Battle above the Clouds - Part 11

Olivet Discourse - Learning Together

Battle Above the Clouds Part 11

March 25, 2013

If you have not read Part 10, please do so, as it goes hand in hand with this part.  Thanks - BP

Bible scholars, theologians and disciples of Christ today are keeping an on eye on all that is occurring, as they line up world events with what has become known as the Olivet Discourse (or Olivet prophecy) and recorded in the gospels of Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21, as spoken by Jesus (Y’shua).

Y’shua/Jesus gave a sermon to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, which overlooked the Temple.  The conversation began with a discussion about the beauty and the fortitude of the temple, but the Lord surprised them all by speaking about the destruction of the Temple.   

It was then that He also spoke about His own demise (the destruction of His body (temple)), prophesying how it would be raised again after three days. Jesus spoke of wars, rumors of wars and nations and kingdoms rising up against each other, as well as famines, earthquakes and pestilences, but warned it was only the “beginning of sorrows” [Mat 24:6-8] 

He further warned of great persecution, where many would be offended, betray and hate each other.  Many would be afflicted, killed and hated also for His “name’s sake”.  Jesus (Y’shua) warned about sin increasing, love waxing cold and false prophets arising, who would deceive many. (vs 9-12) One of the signs of the great tribulation that is coming that today's disciples of Christ Jesus are watching for, comes from verse 15, in the 24^th chapter of Matthew. [Mat 24:15]

When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand): then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.

Many debates have arisen amongst believers regarding this passage, as there are those who believe that all that Jesus/Y’shua spoke about is already accomplished (Preterists), regarding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Yet, if that were so, when did Christ return and where is the first resurrection of all the dead in Christ?  Are those who believe all is accomplished trying to say that this is the new heaven and the new earth?  God forbid.

Others contend that the above scripture not only pertains to Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 AD, but also speaks futuristically – dual meaning.  This understanding comes not only from the careful study of history and scriptures, but also by lining up the words of the prophet Daniel, which Jesus spoke about. Those who say that Matthew 24 was already fulfilled in 70 AD, refer to verses 33 and 34, but have not understood the scripture.

So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.  [vs 33, 34]

When Jesus says ‘this generation’, He is not speaking of the generation that heard His words, but rather the generation that sees all the prophecies He mentioned coming to pass.  The Lord has not yet returned, the dead have not been resurrected and the saints have not been gathered into the clouds.

We see many of the signs coming into fruition now, which is another reason why Daniel’s prophecies are being observed, as mentioned by Jesus/Y’shua.  Also, the book of Revelation is in agreement with prophecies in Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and Matthew et al. 

Take you heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is. [Mk 13:33]

Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. [Lk 21:36]

As far as the Daniel 9:27 prophecy goes, there are so many interpretations about it that just reading them all made me dizzy.  Firstly, I would like to thank those who took time out to send me links and various articles.  Secondly, I will share a portion of them here.  

Time and space does not allow me to post them all, but I extend my appreciation to those who are doing their part in sharing with the brethren.  It truly is a team effort, as we all learn together and obey the Lord’s admonition to ‘watch and pray’. Apparently, the belief that Daniel 9 is not fulfilled yet is a relatively new interpretation that was not even spoken of before the 19^th century.  That is also about the time that the pre-trib rapture theory was first introduced.

When I read Daniel 9, it is abundantly clear that it begins with the prophet praying to the holy, true God for the sins of himself, his people and all of Israel.  He had been reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah about the seventy years of the desolation of Jerusalem that the Lord would accomplish.

In the twenty-first verse, Daniel mentions how Gabriel appeared to him whilst he was still in prayer, to bring the man of God (Yhwh) skill and understanding.  Gabriel speaks of restoration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, but wonderfully mentions to the prophet about the coming Messiah, the Prince, which we know is Y’shua/Jesus the Christ.

Where interpretation of the prophecy becomes confused is when the angel foretells the death of the Christ (Messiah cut off) after three score and two weeks (62 weeks).  There then appears to be a gap or postponement in the prophecy, as it speaks of events after Messiah’s death that are not yet fulfilled.

The angel speaks of a prince coming that will destroy both the city and the sanctuary, which many postulate was fulfilled in 70 AD, when the Roman army under Titus destroyed Jerusalem. If that is true, then what 'covenant of many' was signed?  What flood happened and why is there not yet an end of war 'desolations' for Jerusalem, as she still is surrounded by many who seek destruction of the city, or an overtaking of it to possess?

Admittedly, I lose some understanding at this point, if I simply read the conclusion of Daniel 9:26, 27, as Gabriel speaks of a flood and the end of war desolations.  Further study then must follow by the reading of more books in the Bible, as well as a study of the weeks and years and see if understanding comes.  

My mindset does not allow me to toss something aside simply because it is too complex to me, but neither do I run with the first thing that sounds intellectual and is backed up by scripture.  
The serpent in the Garden of Eden also took God’s [spoken] word out of context.  It is important to remember these things when using discernment.  Also...pray!

Scholars have determined that Yhwh (God) has His own calendar, which consists of 12 – 30 day months, equaling an even 360 days.  This is unlike our confusing Gregorian calendar with its leap years and daylight savings times. Also taken into consideration amongst biblical scholars are the Sabbath and Jubilee years of the Lord, as well as the new moons (lunar cycles), along with the Hebrew calendar.   

When some argue that the years (70 weeks) are continuous, other scriptures must be lined up with Daniel.  Some of the prophets were alive at the same time, and predecessors (prophets of God) were on Yhwh’s time clock and schedule and not man’s. When Nehemiah and his crew were rebuilding the walls and gates, they had a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.  It all was a precursor to the prophecy given to Daniel by Gabriel, proving unequivocally that all scripture is interwoven. As I researched the timeline for Daniel 9, countless sources are available.  

Rather than break it down here, I offer the following link by the ‘Endtime Pilgrim’ site.  Understanding the 70 weeks of Daniel.
I would also like to provide the link for the “Midnight Watcher”, to share his/her viewpoint.  Debaters challenge the view, which is an interesting read in itself; however, it helps broaden our scope in understanding the various standpoints.  

The Holy Spirit will caution us against serious error, if we sincerely pray to the Lord to keep us from deception and false teaching.  The scriptures, the precious Spirit of the Father and experiences we endure in life provide us discernment, but the Lord will deepen our discernment (necessary in these days of increasing gross darkness), as we press in and pray, believing He is pleased to answer such prayers.

If the truth is admitted, the majority of disciples of Jesus/Y’shua in the Western Hemisphere are not taught about prophecies in the Bible, the Hebrew calendar or the calendar of the Creator, the feasts of Yhwh/God that presents the plan of salvation, or even how our forerunners considered the lunar cycles.  

We are brought up on pagan holidays and the Gregorian calendar, which brings confusion, unnecessary debates and false teachings amongst God’s people.  With that being said, it is my hope that discussing Daniel 9 (howbeit in a miniscule way) and providing links, will encourage others to dig deeper and do their own research, if understanding is lacking.  I continue on with my own researches.

Mega-preachers, such as Rick Warren, are encouraging believers to forsake prophecy and watching end-time events, stating that it is a distraction to Christians.  That would negate the words of scripture, to watch and pray and also to study to show ourselves approved, to mention only a couple of exhortations.

What would he have said to Jesus/Y’shua, when His sermon of the last days on the Mount of Olives (known as the Olivet Discourse) was presented to the people?  Warren also was seen on Fox TV stating “With the power of God, we can end terrorism and war and human suffering.”  Would God (Yhwh) then be a liar, having forewarned mankind of events that will and must take place?

The scripture that really drives home to me that Warren’s teaching on prophecy is a ‘spirit of error’ is the following powerful verse in scripture.

And I fell at his feet to worship him.  And he said to me, See you do it not: I am a fellow servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.  [Rev 19:10]

Take you heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is. [Mat26:41]

May the Lord help us all!

Who is Wiser than Solomon?

Repeatedly, I have written that none of us has all the answers, but with deception pressing heavily upon all of mankind, hoping to cause us to fall away from the faith, we do well to listen to others and take all things to the Lord.  Some things can be easily dismissed; other things will challenge our discernment.  We need the Lord.

No matter how wise any of us think we are, Y’shua clearly warned us about the deception that will abound in the last days.  “Let no man deceive you…”  Yet, Jesus/Y’shua also warned us that false prophets and false Christs would arise that will show such great signs and wonders that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [Mat 24:24]

We must keep in mind that ‘Christ’ means anointed, approved and appointed.  We all like to think that we are wise enough to keep from being deceived. Think upon Solomon.  With all his wisdom, he gave in to his own lusts (likely aided by Satan), and in the end, he fell away, forsaking the living God for other gods (idolatry).

The women appealed to him either in position, beauty, wit or charm.  Despite warnings from God not to intermingle or intermarry with the women, Solomon was captivated by them, loving them more than God.  They turned Solomon’s heart away from the Creator.

But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, You shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.  [1Kin 11:1-3]

Don’t think for a moment that Satan will not send someone your way to ‘love’, if it will cause you to turn away.  He enjoys working through those closest to us. Obviously, Solomon did not believe he would forsake God, but his lust for women was stronger than his love towards God.

Not once in the Bible do we see Solomon crying out to the Lord to help him to overcome.  Neither did he even repent, as David his father did.  Instead, it is a frightening example of how he loved his sin more than God, and in the end, he forsook God.

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. [1Kin 11:6]

Even as I write this, it makes me tremble and search within and examine my life.  These are the last days and we must understand that every effort will be made by Satan and his armies to lure us away into disobedience in our areas of weakness.  Jesus warned of a falling away, which is apostasy.

Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed (beware) lest he fall.  [1Cor 10:12]

Deception is at heights and depths as never before and is increasing rapidly.  We cannot possibly avoid deception and endure to the end without the wisdom of Christ Jesus (Y’shua) and the help of the Holy Spirit.  

We Must Guard Ourselves Diligently

Volumes can be written on the subject matter that others have presented on various sites in text, audio or video and likely volumes already have been.  Presenting the views of others to readers does not necessarily mean I agree with them.  

There are none of us who want to be deceived, not one.  But if Satan can appear as an angel of light, and his ministers can appear as ministers of righteousness, Lord help us all…we cannot do this without Jesus Christ and the very Spirit of our Lord directing us.  Reading the word of God, prayer, fasting, whatever it takes, we must press in for truth, as we heed the warnings in Yhwh’s word.

The number of people that believe Barack Obama is the Antichrist and Pope Francis is the false prophet is phenomenal, particularly since the new pope is Jesuit.  The lightning striking St. Peter’s Basilica mere hours after Pope Benedict’s resignation only added fuel to the fire (no pun intended), making all who are watching stand up and take notice.

From my viewpoint, the Antichrist is going to convince the majority that he is, in fact, the Messiah.  There are far too many people in a multitude of nations that would not accept Obama as the Messiah, despite his large group of admirers.  

No matter what miracles Obama may be able to conjure up (once Satan possesses the body of the Antichrist), the disciples of Christ who are awake, watching and praying would not fall for it.

No, Obama is NOT the Antichrist. There are racists and other haters who would like to label him that. He is not a Christian but he's not the Antichrist. The enemy knows what the word of God (Yhwh) says, after all, Satan quoted scripture to Jesus (Y’shua) during His 40 day fast in the desert wilderness.  

It is coming down to the time where those who follow Jesus (Y’shua) will either be persecuted or deceived.  There will be no more lukewarm; a choice must be made and a stand taken.  According to scripture:

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:  [2Pet1:10]

calling: Greek = klésis
Strong’s defines “calling” in this verse with one word only; ‘invitation’.

election: Greek = eklogē
Strong’s defines “election” thusly: (divine) selection (abstractly or concretely): chosen, election

The entire chapter must be taken in context, as Peter expounds on qualities (which are to be ever-increasing) that are found in a cleansed believer, as well as the character development that a disciple must ‘give all diligence’ toward, in order to experience and maintain growth.

This chapter is another entire writing in itself, but briefly, to stay in context with the one verse (making our calling and election sure), all of the previous qualities that Peter speaks of developing, including brotherly kindness and love (yet another topic). We must be carefully guarded and continue in Jesus, lest we begin to deteriorate and thus fall. 

There is otherwise the danger of becoming unfruitful (unproductive, lazy or idle), blind (spiritually) and short-sighted (unable to see past the present), forgetting that we ourselves were purged of our old sins.  

I will end at the tenth verse, where Peter exhorts us to (develop) do all (both to will and do all) of the previously mentioned in the chapter, with the help of Yhwh (God) alone, lest we fall.  The calling is the ‘invitation’ and the election is that which we have selected/chosen to ‘do these things’, so we will not fall.  

Observations of Brethren –Seek Yhwh’s Counsel

From the onset of Obama’s first campaign, he was likened to a ‘messiah’, as early as February, 2008, with the ‘second coming’ being glibly mentioned.

One report (known to be disinformative or misleading, the mainstream media):

“Is Obama the Messiah? People are asking these days and it's not so hard to understand why: the desperate throngs, the tears, the great awakening of a slumbering demographic. All that larger symbolism.”

“Timothy Noah has been on his "Messiah Watch" for over a year now for the online magazine, Slate, though he says he doesn't suggest it is Obama that believes in himself as the second coming, but rather "that a few excitable souls in the media bear the apparent conviction that Obama is the Redeemer.” 
 (emphasis mine – BP)  Source: Newsweek – Washington Post.2008

Jamie Foxx - "Lord and Savior" Public Comment

After the election, Jamie Foxx stated at the music awards "our lord and savior, Barack Obama", which struck the nerves of many.
Jamie Foxx Mocks Jesus
  
Background Check on Obama

In October, 2008, a most intriguing article was written on the Israel Science and Technology Homepage regarding presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama. The article, titled “Background check on Barack Hussein Obama, had originally been written in point form.

An excerpt is below, which may stimulate the reader’s interest, given the date it was written.  

This tells the story in a way that makes you realize just who voters could be "hiring" on Nov. 4th.

Received this from someone who was in Government Security and also Corporate Security. He said, 'Those of you that have worked in industries that require high level security clearances can understand the probable rejection of this Candidate.'

Imagine for a few moments that you are the Human Resources Director of a major multi-billion dollar corporation. You are sitting in your office when you receive a phone call from the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He tells you that the board is considering a candidate for a high-level executive position. He advises you to complete a thorough background investigation and have it to him within 10 days.

You immediately call the Private Detective Agency you have used for years and give them the name and address of the prospective candidate, along with the deadline for a high level security clearance. Your next move is to call your assistant to your office, giving him/her the candidate's personal information along with instructions to 'do your standard beginning background checks.'

Preliminary findings begin landing in your fax machine on the third day.

1. Your candidate has used more than one name.

2. His original birth certificate is unavailable, and he was mentored during his youth by a high level communist in Hawaii, Frank Marshall Davis. You receive a 3 page 'dossier' on Frank Marshall Davis.

3. You also learn the candidate was proctored into an elite Eastern private university by a middle eastern Muslim. You receive a short dossier on Khalid al-Mansour.

(note* - I have skipped down the list and continue)

14. His friend, Louis Farrakhan, is head of Nation of Islam. You learn that the candidate's Christian pastor met with global terrorist Mohmmar Gaddafi in Libya, along with their mutual friend and anti-American Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan has also identified Obama as The MESSIAH.

15. You receive printed transcripts of his pastor's anti-White, anti-American 'sermons' and are advised your candidate has been close personal friends with this 'pastor' for two decades.

16. Your candidate has referred to this radical pastor as his 'personal spiritual advisor,' and in fact, the title of one of your candidates memoirs was inspired by a line from this pastor's 'sermons.'

17. In your fax machine on the sixth morning is a file on one Tony Rezko; his friendship, associations and business transactions with your candidate, as well as high level 'people' of middle eastern origin, and his federal conviction. You will spend most of day seven compiling a file on the candidate, The Obama File, complete with footnotes and cross references.

18. Additional information is arriving regarding the candidate's friends and acquaintances during college, and you learn that he did not run with a mainstream crowd, but chose radicals and communist agitators for his social group.

19. The morning of the eighth day has arrived and you and your assistant have placed a small mountain of background information into manageable 'piles' including: photographs of the candidate's family in Africa, he and George Soros (including a brief file on the Soros 'Open Society Institute'), photos of the candidate and Louis Farrakhan and anti-Israeli Arafat advisor Edward Said.

(End excerpt) 

For the complete read: Source – Israel Science and Technology (IST)
You may also like to read The Obama Timeline, published by Colony14. Link provided by IST.

Another website did an article about Louis Farrakhan, mentioned in #14 in the above article, also back in February 2008.  The timeline for Farrakhan begins by stating that he is known as: 

(1) leader of the Nation of Islam 

(2) orchestrated the 1995 “Million Man March” 

(3) renowned for his hatred of whites and Jews.

“Also in February 2008, Farrakhan called Obama “a herald of the Messiah.” “Barack has captured the youth,” said the NOI leader, referring to the passionate support Obama had drawn from young people in America. “And he has involved young people in a political process that they didn’t care anything about. That’s a sign. When the messiah speaks, the youth will hear. And the messiah is absolutely speaking.”  Source - Discover the Networks (emphasis mine – BP)

Other Observations of Believers Regarding Obama’s Israel Trip

The fact that President Obama arrived in Israel on March 20 and that it lined up with the Vernal Equinox, which marks the beginning of the spring season, leaves room for diverse viewpoints.   

During an equinox, the Earth’s axis is nearly perpendicular, neither tilting away from or towards the sun.  Day and night are near equal in length, twelve hours each, which was called “aequus nox” (equal night) in Latin.  Equinox in English was derived from the Latin meaning.  

How the equinoctial points (vernal point and autumnal point) are determined, as well as deeper understanding of the equinox, can be read here on Wikipedia, to those who may be interested.

Since the twentieth of March marked a pagan festival, as well as spring being symbolic of resurrection, many found Obama’s arrival in Israel on that date of particular interest and speculation did abound.

Yet, speculation does not stop there.  Nisan 10 coincides with Jesus riding jubilantly into Jerusalem upon a donkey, which was compared with Obama arriving in Jerusalem and the donkey being the logo for the Democratic Party (mentioned previously in this writing).

What’s In a Name?

There have even been debates over the meaning of the President’s name – Barack Hussein Obama.  The name itself is said to be Arabic, yet again, other scholars bring a divide, as some state that Barak (name) is Hebrew.  In the book of Judges, Barak was the military leader of Israel’s army that defeated the Canaanite armies.

Although God (Yhwh) clearly spoke of his victory, Barak refused to go against the armies led by Sisera, unless Deborah, a prophetess and judge went with him.  As a result, the honor of the victory went to a woman and the glory went to God.

Barak in Hebrew means, lightning or shine.  In Arabic (al-Buraq), it means lightning, according to Wikipedia.    A site for the meanings of baby names writes: 

 Barak \b(a)- rak - as a boy's name is a variant of Barack (Hebrew, Swahili, African) and Barric (English), and the meaning of Barak is "lightning; blessing; grain farm". 

Again, I do not believe that Obama is the Antichrist, but I do believe that he was selected and is instrumental in bringing about the downfall of America and the setting up of the New World Order in this hemisphere, as Canada will follow suit also.  

I also believe that he was set up to be presented as 'messiah' (to mislead), which would explain why the media played up the part, as well as the entertainment industry.  Perhaps it was a 'test' by those with grander plans, to see how gullible people are.  Or perhaps it was not intended at all, but snowballed from remarks of people from their adoration.

The Antichrist will not come announced, which is how he will deceive so many.  People will be in such awe that Jesus (Y'shua) deemed it necessary to forewarn His apostles and disciples.  He never wasted words.  He knew that the deception will be so 'slick', so convincing, that even the elect (saved) are in danger of being fooled. 

As with many movies, the release of the ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ on the 22^nd of March, 2013, is seen as a prophetic movie, with the White House being attacked and the President held hostage.  The Russians, Chinese, British and French (France) are mentioned, which invites further conjecture.  Olympus Has Fallen trailer

Assassination Attempt and More

Special ‘thank you’ goes to the brother who provided the following link, from “Lightgate” blogger.  In the blog, the writer covers a myriad of topics about President Obama, some of which I have touched upon also. The writer draws attention to a couple of cards in the Illuminati card game, invented by Steve Jackson and cover artist Dave Martin and released by Steve Jackson Games (SJG) in 1982.  The game was extended in 1983.

What made the game gain notoriety has been the predictions that were eerily prophetic – some of which came to pass.  Steven Jackson shrugs it off as coincidental.  The cards reveal the strike on the twin towers in NYC, the Pentagon hit, HAARP, chemtrails and much more (coincidental?) Two of the Illuminati cards portray a black leader behind a podium fitted with a microphone that is pelted by red paint blobs, one of which hits the man in the head.  The second card reveals the leader’s survival (resurrected), with the man being outlined with a glowing light.  

The insert about the two cards is brief; however, the writer alludes to the ‘black leader’ being President Obama. It was written by Stewart Best – Lightgate back on February 25th, which puts his article ahead of others on the timing (I think I am dragging up the rear behind the crowd now [smiles]).

Indeed, with my internet being down twice, the posting of this article is five days behind, having begun on the 19^th of March.  Not desiring to waste the hard work that I had already put into the research and writing of this piece, I decided to finish that which I had begun.

In my research, I stumbled across an article written by Jen Shroder that intrigued me, as her view of biblical prophecies and America is the most unique piece that I have read.  Brilliantly written and quite captivating, it is sure to pique the interest of readers.

“Revelation 13: "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

The seven heads are the seven articles of the Constitution which give our government its power. They include the three branches of government, Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The ten horns are the succession of the last ten presidents beginning with President Kennedy in 1961. (Side note: Some say the Bilderberg group first met in 1954, 7 years prior)

"Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard [Congress, see picture], his feet were like the feet of a bear [Judicial, see picture], and his mouth like the mouth of a lion." [Executive Branch, see picture]

The beast is the United States government. The Executive Branch is likened to the "mouth of a lion" which is shaped like the architecture of the white house where dignitaries are met. Also, the lion is a regal creature, and his mouth/lips are black. Our current president is both white and black.”  (End excerpt)

I will end my article by posting the link to her site where you will find the piece she wrote.  It is quite a compelling and thought-provoking piece of work.

Renew America (guest writer – Jen Shroder) 

 

The website of Renew America writes:

Jen Shroder is a Marine mom and founder of http://www.blessedcause.org, dedicated to restoring sanity to our public schools, exposing the Islamic indoctrination in American textbooks and required prayers to Allah. Shroder has been interviewed by Fox News, Associated Press, and dozens of talk radio/news media.

for His glory alone

Bonita                          dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com