Rebellion confronted with judgment and grace Isaiah 1:1-31

Posted on July 13, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Isaiah served as a prophet for about 40 years, from approximately 740 to 701 BC, during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah. He lived and prophesied primarily in Jerusalem. Isaiah was married and had at least two sons, Shear-jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz, whose names were symbolic and related to his prophecies.

NOTE: Imagine trying to fill out a formal form of blank blocks with a name like Isaiah’s second son.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel existed for approximately 208 years, from about 931 BCE to 722 BCE, before being conquered by the brutal Neo-Assyrian Empire. Isaiah prophesied mostly to the southern Kingdom of Judah. The capital of the Northern Kingdom was initially Tirzah, but later shifted to Samaria under King Omri. King Omri is historically known as the northern kingdom’s greatest king. Was he honorable? Not in God’s eyes!

The setting is approximately between 740 B.C. and 680 B.C. The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Isaiah prophesied in both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. After the fall and dispersing of the northern Kingdom by Assyria, Isaiah continued to prophecy in Judah. What many do not connect is that Micah and Hosea were contemporary to Isaiah. Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon were the super power nations during this time.

Reverand David Guzik writes: in his commentary on Isaiah that “The New Testament quotes Isaiah by name more than all the other writing prophets combined.” Isaiah was the primary book for the original New Testament Christian Churches. Dr Ross of Beeson Divinity School writes: “The first chapter of the book serves as a general introduction to all the writings in the collection, including it in most of the themes of the book. The chapter falls into four sections: the indictment of Israel’s sin, the rejection of their hypocritical attempt at reconciliation, the gracious invitation of Yahweh, and a lament over the state of the nation.”

The book begins as Isaiah accuses the city’s leaders …

Isaiah 1:2… Here we find the words “heavens” and “earth”. Then Isaiah mentions Israel in verse 3. This narrows it down to both the northern and southern kingdoms. It means God’s chosen people whether it was the breakaway tribes of the nation of Israel or the remaining people of Judah. God focus on His chosen but does not exclude to world He created.

Isaiah 1:4… God identifies the world as a sinful people; a nation. Isaiah uses the Hebrew word go’-ee (a foreign people). This means the messages of Isaiah extend well beyond the twelve Tribes of Israel. This suggests that one can take God’s blessings and judgements of His chosen People (Israelites) to be applicable to the Church which Christ is the head.

Isaiah 1:10… Isaiah calls the leaders of the people of Israel “rulers of [Sodom and] Gomorrah. This is a huge condemnation. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah during the time of Abraham’s rescue of his nephew Lot, it is often used as a cautionary consequence of sin and the importance of righteousness. Isaiah refers to around 2,300 B.C, in the history of His chosen people. This is during the time of Abraham.

Isaiah 1:11 is a fascinating verse. God tells His people through the voice of Isaiah that he is “fed up” with the meaningless burnt offering sacrifices. This parallels Gods attitude of the sacrifice of attending church that changes nothing in the attendee’s life. It is little more than appearance in many cases. It is not true discipleship (Bible study) or worship. It also underscores the New Testament church and why they used Isaiah as their initial primary text.

Isaiah 1:12 – 15 [click on] is a true indictment of the whole of Israelites, AND the world of nations. There are a few true followers, followers for the sole purpose of identity by association, rejectors of God (Jesus/Holy Spirit), and false worshippers (see verse 15a).

Isaiah 1:16-20 could fit into the New Testament without contest. (click here to read this passage

Isaiah 1:21-28 is a reference/inference to Israel, Judah, and End Times.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

ZECHARIAH

Posted on July 6, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Purpose for writing Zechariah:

Power Point Study for Zechariah 14

Zechariah was written to comfort and encourage the returning Babylonian remnant to repent of their evil ways, to return to the Lord and to rebuild the temple. The people who had just returned from Babylonian exile felt like their efforts were insignificant and the future was uncertain. Not only were they just a remnant of the Jews, their kindred tribesman of Judah who still lived in Babylon, they weren’t even an independent nation – just a client state of a mighty Mede-Persian empire.

Zechariah’s message focuses on the future of Israel-Judah and proclaims that God would send the Messiah to establish His Kingdom through the submission, then destruction of the Gentile empires; i.e. the salvation of His people Israel.

JIV NOTE: I find it amusing and a bit proverbial that the New Testament Zechariah (a priest by the same name as O.T. Zechariah) was the father of John the Baptist whose sole purpose in his life was to proclaim that the first advent of the Messiah had come. Elisabeth was Mary’s cousin and gave birth to John the Baptist 3 or 4 months prior to our “Jesus is born in Bethlehem” history. O.T. Zechariah prophesied to the End Time; the second advent of Christ. Keep in mind that Zechariah means: “God/the Lord remembers”

Here is a list with locations of the 8 *visions in Zechariah:

*Vision 1	The man on a red horse in the Myrtle trees	Zechariah 1:7-17
*Vision 2	The 4 *horns and the 4 workmen	Zechariah 1:18-21
*Vision 3	The man who is measuring Jerusalem	Zechariah 2:1-5
*Vision 4	The chief priest	Zechariah 3:1-10
*Vision 5	The lampstand and the 2 olive trees	Zechariah 4:1-14
*Vision 6	The flying *scroll	Zechariah 5:1-4
*Vision 7	The woman in the basket	Zechariah 5:5-11
*Vision 8	The 4 *chariots	Zechariah 6:1-8

Most Bible students think that the *visions connect together somehow. Unfortunately, they do not all agree on how they connect.

Here is one idea:

*visions 1, 2 and 3 are about the return from *exile;

*visions 4 and 5 are about the leader;

*visions 6, 7 and 8 are about the removal of *sin.

Here is another idea:

*visions 1, 2 and 8 are about the relationship of Judah with other countries;

*visions 3-7 are about the future of Judah/Israel as a nation.

Probably both ideas are useful to Bible students.

Four *visions (1, 3, 4 and 5) also have messages from the *LORD. They are in:

*Vision 1 – Zechariah 1:13-17;

*Vision 3 – Zechariah 2:6-13;

*Vision 4 – Zechariah 3:6-10;

*Vision 5 – Zechariah 4:5-10

Reference	Prophecy of the Savior
Zechariah 2:4–5, 10–13	Christ will dwell with His people (see Revelation 22:1–5).
Zechariah 3; 6:10–15	Joshua is a type for the great High Priest (see Hebrews 3:1).
Zechariah 3:8–9; 6:12	Jesus is the Branch who will atone for us (see Jeremiah 23:5–6).
Zechariah 9:9	Jesus will enter Jerusalem triumphantly as King, riding a donkey (see Matthew 21:1–11).

Zechariah 11:12–13	The Savior will be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:14–16; 27:3–10).
Zechariah 13:6	The Jews will ask Jesus about the wounds in His hands (see D&C 45:51–53).
Zechariah 13:7	The shepherd will be smitten and the sheep scattered (see Matthew 26:31).

Minor Prophets: There is a coded Bible message within the Minor Prophets and the focus of their writings or meaning of their names. Read the following as if it is a statement. WHY? Because there is a message to “them who have ears to hear” (Revelation 2 & 3: to the 7 churches).

Hosea (Osee) Salvation;
Joel Day of the Lord; YHWY is God;
Amos Carried; he preached during a time of a very large earthquake
Obadiah (Abdias) Servant of YHWY; the divine judgment and restoration of Israel
Jonah (Jonas) Dove; (Holy Spirit, the comforter?)
Micah (Micheas) Who is like YHWY
Nahum Comforter;
Habakkuk (Habacuc) Embrace;
Zephaniah (Sophanias) YHWH has hidden;
Haggai (Aggeus) festive; festival; celebration
Zechariah (Zacharias) YHWY remembers
Malachi (Malachias) my messenger

Salvation, the Day of the Lord; YHWY is God; carried the servant of YHWY, the divine judgment and restoration of Israel [like a] Dove [of peace]. Who is like YHWY, the comforter? Embrace YHWY [for a] festival and celebration [is] hidden. YHWY remembers [his] messengers.

Yes, there are hidden bible codes; coded messages of reassurance to which we must pay attention but only those close or in tune with GOD/YHWY will ever understand.

Drj.
July, 2015

But there is one thing you lack….(Mark 10:21; NIV)

Posted on June 29, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

BLOG – August 26, 2015

But there is one thing you lack….(Mark 10:21; NIV)

Here is a passage that has a very broad application to major single item issues in our lives. The bible records that a rich young ruler approached Jesus and asked “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-27; ESV)

¹⁷And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²²Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

²³And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

This is not a passage that condemns wealth. Job, Abraham, Jacob, and others in scripture were very wealthy individuals; many camels, sheep, servants… It is about the possessions or in this situation the one possession that keeps us from living a full life with God. I recall a similar situation when preaching at a church many years ago. The preacher was ticking off a list of sins and an elderly lady sitting in the front row was vocally agreeing with each sin he identified. It goes something like this:

There are some here today who need to get certain sins out of their life. There are those here who have wondering eyes (amen mumbled the lady in the front row); those who seek wealth more than God (again she mumbled amen but a bit louder). There are those who cheat (Yes! Amen says the lady now audible to others). There are those who have tempers (Amen; now loud enough for those a few rows back). Some here have not supported the church as they should (now with a bit of a shout… Amen). There are those who have secret sins (Amen). Someone here is a compulsive liar (AMEN ). Someone here is an over-the-fence gossiper. With that the lady in the front row shouts out…”Now you are getting too personal!”

It was the one sin for which she felt was excusable and okay since it was her practice in life and unwilling to give it up… a gossiper; “there is one thing…“ To keep this story parallel to our passage in Mark, she agreed with hearty amen’s to the other listed wrongs and wasn’t guilty of those other sins (in her opinion that is). But there was one sin she felt was too much to give up and in her opinion was justifiable.

The rich young man in Mark 10 (also found in Luke 18:18-23 & Matthew 19:16-22) asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. There is nothing in any of the passages found in Matthew, Mark or Luke to indicate he was not sincere. He knew Jesus was the Messiah, good teacher, and sent from God. He wanted to be a follower of Christ like the other disciples.

Jesus then listed (v19) a few laws of Judaism (10 Commandments); the young man replies…”all these I have kept since I was a boy (v20; NIV)” Then comes the zinger; the point we all need to consider in our personal lives, worship, and faithfulness to our salvation. In verse 21 Jesus looks (emblepō; to fix one’s eye upon) him in the eyes and says… “One thing you lack,” (v21a; NIV) “go and sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then, come and follow me.”

Note that Jesus didn’t tell him that he would never again have treasures or that he would no longer possess wealth. Jesus told him… “you will have treasures in heaven.” The word ‘treasures’ in the Greek is thēsauros; a coffer, box, or storehouse in which valuable things are deposited/stored. By deduction this suggests that his exchange of wealth on earth is but a deposit box for the wealth he would have in the storehouse of God in heaven.

Like the amen-lady in the story told on page one of this article, he was unwilling to “give up that one thing” that was too close to his heart; she: gossiping; him: wealth. It isn’t like he sacrificed much to live within the laws of Judaism. We are not told about this other than he has upheld these laws since a bay. This obedience to the laws made him a recognized, respected and good man in Jewish society and culture. This goodness is a given in his life since childhood. He sincerely wanted to follow Jesus, but on his own terms; willing to follow but wanted to keep one hand on his earthly security of treasures or desires. He was not willing to empty his earthly coffer of one particular thing in order to follow Jesus Christ; “One thing you lack.”

It isn’t a matter of giving up wealth or any one-thing, but it is a position or attitude of the heart. We can be more sincere than the pastor or leadership of a great or small church yet still covet one thing in life that seems too much to give up so Christ can completely fill and fulfill our life on earth. Maybe that one thing is telling an exaggerated story, a lustful eye, watching questionable movies, that drink that takes us to the red-eye of the wine, unwillingness to share in and nurture the growth of a child (Greek: pahee-dee’-on; a child or immature Christian), bear false stories, gossip, adultery, not giving due honor to those who deserve it whether it is earned or not, speeding, etc.

We should make a ‘study-note’ that in this situation it is but an example of other one-things we are not willing to surrender in order to follow God. Buying into political correctness does not assure it is correct with God just as is looking past evils, speeding, filing almost correct taxes, the white lie, not using our spiritual gift in church, and the like. Not leaving a tip worthy of being called a tip at a restaurant is NOT a sin but is politically incorrect, anti-culture and it is being judgmental or perhaps selfish. I have seldom met a wealthy waiter or waitress; often: the poor.

Before we are tempted to use this opportunity to begin staring in the face of incorrect political correctness go back to v21; ”Jesus looked at him and loved him.” This is agapaō love. It means Jesus loved him. I found this definition of two types of love:

There are generally two types of love spoken about in our New Covenant. The first is the Greek word phileō; it means a brotherly love, to be a friend, to have affection for. This is the most common type of love that we experience in this world and it’s an emotional love that occurs in almost every person to some degree. Whether they’re saved or unsaved, the average person today readily has this phileō, this emotional type of love within them.

The other Greek word for love is agape (ah-gah-pay) and sometimes agapaō. This is a much rarer type of love that only comes from our Father in Heaven through His Son Jesus Christ. Agape / agapaō love is the love of Jesus shining forth from his and our heart. It’s that divine love that’s related to being obedient to God’s Word. (John 14:23) Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves (agape) me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love (agape) him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

The wealthy young ruler desired to follow Christ and Jesus loved (agape/agopao) him; not for his willingness but for his being a person for whom Jesus Christ was soon to die on Calvary and pay the debt of sin. “For God so loved the (entire ) world that he gave his only begotten son.”(emphasis mine). Here in the life of the rich young man seeking to follow Jesus on earth, we have a very familiar phrase that is often used by God the Father and his son Jesus Christ when making a promise or covenant. It goes like this; If you_________, then I (God-head) will ______________. In the case of this young man, it was a matter of giving up, not an easily identified sin, but something that he held more personal and of value than a fulfilled walk with Jesus. It was not the wealth, but his unwillingness to give up the “ONE THING” that kept him from Christ fulfilling His plan for his life… ours too.

Does the reader of this blog have just one inner secret of issue in life that keeps him or her from a closer walk with Christ? If there is, it is _(confidential)______ _____________________ ?

Christianity: One’s Reality or Actuality

Posted on June 22, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

This is a tough article (blog) to write. It isn’t that I don’t know the answer to my own question, but that theory itself has been so entrenched with partial truth that “the truth, WHOLE TRUTH and nothing other than the truth” has been diluted to one’s reality and politically correct actuality. I fear many will someday stand before a judge and claim to have lived a politically correct social life, but by whose definition are they calling politically correct?

The hot topic today, but not the purpose of this blog is the bible and homosexuality. A reader recently wrote to me: “I threw out my bible.” I asked why? He stated, “It is full of lies and it doesn’t fit [my] reality.” Wow! Does he even have a clue? Reality is one’s perception; not necessarily actuality. There was a time when then modern science claimed the world was flat. That was their reality until some guy proved actuality… it is round. Let’s leave this paragraph with Adam and Eve (actuality); not Adam and Steve (perceived and preferred reality). You go figure.

The question is, “what is Christianity?” This is such a loosely used word it defies definition and is seen as religions that have multiple versions or guises of being Christian. Giving a single definition to or trying to lump one’s perception of what Christianity is into a finite statement is impossible; that is, as far as the world goes.

Let’s go back to some very basic precepts. In Islam there are two primary documents that define Islam and a Muslim’s way of life; the Koran (Quran) and the Hadith. The first is their written word of rules for life. The second is, as define by Wikipedia, “the collections of the reports purporting to quote what the Islamic prophet Muhammad said [and did in life] verbatim on any matter.” (emphasis mine)

Islam Explained in Layman’s Term

Here is a perspective by Dr. Peter Hammond, a former Muslim. Dr Hammond’s doctorate is in Theology. He was born in Cape Town in 1960, grew up in Rhodesia and converted to Christianity in 1977. Adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond’s book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat: Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life. Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other components.

The synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Holy Word of God (bible) are somewhat similar to what a Muslim calls the Hadith. The Gospels show and record what Jesus did while on earth and what he said. The difference is that the Gospels were written over 600 years before Mohammad was even born. This makes the bible actuality and Islam someone’s new reality; just a perception of what is the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth. True Christianity, per living a life patterned after Jesus in the Gospels is the same thing… a way of life; not a religion or a cult. Anything less than a way of life is one’s preferred definition of a religion s/he wants to call Christianity.

This is why and where some confusion and modern day deception of end time comes in. The first Seal [beginning of End Time or end of time as we now understand it, described in Revelation is “a great deception” of mankind. If the world is allowed to (re) define what Christianity is or for all that matters, what so-called Christian religion is supposed to be is to ignore what Christ said and did as recorded in the Gospels. To ignore what Christ DID in life and what He taught is not an alternative option to actuality, but a position against Christ’s teachings. We are to live a life patterned after that of Christ. Islam claims that Muslims are to do the same thing but pattern it after Mohammed. That being true, he was as much a military man as a preacher of death to infidels (i.e. America in modern day terminology; anyone who is not a Muslim).

Many religions that identify, as often the world tries to re-identify as so-called Christian, (a very generic term in modern days) are anything but. True Christianity is a way of life, not a religion of on-again and off-again practice usually reserved for and limited to any given Sunday and being politically correct according to the rules of man. TV shows, as is in the news reports today are on the increase trying to point out the evils or misguided practices of “Christian churches and ministers; the extremist or inferred lunatic.” To the casual observer, this puts a brand on the Christian that is not actuality; it is their reality though. I taught a marketing principle in my college marketing classes that one’s perception is their reality even when that is not the facts of actuality. Therefore in the mind of someone with limited information, s/he takes it as actuality.” How wrong but s/he will then make a broad judgment based upon partial truth.

Bottom line: Is Christianity one’s perception of reality or one’s actuality in living? One’s answer to this is also the answer to his or her life in Christ and the promised eternity with God and Jesus Christ.

PS; Muslims practice their beliefs 7-days a week. This is precisely why they cannot and never will assimilate to any other way of living even at the cost of his or her life. It is their reality AND their actuality. The world and most religions simply don’t understand this. It is a way of, not an exception to one’s way of life. This is not negotiable. Neither is God’s actuality.

Revelation Study

Posted on June 1, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

Revelation Study: Chapter 4…

Link to additional PowerPoint Notes Revelation 4 & beyond

Chapter 1 of Revelation is about the past; chapters 2 and 3 are about the present. (John’s Day) From Revelation chapter 4 through 22 it is all about the future; the Tribulation and the 2nd advent of Christ. Recall that the seven churches in chapter 2 and 3 are Messianic churches of John’s time. The guidance offered in each letter also is for one wanting to live a Christ-like life; one that is approved of God.

We have completed our in-depth study of the seven churches, now we see the door of heaven opened (4:1). Some believe and I can appreciate their view that this verse is also a parallel to the Rapture. If this is so, we will see or live through chapters 1 to 4:1 then taken up to meet Jesus in the clouds in the rapture.

When a Christian dies, his or her soul and spirit goes to be with Christ, that is, in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8; also see Revelation 21:3-4). Our body remains in the grave until the resurrection of those who died in Christ (rapture). Later, those who die(d) without Christ will stand judgment at the Great White Throne after the Millennial Reign of Jesus in Jerusalem. For the Christian, judgment is at the end of the Church/gentile age, just before the Tribulation… the *Bema Seat Judgment of rewards. This is one reason I suggest locating events like the Rapture at this spot in the book of Revelation (4:1-2). There are at least 4 or 5 reasons for identifying it here.

*Bema Seat Judgment is often referred to as Christ’s Judgment Seat of Christians. This is the judgment of “the good and the bad done in the body”. This includes our promised rewards (II Thessalonians 2:19-20; Revelation 22:12; II Corinthians 5:9-10)

The location or timing of this event as recorded in Revelation 4 is right for the Rapture. Chapters 4 & 5 present a vision in Heaven. Chapter 6 introduces the Tribulation period. John, the last of the 12 disciple of Jesus who was still alive, is a fitting symbol of the Church being taken out of the world just before the Tribulation begins. “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth“. (Rev. 3 v.10)
The absence of any mention of the Church in the rest of Revelation indicates that it is no longer on earth during the Tribulation. There are 16 references to the Church in Rev. 1-3, whereas chapters 6-18, which cover the Tribulation, do not mention the Church once. Chapters 4 and perhaps 5 are departure chapters.
The extensive use of *Old Testament language and symbols in Chapters 4-18 is an indication of Israel issues, not Church concerns or issues. This is understandable since the Church Age is the time of the Gentiles and that ends with the rapture. The Great Tribulation is the time of Jacob’s trouble also called the seventieth week of Daniel. Our Daniel bible study pointed this out. End Time is reserved by God for His final dealings with Israel. Some of these Old Testament symbols found in Revelation include the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, elders, censers, cherubim, seals, trumpets, and *plagues. *just as it was so of Israel in Egypt prior to their exodus from bondage and headed to their Promised Land so it will be at the rapture when Christians are taken to their Promised Land… Heaven.
There is similarity between the events of Revelation 4 v.1-2 and other scriptural teaching on the Rapture, such as 1 Thess. 4 v.13-18.
Perhaps another connection with the rapture is the fact that there are similarities with it and John’s many identities: A son of Thunder (God’s wrath poured out), John the beloved of Christ (as is His Church), and John was a part of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples plus, his name in Greek means “Jehovah is gracious.” So will Jesus be gracious by the rapture of His church BEFORE the Great Tribulation.

* JIV, the church age ends in chapter 3 with the messages to the 7 churches. It is now all Jewish (ick) history yet to happen.

None of the above reasons is sufficient in and of their individual selves to suggest that Revelation 4 v.1-2 refers to the Rapture of the Church. When, however, all of them are considered together, I am inclined to believe that this inference is possible if not probable. The Rapture of the Church is not explicitly taught in Rev. 4 but definitely appears logically and chronologically correct being at the end of the Church Age and before the Tribulation.

The 7 churches were ALL Messianic-Christians; established by former Judaism followers via Paul and Peter. From chapter 4 forward, the intent of Revelation is to explain and inform God’s chosen of the Tribulation i.e. Jesus revealed. It is not far-fetched to accept that this is a Rapture passage for the church then comes a time when the Israelites will finally recognize their messiah.

John is the seer and is writing about future events even in his day. What better way to allude to the Rapture at this specific time, particularly since it is located right after the description of the Church Age and just prior to the revelation of the Antichrist. Remember that John is called to heaven to witness these things, just as the church rapture will call believers to heaven and ‘perhaps’ witness these things yet to come.

I find it both comforting and definitive doctrine when I read Matthew 24:31 that the Book of Revelation is in reference to the reunited Nation of Israel and not the church: And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect (Eklektos: by implication; his favorite, chosen, elect; Israel) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (ESV). This may be the very same trumpet blast that calls Christians home to Heaven; rapture. Israelis will gather in Israel so that prophecy can be fulfilled when the nations of the world align themselves against *Jerusalem (*symbolic name for Israel and Israelis). To be fair, this verse could also mean the Christians from the four corners of the earth. I question this conclusion though because we are called to meet Christ in the clouds at the twinkling of an eye. No call goes out… just a meeting in the sky. (1 Thessalonians 4:16 & 17. Also see 1 Corinthians 15:52)

JIV: 4:17b states, “…and so ‘we will be with the Lord forever.’” If the Lord here is referring to Jesus Christ, this highly suggests we will return to earth with Him during His 1,000 year reign. We will be WITH HIM forever!

Also, look again at the opening words in verse 17. “After that, we who are still alive AND LEFT….” This specifically identifies those Christians who are left; i.e. those in Christ, not the entire world’s population. If it only read, “those who are still alive” it becomes a universal rapture of everyone. This just isn’t true. The Great White Throne judgment is their destiny.

On a third JIV (Jim’s Introspective View) note, the use of the word “behold” in Revelation 4:1 is an imperative. As a noun it would mean an essential or urgent thing. As an adjective it would be vitally important; crucial. This means Revelation 4:1 is a crucial turning point in what John sees. The Rapture???? The Tribulation!!!!! This is not a ‘behold’ that simply means to observe or look.

Might it also be feasible that the words “come up here for I have things to show you that are yet and must happen” will be true of the immediate 7 years after the rapture, things that are yet and must happen? Will we be able to see the rest of Revelation played out prior to the millennial reign but from the safety of heaven? This is something to think about, right? Don’t be too quick to conclude.

In Revelation 4:2 we read “in the spirit”. In the Greek this is πνεῦμα/pneuma. At first glance one might assume in the spirit means ‘apart from the body’. However, pneuma can also mean a mental disposition; a current of air. ONLY figuratively it means a spirit as one might conclude at first glance.

In Revelation 4:3 we once again see support for the Israel specificity of this book. It can easily be missed. John describes, in part, 4:3a “And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone…”

Look at the two stones; jasper and sardine. What is their significance? They are the first and last stones in the breastplate of the High Priest. Why they are listed in reverse order, jasper (last stone) then sardine/odem/ruby (first stone), I do not quite grasp. Its significance may have something to do with ‘the last will be first and the first last’ (Matthew 19:30; 20:16). It may have something to do with reading Hebrew right to left. PS: Odem is also identified as sardine or ruby. Each name identifies the same stone. Also, Reuben (Sardine stone) was the first born and Benjamin (Jasper stone) the last born. Another symbolism: God is the alpha and the omega. Possibly in that the jasper is the last stone, this is significant in that this is also “the last straw” in God’s timetable for His created earth. The End of Time is then upon us? Remember that “time” itself is a creation of God (Trinity) back in Genesis 1:4.

Read right to left, top to bottom:
Reuben or the sardine stone is 1st. Benjamin or the jasper stone is listed last.

It would be easy to get lost in discussing the meanings of the different parts of the High Priest’s garb, but I will fight the temptation and stay in Revelation… (for now:).

Per the rainbow identified in Rev 4:3 we should be reminded of the covenants between God and Israel (his elect and chosen people; O.T.) and the Church (New Testament time of the gentile). After the deluge of Genesis 6-9, God made a covenant with ALL MANKIND; the rainbow covenant/promise. We find God beneath the rainbow council of elders John sees is seated in a semi-circle around the Great Throne in Heaven.

I hasten to take us back to the study of Bible Codes in a previous study and the meaning of each name within the Tribes of Israel; Reuben to Benjamin in birth order:

J.I.V. Reuben: Behold, a son will be born; He will love me but he will be unloved. Simeon: He has looked upon my affliction; He has seen my sin. Listen and obey him. Levi: Be joined together; share the Word of God over a great distance. Judah: Give praise to Yhwh, give thanks and confess sin [or] Dan: be judged of God. Naphtali: To struggle within [brings] self-inflicted wounds. Be swift. Gad: As a troop HE will come and prevail. Asher: [Be] blessed, happy in your good fortune. Dan: Be discerning in judgment, Issachar: There is a reward from God; Zebulon: a gift (zebed) or position of honor from God; (yizbeleni), redemption. [You will] Be paid your wage, be exalted. Your sins will be forgotten; Joseph’s two sons… Manasseh: forgetting the past; Ephraim: double will be your fruitfulness in this land of affliction; Benjamin: you will be on the right side of the Most High.

WOW! How much more direct need God be in His Holy Word and the direction he gave to His chosen people (and the church) via their very names put together as HIS statement and how things on earth will eventually end up. Note that there are 13 tribes as Joseph’s two sons added to the 11 brothers of Joseph equals 13.

JIV HUH moment. Might I be venturing too far off the coast of reality and the safe haven of the beach to think about the 13 original colonies; the 13 stars and stripes on our original flag; the war of separation between the North and the South with a President in both territories; the dollar bill with a pyramid on the left and a faint Star of David with 13 stars within it on the right; the fact that the eagle holds 12 arrows in its left claw and an olive branch in its right claw; the fact that the original colonies were semi-independent with State powers (confederacy) just as were the tribal territories of Israel under the judges; the fact that manifest destiny; i.e. predestination was the undercurrent driving American policy and philosophy per settlement of this land; that America was founded upon Christian principles and has now drifted far away?

Again, after chapter 3, the Book of Revelation is a pronouncement and revelation for and warning to the Nation of Israel, not the church. Perhaps the above possible bible code using the definitions, meanings and expressions of the 13 Tribes of Israel nails it as Revelation being about and for Israel AND the church.

Crucifixion

Posted on May 26, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

The Bible often mentions earthquakes. If they are so, they are also a matter of secular records making these Bible records the same history as found in secular records. This series is designed to explore secular history, archeological digs [discoveries] and scriptural records of Biblical Earthquakes. This series will end with an article or two on End-Time earthquakes. This is article number three in the series.

Earthquakes of the Bible and Secular History Coincide; secular views fail; the crucifixion

Before anyone reads the following article, I caution those who want to jump at conclusions steeped in one’s “belief” that now is the time; the end of the earth as we know it. Half-truths have done much damage to our Christian-based evangelical society. We (me included) accept without challenge statements that support our beliefs or desires without checking the facts. The World Wide Web has been one of the best tools for sending out half-truths.
Example: When in 2011 quarterback Tim Tebow and the Broncos beat the Steelers in overtime, a playoff they statistically never should have even been one of the competing teams, all sorts of “posts” were put out on the WWW that glorified the the view it was a “God supported” win. Perhaps the Broncos simply outplayed the Steelers. But what happens when a post goes viral stating that “amazingly four of the seven officials on the field were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John”; all key authors of Books of the Bible? What happens when it isn’t the truth yet it is forwarded to tens of thousands? Yes, it undercuts the reliability of Christian truth.

This is why we are using this series on the earthquakes of the Bible and secular history. When both sides identify the same earthquake, there is little room for middle ground.

In 1931 A.D., there were about seismograph stations 350 stations operating in the world. Today, there are more that 4,000 stations and the data now comes in rapidly from these stations by telex, computer and satellite. This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years.

This is not to say that writers like Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, Michael D. Evans, and Peter LaLonde, to mention but a few, point with some validity to the End Times being very close via reported earthquakes. This author maintains that we are concerned about the wrong thing. We should be less concerned about the earthquakes, the supposed increasing numbers and the horrendous damage such as in Japan just last year than a concern about the PEOPLE who died without Christ. None the less, let’s try to help those who think the Bible is *full of stories and that secular history is distinctly different and not full of stories; i.e. one is a story and the latter is history. We trust by pointing out that the Bible and secular records of a simple thing called earthquakes and huge storms are the same history recorded in the annuls of both scripture and secular history.

*Story (synonyms): tale, narrative, yarn, legend, fairy-tale, anecdote, rumor, report, hearsay, scoop, lie, fib, untruth, falsehood. These words all play a part in how the hearer of the Word and the world at-large can translate the facts of the Bible if we constantly call them “stories.” They are NOT STORIES! Bible events and history are facts that are often proven through science and secular histories.

One more word of caution and clarification for what too many pulpits, radio and television speakers point out as fact and it just isn’t so. We are often left with the impression that in scripture such as Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11 that the natural destruction of end time earthquakes will be an INCREASE in numbers. Double check the facts… the word “increase” just isn’t there. Yes, the intensity may increase but we have no scriptural evidence that this will be a time when there is an increase in the number of earthquakes.

Matthew 24:7 (ESV) Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places.

Mark 13:8 (ESV) Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places.

Luke 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and other bad things in many places. In some places there will be no food for the people to eat. Terrible things will happen, and amazing things will come from heaven to warn people.

Yes, the intensity of earthquakes may increase, and we do know from secular records that there is an increase in recorded and reported earthquakes (see paragraph 3 above) throughout the world, but the Bible simply does not say there will be an INCREASE in earthquakes. For the record, we checked the following interpretations of scripture to verify that the Bible does not say anything about an increase in the number of earthquakes:

King James; Lexham English Bible; Modern King James Version; Revised Version; Young’s Literal Translation of 1898; 1899 Douay-Rheims Bible; English Standard Version; American Standard Version; The Apostolic Bible Polyglot Greek… (I think the point is made).

Why is this important? Remember the example of Tim Tebow and the supposed Gospel-names of four officials in the playoff game? We as Christians need to get the facts correct or the world will use our misuse of them against us. The secular world holds us to a different standard. When they slip-up, it is simply dismissed. When Christians get the facts wrong, it is headlines on major communication networks and publications; not to mention the hey-day on the World Wide Web.

Article – the crucifixion and its earthquake

There is much evidence surrounding the earthquakes that occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus, His resurrection, and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Quoting Jennifer Viegas of Discovery News:

To analyze earthquake activity in the region (Dead Sea), geologist Jefferson Williams of Supersonic Geophysical and colleagues Markus Schwab and Achim Brauer of the German Research Center for Geo-sciences studied three cores from the beach of the Ein Gedi Spa adjacent to the Dead Sea.

Varves, which are annual layers of deposition in the sediments, reveal that at least two major earthquakes affected the core: a widespread earthquake in *31 B.C. and a seismic event that happened sometime between the years *26 A.D. and 36 A.D. (see Science on NBCNEWS.com)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47555983/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/quake-reveals-day-jesus-crucifixion-researchers-believe/#.UK_DXvJDSSo

*These dates do not preclude that they could have occurred within hours or a few days of each other. The fact remains, there are secular geological records of two significant earthquakes surrounding the time of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
These dates also coincide well and are within the scripture records of two earthquakes that surround the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ: Matthew *27 & **28, Mark *15 & **16, Luke *23 & **24 (*the first chapter is the record of the crucifixion and the **second chapter in each book is the record of His resurrection). */**You can look these passages up in YOUR BIBLE.

Colin Humphreys, a British physicist, and Graeme Waddington , co-author and professor at Oxford University in the U.K., authored a paper that gives us some additional insight into the history surrounding these events.

• All four gospels and Tacitus in Annals (XV, 44) agree that the crucifixion occurred when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36.

• All four gospels say the crucifixion occurred on a Friday.

• All four gospels agree that Jesus died a few hours before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath (nightfall on a Friday).

• The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) indicate that Jesus died before nightfall on the 14th day of Nisan, right before the start of the Passover meal.
This suggests that the events of the death and resurrection of Christ and the earthquake records strongly coincide. They both settle in and around the same time period in secular and Biblical history. It should be pointed out that this means one is not a story and the other is history. They are both records of the same history, at the same time in history, and founded on research.

Is this another coincident or aha bible moment (ahabiblemoments.com)? You decide, but consider this additional information. Titus and Flavius Josephus, 37 C.E. to 100 C.E. were either youthful eyewitnesses to these events or lived so close to the time of these events, they heard it from people who actually witnessed this demarcation in history and eternity.

Bonus aha moments… The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, penned sometime between 50 A.D. and 60 A.D., were written during the lifetime of secular historian Flavius Josephus and Emperor Titus (Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus). This mean they are contemporary with the penning of these Gospels.

Thallus, a Greek historian who wrote The Chronicle of the Olympiad and was anything but a supporter of Christianity. He writes in his 3-volume edition of the History of the Mediterranean World about the darkness at the time of the crucifixion. He identified it as a lunar eclipse. Problem? A lunar eclipse by scientific standards can only occur during the evening hours; the moon is opposite the sun in the solar system during daylight hours and the earth is directly between the sun and the moon.

Don’t confuse a lunar eclipse as a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse puts the moon between the earth and the sun. One might argue that Thallus was incorrect in his terminally. I guess that would take unfounded faith that Thallus didn’t understand science simply using the wrong name for the occurrence. (read the closing paraphaph)

Christ died during the afternoon hours. A solar eclipse takes an hour to happen and last but a few minutes. The darkness that fell over the earth at the time of the crucifixion lasted over three hours.

http://jesusevidences.com/datesntgospels.php

Another coincident? Possibly, but you decide. Study the Word of God and compare it to history, archeology, geology, and seismology for yourself. The proof is there, but http://bible.cc/romans/10-17.htm (the word “faith” in this click on link is pistis in the Greek. it translates “TRUTH”. Therefore truth itself is assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity)

Egypt? Yemen? Tsunamis? Libya?

Posted on May 18, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

What in the world is going on? Is this a sudden drive for nationalism and democracy in these Arab worlds’ or is there something more sinister? Is it in scripture? Did God warn or try to alert us to such happenings? As Christians we are not to be negative, add to the fire and fear or be personally fearful regardless of whatever is going on. At the same time, we need to be alert and prepared. Let me explain.

Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 are parallel chapters. These three different books discuss the same topics; Jesus’ teachings and prophesies, AND, end times. This is not a time or place for discussing doctrine such as pre, post, mid, or “a [non]” anything. However, the Bible does tell us to be alert and the signs of end times will be as obvious as are the seasons. Alert to what?

Disclaimer: All three of these “synoptic” books in the New Testament attest to Jesus’ insights as he teaches one last time prior to his crucifixion. This time is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount [of Olives]. He answers questions posed to him by his disciples on issues of prophecy. Good men today disagree as to the timing of events on this earth, mankind and end times, but the fact remains, Jesus states emphatically that these end times will come. Believers will disappear from the face of the earth, chaos will result, and the people remaining on earth will try to return to a normal life; but it won’t happen!

Every serious student of prophecy is typically able to defend or make a strong case for his or her particular view of the sequence of end times, but once again… well, let’s look at it from The Book of Luke. Luke 21:7-8 states, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What will be the sign that they are about to take place.” Jesus is quick to reply and rather than directly answer the questions of his disciples he offers a caution: “Watch out that you are not deceived. Many men will come in my name claiming ‘I am he.’” [When this happens] “The time is near. Do not follow them.”

His answer is in contrast to being direct. Jesus gives us a strong clue as to what will be going on around us at the time we “draw near” to the end times. “Watch out…” But, he doesn’t stop here. The contrast to a direct answer to the disciples’ questions is Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32; only the Father knows when.

This does not change the fact that events will happen to give us clues as to when the end time is drawing very near. Jesus says these things MUST HAPPEN; Luke 21:9b. But the first part of this verse is what we as Christians can universally hang our hat on; “When you hear of *wars and revolutions, do not be **frightened.” As a theologian and researcher I find the word “fright or frightened” interesting. In the King James we find the phrase “fear not” 74 times and “be not afraid” 46 times. In the Greek it can mean to “cause one to fall.” To fall? Might this relate to being faint or weak-hearted? You decide but don‘t dismiss it. It is a caution from Jesus himself.

*Wars [Greek: polemos] a single or multiple conflicts; upheavals; revolts.
** Frightened [Greek: ptoeho] to draw back as when one is frightened; cause one to fall

This is very assuring when we read Luke 21:14a; “make up your mind (when? NOW!) not to worry.”

Luke 21:25 states, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.” This isn’t intended to drive you to the Weather Channel but it is a thought. Jesus is again the author of these words. Different translations say it a multiple number of ways but all come to the same conclusion; something is or will be quite wrong and unusual.

It is particularly fascinating to read the next two verses in Luke 21; [v26] “Men will faint in terror, apprehension of what is coming of this world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” [v27] “AT THAT TIME they will see the Son of Man coming” [where?] “in the clouds.” Nothing is stated here that Christ will plant His feet on earth… “they will see” [Greek: optanomai] as in gaze in awe with wide open eyes. Who is ‘they?’ From my best guess [J.I.V.] it is those who did not either expect or believe in Jesus Christ, or his return.

It isn’t the purpose or intent of this article to “preach” or teach a certain doctrine. It is to point out that Jesus himself said in Luke 21:34-35 “Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and anxieties of life. That day (end times or Christ’s coming?) will close on you like a trap. Be always on the watch, and pray that YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ESCAPE ALL THAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.”

Perhaps this last statement in verse 36 is why Jesus prefaced his answer to the disciples’ questions with Luke 21:9 “When you hear of wars and revolutions, signs in the sun, moon and stars. These things must happen first.” This doesn’t in any way mean to gather in some jungle in South America or some mountain top and wait. Jesus does say at the end of verse 9 “…but the end will not come right away.”

Now you know the Rest of this Bible story as it regards these rumors of wars, unrest and anxieties in this world. You decide. But before you do, read 1 John 4:1-3 and Matthew 24:25-27.

=Dr. J

It Must Be Said!

Posted on May 11, 2025 by ahabiblemoments.com

I couldn’t help myself.

The following is more of a blog than a message. A message would be more fully developed.

In reading some of the e-mails from those who follow ahabiblemoments, it occurs to me that there are too many “soft” Christian points of view; i.e. politically correct but spiritually wrong.Our culture has compromised, many fundamentally and well-intending churches and pastors pull their heads back into their proverbial turtle shells, apologize for, run the risk of being branded as “radical” and/or fear giving the “government” cause to revoke our tax-exempt status. When Jesus Christ said they will hate you because they first hated me, it is because HE too called sin, for what was and is – SIN. Jesus was not concerned about being politically correct. It was the message more than the messenger that the world and governing bodies hated. However, the messenger in the Bible, Jesus, paid the price. (You may want to think about “paid the price” a little as it has a double meaning here)Barnes’ Notes on the Bible commentary states: “If the world hates you – The friendship of the world they were not to expect, but they were not to be deterred from their work by its hatred. They had seen the example of Jesus. No opposition of the proud, the wealthy, the learned, or the men of power, no persecution or gibe, had deterred him from his work”.

(GIBE means “a comment that is intended to hurt or provoke”)

Clark’s Commentary on the Bible puts it in words I particularly like… “As the followers of Christ were to be exposed to the hatred of the world, it was no small consolation to them to know that their hatred would be only in proportion to their faith and holiness; and that, consequently, instead of being troubled at the prospect of persecution, they should rejoice, because that should always be a proof to them that they were on the very path in which Jesus himself had trod”. Don’t misread this passage commentary as meaning, in order to be recognized as a follower of Christ we MUST FIRST be at odds with individuals in this world. That is the cart leading the horse. (more on this in a different article)Re-read the middle part of Clark’s Commentary on this topic… “their [the world’s] hatred would be only in proportion to their faith and holiness…”. This does not mean to become obstinate or draw attention to one’s self. It also does not mean to hide or compromise one’s faith or the teachings of Christ. The hatred of the world is to the message a Christian delivers but be prepared to be picked out as the radical in the line-up.The Apostle Paul points out in Ephesians 5:2 that we are ‘to walk in love’, not antagonism. But, in Matthew 5:14 we are also identified as “the light of the world”. It should be a simple deduction that light exposes the “dark corners”. Read the rest of this passage starting at verse 14… 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Notice that the emphasis in Matthew 5:16 is to let our light shine before others that THEY MAY SEE GOOD DEEDS. Note: Maybe the Book of James and its author is onto something in that Epistle; works = good deeds and should be noticed? There is nothing in this passage to suggest it means to get into arguments, be a spectacle, revolutionary, behead those who do not believe, pick fights, knock on neighborhood doors in order to earn one’s salvation via a good heated discussion with the home owners, unbeliever or someone of another faith, etc. What it does emphasize is being a light with our good deeds. But here we go again, there is nothing here that supports compromising our faith, beliefs or hiding our faith in the proverbial turtle shell. I like how Rev. Greg Du Bois of the First Covenant Church in Cadillac, Michigan put it in one of his messages: “a belief is what you hold, but a conviction is what holds you” (author unknown)

John 3:20, 21 says: “Everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed. 21: But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may become evident that his actions have God’s approval,” (ESV). Verse 21 means transparency in our Christian living.

Once again, as a reminder to each of us, John 3:21 …”Everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed”. Ephesians 5:15, 16, 17 (ESV) “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, V16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. V17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Note in verse 17 it also tells us to not be foolish”. You judge what that means to you, but it means to me to be wise, not stupid or foolish in our actions, words or deeds; e.g. what we say and do.Does anyone reading this website “blog” really think that Jesus is trying to be politically correct in Ephesians 5:5? Look up the verse for yourself or click on the highlighted verse address. He is being very candid. Candid means frank, blunt, upfront and not hiding in one’s turtle shell. Jesus is not trying to be politically correct. Why point out the definition of this word? It isn’t to insult my readers, but it is to confess the excuse I used in the past. I claimed I really didn’t fully understand the meaning of the word “candid”. I deliberately took it to mean ”be candid while maintaining political correctness.” Lame… you bet it is! However, it worked for me until God worked on my heart and we had a face-to-face moment.Here is part of my “old” practice and a confession to my readers. For those who buy the humanist schooling philosophy … ‘human beings are naturally good’, read Romans 7:18-19. For those who harbor any animosity or anger toward another, read Mark 11:23-25 . Underline verse 11:24 in your Bible. For those who wonder from where the statement came, “s/he is on the left or s/he is on the right”, read Ecclesiastes 10:2 in multiple translations but do it before casting your vote in our pending national elections this November.

Conclusion and how I tie this “blog” in with the opening paragraphs of this article. You will either hate or appreciate me, but not because of the messenger-author. It will be because of the messages. They all come from the Holy Word of God. Don’t simply take my word for it. I am but a human. Re-read the Word of God yourself and *do as it SAYS and as Jesus DID. You as a Christian are to be the light of the world and light up the room showing your good deeds but a light also exposes the evil even when it is not politically correct. Quit playing by the rules of deception that we have been gradually fed by the “world” and to a great part, accept life and the evils of this world as ‘this is just the way it is’.*So much for the old adage and advice we as Christians have also bought into. ”Do as I say, not as I do”. As Christians we are to do as God’s Word says and live as Jesus Christ did and said. Your eternity depends on it. So does mine. Denial does not excuse anyone. Besides, isn’t Denial [the Nile] a river somewhere in Egypt?I just couldn’t help myself. It has to be said and be made known to fellow believers. Are you on the right or the left?

(Part 3) End Time is one contiguous event…

Posted on June 10, 2022 by ahabiblemoments.com

There are five On That Day sequential events to keep distinct in this End Time study:

The appointed 7-year time of tribulation for Israel i.e., Jerusalem.
1. 3 ½ years of a false peace. Temple rebuilt(?)
2. 3 ½ years of trials for Israel sometimes identified as Jacob’s Troubles
The time between the end of the 7-years of Jacob’s Trouble and Jesus setting up his Millennial Kingdom. He judges the nations between the end of the Tribulation and his Millennial Reign.
The 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom. Satan bound and non-influential.
Satan is released, his final run at overthrowing Jesus on earth begins for a short time.
Eternity: one of two places. Both destinations are permanent, but neither is a grave.

2 Thessalonians 2…

According to God’s timetable, the Day of the Lord and its accompanying judgment will not start until two things first happent: a global rebellion occurs, and the Antichrist is revealed. Paul then mentions what is currently keeping the evil one, man of sin, in check. “And now you know what is holding him back, so that he [Antichrist] may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed” (verses 6–8).

This End Time article will help a learner to distinguish between the 2^nd Advent of Christ [#2 above] and the actual setting up of the “thy kingdom come” as stated in the prayer in Matthew and Luke. This is the central to the raptured believers of believers [pre #1 above].

In the quote from https://www.gotquestions.org/restrainer.html, there is a critical “sequence.’ The Day of the Lord (End Time) begins when there is a total world rebellion against Christianity and the Antichrist is revelation. Anything else is speculation based upon someone’s bias or agenda. There is a restrainer (?) of absolute evil of which scripture does not tell us who or what that may be. THEN…the restrainer is removed from earth. This frees Satan (Lucifer) from being held back even though to look around the world today one might think that has already happened. It hasn’t as of this writing.

Revelation 12:7-12 (NKJV) Satan Thrown Out of Heaven

⁷And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, ⁸but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. ⁹So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The dragon is Satan. He will have his personal trinity of father, son, and spirit in end time; himself as father, dragon or anti-Christ (Satan’s spokesperson), and the evil spirit or spiritual leader being the false prophet. This is during the 7-year Tribulation; most prominent during the final 3 ½ years. Once the Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem, probably during the first three- and one-half years of the 7-year tribulation, it will be desecrated by the anti-Christ.

“…he was cast to the earth”. This casting of Satan out of heaven was to an existing earth. Perhaps at the time earth was then made void and without form by Satan occupying it. Revelation 12:9 gives us two reasons to conclude this. First, he was cast to earth, so earth was already here. Second, verse 9 tell us that this is also where he specialized in deceiving. We even see this in verse 10.

*Think on this. In Genesis God created an earth. Scripture tells us that God saw it and “it was good.” We find this same conclusion in Genesis 1:4, 1:10, 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, and 1:25. So how did it become void and without form? We consider this to be when Satan and his minions were occupying earth as pointed out in Revelation 12:9 but before the creation of man.

¹⁰Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven (Ouranos; God’s place of dwelling), “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come for the accuser (Satan) of our brethren, who accuses them before our God, day, and night, has been cast down. ¹¹And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. ¹²Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Now salvation…This is a reference to HOW “they” (mankind) overcome Satan…by the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ. Salvation is available up to and including #2 in our chart. The accuser (Satan) is bound during stage #3 in our chart. He can no longer accuse or influence man. Personal choice exists during the 1,000-year millennium. During that 1,000 years it is only man’s personal choices. Satan is bound. He cannot influence or deceive, but man will still have choice or what we refer to as free will.

Verse 12 has significant implications. “Rejoice Oh heavens and those that dwell (occupy) in them”. Heavens is plural PLUS this verse includes it’s occupants. There are differing commentary takes on this verse. First is creation itself as in the heavens, not just Ouranos (heaven). If the rocks on the roadside to Jerusalem could cry out when Jesus entered the city on a donkey (Luke 19:40), then the stars, planets, and other created things can cry out when Christ returns. Verse 11 is a point in time. Verse 12 is a continuum over time. Rejoice for the provided salvation of mankind.

Others suggest this is only a warning to those who reject a true belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “Woe to those…” The woe is to mankind who remain on earth after the rapture. The universe that is set in place is about to be changed with a new heaven(s) and a new earth.

Every beginning has an end. If not, it did not have a beginning. This concept may be tough to grasp at first pass. Think it through. The only alternative is an eternal existence. Something cannot begin from nothing unless created or has always been.

At minimum this defines creation to a proverbial “T”. If there is no evidence of its existence, it does and did not exist. Evolution tries to betray the obvious. Creation means to make something out of nothing. No matter how evolutionists try to manufacture life from something, it won’t ever exist. Genesis 1 says “in the beginning…” The beginning of what? Mortal life. An object may exist, but it is without life. From where did life itself originate? Evolutionists cannot not define life. Their claims include something that existed but evolved. That begs the same question. From what did this original life evolve?

End time began by the hand of God in Genesis 1:1 when he created it out of nothingness. He sustains it. Life ends when he commands it. No matter how many thousands, millions, or billions of years so-called science assigns to something, it had a beginning, but how old did it appear at its creation???. The obvious differentiating factor is the word LIFE. How did life enter into evolution; an inanimate object is lifeless? How can mortal man, a creation himself, assign an age to a created Garden of Eden when it was created as an existing fruit bearing garden that has life? The Garden of Eden did not begin as a bunch of evolving seeds but did have fruit bearing seeds. We see their offspring all around us.

What are the signs of the end? Jesus said that he knows of the events of end time but not the time of the end of the current era. Matthew 24:21 gives us a hint of the end. We know of many wars and wars to end wars, yet wars still exist. Obviously, man is not in control. He can only influence the flow of life’s events and then only to a limited degree.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be”. (NKJV)

Who controls the outcome of man against man or man against God or evil? The end will be a time worse than the time of the great deluge of Noah. Things and sin were so bad during the time of Noah God considered destroying the world He created. What God created was good as mentioned five different times in Genesis 1. We find these times in 1:4, 1:10, 1:12, 1:18, and 1:25. It didn’t take long for Satan to figure out the free-will given to man upon creation was also a weakness; an Achilles heel.

Satan, take note. You were also given a free will upon your creation. When the created wishes to over power the creator…You have made a personal and eternal choice.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022

Zephaniah 1

Posted on February 25, 2022 by ahabiblemoments.com

Zephaniah 1 [All verse quotes use the NKJV unless otherwise stated]

Contrary to his predecessor Habakkuk, Zephaniah can be time-stamped.

Zephaniah 1:1 reads: The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah the son of [K]Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. He was the son of an evil king. King Amon was so disliked that his own administrators killed him. He ruled from 642 B.C. to 640 B.C…a meager 2 years (probably only 18 months). If Zephaniah is in the lineage of King Hezekiah, he traces his lifeline through those other than through the kingship of Judah. Explanation: It was a practice of tracing king-to-king of royalty. Other sons of a king may trace through other descendants of the ruling king. The practice may have been to trace them through those who did not sit on the throne of Judah to make it difficult for aggressors who try killing off royal blood. It is also highly probable that King Amon was so evil, his blood connection was avoided.

How stark is verse #2? God will utterly consume all things from the face of this Judean land. The list of things to be consumed by God in Judah extends through verse 6.

Zephaniah is the last of the pre-exile (Babylon) Minor Prophets. The last three, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are post exile Minor Prophets. These three come after our narrative commentary of Zephaniah.

Zephaniah 1:2 “I will utterly consume everything from the face of the land,” Says the LORD”

When the remnant returned from Babylon, the land was found dry and barren.

Zephaniah 1:3 “I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land,” Says the LORD.

This is probably the plague of End Time on the unbelievers and nations during the Tribulation.

Zephaniah 1:4 “I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests

God’s curse was not on only Jerusalem but the Promised Land.

Zephaniah 1:5 Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, but who also swear by Milcom; also known as Molech.

Verse 5 means Jehovah God had been reduce in the minds and hearts of Judeans to a god comparable in the eyes of many in Judah to Milcom. Two groupings of people are those who worship the true God of Israel and those who worship him AND the Ammonite god Milcom.

Zephaniah 1:6 Those who have turned back from following the LORD, And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him.”

JIV NOTE: Jeremiah as was Isaiah were contemporary to Zephaniah. Zephaniah prophesied for a few years, beginning some say in the same year as Jeremiah [627 or 626 B.C]. Others place Zephaniah a few years later. Because there is no hint of Josiah’s reformations even mentioned in Zephaniah’s book, some believe Zephaniah prophesied before the reforms began. There are some who believe King Josiah’s reformation was already underway and encouraged Zephaniah to “step out” and make known his word from God. Josiah is considered a good King of Judah. His father and grandfather were evil.

JIV (cont.) The words of the prophet in 1:2-6 appear to indicate that he prophesied prior to any significant repentance by the nation of Judah or introduced by King Josiah. The wording in Zephaniah could mean the prophecy indicated End Time tribulation judgements: the Day of the Lord.

Zephaniah 1:7 should remind one of Revelation 8:1…silence in the presence of the Lord God Jehovah. Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate. In Revelation “the lamb” (Jesus) opens the seventh and last scroll seal. Heaven goes silent for half an hour. This is a moment that exceeds awesome. One might say, all creation holds its breath; heaven included. Zephaniah 1:7 is similar: Be silent in the presence of the Lord God; For the day of the Lord is at hand. Zephaniah 1:8 explains verse 7 to the chagrin of some who are religious. Too many religious people fail to recognize the holiness of God. Friends, neighbors, and those we consider over or under privileged will be judged. They will have nothing to say in their defense. No political correctness. Just HOLY justice.

Zephaniah 1:8 The question most often raised when this passage is explained, “how can a loving God do such a thing?” God is love, right? Asking such a question or even thinking explains why most do not understand the meaning of HOLINESS. Be silent in the presence of the Lord. God is not one to take advice from what he created. If a goblet or cup is designed to hold a liquid, then its job is not to request to be something else. God created Adam and Eve, humans, to worship and have fellowship with him. Anything else put first or alongside is an idol. This violates the 2^nd commandment of “no other priorities [idols] shall come before one’s dedication to me.” [paraphrased].

Something that could be totally confusing to one who is a casual Bible reader is v8b… I will punish the princes and the king’s children, And all such as are clothed with foreign apparel. One’s initial confusion is the wording. Why would God punish those who wear foreign clothing? What makes it foreign? As we may see on the surface, wearing foreign apparel is not what it means. It means, anyone who has adorned him or herself in the ways of the world. Bluntly put, anyone who has adopted or adapted to the ways of the world just to FIT IN is wearing foreign apparel to God…men dressed as women?

Zephaniah 1:9 This passage (v9) is like the saying: no stone left unturned. God through Zephaniah is defining his inclusive punishment of his creation and all that have drifted away from God’s purpose for creating man. The person guilty of “leaping over the threshold” is one who has not honored another’s possessions. Taking without personal guilt what another has worked to get. In other words, God is just.

F.B. Meyer: Notice the successive classes of those who were to suffer. They constitute a series of concentric circles, narrowing down to those who had turned back, and to those who had never sought the Lord.

Zephaniah 1:10 Note once again the often used three words by many prophets on that day. This means the Day of the Lord; the day of judgment; the day of End Time. It would take a volume to list, then discuss all the prophesied events that happen with the opening of the 7^th seal per the scroll of Revelation. The most breath-taking event is Heaven going silent for half an hour Revelation 8:1. Even the Seraphim go silent (cf. Isaiah 6:2-7).

Zephaniah 1:11 could be interpreted as the time when the mark of the beast will be required to buy, sell, and trade. We know from other studies that the antichrist desires the Israelites, God’s chosen, be annihilated. This battle between God, Satan, and by proxy to God’s chosen, goes back the Garden of Eden. Eve is having a conversation with the serpent Satan. God condemns the serpent.. Genesis 3:15 “…I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between *your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” [NKJV] Satan versus God’s chosen of Abraham.

JIV NOTE: *Some have asked of this verse “who might be Satan’s seed?” They are all who reject God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; one or all three. It is not as some teach, Satan’s minions of fallen angels. This is so true today. The most rejected State today is Israel. Their very existence is challenged on the floor of the United Nations year after year. Eve’s seed is Jesus [Luke 3].

Maktesh (v11) is probably a reference to the market street(s)

The idea of business as usual in Jerusalem will be null and void. Merchants are cut off from their sources and money men can no longer do business. This happens in the second 3 ½ years of the Tribulation.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Zephaniah 1:12 We will always find complacent people who try to ride the middle of the road to avoid taking one side or the other. Zephaniah identifies the complacent In That Day as the self-assuring, self-satisfied,and/or self-sanctioned. They will find themselves on the wrong side of the road In the Day.

“God will do neither good nor evil.” These people who take this stand basically nullify God as any type of actual influence over humans. Their theory is man makes his own heaven or hell while on earth. To search Jerusalem with lamp means to sweep every nook and cranny. No one will hide or avoid God’s discerning judgement [Hebrews 4:13-15]. Most who take this position toward God in the past, present, or future use it as a form of denial. This is the unpardonable sin. Denial of the Holy Spirit.

Zephaniah 1:13-17 refers to the merchant once again and one’s average way of life. For something to become booty it must be someone’s ill-gotten gain. At the rapture and in the Day of the Lord, many will go into hiding, be taken to be with God, flee the rage ongoing in the populated world, or try to be as scarce as possible. (cf. Deuteronomy 28:30). For a fuller understanding also read Deuteronomy 28.

A day of wrath
A day of trouble and distress
A day of devastation
A day of darkness and gloom
A day of clouds and darkness
A day of alarm

Mankind who rejects God will be vanquished and vanish. This is the Great White Throne judgement. Let us conclude the uncompromising actuality of Zephaniah 1:17 & 18. The meaning of 17 and 18: The Mercy seat is removed. It is no longer. THAT DAY has come for eternities: Heaven of Hell.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022

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(Part 3) End Time is one contiguous event…

Zephaniah 1

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