| Expect the Unexpected (Part 1) (Copyright 2023) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Feast of Trumpets (Sermon Notes) The purpose of this offertory message is to address second and third generation Christians. I perceive that because so much time has seemingly passed, that there is a real possibility that many are letting their guard down at the very time we should all be on a heightened alert. My title for today’s sermon is “Expect the Unexpected.” I plan to make that point a couple hundred times, so that when I finish today you will be saying to yourself, I’m going to Expect the Unexpected! For all of our lives we’ve heard the word “Warning,” and “ALERT” so often, we’ve become dull of hearing. And that is to our detriment. The Feast of Trumpets pictures the direct intervention of God into world affairs! It is about to happen. That’s why it’s called the Feast of Trumpets or the blowing of the Shofar, which is a sound of alarm for war! The blast of the shofar is a call to arms. How ever, it is not a call to guns and offensive weapons. It is a cry to be spiritually prepared – because we are in the heightened spiritual battle of our lives. 2Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Brethren, we must not face our day-to-day spiritual battle with a “come what may” cavalier attitude. Spiritually speaking we had better be in a “Locked and Loaded,” state of mind. Is The Feast of Trumpets a strong reminder to us to resolve immediately to stand strong with Jesus Christ at His coming? It should be! Will we lose faith if things don’t work out as we thought they would? My SPS today [Specific Purpose Statement] is that I want to show that many times the holy men of old did not have their expectations met. Many times, they thought they had it all figured out—but things just did not work out as they expected. The solution to this problem is to Expect the Unexpected. The word “Trumpet” carries a lot of weight – don’t think only of the Shofar – but think of the terrible sound it makes. Let me explain by way of an incident in my very young life: I almost died as a year-old baby. It was during WWII, and I lived with my mother at her parents’ home. The address was 1140 Holly St. There were 5 tracks there,andI almost died in my baby buggy. Explain about East bound – West bound trains. Those train horns are exceedingly loud—heard for miles. Not ‘Toot Toot’ warnings on the Shofar like we’ve heard so many times… For just a second brethren, put yourself in a similar situation. Think like the BLAST of a train’s horn bearing down on you when you are standing on a Rail Road Crossing – facing the wrong way – and you have less than half-second to get off the tracks – and save yourself. That kind of warning – it is a “save your eternal life – take action instantly” kind of WARNING. That is what you should think of when you hear the word, “Trumpet.” And that is the kind of warning That God is trying to give us right now! Think about that TODAY on this Feast of Trumpets. Editor’s Note: Just think if these words from the Prophet Joel (below) had been heeded by the modern State of Israel so that the massacre of the Last Great Day 10/7/2023 could have been avoided. None of us expected Hamas to wage jihad from Gaza even though Islam directs their believers to wage military war. These following words turned out to be so much more applicable than we knew. Added by Warren Zehrung We are instructed to Blow ye the trumpet in Zion on The Day of the Lord “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion,” MEANS Alert the brethren of God’s Church! Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; Joel 2:2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. Joel 2:3 A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. Stark words: Nothing of today’s society will remain. Sound the Shofar!!! End: Offertory Special Music Expect the Unexpected Brethren, we have come to the Fall Holy Days. One of the encouraging benefits of maintaining God’s annual holy days is the reminder that they provide God’s Plan of redemption within them. Today is the Feast of Trumpets. It pictures Jesus Christ returning as King of Kings. He will intervene to save mankind from self-destruction. Mankind will learn the lesson that it cannot solve its own problems. God’s Kingdom, established by Christ at His coming shall rule directly over the nations to bring about lasting world peace. Christ’s return presents a most beautiful picture described in many places in the pages of the Bible. We have the highest expectations for the fulfillment of this day! God has opened the minds of the Church brethren to better understand the meaning of His Holy Days—the world is unable to understand. Will end-time events work out as we expect them to? This is a warning sermon that I’m giving today—time is short. We are assured that every word of God is certain, but our understanding of His prophecy sometimes misses the mark. What if the church narrative we have learned is not exactly spot on, or our interpretation of events that have to do with subjects like the Temple, the Beast, the False Prophet, the Two Witnesses, and so forth, do not turn out to be perfectly accurate? Will our faith fail us if things start to go in a way that we did not expect? What would happen to our faith when we discovered that we did not have every jot and tittle absolutely, precisely, correct in our minds? What if our expectations are not met – especially if we thought that our erroneous belief had been “established doctrine” in the church for years? What if our expectations are not met? Who would we turn to at that moment in time? We know that God’s word is true—and it is going to come to pass. I think we know the correct answer: We would turn to God. Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore. That is where our faith is founded—in God. That is where our Trust is. That’s easy to say – but hard to do if we have not been in the practice of drawing near to God, so that He is near when needed in a crisis (James 4:8). Not only in the modern era of God’s Church, but throughout the pages of the Bible, many of the expectations of God’s chosen people have not come to pass as they thought they would. For example, all of the Apostles believed that Jesus’ second coming would be during their lifetimes—but He didn’t return then! The Apostles expected Jesus to be a revolutionary commander who would wage war against the Romans and restore the Jewish people’s nation to the power and honor of King David and King Solomon’s Day. The apostles whom Jesus had chosen did not expect Jesus to suffer, die on a cross, or rise from the dead. They were wrong on every point. Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? The apostle Peter fully believed that Jesus’ second coming would occur in his day. Peter believed: “The end of all things is at hand” (1Peter 4:7). Peter’s expectations were not met. James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws near. [there it is again – because God wants us to realize the urgency] Then, James, [this is Jesus’ half-brother] doubles down. James 5:9 “behold, the judge stands before the door—The coming of the Lord is at hand.” That is what God wants us to expect and believe! King David, a man after God’s own heart, had the construction plans in his hand, but he did not get to build the Temple (Acts 13:22). I [Warren] did not expect Worldwide’s break up after the death of Herbert W. Armstrong. I did not expect the breakup at all. I thought that most of the 150,000 members would go to the Place of Safety. God did the weeding out of those who were not living according to His expectations. God the Father and Jesus Christ have expectations too, and their expectations WILL BE MET. I did not expect that 70% of the members were not secure in the truth. Brethren, I hope that I’m learning to Expect the Unexpected. During the Worldwide Church of God receivership, I wondered aloud if we might be headed into the Tribulation. It looked to me like everything was falling apart. Dr. Herman Hoeh said, “You’re living in a fool’s paradise if you think the Tribulation is anything like this – the Tribulation is going to be so much worse!” Abraham believed God, and he was called the Friend of God, but he did not live to see God’s promises to him fulfilled (James 2:23). Here’s a good question: Are we living up to Jesus’ expectations for us. The Scriptures show that He expects a degree of fortitude in us. When Jesus said, “Eat my flesh,” in John 6, many of His discipleswalked no more with Him, but He did not go chasing after them (John 6:66). Those disciples had not met Jesus’ minimum requirements – they did not meet His expectations. Moses led Israel out of Egypt, yet he did not get to enter the Promised Land. Israel left Egypt—headed for the Promised Land—but died in the wilderness because they failed to be an example to the other nations around them. Judah fully believed that they would not go into captivity because they possessed the Temple of the LORD—and the Lord would never allow His house to fall into disrepute. But Judah’s expectations were dashed when Jerusalem fell and went into captivity, just as Shiloh had fallen (Jeremiah 26:6, Jeremiah 7:12): The same is going to befall the United States of America! Jeremiah 7:4 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The Temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. For Judah, that was a classic case of unrealized expectations. These few examples tell us that we should always be reevaluating our expectations according to the Word of God. Expect the unexpected. The beloved apostle John, even after receiving the direct revelation from Jesus Himself, believed that Jesus’ second coming was imminent: Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, The Lord’s Day is not Sunday as the Catholics have taught the world. The Lord’s Day is a clear reference to the many, many biblical prophecies of “the Day of the Lord,” the time Jesus would come a second time – but the second time in great power against all evil and establish the Kingdom of God on earth. Everything of this evil world will be destroyed. The Economy; Military; Government; Taxes; News; Communications – including smart phones and computers; Insurance; School systems; Law and courts; Elections; Retirement systems; Even agriculture and animal husbandry will be new in the world tomorrow. Continuing with the revelation to John: A great voice, as of a trumpet was…Saying: Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega [Jesus Christ speaking], the first and the last: and, What thou see, write in a book, Jesus Himself conveyed to John that time was indeed short! Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto His servants’ things which must shortly come to pass; Some people mistakenly say this verse negates the Holy Bible because it has not happened the way people expected. In Jesus’ perspective of the Plan of God—time is indeed short—God expects us to understand it this way! If anything, it should tell us to expect the unexpected! John was about a hundred years old when he closed his eyes and died—and when he opens his eyes, in that instant, so much of these writings will be happening! John will not be disappointed at all, because he will find that the realization and fulfillment of his writings far exceeds his original expectations. As Paul so astutely stated: 1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. That means that the fulfillment of God’s works will far exceed our expectations. James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, [you Christians], unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and has long patience for it [all year long], until he receives the early and latter rain. Today, the Feast of Trumpets, pictures the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. It is the Day of the Lord—that is what this Feast Day of Trumpets represents. How many of our brethren today believe it is a matter of being in the right church organization to make it into the Kingdom? There are things we do not fully understand—or we do not know how to fully apply them. Even with God’s instructions and prophecies, it seems that we often underestimate what God has in store for us. We plan, search, and pray, and yet many of the things God has in store for us remain elusive to us. Even where it comes to God’s prophecies, His ways are past our finding out. Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? We need to be careful if we say to ourselves, “I’ve figured out just how the latter days are going to play out. In today’s sermon we are looking at a few of the many prophecies that have been given about the Great Day of the Lord’s Wrath. The details associated with the seven seals of Revelation can be not only difficult to comprehend but challenging to keep track of. John the Baptist was the greatest prophet who ever lived (Matthew 11:11). He knew, believed, and depended on all the Scriptures about the coming Messiah. He committed them to memory. John the Baptist believed the Scriptures. John the Baptist grew up hearing Messianic Prophecies like these: Isaiah 11:4 …and He [the Messiah] shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. Turn with me: This is some more of what John the Baptist knew would take place. Jesus would come with a heavy hand against Israel’s enemies: Isaiah 11:13-16 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry-shod. And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. More examples of John the Baptist’s expectations of Christ: Isaiah 13:9-11 Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in its going forth, and the moon shall not cause its light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. John the Baptist saw that the Messiah would be cleaning up this entire earth of its spiritual wickedness in preparation for the establishment of the Kingdom of God, and His Millennial Reign. The problem for John the Baptist was that Jesus’ public ministry was not shaping up to his expectations. God had not revealed to John the Baptist the two-fold coming of Jesus the Messiah. We should learn from this episode to Expect the Unexpected. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Expect the Unexpected (Part 2) (Copyright 2023) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Notice how Zephaniah [~ 630 BC] doubles down on how soon this prophecy will be fulfilled. God says: Zephaniah 1:4 I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; Zephaniah 1:14-18 “The Great Day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hastens greatly, [any moment now!] even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of waste and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A Day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” But John the Baptist did not see these things shaping up in Christ’s ministry. His expectations of who the Messiah was were not being met in the person of Jesus Christ. Time was growing short because John the Baptist was in prison waiting to be executed and he was greatly concerned that he had miscalculated. He wondered, “Was Jesus the Christ/Messiah?” John the Baptist saw only the soft and kindhearted side of Jesus as Isaiah also spoke of him: Isaiah 42:3 and Matthew 2:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. Certainly, John the Baptist saw the works of Jesus, that He was gentle and compassionate. Undoubtedly, Jesus would not break a tender and fragile person’s spirit. John the Baptist saw that loving, healing side of Jesus, but he had much greater expectations of the Messiah. What about that other nature of the Messiah—to wage war against evil? Where were the mighty and evil men crying bitterly at the Messiah’s severe coming as we saw in Zephaniah 1:14? Jesus was not raising an army – He wasn’t destroying the Romans, as John the Baptist expected him to do. John the Baptist – was not sure at all that Jesus was the Messiah because he did not know that there would be two comings of Jesus. Let’s pick up the story in: Matthew 11:2 Now when John the Baptist had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, Matthew 11:3 And said unto Him, Art thou He [the Messiah] that should come, or do we look for another? Matthew 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. [Definite attributes of the Messiah] Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Jesus told John the Baptist’s two disciples to report back to him that everything was proceeding according to God’s schedule—and don’t let your expectations offend you. Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John [the Baptist], What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. It is important that we trust in the words of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, knowing that: Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. What are the expectations of Christ’s coming for True Christians? Expect the Unexpected, because it is going to be tougher and rougher than we can imagine. Let’s consider The Four Horsemen of Revelation 6. I’ve heard many times that the prophecies of the Four Horsemen have already been fulfilled. The Tribulation is next, they say. Brethren, Expect the Unexpected—because that is what is coming. There have already been many cases of false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, hunger and famine, and pandemics—but we must ask ourselves if they have fulfilled the meaning of the first four seals of Revelation 6? Brethren, expect the unexpected. The fulfillment of the Four Horsemen prophecies—the First Four Seals of Revelation 6—are going to be unprecedented! They are the beginning of sorrows! There will be false prophets like the world has never seen. There are going to be wars and rumors of wars that will be extraordinary. Jesus said: Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Jesus says that there are more seals to come. There will be more starvation, hunger, and famine than the world has ever seen before. Soon, there is going to be so much sickness, disease, endemics, and pandemics that it will make the COVID-19 epidemic look like a case of the sniffles. Matthew 24:7-8 There shall be famines, and pestilences, and natural disasters, in widespread places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; [none worse] Then the Tribulation – unfortunately, many of those in the Church of God will sell out! Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Brethren, there are many types of ‘Jesus’ that are being declared in our world. There are people who attend with us that can hardly wait to see some miracles—and these coming miracles are going to be awesome and stupendous! We had better be ready to expect the unexpected—because these soon coming signs and wonders will blow your mind! Even True saints are going to be tested mightily by the false Christs of the beast system. Only the very elect who are truly converted and close to God will recognize the fallacy of those great signs. Many people use Jesus’ name, but do they really adhere to the Will of the father? Do those who declare the name Jesus strive to live in accordance to the very Word He represents? The beast will appeal to those who have embraced a ‘substitute Jesus’ that in reality does not represent the Real Jesus in Spirit and Truth. Truly knowing Jesus, is going to be absolutely vital to ensuring that one endures to the end. Basing one’s faith on miracles, or personalities, or on faulty doctrines that misrepresent our Savior will play a huge part in whether or not one will worship the beast. 2Thessalonians 2:9-11 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: These false Christs, if it were possible, shall deceive the very elect. Things are rapidly deteriorating in the world – going down fast! Look at the rise in artificial intelligence – A.I. You cannot believe anything you hear or see in the news, or TV advertisements anymore. Those days are gone! It is all A.I. fake. (Artificial intelligence only mimics factual intelligence through the manipulation of knowledge and understanding of the true realities.) People are addicted to their smart phones which will only aid in the transfer of this deception Jesus tells us is coming. Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. Matthew 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. Jesus has warned us to be very careful with our assumptions about His second coming. He foretold that His return would be unexpected, and no man would know the day or hour (Matthew 24:36-39, 42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:35-46; Acts 1:7; I Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3). God gives us many clues. Daniel Interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Daniel 2:28 There is a God in heaven that reveals secrets and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Daniel 2:31 You, O king, saw, and beheld a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. For hundreds of years, and more, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of successive world kingdoms in Daniel 2:1, and Daniel’s dream and visions of Daniel 7:1, were typically interpreted to illustrate the same four successive empires or kingdoms. (Daniel 7’s dream and visions only has to do with the end-time.) Many old charts pre-dating Herbert Armstrong’s day which present this error are still in existence! A simple exercise in counting the component elements of the image of Daniel 2 reveals something else. Again, notice the five distinct materials of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel 2:32-33 This image’s head was of fine gold (1), his breast and his arms of silver (2), his belly and his thighs of brass (3), His legs of iron (4), his feet part of iron and part of clay (5). Can this disparate conglomeration of Iron and Clay radical Islam? Iron and Clay will not form a metal compound – they do not mix like oil and water will not mix. They are unified in their desire to push the Jews from the Jordan River into the Mediterranean Sea – leaving only a land of Palestine. Shia and Sunni Muslims hate each other, but they hate the Jews more. Their argument is over the line of succession of the Prophet Muhammad. Daniel 2:33 His…his feet part of iron and part of clay. This is a good caricature of the widely scattered Muslim nations of today. They have no one leader and they are not unified – except in their intense hatred of Judah. Daniel 2:34 You saw till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Five Elements Just as in Daniel 2:32-33, we find five elements in Daniel 2:35. Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (1), the ceramic clay (2), the bronze (3), the silver (4), and the gold (5). Brethren, every word of this prophecy is unequivocally True! Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, [five elements] broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. That stone that was cut out without hands is Jesus Christ the Messiah! Brethren, that right there (verse 35), is the Kingdom of God being established over all the kingdoms that ever existed on earth! The Stone of verse thirty-five represents Jesus the Messiah, who will establish His Father’s Kingdom over the earth and will subjugate all other authorities. Kingdom of God Set Up Daniel 2:44 In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom [the return of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God being set up], which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. A second testimony of the various materials can be found in Daniel 2:45, where Daniel is then interpreting the dream for Nebuchadnezzar. And just as we found in Daniel 2:32-33, and in Daniel 2:35, we find the same five elements in Daniel 2:45. God repeats things for emphasis and clarity! Daniel 2:45 Forasmuch as thou saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron (1), the bronze (2), the ceramic clay (3), the silver (4), and the gold (5); the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter [in the end-time]: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Three times God reiterates that there are five materials. Each time the materials that make up Nebuchadnezzar’s image are listed, there are five. We would be wise to ask WHO are the parties that will not cleave one to another? What kind of kingdom does not have cohesiveness? Daniel 2:43 And whereas thou saw iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. Daniel spells out the head (First Kingdom), the chest and arms (Second Kingdom), the belly and thighs (Third Kingdom), the legs (Fourth Kingdom), and the feet (Fifth Kingdom). The image, then, consists of five regions of the body, and five different materials. Nowhere does the Bible number these parts of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream as being four in number. Jesus Christ inspired every word spoken and written by the prophets of old. 1Peter 1:10-11 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. The Coming of the Messiah 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: Trumpets, the first day of the seventh month, is the date most associated with the Messiah’s return (Leviticus 23:23-24). Matthew 24:30, 31: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Seven Messengers of God Revelation speaks about the meaning of this day. Let’s review a few vignettes about this Day of Trumpets from the Book of Revelation. Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Jesus will take-over all worldly corrupt governments – that is all of them. Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Jesus will have all power and authority to establish God’s Kingdom… (Revelation 11:17). Revelation 18 is a severe warning to God’s people not to have anything to do with the house of cards that is about to crumble—which is Babylon—the world in which we live. If you haven’t already, put your entire Faith and Trust in God – willing to leave all earthly possessions and associations behind you. God Calls It the Fall of Babylon Revelation 18:1-2 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, That means the total destruction of Rome and her daughters. The total collapse of Wall Street, Banks, Financial Institutions, Currencies, the Military Industrial Complex, Social Media, the Sports, Music (:22) and Entertainment power-houses …right down to the very last Password and Website – like they never existed. Every Government will utterly fail. Why? Because… Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Can all society, civilization, trade, and culture collapse in one day? You had better believe it can—as soon as God says, “Enough is enough.” Revelation 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. It is going to happen so fast it will take your breath away! Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in ONE DAY, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. Literally in ONE DAY—gone! Have you seen these giant container ships that ply the oceans these days? Can you imagine if you had a copy of the bill of lading, the cargo manifests, and shipping lists? Nowhere on them would you find itemized, One brigade of militarily trained, able bodied young men with their marching orders. Already, the enemy has infiltrated the ranks of our industries, government, and military industrial complex. I believe we are living in a fool’s paradise if we think our enemies aren’t relishing our downfall. Customs and immigration agents close their eyes to the human trafficking that takes place in the dark. Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and every scented wood, and all manner of articles of ivory, and all manner of vessels of most expensive precious materials, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And that is not all. Hidden amongst the grain, fuel cells, and produce in concealed living chambers are illegal immigrants; illegal combatants by the millions – being snuck into our country. Don’t take my word for it – God says so. Their jobs at ports of entry, Customs, and Immigration, allow them to close their eyes when a shipload of more infiltrators arrives with passports, money, social security cards and driver’s licenses and a reservation with an Uber driver to whisk them away. Revelation 18:13 And cinnamon, and spice, and perfume, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. That is human trafficking of immense proportions – enough to collapse an economy and bring a nation down. Does God give us any indication how long it will take for this total ruin to come about? Revelation 18:10 … for in one hour is thy judgment come. Revelation 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to naught. Revelation 18:19 for in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of many people [not angles – could these be the resurrected saints] in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are His judgments: for He has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand. We know this Day—picturing the Day of Trumpets—will be fulfilled exactly as God has planned. So, brethren, let’s get our priorities straight—and come out of this present evil world, and not be a part of any of her wicked systems. Let’s ask God to lead us by His Holy Spirit. Let’s draw near to God! ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Expect the Unexpected (Part 3) (Copyright 2023) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Follow Up Notes The Last Great Day this year, 10/7/2023, marked a significant turning point in the prophetic timeline. Who among us expected war to break out in the State of Israel on the Last Great Day. 3,500 young Jews were celebrating and dancing all night long! Obviously, no-one could have predicted the terrible events that transpired. Will world order ever return to “normalcy?” We have been witnessing the significant decline in the Israelitish nations in recent years—a major rejection of God and His ways. We have been witnessing considerable incursions of Islamic peoples into America, Britain, Europe and throughout the world. Great numbers of Islamic insurgents have flooded all of Europe. But when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on the Last Great Day, the entire world changed—and not for the good. Who would have believed the rampant anti-Semitism in our Legislative bodies and universities that have been unleashed as a result of Hamas’ unprecedented slaughter of babies, pregnant mothers, and elderly civilians? Could it be that a process leading to the destruction of Jerusalem itself has begun? Is there a kingdom anywhere on earth that could threaten the security of the United States, Great Britain, and the Western English-speaking nations of the world? God tells us it is going to happen. Daniel 2:28 There is a God in heaven that reveals secrets and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. God has prophesied in Daniel 2:43 that there will be a great major faction that will be a characteristic of the final kingdom in the latter days. There will exist an identifying division in that kingdom that will not allow for harmony and accord. We would be wise to ask who the parties are that will not cleave one to another in Daniel? What kind of kingdom does not have cohesiveness? Note this: Sunni and Shi’i are the two largest branches of Islam, with the overwhelming majority of Iranians practicing Shi‘i Islam. About 90 percent of Iranians practice Shi’ism, the official religion of Iran. By contrast, most Arab states in the Middle East are predominantly Sunni. The twain shall never meet! Any attempted amalgamation of these contrasting Islamic religions will never become a cohesive unit. Jesus Christ’s Return in Power Daniel 2:34 You saw till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Daniel 2:41 And whereas thou saw the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou saw the iron mixed with miry clay. Daniel 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. Daniel 2:43 And whereas thou saw iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Daniel 2:45 Forasmuch as thou saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. In near proximity to the Gaza Strip border, the location of the Supernova music dance festival was near Kibbutz Re’im which hosts similar events with regularity. The October 7 massacre by Hamas has been called Israel’s 9/11. Hamas killed ~1,400 civilians in Israel and captured many civilian hostages. Israeli military forces retaliated with extensive strikes against targets in Palestine’s Gaza Strip and a subsequent invasion of Gaza. The horrendous attack coincided with the weeklong Jewish holiday of Sukkot, observed from Friday, September 29, 2023, to Friday, October 6, 2023, concluding on the Last Great Day October 7, 2023. Some attendees were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which heightened their confusion and fear. Some Hamas narco-terrorists were on Captagon pills that came by way of Lebanon and Syria. For years, Captagon has been a staple drug among Islamic State fighters, especially in Iraq and Syria because it gives them almost superhuman powers − including the ability to stay awake, calm, and focused for days on end without food. Israeli security officials with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed that the methamphetamine-like substance was found on at least some Hamas members killed during or after the horrific raids on Israel. Who are the radical Islamic jihadists Iranian proxies? Chief among them are, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, but also Palestinian Islamic Hamas in Gaza. This is a trademark of Iranian foreign policy. Iran says that while it supports such “resistance forces”, they act independently. Palestinian residents are predominantly Sunni Muslims. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a majority Muslim country with 96% of the population following Sunni Islam while a small minority follow Shiite branches. Iran succeeded, however, in Yemen, where the militant Houthis Shiite Islamist political and armed organization movement armed by Tehran has come to dominate the country in an extended proxy war, pitting Iran against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. With the Abraham accord beginning to show fruit and take hold – Iran could not stand by idly and allow. Aided chiefly by the United States, Iran has been funding Hamas by a 100 billion + sanction relaxation, and hostage monies. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Expect the Unexpected (Part 4) (Copyright 2023) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Random Prophetic Verses to Consider Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. What is the immediate future of Jerusalem? What will leave Jerusalem desolate? Finally – after all desolation, Jerusalem will know what Jerusalem is supposed to be – God’s City. Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. God has been rejected – especially by modern-day Judah. Truth has gone out of the land. The enemy is now coming after the Jews – how long before the true Christians? Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. The Church of God will soon be perceived by all in the world as the false faith – enemies who will not go along to get along. America is being broken and destroyed – right before our eyes. Anti-Semitism has become the order of the Day. Many are inciting anti-Semitic attacks across the United States. Only the very elect will be able to discern the times. (Matthew 24:24, 2Thes 2:11) Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Genesis 6 – what was it like in Noah’s day? There was an ideology of Corruption over all the earth Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the [creative] thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Like when Hamas attacked Israel mercilessly. Hamas does not take care of the dire needs of the Palestinians – No, they are bent on killing every Jew! They are violent people. Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. The earth will be filled with Hamas—unbridled violence. Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence [Hebrew cHamas]. Brethren, look at how bad it is about to become! Genesis 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah [and God is saying this to us now], The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Open Border Islamic Terrorism is here! The word hamas in the Old Testament also appears in the contexts of sin and injustice against God and one’s fellow-man, judicial affairs, structural violence, and the theodicy problem. In the last two years our boarders have become wide open to terrorists – so that the same thing that happened in Gaza will be upon us. The noun chamasoccurs sixty times in the Old Testament. The virtually constant and sometimes exclusive translation of c~n as “violence” in Old Testament commentaries, concordances, theological dictionaries, translations of the Bible and Hebrew lexicons, frequently does not do justice to the contexts in which the word is used. Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. So, the modern state of Israel will completely wipe out every Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihadist terrorist in Gaza. Then what? Iran supports “resistance forces” which act independently. Israel will completely wipe out all proxy forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then what? Iranian foreign policy with nuclear weapons will keep coming and coming – not only in the Middle East but in the West – including the USA. Allahu Akbar is a phrase meaning ‘the God of Islam is greater than the True God’, used by Muslims in prayers and when killing Jews. Allahu originated as a pagan moon god and is none other than Baal – the false god of the Old Testament. Zechariah 14:1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil [of the Jews] shall be divided in the midst of thee. Islam Rapes Jewish Women Zechariah 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Islam will not be totally successful in riding Jerusalem of Jews. Zechariah 14:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. God condemns Judah for their unfaithfulness, but He also condemns Judah’s surrounding neighbors for their improper attacks and persecutions on Judah. Notice God’s judgment on those who violate His covenant. Ezekiel 1– 13 is God’s judgment on the House of Israel. Ezekiel 14 – 25 is God’s judgment on the House of Judah. What does God say about the threat of radical Islam—like Hamas? Amos 1 (in the end-time) Amos 1:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza [Edomites], and for four [Hamas has clearly gone overboard this time], I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: There is ancient rivalry and hostility between Esau and Jacob. Amos 1:7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: [God Himself will destroy Gaza – a remnant of the Philistines who are enemies of Israel!] The Iranians are Persians who have been subjugated by Muhammed Arabs. The true Persians have historically been friends with Judah and Cyrus. Amos 1:8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the scepter from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron [leader of Gaza]: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. Jeremiah – we’ll see God’s view of what has happened in Gaza on the Last Great Day 2023 – Compare Matthew 24: Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death. Jeremiah 11:9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. [there are Jews who are enemies of the State] It is the difference between the true Covenant people, the Covenant promises, and modern Zionism. Modern Judah is not the religion of the Covenant people of the Old Testament. Orthodox Jews keep the Sabbath – but totally reject Jesus Christ. History is Repeating Itself Jeremiah 11:10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. Ancient Israel went into captivity for Sabbath breaking and idolatry. Make no mistake, the house of Israel and the house of Judah are the USA and English-speaking nations, including the modern state of Israel who are pagans, atheists and increasingly Communist Socialist by ideology. No Escape Jeremiah 11:11 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. [It is too late to pray for intervention] Jeremiah 11:12 Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the [false] gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. [Jacob’s trouble is coming soon] Ezekiel 12 70 times in Ezekiel God says then, “ye shall know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 12:16 But I will leave a few men of them from the sword [only a few will escape to declare all their abominations], from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 12:20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. God’s Assessment of Judah’s Sins Jeremiah 11:13 For according to the number of thy cities were thy [false] gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. [picture the Abomination of Desolation] Do Not Pray for Judah Jeremiah 11:14 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. Jeremiah 11:15 What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest. The Jews – the original Covenant People – do not represent God in any way. World sentiment will soon be in favor of Hamas and against Israel until: Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Luke 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. Luke 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Abomination of Desolation Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Matthew 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: Matthew 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Israel is a Wasteland Jeremiah 12:4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? The beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end. The Lord Answers Jeremiah – it is going to get a lot worse as the world collapses around us. Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? Jeremiah 12:6 For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words [lies all] unto thee. This is where we are today Jeremiah 12:7 I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage [Israel]; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul [Judah – Wow!] into the hand of her enemies. Jeremiah 12:8 Mine heritage [the House of Israel and Judah] is unto me as a lion in the forest [seeking to devour me]; it cries out against me: therefore have I hated it. Jeremiah 12:9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird [A chicken with spots will be pecked to death by the others], the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour. Jeremiah 12:10 Many pastors [shepherds and leaders of Judah] have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. [Zionism is not Godliness and does not produce godly fruit.] Jeremiah 12:11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourns unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man lays it to heart. The Sword of the LORD Calls for Repentance Jeremiah 12:12 The spoilers [like Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis] are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the LORD shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace. [Modern Israel nearly wiped off the map] Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved alive: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. No Wonder Jesus Cries for Jerusalem Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Luke 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knew not the time of thy visitation. How many terrorist sleeper cells are in the USA now – hundreds? Perhaps thousands? There were only 19 terrorists who pulled off 9/11/01. 1.7 billion Muslims want only to destroy. Compare their culture of death with the inventiveness for life in medicine and health by 12 million Jews! Lament over Jerusalem Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. Jeremiah 12:13 They have sown wheat but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD. God Will Finally Remove Radical Islam from the Promised Land Jeremiah 12:14 Thus says the LORD against all mine evil [Islamic Muslim] neighbors, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit [the Promised Land]; Behold, I will pluck [the Muslim gentiles] out of their land and pluck out the house of Judah from among them. Jeremiah 12:15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked [the Arab gentiles] out “I will return” [says Jesus Christ], and have compassion on [Israel], and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. If Islam will Repent and Turn Around Jeremiah 12:16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my [Covenant] people, to swear by my name, “The LORD lives”; the same way that they taught my people to swear by Baal [Allahu Akbar]; then shall they be built in the midst of my people. If Islam Repents Not Jeremiah 12:17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, says the LORD. Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Expect the Unexpected Article by Warren Zehrung Comments by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California) |
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| I found the main article, “Expect the Unexpected,” well written and thought provoking with a new concept regarding Nebuchadnezzar’s dream found in Daniel two. The author brought out some good details about the feet of the image which are composed of iron and clay. An end-time kingdom of iron and clay may indicate two elements or cultures of people which do not mix well. Muslim immigrants into Europe have caused untold problems for native countrymen since Muslims do not assimilate into the established society of their host nation. So, the author has a valid point concerning the iron and clay not mixing. His point that Daniel two actually reveals five kingdoms and not only four has merit. However, he has assumed, as well as many others, that the beasts listed in Daniel seven are identical to the first four kingdoms listed in Daniel two. Daniel seven specifically says, “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth” (verse 17). Is there a connection between the four beasts of Daniel seven and the first four metal kingdoms of Daniel two? Absolutely. The difference is the time element and the locations. The first four kingdoms of Daniel two existed in the distant past and are all extinct. The fifth kingdom of feet with ten toes will exist at the end-time at Christ’s return. The four beasts are empires that arose after the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. and then the Byzantine Empire in 1453 A.D. What are those empires? Britain, Russia, Germany, and a revived Roman Empire yet to happen. The ten horns of Daniel seven tie-in to the ten toes of Daniel two. The author also tied Christ’s return to the Feast of Trumpets as taught by Mr. Herbert Armstrong. I understand his conclusion, which is also held by many other COG brethren, since Christ comes at the last trumpet. It is then easily assumed that Christ will return on a future Feast of Trumpets. The author’s warning to “Expect the Unexpected” may prove to be on the money since it is very likely that Christ will return on a future Pentecost— not Trumpets—to first resurrect and gather together the saints for a wedding in heaven (Revelation 19:1-9). The author did ask if those in heaven in Revelation 19:1 are the resurrected saints. The answer is yes if you can receive it. Christ will then return on a white horse with the saints to make war against the nations on the following Feast of Trumpets. So, Christ’s return is in two phases. First is the resurrection on Pentecost. Then to make war on Trumpets. The seven trumpets of Revelation sound in the same pattern as the seven annual Sabbaths according to the civil year which begins with the Feast of Trumpets. Thus, the first trumpet will sound on a future Feast of Trumpets with the seventh and last trumpet sounding on a future Pentecost. Overall, I found the main article a stimulating read which had several thoughts similar to some things that I have also written. Since we don’t know each other, this tells me that the Holy Spirit is working, causing similar thinking among God’s people. The only criticism: The section at the end, “Random Prophetic Verses to Consider,” may lessen the impact of the main article by overwhelming the reader with so many verses. The verses are good but would be better used in a separate composition focusing on a particular prophetic theme. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Expect the Unexpected Article by Warren Zehrung Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| As Dwight noted, the resurrection of the Saints may well happen on a future Pentecost due to the following scriptures: Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. There are seven trumpets, the last three trumpets are called woes or woe trumpets which is where the pattern comes from. In other words, the first trumpet is on Feast of Trumpets, the second trumpet is on Atonement, the third trumpet is on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles and the fourth trumpet is on the Last Great Day. These are all warning trumpets that Christ will soon return. With the woe trumpets the warning is louder and going to a worse conclusion for the people on the earth if they are not heeded. In other words, the three woe trumpets are leading right up to the bowls of wrath which will be poured out on all the earth just before Christ returns. The last trump sounds most likely on Pentecost which makes a lot of sense because it is also called the Feast of First Fruits. So, when the seventh trumpet sounds the elect will be resurrected or changed at the same time as the two witnesses are resurrected. A great time to harvest the elect. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Read the entire chapter of Rev. 11) The two witnesses are killed and resurrected right around the time of the third woe trumpet. Since this is the last trump, it is also the time the elect will be resurrected. In Rev. 14:3, 1 it clearly shows the elect are in heaven most likely for the wedding supper of the lamb and to be trained for their duties in the Kingdom of God on earth which will officially start happening starting with the Feast of Trumpets. Rev 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Rev 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. So, in other words the elect will not be on earth while the bowls of wrath are poured out. They will return from heaven with Christ to help fight the nations and to help set up the Kingdom of God on earth.. |
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