THE FALSE MESSIAH DRIVING IRAN

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Whenever you see statements repeated in Scripture (especially if they are close together in the same text), then the writer is emphasizing the message and telling us we really need to pay attention.

A good example is Jesus’ Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24, which is prophetic in nature and covers the end times. It starts off with Jesus warning, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many” (vv. 4–5). Then, just a few verses later, He says: “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many” (vs. 11).

Skip down just a little more, and then there’s this: “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (vv. 23–24).

I don’t know about you, but to me, it sure looks like Jesus wants us to be on the lookout for false messiahs and their mouthpieces. You might think such a thing is rare and only happens today with a handful of people who get snookered now and then by some religious charlatan, the events of which get portrayed on some Netflix documentary.

But you’d be wrong. For example, let me introduce you to the false messiah figure that’s influencing the nation of Iran’s actions towards the world at large, and especially at Israel and the United States.

Iran’s counterfeit savior

About 20 years ago, then-president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, stated in an interview that he experienced a supernatural experience during a speech he gave at the United Nations. Ahmadinejad claimed that he was bathed in a light from Heaven at the outset of his talk, with the light remaining on him for the full length of the speech.

Ahmadinejad made several references during that U.N. speech to a “mighty Lord” who will hasten the emergence of “the promised one,” a person who “will fill this world with justice and peace.” Any guesses as to who Ahmadinejad was referring to?

During that time, CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen pointed out that groups such as ISIS have similar hopes based on their belief in Islamic prophecy. Believing that their actions hasten a supposed final battle at a small, obscure Syrian town named Dabiq between “Rome” and Islam (where the forces of true Islam triumph), Bergan noted: “Members devoutly believe that they are fighting in a cosmic war in which they are on the side of good, which allows them to kill anyone they perceive to be standing in their way with no compunction. This is, of course, a serious delusion, but serious it is.”

The Islamic State holds the imminent fulfilment of prophecy as a matter of dogma at least tells us the mettle of our opponent. It is ready to cheer its own near-obliteration, and to remain confident, even when surrounded, that it will receive divine succour if it stays true to the Prophetic model.”

And to Iran, that “model” includes a messianic-type figure known as the “Mahdi”; the “mighty lord” Ahmadinejad was referring to in his U.N. speech. During another talk Ahmadinejad gave that same year, he stated that his main mission was to “pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance.”

It’s a good bet you’ve never heard of the Mahdi, unless you’ve studied some of Islam’s prophetic literature. The figure is emphasized especially on the Shi’a side of the Islamic faith (the other side being Sunni), which makes up the vast majority of Iran’s practicing Muslims, including their Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).  

In fact, the IRGC’s worldview focuses on “Mahdism” and the return of the 12th divinely ordained Shi’a imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi (or the Hidden Imam). They believe the Mahdi was hidden by God into a miraculous state in 874 CE, and that he will one day return to rid the world of evil and injustice. His coming, they believe, will bring about “one final apocalyptic battle” between two armies, in which Shi’as say that the Mahdi and his forces will prevail over evil.

Twenty years ago, Ahmadinejad urged his countrymen to prepare for the coming of the Mahdi by turning the country into a mighty and advanced Islamic society, and by avoiding the corruption and excesses of the West. While sounding innocent, it’s important to understand that part of the preparation has to do with the elimination of Islam’s enemies and those who stand in the way of the Mahdi’s return. Topping the list is the United States, and the chief enemy of Islam, Israel.

In a report issued by the Middle East Institute just a few years ago, researchers Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi noted that the IRGC’s leadership sees the world divided between the “will of the essence of transcendence” and “the arrogant powers.” The former is led by “the people and the leadership of Iran,” and the latter includes “Zionism, Wahhabi Zionism, and Christian Zionism.”

They go on to say:

“The IRGC is increasingly understanding and communicating its official policy of eradicating Israel and Zionism through the doctrine of Mahdism. While the destruction of Israel has been the IRGC’s working objective since its inception, like other Islamist groups this hostility was borne out of viewing the Jewish state an illegitimate, oppressive, and usurping entity for the West to achieve its supposed colonial goals across the Muslim world. More recently, however, the existence of Israel is being viewed and understood as the ‘greatest barrier’ to the reappearance of the 12th Imam. According to the doctrine of Mahdism, part of preparing for the reappearance of the 12th Imam is removing all obstacles and barriers to his return. Against this backdrop, Iran’s hardline clergy affiliated with the IRGC claim religious hadiths state that the ‘Jewish state will be destroyed before Mahdi’s arrival.’”

We shouldn’t be dismissive of such thinking. Golkar and Aarabi highlight the real danger of all this when they write:

“At present the doctrine of Mahdism in the IRGC remains a complete blind spot for Western policymakers, yet it could have major implications for the Islamic Republic’s militia network, ballistic missile program, and even its nuclear program.”

That’s a bit concerning, wouldn’t you say?

At present, our governments spend enormous resources analyzing Iran’s economy, military capabilities, and nuclear ambitions, all of that being good.

But maybe it’s time they devote equal attention to understanding the theological convictions that motivate many of the regime’s politicians. History has repeatedly shown that leaders driven by deeply held religious beliefs cannot always be deterred by conventional assumptions and actions. Ignoring those beliefs doesn’t make them disappear; it simply makes strategic miscalculation more likely.

Our leaders need to heed Jesus’ warning about false messiahs and understand it wasn’t merely a religious observation. It was a reminder that false hopes and false saviors have real-world consequences, both spiritually and politically.

What did Christ say again? “See to it that no one misleads you.”

ROCK BAND SKILLET RESISTED INDUSTRY PRESSURE TO DENY CHRIST

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Skillet article taken from Daily Declaration by Cody Mitchell 15th July 2026

The Bible says, people are without excuse to reject their Creator God from the evidence of intelligent design and the beauty of the Cosmos. Also, just from the incredible number of Gospel witnesses I have seen recently from people like Lionel Messi and other World Cup stars, great Christian movies, movie stars, and now the Rock Band Skillet, God is making sure that people hear the Good News of Christ.

Multi-platinum rock band Skillet has achieved major mainstream success while openly maintaining a committed Christian faith, resisting industry pressure to downplay their evangelical beliefs. Lead singer John Cooper, known for his vocal faith, has testified to the power of the gospel, which the band brings to a global audience through their music.

The multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated American band Skillet is among the most successful and bestselling rock bands of the 21st century.

As of 2024, the group had received two GRAMMY nominations, a Billboard Music Award, and achieved three Top 5 Billboard 200 album results. Securing multiplatinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for twelve singles and four albums, they have sold over twenty-two million units worldwide.

Skillet’s 6x platinum hit single Monster is one of the most-streamed rock songs of all time, surpassing four billion streams and entering Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club last month. Their tracks have crossed into pop culture through syncs by WWE, Marvel, ESPN, and the NFL.

According to John Cooper (the band’s lead singer and bassist), in the early years of the band’s success, he was approached by an influential music industry businessman, who suggested that he stop talking about Jesus.

“And he kind of went through his spiel of why, and then he said, ‘Look, I’m not telling you to not be a Christian, I’m not saying to not believe in Jesus.” But then he advised him to “Stop talking about it, don’t do Christian interviews, don’t say you’re a Christian band. You need to disassociate from that because people don’t take it seriously.”

John’s response sums up the approach of the band: “I knew I could not be silent about Christ, in fact, I needed to be more vocal about Christ.”

“…if this is gonna be the new — the new world, the new culture, the new way that people are trying to kind of steer Christians into a new kind of activism into Christianity that is void of the actual gospel of Christ, I know that I need to be vocal against that move.”

John committed his life to Christ at just five years old. Reflecting on his testimony later, he spoke about how thankful he is that he never backslid or walked away from his faith.

FASTING, PRAYER AND GIVING CONCERNING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

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Fasting is older than the Law of Moses, older than the priesthood, and older than the Temple—yet most believers today treat it as a forgotten or optional discipline. It isn’t a hunger strike directed at heaven, a way to prove your willpower, or a technique to bend God’s arm.

In this video, Behind the Scripture traces the profound, beautiful, and hidden biblical theology of fasting from the ground up. It challenged me which is why I posted it, and it will probably challenge you. They explore the true Hebrew roots of what fasting means, the moments of national crisis in Israel, the corrections of the prophets, and how Jesus elevated the practice into a posture of holy longing for the Christian life. Fasting attracts God not because of your hunger—but because of what that hunger represents.

If this video opens something up in your faith, please consider subscribing to Behind the Scripture, leaving a comment with your thoughts, and sharing it with someone who is seeking a deeper relationship with God.

BEING OBEDIENT TO GO AS JESUS COMMANDS

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Watch this new documentary from Torben Søndergaard, and follow two brothers as they step out in faith, simply obeying the words of Jesus. These guys are real and act confident that God answers real prayers. This verse comes to mind: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18. It is wonderful to see how the Holy Spirit leads them step by step, how God provides for their needs, how they find the person of peace, and how they bear much fruit. There are no carefully planned outreaches or large organizations behind what you are about to see—just simple obedience to Jesus and a willingness to follow wherever He leads. Watch lives being touched, people encountering Jesus, and the Gospel being shared in a powerful way right before your eyes.

In this documentary, Torben Søndergaard gives an introduction to Luke 10 and prepares you for what you are about to see before the documentary begins. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” This film is more than a documentary—it is an invitation to rediscover the simple, Spirit-led life Jesus called every disciple to live. If this documentary has encouraged you and you would like to connect with Alexis or learn more about the work in France, you can reach him at: 📧 jeveuxtesuivrejesus@gmail.com Get Witness Cards and learn how to use them: https://thelastreformation.com/witnes..

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

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Few phrases are quoted more often — and understood less accurately — than “separation of church and state.” In contemporary discourse, it has become a rhetorical weapon used to silence Christian voices in public life, as if biblical conviction automatically disqualifies a citizen from shaping law, culture, or policy.

The Church is not called to run the state, and the state must not control the Church. But to move from institutional distinction to the exclusion of God from public life is not constitutional fidelity — it is ideological revisionism.

Like Abraham Kuyper, the Dutch theologian and prime minister, I believe in distinct spheres of authority under God. Family, church, state, education, and commerce each possess their own God-given responsibilities. But none of these spheres is autonomous from the creator. We may affirm the separation of church and state; we cannot affirm the separation of God and state.

To demand that public policy operate as if God does not exist is not neutrality — it is secularism masquerading as objectivity.

THE BIBLICAL PATTERN: PROPHETS, PRIESTS AND KINGS

From the earliest chapters of Scripture, civil authority is never portrayed as morally independent. Israel’s kings were commanded to meditate on the Law of God daily (Deuteronomy 17:18–20). Their legitimacy depended not merely on political success but on covenant fidelity.

When kings deviated from God’s ways, prophets confronted them — often at great personal risk. Nathan rebuked David for his abuse of power. Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel for institutionalized injustice. Isaiah challenged rulers who enacted oppressive laws. This was not “mixing religion and politics”; it was moral accountability.

The prophets did not seek to seize the throne. They sought to remind the throne that it was not ultimate.

When rulers listened, the nation experienced renewal. When they resisted, the society deteriorated. Scripture consistently portrays public righteousness as a blessing and systemic injustice as a judgment.

John the Baptist and Herod: A New Testament example

Some argue that this prophetic model ended with the Old Testament. The New Testament, however, presents the same pattern.

John the Baptist publicly rebuked Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage, a political ruler’s private sin with public consequences. His courage cost him his freedom and ultimately his life. Yet Jesus affirmed John as the greatest prophet born of women.

John did not run for office or lead a revolt. He spoke truth to power — a profoundly public act.

Likewise, the apostle Paul reasoned with governors Felix and Festus and testified before King Agrippa regarding righteousness, temperance and judgment. (Acts 24:25)The gospel was never confined to private spirituality; it addressed the moral responsibilities of rulers.

The early Church: Transforming society from the margins

The early Church lived under an empire with no democratic mechanisms. Christians could not vote, lobby, or draft legislation. Yet they did not retreat into isolated piety. Through sacrificial love and moral clarity, they reshaped social norms.

Christians rescued abandoned infants left to die by exposure — a common practice in the Roman world. They cared for widows, the poor, and the sick, often at risk to themselves during plagues. Their communities included slaves and free persons worshiping as equals before God, a revolutionary social reality.

The Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents outside the New Testament, explicitly condemned abortion and infanticide. This was not a private opinion; it was a countercultural moral stance in a society that accepted both practices.

Over time, Christian influence contributed to the eventual decline of gladiatorial games and laid groundwork for later abolitionist movements. The Church opposed inhuman policies long before it possessed political power.

Within three centuries, this marginalized movement transformed the moral imagination of the empire.

Freedom of slaves and human dignity

While the New Testament did not launch a violent revolt against slavery, it planted seeds that would ultimately undermine the institution. By declaring that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, it introduced a radical equality that contradicted the hierarchical assumptions of the ancient world.

Early Christian leaders encouraged humane treatment of slaves and eventually eradicated slavery from the Roman Empire. The trajectory of Scripture moved history toward liberation, not domination.

What the Constitution actually protects

The American founders, many of whom were deeply influenced by biblical thought, sought to prevent the establishment of a national church and to protect religious liberty for all citizens. They did not intend to ban religious reasoning from public debate.

The First Amendment restrains Congress from establishing a religion or prohibiting its free exercise. Hence, it was designed more to keep the state out of controlling the church than to keep people of faith out of influencing the state.c

In fact, many foundational American documents explicitly reference God as the source of rights and moral order. Remove that foundation, and rights become subject to shifting political winds.

Consequently, every law reflects moral assumptions about right and wrong, human dignity, and the common good. Laws against theft presuppose property rights. Laws protecting life presuppose that human beings possess inherent worth.

If Christian moral reasoning is excluded, other philosophies will fill the void — often grounded in materialism, relativism, or utilitarianism. These are not neutral positions; they are competing worldviews.

Neutrality is impossible. The public square is always governed by someone’s vision of justice.

A prophetic call for our time

The Church’s role is not to corporately seize political power but to bear faithful witness in every sphere of society. We speak not as partisan operatives but as ambassadors of a higher kingdom.

We advocate for laws that protect the vulnerable, honor human dignity, preserve freedom of conscience, and restrain evil. We do so not to impose faith by force but to serve the common good.

Separation properly understood

A healthy society requires both institutional distinction and moral coherence. The church must be free from state control. The state must not coerce religious belief. But neither can public life function as if God is irrelevant.

Separation of church and state protects freedom of religion; it does not mandate freedom from religion. To insist that Christian citizens suppress their convictions when participating in civic life is to deny them full participation in democracy. We do not seek a theocracy. We seek justice. We do not demand privilege. We demand the freedom to live and speak as faithful citizens of both heaven and earth.

There is no separation of God from the world He created. There is no neutrality before the one who reigns over all nations. And there is no faithful Christianity that confines the lordship of Jesus to private devotion while surrendering the public square to lesser gods.

The author of this article is Dr. Joseph Mattera. He is renowned for addressing current events through the lens of Scripture by applying biblical truths and offering cogent defences to today’s postmodern culture. To order his bestselling books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his acclaimed newsletter, go to www.josephmattera.org. 

DO YOU APPROACH GOD WITH CONFIDENCE?

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“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Hebrews 4 builds an argument from the high priesthood of Jesus — He is the one who has ‘passed through the heavens’ (v14), who can sympathize with our weakness because He was ‘tempted in every way, just as we are, yet did not sin’ (v15). The implication of that priesthood is this verse: the access to God that Jesus has secured is not just his — it belongs to those who come through him.

‘Throne of grace’ is a remarkably tender phrase for what in the Old Testament was the most terrifying address in the universe — the place where the presence of God dwelt, into which only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. Hebrews says: come boldly. The word ‘confidence’ (parrēsia) means freedom of speech, openness, bold access. And the promise is specific: not that God will give you what you want, but that you will receive mercy (for your failures) and grace (for your needs) in your time of need.

What keeps you from approaching God with confidence? Do you feel like you need to clean yourself up first, that your need is too small, or that your failure disqualifies you? How does Hebrews 4:15–16 address each of those hesitations?

The throne is described as a ‘throne of grace’ — not just God’s authority but his disposition. What would it look like to actually come to prayer with the confidence this verse describes, rather than tentatively?

Jesus is described as sympathetic to our weakness because he was tempted as we are. How does the incarnation — the fact that God became human and experienced temptation — change how you relate to him in your hardest moments?

 Action Steps: Come to God boldly with your most urgent need right now. Don’t summarize. Come with the specific thing — the fear, the failure, the longing, the request. Come as if the throne is a throne of grace. Because it is. Ask for mercy and grace. Receive them.

Let the argument build: Jesus as sympathetic, faithful, experienced priest who has already entered the presence of God on your behalf. Your access to God is not based on your worthiness but on his completed work. Read Hebrews 4:14–5:3 for the full picture of Jesus as high priest.

Write a bold prayer — one you’ve been afraid to pray. Write out the prayer you’ve been holding back because you felt it was too audacious, too needy, or too personal. Then pray it. The invitation is to come with confidence. Take it at its word.

Considering we are in the time prior to Jesus return to restore righteousness to a broken world, we need to walk closely to God being confident the Holy Spirit will guide our every step. Pray God will use us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to family, friends and all those that God brings us into contact. If you are available it is amazing how God brings people to you.

Also, get prepared for what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth, Jesus Millennial Kingdom, http://www.millennislkingdom.net.

Join Sanctuary. It is a free, faith-grounded AI — scripture, prayer, devotionals, and daily verses like this one. Forward this post or share the link joinsanctuary.com 

TURKEY AND ISRAEL IN BIBLICAL END TIMES PROPHECY

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Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fedan went on CNN Turkey and he made some damning anti-Israel statements. These people have become a burden to humanity that we can no longer bear. Their policies, their mindset, their humanity cannot bear this. The conscious of humanity cannot bear this. Political systems cannot bear this. Economic systems cannot bear this. No matter what system you look at, there’s no parameter that can bear these people. That is why we always say to the international community when they ask me why are you making me the sole problem? I may be the only country speaking out against this and speaking loudly because it’s a problem for all of us. If you want to solve this problem um then you have to speak out about it. Basically, that’s what he was saying. Basically calling Israel and these people the problem.

And then he called on the world to impose the necessary sanctions on these people. Maybe he’s referring to the fact that that Israel fights against its enemies and that causes economic disruptions. This is part of a pattern coming out of Turkey and the pattern includes a strategy that actually plays out in some policy to marginalize Israel. If Fedan’s comments stood alone, you could write it off as maybe just him running his mouth, but it does not. Erdogan himself has said that the genocidal occupying expansionist ideology called Zionism threatens not only him and not only Turkey and not only his alliance, but it actually threatens everybody. This is a very recent quote, from a week ago. Erdogan ties genociding expansionist occupying Zionism to threats to Turkey and to the 2016 coup attempt and then he pivoted immediately to talk about the Zionists. He says that Zionism threatens not only me, not only our party and not only our alliance but everyone. When we fight Zionism, we are not conducting a personal struggle for ourselves. We are conducting we are conducting this struggle for our own survival and for the collective survival of our nation. The problem is Israel. We need to deal with the Israel problem.  

Erdogan has publicly compared Netanyahu to Hitler at the UN assembly. This was a couple years ago, but he’s done this repeatedly. He did it also again recently.

An Istanbul court has actually moved to indict Netanyahu and 34 other Israeli officials on genocide charges. Now, that indictment has no real legal force. No one’s going to arrest Netanyahu because of a Turkish court filing. But that’s not the point. The point is that they’re making normal relations with Israel politically radioactive for anyone who’s paying attention. They’re making their position very clear. And within Israel, Hakan Fedan, this foreign minister is seen as maybe the most dangerous figure in this whole picture because he’s not just a foreign minister. Foreign minister in many countries is often a stepping stone to being the head of state. And he’s not just a foreign minister. He’s a former intelligence chief. And a lot of people who watch Turkey closely think that he’s the one who might be succeeding Erdogan. And Israeli officials see him as someone who’s very close to the Iranians. There’s one Israeli intelligence analyst who’s been quoted calling him, Hakan Fedan, the most dangerous man for Israel in the region going forward.

It will be interesting to see what role in Biblical end times prophecies that Hakan Fedan plays. We know that Turkey is one of the lead nations that come against Israel in battle, so it is likely that Fedan will play a role in bringing the Muslim nations against Israel.

WILL CHRISTIANS ESCAPE THE TRIBULATION?

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Does Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” really promise that believers will escape the tribulation?

In this powerful and eye-opening study, Dr Baroo (LoveIsrael.org) examines one of the most debated verses in the book of Revelation — and uncovers what it actually teaches. You’ll discover the difference between tribulation and God’s wrath (Trumpet and Bowl judgements), who the “earth dwellers” really are, and why this verse may not be saying what many have been taught. This message challenges common assumptions and reveals a deeper biblical perspective about the end times, endurance, and the true identity of those who belong to the kingdom of God.

THE MUSLIM (DRAGON) NATIONS OF THE EAST

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If the Antichrist rises from the Middle East, what religion dominates the Middle East? Most prophecy teachers won’t say it. In this video, Nelson Walters and his team say it — and prove it from six biblical witnesses. They build the case like a courtroom: five witnesses from scripture, each adding a layer of evidence, and then a climactic sixth witness — 2 Esdras — written over 500 years before Islam existed, when Arabia was nothing but scattered desert tribes. What it predicts about the “dragon nations of Arabia” converges on the same conclusion as every other witness.

WITNESS #1 — Isaiah 13-23 Every nation God singles out for end-time judgment is in the Islamic world. Not Rome. Not China. Not America.

WITNESS #2 — Daniel’s Beasts (Daniel 7-11) Three of four beasts operate in the Middle East. The little horn arises among them.

WITNESS #3 — Ezekiel 38 The Gog coalition: every named nation is Islamic today. Not one European. Not one Asian.

WITNESS #4 — Daniel 9:26 The “people of the prince who is to come” destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. Those Roman legions were recruited from Syria, Arabia, and the eastern provinces.

WITNESS #5 — The Early Church Fathers Hippolytus and Jerome said the Antichrist comes from the Seleucid Empire (Syria/Mesopotamia). The church only shifted to a European Antichrist after Rome became Christianized.

WITNESS #6 — 2 Esdras 15 (CLIMAX) The “dragon nations of Arabia” arise from the east. They destroy Babylon — the same act Revelation 17:16 attributes to the Beast. A 2,500-year-old prophecy converging on one conclusion. — “A matter shall be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.” We have six.

BECAUSE YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE

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“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 61:1-2

The heading of Psalm 63 places it in ‘the wilderness of Judah’ — David likely wrote it while fleeing from his son Absalom’s coup (2 Samuel 15–18). He is politically deposed, physically displaced, and separated from the worship life of the temple. The desert setting is not metaphorical; it is literal. And David’s use of the desert as an image for his spiritual state is honest: he is dry. But the thirst is directed: ‘my whole being longs for you.’ Not for his throne back, not for his enemies’ defeat, not for comfort — for God. The Hebrew nephesh (whole being, soul) and basari (my flesh, my body) indicate that this longing is not merely intellectual. It is embodied, physical, total. David’s famous declaration in verse 3 follows: ‘Your love is better than life.’ A man in the desert says that even life itself is less valuable than the steadfast love of God.

My prayer is that my soul will long for God like David. What about you? Biblical prophecy reveals that we are fast approaching the time of Jesus return and persecution of Christians will intensify into great tribulation. God has warned us. We will need to be sold out for Jesus to resist the mark of the Beast. We will need to be like David and be able to say, ” “Because your steadfast love is better than life“.

The purpose of your identity is to ‘declare the praises’ of God. How is your life currently functioning as a witness to the one who called you out of darkness? I am presently on Maui in the Hawaiian Islands with my family at 1 Napili Way, Napili. Today, I attended Harvest Church and was presently surprised at the good attendance with a lot of young families and the worship was sincere. It was a real encouragement for me to see God at work in another country.