Anakypto Afterthoughts

Crickets April 11, 2024

We’re familiar with the concept:  you cry out to someone or appeal to someone or “send a letter to your Congressman and demand action” and you get no response.   Crickets.

It’s somewhat maddening, but in some cases probably justified.  After all, if the person to whom the appeal has been made has appealed to YOU in the past and the appeal was ignored, well … what should you expect?

And that’s where God seems to be.  After all, I would not expect the average atheist or agnostic or humanist to know much about the story of Jonah.  I would not expect an unbeliever to know that the sun, moon and stars were put in the heavens by God “for signs and seasons.”  I would not expect the average carnal man to think much about God judging the world.

But for those in the churches and especially those who claim to be Christians, it is perfectly reasonable for God to expect them to be at least somewhat conversant on the very basics of the Bible story.  Christians should know that Jesus came, forgave sins, was crucified, and said He would return.  Since He compared Himself to Jonah, they should have some idea of who Jonah was.  They should know something about the first Passover and the Exodus story. 

And if they don’t know, it’s not an indictment against churches or pastors.  This is basic Christianity 101.  Christians – especially in America – are properly expected to read their Bibles.  Free Bibles in ANY version are readily available.  It’s all online.  Bible apps, printed Bibles, Bible radio programs, Bible TV programs, Bible on YouTube … legal and available in any format 24/7.  Audio Bibles or Bibles in any language.  Men – and most especially Christians in America – are without excuse.

So God has traced a giant black X over the U.S.  People who should have been watching generally shrugged.  This is not the first time God offered a sign which was ignored.  It also happened at the time of the Exodus.  “Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign.” (Exodus 4:8)  I would suggest we have had at least two signs already; warnings to those paying attention that God is about to intervene once again in human history.

Next will come catastrophe – maybe this week, maybe this month, maybe in May or June.  Something bad WILL happen, and then … then the tears and the prayer meetings and the crying out to God oh God help us please please!!!

And all they will hear is cicadas.  A TRILLION of them.  90 decibels I’m told … like a power lawnmower.

Crickets. 

We’ll see, of course.

God’s Chosen Fast March 7, 2024

Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:6-7, NKJV

We are approaching what is arguably one of the most serious and pivotal times in world history. We may hear appeals for fasting and for gathering in “solemn assemblies” and these are certainly appropriate appeals. But we need to get the “fasting” part right. Usually, we think of fasting as various deprivations: don’t eat, don’t watch TV, leave “social media” alone, refrain from intimacy – items like that. The severe fast called for by the king of Nineveh (Jonah 3:6-8) included fasting from water, from comfortable clothing, and from furniture.

How serious are we? Would we sit and sleep on the floor, wear burlap (“sack cloth”), and not eat or drink because of grief over wickedness, and abject terror when considering God’s quickly-approaching, fierce and almost certainly unappeasable wrath against us?

Don’t misunderstand – I am not saying that New Testament believers should fear the wrath of God. Neither am I saying we should break out the burlap and stop eating. What I’m pointing out is that God did not change His attitude about sin because of Calvary. He still hates it, and we should also. The Ninevites took this seriously, and we should also. We cannot be cavalier or indifferent about sin just because we need not fear its eternal consequences. There are still consequences – it’s just that, for Christians, eternal separation from God is no longer one of them.

If we take sin and God seriously, we may lose our interest in food for a season. However, the verses above describe the “fast” that includes groceries and yet may move God. We see in Jonah 3:8 the part of Nineveh’s response that persuaded God to relent from overthrowing the city: “… let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.“

God wants us to fast from evil and violence. He doesn’t want hungry people; a famine would produce that. Rather, He wants merciful people. He wants compassionate people. This is not complex or nuanced theology. It’s a call to change both hearts and behavior.

We often quote 2 Chron. 7:14 where it says, “If My people … will turn from their wicked ways …” It’s not a call to attempt to change others. It’s a call to personal and corporate repentance. Are we humble before God? Do we pray … or just complain and ask for stuff? Do we seek His face? Do we really want Him, or just what we think He may do for us?

The king of Nineveh knew why God’s judgment was coming: his subjects had evil ways, and violence in their hands. Most Americans are probably aware of societal evil. Many enjoy violence for entertainment. How many see judgment coming? Nineveh took this seriously. Sadly, it still appears that most Americans don’t.

But what about American Christians? How serious are we about pleasing God? How interested are we in becoming the people He has called us to become? “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). How aggressively do we pursue peace and cultivate personal holiness? How badly do we want to see Him?

There is no reason to wait until April 8th before starting God’s CHOSEN fast. The “bonds of wickedness” are certainly in the culture, but they may also be in us. We are the ones bound by the compromises with evil we find so easy to make. We’re living in a debauched culture where every sort of sin and perversion is being “normalized,” and many of these despicable behaviors are seen as “rights” and are protected by law. “As it was in the days of Lot …” (Luke 17:28) sure comes to mind. Frequently. How much of this “normalcy” are we comfortable with? How much do we participate in?

That “heavy burden” may be the one Jesus offers to replace (see Matthew 11:28-30). I leave it to you, the reader, to unpack Isaiah 58:6-7 and see what may apply specifically to you. The kingdom of Heaven is at hand; the time is short. What are you doing about it?

‘Let My Ruined Life Be Restored’ February 11, 2024

I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple.

Jonah 2:6-7, NKJV (emphasis added)

With the upcoming “Nineveh eclipse” which will occur on April 8th, I’ve taken a deeper look at both Jonah and Nahum. After all, as we read in 1 Cor. 10:11 “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” There are some VERY relevant treasures to be mined by digging into these prophecies. I recommend you begin by reviewing this brief article on Ancient Nineveh which will give useful background information. The connections to Nimrod and Ishtar (‘Easter‘) should be noted.

Jonah is seen as the “reluctant prophet” because of his obvious unwillingness to obey God and go to Nineveh. This reluctance on his part can be understood by studying some of the history of the vicious people who lived in Nineveh and their treatment of the Jews. As we know, Jonah finally submitted to God, went to Nineveh, and preached a short message of imminent judgment against the city: “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4). In today’s language, it was “Plan A is the complete destruction of Nineveh in 40 days, and there is no Plan B.”

Still, the people of Nineveh apparently thought they had an option: repent with the hope that God might relent. Jonah recorded their repentance and God’s mercy. Nahum tells us what happened to Nineveh 150 years later when they eventually forgot both Jonah’s warning and God’s hatred of persistent unfaithfulness. The means God would have used in Jonah’s day had the Ninevites not repented were no doubt different from what God used when He destroyed Nineveh – different means but the same result.

There are two particular elements of this narrative that I would like to briefly explore: 1) Jonah’s prayer and 2) Nineveh’s eventual judgment, as described by Nahum. Then I’ll consider the possibility that these ancient prophecies may have a very direct and immediate connection to these last days.

Almost all of our modern Bible translations are primarily based on the Masoretic text, which I have found to be somewhat problematic. For this reason, I usually also look at Old Testament texts as they are rendered by the Septuagint (abbreviated “LXX”). Jonah’s prayer seems strange to me because it reads more like a theological statement than what we would expect: a desperate appeal to God for mercy from someone who was dying! I mean, if you’d been swallowed by a great fish and thought you were going to die, and you knew it was because you had disobeyed a direct command from God Himself, what would your prayer sound like?

“You have brought up my life from the pit” is the Masoretic rendering. True enough, one might think, but the Septuagint renders it with the much more urgent and believable “Let my ruined life be restored!“ (This is a prayer most of us have probably prayed, perhaps at the initial point of salvation.) After all, God could have raised up another prophet to take Jonah’s place. Jonah certainly knew he was not indispensable.

When my soul was failing me (that is, Jonah knew he was dying), I remembered the Lord; (his last conscious act was prayer):

O Lord my God, let my ruined life be restored, and may my prayer come to You in Your holy temple (This is the desperate and honest prayer of a frightened and broken man). 

Those who observe vanities and lies have forsaken their own mercy (this is prophetic – he is speaking of those who will receive God’s judgment), but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of praise and thanksgiving (Jonah contrasts his intentions with “those who observe vanities and lies”). 

All that I have vowed I will pay to You, the Lord of my salvation (Jonah makes a commitment, perhaps after he received assurance that his prayer would be answered).

Jonah 2:6-7 Septuagint (LXX) emphasis added

There may be something here for us. Is Nineveh an old testament type of the United States? After all, some of the descriptions Nahum gave of ancient Nineveh apply well to us, including “the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations through her harlotries and families through her sorceries.” (Nahum 3:4) Selling nations through harlotries could point to either the international pornography industry or the activities of those like Mr. Epstein; the U.S. being a major leader of both. ”Sorcery” in Greek is “pharmakeia” and this is also a major global industry, dominated by American businesses. Both pharmaceuticals and street drugs could be in view – the U.S. championing both.

Will the upcoming eclipse be the beginning of a 40-day “last chance” for national repentance, following the pattern of Jonah? And if repentance is not forthcoming, can we properly expect that the judgments described in Nahum will be visited on America? Or is this all a pessimistic and unwarranted conjecture from the eschatospheric fringe? I leave that for your prayerful consideration.

There were several fierce judgments described in Nahum, some of which were experienced by the Ninevites. The city-state was destroyed by a military campaign brought against it by the Medes and the Babylonians in 612 BC. Their attack was facilitated by the flooding of the Khosr River which washed away part of the city wall. However, Nahum suggests other judgments that were not part of the destruction of Nineveh, including hurricanes/tornadoes (Nahum 1:3), drought (v. 4), massive earthquakes and possible volcanoes (v. 5), and darkness (v. 8). 

IF this is a warning to end-times “Nineveh” then the invasion over the southern border (and the criminal misbehavior of those who have already “immigrated”) is just one of many unpleasant things that could be in our very near future if national repentance is not immediately forthcoming. We could also see massive seismic events such as a major New Madrid earthquake, the eruption of the Yellowstone caldera (currently deemed both unlikely and unpredictable), severe meteorological events or weather warfare, Poseidon-generated tsunamis, and “darkness” (EMP attacks and grid failures). Suggesting the possibility of these sorts of things may seem like over-the-top fear mongering, especially to the average American who may think that the worst things that could happen any time soon are $10 per gallon gasoline or the re-election of Donald Trump. This also I must leave to your prayerful consideration.

IF the upcoming eclipse signals the beginning of a 40-day window, within which America must either repent or face destruction, that window closes on May 18th, which is the day before Pentecost. IF the Rev. 12 sign that appeared on September 16, 2023 was the initiation of a “cosmic pregnancy” that term ends on Shavuot, June 12, 2024. We could properly expect increased spiritual activity and sensitivity, and there could also be some definitive action or policy implementation or cultural events that strongly signal America’s response to God’s final offer some time in the very near future.  It may be much later than most people think.

–

The Wedding Garment February 7, 2024

But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?‘ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 22:11-13, NKJV

Wedding feasts are a fairly well-known motif in the parables of Jesus, though He threw some unexpected elements into the mix. And more than one Bible expositor has wandered off into the woods by misunderstanding some of those elements. But I think with some due diligence in identifying the themes and obvious elements, the rest can be safely surmised without unwarranted imaginative speculations.

So what’s this story about? I think it’s safe to say Jesus was talking about God the Father having a wedding feast for Jesus, and that we should expect a “bride” and wedding guests. The presence of the bride must be assumed and this is a reasonable assumption, but she’s not mentioned because the parable is not about her. Rather, it’s about the guests.

And who might they be? The Jews, looking through the Old Testament catalog of types and figures, might have a problem with this. They understood “Israel” to be the wife of God. Everyone else – the “not Israel” crowd – would be “gentile dogs” (or worse) in the contemplation of the Jews. For us, we’d see the probability that the king called his guests without racial distinction. His instructions were to go everywhere and invite “as many as you find.” 

So we have a wedding, a bride and groom, and guests. And among the guests is one without a wedding garment. According to https://bible-history.com/biblestudy/marriage “all guests were given special garments, clothing of festivity.” So the host provided the wedding garments to the guests, and for whatever reason this particular guest was not properly attired.

So what “garment” might be in view? The usual thought is that all believers are automatically clothed with the righteousness of Christ. But in Galatians 3:27 we read, “for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” 

A few thoughts here: first, that “as many of you” suggest a segment of the total audience. In other words, the suggestion may be that Paul was saying, “This applies to those of you who were baptized into Christ.“ ”Putting on Christ” is equated with being baptized into Him, and presumably those who trust Christ for remission of sins can either “put on Christ” or not. What does it mean to “put on Christ?” Perhaps “take on His characteristics and values” as suggested by one commentator at BibleHub. This makes it appear that “putting on Christ” is a post-salvation option. However, 1 Cor. 12:13 seems to say that the spiritual experience of baptism (presumably distinct from water immersion) is the entry point to the body of Christ. That is, “putting on Christ” happens automatically as soon as someone is saved. In this case, the saved person does not properly “put on” Christ, but Christian character is automatically put on him. So there are several perspectives, and we must ask: which squares with both scripture AND experience?

Second, maybe just a reference to water baptism, as others believe. I’ve explored this a bit in other blog posts, but simply encourage every unbaptized believer to study each scripture that deals with baptism and come to your own prayerful conclusion, and then obey your Spirit-led conclusions. One point that needs to be made is that is the spiritual experience and not the water ritual that establishes the reconciled relationship between a man and God.

My own conclusion is that these folks who don’t have a wedding garment and are relegated to the “outer darkness” are saved people. This does not speak to justification, but rather to sanctification. And while sanctification is both possible and available, it is not automatic. It is initiated at the point of salvation, but its development happens only with human effort. We are commanded to “grow up in all things in Christ” and “put on the new man” (Eph. 4:15, 24). Like any command, we can obey or disobey. But there are severe and eternal consequences for disobedience.

Sanctification, in the last place, is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Most men hope to go to heaven when they die; but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether they would enjoy heaven if they got there. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants are all holy; its occupations are all holy. To be really happy in heaven, it is clear and plain that we must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth.

We must be saints before we die, if we are to be saints afterwards in glory. The favorite idea of many, that dying men need nothing except absolution and forgiveness of sins to fit them for their great change, is a profound delusion. We need the work of the Holy Spirit as well as the work of Christ; we need renewal of the heart as well as the atoning blood; we need to be sanctified as well as to be justified.

It is common to hear people saying on their death-beds, “I only want the Lord to forgive me my sins, and take me to rest.” But those who say such things forget that the rest of heaven would be utterly useless if we had no heart to enjoy it! What could an unsanctified man do in heaven, if by any chance he got there? No man can possibly be happy in a place where he is not in his element, and where all around him is not congenial to his tastes, habits, and character.

Holiness, J.C. Ryle (1887) p. 34 (emphasis in original)

Ryle seems to go to the point that some level of sanctification is NECESSARY in order to go to heaven. I think Matthew 22 refutes that notion. Salvation is still by grace, through faith, not of ourselves. Christ CLEARLY does for us what we could NEVER do for ourselves. 

But what’s next? If sanctification is also totally of Christ and is automatic in the life of the saved man, then why all the rest? Why are we directed to strive toward holiness if it’s automatic? Why are we admonished to grow in grace, to grow up in all things in Christ, if it’s God’s plan to reward equally those who obey Him and those who don’t?

I think we know the answer, and it has something to do with getting serious about personal, Biblical holiness. Maybe turning off the TV, throwing some unwholesome books and magazines into the trash, committing to regular personal Bible study, and earnestly applying the Word of God to our daily lives. Taking God and the Bible seriously – VERY seriously – as we see Jesus’ return drawing nearer.

I close with a modern parable that may illustrate this “outer darkness” thing more clearly. A man has three sons, a 10-year-old, a 5-year-old, and an infant son of 6 months. He takes all three to Chuck E Cheese for an afternoon of fun. (I mean, how cool is that??) The eldest is in a venue designed for him, and he can play all the games and engage in all the available activities. There are some things the second son can also do, but some things are just beyond him. For the infant, he remains in his infant carrier, off to the side and out of the way. He can’t participate at all, because he’s simply too immature. He’s as much a son as the other two, but he is relegated to “outer darkness.”

Jesus is not interested in an immature bride. This is one reason I hold to the idea that the bride of Christ is a subset of the church. There are still believers among us who simply have no interest in growing up. I’m not judging anyone; it’s way too late for that. Personal holiness is not instantaneous, nor is it a spiritual gift. It encompasses spiritual fruit, which we’re all expected to grow. How’s your wedding garment coming along?

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

No Mulligans January 20, 2024

“Mulligan” is a term in golf for a do-over. It’s like the first effort didn’t count – no penalty, no stroke – just a gracious opportunity to try again as if the first try never happened.

I’d guess that most of us wish life were like that, at least sometimes. ”I wish I wouldn’t have said that,” (James 1:26) or “I never should have gone there. If I only knew then what I know now.” But we’re pretty much stuck with our poor choices and the consequences. That’s life.

Still, we DO have an option, and that’s why I’m bringing this up. It’s an option we can exercise every day, and it works (for me) something like this: In the evening, when the day is done and I turn off my phone and computer, I spend a few quiet minutes thinking, “if I could live this day over, what would I do differently?“ And since it’s just one day, and fresh in memory, I can remember everything that happened: where I went, who I engaged with, what I said, what I purchased – the whole day is still fresh in memory, so I can recall its events with detail. Was there a rash word? Or an opportunity to encourage someone that I let pass? What should I have done differently??

Some things can’t be fixed, of course. But during this quiet time, I can make a list of those things that must be addressed. This means fixing/changing old behaviors, NOT justifying them. That someone is unkind to you does not justify a rude response. And of course it also means reconciliation and restitution. Own up to your faults and make amends. Humility.

I have lots of old regrets, but this helps me not make any new ones. As His workmanship, I truly want to become the man God wants me to be. We will never reform the “old man” (Col. 3:9) but we can muzzle him. ”Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

This is, for me, a way to pro-actively endure temptation. I see tendencies in my life toward inappropriate behavior, and by daily review I can anticipate situations and plan proper responses. At the same time, I can go back tomorrow to make things right with people I may have offended today.

This is not “life-by-guilt-trip” because, as you are no doubt well aware, there are LOTS of folks out there who are actively looking for people or things to offend them. Some folks prefer “high dudgeon” to reconciliation, and airs of moral superiority to healed relationships. Some things can’t be fixed. But, if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)

A Case For Christmas December 18, 2023

‘Tis the season when the apologists, Bible scholars, traditionalists and historians love to weigh in on the questions, “is Christmas really Christian?” and “should Christians celebrate Christmas?“ Some argue that its roots and traditions all have pagan origins, from the date of celebration to the trees, tinsel, wreaths and gift-giving. ”It’s just Saturnalia with Christian trappings. Obviously, Jesus was not born in December!“ Others, with equal passion, insist that it’s anchored in Christian history, and even if we don’t know the exact date, it’s still Christ-honoring and should be celebrated.

I love a healthy debate as much as anyone, but who brought the red herrings to this party?

I ask, because the first question should probably be: ”if Christmas were Christian, what would it look like?“ And similarly, if it were pagan, then how would it differ from an idealized Christian model?

The Christmas story is narrated in Matthew and Luke. Neither provides dates, but the events themselves are obviously significant. Men were estranged from their Creator, and God was taking the initiative in healing the breach. He was offering “peace on earth, good will toward men.” The kingdom of Heaven was drawing near, and the Son of God would be its first ambassador. Jesus was bringing a message of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. No degrees in theology are needed to figure this out; just read the text.

If these are the underlying and primary messages of Christmas, then one would properly think these would be central themes in its celebration. We receive with gratitude and humility the grace that God has extended to us, we embrace His offer of reconciliation, and then we extend grace and reconciliation to those around us. ”Peace” and “good will” are not just verbiage on Christmas cards. Christmas properly calls us back to our roots as Christians, and re-energizes us to live as ambassadors for Christ and His kingdom. This should characterize us as believers throughout the advent season, and indeed into the new year.

These are not theological abstractions. If we are living for Christ, then we will go to that family member, neighbor or co-worker we may have offended, or who may have offended us, and try to restore the relationship. If we’ve defrauded anyone, this is the season we make it right: confess the fault and make restitution. This is the season God began His reconciliation with us, and this should be the season that we take the initiative in attempting to effect reconciliation with others.

There is, of course, nothing inappropriate or ‘pagan’ about this. We can choose to have a Christian Christmas. But do we? And that’s really the question, because we aren’t fooling God with our superficial displays of devotion to Christ if we’re refusing the gifts He has offered. Family schisms, unforgiveness, rebelliousness and over-indulgence follow us through the year and often DEFINE the Christmas season, and these are the things that taint the holiday season; not tinsel, trees or Santa Claus.

Is Christmas Christian? Sadly, for many of us it probably is not. It certainly can be, and it certainly should be. No, we don’t know the date, and the early church leaves no record of ever celebrating Jesus’ birthday. The date apparently wasn’t that big of a deal for them, and it probably should not be for us. But while the date of His nativity was not preserved, the reason for His nativity certainly was. Have we forgotten, or is that part of the story unworthy of celebration? 

And when January arrives and the decorations go back to the attic, are we refreshed and at peace, enjoying restored relationships and savoring pleasant memories? Or is this the post-holiday hangover, with credit card bills testifying to over-spending, and new year’s resolution to “do better” and lose a few pounds gained since Thanksgiving?

You may be thinking, “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t know my family.” That’s true; I don’t but God does. And this does not lay a requirement on any of us to restore every broken relationship. As we know from history, God’s invitation to the kingdom has been largely ignored. But God took the initiative, and so must we. God offered grace, and so must we. God desires reconciliation and so must we.

Some may object to the celebration in December. If you’re persuaded that Jesus was born in September, is THAT your season of reconciliation? Is there ANY season of the year when you re-focus on “the reason for the season”? 

The problem with Christmas may not be with its history, but with us. Does this make sense?

Tribulation Ten Days December 12, 2023

I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:9-10

As previously discussed, there are several “tribulations” in the Bible, including three separate periods of “great tribulation.” Christians have endured general tribulation since Jesus left, and there is one specific period of “great tribulation” mentioned in Rev. 2:22 –

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

Revelation 2:20-22 (emphasis added)

I would suggest that the “tribulation ten days” and the “great tribulation” mentioned in this chapter of Revelation could be the same period of time. This short post just runs a few numbers.

As we know, December 7th had some high expectations. As I write, we’re on the threshold of the culmination of the COP28 global plan. There is the possibility that implementation of the COP28 agenda, the rapture, the confirmation of the covenant, and then the Divine grant of global authority to The Dragon for 42 months are in the very near future.

What follows is a moderately imaginative conjecture based on a few premises: 1) that the tribulation and “great” tribulation periods above are the same period of time, or substantially overlap, 2) that the believers who go into it are the aischynō Christians, 3) that God will NOT allow any of His children to be under the authority of The Dragon during any of these last days, and 4) that the 42-month Reign of Global Terror (Rev. 13:5) ends some time after Pentecost (Sivan 6/June 11) but before Tisha b’Av (Av 9/August 12) in 2027.

Pentecost in 2027 is June 11th according to HebCal. As you may know, there are several variations on the Hebrew calendar but HebCal is probably close. As discussed previously, Peter links Pentecost and its ultimate fulfillment to the prophecy in Joel that describes an invasion of the land of Israel. This could be the “time of Jacob’s trouble”/”Magog invasion” (two names of the same event). If this invasion is in late spring or summer of 2027, then backing up 42 months would bring us to the beginning of the reign of The Dragon. If the end-point is during the sixty days between Pentecost in 2027 and the following Tisha b’Av, the first day would be before March 1st, 2024.

Now, if The Dragon gets global authority after the 29th of this month and the final tribulation period which some Christians will experience ends at that time, then “tribulation ten days” could begin as early as December 19th, which is five days from now, but any 10-day window ending before March would work.

It is 1,339 days from today until the 9th of Av (August 12) in 2027, according to HebCal. The 9th of Av is the fast of the fifth month, and arguably the saddest day on the Hebrew calendar. As you know, HebCal is one of several Hebrew calendars out there, all claiming to be the “true” calendar that God uses.  I don’t know.

As you may also know, the four fast days will become days of joy and gladness, per Zech. 8:19 –

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Zechariah 8:19

Daniel 12:12 identifies a “day of blessing” on the 1,335th day.  I’m unclear on the context.

I’d suggest that it may be possible that Day #1 – the confirmation of the covenant – could be just four days from now (perhaps preceded by the rapture) and that the warning in Acts 2 (quoting Joel 2) will be germane to the true Jews on Pentecost in 2027.  THIS – the invasion of the “locust army” – is also the “day of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7) and when the rumble is over, Magog and his hordes will have been defeated and peace will rest on the survivors of the global village.  It appears that Rev. 19 and Ezekiel 39 are describing the same event.

“And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, ‘Speak to every sort of bird and to every beast of the field: “Assemble yourselves and come; gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal which I am sacrificing for you, a great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams and lambs, of goats and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. You shall eat fat till you are full, and drink blood till you are drunk at My sacrificial meal which I am sacrificing for you. You shall be filled at My table with horses and riders, with mighty men and with all the men of war,” says the Lord God.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. The rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Ezekiel 39:20-23, Revelation 19:17-21

I actually have little confidence that the rapture is just four days out. There has been a LOT of hope that we would leave in 2023, and we have only about a fortnight before we find out. In the meantime, COP28 is winding down and we still expect that “Peace and Security” will be proclaimed as they roll out their new plan of global governance. If we’re still here, then hang on because the ride is going to start getting bumpy.

P.S. According to Q Official – credibility unknown – the “end” is coming on Friday, December 15th at 10:07 PM Eastern time. We can all suppose what we choose regarding what “the end” may mean. For Steve Quayle and undoubtedly many others, it means the anticipated default on $149 trillion of derivatives, and the resulting collapse of global economic structures.

Crunch.

The Selfish Gospel November 27, 2023

This bothers me. I’m not sure exactly why. I guess it’s because Jesus really deserves better, and maybe it’s the shock of poor theology. I don’t know.

It’s no surprise that many follow the broad path that leads to destruction. Jesus told us 2,000 years ago that this would be the case. And the idea that there would be wolves among the sheep, or tares among the wheat – both also exposed. We were warned to expect them.

“Lordship salvation” should not be an issue. It should not even be a question. I’m confident the early church did not argue over it, or take positions on whether or not one must make Jesus Lord and live out the unavoidable, and undebatable, implications of that understanding. But today we have well-known and highly influential Christian leaders going so far as to say that “Lordship salvation” is a heresy.

And the support for this conclusion? The thief on the cross. Find just ONE CASE where “Lordship” is apparently not possible, and suddenly it becomes optional. Or even unnecessary. “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:43) If being crucified was the only way to get saved without making Jesus the Lord of your life, do you think these opponents of “Lordship Salvation” would choose it?

Words mean things. One of the most clarifying and fundamental statements concerning salvation – and one we all quote – is in Romans 10:9 “ …that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” I’ll acknowledge first that what one believes in his heart is essential, but “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) We can’t know that part, but what about the confession? Where scripture says, “confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,” is this just a magic phrase? Is this the “password” to get into the kingdom? Is this just words?

I would submit that this is not just formal language, but that there is meaning. If someone makes wedding vows, they aren’t “just words” and all concerned would be horrified if the person taking those vows said, “I was just following the script. I have no intention of actually changing my behavior to comport with what I said.”

So what does “Lord” Jesus mean? In the early church, they had no doubt. The “Lord” was the one who had authority, the one to whom all were accountable. The “Lord” is the One to whom we OWE obedience and complete submission. The One who is LORD is, as a matter of Divine right, completely entitled to everything at all times and in all places. His jurisdiction is all-encompassing. His authority is complete. Jesus declared this when He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matt. 28:18) and the early disciples fully understood this. This is what Peter asserted when he said, ” … God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36 emphasis added)

But these “lordship is optional” folks quickly scamper for cover in Acts 16:31 where the Gentile jailer asks the specific question: “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s answer, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” is offered, emphasizing “believe” and ignoring the “Lord” part of the object of that saving belief. If words mean things, then believing on the LORD Jesus Christ (note: not “Savior Jesus Christ”) has implications. If you BELIEVE that Jesus is Lord, then that necessarily changes things. If you are just repeating a formula and don’t really mean what you are saying, then you are LYING. You are affirming with your mouth what you are denying by your continued self-centeredness. If Jesus does not, in fact, become the Lord of your life, your “Christian life” becomes a lie, and liars do not fare well at the end (Rev. 21:8).

The “new” gospel is that you confess things about Jesus and trust Him – but Lordship or commitment to Him or life changes are optional.  This is the “selfish gospel.” You claim that all your sins are forgiven, but you refuse to surrender “self” to the Lord you claim to believe in. You maintain “lordship” of your life. Jesus is certainly free to offer guidance, but you are not required to follow it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkHVuo_7kbg – “Jesus paid it all.  He doesn’t want my two bits.  He doesn’t want anything I do, and He doesn’t want my commitment, because He found out I lied about that two or three times.”  Yes, we slip and fall.  He picks us up and forgives us.  He never says “quit trying.” But McGee is sadly mistaken in saying “He doesn’t want my commitment,” because Jesus DOES want your commitment. Where McGee got this contrary idea is a mystery to me.

We have a culture of violence, and the “salt” has become savorless with uncommitted “Christians” who believe salvation is just a ticket to heaven and has nothing to do with being committed to Christ, submitted to Christ, or transformed by Christ. We should only be surprised that things aren’t worse than they are.

Imagine a football team where all the players are expected to do is believe they have a great coach.  No practice, no workouts, no change in diet.  If somehow a player gets knocked down, he just stays where he is but “believes” in his coach a little more.  To make this more analogous to today’s situation, let’s suppose the head coach really is good, but his assistant coaches are telling the players that workouts are optional. During a game, catching a pass or tackling the other team’s ball carrier or blocking – these are all optional, and you can be a perfectly good football player without engaging in any of this. Crazy, right? Blocking, tackling, scoring touchdowns and related activities are what it means to be a football player. It’s not just putting on your pads and sitting on the bench.

That to say this: living under the total Lordship of Christ is what it means to be a Christian. Submission to His Lordship is not some odious burden; rather, it’s a privilege and a delight. Someone offering you “Christianity” without Lordship is offering you savorless salt. To re-cast the discussion as “works-salvation” is to miss the point completely, as we’re not talking about earning or deserving salvation. We’re talking about salvation, of which forgiveness of sins is one part. And while it’s unquestionably true that none of us can do anything to atone for our sins, it is also true that there is more to being saved than just being forgiven.

The essence of saving faith is transformation. Having your sins forgiven is part of that. Being with Jesus for eternity is another part. But becoming like Him and becoming His companion is a MAJOR part. Yes, you must make Jesus your Lord in order to be saved, because that’s what salvation is.

The ‘Inerrancy’ Red Herring October 30, 2023

A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. The relevant question is, “since God is offering you forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ, what are you going to do about it?” And the response is sometimes, “well, that may be what the Bible says, but the Bible is full of errors.”

From there, the evangelist then takes upon himself the task of supporting the assertion that the Bible is inerrant, or at least that the original autographs (in Hebrew and Greek) were, and that our English translations are true to the original and so forth. It’s a safe bet that if the evangelist hands a Bible to the skeptic and says, “show me some of these errors,” that in most cases the skeptic will be unwilling or unable to do so. Sometimes the skeptic may be prepared and will point to some of the known problems with passages such as Mark 16:9-20, John 6:4, John 8:3-11, or the alleged conflicting testimonies regarding the events on the morning of the resurrection, or perhaps of Matthew and Mark’s accounts of the raising of the 12-year-old (Matt. 9 and Mark 5).

The skeptic may even insist that science has disproved or debunked the “creation myth” and may further say that everything before Genesis chapter 12 is not historically or scientifically true.

And so forth. We’ve seen the videos, or at least most of us probably have. Men like Greg Koukl and Frank Turek respond to these challenges much better than I could, and they seem to do it effortlessly. Of course, they’ve had lots of practice. But I have a question: Where does the Bible say that it is anything beyond faithful eye-witness accounts? Oh, it does in some areas. I have no doubt at all that God gave direct knowledge to Moses, that Moses wrote exactly what God told him, and that those records have been faithfully preserved. And yes, there are corrupted versions, but some serious digging exposes the flaws that have crept in. We can know with absolute certainty that God forbids adultery, and idolatry, and theft.

But the gospels are different. Most of the New Testament is different. The gospels are central to the New Testament and Jesus is central to the gospels and all these records, old testament and new, are considered scripture. And we should be comfortable with the knowledge that scripture makes no explicit claim to inerrancy. It claims to be “God-breathed” and “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” That, for us, should be sufficient. As J. Warner Wallace (and probably many others) pointed out, we should expect differences in separate accounts of the same events. Genuine eye-witness accounts always differ, but they are still reliable accounts. That different accounts have differences should not be at all surprising.

Gary Habermas answers these challenges to scriptural reliability with, “so what?” That’s the right answer. But don’t mis-understand: Dr. Habermas is not disparaging scripture in any way, nor am I. The claim that all scripture is “inerrant in the original autographs” is most probably true but is essentially meaningless because we don’t HAVE the originals, or any way to get them. Apparently, God decided that we don’t need them. What we have may not be perfect, but it is reliable, and it is sufficient.

The point is: arguing about so-called “discrepancies” in the scriptures and then dismissing the whole of scripture as being “unreliable” is flawed logic and often a red herring. For those who are running from the truth, any lie will do, any excuse, any distraction, any smoke screen. It behooves US, as proclaimers of truth and ambassadors for Christ to see past these distractions.

My thought on “God-breathed” – the Biblical word is “inspired.” The Greek word is theópneustos and it means “divinely breathed in.” Notice that it’s “inspire” and not “expire.” In other words, God did not “breathe out” the scriptures. Men were moved by the Holy Spirit, but it was still MEN who wrote them. What “inspire” suggests to me is that, as we say today, they “passed the (divine) sniff test.” Literally, when God “inspired” the scriptures, He breathed them in; He inhaled them. Perhaps He was enjoying their fragrance as “… holy men of God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.“

And as we know, we can all enjoy that same fragrance today. Sadly, many seem to prefer the fragrance of a “red herring” … a fish.

Dealing With Atheists October 29, 2023

There is no “proof” for the existence of God in Scripture. Rather, it’s assumed that none is needed. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and the heavens He created declare His glory. What may be known of God is manifest in each of us (Romans 1:19) and external proofs are unnecessary.

And yet … atheists abound, or at least appear to. These are often really bright people who observe the natural world and then claim to reach a logical conclusion regarding the existence of God that is contrary to scripture. For example, let’s consider Wolfgang Pauli:

I was doing a little research in the area of Quantum Physics, specifically a study of the fine structure constant, which is 1/137. This is one of the “fine tuning” numbers that shows up regularly in physics and that must be what it is in order for the universe to exist. As you may know, there are a number of these factors in the universe. Scientists generally agree that if they were even slightly larger or smaller, the world simply could not hold together.

It was in that pursuit that I came upon the above quote by Wolfgang Pauli; unquestionably a VERY bright guy. His theological framework was that some impersonal “Ultimate Reality” made the raw material, and then Satan fashioned the world. Hence, his “reasonable” expectation that Satan would be the one to answer his question. He got his questions answered on December 15, 1958. Most probably not the answers he hoped for. Truly sad.

To his credit, Dr. Pauli at least concluded that there was a personal designer. Perhaps he knew that atheism is unreasonable because it is self-refuting; that is, it disproves itself when it’s asserted. Here’s a simple illustration. Suppose I tell you “there is no gold in my house.” The only way I can make that claim and insist it’s correct is if I have complete knowledge of all the contents of my house. I am aware of every item therein and I know what it’s made of.

Now, for someone to assert that “there is no God” would require that the person have accurate knowledge of everything. In other words, the atheist has to claim omniscience to make the claim that there is no God. However, “omniscience” is a divine attribute. So by claiming there is no God, he is necessarily claiming to BE God, since he’s claiming the possession of an attribute only God possesses.

A discussion with an atheist can take another tack. Instead of the bold claim that there is no God, perhaps the atheist alleges that everything we see can be explained without Him. That is, there is no need for a Creator because the natural world (which they believe is all there is) is either eternal or is self-generated and self-sustaining.

Even if this were true, this does not disprove God. Illustration: you put three small children and a 100-piece picture puzzle in a room. One of the children assembles the puzzle and the others watch. That does not disprove the existence of the other two. Similarly, even if there is more than one way for a universe to come into being, the activity of one does not disprove the existence of the others. Even if we allow the possibility of some as-yet-undiscovered cosmic principle capable of creating everything, it just means that maybe God did not. It does not necessarily force the conclusion that God could not, or that God does not exist. It just means the universe could have created itself without God being involved. So now all the atheist needs is evidence that such a cosmic principle exists. Not only has the evidence never been found, but what HAS been found (the apparently universal laws of thermodynamics) point in the other direction.

If someone can discuss Quantum Physics intelligently, they have enough intelligence to follow arguments like these. The problem with atheists is not one of intelligence, but rather one of suppression. By God’s grace, we all have the truth. Let’s pray that people will recognize it.

Notice that apologists such as Dr. William Lane Craig often use logic, philosophy, history and science in their arguments supporting the existence of God, the truth of the resurrection and similar responses to the challenges of atheists and agnostics. Neither of my arguments above rests on eternal truth revealed in scripture, that is, and appeal to Authority. They are reasons intended to penetrate the shroud of faulty logic that some folks use to hide from God. But none of it addresses the core issue, of which we must remain vigilantly mindful: God has offered us reconciliation through Christ. If someone would prefer denying the existence of God over being reconciled with Him, then HOW they avoid Him is essentially irrelevant. Take away one smoke screen and they will create another.

Christian apologists such as Dr. Craig get a lot of visibility, through conferences, videos and books as they refute the arguments of atheists. It’s fun to watch, but don’t let it distract you from what’s really important.