Echoes Down through the Corridors of History

Echoes Down through the Corridors of History

The coming of the true Messiah (Jesus the Christ/Yeshua the Messiah) is imminent, but that also means that the Antichrist (whom I strongly believe is upon this earth today) is ready to make his presence known.

As I have stated in more than one article, we often hear Christians, as well as unbelievers, state (most often with negative connotations intended) that every generation, including the apostles and disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah expected His imminent return.

And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. [2Pet 3:4]

Yet, with prayerful consideration and intent, we should take the time to study biblical eschatology to truly see what the Lord is revealing to us about the end times, or rather the final events that are to take place in history (unfold) in the age of all ages before Messiah’s return.

In the Greek, the word eschatology is formed from two words; the first word being “last” - [ἔσχατος], and the second word being “study” – [-λογία]. Therefore, eschatology would mean “last study” or “end study – “end things” (end times study; last days study).

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines eschatology as:

● a branch of theology concerned with the final events in history of the world or of mankind

● a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically

● any various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment

Last Days? Don’t Worry!

Some do not believe that eschatology or the “end times/last days” are part of the gospel message and that Jesus did not say much about it; others know that He did indeed say what to look for. In my researching, I became astounded at all the different beliefs there are. Simply astronomical!

In the area of religion, even in Christianity, the different viewpoints and interpretations can be mind-boggling.  Critics and skeptics love to deliver a diatribe about the frailties, inconsistencies and conflicts of Christianity, and they would seem to have been given plenty of arsenal.

Rather than getting sidetracked here by expounding on reasons for such discordant views, beliefs and denominations, I submit a link to a website that tackles a question about diverse interpretations and makes some valid points. If you are not satisfied with the reasons given, perhaps take time to do further research.

Many of us have heard that there are those who have been ‘worn down’ by countless prophesied calamities and dates that have not come to pass. They believe the word of God and give heed to the warnings, but became confused with the “date setting”. 

I personally believe that in His wisdom, the Lord did not give us exact times or dates. Heck, we become impatient waiting in doctors’ offices, traffic jams, restaurants and many other situations.  

How on earth could we be patient if we knew the hour and day of the Messiah’s return, and how would people act if the known date was beyond their longest possible life span? I truly doubt that we could handle it - not properly anyway. 
There would be someone trying to manipulate it for their own personal reasons, just as some try to push things foreward now.

In His wisdom and love, God has held back the day and hour from mankind. 

Others still prefer not to hear about or discuss the last days to any degree whatsoever, having decided that the whole idea is intrusive, interfering with their personal life, their daily decisions and pleasures.

Those who are thus positioned might say, “You only have one life to live. God wants us to enjoy life to the fullest, not sit around and worry about it. God knows my heart and He leads me. Got to enjoy life to its fullest, no holds barred.”

It is true that we are not to live in fear or perpetual worry; however, to dismiss the whole idea of tribulation and the return of the Messiah can easily lead a person into compromise, which can lead to falling away. There is a danger that such people may be deceived and led away into temptations that satisfy their fleshly desires. They believe if it makes them happy, it surely must be God’s will. 

There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. [Prov 16:25]

There are multitudes who believe in the ‘once saved, always saved’ doctrine which teaches that all sins are forgiven when you repent once – all sins, past, present and future, often adding that we are under grace, not “the law”.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. [2 Thess 2:3]

I tell you a truth - a person cannot fall away from a place where they did not once stand.  We have to be careful and not presumptuous. I have heard people become livid and incessant in disagreeing. Think upon certain scriptures and take it to the Lord.

Some have said, if a person falls away, then they were never truly saved; they were not the Lord's. How many believe they are saved, but possibly are not? Think about those who believe in Jesus; they believe He was a great teacher and prophet, but they deny that He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Son of the Living God?

 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.  [1Jn 2:18, 19]

Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: (but) he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us, even eternal life. [1Jn 2:22-25]

What was the first sin ever committed? Some say that Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit, so therefore, the sin had to do with their appetite.  Others say it was unbelief because they listened to the serpent, not God. Yet, think upon it.

The Lord tests the faith and obedience of His people. They could have everything they wanted, but only one thing. They were not to eat the fruit of the tree in the midst of the Garden. 

Some say that God tempted Adam and Eve, but that is not true.They were tempted by the serpent, not God. They had the power to choose, just as we do.
Therefore, would the first sin not be pride, followed by rebellion, followed by disobedience? 

Eve listened to the serpent's seducing words.  

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God does know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. [Gen 3:3-5]

What could be more tempting than to be on the same level as God? "[...] you shall be as gods", the serpent said, which is likened to 'you will be just like Him, knowing what He knows, knowing good from evil'. (insinuation, deception, lie)

Pride would have motivated disobedience. "I will be as or like God, knowing what He knows."  Quite a concept, and Eve heeded the words of the serpent. Lust of the eyes (she 'saw' it was good), lust of the flesh (and did eat) and pride of life (I will be as God Himself).

They chose not to do as the Lord commanded them. If a parent tells a child not to do something and they do it anyway, do we not say that the child rebelled against them and disobeyed? Pride convinced the child that they could do as they pleased and not listen to their parents.

What was the fall of Lucifer due to?  He became lifted up with pride because of his great beauty and wisdom [Ez 28:11] Once pride overtook him, then he rebelled against God.

Once Adam and Eve were filled with pride [we will be as (equal) God and He does not want us to be equal to Him (unbelief)], they rebelled against God's command to them (chose not to listen to Him). 

Then they chose to disobey by deliberately doing the very thing they were told not to do.  Their eyes were indeed opened and they realized the 'evil' that they had done. Fear came upon them and fear opposes faith.

The serpent led them to repeat exactly what he (Lucifer/Satan) had done. They became prideful, rebelled and disobeyed, filled with fear and unbelief.

For this ye know, that no whoremonger (sexually promiscuous man), nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [Eph 5:5, 6]

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. [Eph 2:2]

I believe the first sin was disobedience, spurred on by pride and unbelief (doubted God; doubted what He said). It all worked hand in hand. It was the "doing", the action, the choice Adam and Eve made that was the sin. They disobeyed God, the Creator.

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [Rom 5:19]

Unbelief is not found in the one who trusts and obeys God. Remember when Jesus did no miracles in a place because of their unbelief? [Mat 13:58]

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries 

[Heb 10:26, 27]

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, that person is My brother and sister and mother. [Mat 12:50]

Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. [Mat 7:21]

It is a dangerous attitude to take grace and mercy for granted.  The “greasy grace” (even if you keep sinning, you are forgiven) doctrine is a slippery slide to hell and many false teachers will be held accountable. 

It is a doctrine of devils that teaches once you are saved, there is no need for further repentance if you sin again (fornication, adultery, stealing, lying etc).  It is a lie. Read 2Chronicles 7:14, 15 and Hebrews 6:4-6 

Like you, I am still learning too. We can all make mistakes, but I have provided a starting point. The rest is up to you to take to the Lord.  Let us keep studying!

Many lightly quote the saying, “Let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”  Often people who quote it do not realize it is scripture. It sounds like a wise saying, and is often used to lighten a burden; to suggest one should not worry, but relax.

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die. [Is 22:13]

But perhaps before one quotes it, they should read the whole chapter to keep the verse in context.

Next verse (14):

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

However, even if read, it is more likely the following verse would be ignored or forgotten.  It is actually a serious chapter. Repentance is not a popular subject, but if we want to spend eternity with our Creator, it is a critical one.

Whether one believes in Satan’s interference in our lives or not, many scriptures warn us about him. He is so evil that he can appear as an angel of light; as a harmless old gentleman or a kind old woman; as a handsome man or beautiful lady; as an innocent child.  Throughout the Bible, we see angels appear in human form.

Satan is a deceiver, the father of lies, a master illusionist, a murderer from the beginning. He can appear to you in any deceptive way that pleases you and he will speak to you in a way that you approve of –causing you to believe it IS of God.  Slowly or quickly, with just one successful temptation, he can lead you away from away from God and the destiny God wanted to accomplish in your life.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.  [Mat 7:14]

We keep our faith as a child's. We walk by faith and not by sight. We continue to trust God; keep a repentant heart. The path we walk is not the popular path - it is not fashionable or politically correct, but it is the road that leads to life.

We need to read and study the word of God, including the eschatology of our Christian faith because I truly believe we are living in the last of the last days. But above all, we need to remember our first love, and cleave to God Almighty through His precious Son Jesus (Yeshua), our Saviour.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.  [2Cor 2:11]

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhibiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.  [Rev 12:11, 12]

Political Arena

I originally began the writing of this article a week ago.  I had merely intended to announce the election results of Canada’s newest leader, as countless others ended up doing (beside the obvious sources of the media). 

Having spent nearly seven years in the United States (mostly in the state of Georgia), and having only been back in Canada one year (as of late September 2014), I was a little out of the loop as far as Canadian politics were concerned.

It is only natural that when one lives in a certain country that one becomes aware of the politics in that country and often enters into the political coliseum to observe, along with the people of that country, what is going on in the political arena.

In doing so, one will not only observe closely all the participants, all the leaders and the events they have orchestrated to present to the people, but one also hears and sees what the other spectators are saying and their reactions.

Unless one is within the inner circle of the leaders and has close ties with them or is someone the leaders carefully and respectfully heed, such as elect councilors, advisers and/or close personal friends, one is not privy to the more intimate conversations or remarks.  One can only discern or judge by what one sees or hears, whether it is first-hand (eyewitness) or hearsay.

We cannot close our eyes to what is happening.  We must cleave to the Lord and allow Him to reveal things to us. Some people are of the mindset that when God leads us, every person we encounter and interact with, every word said or heard is of God, but that is not true.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation – Deliver Us from Evil

Some people do not want to hear about Satan or temptations, and if the devil is mentioned, they take offense or shrug it off.  After all, “God knows my heart and He leads me. He won’t let Satan trick us and besides, I’m fully aware of the devil’s schemes and tactics.”

It is good to be confident in the Lord like that, but not if you are of the mindset that every thought, every meeting, every action is of God because that is simply not true. The Bible consistently shows where God’s own people chose unwisely. Also, how many times have we read and understood that God tests our faith?

Yet, these same people will readily admit that we are not puppets and God does not manipulate us. On the flip side of the coin, it is true that there are those who see Satan under every bush and blame Satan for everything, even their sins.

There must be balance and that only comes through clinging to the Lord as grapes to a Vine, or separated from the Vine, the grapes will perish or be consumed.  The Word of God reveals to us the reality of Satan. Every interaction and encounter is not necessarily of God.

Think upon Sampson. He saw a woman in Timnath, a daughter of Philistines, and was so taken by her looks that he immediately wanted her. His parents tried to dissuade him when he insisted they get her for him to marry, but he married her anyway and arranged a celebration. [Judg 14:1-4]

A feast was held amongst the Philistines and a young Sampson put forth a riddle. If the thirty men who accompanied him could not answer it, they were to give Sampson 30 sheets (fine linen shirt) and 30 garments (raiment; garment): if he lost, he would give to them. [Judg14:11-13]   

The men instructed his wife to find out the answer to the riddle and after seven days with her, he gave her the answer, which she immediately told to the young men at the feast.

Sampson knew his wife had been coerced and slew the thirty men and took their spoil. Her father, believing that his daughter would be hated by Sampson gave his wife to another man, a friend of his.

An infuriated Sampson retaliated by tying the tails of 300 foxes together, set their tails on fire and let them loose in olive vineyards and corn fields. For that, the Philistines burned both his wife and father-in-law alive with fire.

Scripture then goes into more detail about Sampson with his enemies, which I will not bring up, or it would swell this writing greatly.  He caused a disturbance in Gaza when he got through the gates and lay with a harlot. [Judg 16:1] His presence in the city caused such a stir amongst the people that they wanted to kill him.

At midnight, in the dark, he took the very doors of the gates that fortified the city, as well as the strong beams that braced them and carried them away. There was no mention of the Gazites going after him. [Judg 16:1-3]

Finally, his lust for women led him to one named Delilah. He was so smitten with her, he fell in love. It is an intriguing story, but suffice it to say, Delilah ended up betraying him for eleven hundred pieces of silver (love of money) [Judg 16:5;20]  (It only took 30 pieces of silver for Judas to betray Jesus)

They gauged his eyes out, imprisoned him and sacrificed to Dagon, their god. Sampson cried out to God to strengthen him one more time to avenge himself against the Philistines, even asking to let him die with them. He was granted his request.

He was strengthened enough to take hold of the two pillars that held up the house of the Philistines and bring them down. He died along with a great number of Philistines. It is said that he slew more at his death than he did in his life. [Judg 16:30]

Then there is the story of David with Bathsheba found in the second book of Samuel, in the eleventh chapter.

Consequences of Sinful Choices

Sampson died due to the betrayal of Delilah (she seduced him with her good looks and pleasant words for her own selfish gain), and David’s household became filled with violence, lust and idolatry. 

After the murder of Uriah and his marriage to Bathsheba (Uriah’s widow), the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to the king. After all was said and done, Nathan uttered the message to David from the Lord.

Nathan told him that he would not die (the Lord was granting mercy), but David was told of God’s judgment for his transgressions of adultery with Bathsheba and for “getting rid” of her husband.

Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed, you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun. 

[2Sam 12:17-20]

The second book of Samuel gives all the details, but suffice it to say that David’s household became filled with evil, such as rape, murder, rebellion, conspiracies and lies, betrayal, hatred, lust and idolatry.

Solomon, his son through Bathsheba, although considered the wisest man of all kingdoms, ended up filled with lust and disobeyed God by marrying beautiful foreign women who worshipped false gods.  As a result, Solomon turned from the true, Living God and worshipped the gods of his wives.  Yes, evil came against David in his own household, as the Lord warned.

The book of Ecclesiastes is credited to a man named "Koheleth, son of David, king of Jerusalem". Many say that it was written by Solomon, but Koheleth is the name given. Debate goes back and forth as to who "Koheleth" is, as well as the exact time period it was written in.  Some say Solomon wrote this with a repentant heart, others claim the book to be a back and forth type of wisdom, that concludes in the end to, 'fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of everyone.' [Eccl 12:13]

Although Sampson and David were men anointed of God, they found themselves seduced by women.  Burning with lust, they gave into temptations, disobeyed God's leading, and thereby paid the consequences. Therefore, not every encounter or every person is sent from God. That is why one must seek God in situations. David obviously knew better, as the women was married and her husband was a loyal warrior in David's army. Solomon had been warned more than once not to marry foreign wives. Both acted on their fleshly desires, and not in wisdom, or in obedience to God's will.

Wiles of the Devil

There is an adversary who will tempt us in the areas of our weakness, and there are people who walk by the flesh and not by the Spirit. We all fall short of the glory of God, and if we let our guard down, our fleshly appetites and desires can overpower us. Yet, if we call ourselves children of God, we must overcome temptation, and by the Spirit of God, we can. It is true that Satan knows our weaknesses and he will do all he can to take us out of faith and into disobedience (temptations), but the 'choice' is ours, as surely as it was for Adam and Eve.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. [1Pet 5:8]

The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.  [Jn 10:10]

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. [Gal 5:17]

There has no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation, make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. [1Cor 10:13] 

Not even friendly or sincere-sounding advice is necessarily of God. Even a believer can be an unwilling instrument of Satan, as the devil will use any means to provoke you to anger or to steer you from the path God intends for you to walk.  Think upon Peter who loved Jesus and did not want to see any harm come to Him. Satan spoke through Peter to try and dissuade Jesus from His mission, that of being crucified.

It would either be pride or ignorance to think everything we think, do or say was led of God. The world, the flesh and Satan can influence any one of us. That is why we have to be on-guard. We can all mess up (myself included). God help us all!

Look at the example of Peter in the book of Matthew, chapter 16. When Peter answered a question Jesus had asked, the Lord was well pleased.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but My Father which is in heaven.  [vs 17]

Jesus continued his conversation with the disciples and the next few verses down, Jesus is rebuking Satan who is speaking through Peter. That is how fast it can happen!  One minute Peter is speaking revelation knowledge by the Holy Spirit and the next minute, Satan is speaking through him. Jesus (Yeshua) discerned both.

From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from You, Lord: this shall not be unto You. But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: You are an offence unto Me: for you savour not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  [Mat 16:21-23]

Peter must have been shocked and confused by Jesus’ remark. Was the Lord calling him a devil?  No!  The Lord discerned that Satan was speaking through him. Peter’s weakness was his love for Jesus. He did not want to hear Yeshua speaking of his own death. When Peter voiced his thoughts, Jesus discerned the voice of the enemy in the words Peter spoke.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ [2Cor 10:4, 5]

Satan will not hesitate to use those close to us to try and steer us from our destinies. If he does not succeed in tripping us up with a temptation in an area of weakness, he will try to use a loved one or a trusted, close association to try and lead us astray. It is good to have an open mind, but not to the point where we cannot think straight and we stray from the path the Lord has us on. 

    On the other hand, Satan can try to lead you to a destiny that is not of God. If a serious decision must be made on a matter, take it to the Lord and WAIT for His answer. Be patient. He will let you know, if you sincerely seek His will. All preconceived ideas must be laid aside because if you are determined to do a thing, you will not hear the Lord clearly. 

    Pour out your heart to the Father, all your ideas and reasons (He already knows), but in confessing, you will know if you are honestly seeking His will, or trying to manipulate His will to come in agreement with your will. Lay your life upon the altar and wait upon God to lead you. He is a good Creator and Father; He knows the plans He has for you. Fear not. Be patient and wait.

    The Lord speaks to us with a still, small voice, but evil spirits can speak to us in the same way also. They can plant images or ideas into your mind, with the mission and intent to deceive. 

    God also gives us visions and dreams. Therefore, it is crucial to take things to the One who loves you; the One who created you. This is why we must examine our thoughts.  James 1:19 admonishes us to be slow to speak; quick to listen and slow to anger. Every single one of us has failed in this at times...every single one of us (self included). If you think not, then you have already deceived yourself.

    We were also warned in Daniel 12:4 that in the end times (time of the end), many would rush to and fro, and knowledge would be increased.  With travel today, we can be across the world in hours. Never before have societies been under such pressure to rush to and fro, whether from hectic schedules, or from fleeing a country due to genocide and/or war. Never before has such a vast amount of knowledge been at our fingertips. Sin - hatred, greed, lust, pride - yes, sin is rampant.

      For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life are not of the Father, but is of the world. [1Jn 2:16] 

Never before in history have we had such knowledge available to us – right at our fingertips. The computer age and satellites allow us instant access to news globally and any other information that we desire to have. We must be careful.

It is not my intention for this article to have a polemical tone, but when it comes to erroneous beliefs and false teachings, polemics cannot be avoided. It is my hope that what I share will be beneficial in leading some to salvation, whilst perhaps encouraging others to avoid the dangers of the last of the last days (temptation), and also to do their own study on eschatology.  So much can be learned that could expand our understanding and help us to make wise choices in the last days of this age.

     As stated earlier, my initial purpose in writing the article was simply to announce the outcome of Canada’s election and state who won.

    When watching a couple of videos on Justin Trudeau’s campaign, I noticed the sign that was on the podium in almost all of his public speeches at conferences, press sessions, public debates, fundraisers etc.  It reminded me of another candidate in another country who also won the election.

   When I began this writing of this article, it was meant to be posted on October    20, the day after the polls were closed and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was      elected as Prime Minister of Canada. 

Yet, I knew little about Trudeau, outside of the fact that he was the eldest son of Pierre Trudeau, was spending a lot of money on advertising and on his campaign, and that he intended to legalize marijuana. Yes, that was one of the favourite topics amongst the people.  Many are for the legalization of it, whilst others are against the idea.  It is a fact that marijuana is beneficial for medicinal purposes.

Serious Digging

Therefore, in order to write accurate facts about Trudeau, I would have to do some research and some serious digging.  Having lived in America for slightly less than seven years (six years, six months approx in Georgia), I knew more about Barack Obama than I did about Justin Trudeau.

It was my intention to finally post the article on Saturday, the 24^th of October, as I felt I was finally done. What was intended to be a brief article became a three-part series and ready to post…so I thought; however, there was more to come.

The Lord has unique ways of leading us when our prayers are ever before Him. We may be praying about one thing, such as not to be deceived and to be led into truth, even if it is hard truths.

Naturally, we go about our daily business and before we know it, we suddenly realize that God is answering our prayers in the most unexpected ways and at the most unanticipated times.  The Holy Spirit begins to expand our understanding and we stand in awe.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.  [Is 55:9]

Thus ends my unintended introduction to the article that I began over a week ago. There will be links available, if your curiosity is piqued enough to read the series and happen to miss a portion.

By now, obviously, the beginning of this article will be “old news”.  Most of the world now knows who Canada’s new leader is. Deep in the south, such as the state of Georgia, Canadian news is somewhat rare. I know this from having lived there for over six years. 

Guaranteed, the people in the United States have heard the news about the Canadian elections and which candidate became the country’s new prime minister, once the electoral votes were tallied. 

In this article, there will be points of interest such as when I allude to the commonalities between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Barack Obama, not only in their campaigning, but also in their beliefs (political and spiritual) and in similar activities they have participated in.

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD has not done it?  Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He reveals His secret unto His servants the prophets. The lion has roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD has spoken, who can but prophesy?  [Amos 3:6-8]

God speaks to all of us. We just need to hear and listen.

The article that I had originally intended to publish begins from here on in.

God Sets Up a King

When Pontius Pilate questioned Jesus (Yeshua) about what place he came from, He answered not.  Whether indignant or surprised that this accused man before him chose not to answer a man such as himself who had great power, Pilate questioned,

“Speak you not to me? know you not that I have power to crucify you, and have power to release you?”  Jesus answered, You could have no power [at all] against Me, except it were given you from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto you has the greater sin. [Jn 19:10, 11]

He (God/Yhvh) changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings: He gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.  [KJV – Dan 2:21]

Pilate was known to be of an oppressive and cruel disposition; yet, the truth in Jesus’ answer had a profound impact on him. So much so that he strongly and urgently desired to release Christ.

However, Pontius Pilate was a political leader during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. He was the Roman governor (procurator) over Judea and as such, the overall consensus of the people greatly influenced him and would sway his decisions.

Canada’s New Leader

It’s official. Canada’s federal election is over (October 19, 2015) and we have a new Prime Minister, Justin Pierre James Trudeau, winning 184 out of the 338 seats in parliament. 

Mr. Trudeau professes to be a Christian, a Catholic.  In his victory speech, did he thank God or even give Him any glory? No, the glory went to the Liberal party (which indirectly glorified his efforts). Yet, down throughout history, how many do give God glory for their position? It is a high calling and very easy to get puffed up and leave God out of the equation...very easy.  

It is possible that in all the excitement he forgot the words of Jesus to Pontius Pilate or the part that says God sets kings up. [Worldly] wisdom would warn him that it would not be politically correct to mention such a thing and offend any supporters that did not believe as he did.

Click here for Part TWO

for His glory

Bonita                                   dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com