Some reasons why I left the Institutional Church or Church System along with observations and experiences. The Institutional Church bears no resemblance to the Church model mentioned in the Book of Acts. This video is complete with Bible quotes that confirm in Black and White that the modern day church is nothing more than a business model with a Christian facade, regardless of which denomination it is.
The church has become divided against itself and is no longer unified. It has become institutionalised and is nothing like the True Original Church which is merely a body of believers and not a building!
What is Discernment, often known as Spiritual Discernmemt? This video is in two parts. Firstly I state what it is, and give examples of Discernment in the Christian Faith and it's uses. Discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit which I think is one of the most important almost vital, helping you to stay on the narrow way. Some personal experiences of discernment are also thrown into the mix.
The second part we look at Scripture and see what the Bible has to say about Discernment using Bible Software (KJV)
This video was shot in Ayot Green in Hertfordshire a few miles away from where I live.
This video is a video response to a comment received at The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel which said
"I think I'm Saved, I Think I'm Born Again but I'm not sure"
I think this is a common problem out there that needs addressing, hence this video which gives examples of how you will probably not get "Saved". It also looks at what Scripture has to say about the process of being "Saved" especially the Book of Acts which was the dawn of the Church Age where the Spirit was working strongly in those times.
Who or what is the mysterious rider on the white horse mentioned as the First Horseman of the Apocalypse in the Book of Revelation in Chapter 6? Not much is mentioned about this character which leaves this character wide open to all sorts of interpretation. There are just a few distinguishing signs but not much else. There are answers out there but none seem to nail this character.
This article will take an in depth look at the First Horseman of the Apocalypse which is the First Seal of Revelation to see who it is (if anybody), or what it is (maybe not a person). Also what does it represent and what does it bring. This is the First Horseman that is part of the other three that make up the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Has the First Seal of Revelation been opened, or is it in the process of being opened, or is the seal still closed. Has it been opened recently or has it been opened in the past as in nearly 2000 years ago. Some say this First Seal was opened when the very beginnings of the Institutional Church was created?
The relevant Bible verse mentioned in Revelation Chapter 6 is as below
Revelation 6:1-2 1. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
This video from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel goes into great detail on this character using Bible Software performing a Bible Study and Bible Prophecy Analysis.
This picture I think sums up who his character is. This rider rides on a White Horse and carries a bow and he uses this bow but without any arrows. He wears a crown and the picture seems to depict people at his feet seemingly in adoration?
The current theories on the First Horseman of the Apocalypse?
Some have the theory that this rider on the White Horse is Jesus because Jesus rides on a White Horse in Chapter 19 when he arrives as the Second Coming or The Return of the Messiah moments before the Battle of Armageddon and before the creation of the Millennial Kingdom. Others say it is the Anti Christ also known as The Beast. Others say it represents the Spirit or Force of the Anti Christ as in not him in person but the force or spirit of Anti Christ instead.
Yet others think it is something else completely different maybe the rise of False Prophets and False Preachers we are experiencing in our modern times. Some say it could be the False Prophet himself. Some say it could be the Institutional Church . Some say this rider comes in the name of peace, some others say he comes in the name of war, signified by the bow and the words conquer and conquering. Others say he comes in the name of deception and falseness. This article will take a look at all these possible theories, to see which theory ties in with scripture.
All these questions are tackled to see what the Bible says about this mysterious character and how this First Horseman of the Apocalypse represented by The First Seal of Revelation plays a crucial role in the Revelation Prophecy penned by St John the Divine and how it possibly relates to the Second Horseman of the Apocalypse and the rider on the Red Horse.
Who is the Rider on the White Horse?
There are many interpretations on the Book of Revelation out there on the web and in book and video form, each comes up with a convincing argument. Whether this is correct remains to be seen?
Very limited information is given about this rider on the White Horse which means it is open to all sorts of interpretation:
1. he has a bow but no arrows are mentioned?
2. He comes conquering and to conquer but there is no mention of war or killing.
3. He wears a single crown which suggests he has or is given authority over many people.
4. He rides on a White Horse which is very similar to the one that Jesus rides ,on his return or Second Coming mentioned in Revelation 19.
The key elements with this character are the "bow with no arrows" and the "single crown", the white horse and he comes "conquering and to conquer". Unlike the second horseman on the red horse which comes to remove peace and releases forces where "they shall kill one another", this rider on the white horse there is no mention of killings, war or anything associated but he does conquer but it appears not with war or force. This one I think uses a different kind of weapon which if you watch the video you will realise that it is deceit, lies and falseness.
The weapon he uses is the "Bow" which is mentioned many times in the Bible but the Bow always seems to have negative connotations rather than positive, whereas the sword is associated with war, God's judgement and righteousness. Here are a couple of examples below of the bow mentioned as a weapon as "a deceitful bow":
Psalms 78:57 But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
Hosea 7:16 They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
See the video for 5 more examples.
PART 1. Is the First Seal of Revelation Jesus?
Many say that this First Horseman could be Jesus but many Bible verses say otherwise.
During the Return of Jesus or the Second Coming, Jesus is described as below.
Revelation 19:11-12 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Revelation 19:14-15 14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
In contrast the Rider on the White Horse that is the First Horseman of the Apocalypse comes on his own, with no army, no sharp sword but instead a bow and no arrows and wears one crown instead of multiple crowns. Jesus comes to judge and make a righteous war. This First Horseman of the Apocalypse comes conquering and to conquer and no war is mentioned and he has no army. This rider on the white horse is also part of the other 3 riders that make up the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. These Four Horseman are not actual events but demonic forces unleashed onto the earth. Would Jesus be riding or leading these 3 other Horseman?
This is a first major indicator that this First Horseman of the Apocalypse is not Jesus.
The second indicators are mentioned below:
Revelation 5:1-3 & 6-7 before the opening of the Seven Seals 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Who was worthy to Open the Seals?
Revelation 5:6-7 6. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
The Lamb (Jesus) is the only one worthy that can open the Seven Seals and he opens the First Seal and releases the First Horseman of the Apocalypse and the three others onto the earth, he does this whilst in heaven. If the First Horseman of the Apocalypse is Jesus how can be going forth conquering and to conquer here down on earth if he is opening the other six seals in heaven?
The First Horseman of the Apocalypse quite clearly is not Jesus in any shape or form, but possibly could be a misleading or counterfeit representation of him.
PART 2: Is the First Seal of Revelation The Anti Christ?
There is no mention of the Anti Christ often referred to as "The Beast" until Revelation 13. The opening of the Seals of Revelation takes place in Chapter 6.
Here are two Bible verses that give a good indicator of the character of the Beast or Anti Christ.
Revelation 13:6-7 6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
The Beast blasphemes God and makes war with the Saints and he achieves global power through what sounds like force. Power was given unto him.
In contrast here is The First Horseman of the Apocalypse Bible Verse
Revelation 6: 2. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
In contrast this character on the White Horse above that appears after the opening of the First Seal of Revelation comes conquering and to conquer, but no force or power is mentioned possibly signified by the Bow with no arrow. This character seems to either conquer via peaceful methods or by some other means but force and war and certainly power are not mentioned here.
There is mentioned something about Peace in connection with the Second Horseman of the Apocalypse below.
Revelation 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
There is mention of a "Peace" that this Second Horseman takes by unleashing the forces of war which possibly suggests that the First Horseman does in fact come in "Peace" and Conquers via peaceful methods?
So is this First Horseman of the Apocalypse the Anti Christ? It certainly bears no relation to the Beast mentioned in Revelation 13 but it could be the Anti Christ arriving with a Christ like appearance to fool and deceive many?
PART 3 Is the First Seal of Revelation the Spirit or Force of Anti Christ
This is a third theory that is out there in Prophecy Circles at present and that is The First Horseman of the Apocalypse is the Spirit of Anti Christ. If you subscribe to the theory that the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse are dark forces released onto the earth that are creeping in nature and are not actual events then this First Horseman the Rider on the White Horse could be the dark forces of Deception going forth conquering not with force or war but with more peaceful methods such as falseness, lies and deceit signified by the weapon he is carrying......the Bow.
Two Bible Verses from the New Testament focusing on Matthew 24 which form part of the Olivet Discourse give a possible hint as to who this character could be. These are the words of Jesus answering his disciples when they asked him when they would know of his return
Matthew 24:5 & 11
5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
11. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Both verses contain the word "and shall deceive many". Could it be that this rider on the White Horse actually comes in the name of Jesus, but is not Jesus but a false representation of him. Is this a Force of deception rather than a bodily person as in The Anti Christ?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 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;
Some are saying that this First Rider on the White Horse represents falseness, lies, deceit and could indeed be "the man of sin" but does not reveal himself until Chapter 13 in Revelation. Some say that he is the Dark Force or Spirit of Anti Christ and not the Anti Christ himself and is represented by False Prophets, False Preachers and False Teachings which we see in abundance today which will cause a falling away in the Christian faith. Some even say it could be "THE False Prophet" that is also mentioned in Revelation 13.
Second Thessalonians further on in the same Chapter goes onto say this
2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Conclusions:
The Book of Revelation has many interpretations and you can spend a lifetime trying to understand it(many do and still don't understand it). Many have written books that claim to have the "correct interpretation" but in reality the only entities that have the correct interpretation are St John the Divine who received the vision and wrote the Book of Revelation and The Lord who gave him the Vision in the first place.
Above are just my views, opinions and interpretation of what I think the First Horseman of the Apocalypse could be. It can be safely said that Jesus is not The First Horseman of the Apocalypse. Too much in the way of scripture as noted above says otherwise, but that notion cannot be dismissed entirely.
It could be The Anti Christ, but in my opinion (and it is just an opinion) this First Horseman of the Apocalypse represents the Force or Spirit of Anti Christ, which is deceit, falseness and lies represented by False Prophets, False Preachers and False Teachings. The conquering that takes place is by peaceful means but again the peace is deceitful. The weapon is deceit and I think it is aimed at Non Believers and Christians alike but especially focused on breaking up "The Church" and causing either a "falling away" or "believing a lie". The warfare that he brings his spiritual warfare. There are no physical deaths but instead "spiritual deaths" where people end up as stated in 2 Thes 2:11 above "that they should believe a lie".
This I think paves the way for the Anti Christ who appears later in Chapter 13 as "The Beast" and makes his job easier to achieve is ultimate aim and that is to declare himself as God (abomination of desolation) so everybody worships him and he takes control of the earth. In some ways the arrival of this mysterious First Horseman Character could be likened to a False Second Coming. The White Horse gives the appearance of Righteousness but the absence of the sword and the weapon of choice being a Bow, is the giveaway that something is amiss.
Has this First Seal of Revelation been opened? I would say it most definitely has!
Catch the video below on the First Horseman which goes into great detail using Bible Software. See the other related videos also.
While everybody is swamped with the latest headlines from the New US President, there are other headlines that are creeping behind the scenes that some say are of more concern. Global famine looks to be starting in 2017 and marks a confirmation of the Third Seal of Revelation Prophecy has been opened. This is the Third Horseman of the Apocalypse (the Black Horse) mentioned in the Book of Revelation Chapter 6 and is part of the 7 Seals of Revelation, which show a lot of similarities to Matthew 24. This was part of the Olivet Discourse when Jesus spoke to the multitude on the Mount of Olives and also his disciples where he mentioned famine amongst other things would mark the "Beginnings of Sorrows" and the countdown to his return and "Second Coming"
Definition of Famine:
A situation in which there is not enough food for a great number of people, causing illness and death, or a particular period when this happens:
via Cambridge Dictionary
Recent worrying headlines
The current famine headlines are accelerating and this is a topic that the media doesn't really concentrate on that much. Somalia and Ethiopia are renowned for being zones that are prone to famine, but this area has now spread to neighbouring countries such as Tanzania and the more prosperous Kenya where cattle are dropping like flies and alarm bells are starting to ring. Yemen in the Middle East is starting to show warning signs of famine with millions of starving and undernourished children. Again Yemen is hardly an impoverished nation. With the continuing economic problems in Venezuela which is producing food shortages which again is a form of famine, this famine situation is starting to spread.
The more prosperous nations are also not immune with Spain reporting poor harvests because of the recent extreme weather they have been experiencing and Australia is reporting shortage of potatoes which is a food staple which again sends out alarm bells. The cause is put down to the extreme and un-seasonal weather they have been experiencing which is starting to affect crops.
The general explanation for all these occurrences is either Global Warming, El Nino or some other form of Climate Change. With Europe, America and the Middle East experiencing recent record low temperatures, Global Warming can hardly be the explanation. Recent extreme weather across the globe is mainly to blame though and this still continues so expect to see more famine style headlines in the future!
The recent video over at The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel goes into more detail on this topic and is in three parts
Part 1 is looking at the latest Bible Prophecy News headlines from Somalia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, The Middle East in the form of Yemen, the continuing food and economic crisis in Venezuela and problems starting to appear in the more prosperous nations including Australia and the UK, extreme weather being quoted as the culprit or Climate Change or El Nino
Part 2 takes a look at the Third Seal of Revelation in Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation and use Bible Software to analyse the Prophecy mentioned and also looking at associated cross references from the Old and New Testament to shed further light on this topic.
Part 3 is a Conclusion and Summary on what is currently happening and what could be heading our way further down the line in 2017
Bible Prophecy Analysis
Science doesn't seem to have any reliable answers so what does the Bible have to say. Here is the relevant verse in the Book of Revelation
Revelation 6:5-6 5. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
This is a very short couple of verses but most Bible scholars are in agreement that these two verses are a judgement in the form of food shortages, poverty, hunger or starvation commonly known as famine. This will more than likely again not be a flick of a light switch event but more of a creeping and gradually increasing in intensity type of scenario, so gradual that most people will not notice until it is too late but the warning signs will be there and it will be global and will affect the Western Industrialised nations as well as the Third World.
The best way to describe it is in the "how to cook a live frog" scenario. This is not a Bible quote!
If you take a live frog and put it into a pan of boiling water it will immediately jump out, sensing a life threat and that something is wrong and will survive to tell the tale. Put that same frog in a pan of room temperature water with some leaves and it will be perfectly at home and will stay. Turn on the heat and raise the temperature gradually and the frog will not notice that things are getting hotter until it is too late to jump out, it is part cooked, it´s legs are useless and it cannot jump out.
This is the scenario many will be facing with this coming Famine and The Third Seal of Revelation. Warning signs will appear in supermarkets saying this is not available, that is not available, or prices may start creeping up from the low prices we are experiencing at present, such as has started happening in the UK (lettuces and broccoli ) and Australia (potatoes). Prices continue to rise and more products are being affected by shortages with the words "bad harvest" or "crop Failure" or "extreme weather" being to blame. These are the warning signs to watch out for, which are just starting to appear in Western Industrialised Nations, only a couple at present, but there could be more.
What can cause a famine?
Famine is normally the result of extreme weather conditions such as cold, heat, too dry or too wet which can affect crops in a negative way and result in a bad harvest or even a failed crop. Drought is the number one factor that can lead to famine as demonstrated by East Africa recently and in the past. Other factors that can bring on famine are wars and also adverse economic conditions such as hyper inflation where literally a days wages will buy you a loaf of bread as hinted at in Revelation 6:5-6. This is currently the way things are heading in Venezuela with many news reports of massive long queues at Supermarkets only to get inside and many find most of the shelves are bare. Some reports have said that the delivery trucks have been stopped and ransacked by the public before they even reach the supermarkets, things are so dire over there. The latest report for Venezuela shows inflation at an out of control 800%. That is serious run away Hyper-inflation.
What can you do to counter act a famine?
Copy Joseph from Genesis 41. At present people take things for granted that we have a steady food supply, crops grow, get harvested and turn up on our supermarket shelves regularly and the shelves will always be full. As was stated in a recent article "We are just 72 hours from Anarchy". If you've read Pharaohs Dream and Joseph's interpretation of it, in Genesis 41:15-36 which mentioned 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine. We are currently in our modern day society in the years of plenty (which we take for granted) but signs are appearing that "the years of famine" could be just around the corner and warning signs are starting to appear, as seen in recent headlines.
Motto, just like Joseph in Genesis 41, be prepared as mentioned in one of my first videos on You Tube regarding Christian Prepping
Famine can not only relate to food, it can relate to the spiritual side of things as well. This Bible verse from the Old Testament is a final thought taken from Amos which mentions a Spiritual famine which is the sign of the times we live in now.
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
Conclusions:
The recent headlines may be just a passing phase and nothing to worry about, but there are just too many famine situations springing up around the globe (micro at present), as a result of either extreme weather, war or severe economic problems, to just ignore the situation. Here in the Western World, we take for granted that food is just around the corner, shelves are always full and other people in other countries experience hunger and famine...that's just the way it is. That situation may no longer be applicable in the future.
Famine has always been around, Global Famines have happened since the beginning of time, but if this one is coming, the impact will be harder on our luxurious, technologically advanced and pampered Western society that hasn't really experienced any food shortages since the Second World War.
Bible Quotes:
Some examples of famines mentioned in the Bible.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Genesis 41:53-57 53. And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. 54. And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. 56. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 57. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Ezekiel 14:13 Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:
Joel 1:17-20 17. The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. 18. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate. 19. O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. 20. The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
A quick but more detailed look at this bizarre footage of masses of Black Birds in Houston which appeared around 19-20 January 2017 in Houston Texas which I totally missed. This featured in the latest video from one of my favourite You Tube channels and that is Last Messages. The video it featured in was "2017 IS STRANGE PART 2" The footage of these birds appears around 3:16 onwards for about 10-15 seconds. Video proving incredibly popular over at The Twelve Gates Twitter @ThatFJ
Original video Raw Amateur Footage of Manic Birds in Houston
The footage couldn't be anymore apocalyptic or End Times/Last Days if you tried and looked like something straight out of a Hollywood movie set, but it did happen, it was for real, wasn''t a dream, and the actual raw amateur video footage with them crashing into windscreens and acting a bit manic says it all. It's the date that is significant, and gives it a Biblical twist...... as in the day before and on the day of the Inauguration of the 45th US President! Bad omen (it looks like something out of the Omen or Birds) or just a coincidence?
This caught my eye after writing yesterday about the Polar Shift and how it could be affecting animal behaviour hence a closer look at this sighting to see if it has any Biblical implications.
Upon further investigation these birds were around before the 19-20 January date and were spotted on 15 January 2017 and further research reveals that these birds which are nicknamed locally Blackbirds, but are much larger than the European variety are called "Great-Tailed Grackles"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cVlr_LlCfg
Houston is renowned as a birdwatchers paradise as it features on the major migratory route of a lot of birds that are heading North or South to Mexico and beyond and is a handy stop off point for these birds as Houston is apparently a bird friendly city. So sightings of large numbers of birds is not uncommon.
But here's the thing, April and May are the peak bird-watching months as in Spring time and In July and August, thousands of migratory hawks pass overhead to winter homes in Latin America. Hundreds if not thousands of bird-watchers come from around the world to witness one of the planet's greatest marvels of migration and Houston is a hot bed for watching this activity. Fall or Autumn is also a peak time, but not as busy as spring.
Which leaves us with these Great Tailed Grackles spotted in January which is not really a major time of year for Bird Migration. Not much is known about these birds migratory habits but looking on You Tube, somebody else spotted masses of them around December 2014 so this is not a first, so they don't tend to follow the normal migratory habits of other birds. Maybe they don't migrate at all? Maybe there was some disruptive weather in the area? This was the weather news around about that time according to Accu Weather
National Geographic has this to say about the habits of these of these birds:
Status and Distribution Abundant. Year-round: open habitats with dispersed trees, from agricultural to urban. Migration: not well understood; more are wintering farther north now. Vagrant: casual to the north of its range, from British Columbia east to Nova Scotia.
So was this a Biblical or Prophetic event marking the beginning of the end or just a load of manic birds flapping around doing what they normally do? I really don't know. Animals are more sensitive to their environment than ourselves these days. All I can say is this, these birds are showing very similar activity to what we are seeing increasingly with tornado, earthquake and volcanic activity and that is SWARMING. What these birds are doing I think is normal especially in the Houston area where this happens and frequently, but crashing into car windscreens, that's something else and outside the norm, normally an indicator that something is amiss or they are experiencing some kind of trauma? As always FYOO ....... Form Your Own Opinion!
FINALLY Some apocalyptic Bible verses concerning animals particularly BIRDS to ponder over
Ezekiel 38:20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
Hosea 4:3 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.
Zepheniah 1:3 I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.
Revelation 19:17-18 17: And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18. That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
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Recent headlines have raised an interesting find in the world of space and astronomy that predicts that in roughly five years time, there will be a collision of two stars that will create the birth of a new Bright Star or Super Nova so bright it will be visible with the naked eye from Earth and it will be a monumental event. Some say this could herald the Second Coming and The Return of the Messiah. This article takes a closer look at this Ancient Jewish Prophecy, which Bible verse it is based off, and what else if anything is related to it in the New Testament? I personally see many of these so called "signs" on my travels on the web but this one has something about it and a cetain Biblical ring.
The story starts with some astronomers at the University of Michigan who have found and stated that two stars will collide and which will create a new, super star or Super Nova, which will be viewable from earth from approximately 2022.
According to a prominent Israeli Rabbi, Yosef Berger, who is based in Jerusalem, he stated that a prophecy was made in the The 12th century by a Rabbi called Moses ben Maimon. This prophecy revolves around the Torah, which is the first five Books of the Old Testament and the prophecy is contained in the Book of Numbers 24:17.
My quick take on this Book of Numbers Prophecy using Bible software. Video
Further analysis and astronomical data in video form from Nemesis Maturity You Tube Video
A closer look at the Book of Numbers 24:17 Prophecy
Here is the infamous Bible quote concerning the mention of a star that would herald the return of the Messiah which is mentioned way back in the Old Testament of The Bible
Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Investigating further and looking into cross references, we come up with some interesting confirmations via a couple of other Prophecies but these are in the New Testament namely 2nd Peter and Revelation
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
2Pet 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
A further reference to a star as we know is mentioned at Christ´s Birth Saying
Matt 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
At the beginning of Revelation there is further mention of the Second Coming where "every eye shall see him" but no star is mentioned.
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
How does this fit in with the Revelation timeline?
This is where things start to get more complicated and will require either watching other videos or reading other articles written some months ago to shed more light on why this Prophecy which involves Revelation and The Book of Daniel specifically Daniel 9:24-27 which makes things look to be very interesting indeed. It requires an open mind, and this is in no way date setting in any shape or form, neither am I saying that this is correct. Just speculation and piecing some jigsaw pieces together. There are a lot of "ifs" and "buts" but this Numbers24:17 prophecy certainly makes an interesting proposition as detailed below.
1. The Sign of the Woman is referred to in Revelation 12:1-2. Via software which can predict planetary movements and alignments down to the last minute many thousands of years ago and also many thousands of years into the future. On 23 September 2017 there is a spectacularly rare alignment of planets that correspond and could just be the Woman in the Sky mentioned in Revelation 12:1-2. If this was the case, Revelation 12:1-2 would equate to 23 September 2017.
2. Taking the Daniel 9:24-27 and the two 3.5 year periods equalling the 7 year period mentioned there, and focusing on the word "the midst" of that period where the abomination of desolation appears which is equivalent to Chapter 13 in The Book of Revelation? If Revelation 13 is the Midst or Mid point of the 7 year Tribulation Period including The Great Tribulation and Jacobs Trouble (which I think we are in now as in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 ) which means there is a 3.5 year period before the abomination of desolation and 3.5 years after the Revelation 13 timeline.
3. If this new 2022 Super Nova sign heralds the return of the Messiah as mentioned in Revelation 22:16 and this Super Nova is confirmed via Numbers 24:17 and other related verses it leads to a POSSIBLE following situation? Revelation 22:16 COULD equate to an approximate date of 2022 which marks the END of the 3.5 year Great Tribulation Period and the start of the Millennial Kingdom marked of course by the Return of the Messiah and The Second Coming.
4. Working backwards from say Mid 2022 (the actual precise date at present is not yet known) and working back 3.5 years, brings us to the Mid Point or The Midst of Daniel 9:24-27 and where Revelation 13 and the arrival of the Beast and the Beast System is mentioned. This would arrive at a date of late 2018 or Early 2019 for Revelation 13, based on this presumption.
5. IF Revelation 12:1-2 equates to exactly 23 September 2017 and Revelation 13 equates to approximately late 2018 or early 2019 that leaves just over a 1 year gap between the Sign of the Woman and The Abomination of Desolation event and Revelation 13. If you subscribe to the theory that the Book of Revelation runs in Chronological order as in Chapter and Verse order as laid out in the Book of Revelation, then things seems to add up.....sort of. If you believe that certain Chapters run in parallel, this is where the pieces start not to fit and the picture gets scrambled.
Problems with this theory
My view as stated many times, is we are in Revelation 6 now and the first 4 seals have been opened. Many disagree and have written best selling books on the topic but I still think..... that is where we are born out by the Cross Reference of Matthew 24. Seal 5 may have been partially opened but that still leaves 2 seals before the 7 Trumpet and 7 Vial/Bowl judgements. The seals are not actual events they are more a releasing of forces onto the earth and the setting in motion of things to come in the future. That's just my view. Some say NO seals have been opened yet.....they could be right which would throw the Sign of the Woman theory out of the window? The Trumpets and Vials/Bowls are actual events but again some say they are Symbolic or just representations?
Revelation 5:1-3 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
The lamb is the only one worthy to open the seals and the Lamb is Jesus Christ. No one knows what is in the Book which is often referred to as The Scroll.
A scroll is mentioned also in Ezekiel 2:9-10
9. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; 10. And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
This book or scroll is crucial in the Revelation Prophecy.
Here's where the problems start. If we are in Revelation 6 and the fifth seal has partially been opened (slaughter and persecution of Christians) that means there is just over 8 months for Revelation 6 up to Revelation 11 to occur. If you read all those Chapters, that is a lot of things to happen in 8 months, not outside the bounds of impossibility but certainly we would need to see those things happen in the coming months during 2017, that is assuming the Book of Revelation is in Chronological order which many say it isn't and many say it is?
Summary.
Just like the Sign of the Woman, this 2022 Super Nova and the predicted Second Coming is interesting, but not as precise as the Sign of the Woman event which if correct is down to the last hours and minutes and on 23 September 2017 because of the technology used for the prediction. This 2022 Super Nova could be Jan 1 2022 or Dec 31 2022. It could even be 2021 or 2023 and beyond, as these sort of events are very difficult to predict. Will be looking in more detail at this Prophecy if it holds water in the future. All I can say to wrap up is keep an eye on Jerusalem and Israel and especially the Rabbi's!
As always watch for further news and ALWAYS form your OWN opinion and do your own research.
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This article has come about after watching a recommended video that popped up on You Tube and also the recent chaos in the US. It´s a chilling one and depressing as well, but I think it is essential viewing to mentally prepare yourself for what is to come. Shook me up for sure..........takes a lot to do that these days. I´m not here to terrify but to inform. The video has been left till the end. I suggest you read this article first and your mind will be adjusted by then to what you will hear.
This is not a Prepping website and this article is aimed more at Non Believers rather than full on Christians. Christians will know what you have to do and you certainly don´t need me to tell you how and when to do it. BUT this may still be of interest, if you are not in the Pre Tribulation Rapture camp which I am certainly not .This is something that I think everybody needs to be mentally prepared for, whatever level of preparedness you are at if at all and Believer and Non Believer. You will not hear this one very often . I briefly covered this topic in a video called "Christian Prepping in these End Times"
You will be told by many what is the best food to get, best water filters and essential medical supplies, tents, fire starters, self defence items and the list goes on and on. What you will not hear so often, is what will it actually be like when the lights go out and thinks go back to the 1850´s and people start freaking out and modern day society starts to go down the plug hole. Unless you have some idea how this will pan out, you are not really prepared for anything no matter how much gear, food and water and medical supplies you have stashed away.
In this modern day society, we have food, water, shelter and creature comforts on tap, we are comfortable, well fed and watered and fresh safe non contaminated food and water is always on hand. We don´t have to grow it or hunt and kill it. BUT what happens if you take all that away? People change dramatically when their food and water supplies are cut off, with no sign of any return in the foreseeable future and start to do desperate things. One thing that is common in such a situation is the rise of a frightening phenomenon that is based on safety in numbers and in prepper circles this is called "the hordes".
When the food supplies start to run out and you are in the cities the following things will start to happen if you are a Prepper. Doesn´t matter if people know or they don´t know you. If you have food stashed away, it will show by your actions which will be different from everybody else and the following things will happen probably in this order..
1. You will get knocks on your door, initially from neighbours, old friends you haven´t seen for years and the occasional stranger. They will all be polite to start with in the early days, but you know they are only after one thing. That´s one of the many dilemmas you will face. To help or not to help.
2. You will get visits from the authorities who will probably do house to house visits in such circumstances maybe under "Martial Law" declaring that all the food and water you have is now the property of the government and will be re-distributed accordingly.
3. Further down the line when there is no food anywhere, this is when "the hordes" will emerge. Organised gangs numbering 50, 100 or 200 strong looking for preppers who have food, as they will be the only ones left who will have any. These "hordes" will do anything to get that food....ANYTHING!
The question the following video presents is "Are you Prepared" not only physically, but mentally prepared to see vast numbers of highly organised and desperate people that will be armed. How will you deal with this?
My recommendation is still food, water, medical supplies and a Location A and a Location B and Location C out of the cities, but if you watch this video by The Prepared Mind you will realise, all this is futile unless you take into account........"The Hordes".
This video gives a point by point breakdown of the Pro´s and Con´s of "Bugging In" as in staying put and holing up in a city and "Bugging Out" (my option) and evacuating the cities and living out in the sticks. Is one better than the other? What are the pitfalls. Can you overcome the Hordes?
One thing that I don´t think has been said on this website is the whole Prophecy thing that is heading our way, it doesn´t matter what you do, if you are a Non Believer that Book of Revelation is so designed, you will have a hard time surviving if you are not TRULY in the faith. That´s why it is designed the way it is.
Check out the video below. It´s basic, just like my videos, with some thoughts from John of The Prepared Mind in between swigs of a cup of tea/coffee, but at the end of the video it will dawn on you in no uncertain terms.......if you are a Non Believer there is no escape, no matter where you go and what you do. If you check the comments somebody said the best option is get a cheap old yacht and sail 100 miles or so offshore away from land. Read the Book of Revelation, you will realise maybe that is not such a good idea either. No Bible quotes in this article just read "The Book of Revelation"
At the time of writing Hurricane Matthew was heading for a collision course with South East Florida after devastating Haiti and evacuation orders were announced as the Storm which was a Cat 5 which then decreased to a Cat 4 then Cat 3 but has since increase back to a Cat 4 again with sustained wind speeds in the region of 120mph and is heading for the Florida region.This Hurricane could make landfall and the damage could be limited, could change course and move away, could reduce in intensity or increase. These weather systems are highly unpredictable but the best response is not wait to see what happens, just evacuate.
Recent news footage shows empty supermarket shelves, highways grid locked as people try to escape, warning of potential power outages, flooding and damage to property and risk to life. This Hurricane carries a strong message and that is BE PREPARED.
Hurricane Hermine which happened just a month ago, was a mere Cat 1 Hurricane. This was an omninous sign that possibly something bigger was on the way and maybe one of many more and was a warning sign in itself that the Hurricane drought had ended and it was back to business as usual in the Florida area.
All natural disasters and extreme weather events along with pandemics, mass power outages and other disaster scenarios which are increasing in these recent times, although they are all different in nature. the end result can be the same if you are NOT PREPARED.
Here´s the threat that Hurricane Matthew has the potential to cause, some have started already.
Ray Sewage. Drain problems risk of diseases such as Cholera and Typhoid. Happened during Katrina
Water Shortages and clean drinking water issues
Power outages
Communication networks down
Flights cancelled
Road closures
Mass Panic
Supermarkets stripped bare
Run on banks, machines emptied
Medical supplies in short supply or non existent.
This same situation happened with Hurricane Katrina and many others. The answer.Take all the above possible scenarios into consideration before the event and BE PREPARED especially be Mentally Prepared. Hurricane Matthew has been in the headlines for some time now, more than a few days and these weather systems move very slowly at say 10-15mph at best giving plenty of warning to prepare and evacuate. There is no excuse.
Think location, elevation, shelter, food , basic medical supplies, water, emergency cash, vehicle fuelled up, maybe consider a motorbike or cycle (roads will be blocked) spare phone batteries or solar or similar charger for emergency communication, outdoor clothing. This is for a couple of days or up to a week. This should be something you have on a permanent basis as part of some sort of Preparedness plan. If you are prepared ahead of an event, not only can you help yourself and your family, you are in a position to help others as well.
If you are a Christian check out this video from the owner of this website on Christian Prepping
Check this superb video below for tips including The Red Cross App issued by Jacksonville Florida as part of an Emergency briefing held last night.
Any connection between Rosh Hashana 2016 and Hurricane Hermine?
Today is 2 September 2016 and we are in the final month leading to the Jewish Festival of Rosh Hashana also known as the Feast of Trumpets. We have just entered into what I and many others feel and think, is a significant time period which COULD give rise to corresponding significant events within the Sept/Oct 2016 time line. This is a supporting article of the "drive home the nail" variety and connected with the previous articles "Is there a Financial Crisis coming led by the US" and also ties in closely with the article on the Venezuela Crisis but could tie in with many others.
This is not a Prophetic or Date Setting article . I am not a Prophet, not even a Watchman but just somebody that looks for warning signs that others may miss. As has been said many times before, no one knows the day or hour of what is coming our way..........but it is coming! This is just an outpouring of things that I´m concerned about, that is generating a genuine feeling of uneasiness and dread, some have been written about before. BUT they are being born out by current events.
I feel very strongly (hence this website) that something is on it's way (I´m not alone in this view) and the general consensus amongst the Christian Community is that it is getting close, very very close. What we are seeing are the warning signs and milder versions of what the Great Tribulation as mentioned in the Book of Revelation will bring.
There has been a spike in the last few months of people experiencing visions and horrific dreams and just getting that general feeling of increasing unease that time is running out and it´s on our very doorstep. This period that takes in the months of September and October is indeed one of those times, it seems to be a time when disasters seem to happen.
Matthew 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
It is made more relevant because if you follow Jewish Shemitah Cycles, we are in a Super Shemitah year known as a Jubilee Year which has been characterised by extreme flooding and in parts of the world not exactly renowned for those sort of natural disasters. God doesn´t follow our calendar as in the Gregorian but instead follows the Jewish and Shemitah cycles as demonstrated throughout history. Hence the importance and relevance.
This website is fundamentally Christian in nature but does take on board from time to time significant time periods from the Jewish faith calendar and has respect for that faith. After all the God they worship, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the same one us Christians worship as well. I´m not Jewish by the way.
Hurricane Hermine hitting Florida , the first Hurricane to make landfall in 11 years just could mark the beginning of a number of events that could unfold during September and October, the last month or so of this Jubilee Year.......then again maybe not. Hurricane Hermine is a scraper Cat 1 Hurricane ( at the time of writing) , the lowest on a scale of 1 to 5, never the less it is a Hurricane and the fact that it is making landfall on 2 September 2016 is a significant event in itself.
The Jewish Festival of Rosh Hashana more commonly known as the Feast of Trumpets in this Jubilee Year will be upon us in a month exactly between 2 and 4 October. But what is Rosh Hashana, and why is it so important?
Rosh Hashana is the Jewish festival that is the Jewish New Year and is a two-day celebration, which begins on the first day of Tishrei. Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish civil year, but the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. Rosh Hashana the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman according to the Hebrew Bible, and their first actions toward the believed realization of humanity's role in God's world. Therefore it´s a very important day in the Jewish Calendar. Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram's horn), as prescribed in the Torah hence the name Feast of Trumpets.
Just like last year when there were a multitude of predictions around the same time period, there are new ones doing the rounds including The Rapture will be either this month or on the days of Rosh Hashana in October, a global financial market and economic collapse and the compulsory introduction of the RFID chip (mark of the beast), massive Tsunami to hit the US East Coast, massive earthquake again many quoting the US, some bizarre happenings in the current US Elections, the start of World War III, the recapture of Jerusalem ........and many others.
I personally watch all sorts of videos, many strange, bizarre and wonderful you wouldn´t believe and some just plain ridiculous, but all are taken seriously because you just never know. Only the ones with any sort of credibility ever see the light of day here on this website or any other associated websites. Tend to avoid the date setters and those that are dabbling in the occult to arrive at their prophetic predictions and then lining it up with the word but even then these predictions cannot be ruled out.
My top favourite is still the global financial collapse which everybody can see coming and for some reason I keep circling repeatedly. This would cause world chaos along the lines of the Venezuela Crisis and the introduction of Martial Law to restore order. This would be the ideal time for a Global Currency Reset and the introduction of the perfect solution to start from scratch with a Cashless Society requiring the compulsory implantation of an RFID chip or similar (the mark). It will be hailed as the greatest thing since the invention of the mobile but it will be the "Great Deception". Those who do not take the mark (as in us Christians) will be marginalised, living in the wilderness and unable to take part in this New World Order modern day society that is being set up as we speak along 2030 Agenda guidelines. Of course those who have taken the mark don´t know what they have signed up for.
My favourite video that depicts this coming inevitable global financial collapse featuring respected financial experts is "Overdose: The Next Financial Crisis". Released on You Tube way back in 2012. It´s had millions of views but is just as relevant now as it was back then. This article has been written when the US Stock Market indices are at all time highs? Back in Sept 2001 and Sept 2008, these were both big economic disaster years, following the Jewish Shemitah cycle years, 2015 should have been the collapse Part 3 but it was averted.
This period we are entering into from today marked by Hurricane Hermine and forward to Rosh Hashana on October 2nd and 4th I feel very strongly could contain some highly significant and prophetic events. In this closing month of this Super Shemitah Year of Jubilee this September and October, are we looking at the mother of all years where the house of cards comes tumbling down, but this time on a global scale...............this .remains to be seen?
A closer look at Rick Warren who is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, one of America's largest and best-known churches. His Saddleback Church is a Mega Church that is billed as the 8th Largest. Behind the likes of Joel Osteen and Victoria Osteen BUT he is being billed as one of the most influential Pastors of our time.. His previous book, The Purpose-Driven Church , has sold over a million copies in 20 languages.
Warren has spoken beside leaders of countries all over the world including at the inauguration of the current President of the US, and is highly respected in the world. His influence has been witnessed via his Purpose-Driven ministry empire,which has influenced thousands of pastors and Christian leaders around the world with his best-selling book The Purpose-Driven-Church and his Purpose-Driven church growth seminars.
His latest foray is to target the man in the street with his latest New York Times bestseller, The Purpose-Driven Life. Millions of people have this book since its release in 2002. Churches in the tens of thousands of churches have either used this book in the past or are currently using this it and other Purpose-Driven materials during special campaigns called 40 Days of Purpose. The object of the book, which is divided into 40 chapters, is to explain in 40 days the five purposes of a persons life.
On first appearances he seems a sincere, down to earth, charismatic, charming, inoffensive and knowledgable pastor. He checks out on things like Jesus dying for our sins, John 3:16, only one path to God, being Saved as a requirement and even Gay Marriage he sides with the Bible.
He is known for extending out olive branches to other faiths in particular Islam and is known for his good deeds around the world via charitable causes.He has been criticised by some to have too great a “focus on poverty and world peace”, teaching methods, outreach efforts and making dreadful worship leader choices. These are of course all open to debate.
But if we dig deeper, is this hugely popular Pastor just another Wolf in Sheeps clothing and yet another False Teacher or is he actually the real deal and a Brother in Christ?
As they say you cannot judge a book by it´s cover. Someone's appearance and manner are not the basis on which we should judge truth. Warren might seem charismatic, but even Satan himself is charismatic, and thus Satan's ministers will also appear to be ministers of righteousness on the outside.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light: Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. " Corinthians 14:15
Introduction: Book and Sermon
We will take a look at Rick Warren in action at one of his Sermons at Saddleback Church, just the first ten minutes from a random video, the same as with all the Mega Preachers in the Mega Preachers Exposed series. We will also look at one of his books "A Purpose Driven Life" to give an introduction as to what he is all about which is looked at in much more detail later.
1. Rick Warren A Purpose Driven Life the Book
On the back cover of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, it states...
"This book will help you understand why you are alive and God's amazing plan for you both here and now, and for eternity... This is a book of hope and challenge that you will read and re-read, and it will be a classic treasured by generations to come...The Purpose-Driven Life is a blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century.
My only response is "Wasn't the Bible created for that purpose "a blueprint for a Christian living"..... a classic that is treasured for generations to come?
A Sermon from Rick Warren, one of many telling people how to recognise God´s voice and tell the difference between that and other voices that may not be Christian in nature. A good insight into his views on God. The title in all honesty gives the game away and is a non starter, as those in the faith will know, but the first 10 minutes are broken down into ten points.
1. You cannot have a relationship to God.....if you can´t hear God. If all you do is ever talk to him in prayer, and you never hear God speak to you, that´s a one way relationship, that isn´t much of a relationship. God wants to speak to you.
2. How do I know when it´s God? When I get an idea in my mind, how do I know where that idea came from, that impression...that thought, how do I know it didn´t come from the Devil, or it came from the bad Burrito I ate last night, or it came from my own thoughts, I just thought it up
3. It´s very easy to be confused......is God telling me to do this....or is this just something I want to do
4. Proverbs 14:12 What you think is the right road may lead to death Rick Warren Version (Bible Version Unknown)
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV)
5. 1 John 4:1 "Don´t believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God; test it first to see if it really is" Rick Warren Version
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. KJV
6. I want you to learn 7 ways to test an impression from the Bible.........so you know how you can test a message from God
7. The fact is one moment you can get an idea from God and the next you can get an idea from Satan.....in a split second
8. John 7:17 Jesus "Anyone who wants to do God´s will can test this teaching and know whether it is from God or whether I´m making it up" Rick Warren Version
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. KJV
9. These 7 tests form a filter
10. Luke 21:23 Heaven and earth will pass away but my Words will never pass away Rick Warrens Version NIV
Luke 21:23 33. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. KJV
A 10 minute sampler from Rick Warren and this sermon gives a pretty good idea of the Rick Warren take on Christianity. Here´s an analysis of the 10 points raised from that 10 minute sampler.
Analysis
Points 1,2,3 and 6 are pretty much saying the same thing. How do I know when God is talking to me, it´s easy to get confused, how do I tell the difference between God and Satan speaking to me, or is it just my idea? If you are a truly Born Again "Saved" Holy Spirit Filled Believing Christian you will know when God is talking to you. You will have a personal relationship with him and if you pray in silence, (as most Christians do) the Devil hasn´t got the first idea what you are saying ....only God knows. You will get answers in various forms that are so specific to your prayers, they can only be from God, if they are not... something will not feel right, things will not line up and confusion will enter the fray. With the Holy Spirit comes the gift of discernment............there is no confusion and there is no testing! As I always say "Confusion is not of the Lord" which is what Rick Warren is trying to generate here by sowing seeds of confusion. I´ve only ever personally heard God directly twice, both were in extreme situations and just 4 words only (both times different) otherwise it has been signs, people, events or ideas suddenly appearing or dreams or visions. But every time there is never any confusion where that communication came from....ever!
Point 4. Slightly different translation, similar meaning...no issues there.
Point 5: Radically different Bible interpretaions here. Rick Warrens version says "don´t believe everything you hear" the KJV says "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits". Again this is a Holy Spirit given gift of discernment called "Testing the Spirits", if somebody is not of God and you are a Born Again you will know. The Rick Warren translation is way off the mark.
Point 7. This is true but again if you are a Holy Spirit filled believer you will be able to discern the difference between the two. If you are not a Born Again, then you are probably only getting ideas from yourself or Satan in the first place.
Point 8. Again vastly different translations but the meaning is similar.
Point 9. "These 7 tests form a filter". Again if you have the Holy Spirit then that is your filter, there is no 7 tests to form a filter??? A filter is a barrier between you and God.
Point 10 NIV and KJV versions are the same bar shall and will which is just old school and modern day grammar differences. Again no issues there.
In summary God gives you the Holy Spirit which gives you discernment to hear God´s voice in whatever form that will take. All Rick Warren is doing in this video is creating confusion and doing the classic preacher take, where he is acting as a mediator or interpreter to help you to hear God, when none is required if you are truly in the Christian faith. This video is about 1 hour long. Hearing God´s voice can be summed up in 1 Bible verse in 5 seconds. It really is that simple
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me
If you are Born Again (Saved), that´s all you need to know and this video basically is a delete and one for the trash bin on your PC/Laptop/Device.
The Rick Warren 15 Versions of the Bible.
Apparently there are now 900 English translations of the Bible. Rick Warren by all accounts uses 15 Versions of the Bible including the NIV, New Century Version?, New Living Version and the Message Bible amongst many others. Doesn´t seem to be a fan of the KJV Bible for some reason which is a mystery. The sign of a False Preacher/Teacher is someone that teaches their word and tries to fit the Bible around their word. False Teachers in general are not keen on the King James Version of the Bible. Why...it´s about as close as you are going to get to the original Hebrew and Greek scripture. They will normally have THEIR special version of the Bible or twist the words of a better known more modern version, or quote for a large number of dubious versions flitting from one to another, whichever fits their theology.
So the question is, why does Rick Warren use 15 different versions of modern translations of the Bible? Is it to make it easier to understand for his congregation or is it to get a Bible Version to match what he is trying to teach and it takes 15 different versions to achieve that aim?
Rick Warren errantly states on page 325.of his Book The Purpose Driven Life.. "No matter how wonderful a translation, it has limitations. The Bible was originally written using 11,280 Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, but the typical English translation uses only around 6,000 words."
This is true but in the KJV version the original meaning remains, whereas some of the modern versions the scripture is a translation of a translation of a translation............ the meaning gets lost or changed beyond belief.
Saddleback church Rick Warren purpose driven lies
Rick Warren and the Chrislam Allegations
Rick Warren is renowned for giving out an Olive Branch to other Religions including particularly Islam. Being understanding, showing love and being accommodating to all people of all faiths is a Christian trait. Many have said that Rick Warren is Pro Islam and integrates many teachings and sayings from the Quran and mix it with Christian Theology to arrive at something many call Chrislam. The problem is if you hand out an olive branch to other completely different religions what happens to the original olive tree, does it change as a result?
A fascinating insight video below that delves into what is being billed the "New Emerging Church" which is a blend of Christianity and Eastern Religions and New Age concepts which is proving remarkably appealing to the masses. Some say we are seeing the construction of the New World Order One Religion being built right under our very noses. Rick Warren is mentioned in this video especially in connection with Chrislam, an attempt to reach an understanding and some common ground with Islam. The problem is Christianity and Islam despite their initial appearances are fundamentally different to the core especially when it comes to Jesus and the Tri State as in Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit. It´s another trying to mix oil and water scenario which just ends in a mess. This does raise serious questions as to where Rick Warren´s heart really is in regards to the pure Christian faith? This video is an eye opener and one to form your own opinion on.
Rick Warren, Emergents and Muslims
Rick Warren and the Bible
More Quotes from Rick Warrens Book a Purpose Driven Life with Page Numbers as reference
How to get Saved Rick Warren style
“If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do is receive and believe. ... First, believe. Believe God loves you and made you for his purposes. Believe you’re not an accident. Believe you were made to last forever. Believe God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you. Second, receive. Receive his forgiveness for your sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give you the power to fulfill your life purpose. ... Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity.
‘Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.’
Go ahead. If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!” (The Purpose Driven Life, pp. 58, 59).
Notes:
Notice there is no repentance in that prayer, no mention of sin, no mention of the death on the cross and no phrase such as "please come into my life" or similar it´s "I accept you"....as if you decide. .
Quote 1 Message Bible v KJV
On page 70, Warren quotes Hebrews 11:7 from The Message.
“By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told ... As a result, Noah became intimate with God.”
In the dependable King James Bible, this verse says:
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
Quote 2 Message v KJV
On page 20 of The Purpose Driven Life , Warren quotes 1 Corinthians 2:7 from The Message:
“God’s wisdom ... goes deep into the interior of his purposes ... It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest--what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us.”
In the King James Bible, this says:
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.”
Quote 3 Jeremiah:29:11 New Century Version V KJV
"Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose. God says, ‘I know what I am planning for you ... I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.’ " (p. 31).
The KJV Version
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
This verse is not informing the believer that wonderful changes will happen in his life once he lives out his purpose. This text contains God's personal message to the Israelites who were enduring the Babylonian captivity.
Quote 4 Matthew 24:14 New Century Version v KJV
"Jesus will not return until everyone God wants to hear the Good News has heard it. Jesus said, 'The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come ...’ " (p. 286).
KJV Version
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew:24:14
"That God would want me for a close friend is hard to understand, but the Bible says, 'He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you’ " (p. 86). Exodus 34:14 New Living Translation
KJV
, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is jealous, is a jealous God" These are the words that were spoken to Moses on Mount Sinai
People quoted in Rick Warrens Books
Several of Warren's quotes come from renowned people who were or are active opponents of Biblical orthodoxy. They include C. S. Lewis, Brother Lawrence, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Aldous Huxley, Albert Schweitzer, Madame Guyon and Anais Nin. These names include Hindu and New Age philoosphers, Roman Catholic mystics, Evangelists and an erotic literature novelist. Google them yourselves. Again people say "you are who you hang with". Jesus did hang around with sinners, prostitutes, down and outs, alcoholics but that was for different reasons. Form your own opinion
A Rick Warren Interview
A good way to fathom these Mega Preachers is via TV Interviews. Sermons are rehearsed and carefully scripted but with interviews it´s difficult to pull the wool over peoples eyes.
Here´s an interview that is part of a long video exposing many Mega Preachers but Rick Warren is on the list and it starts at 15:40. Transcript below
If I walk out the door that says Eternity without God....Do I Blame God fot That?......NO That´s my choice
And So I Choose..... To go to Hell you have to do almost the impossible
What you have to do....... you have to reject the Grace of Jesus Christ
Rick Warren and the Bible less congregation at Saddleback Church
On my extensive travels researching Rick Warren a visitor to Rick Warrens Saddleback Church stated they visited a service at Saddleback Church in 2003 and they stated this
"I observed that only a few people were carrying Bibles into the auditorium. The reason became clear when I saw the multiplicity of versions that were used in the preaching. It would be impossible to follow along in one’s Bible"
This is in reference to the 15 or so versions that Rick Warren uses in his preaching. Again as stated before why use this many, is he onto something divine in nature that mere mortals cannot comprehend or is he going down the confusion route that many false preachers use. Again you decide.
Rick Warren's views on Baptism
He is neutral or blase on the different forms of Baptism. He says pouring, sprinkling, or immersion are equally acceptable in his book The Purpose Driven Life.
Obviously, it would offend many readers if he were to present a truly Scriptural position on baptism as a burial in water, but what else would a true Bible believer and a true Baptist do?
Rick Warren on God's view on music
“God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all--fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don’t like it all, but God does! ... Christians often disagree over the style of music used in worship, passionately defending their preferred style as the most biblical or God-honoring. But there is no biblical style! ... God likes variety and enjoys it all. There is no such thing as ‘Christian’ music; there are only Christian lyrics. It is the words that make a song sacred, not the tune. There are no spiritual tunes” (pp. 65, 66) of A Purpose Driven Life
This sort of Worldly view has enabled Worldly music to enter into Churches.Rockers describe their music as sexy, seductive, and hypnotic? So why is this style of music appearing on Sunday at Saddleback Church?
The Bible states quite clearly what form music should take in Churches
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” ( Ephesians 5:19 ).
Rock music is not exactly Psalms and Hymns?
Still not convinced?
Conclusions
Rick Warren is right up their in Mega Preacher territory. He has his own brand and style and has a huge following at his Church, online and via TV. On the surface he seems to be a Brother in Christ, comes across as neutral and harmless and the guy next door type.. So much so, on the first few minutes of research, this article nearly ended up never coming into reality, but something (The Lord) kept me digging ever deeper and the cracks started to appear.
This article could have gone on to look at his fruits ( he has a net Worth of over 20 Million Dollars) and many other avenues but this to me proves quite enough what sort of Preacher he is. He is a tough one to label as a False Preacher because a lot of what he teaches makes sense even to a Christian. His core values with regard to Christianity are right there, but then so are Kenneth Copeland, The Osteen´s, Joyce Meyer and the rest according to their websites.
The first ten minutes of the first video analysis especially near the end it´s hard to disagree with but the whole topic is geared up to somebody that isn´t saved as in somebody that isn´t a Christian and here´s where the problems start.
The fundamental route to being saved is through belief, repentance and basically saying "Yes". The Rick Warren route seems to be some sort of shortcut that will deny you what you are looking for. You then become dependent on Rick Warren for him to explain how to hear God when he doesn´t tell you the proper route to get Saved in the first place, which he knows would ensure that you DO hear God, which obviously would leave him out of the equation and short of a few million book sales in the process. His "Jesus I Believe in You and I Receive You" prayer just doesn´t cut it, it smacks of the "Broad Way". It´s a half way there statement with no repentance and it´s saying that "You are the door" as in "I receive you" when in fact "Jesus is the door". We are Saved by Grace not by our own decisions or words.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
The rear cover of his famous Book sounds like the very replacement for the Bible itself. The numerous and dubious Bible versions he quotes from also serve to confuse his followers even further. Probably none ever walk into SaddleBack Church with ALL 15 Bible Translations that Rick Warren uses especially the KJV. Just imagine it?. This is yet another red flag and is a crafty way of discrediting the Bible saying no one particular version is good enough to use in isolation or it´s not trustworthy. Also as is demonstrated from some of the quotes from his Book "A Purpose Driven Life" they are sometimes so far off the mark it really does make you wonder. Just don´t mention the closest thing to the original Hebrew and Greek Texts the KJV Bible! Rock music in a Church also sends out alarm bells?
Rick Warren denies the Chrislam (Christian mixed with Islam) connection and that has been left as an open ender for people to form their own opinion. But as the video "Rick Warren Emergents and Muslims" clearly demonstrates, there is a Chrislam agenda there, cleverly disguised, but it is there and that is a worrying trend. He seems to be weak on sin and repentance.
Watching him in various interviews he seems again one of these politician types and if a question is tricky he´ll turn the question upside down or answer it with another question or answer the question with an answer to a different question. This for me is not the sign of a Christian. Are you for Gay Marriage is a Yes or No answer with an explanation, not some marathon round the houses evasive not really answering the question but sounding like you are answering the question but confusing the issue totally style answer. This quote that has been tied to Alan Greenspan but some say it is not him sums Rick Warren up:
"I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant"
A member of a forum or it may have been a blog comment section stated that they were a member of the Rick Warren Saddleback Church for 18 years or so and defended him saying he was a Brother in Christ. This goes to show how convincing some of these Preachers can be. It´s very difficult to leave a Church after 18 years even if it finally dawns on you that you realise you are not Saved and never will be as long as you stay at that Church.
For me the final nail in the coffin is the "To go to hell you have to do almost the impossible" line, that is the true heart of Rick Warren talking there. If that is not a False Preacher.... then heaven help us!
All Bible quotes in this article presented by this website are KJV
Bible Quotes:
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Mark 10:26-27 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
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