was ever saved. When I hear people say that they live by the ten commandments, or maybe by the sermon on the mount, my feeling is that they should get them out and read them again.

Once I was trying to witness to an old lady (in vain). She said she would make it on moral grounds. She was not so bad after all. "I've never murdered anyone," she told me. Wow! I should have congratulated her. I mean never murdered anyone? How good can a person get?

I'm just "funning around", of course, while listening to people talk about their self-saving virtue. As if I expect to see a halo around the head of one who has not murdered.

Have you ever asked one who says they follow the sermon on the mount if they ever give "no thought for the morrow"? Have they cashed in all their insurance policies? We soon become weary of such posturing. James tells us that if we break any part of the law (James 2:10), we are guilty of breaking it all. So much for the righteousness of mankind.

The law, telling of the righteousness of God, condemns, but cannot justify. Paul tells us how he was blameless according to the law, but throws himself on the mercy of God as a sinner.

I totally love chapter 15 of Acts. If read, it shows that we are not under the law, but in need of salvation through faith. We do not need more rules to follow, but God's mercy.

The Hidden Gospel

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
2 Corinthians 4:3

I grew up in a church that taught that God wanted to save everyone. To many, this seems obvious. After all, they reason, according to their interpretation of John 3:16, He loves everyone. If God loves everyone, surely He wishes to save them all.

Human reason is truly marvelous. Look at the many inventions it has spawned. Nowhere is it so obvious as in our killing machines. But human reason, aided by the Devil, is a disaster in our misguided interpretations of the Bible.

"If every man would save a man, then all the world be saved." This is what I heard when I was a boy. Wow! We're talking outreach now--all the world! In my case it was quoted by one whose wife and daughter were not certain of their own salvation until shortly before their deaths. I was left to find it on my own.

Every effort was directed outward. One's own family were taught to be good and thus earn their own salvation. Jesus was held up as an example of goodness to imitate, not as our Savior. Early on, it became obvious that this church program was nothing but a membership drive.

To dare think that God does not love every one, that the message of the Gospel is for His elect, is to commit blasphemy in the eyes of most Christians. But let me say that if God has tried to save everyone, He has failed. The flood killed billions. Only eight were saved alive. "But they failed to use their free will to choose God, so it is their fault that they perished." This is the argument of those who deify free will and raise it above the sovereign will of God.

Want to try a little experiment? Bring up the subject of man's free will any where. See who gets angry. Such anger is the sound of wounded flesh. It hurts to hear that Almighty God is the one who chooses and creates, and that there are those to whom the Gospel is without meaning.

The most marvelous speaker, the most persuasive salesman, cannot reach some. While people strive to save the world, let them try to reach every member of their family. God's sheep will hear His voice, but to the goats it will remain hidden.

The Judgment of the Church

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17 KJV

For it is time for judgement to begin with God's household: and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17, NIV

There is a commonly held view or image of "judgement day". After the "general resurrection" of the dead, we all--Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of God--are to stand before the throne of God and be judged according to whether we have done more good than bad. Those who have will be permitted to enter the pearly gates by a white-bearded Saint Peter, standing behind a little desk. The bad people will go to hell and be tormented forever by the red-suited devil, with a trident.

This idea has been put into our minds by cartoonists (Tom and Jerry) and pretty much left that way by preachers. Nothing like it in the Bible, of course, but we are an image directed society.

First there is no such thing as a "general resurrection", except that generals will be resurrected as well as privates. The way preachers and some would-be theologians mix separate events makes me think they would be great as bartenders, mixing cocktails in a shaker.

For Peter tells us that the judgement of the church, then and now, is already underway. Further study reveals that the next judgement will be that of Jacob. His time of trouble will be concluded next. Then, after the millennium, the Gentiles have their judgement. These three peoples include all of humanity.

But what of the heavenly judgement spoken of by Paul in 2Corinthians chapter five? Isn't it future? Yes, it is. But it is not a judgement of us, but of our works. It is an awards ceremony, where no one is lost. Only some of their works may be.

For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV

The whole of chapter 5 really helps make things clear.

Lull Before the Storm?

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3

This is a very familiar passage, read and referred to often. But I have a question. To whom does it refer? Surely to the non-Christian world, one might say. But we are descending into a time when war and danger are on peoples' minds.

Do you know anyone who is now saying "peace and safety"? Certainly it will not describe the experience of those in the Great Tribulation. So, I ask again, what peace and safety?

We do not have it now. Tribulation saints will not have it. So who does that leave?

If indeed these proclamations are made by those outside the church (and I am just supposing this for the moment) when will there be a period of peace and safety? Paul says there will be one.

Our president is not promising it to his followers. Let me just suppose that the time Paul mentions is ushered in by Antichrist, as pictured in Revelation 6:2.

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Other places in scripture tell us that this white horse conqueror will overcome quickly. Resistance will be futile. No protracted wars here. So now, here is the opportunity to cry "peace and safety". Like Chamberlain in WW2, a promise of peace is promoted, and apparently this one lasts about as long.

The next rider, on the red horse, "takes peace away". Impossible if there is no peace. A new sheriff is coming to town, bringing a very brief period of peace; but what follows this lull will be the most terrible time the earth has ever seen.

"A Small World of Tribal Drums"

This was how Marshall McLuhan described today's culture. Just as the invention of the printing press paved the way for individualism, the new electronic mass media has brought us together once again, and not for good.

And what is a major characteristic of this non-print society? Again, Marshall says, "Terror is the normal state of any oral society..." This Canadian born genius of media predicted the World Wide Web 30 years before it was formed. He explains where we came from and what we are now.

I had a copy of his book, The Mechanical Bride, probably chewed up by mice now. I struggled with this author for years, but finally am seeing him for what he was--a prophet of the techniques used to lie to and manipulate people.

Though it is ancient, let's never forget the printed word, the method God has used to communicate to us for thousands of years. We might even visit a Bible store. They will welcome you there.

We Have Our Generals, Too

It was in a video I recently showed to some guests, this amazing quote made by a member of the True Torah Jews. These people who follow the Old Testament instead of the worldly course of the Zionists are responding to the threat of being forced into service in the Israeli Defense Force. They are small in number and were previously exempt from such service--involuntary servitude.

They maintain that they will not go into the Army, and they will not be indoctrinated by the teachings or programming of such a way of life. So-called heroes of the military are deemed as enemies of God and His people by the True Torah Jews. So why should they not serve? Why should they not defend the land that God gave them?

I am going to be very dogmatic now. First, this UN created country called Israel is not under attack. And second, it is not TIME for Jews to be there at all. They would attempt to legitimize their immoral stand by saying that this is the land that God gave them. God did give the land to Abraham's decendants, but the great majority of these people are not decendants of Abraham at all.

Oh, the attempted power grab that is going on! It's result will be justice, administered not by man, but by God.

Are the Bible's prophecies concerning this area in error? How ironic that Christians support ungodly Zionism, while Torah Jews know who these people are. The Torah Jews have their scholar generals. The church needs such generals too.

Evelyn Event and Bob

She wanted to see him again, one last time. She designated High Tor, overlooking the sea. They each drove about 500 miles to their meeting place. Just before they met, a vicious storm broke out over High Tor. Far below the cliff , waves pounded the rocky shore.

For a brief moment the full Moon broke through the swirling clouds, revealing her approaching figure, wrapped in a hooded cloak. She saw him at the same time, wearing his nylon wind breaker and ball cap. Her raven locks were swirling in the violent wind. They ran together, embraced, and kissed.

At that moment a brilliant flash of lightening illuminated the scene.

"Perfect," she thought. "What a dramatic scene!"

"Oh, Heathcliff," she cried, "I have wanted to see you so badly that my heart simply ached."

Bob hesitated. "My name's not Heathcliff, it's Bob."

"I know, my darling," she replied, "but Heathcliff is so much more romantic, don't you think?"

Bob was aware of how unromantic he was. He should have removed his cap before they kissed. Better do it next time.

Next time! With gasoline going up to over eight dollars a gallon, there might never be a next time. So many things he wanted to talk to her about--the tar sands pipeline from Canada, the quakes induced from fracking--but now was not the time.

He held both of her hands as he looked into her face. "Have you noticed that the attacks on Zionism have been replaced by stories about the Vatican controlling everything?"

She pulled a hand free to cover his lips. "Let's not talk about that now, Heathcliff. Let's just think of this beautiful night, a night we will remember forever!"

He looked at the label on her fallen hood. It said, NOT MADE IN THE USA. He decided not to mention it--not to shatter this wonderful moment.

"If we never meet again, can't we at least e-mail? We could talk on the phone, maybe even exchange letters. I love letters."

"Foolish man,", she chided. "You know I'm far, far, too busy for that. Besides, how dramatic would that be? No, I'm afraid this will be our last contact, a perfect event."

On Loving Your Wife, and Matthew 24

What a strange comparison. Not really. Just as I loved her more after 35 years of marriage than I did at first, so I love this passage more now than when I first read it. And just as I would have fought for her safety and honor during those years, I wish to do the same for the greatest prophecy in the Bible.

But isn't this passage honored now? By many, yes. But even by those who love it and honor it, there are misunderstandings. Such misunderstandings should never persist in a marriage, and they should not in true Bible understanding.

Would you be surprised if someone were to say that there is a huge, purposeful series of lies being told about this great prophecy of Jesus? The lie and its attendant evils come about from claiming that the events in Matthew 24, were fulfilled in 70 A.D. or are beginning now.

Who has the will and patience to expose this false idea? There are millions who do not--victims of churches that adhere to an agenda that denies the futurity of prophecy. And there are those who sensationally say that they are presently taking place.

Are we talking about years of arduous study and cross checking of obscure facts? Actually, these could be quite helpful. But there is a much simpler way to verify that the events in Matthew have yet to occur. Read the whole chapter. Ask if all the events are past, or yet to be fulfilled. Simple as that.

Some will claim that Matt. 24 is presently being fulfilled. There have certainly been wars and rumors of wars. Nations have risen against nation. There have been famines and earthquakes in various places. Sounds convincing, doesn't it? But Jesus said these are just the beginning of sorrows. The end is not yet.

What about things that all will agree have yet to take place? Has the gospel of the kingdom been proclaimed to the whole world?

In spite of great efforts the world has not received the gospel. The kingdom has not been preached. It is not the task of church missionaries to proclaim it. The kingdom gospel will be proclaimed by an angel from heaven (Rev. 14:6) after the rapture of the church. This gospel preaching, along with the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, will occur in the future. They did not take place in 70 A.D, They are not occurring now. They apply to Israel, not to the church.

If we just read this one passage, and the chapter before it, a lot of confusion will disappear. It only takes a few minutes to prove that this is about Israel, the rebuilding of her temple, and the end of the present world. The church has her own prophecies, plainly written in the words of Peter, Paul, John, and Lord Jesus in Revelation chapters 1,2, and 3.

Why Many Churches Ignore the Blind

Jesus certainly did not ignore the physically blind, but almost every church does. There is a lot of theology involved, of course. Those who teach that we are now living in the millennium, figure that the blind have been left out of kingdom blessings because of unconfessed sin and so forth.

But even the rich (I almost said bastards) who feel that this is now "reward time", die. Not much of a millennium there. At death, these "sighties" are no better than people who can't see.

I will now try to present an economic motive for the neglect of the blind. Simply that they are seldom rich, and are thus below the radar money-wise.

My wife and I attended church with a young blind lady, and to be considerate, she had brailled out the order of worship and the hymn words for her. After the service the young lady began to weep. "Janie, this is the first time I have ever been able to join in a service."

Now someone who didn't know these (almost said bastards again!) people might think, that since their church was on the same street as America's largest braille printing house, with attached living quarters, that they could take notice of the blind people. How naive can you be?

But I propose a sure fire solution that is guaranteed to work! You use infiltrators. They spread rumors about the blind. "Say, Pastor Higgins, have you heard that a multi-billionair has died and left ten million dollars to each of the folks at Clovernook School Home and School for the Blind?"

Immediately a profound change comes over the pastor and his board of sessions. They see the blind man with his cane in the third pew as not so cursed after all. He will, for the first time, be noticed as a human being created by God, or at least as a great source of revenue.

Oops! I Lost Hell, I know it's Around Here Somewhere

Is it an example of dualism--Yin Yang--that keeps this pagan concept alive? Almost everybody believes in it. We believe in heaven, so to "balance it out" we feel there must be an opposite place where, instead of being happy, people are in agony forever.

So, as not to upset the balance people, let me submit the Bible's opposites--Eternal Life versus Eternal Death. This is plainly revealed from Genesis to Revelation. You can see it if you take off your "hell glasses" for a moment. Those who do this will meet with scathing opposition. First, because for many the beloved King James Bible translation mentions hell a lot. It puts hell in the mouth of Jesus, even though he never uttered the word.

For the brave people who dare to look at original texts, hell disappears, to be restored to what Our Lord really said. The plain reference to being burned up, refers to the dead corpses thrown into Jerusalem's city dump. This made sense to Jews, but the idea is not mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his ministry to the Gentiles.

But besides its mention in the KJV, there is a very proudful reason certain people LOVE the idea of hell, though they would deny it. Because, they feel they have used their unfallen free wills to accept Jesus. He must admire them for this, because it shows that they are better than those who failed to use their free wills to save themselves. "I'm better than them. They had their chance, so now they must scream in agony for eternity."

The doctrine of Eternal Death deserves more attention. It is the Bible's opposite of eternal life. But it is not vindictive enough for millions and millions of people. Make'em suffer! If its not in the Original Bible, then put it in. Modern translations, and Christians who think, are discovering the falsity of this Satanic doctrine.

Punking Out Over

Just had a visit by an old man (even older than me!) of a very religious background, which is quite genuine. I mentioned that I had discovered a cure for every problem--I mean every one. Health problems, poverty, war, crime, accidents, and unrequited love are cured by this age old panacea.

Quite a claim isn't it? But although I have not yet personally used it, I am assured that it works every time it is used, I am assured, and reassured, by the Bible.

But when I gave the answer to this man of genuine faith, he flinched! He knows better than to be upset, but this "medicine" scares people.

The answer, of course, is dying.

I discovered years ago that death is a patented product. God invented it as a universal cure.

Any drawbacks? Yes, it only works for God's people.

A Good Repairman on a Cold Winter Night

It is a below zero night. The winter wind is rattling the windows of a home containing a man and wife and their baby. The temperature in the home is rapidly dropping, for the furnace has ceased to function. Something must be done, and quickly.

The husband prepares to call a repairman, a preacher who works part time as a handyman. Before he can complete the call, his wife protests. "Don't call this man. He may be a good preacher, but when it comes to repairing a furnace, I hear he is a bumbling fool. Besides, he doesn't make evening calls."

The husband reconsiders. Who should he call then? The baby must be kept warm at all costs, and the water pipes will surely freeze. His wife recommends a man known to be very capable and whose ad says he will make a service call at any hour.

The husband protests. "I know this man. He will fix the furnace, but he smokes, drinks, and cusses like a sailor. I hear he is a profane man, not even a Christian."

If you were in this situation, who would you call?

There are times when a person, not of our faith--even one who speaks of "the bloody Bible"--has knowledge, and the courage to speak out, that we need to hear. I listen to all manner of people and consider what they have to say.

The link below has valuable information, though I certainly would not recommend its speaker on spiritual grounds. He speaks out where our deluded preachers, obeying IRS rather than God, will not. Please listen to him as he defends True Torah Jews and Palestinians against Zionists.

Please see David Icke - Rothschild Zionism.

The Prince of Persia

So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; Daniel 10:20, NIV

There is much talk about "regime change" these days. It is now a time for rapid overthrow of governments. It all seems so modern and apocalyptic.

But the Bible tells us plainly in Daniel chapter 10, where such changes occur. In a message from an angel, the change from Persia to Greece is foretold. Looks like Alexander the Great had help in making such a transformation.

I have time to look into as much of geopolitical talk as is revealed on the internet. Strange to tell, but everyone seems to agree on one point. Persia, now known as Iran, will be the focal point of a coming conflict that many believe will lead to another world war.

The objectives of these "change agents", their scope, will be far beyond what they believe it will be. Nothing can alter it. World conflict will occur. Perhaps Mr. Antichrist will be welcomed in order to bring peace?

The video linked below may be valuable in revealing how serious these evil birds are.

Please see Gwenyth Todd - Whistleblower on Planned Iran War & WW3.

Scotland's Independence and the Newell Theory

While studying the book of Revelation, I read the works of Wiliam Newell--pretty much a good standard treatment, still used today. But Newell introduced an idea--just a theory--on what will happen to the empires of the image nations, those pictured in the Great Image of Daniel chapter two.

In an age where One World propaganda rules, William posited an end time shrinkage or concentration. As in a detective movie scene, where the view of an entire room is zoomed in to show a single clue, Newell said that nations within the image (the Roman empire), would lose their holdings outside the empire.

Examples would be France's colonies in the Pacific, or even the U.S. separating from Britain. You might say, "What is the geopolitical significance of France losing Tahiti?" Except for the people involved, not an earth-shaking event. But still, it would be a sign according to Mr. Newell.

Recently, we hear of Scotland considering separation from Great Britain. I used to ride to work with an intelligent young man. I brought up this very idea, and referred to Scotland. He totally rejected such a concept. Since this was in the 70's, I can understand. But he said that if Scotland declared independence, he would believe what I called "Newell's Hypothesis.

To illustrate what is in view here, all that is needed is a marker and a world map. We draw a line around the boundaries of the old Roman empire. Everything outside the line will break away. Large nations, with many people in them who will go to heaven, are left out of the image. As we draw near the end, the nations of old Rome are being zoomed in upon, possibly a great clue that prophecy is being fulfilled.

The Screaming Elephant

I saw a film about the taming of an elephant. It was a young one. His feet were chained to posts driven into the ground. After his feet were secured, a group of men surrounded him. They began to punch at him with the ends of long poles. He lunged this way and that, but there was no escape.

After a time, he lifted his trunk and screamed. I still remember the sound of hopelessness. I know that he will become a useful worker, helping people make their livings. It is just one of so many things that has to be.

I saw a video made by an animals' rights person. Cattle were being unloaded from a truck at a slaughter house. There was no ramp. So electric prods were used to force them to jump onto the concrete. Some broke their legs. These things happen. I understand. The kids want their hamburgers. Mom and Dad like their steaks.

There is a whole chain of results that start with suffering--good things. But my own suffering, and that of others, builds up. These things must be, under the present dealings in a satanic world. Evil must have its day--about 6,000 years of it--before God destroys this present world.

I am aware that it is necessary, but after a number of years, a fatigue sets in. You don't want to hear about it any more. When life becomes bitter, death becomes sweet.

The Trapped Cat

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. 2 Peter 2:3, NIV

As a child, I returned home one evening with my parents. In the darkness I heard the mewing of my cat, Blackie. He had become trapped in some cord my father used to tie up a bush. Immediately, my father took out his pocket knife and cut the cord, freeing Blackie.

This happened 73 years ago, but it is still in my mind. Not only do I love cats, but I have pity on people trapped in false religion.

Let me say right away that I do not trust anyone or any religion that makes money off people. The more prosperous such outfits are, the more they deceive.

Yes, I know, it takes money to operate a church. How could I not know?

But money equals temptation. Big surprise. No money, no temptation. People are trapped by false teachers and false religions, just as poor Blackie was tangled in the cord.

In his quotation, Peter warns of greed. This is not about honest difference of opinion, but of money. Simple as that.

Choir directors,assistant choir directors, multiple youth counselors--I don't see them in the church epistles. Mega "churches", miracle ministries, healing ministries that don't heal--who is surprised to find their false leaders make millions?

There is another way. I follow it and have for years.

I was so happy when my father released Blackie. I wish we could all be freed.

Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy

If I were asked (nobody does) what has been the biggest source of sorrow and frustration in my life, I would say, immediately, people who are too busy. Actually, just busy. Of course this has only been true for 72 of my 79 years. Maybe I should give busyness a chance? It might turn out to be benign, even a very good thing.

I read of an Englishman who enjoyed talking to the people of a foreign country. He said "They always have time." Perhaps they had time because of their low standard of living? That could be it. They had not learned yet to exchange human contact for making money, or people for possessions.

There is a theory that busyness is an attempt to fill some kind of void inside the busy person. Others even say that some people are trying to earn their salvation through constant effort. I suppose there is merit to both ideas. I tend toward the "fear theory".

I had a friend who, when shopping, walked so fast that he looked like he had stolen a purse and was making his getaway. He told me that every second spent in such activities was time lost forever. He was an atheist, and from this perspective, he was right. He felt he was facing a total extinction.

Despite the losses and disappointments at the hands of the Busy Ones, I have a great hope. Some day soon I will be in the presence of God. He will not be too busy to commune with me.

What I Wanted Most

What I wanted most, I never got. Sounds like a bleary-eyed drunk crying over his beer, doesn't it? But now, when I hear this prototypical remark in jokes--"My wife doesn't understand me"--I believe I know what is going on. Of course she doesn't understand you, and you don't understand her either. No lack of love is implied here. There's plenty of love in both cases. But love is not understanding, and some of us need, not approval, but to be known.

Old people are often asked if they have any words of advice they would like to pass on. It's a standard question that young reporters ask of those turning 100. This is an opportunity for great wisdom to come forth, hopefully with a humorous twist, to make it more newsworthy. I am a mere child of almost 79, but I would say this in such a hypothetical interview, "Don't expect to be understood, even by those who love you most."

For love is all around us. It is such a natural thing. Little girls love their dolls, little boys love their favorite toys. But the question "Do you understand your doll or toy?" would never be asked. I fear that our natural desire to love or to be loved has no counterpart in the desire to know and be known. So those who long for this will go to their graves never having achieved it.

Animals to the rescue! As a child I once lay down on my bed crying. My cat jumped upon the bed and came towards me. Perhaps to her I was like one of her mewing kittens. She knew that if she licked me enough, everything would be ok. Later, my dog would give me that special look that said, "Why don't we go for a long walk? It works for me." Blessed animals! Just knowing that they care helps so much. Maybe that is why God made them.

Restoring Soil Contaminated With Nano Particles of Aluminum

Geoengineering is killing our soil and thus our plants.

While aluminum is an extremely abundant element, it is basically harmless when bound by other elements in the form of stable compounds, which it is in nature. In fact, it is not found uncombined in nature. But when sprayed on us in atomic, uncombined form, it is a toxic substance, affecting soil by killing its beneficial bacteria.

In our food, it ends up damaging the brain. So why don't we filter it out in greenhouses, for example?

Because nanoparticles pass through any filter. But there is a way to trap particles other than by filtering. This is the Cottrell precipitator. It works by charging particles, then attracting them with the opposite charge.

Let us say that a greenhouse was filled with aluminum-free soil or growing medium. Cleaned air was then circulated through it from a precipitator. You could have an aluminum-free greenhouse.

Unattached, free aluminum particles kill useful soil bacteria. This allows pathogenic fungi to take over, killing plants, even whole forests, as in the Pacific Northwest.

There are commercial sources of cultured soil bacteria. They actually help to feed plants and stave off harmful fungi. They act, as do sourdough starters. This could be added to the greenhouse soil. You could grow and eat aluminum-free crops. Precipitators are commercially available. So is growing medium and beneficial bacteria.

This is a brief summary of a pure garden which could be built--a kind of "holding action" we could use to sustain us until Jesus comes.

Please see the following:

• Engineered Drought Catastrophe, Target California
• Daniel Ott Interviews Dane Wigington on geoengineering
• A General Essay on Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil
• How to grow your own soil rhizobia and other bacteria - Organic Gardening Forum - GardenWeb
• Electrostatic precipitator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Electrostatic Precipitator/Smoke Precipitator - How it Works/How to Make

Show 'em How to Dance, Miriam!

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Exodus 15:20

I never could dance. I tried, but just lack the coordination I guess. I enjoy watching others, and I like all kinds. But personally I am like the dog who begged off from dancing, saying, "Sorry, but I have two left feet."

It is too late to have witnessed, what is to me, the best dance of all--Miriam praising God for defeating Pharaoh and his army. This is the dance I most wish I could have seen. A vast multitude of slaves, escaping from 400 years of bondage. And who celebrates--perhaps those who suffered the most--Miriam and the women.

I imagine her leaping and banging her timbrel, hair and garments blowing in the desert wind. Was it a great dance? God thinks so. He wrote about it in His Bible.

Are you in the mood for some Jewish rap? See Dance Like Miriam At The Red Sea!!!