IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS?

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Maybe so, if it is, then it is exciting, because that means Jesus’s return may even be in my lifetime! But it is also sober because much of the church is utterly unprepared, ignorant, and distracted. Two relevant scriptures are:

“He said, ‘Watch out that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them! And when you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be afraid. For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once. Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues [loimoi]* in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.’” (Luke 21:8–11)

“You will hear of wars and rumours of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6–8)

The following thoughts from Dr Alan Kurshner of Eschatos Ministries are worth considering:

“The recent locust storm causing some famine in Africa may meet Jesus prediction but it may suggest a broader geographical famine. If the recent global virus is identified with “plagues” (loimoi), it might qualify, but I think the biblical statement indicates an exponentially more devastating plague. There certainly is a spike of earthquakes but not frequent “great earthquakes.” If these are all part of the beginning of “the beginning of the birth pangs,” then we should expect two more events: a spate of wars and a spate of false christs emerging.

Until then, I don’t believe we are experiencing “the beginning of birth pangs”. Keep in mind that the beginning of birth-pang events will not unfold piecemeal but rather will be a cluster of these events that will occur at the same time, which only makes sense of Jesus’s admonition: “Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come.” In addition, I am inclined to believe the beginning of birth pangs (which I identify as the first three seals) will occur during the first half of the seventieth week of Daniel after the Beast will confirm a covenant for seven years (Dan 9:27). However, I have never been dogmatic on this, since the beginning of birth pangs may begin before the seven year period.”

In the meantime, as saints of the Most High, we live with holy expectation of our Lord’s return. This should inspire us to make sure that we daily seek God’s will and wisdom in all things. To be about our Father’s business to warn the lost that they need to repent of their sins. To recognise they have rejected their Creator, our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, so they may have eternal life.

“Remember, I have told you ahead of time” (Matt 24:25).

GOOD NEWS ON THE CORONA VIRUS

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Here’s a list of 13 good news stories relating to the coronavirus: this does not negate the fact God is using this Pandemic for His purposes to wake up His church and shake up unbelievers.

It is important for believers to know God does stay His hand of judgement as result of prayers of His saints. This may be one of those times. However, know the prophesied “birth pangs” and tribulation spoken of in Revelation are coming. Two thirds of all Bible prophecies have been fulfilled, proof the remaining one third will unfold exactly as predicted.

I should stress, the impact of the corona virus on the last to be reached underdeveloped countries will be huge. They are already facing famine from locusts plagues, are already poverty stricken and have poor health facilities. Also, we can’t discount the disastrous economic effects caused by the corona virus on the developed nations. International air travel has almost come to a standstill.

Image result for locusts plague in Africa pictures
Locust plague in East Africa prompts UN to call for international aid

1. Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the COVID-19 epidemic, has closed the last of its 16 temporary coronavirus hospitals because there aren’t enough patients to keep them open.

2. Dutch researchers have discovered a human antibody they believe “offers potential for prevention and treatment of COVID-19.” The lead researcher, Berend-Jan Bosch, made clear, though, it is “still too soon” to know when it might be workable on people.

3. A 103-year-old woman in Wuhan has become the oldest person to beat the novel coronavirus. She recovered only six days after being admitted to the hospital.

4. All the Apple stores in China have reopened after being closed for one month amid the height of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

5. The Cleveland Clinic has developed a drive-through coronavirus test that can give patients results in one day.

6. South Korea is finally seeing a decline in the number of new cases of the novel coronavirus, though it should be noted they have seen an emerging cluster in Seoul.

7. Experts observing the heartbreaking situation in Italy are surmising that the catastrophic number of critical cases is due, at least in part, to the country’s aging population.

8. Israeli researchers are close to announcing the development of a coronavirus vaccine. However, a lengthy process of pre-clinical and clinical trials will have to come before it’s available to the public.

9. Over the weekend, the governor of Maryland announced the first three people in the state to have confirmed cases of coronavirus have recovered.

10. A group of scientists in Canada have successfully isolated and grown copies of the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolating the virus, researchers said, will help in developing vaccines and treatment regimens.

11. A biotech company in San Diego says it has identified a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Arcturus Therapeutics is working with Duke University and the National University of Singapore to develop the vaccination.

12. The health department in Oklahoma has said the first identified patient in Tulsa, a man who had traveled to Italy, has recovered from the coronavirus. The patient has had two negative tests, indicating a total recovery.

13. Scientists are finding it may be possible to use the plasma from recently recovered coronavirus patients to treat those who have become severely ill as a result of COVID-19 infections.

CORPORATE PRAYER CHANGING NATIONS

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In the early Church, unity was so strong that Scriptures speak of a “great grace” that was released in the city.  This grace opened the door to miracles, signs, and wonders, and salvation’s on a daily basis (see Acts 4:32-34).  Earlier in this same chapter, it speaks of their daily fellowship and breaking of bread.  Because of these things, God’s grace empowered them to do far beyond what they could have done in the natural.

We need to rise up in our corporate spiritual authority to displace the illegitimate authorities that are seeking total control of our nation. Intercessors can shift the atmosphere in their cities through prayer, worship, and a corporate spiritual authority far greater than any demonic threat or attack.  The posture of our hearts and the words from our mouths determine the atmosphere in a place.  The power of our praises and our prayers can shift atmospheres in a room, a building, a neighbourhood, and even an entire city.

Image result for pictures of corporate prayer groups

This should be our desire as we come together as watchmen in prayer over our cities and nation.  We can pray in such agreement with heaven that the atmosphere over the city begins to be permeated with the grace and favour of the Lord.  Our spiritual adversary will continually find ways to spread fear, chaos, turmoil, and hopelessness over the land.  It is our responsibility to displace those demonic spirits by keeping our corporate prayer altars ablaze.  We must use our authority in Christ to displace rulers in high places and declare the work of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection.  Let’s agree together to speak life instead of death, order instead of chaos, and faith instead of fear. If you are not already in a prayer group, prayerfully do so.

GOD AT WORK 2

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More and more Christians are realising the need to warn the church of the coming increased persecution of Jews and Christians as we approach the prophesied “end times” tribulation and then great tribulation prior to Jesus return.

My brother in Christ, Futon Sheen in his recent Newsletter, Coronavirus Reality v Perception & World Markets said the following:

“These are all shakings which scripture has clearly articulated would happen as the time of Christ’s return draws near. As Christians grounded in scripture, we should understand and expect this and not be anxious or fearful.  That is not the case for unbelievers and governments which follow their own hearts and put their faith in themselves and the external world which surrounds them, they have much to fear. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of understanding,” and people fear what they don’t understand. Over 350 times scripture says “do not fear,” as fear is the opposite of faith, but it is the automatic default of the flesh when something suddenly interrupts our expectations of what we think should be happening. This is why social media, news media, governments, markets and individuals tend to overreact to whatever is going on around them.

The times described in Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13, which Jesus said would come, are upon us and God is shaking everything that can be shaken. We need to do what these passages tell us, which is to be watchful and prepared, so that we won’t be caught off guard, fearful, confused, or manipulated by the circumstances and situations swirling around us. We need to pray for eyes that see, ears that hear and a mind that comprehends what’s going on in the spiritual realm, so we can wisely, peacefully and methodically walk out what Jesus tells us to do.

GOD AT WORK

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God is always at work with believers and unbelievers, on this earth, in His Cosmos, and there is no doubt He uses catastrophes for His purposes both to refine His people and to awaken souls to their need of Him, their Creator.

Looking at the Corona Virus in this light, hopefully. one can see what God is doing and how we can get in step with Him in our prayers and action.

Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Image

Sadly, in most church circles we are hearing prayers asking God to “come against” the virus.  Yes…may God’s Mercy prevail, but it’s time to see this virus as God’s WAKE UP call. Jesus told us that in the “last days” God would use pestilences, famines, earthquakes as wake up calls to humanity before He pours out his wrath upon the earth prior to Jesus return.

Jeff Daly of http://www.repentday.org presents an insightful view of what God is achieving with the corona virus in the USA.
“Allow me to present a totally opposite (but more spiritually accurate) understanding of what is REALLY going on in the unseen world.
In just a few short weeks:
#1) Public schools and colleges (which are mostly secular and Marxist in nature) are being shut down en masse as students are now being “home schooled” in droves.  
#2) Governors are calling on all “elective procedures” to be cancelled and/or postponed. It is not too difficult to see abortion death camps being shut down as all medical professionals are engaged in battling the Coronavirus to save lives instead of causing more death.  
#3) Sexual perversions involving unclean practices (particularly anal sex) are being looked at again in revulsion and questioned in terms of how they add to pandemic diseases. People are being cautioned against any behaviour that opens them up to diseases.

One can’t help but compare the current plague of pandemic virus to the Exodus story in scripture and the plagues God used there against Egypt.  Egypt represents all sinful societies; really every nation on the planet today.  Today, God’s people find themselves in bondage labouring inside sinful cultures.  At all times, the Living God protected the Israelites against the many plagues He sent to let His people go, covering them by the blood of the lamb to exit Egypt. Now we have the Blood of the Ultimate Lamb without spot, Jesus the Messiah, covering us who have repented from the world, died to our own old thinking and now believe in following His Way.  He is allowing this plague to awaken souls for their need for Him.  You and I are to be His salt and light with out neighbours and in the workplace, bringing them into the Kingdom at this hour of His timing. 

END TIMES: GREAT FALLING AWAY IN THE CHURCH

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Can we tell in advance who is going to be part of the Great Falling Away, The Apostasy? Can we anticipate apostasy in our church by observing the actions and beliefs of churchgoers? Based on what the Bible tells us, the answer is YES. Churchgoers may act like they believe, but remember Jesus said, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:22

Watch this Nelson Walters YouTube Video to find the answers.

WHY I AM A CREATIONIST

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Dr Deweese says, the divide in science between creation and evolution is over the interpretation of the same data. However, for Joe it is all about the fact, we can see God’s design and power evident in what He has made. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. This Scripture is what impacted Dr Joe Deweese the most. Listen to his short testimony. You can go to genesisishistory.com for many more testimonies from PhD scientists.

FAITH AND FEAR

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This study is especially relevant considering the fear we see evident in the world as a result of the Corona Virus Pandemic. For Christians, this should be opportunity time, when we can tell those that are fearful, the good news of what Jesus Christ has accomplished for those that are prepared to repent and avail themselves of His saving grace.

Corona virus is a sign of the times and things like this will become more and more prevalent. Scripture prophesies, God will escalate a shaking of the cosmos with earthquakes, famines, pestilences and more, as the time of Christ’s return draws near. Those that don’t know God have reason to be fearful.

It is very significant that the first words Adam spoke to God after he had sinned, after he had disobeyed God were, “I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10).
The faith he had in his heart was turned into fear. This is why faith and fear are so closely related. They are almost identical. They work the same but they produce opposite results.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

This verse of scripture sets out the two basic spiritual laws at work in the
world: the law of the Spirit of life (in Christ Jesus) and the law of sin and death (in Satan). Webster’s dictionary defines a law as “an established principle.” You can depend on a law to work the same way every time. The two laws in Romans 8:2 are reciprocals.

Satan is a created being. He has no creative power. He did not put spiritual laws into motion. He just perverts the laws that are already there. Sin is righteousness perverted. Death is life perverted. Hate is love perverted. Fear is faith perverted.

Satan has used that perverted spiritual force of fear to kill, steal and destroy.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15

If you will put faith to work, it will always overcome fear. Love always
overcomes hate. The counterfeit is never as powerful as the real thing.

When you separate yourself from God and from His Word, you separate yourself from life. Adam separated himself from life, and what happened? He died spiritually first and then began dying physically.

In the last days Jesus tells us in Revelation 2:10: “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.”

CLIMATE CHANGE: WHAT I WASN’T TOLD

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At last count, What I Wasn’t Told … About Climate Change had attracted just shy of 200,000 views. The video includes links for the curious to read the research that justifies every statement.

Please make sure this video gets wide circulation amongst young people. They will realise the current hysteria about climate change is totally unwarranted.

TIME FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

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President Trump has just called for a Day of Prayer in the nation this coming Sunday, March 15. This is an acknowledgement that the issues the USA face including the corona virus requires something more than the best thinking from key people; he recognises they clearly also need  the blessing of the Living God. The full Proclamation is shown below.

May this special National Day of Prayer lead to a call for national repentance.  Here and in every nation.  The Lord is waiting to help.   The Lord will hear the righteous! When we humble ourselves and turn from our ways to follow His Way,  the Lord delivers us. 

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Governor General David Hurley at recent National Day of Prayer and Fasting in Canberra

‘”Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” Psalms 33:12-15

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. for our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.” Psalms 33:18-21

PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 
In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty.  As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship.  But in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones.  I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation.
 
     As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle.  We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7:  “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”  Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time.  With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.
 
     On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders.  We are confident that He will provide them with the wisdom they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country.  As we come to our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in Psalm 91:  “He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God; in him will I trust.”
 
     As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help.  Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been.  As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.  May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts.  I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected, including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.