Happy New Year! A look back over the last year in 2016 and how the events that occurred last year could be shaping things in 2017. Also a look forward to what is known on the horizon in 2017, either actual events or prophetic events or both. What were the highlights in End Times terms in 2016, was it a normal year, or was it business as usual? How do the events pan out in Bible verses, are we actually seeing Prophecy being fulfilled right down to the last detail in Biblical terms or is just coincidence?
So here´s a quick summary. Hottest Year on Record, Earthquakes, Wars and Rumours of Wars, The Threat of World War 3, Emerging Diseases, Refugee Crisis, Record Breaking Global Floods, Wildfires, Terrorist Attacks, False Flag Events, The US Election and the Shock Result, Increasing Christian Persecution, Brexit, Mekudeshet and signs of an emerging one world religion, Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones, Giant Hail, Fireballs, Extreme Tornado outbreaks, Volcanic Eruptions, emerging Gene Editing and Eugenics via CRISPR, Baal Temple Entrance in NYC, Clowns, Power Outages, Network and Website Hacks, Sinkholes, Zika, the emerging NWO and cashless society, the emergence of the 2030 Agenda, the emergence of Digital ID in the form of Biometrics and RFID, bizarre introduction of LGBT laws, increasing workplace surveillance, Mass Animal Deaths, Strange Skies, Strange Sounds and Strange Clouds,the Asteroid impact that never materialised, the decline of the church and the rise of the Mega Church, The explosion of false preachers and false prophets, the breakdown of modern society, The Venezuela Crisis.......................
To put it mildly 2016 was one volatile and eventful year.
Bible Quote Confirmations
Here are some well known Bible verses that confirm that we are in the End Times and more accurately the Last Days to chew over just in case, even now, you think 2016 was a normal year?
Matthew 24:6-8 The Beginning of Sorrows Wars and more 6. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Matthew 24:37-39 The Days of Noah 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:32-33 The Parable of the Fig Tree 32. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Daniel 12:4 The increase of knowledge But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Revelation 13:16-17 The emerging cashless society? 16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 The falling away of the Lukewarms Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Hosea 4:3 Mass Animal Deaths Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Matthew 24:11 The rise of False Prophets And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:9 Christian Persecution Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
The Top Events of 2016 in Photos
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/30/2016-in-pictures-a-look-back-at-the-top-news-events-of-the-year.html?slide=1
Prophecies that never happened??
Many things were predicted to happen during 2016 that never happened the main ones being "The Dollar Collapse" or "US Financial Market" Collapse (something I still think will happen) which is now a yearly prediction that just never gets fulfilled, but we all know it is coming, it´s just a question of when. The other major one The Rapture of September 2016 which would equate to the Pre Tribulation Rapture (I´m not a Pre Tribber) which was mentioned and seen in prophecies, dreams and visions, which again never happened. A handful of others are bizarrely saying it did happen but we got left behind..................form your own opinion??? Untold other theories and predictions unfolded throughout 2016, some came true, most as per usual didn´t but in Biblical terms things did pan out quite precisely.
What could happen in 2017?
Extreme Weather
Here´s a quick look at what is predicted via Climate Central that takes a look at Extreme Weather. 2016 was a bad year for flooding, not only in places that normally are renowned for floods, but also in parts of the world that are not. Europe was particularly badly affected and the Middle East which is renowned as an arid zone was not immune. Here are some predictions regarding rainfall and flooding, the extremity of Tornado outbreaks and the effect that increasing extreme weather will have on the world population and it´s movements.
Warming U.S. Could See Extreme Rains Increase Fivefold
Disease or Pestilence
BILL Gates is hoping the human race can make it through the next decade without any serious epidemics because otherwise we could be in a bit of trouble, he says. Zika and superbugs were the headlines in 2016, will 2017 be a tipping point for an emerging global pandemic?
Bible Prophecy
Future events, some with supporting Bible verses that are strong possibilities in 2017, in date order, although this is in no way any form of Prophecy and certainly not date setting in any shape or form. Some of the sources are dubious, but give an approximation of what could be heading our way in 2017. Approximate being the operative word. I am not a Prophet............just a Watchman on the Wall, but these are worth taking on board nad putting in your diary or mobile!
70 Nations to gather for Middle East Peace Conference Jan 15 2017 via Reuters
1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Jan 20 2017 Inauguration of President Donald Trump????
I´m not one for Bible Codes but for those who want to look further this Rabbi predicted the Trump win. It´s an interesting read! via WND
Have a read of this as well, not prophecy just speculation. Obama was the 44th President, Trump the 45th. Is Trump mentioned in Isaiah 45???? via Charisma News. Again just an approximation but again check Isaiah 45 especially Verses 1 and 2. via Charisma
2017 PROPHECY: CHRISTIANS WARN PAN-AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE TO UNLEASH BIBLICAL APOCALYPSE August 2017???? via The Next News Network
Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
The Sign of the Woman 23 September 2017 Pre Tribulation Rapture Point????
This is one prophecy that I mentioned in a popular video over at The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel called "The Sign of the Woman" Essential viewing! The only prediction so far that makes any sense to me also confirmed by the Book of Daniel, it remains to be seen whether this becomes fact, but many things would need to happen on the lead up to that date and time is getting short!
Revelation 12:1-2 1. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2. And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Mega Preacher Kenneth Copeland is billed by many as the Godfather of Prosperity Preachers, he´s been preaching for over 35 years. He runs his famous ministry called Kenneth Copeland Ministries with his wife Gloria Copeland who also preaches. You could say they are a husband and wife team that is similar to the Joel Osteen and Victoria Osteen team, but that´s where the similarity ends. They preach from their church at Eagle Mountain International Church in Forth Worth, Texas which is televised around the globe to a huge audience, just like the other Mega Preachers. This one is truly is a Mega Preacher amongst Mega Preachers. I´ve been looking forward to writing about this one!
In Word of Faith or more commonly known as Prosperity Preaching things like failure, adversity, sickness, suffering and hardship are always attacks from Satan and are never God's will. In reality though God will bring adversity your way either as a test of faith or as a character building or even a faith building excercise.
So what is Kenneth Copeland all about?
Here´s the mission statement of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries taken from the About Page from their website at kcm.org
At Kenneth Copeland Ministries, we take God’s Word as final authority. That’s why for more than 35 years, ever since the Lord told Kenneth Copeland to preach the uncompromised Word of God on every available voice, proclaiming the truth of God’s Word and His unconditional love has been the focus and mission of Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
His slogan or headline used on his magazines and his sermons is "Believers Voice of Victory" which sounds on first impressions Christian, positive and uplifting and inspiring. Delving deeper and finding out what the KCM believes in, here´s one taken from a long list from the website link here http://www.kcm.org.uk/what-we-believe/
We believe in water baptism, in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as distinct from the New Birth, in speaking with tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (Acts 2:4), in the gifts of the Spirit, and the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. We believe that all of these are available to believers.
Most of the rest are standard, that raise no cause for concern.
Delving deeper into the Church that live broadcasts Kenneth Copeland and Gloria Copeland Sermons we find this church features other preachers of the Mega Variety. Church website at emic.org
Delving even deeper on a Google search we find that on a recent Top list of the Top 15 Preachers by net Worth.....Kenneth Copleland as at May 2016 is right there at the top. The amount of money is staggering.
Forgetting the millions what is the Copeland style and delivery when he preaches his sermons.
The Kenneth Copeland Style of Delivery
He is your typical Charismatic, charming but in places extremely aggressive in what he would call Positive and Victorious Christian sermons. As is common with all these Mega Preachers there is plenty of humour laced in with the preaching and he knows what his audience/congregation want to hear and he keeps them entertained and you see them lapping it up and saying "Yesssss Sirrrr". His approach is just like Joyce Meyer very similar to a stand up comedian in his delivery but his messages have an underlying seriousness about them, but then again there is nothing quite like Kenneth Copeland. His famous tag line is "Money.......cometh to me....................NOW" which probably gets us closer to what he is really all about but he says he is a Preacher, let´s forget the millions, forget the MONEY tagline ..................let´s see what he preaches.
Sermon 1 2015 New Year's Eve Service With Kenneth Copeland: "Bringing in 2016"
This video is over 2 hours long. A quick analysis and first impressions are as follows based on 10 minutes and no more.
1. The Devil is mentioned many times at the beginning. I struggle to hear that name mentioned in my local Church more than a couple of times per visit
2. There seems to be a complete absence of any religious symbolism from what I can see. No crosses, no Jesus picture or painting. Zero!
3. He has a hypnotic effect over his audience who hang on his every word when basically in ten minutes he hasn´t said much at all.
4. His trade mark finger pointing into the audience accompanied by that demonic grimace appears frequently, it´s his trademark but personally I find it makes me uncomfortable and the thoughts of "evacuate" are starting to enter my mind
5. They use a World Map, just like the Osteen´s use a globe as their backdrop. A coincidence or something more of the NWO or Illuminati Variety
I finished at "I want to manifest myself unto you in the land of the living" which was just before the 10.00 mark
Sermon 2 Kenneth Copeland boasts he is a billionaire KCM Ministers Conference Jan 23 2008
Comments: This video really doesn´t need any explanation but the words "Self Exaltation" spring to mind. Not a Christian characteristic by any stretch of the imagination.
Sermon 3 Kenneth Copeland Admits Jesus Is The Deceiver
Comments. Forget what is said in this video and the title of it which is bad enough. Just stop the video at 1.41 exactly .........blow it up to full screen. What do you see. Do you see a man of God ...............or do you see something else? I see anger and hatred and the demonic, again these are not qualities of a Christian!
Some more famous words from Kenneth Copeland over the years (via http://www.forgottenword.org/copeland.html)
1. "I was shocked when I found out who the biggest failure in the Bible actually is...The biggest one in the whole Bible is God...I mean, He lost His top-ranking, most anointed angel; the first man He ever created; the first woman He ever created; the whole earth and all the fullness therein; a third of the angels, at least - that's a big loss, man....Now, the reason you don't think of God as a failure is He never said He's a failure. And you're not a failure till you say you're one." (Ken Copeland, Audio-Clip "Christianity in Crisis," Hank Hanegraaff)
Comment: Total Blasphemy
2. "If you stood Adam upside God, they look just exactly alike....If you stood Jesus and Adam side-by-side, they would look and act and sound exactly alike....The image is that they look just alike, but the likeness is that they act alike and they are alike....All of God's attributes, all of God's authority, all of God's faith, all of God's ability was invested in that man."(Kenneth Copeland, Authority of the Believer IV (Fort Worth: Kenneth Copeland Ministries, 1987, audiotape #01-0304), side 1
Comment: Pure Blasphemy
3. "You can have what you say! In fact, what you are saying is exactly what you are getting now. If you are living in poverty and lack and want, change what you are saying. It will change what you have...Discipline your vocabulary. Discipline everything you do, everything you say, and everything you think to agree with what God does, what God says, and what God thinks. God will be obligated to meet your needs because of His Word....If you stand firmly on this, your needs will be met." (D. R. McConnell, A Different Gospel, page 172. Ken Copeland, "The Laws of Prosperity," page 98, 101)
Comment: Bringing things into existence ie manifestation by your own words is the Occult. God is not obligated to meet our needs.
4. "It takes money to preach the gospel. Jesus Himself knew that, and contrary to what some people think, His ministry was not a poor one. He had so much money coming in and going out through His ministry that He had to appoint a treasurer. His name was Judas." (Kenneth Copeland, "From Faith to Faith A Daily Guide to Victory," December 5)
Comment: More Blasphemy. Jesus was homeless, poor and had to borrow a donkey to ride into Jerusalem as "King of the Jews" and managed to preach the Gospel, so did his disciples. He could have clicked his fingers and had whatever he wanted, but he used what little he had to bless and help others. It takes a lot of money to buy a private jet!
5. "God's prosperity isn't just financial blessings. It also includes healing, protection, favor, wisdom, success, well-being and every good thing you could possibly need—all the good things Jesus paid for you to have." from KCM website
Comment: The blessings that God gives are Peace, Humbleness, Wisdom, Caring, Love, Joy, these sorts of things. Blessings from God do not take material form and there is no guarantee that as a Christian you will not suffer or be persecuted as you will if you are walking as Jesus walked. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. Jesus didn´t die on the cross so you could have a private jet!
6. "[God's Word is] so powerful it can cure every sickness and disease known to man. It has no dangerous side effects. It is safe even in massive doses. And when taken daily according to directions, it can prevent illness altogether and keep you in vibrant health." from KCM website
Comment. Quite a few of the disciples got sick repeatedly including Paul and Timothy. Another false claim and raising the hopes of people, when this super healing doesn´t materialise.....what happens to your faith?.
Finally a video that features a number of short clips from Sermons with some commentary
We could dwell on the sermons and words of Kenneth Copeland all day, but most people surely must get the general picture from the above. He is highly entertaining but that doesn´t change the fact he is a False Preacher and Teacher and raises False Hopes in his congregation. We could stop here but let´s continue the journey.
Kenneth Copeland under the spotlight from the media
Moving away from Sermons and Preaching which proves conclusively this man is in no remote way a man of God, let´s take a look at Kenneth Copeland and his life, his fruits, his dreams and more to see where his heart is and more importantly his treasures? As the Bible says, are they here on earth or are they stored in heaven? Is he healing or does he even have the power of healing? What happens to the donations, are the poor and desperate being exploited?. Does he have a conscience? What about previous employees who have worked at the KCM, what do they have to say? Do prayer requests sent by mail ever get seen by The Copeland´s? A 100% guaranteed way to judge a True Christian especially a Preacher of this renown.
Video 1 Kenneth Copeland's True Spirit comes out at REPORTER...False teachings
Video 2 Kenneth Copeland - FORMER Ministry Workers Speak OUT - EXPOSING CHARLATANS
Video 3 CBS with Katie Couric 1.29.2008 on Kenneth Copeland
Summary
I have to admit I´ve been holding back on Kenneth Copeland in the Mega Preachers Exposed series as he is so obvious, nobody in their right mind can honestly say this Mega Preacher, in any sense of the word, remotely resembles a Christian. One of the easiest Preachers to expose so far. Speaking normally he looks well normal, but once he starts pointing that finger and goes into one of his sermon rants, to me anyway he looks like Satan himself and the words coming out of his mouth are just as deceptive and demonic, but here´s the thing, people love it and they come back every week for more.
If that is not warning enough his whole ministry is set up for personal gain for himself and his wife Gloria and with their mantra of seed sowing being sow a seed of money and it will come back to you a hundred fold, people flock in their millions to get a piece of the Copeland action. As always the Tithe lie is being pushed by Copeland with a twist that is normally used by other Prosperity Preachers and that is if you don´t Tithe, bad things will happen to you and people fall for this garbage every time and pay their 10% Kenneth Copeland on Tithing.
The Kenneth Copeland trademark in his preaching, is that everything bad that happens to you is to do with the Devil. The thing is sometimes bad things can come from God especially if you have sinned and not repented or sometimes as a test of your faith. The Copeland tactic is a major play on peoples faith, when everything is going well God is in my life, when you hit hard times the Devil is in your life and wonder why God is not helping to sort things out. This can be a major faith crusher. If you are in any faith but especially the Christian one, the true test of faith is not when it survives the good times, but how well it endures the bad times. As mentioned many times read the Book of Job for an illustration of that fact. Kenneth Copelands other trademark is blatant blasphemy saying that God is a failure, Jesus is the same as Adam?, and Jesus is a deceiver along with many other lines that most other preachers wouldn´t get away with. This creates even more confusion and deception but he delivers these blasphemous lines so aggressively and confidently, you end up thinking it must be true to the extent that maybe The Bible is wrong?
You´ve also got to ask yourself, if you are a member of the Kenneth Copeland Congregation and maybe for some time, is it really necessary to have a private jet let alone a fleet of them and more to the point do you really need your own AIRPORT? If you have been going to these sermons for some time, donating money and seeing no real changes or benefits in your life and other friends that attend report the same, and then hear this church has plans for a second airport for the Kenneth Copeland Ministry or maybe a Private Jumbo like Air Force One........surely it must dawn on you that something is not quite right here? This man is motivated by money and his treasure is right here on this earth in a big way right under your nose.
Kenneth Copeland it has to be said certainly is a "character" for sure, but his job is to confuse, deceive, take your money and keep you coming back for more, and more importantly keep you away from the truth. Your faith will eventually become dependent on him and not on God and will suffer adversely as a result. By any yardstick including his preaching, his lifestyle, his fruits, his actions and even his appearance in finger pointing mode nobody can honestly say this isa man of God. This man is living proof that we are in The End Times. On a final note, and to state the blatantly obvious ......... Kenneth Copeland is definitely without a shadow of a doubt... a False Preacher!
Bible quotes relating more to the Christian Faith than False Preachers but verses that easily reveal a False Preacher even when on first appearances everything seems fine on the surface.
Matt. 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Matt. 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Proverbs 10:9
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Psalms 52:2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Galatains 5:16-17
16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
2 Cor. 6:10
10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Eph. 5:5
5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
2 Cor. 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Psalm 73:6-12
6. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Matt. 5:3-12
3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Luke 6:20-23
20. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
21. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
23. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
John 15:18-20
18. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
1 Cor. 4:12
12. And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Blessings and Suffering
1 Cor. 12:25-26
25. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
2 Cor. 1:5-7
5. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
1 Thess. 3:4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
Heb. 13:3 3. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Sodom and Gomorrah, those words whether you are Religious or not, read the Bible or not, or are a Christian or follow another Religion, those words or even just Sodom alone conjures up images in the mind. It's a historical place and event that most people are aware of. People are also aware of what Sodom and Gomorrah represents and why it was ultimately destroyed in quite spectacular and undeniable fashion by God. The question is, has the lesson been learnt, OR, is our world heading into a similar Sodom and Gomorrah scenario but with a modern day twist and what lessons can be learnt from it?
In these modern times, our Western societies are walking down the same road as the infamous times of S&G . This same trend of flaunting sin openly and publicly just like back in those Biblical days without a care is becoming increasingly prevalent in our times to the extent it's almost becoming acceptable or even "Cool".. A lot of parallels are being drawn with Western Society with America leading the way into a Sodom and Gomorrah style judgement. Not only in numerous religious circles is it a shared view that a "Judgement" is coming and that quite visible warnings as we speak are being given but just like in the Bible they are being ignored. Even in Politics, Russia the promoter of traditional society values that refuses to adopt Western Society ethics and morals has pointed the finger at America and said they are heading down the S&G road in spectacular fashion as demonstrated in the Moscow Times in 2013
Sodom and Gomorrah is mentioned not just in Christianity but also in Islam and Judaism. The cities were located in the same region as 3 other cities Admah, Zeboim and Bela. These five cities, also known as the "cities of the plain", were situated on the Jordan River plain in the southern region of the land of Canaan. The plain or region surrounded the dead sea and was of magnificent beauty and a land of super abundance and fertility, being a land well-watered, lush and green. (Genesis 14:2) and was compared to the garden of Eden[Gen.13:10]
In spite of this beautiful land and what appears to be blessings of abundance of good things in all those cities, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were also renowned for their wickedness and sinfulness and the total rejection of God in every shape and form. Rather than living by God’s instructions, “the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13).
What happened prior to the Judgement?
A straight lift from GotQuestions.org that explains in simple terms the Biblical Account of Sodom and Gomorrah that led to the judgement and the all important Bible Quotes that shed further light on what actually happened.
The biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah is recorded in Genesis chapters 18-19. Genesis chapter 18 records the Lord and two angels coming to speak with Abraham. The Lord informed Abraham that "the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous." Verses 22-33 record Abraham pleading with the Lord to have mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah because Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. A mob then arrived outside Lot's house. The Bible then informs us:
Gen 19:5-8: “and they called to Lot and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.’ But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, and said, ‘Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. KJV
Lot in order to direct the mobs attention away from the Angels offers his two virgin daughters as detailed in this Bible quote below
“Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, in as much as they have come under the shelter of my roof,” (Gen. 19:8).
The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities..nothing survived."
To this day nothing exists or has survived in that area since, it is a desolate area where nothing grows............nothing! Further details in the video below called "Sodom and Gomorrah- proof of the supernatural"
Why did God punish or judge Sodom and Gomorrah?
God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because their sin was “very grave”
Genesis 18:20
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
They went in the face of God's statutes and commandments. It was in God’s perfect judgment that he destroyed these cities with fire and brimstone (sulfur) dumped from above.. It was done for good reason, letting them serve as sobering examples for all mankind to learn from. It was done as an example for those at the time and also burned into history for all future generations to be made aware of the danger of ignoring God's Statutes and Commandments
The five main reasons that God poured judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah
Because the people of Sodom had done the following:
1. Sodom’s society was steeped in widespread sexual immorality, including homosexual acts and vicious rapes. The residents of Sodom had become so evil that God could not find even 10 righteous people among them (Genesis 18:32).
2. The inhabitants were uncharitable and abusive to strangers, the poor, sick, and disadvantaged. In that society, a person had a very strong obligation to protect any guests in their home.
3. They wanted to humiliate their visitors by engaging in "an act of sexual degradation and male rape...These are acts of violence that are committed by parties seeking to show their hatred for those they are degrading. It is not an act of love or of caring"
4. Wanted to engage in bestiality -- having sex with members of another species such as Angels. The mob mentioned outside Lot's home where the Angels stayed may have wanted to rape the angels. Angels are not human beings; they are of a different species and in their minds was the going after of "other flesh" or "strange flesh."
5. Wanted to adsorb the power of the angels: In ancient times, sacred sex was very common. If the people of Sodom realized that angels sent by God were present in their city, the men of Sodom may have concluded that raping the angels might give them supernatural powers?
What was the real reason that God passed judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah?
The above five points are the main reasons touted that spring to mind which center around the question of immorality especially Homosexuality. Delve deeper and beyond Genesis and one of the Seven Deadly Sins, one that is not so obvious but still "grievous" none the less. (Ezek. 16:49-50) highlights the fact that God found Pride among the inhabitants of Sodom, one of the "Seven Deadly Sins and "sloth" mentioned as idleness as the other, which many cite as the real and one of the chief reasons for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and judgement by God.
Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16:49-50)
What did Jesus and the The New Testament of the Bible have to say about Sodom and Gomorrah
Jesus Christ said that societies at the end of the age would parallel those in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). Regarding the time of Lot, Jesus said, “They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all” (verses 28-29).
Paul called the period just before Christ’s return “perilous times.” He said they would be filled with pleasure-seeking, materialism, immorality, violence, idleness and rejection of the things of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Sound familiar.
(Romans 1:20-25). As mankind went astray, men and women began to exchange the wholesome, God-ordained use of sex for vile and shameful passions (verses 26-27). Paul also listed a number of other sinful behaviors that humans began practicing as they turned from God (verses 28-31).
God spoke about moral decline in Romans 1:18-32. here's some sample verses from the middle of that Chapter
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Are Western World Leaders Responsible for the Modern Day Moral Decline?
Modern Day Western Society has democratically elected leaders. They lead and society follows. A Gay Marriage law is passed by a Government it sends out a signal that in these modern times Homesexuality is now not a sin and all the Bible quotes that state otherwise have been overidden by man........... all in the name of modernity.
Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths. (Isaiah 3:12)
For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
Is America the Modern Day Sodom?
---------------------------------------------------------
America is a nation that had it all, you could say was blessed by God because of it's initial adopting of God's statutes and it's embracing of Israel and it's people into it's country and also the nation Israel itself and it became a Superpower that controlled the world. The rot started to set in when corruption started to enter the White house and the Abortion Law became reality allowing the mass murder of millions of lives. Things have progressively gone down hill ever since and 9/11 was the wake up call for the nation. The nation has carried on regardless slipping further away from God and now in these modern times seemingly turning it's back on God and embracing the darker side. Warnings have come in many forms since but the Nation carries on regardless.
These quotes from the Bible I personally think sum up the situation not only in America but in the Western World today. We are living in times where evil is considered good or hip and cool, sin is to be encouraged and enjoyed and who cares about the consequences. Those that are seen to be doing right or good are "upsetting the new status quo" and are "party poopers". Christian symbols are being torn down with "The Cross" and "The Ten Commandments" and the words "In God We Trust" being particular victims in these S&G times. With churches closing or being attacked and burnt down, Materialism and Promiscuity rampant, and with an openly encouraged embracing of the Seven Deadly sins, we are in the times mentioned in Romans 1:28-32 above.
We are seeing mass shootings, rampant pornography addiction and the rise of narcism and Selfie Culture and a society obsessed more with Celebrity than with God. Rampant Government debt and spending and financial markets that bear no semblance to economic reality with "market intervention" being the buzzword in financial circles but a bubble that is waiting to pop in spectacular fashion.
The current bizarre obsession over the LGBT community and their toilet rights?? above everything else by the current US administration speaks volumes in itself. Why they are not concentrating on more pressing issues that are affecting the broader population is a head scratching mystery? We are seeing the rapid erosion of moral values and privacy and civil liberties. Mothers killing new born babies with their own hands becoming a common headline, the breakdown of the family unit, Americas back turning on Israel, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. We are living in times where "what is wrong is right and what is right is wrong" with the attitude "what's wrong with that".
Is there a Sodom and Gomorrah style judgement coming. I think it's overdue, but the problem in these modern times is that unlike Sodom and Gomorrah the problem is not local in nature and contained within two cities, it is now rampant across much of the globe with the US leading the way merrily heading it's way into oblivion. We live in an interconnected world, but if a judgement is coming it will be interesting in what shape or form it will come..............and more to the point..... who will be affected and what the final outcome will be?
Some Bible quotes to ponder over
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20
“‘Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 6:15).
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evil doers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
(Jeremiah 23:14).
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
(Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Statements and Comments from Religious Events and Conferences on the Sodom and Gomorrah effect in our modern Times
via Scottwoodward.org
We live in a season when fierce men do terrible and despicable things. We live in a season of war. We live in a season of arrogance. We live in a season of wickedness, pornography, immorality. All of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil. (Ensign, Nov 2001, 4)
Boyd K. Packer (Quorum of the Twelve) Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now.
Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, even accorded legal protection.
At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now they are spread across the world, and they are among us. (Address to CES religious educators, Feb. 6, 2004, 4)
Spencer W. Kimball (President)
Because of this widespread tolerance toward promiscuity, this world is in grave danger. When evil is decried and forbidden and punished, the world still has a chance. But when toleration for sin increases, the outlook is bleak and Sodom and Gomorrah days are certain to return. (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 154)
This is a spiritual article taking a closer look at the seven words on the cross said whilst Jesus was on the Cross. Good Friday marks the day when Jesus was crucified on the cross to save us from our sins because of his love for us. He was crucified at Calvary between two common criminals and suffered a miserable end which is recalled on the Holy Day called Good Friday. The most important day of the Year in the Christian Calendar, which gives rise to the Easter Weekend and the lead up to this time is called “The Holy Week”. The picture above is different from what you normally see about Jesus on the cross, this one is an arty charcoal like drawing, but the message is ultimately the same. No supporting video for this article. Doesn't really need one!
This article analyses the words said by Jesus during those final hours. Information is taken from various respectable sources from the net, but as with everything in the bible the interpretation is alwayso pen to debate and I do not claim to be an authority on such matters.
The Jesus Crucifixion Scene from the 1961 Film "Barabbas" actually filmed during an Eclipse" Video
As miserable as his death was, going by the way of Crucifixion which was a death reserved for
This article takes a closer look at Fireballs, Meteorites Meteors and Asteroids which are all variations on a similar theme. These again have been around since the dawn of time and this article has come about because it just seems that these incidents are on the increase and an asteroid called 2013 TX68 is due to fly by in the next couple of days.. Thought it worth delving a bit deeper.
Are the events of say the last couple of years something to be concerned about, is it fact or has technology made it easier to catch these happenings of the cosmos, or is something else really going on? The fact that the last ice age is supposed to have been brought about by one of these objects impacting/colliding with our planet means that the threat is there and may not be as far fetched as people make out. Maybe not just the stuff of Hollywood films, they are out there, and we are seeing them increasingly, all shapes and all sizes. When you delve deeper into this topic you realise how lucky we have been to not be hit by one of these on a monthly or yearly basis. This article is part scientific and part general observation and part biblical prophecy analysis. It's not an end of the world prediction it's more aimed at increasing awareness of these space objects.
Firstly what is the definition and difference between Fireballs,
This article takes a closer look at Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes, the real monsters the Cat 5's. In particular it is focused on two recent record breaking Tropical Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere including Patricia and more recently Winston and also a look at Chapal then comparing those three to the infamous Hurricane Katrina that hit the Southern US in 2005 and why these recent two are so different to the one that hit the US.
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is basically a massive storm which can sprawl for hundreds of miles with 500-600 being common for the larger ones. Winds are extremely powerful and winds can spiral inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Hurricanes last for a period of a week or so moving slowly over the open ocean at speeds of 10-20 mph. Hurricanes are unpredictable in direction and intensity by the very nature of their heat gathering and energy generation through contact with warm ocean waters.
This article is about the very special term "Born Again" delving deeper into what it actually is, how you receive it, what happens, what changes take place and more importantly how you do not receive it.
This is a heavy, heavy article that comes with a Warning that some of the videos featured here may have an emotional impact and are probably best viewed in private and not on say Public Transport, McDonalds or whilst in the queue at the local Supermarket. Don't say I didn't warn you!
The owner of this website talking about the journey he went on before he actually got "Saved" or "Born Again". It is a Spiritual Journey to put it mildly!
So what does this "Born" Again mean or what is often referred to as "Saved"?
Oxford Dictionary Definition
Of, pertaining to, or characterized by (an experience of) new birth in Christ or spiritual renewal; of a Christian: placing special emphasis on this experience as a basis for all one's actions, evangelical
Wikipedia
Born again is a phrase used by many Protestants to describe the phenomenon of gaining faith in Jesus Christ. It is an experience when everything they have been taught as Christians becomes real, and they develop a direct and personal relationship with God.
With the voluntaristic type, rebirth is expressed in a new alignment of the will, in the liberation of new capabilities and powers that were hitherto undeveloped in the person concerned. With the intellectual type, it leads to an activation of the capabilities for understanding, to the breakthrough of a "vision".
Earthquakes on planet earth have happened since the dawn of time and earthquake activity when charted does show some vague pattern with cycles emerging. You could say earthquake activity is cyclical in nature. Certain parts of the world sees more activity than others on a regular basis as a result of being located on or near tectonic plates which form all around the earths crust.
Recently though, certainly in the last decade there has been a huge increase almost a spike in earthquake activity, you could say going off the chart beyond the normal patterns or cycles that have shown up in the past. Even the complete doubters out there have to admit the charts tell a frightening story.
Posts
