Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
First the Jew.....Now the Gentile Such is God's Fairness Principle
Romans CH 11 says more than most of us realize. The chapter is often called the Olive Tree parable but in verse 27 God calls it a covenant "For this is my covenant with them (Israel), when I (the Lord) take away their sins". Before this in verse 26 God declares "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written" Zion the Deliverer will come and turn away ungodliness". And there are more verses in Old and New Testament that refer to a great act of deliverance for Israel.
For clarity sake, salvation and redemption are two different modes of operation and yet can be quite similar in performance. We know our salvation comes in Jesus Christ and I agree scripture states there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile or any other category in this regard. Despite this, God's word continues to proclaim a unique event for this nation. The problem that I see however, is that many christians are failing to realize that God still has an act of redemption for Israel as Romans Ch 11 clearly states. So when it comes to redemption which is the process of rescue or recovering from what was lost. It also refers to seek back from ransom that which was taken. We must be prepared for a fuller understanding of God's word as the Holy Spirit speaks through the apostle Paul.
Romans CH 11 isn't just about salvation but a process of national redemption because "all Israel will be saved". During this process, as the chapter closes, God turns away ungodliness from the gates of the nation of Israel. What does this mean for christians? Without going into detail, the classification of Gentile is simply everybody else who is not Jewish. We must remember there are plenty of gentiles in the world who choose not to accept Christ and downright refuse. Unfortunately even in Christianity there are doctrine that have issues as well that are in opposition to what Romans Ch 11 proclamation declares. But we serve the God of Israel and just maybe when of born again believers in Christ are raptured, national Israel will remain on Earth. Alone and desperate for solutions to survive against an onslaught of discontent and even hatred as we see in the Middle East. Indeed the city of Jerusalem is a cup of trembling!
The problem with gentile christians is the inability of many to acknowledge our side of being the problem!! You and I might see that which is spiritual but when I look at USA and World news, clearly blindness and a stiffnecked mentality is in part on the gentile side also and the churches are no exception considering the great divide we see with theologies that differ from the Word of the Living God.
The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is about a hope that lies deep in our hearts and it should be a constant desire to look for his appearing. To some degree has been that way through out Christianity. But now, I see so much biblical potential (facts) for fulfillment before my eyes and and yet churches are caught up in day to day drama with so many of it's members not hoping for Christ at all. There is always the remnant but when looking at it institutionally I see little faith and little expectation just a lot of legal dogma and self righteous mindset. I believe Romans Ch 11 is detailing for us who do see by faith the heart of the problem on the gentile side of the fence in the prophetic realm.
There is Daniel CH 9....Matthew Ch 24 and Romans Ch 11 which Time itself cannot seem to eradicate. Romans Ch 11 reveals to us the heart of the problem to us as Gentiles because the Holy Spirit is giving wisdom about the world of unbelievers and there are plenty who refute Israel's restoration as a biblical fulfillment. There is a cutting away of the gentiles and a regrafting back in Israel and it is happening in our generation. And so it is done as we see the apostasy forewarned by apostle Paul of a falling away within the churches. Even the endorsement of major denominations of gay clergy in the house of the Lord.
We must remember, Gentiles were never put to the test like Israel was concerning who Jesus was? It seems unfair that they had that burden but not your people or mine or anybody else's. Perhaps the shoe is now being placed on the other foot and we aren't wearing it very well either. Proving by the Word of God that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile concerning error in judgement as well. Perhaps that's why Israel must be saved in that day...at last. Are we reading the Bible to see by faith this biblical reality as Israel was required to see and accept Christ when he first came? Scripture is declaring in Romans CH 11 that Christ, who is Zion the Deliverer, will yet be their Messiah and the glory will belong to God and God only as He turns away ungodliness from Jacob.
I see this based on faith and by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit it seems so fair and righteous. The Church ought to be seeing by faith and not just by sight or human knowledge? The church silence on this redemptive process among their own congregations is pervasive because of it's own jealousies and biases which is the very thing God has warned us about. We have become like old wineskin with an unwillingness to eat the meat of the gospel which in our generation has the new wine of Israel before us after 1900 years of non existence. Knowledge has been refused and wisdom we do cast out! I close with this final thought: Since Christ was Israel's test for hearing the word of God, the question I ask is could God be using Israel to test the world and their ability to hear as well and the churches are no exception?
To me it makes perfect sense despite my human need for self- preservation, it is God who truly preserves us with eternal provisions! I conclude that Romans CH 11 is far more than a parable. It must be recognize for what God calls it and that is a covenant. A covenant is a formal and binding agreement and in this case unconditional. It also can be declared as a promise and pledge to do something at a point and time. This pledge of deliverance is to Israel and it's speak of a future event yet to come. It may have been "hid" by blooming of the Church and distorted by doctrines of doubt due to the distance of time but it is still a covenant in waiting. And so after all the years, perhaps the time has come.
In closing, I advise all to find a quiet place and read this chapter for your own spiritual growth and see the cutting away and now the regrafting back in of Israel in our generation. Israel is the
root of the tree which represent the christian faith. Hold the Bible and you will see the Root! It's their blood, sweat and tears right on up to Calvary Hills's recorded by men under the power of God for the Churches benefit in knowing the true God. There is a final blessing yet for Israel despite their blindness to date for certainly their is blindness on t he Gentile nations as well and we as Christians better be prepared to walk with the Lord in performing His redemption of them in that day. May these words bless you and yours to know the season and may they also be a profit to your ministry.
For clarity sake, salvation and redemption are two different modes of operation and yet can be quite similar in performance. We know our salvation comes in Jesus Christ and I agree scripture states there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile or any other category in this regard. Despite this, God's word continues to proclaim a unique event for this nation. The problem that I see however, is that many christians are failing to realize that God still has an act of redemption for Israel as Romans Ch 11 clearly states. So when it comes to redemption which is the process of rescue or recovering from what was lost. It also refers to seek back from ransom that which was taken. We must be prepared for a fuller understanding of God's word as the Holy Spirit speaks through the apostle Paul.
Romans CH 11 isn't just about salvation but a process of national redemption because "all Israel will be saved". During this process, as the chapter closes, God turns away ungodliness from the gates of the nation of Israel. What does this mean for christians? Without going into detail, the classification of Gentile is simply everybody else who is not Jewish. We must remember there are plenty of gentiles in the world who choose not to accept Christ and downright refuse. Unfortunately even in Christianity there are doctrine that have issues as well that are in opposition to what Romans Ch 11 proclamation declares. But we serve the God of Israel and just maybe when of born again believers in Christ are raptured, national Israel will remain on Earth. Alone and desperate for solutions to survive against an onslaught of discontent and even hatred as we see in the Middle East. Indeed the city of Jerusalem is a cup of trembling!
The problem with gentile christians is the inability of many to acknowledge our side of being the problem!! You and I might see that which is spiritual but when I look at USA and World news, clearly blindness and a stiffnecked mentality is in part on the gentile side also and the churches are no exception considering the great divide we see with theologies that differ from the Word of the Living God.
The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is about a hope that lies deep in our hearts and it should be a constant desire to look for his appearing. To some degree has been that way through out Christianity. But now, I see so much biblical potential (facts) for fulfillment before my eyes and and yet churches are caught up in day to day drama with so many of it's members not hoping for Christ at all. There is always the remnant but when looking at it institutionally I see little faith and little expectation just a lot of legal dogma and self righteous mindset. I believe Romans Ch 11 is detailing for us who do see by faith the heart of the problem on the gentile side of the fence in the prophetic realm.
There is Daniel CH 9....Matthew Ch 24 and Romans Ch 11 which Time itself cannot seem to eradicate. Romans Ch 11 reveals to us the heart of the problem to us as Gentiles because the Holy Spirit is giving wisdom about the world of unbelievers and there are plenty who refute Israel's restoration as a biblical fulfillment. There is a cutting away of the gentiles and a regrafting back in Israel and it is happening in our generation. And so it is done as we see the apostasy forewarned by apostle Paul of a falling away within the churches. Even the endorsement of major denominations of gay clergy in the house of the Lord.
We must remember, Gentiles were never put to the test like Israel was concerning who Jesus was? It seems unfair that they had that burden but not your people or mine or anybody else's. Perhaps the shoe is now being placed on the other foot and we aren't wearing it very well either. Proving by the Word of God that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile concerning error in judgement as well. Perhaps that's why Israel must be saved in that day...at last. Are we reading the Bible to see by faith this biblical reality as Israel was required to see and accept Christ when he first came? Scripture is declaring in Romans CH 11 that Christ, who is Zion the Deliverer, will yet be their Messiah and the glory will belong to God and God only as He turns away ungodliness from Jacob.
I see this based on faith and by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit it seems so fair and righteous. The Church ought to be seeing by faith and not just by sight or human knowledge? The church silence on this redemptive process among their own congregations is pervasive because of it's own jealousies and biases which is the very thing God has warned us about. We have become like old wineskin with an unwillingness to eat the meat of the gospel which in our generation has the new wine of Israel before us after 1900 years of non existence. Knowledge has been refused and wisdom we do cast out! I close with this final thought: Since Christ was Israel's test for hearing the word of God, the question I ask is could God be using Israel to test the world and their ability to hear as well and the churches are no exception?
To me it makes perfect sense despite my human need for self- preservation, it is God who truly preserves us with eternal provisions! I conclude that Romans CH 11 is far more than a parable. It must be recognize for what God calls it and that is a covenant. A covenant is a formal and binding agreement and in this case unconditional. It also can be declared as a promise and pledge to do something at a point and time. This pledge of deliverance is to Israel and it's speak of a future event yet to come. It may have been "hid" by blooming of the Church and distorted by doctrines of doubt due to the distance of time but it is still a covenant in waiting. And so after all the years, perhaps the time has come.
In closing, I advise all to find a quiet place and read this chapter for your own spiritual growth and see the cutting away and now the regrafting back in of Israel in our generation. Israel is the
root of the tree which represent the christian faith. Hold the Bible and you will see the Root! It's their blood, sweat and tears right on up to Calvary Hills's recorded by men under the power of God for the Churches benefit in knowing the true God. There is a final blessing yet for Israel despite their blindness to date for certainly their is blindness on t he Gentile nations as well and we as Christians better be prepared to walk with the Lord in performing His redemption of them in that day. May these words bless you and yours to know the season and may they also be a profit to your ministry.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
God’s Giving Without Measure End’s The Birdfight Among Men
Amazing how God can reveals things to you when you least expect it. I had decided to go out for lunch and went to one of my favorite places Pei Wei. I ordered my meal and decided to eat outside in the patio area. While waiting for the waiter to bring my order, I saw a woman walk across the parking lot and she saw me with a glance as she walk into the restaurant. A few minutes later, she appeared on the patio and with all the empty tables around sat at the table directly in my line of sight and she sat in the chair which faced me. This was a direct line of sight, eye to eye, which I thought was unusual for a seating selection with plenty of more private seating available by the curbside tables.
After sitting, within a minute she spoke small talk about feeding the birds that were nearing the tables. Small wrens were looking for food and perhaps were expecting me to give them some food since my order had just arrived. During the small talk I mentioned that if I toss the food we could be flooded with birds. Finally, her order came and she prayed over her food and begin to eat. Mainly, due to her comments I decided to toss a few grains of rice to the birds. And I do mean a few grains because technically you could count how many I tossed on the ground. The birds came within seconds and suddenly birdfights were in the making among the birds over what little there was.
I noticed the lady had the very same meal I had, it was identical in everyway which is not easy to do at Pei Wei’s because of the different sides you can choose. After speaking with the waiter, a few minutes later the waiter brought to her table an extra side order of rice which was quite a large portion. As I watched her, the lady took one scoop of rice for herself and then threw what was left over the railing on the sidewalk. It was a huge portion of rice for the birds forcing anyone walking on the sidewalk to step around it. Without a further word she finished her lunch and promptly left.
As I watched the birds go at the rice, there was no birdfight. What appeared to be a big mess on the sidewalk was instead a provision set aside for one of God’s creatures. It also seem to be relaying a truth to me about the gift of giving. I had tossed a few grains of rice when I had so many to give even if it was just a tablespoon worth. On the other hand, she gave without measure to the birds and the fighting was over.
It was peculiar how all this happened and it required of me to perhaps examine myself and my giving to others not just birds. Surprisingly though, that was not the case. Later in the week a thought came upon me concerning this event that brought closure concerning the provisions of God. It was more about the prophetic significance of two world systems one of promise and one in the present. God was speaking that while the multitude of men are preparing for war in the Valley of Jehoshaphat for so few miles of land known as Israel, God is preparing to give to all who believe in Him in the person of Christ a New Jerusalem. For believers there is to come mansions of many rooms including provisions that has no end. The inner voice summed it up as God’s promises to the Church is for the purpose of ending the “birdfight” for the things of this world for those who choose to wait on the Lord.
As I observe the battle to yet come over so little for the things of this world, scritpure’s says vengenace will be the Lord’s in the valley of decision. But to His Church we will be set on a hill due to our faith and hope in Jesus whose giving without measure has been deomstrated on the Calvary Hill. For it is written in in Revelations 21:2-7 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” I am at rest in Him and lay down my arms for in me the birdfight is over, therefore be content and at rest in the Hope of a Kingdom to Come.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Comforted by Hope in Christ..Such is the Rapture
As one who believes in a Pre Tribulation rapture, I lean heavily on 1Thess 4:13-18 which continues into ch 5: 1- 3 which reads "But of the times and seasons you have no need that I should write to you. For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them etc....". I feel this is the season when the Rapture shall occur. It appears to be at a time of great exaltation of peace at last among the nations and certainly between Israel and the Arab nations. This would indicate that the Church is here to see this climatic event or at least the potential for it's fulfillment. For the Church it ought to seal the deal that the "season and times" of the nearness of Christ return is upon us. He will be at the door ready to take up those who have believed by faith in Him.
I do believe that before the treaty is signed that a collapsed world economy, including North America, could erupt. And that could test our faith without us having to actually be in the tribulation period. It is a collapsed situation that could bring about desperate solutions, by any means necessary, with new leaders and their ideas brought on board from around the world and certainly in the Middle East. It is God's call when He will turn things over to the Antichrist due to a world of unbelief.
The problem I see with the Church in the tribulation period, such as mid and post tribulation, is I just don't see many survivors to be raptured. When I think of the "elect", they appear to be to those who are specifically anointed by God for a specific purpose. The Seven year judgement of God in the Book of Revelation still demonstrate his wonderful grace in operation but with a different administration at work. Instead of Gentiles preaching the gospel, God is using men of Jewish descent. One group that is elected so to speak is the 144,000 sealed Jewish ministers. Another group elected are the 2 witnesses in Jerusalem. This is God's grace at work after the Church is raptured and the gospel continues. The 'tribulations saints" will become believers during this time but will not be empowered to lead the cause but die to it! I don't see scripture considering them elect but that they are to be blessed for their courageous conversion under extreme duress.
God gives us enough facts to have faith but never enough facts to live without faith. Prophecy is a work of art the way our Lord has written it down for us and the church is commanded to covet prophecy. The word covet in scripture is almost universally thought of as a prerequisite to idolatry. Coveting is an act of worshiping something other than God but it is written in 1Corinthians 14:39 "Wherefore my brethren covet to prophesy and forbid not the speaking of tongues". For us to see so much of God's written word moving before us after so long of a time is a testament to the God we serve. None of us will get the total picture because we see things vaguely like through a dark glass.
Now it is 2,000 years later since apostle Paul wrote those words. The question I ask is can we see better through the dark glass now? If it's any consolation, I am beginning to see what lies on the other side of the glass bottle. Hindsight is helping to give me 20/20 vision and the Holy Spirit by the words of scripture is confirming so and yet it is still by faith and not by knowledge. God revelations concerning endtimes advises us to covet prophecy to avoid potential for error in judgement. God's doctrine of being caught up gives up hope if we want to believe it. But blessed are those who believe and have not seen the Christ but do hear his Voice by studying the scriptures and looking for Christ appearing. After all the years, we are indeed comforted by the hope of the Rapture as apostle Paul said it was written to do in 1Thess 4:18 "comfort one another with these words"......words of hope and deliverance!!
I do believe that before the treaty is signed that a collapsed world economy, including North America, could erupt. And that could test our faith without us having to actually be in the tribulation period. It is a collapsed situation that could bring about desperate solutions, by any means necessary, with new leaders and their ideas brought on board from around the world and certainly in the Middle East. It is God's call when He will turn things over to the Antichrist due to a world of unbelief.
The problem I see with the Church in the tribulation period, such as mid and post tribulation, is I just don't see many survivors to be raptured. When I think of the "elect", they appear to be to those who are specifically anointed by God for a specific purpose. The Seven year judgement of God in the Book of Revelation still demonstrate his wonderful grace in operation but with a different administration at work. Instead of Gentiles preaching the gospel, God is using men of Jewish descent. One group that is elected so to speak is the 144,000 sealed Jewish ministers. Another group elected are the 2 witnesses in Jerusalem. This is God's grace at work after the Church is raptured and the gospel continues. The 'tribulations saints" will become believers during this time but will not be empowered to lead the cause but die to it! I don't see scripture considering them elect but that they are to be blessed for their courageous conversion under extreme duress.
God gives us enough facts to have faith but never enough facts to live without faith. Prophecy is a work of art the way our Lord has written it down for us and the church is commanded to covet prophecy. The word covet in scripture is almost universally thought of as a prerequisite to idolatry. Coveting is an act of worshiping something other than God but it is written in 1Corinthians 14:39 "Wherefore my brethren covet to prophesy and forbid not the speaking of tongues". For us to see so much of God's written word moving before us after so long of a time is a testament to the God we serve. None of us will get the total picture because we see things vaguely like through a dark glass.
Now it is 2,000 years later since apostle Paul wrote those words. The question I ask is can we see better through the dark glass now? If it's any consolation, I am beginning to see what lies on the other side of the glass bottle. Hindsight is helping to give me 20/20 vision and the Holy Spirit by the words of scripture is confirming so and yet it is still by faith and not by knowledge. God revelations concerning endtimes advises us to covet prophecy to avoid potential for error in judgement. God's doctrine of being caught up gives up hope if we want to believe it. But blessed are those who believe and have not seen the Christ but do hear his Voice by studying the scriptures and looking for Christ appearing. After all the years, we are indeed comforted by the hope of the Rapture as apostle Paul said it was written to do in 1Thess 4:18 "comfort one another with these words"......words of hope and deliverance!!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
RAPTURE: A Sign is Given But Not a Day
Any moment the rapture of the Church could happen, for it is written by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
The primary purpose of the rapture, which is a term not actually found in the Bible, but is meant to define what being "caught up" is. The actual physical manifestation of the event is further dramatized by a mystery which Paul declares in 1Corinthians 15: 51-55 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
Sometimes the numbering of chapter and verses can interfere with the flow of the writers message. The original letters did not have numbers. Paul's reference to "peace and safety" is exactly what is going on intensely with Israel and the Arab nations. Here is another role where Israel plays a central part in the prophetic landscape. There has been what seems like a never ending effort in peace negotiations since Israel was restored as a nation in 1948 in some sense. There has been a few peace deals with some of the Arab nations such as Egypt, Jordan and perhaps a few others but none has met the "seven year" criteria that is to bring a universal peace among all the Arab nations.
Many Arab nations has staunchly refused a peace agreement with Israel with Syria being it's most defiant. It is the term of conditions that present the problem particularly with the city Jerusalem. Include also the fact that a policy of annihilation exist even within some of the Arab's govt. decree surely don't help. Clearly this peace agreement when it is finally achieved, and it will because the scripture states it, the world will be elated and think themselves better than God. The world will be elated over the success but Christians will be alarmed because of biblical prophecy fulfillment. This success will be recognized far beyond the borders of the Arab nation but a world stamp of approval. The problem isn't Islam, but from a biblical perspective it's unbelieving Gentiles around the world. Perhaps, we won't be here to see the actual signing. I am only saying that as the discussion heats up in the middle East peace negotiations and the reality of it becomes possible, look up because our redemption do in fact draw near!
Ultimately, it will be a peace settlement that will collapse because of it being a false peace, probably built upon a false concept of who God is or is not! It will probably be evident that the peace terms contradict with basic tenets of teh Bible as we have known it. Then both Jew and Gentile will be demonstrating their unbelief in the God through a formal statement published before the throne of Heaven from Earth!!
That's as far as I go with knowing when the rapture will occur. The Apostle Paul is giving a sign but not a day so let us not ignore the sign we do have before us. It is time to make the Bride ready with expectation by getting the house of the Lord in order. There seems to be too many saints sleeping. Which I think infers a person's heart being in doubt of the reality of Christ coming. How sad to be so close to receiving the promise of God and yet so many in the churches across America are consumed with so much other stuff that adds nothing to their spiritual growth in Christ.
Therefore, it is important for us to interpret the sign in accordance with scripture and not
in accordance with world view. No man knows the day but when they say peace and safety know that our Lord is even in the clouds. For as the terms become defined and is set to be signed so the decree can be, God wants his Church to be ready for the promise by sounding at last....the Trumpet of Departure and so we will hear the sound of His Trump!
Gregory A Booker @ copyright 2012
My book titled "Seven Letters Detailing the Prophetic Framework of the Return of Christ" is available on AuthorHouse.com and Amazon.com The book expands on the purpose of the Rapture and to comfort the saints in their patient waiting as it is intended for and so much more is provided to see the vision of Christ coming for us in these perilous times.
The primary purpose of the rapture, which is a term not actually found in the Bible, but is meant to define what being "caught up" is. The actual physical manifestation of the event is further dramatized by a mystery which Paul declares in 1Corinthians 15: 51-55 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
These two biblical statements are the strongest in support of the rapture. It is a mystery doctrine simply because no time is given of it's occurrence. It is also a doctrine of a supernatural phenomenon reflecting God's gift to believers in Christ at that time. And while no day or date is given we ought to marvel at the power of God's word to create and sustain hope in the return of Christ. For such a doctrine which demonstrates incredible power by God on a level the human mind can hardly grasp is to occur would be an awakening. It will be those left behind as witnesses of such an event that will be made to see at last. Though they did not believe by faith, they now may be willing to live and die in Jesus name based on the reality of God. God demonstrate himself and magnifies His Word before all the earth and it will be to His glory.
Our knowing a day isn't important but scripture warns us to watch and know the season. However there is a sign that is given to indicate the probable nearness of it's happening. Apostle Paul after speaking about that "we that are alive and remain shall be caught up" to be with the Lord in 1 Thess 5:1-6 Paul continues with "But of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you..for the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For when they say Peace and Safety then sudden destruction shall come upon them....but don't let that day overtake you as a thief...be as children in the light..be watchful and be sober...not slumbering...etc" (I highlighted the key parts of this section).
Our knowing a day isn't important but scripture warns us to watch and know the season. However there is a sign that is given to indicate the probable nearness of it's happening. Apostle Paul after speaking about that "we that are alive and remain shall be caught up" to be with the Lord in 1 Thess 5:1-6 Paul continues with "But of the times and the seasons, ye have no need that I write unto you..for the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For when they say Peace and Safety then sudden destruction shall come upon them....but don't let that day overtake you as a thief...be as children in the light..be watchful and be sober...not slumbering...etc" (I highlighted the key parts of this section).
Sometimes the numbering of chapter and verses can interfere with the flow of the writers message. The original letters did not have numbers. Paul's reference to "peace and safety" is exactly what is going on intensely with Israel and the Arab nations. Here is another role where Israel plays a central part in the prophetic landscape. There has been what seems like a never ending effort in peace negotiations since Israel was restored as a nation in 1948 in some sense. There has been a few peace deals with some of the Arab nations such as Egypt, Jordan and perhaps a few others but none has met the "seven year" criteria that is to bring a universal peace among all the Arab nations.
Many Arab nations has staunchly refused a peace agreement with Israel with Syria being it's most defiant. It is the term of conditions that present the problem particularly with the city Jerusalem. Include also the fact that a policy of annihilation exist even within some of the Arab's govt. decree surely don't help. Clearly this peace agreement when it is finally achieved, and it will because the scripture states it, the world will be elated and think themselves better than God. The world will be elated over the success but Christians will be alarmed because of biblical prophecy fulfillment. This success will be recognized far beyond the borders of the Arab nation but a world stamp of approval. The problem isn't Islam, but from a biblical perspective it's unbelieving Gentiles around the world. Perhaps, we won't be here to see the actual signing. I am only saying that as the discussion heats up in the middle East peace negotiations and the reality of it becomes possible, look up because our redemption do in fact draw near!
Ultimately, it will be a peace settlement that will collapse because of it being a false peace, probably built upon a false concept of who God is or is not! It will probably be evident that the peace terms contradict with basic tenets of teh Bible as we have known it. Then both Jew and Gentile will be demonstrating their unbelief in the God through a formal statement published before the throne of Heaven from Earth!!
That's as far as I go with knowing when the rapture will occur. The Apostle Paul is giving a sign but not a day so let us not ignore the sign we do have before us. It is time to make the Bride ready with expectation by getting the house of the Lord in order. There seems to be too many saints sleeping. Which I think infers a person's heart being in doubt of the reality of Christ coming. How sad to be so close to receiving the promise of God and yet so many in the churches across America are consumed with so much other stuff that adds nothing to their spiritual growth in Christ.
Therefore, it is important for us to interpret the sign in accordance with scripture and not
in accordance with world view. No man knows the day but when they say peace and safety know that our Lord is even in the clouds. For as the terms become defined and is set to be signed so the decree can be, God wants his Church to be ready for the promise by sounding at last....the Trumpet of Departure and so we will hear the sound of His Trump!
Gregory A Booker @ copyright 2012
My book titled "Seven Letters Detailing the Prophetic Framework of the Return of Christ" is available on AuthorHouse.com and Amazon.com The book expands on the purpose of the Rapture and to comfort the saints in their patient waiting as it is intended for and so much more is provided to see the vision of Christ coming for us in these perilous times.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The Door to God Requires Us to Knock!
REFLECTION AND CONTEMPLATION TO SEEK HIM:
- Matthew 7:7 & Luke 11:9 “Ask and it will be given to you ; seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened”. Let us reflect upon the meaning and use of a “prayer word”.
Prayer is the appointed means for obtaining what we need. It is an act of humility and honor toward the God who we ascribe our very existence to. The Lord want us to come and declare our need and desires to Him for he will hear us...always. Even though scripture declares God also knows our needs before we ask them. Why then does He advise us to still knock? Perhaps, God does not want us to take him for granted. He wants us to acknowledge who he is in our lives and that we depend on him for our needs and he can supply us our wants. Communication is what God wants from us and this is vital for our sustenance in Him to be effectual.
Whenever we knock on any earthly door we hope someone answers. Prior to approaching the door, I have prepared myself to visit and I took time to present myself in an acceptable way. I took time and expense to go to that destination. Of which, I am also seeking to communicate something to the person on the other side of the door. It should be no different with the God we serve. In asking God for something we ought to prepare ourselves to commune with him through preparation and this is what prayer is for. It is an act of preparation to hear from God and he deserves our attention to detail before we knock.
My prayer word is knocking on the door of God. I want to come in and commune with Him. The door exist because of our sin nature but by exercising faith, and knocking on God’s door, with the blood of Jesus covering us, God promises he will open it and invite us in. He will hear our concerns and the desires of our heart and most important, you will get to hear from God.
Prayer is so vital to the Christian life and knocking on His Door is our way of acknowledging God has a destination where He dwells with a Door and we are willing to put forth the extra effort of reaching out to Him. Despite it’s closure which separate us due to our sin nature God hasn't sealed it shut with a do not disturb sign. Our Lord Jesus has given us the way to God by cleansing us in preparation and provided His Spirit to lead us the God's Door by instruction. I have learned that when the Door is opened it is the God of my life that is all I really need and to commune is the greatest gift of all. Such is prayer which knocks on the heart of God.
"In all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer and believing, Ye shall receive...." Matt 21:22
Let it not be that we have not because we ask not....a failure to communicate!
Article by Gregory Booker
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
THE PASTOR AND THE PROPHET
These are the words the Lord has spoken:
For our determination has been found before His Throne
And He has heard the desires of our hearts.
And so a place shall be established . . . yea
A habitation that the Spirit of Him might dwell
In the fullness of His Truth.
And in My House shall tears be brought before My Altar.
That there should be joy and joy unspeakable.
For who can know me lest my righteous judgment touch thee.
So let the minister lead and shall the prophet proclaim.
Let the minister protect and the prophet advise.
And shall my minister build the walls
But my prophet shall be without blueprint. For he is mine!
Let these things be. Lest the congregation be overwhelmed
And My Word becomes hindered.
Therefore, I sanction thee to work well in My House.
For the work of the ministry is for
The perfecting of the saints
That they might know the fullness of Him whom I have sent.
Therefore, bring me the fruit of their repentance.
That my Spirit might settle upon the weak
And the lame, the hurt and the fearful.
Yea, even the poor and the lost who need to be found.
I counsel thee to Stand at the Door of My Gate and
Sound the Trumpet of Departure that they might taste
That which is Hope and Hear that which is Pure.
Sound it well that my Spirit might hear thine expectation!
And know for a certainty thy precious Faith.
That it is in my Son, the Christ, the Blessed Redeemer.
Hold fast to that which is true, my Church.
For the God of Israel is set to speak once again.
And it is His righteousness, which shall be declared by his prophets.
So gather the flock my ministers and declare the vision my prophets.
That we shall make way for the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
Savior to the Gentiles and also Messiah to the Jews.
Amen & Amen!
To the Churches, let us place these words in the center of our hearts
that they might be found at the entrance of His Church.
by
Gregory A. Booker
Friday, July 13, 2012
Poetic Justice "The Other Side of the Cross"
This is my first blog and not sure of all the ways to use it but I decided to post my poem of poems as a way of introducing myself and my faith. This insightful poem continues to nourish me with the hope of Christ and the person that he truly is. I am blessed to have been able to write it down with such clarity. For I believe it also ministers to the heart of the reader and prepares us for the great soon coming day of our Lord's return in poetic form. While it also delivers a stark warning of the fullness of what the Cross means in all it's pain and glory! Your comments are welcome.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS
There’s something amiss when the creation resist
all that the Creator stands for.
As I gaze at the cross...it reflects a world lost
With Christ knocking on every Door.
Man thinking himself good...Did that which he thought he should.
With charges of blasphemy and plenty of religiosity
Refused to believe the Word...being filled with animosity.
Delivering the Lord to the Court of courts.
And so the trial did promptly begin.
He was alone, having not a character witness nor even a friend.
And when the judge could find no law against him.
Washing his hands, I’m sure he did what he can...
All...except free this sinless man.
Guilty...Guilty was the outcry from the crowd!
And the Law that was ...became no law at all and yet....God smiled!
So there our Savior laid with out stretched arms.
Demonstrating His love despite the harm.
And while every man is born in sin...
The injustice we profess doesn’t compare to the injustice he was placed in.
There’s something amiss when the creation resist..
All that the Creator stands for even now....like then.
But an empty Tomb was God’s reward for a work well done.
Not to be hid the Lord shoned forth His only Son.
For Jesus showed His love toward all mankind.
And now there is life after death in only His Name you will find!
But......Let the other side of the cross speak also.
That what and who we are has surely been exposed.
For in God’s love so openly displayed....
We did show our wretchedness that day.
And God’s Law of Love resoundly defeated...
Our law of justice which we misdeeded.
Our anger truly showed only to see the peace of God flow.
And our fearfulness for no reason illuminated God’s love for all seasons.
The Cross is the meeting place for all of this....
And believe it or not, the Creator let the creation insist!
So let us remember the wisdom the Cross is meant to bring.
God will have his day of justice that righteousness which is fairness ought ring.
For the other side of the cross speaks well of his return.
Sitting on the right hand side of the Father...this he earned!
But there are yet those who chose not to believe...
Like doubting Thomas...They say “not by faith but by sight must I see!”
But blessed are those who believe and have not seen!
For no more is God a mystery and neither is he a dream.
For you see.....Grace and Mercy has been born out of Injustice.
And it is the other side of the cross which gives us this message.
That our way of justice means nothing when Truth demands His Return.
For this is why the Word declares the Earth shall burn
And we who are caught up in His Rapture shall bear witness..
Revealing that the Other Side of the Cross was a lesson that went Unlearned!
Copyright @Gregory Booker
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Most of the world will come under the rule of the Antichrist advancing his agenda with an ultimatum using fear. Personally, I believe, the Antichrist will scare more people into heaven than under any other scenario and God knows it....that's the higher purpose of his wisdom because of the human heart being so preoccupied with the things of this world. There is far more scripture to support a pretrib hope in Christ than any other stated. One of the key purposes for the rapture is to comfort the people with it which apostle Paul advises us to use this doctrine for. "Therefore comfort one another with these words" he declares. There is no comfort in becoming a tribulation saint though I am willing to die for my faith in Christ. And there is no one to rapture but perhaps the fewest of numbers if it is to occur at mid or certainly post tribe season. It would certainly be a contradiction and a sad joke for such a hope to not be realized when it counts the most.
There is a difference between suffering for our faith in the normal process of human failure versus being under the wrath of God as divinely written in the Book of Revelations prepared for judgement of the highest order and intensity. Our leading world governments and nations could collapse and we all could be a part of that disciplining for a season which has happened many times past. Jesus issues a stern warning to church members left behind saying "I never knew you" ...in other words they used his name but it was for their purposes not for His glorification. Jesus spoke but they had other plans with the gospel. There is a falling away within the community of churches that is surely before us and a catching up of the remnant who will remember their first love and hope on Him still.......
The Word of God cuts both ways, dividing even between bone and marrow, soul and spirit with a twin edge sword. Cutting in to cut out the selfish mindset of so many in churches. I know plenty of "details" about God's prophetic word and none of it brings one to salvation. It is the heart that needs to be touched by the prophetic word thru the reality of what God is doing and why. Israel is God's tool for preaching righteousness once again because so many in the church are self righteous or shall we say like a "Pharisee". Protecting themselves despite what God is doing to promote Himself!! It is the way that Jesus is returning that rubs so many the wrong way much to their own loss. Wasn't that the problem when He first came? Maranatha......In Christ love.