Some Good News About The Tribulation

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Yeah, you read that right. I just finished an article for my blog and while searching the scriptures, I found a nugget… a big fat nugget. I thought you might want to know about it, so here we go!

I found this nugget while reading chapters 13 & 14 in the book of Revelation.  Here is the scripture for those of you who aren’t running to get your bible or clicking on your desktop icon to pull up your favorite bible software. I apologize in advance for copying chapter 13 in its entirety, but I wanted to put the underlined portion of scripture in context. You can just read the underlined portion if you prefer, because that’s the portion I’ll be referring to.

Chapter 13 (KJV)

¹And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. ²And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. ³And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. ⁴And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? ⁵And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. ⁶And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. ⁷And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. ⁸And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. ⁹If any man have an ear, let him hear. ¹⁰He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. ¹¹And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. ¹²And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. ¹³And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, ¹⁴And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. ¹⁵And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. ¹⁶And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: ¹⁷And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. ¹⁸Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

So we see here a picture of the Beast and the False Prophet in the last half of the Tribulation, which is known as the Great Tribulation. He orders an image of the Beast to be made. He then “gives life” to this image so that it speaks. This image demands to be worshiped, using death as a punishment for disobedience. Everyone is then commanded to receive the mark of the beast in their forehead or right hand. Anyone who refuses this mark will be prohibited from purchasing or selling anything.

You may be asking yourself where the good news is in all of this. Hold on, it’s coming. It’s found in Revelation 14.

Chapter 14 (KJV)

¹And 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. ²And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: ³And 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. ⁴These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. ⁵And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. ⁶And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ⁸And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ⁹And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ¹⁰The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ¹¹And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. ¹²Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. ¹³And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them…

Did you see it? The good news? For those of you who missed it, here it is:

Our loved ones and friends who remain after the Rapture will be given absolute 100% proof that God exists, thus giving them another chance to repent! 

Chapter 13 describes what’s going to happen, but chapter 14 lets us know that God is going to send angels to shout with a loud voice warning the inhabitants of the earth to fear God and give Him glory! Read the underlined portion of chapter 14 again. These are the words that will be heard by everyone on the earth at this point and time in the Tribulation. They’re encouraged to give their lives to God and to reject the mark of the Beast and to refrain from worshiping the Beast. 

How do I know that what is written about in Chapter 14 will take place before, or just as, the mark of the Beast and the worship of his image is made mandatory as described in chapter 13? If that wasn't the case, then the warning would be moot.

Chapter 13 reveals to us what Satan’s plan will be, but chapter 14 shows us that God has a plan to warn everyone on the planet before these new laws can be instituted by the Beast.

So there it is. Take comfort in knowing that even when we’re gone, the Lord has prepared so much for those who remain here on the earth during that time of Tribulation. He has prepared the two Witnesses, the 144,000 Messianic Jews, and he will send angels to audibly warn the entire population of the planet against worshiping the Beast and taking his mark.

Thank you, Lord God, for tempering Your anger during the Tribulation and allowing those who are lost opportunity upon opportunity to repent during this time of Tribulation. May all glory and honor be to You Lord God, forever and ever!  Amen!

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Are Atheists And Agnostics Really Looking For Proof Of God's Existence?

Image: empowermoments.org

Are Atheists and Agnostics really looking for proof of the existence of God?  That’s a question that recently popped into my mind. I've had discussions with Atheists and Agnostics in the past and have found that no matter what answer I gave them, they seemed to twist the scripture shared with them or just balked at my response. It got to the point where I realized that I could not convince them of anything; that they needed to step out in faith or they would be lost forever. I left it at that and although I stopped “casting my pearls,” I was always available if they wanted to talk about the Lord.

I find myself pondering the question of whether they were really and truly looking for “proof,” or if their sole purpose was to deny Christ no matter what evidence they were given of His existence. I decided to refer back to the word of God and find examples of those who denied Jesus’ authority even though they were staring in the face of undeniable proof that He was indeed the Son of God.  Here is what I found.

The Good Shepherd and the hireling

“Truly, truly, I say to you, He who does not enter into the sheepfold by the door, but going up by another way, that one is a thief and a robber. ²But he who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The doorkeeper opens to him, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him. For they know his voice. ⁵And they will not follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. ⁶Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what it was which He spoke to them. ⁷Then Jesus said to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹I am the door. If anyone enters in by Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ¹¹I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. ¹²But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. And the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep. ¹³The hireling flees, because he is a hireling and does not care for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the Good Shepherd, and I know those that are Mine, and I am known by those who are Mine. ¹⁵Even as the Father knows Me, I also know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶And I have other sheep who are not of this fold. I must also lead those, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one flock, one Shepherd. ¹⁷Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I might take it again. ¹⁸No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down from Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. I have received this commandment from My Father.” ¹⁹Then a division occurred again among the Jews because of these words. ²⁰And many of them said, ‘He has a demon and is insane. Why do you hear him?’ ²¹Others said, ‘These are not words of one who has been possessed by a demon. A demon is not able to open the eyes of blind ones.’ (John 10:1-21 MKJV)

Here we have Jesus openly declaring that he’s the Good Shepherd, acknowledging that He lays down His life for His sheep and takes up His life by His own authority and that God is His Father. To some, these were just the words of a demon possessed man; to others they were words of truth because they knew that Jesus had healed the blind. Jesus’ mention of the “hirelings” must have infuriated the Pharisees. Jesus said, “But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. And the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep. ¹³The hireling flees, because he is a hireling and does not care for the sheep.” (John 10:12-13 MKJV)

Wow! Here is an example of what Jesus was talking about.

First, the miracle. 

“Then they took away the stone where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴²And I know that You hear Me always, but because of the people who stand by I said it, so that they may believe that You have sent Me.’ ⁴³And saying these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, Here! Outside!’ ⁴⁴And he who had died came out, bound hand and foot with sheets, and his face was bound with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Untie him and let him go!’ ⁴⁵Then many of the Jews who came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him. ⁴⁶But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. (John 11:41-46 NKJV)

As we see in this portion of scripture, while some who had witnessed this miracle repented and accepted Jesus as their Messiah, others refused to believe and went straight to the Pharisees to report what they had witnessed. 

Next, the hirelings and the wolf

Then the chief priests and Pharisees gathered a Sanhedrin, and said, ‘What can we do? For this man does many miracles. ⁴⁸If we let him alone this way, all will believe on him. And the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.’ ⁴⁹And one of them, Caiaphas, being the high priest of that year, said to them, ‘You do not know anything at all, ⁵⁰nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation perish.’ ⁵¹And he did not speak this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation; ⁵²and not for that nation only, but also that He should gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. ⁵³Then from that day they took counsel together that they might kill Him. (John 11:47-53)

Even the Pharisees, knowing what Jesus had done, refused to accept Him as their Messiah and, instead, worried more about what could possibly happen in the physical instead of realizing the blessing of witnessing prophecy being fulfilled right before their eyes. By operating in the physical, they rejected the power of God in favor of appeasing the wolf (the Romans). These “hirelings” were so concerned about their own lives that they were willing to run away from the Good Shepherd and the flock He was gathering. Their solution was to throw the Good Shepherd to the wolf and allow the Good Shepherd’s flock to be scattered.

Let’s look at some other examples of people rejecting the truth even when they were staring proof in the face.

As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man, who had been demon-possessed. ³³And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb one spoke. And multitudes marveled, saying, Never was it seen like this in Israel! ³⁴But the Pharisees said, He throws out demons by the ruler of the demons. (Matthew 9:32-34 MKJV)

The Pharisees can’t deny that the healing took place because they themselves were witnesses of the miracle, but they chose to reject proof of Jesus’ authority on earth and instead said that he casts out demons with the power of Satan.  Proof rejected!

Cities denounced

Then He began to upbraid the cities in which most of His mighty works were done, because they did not repent. ^21’Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful acts which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes! ²²But I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. ²³And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to the heaven, shall be brought down to hell. For if the mighty works which have been done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. ²⁴But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.’ (Matthew 11:20-24 MKJV)

Jesus performed miracles in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum and although they witnessed these miracles, they still refused to accept Jesus as their Messiah.  Proof rejected!

Healing a man’s withered hand

And when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. ¹⁰And behold, a man having a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbaths? This so that they might accuse Him. ¹¹And He said to them, What man among you will be, who will have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the sabbaths, will he not lay hold on it and lift it out? ¹²How much better is a man then than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. ¹³Then He said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole like the other. ¹⁴Then the Pharisees went out and held council against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.  (Matthew 12:9-14 MKJV)

Again, Jesus performs a miracle, but instead of throwing themselves at Jesus’ feet, the Pharisees rejected the Good Shepherd and plotted ways they would destroy Him and His ministry.  Proof rejected!

Just as He was rejected by those who witnessed these miracles first hand, so He has been rejected by the majority of people who have lived on this planet since that time. 

You may say, ‘This is a new generation. If Jesus were to create signs and wonders again, everyone will repent, right?’ Well, let’s look to the book of Revelation to see what God has to say about that.

God warns the remaining population of the planet

And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, ⁷saying with a great voice, Fear God and give glory to Him! For the hour of His judgment has come. And worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ⁸And another angel followed, saying, The great city, Babylon, has fallen, has fallen; because of the wine of the anger of her fornication; she has made all nations to drink. ⁹And a third angel followed them, saying with a great voice, If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark in his forehead or in his hand, ¹⁰he also will drink of the wine of the anger of God, having been mixed undiluted in the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented by fire and brimstone before the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.  (Rev. 14:6-11 MKJV)

There is now no doubt that God is who He says He is. Everyone on the planet hears the words of the angels of God and know that God truly exists. They’re told to repent and are warned not to take the mark of the beast or to worship the image of the beast. They can no longer deny God’s existence, so how does the population respond? We have to turn back to scripture.

Was the proof accepted? From what we read in the following portions of scripture, it was indeed accepted, but what will those living on the earth do with that “revelation?”

And the fourth angel poured out his vial onto the sun. And it was given to him to burn men with fire. ⁹And men were burned with great heat. And they blasphemed the name of God, He having authority over these plagues. And they did not repent in order to give Him glory.  (Rev. 16:8-8 MKJV)

They recognize that God has authority over the plagues and they blaspheme His name. Proof accepted… God rejected!

And the fifth angel poured out his vial on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom became darkened. And they gnawed their tongues from the pain. ¹¹And they blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores. And they did not repent of their deeds. (Rev. 16:10-11 MKJV)

Again, they blaspheme God and refuse to repent. Proof accepted… God rejected!

So my question remains. Are Atheists and Agnostics really looking for proof of God’s existence, and if offered that proof, are they willing to accept it? By looking at human behavior through scripture, we can see that visible proof of God’s existence doesn't lead to belief if someone has set their mind and heart against God. As we see through God’s word, many times the proof is rejected. So when dealing with an Atheist or Agnostic, the first question to be asked of them is, “Do you really seek proof or have you already set your heart and mind against accepting anything that God wants to show you?” I don’t know if they can honestly answer that question, but it’s a start.

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Martial Law And Hope For The Rapture!

The first thing we have to do is define "martial law." Typically, the imposition of martial law accompanies curfews, the suspension of civil law, civil rights, habeas corpus, and the application or extension of military law or military justice to civilians.  In other words, say goodbye to the United States as you’ve known it and embrace an extremely altered future. 

How would our lives as citizens and as Christians be affected should marshal law be declared here in the US?  Let’s take a look at a few simple examples:

Example #1 (Hint: Start A Daytime Bible Study)

Time for bible study!  You get your bible, you pad of paper and a pen or two.  You might even bring along a dry highlighter and maybe a snack for everyone.  You head outside and look at the twilight sky as you head for your car.  Suddenly, a light shines in your eyes and you hear a loud command to, “Freeze!”  You stop, hoping not to be shot while you try to explain who you are and where you’re going.  You can barely get a word out before you hear, “Back in the house.  No one is allowed on the streets past sunset.”

Surely they’ll make an exception for people who actually have some place to go, especially a bible study, right?  You try to explain that you’re just going to a bible study and weren’t planning on a bank heist when unexpectedly everything is knocked out of your hands, you’re thrown to the ground and you’re cuffed.

Curfew was enacted 24 hours ago, but you assumed it was directed at those who would most likely riot in the streets while destroying property and looting from stores. It couldn’t possibly be for law abiding Christians heading off to bible study. 

You find that you are sorely mistaken as you are taken to jail and thrown in with others who made a similar assumption.  As you all discuss what brought you there, several of your cellmates tell stories of people being shot dead in the streets without as much as a warning.  It’s then that you realize how blessed you were to be taken into custody alive instead of being taken down by a sniper.

The next morning you’re transportation has arrived.  You’re shocked to learn that you are being sent to a FEMA camp for “re-education.”  What about a lawyer?  What about my right to justice under the legal system?  Sorry, habeas corpus no longer applies.  You're off to "Camp FEMA."

Example #2 (Sign: “Highway To Hell Traffic Only”)

It’s morning and you’re excited about participating in a regional conference on end-time eschatology.  You have confirmation of your registration and your list of workshops.  You stop off at the local coffee shop to get a large coffee before heading out.  You pull away from the coffee shop, take a few sips of your coffee and look forward to a three day weekend of fellowship and education.  

As you prepare to take the on-ramp to the highway, you realize that it’s been barricaded with military and police vehicles and both the police and military are waving people past the on-ramp.  You’re curious about what’s going on, but you assume it’s just another DHS exercise and you drive on while your GPS device calculates another route.  You pass several more on-ramps with the same scene, military and police.  Your concern rises when you realize that the highway has been blocked off.  You definitely won’t be able to make it to the conference if you can’t even get on the highway.  

Out of curiosity you decide to pull over to ask them what’s happening.  Immediately they pull their weapons and order you to get back in the car and drive on or they’ll fire.  As you raise you hands in submission and try to explain that you only want to know if there are any on-ramps that aren’t blocked, several shots ring out.  You hit the ground, lifeless.

Certainly there will be justice!  They can't just kill anyone they want to in cold blood!  During martial law, military justice applies, and that includes killing American citizens if they deem it necessary.

Example #3 (Sorry, Church Is Cancelled)

It’s Sunday morning and you head out to church.  Martial law had been enacted a few days ago.  New “laws” seem to be made every day as more and more individual freedoms are taken away.  You’ve heard some horror stories, but you can’t verify whether they are true or not.  You can hardly wait to get to church and hear what the Pastor has to say about all of this and to hear what stories the congregation has to share.  As you approach the church, you observe a disturbance in the parking lot.  Cars are leaving filled with passengers.  Where is everyone going?  You pull into the parking lot and the police stop you.  You roll down your window as an officer approaches.

“Sorry sir, there’s no church today.  Please circle around and leave the parking lot.”

You ask for more information, but the officer just says, “Move along, sir.”

As you circle the parking lot, you see the church secretary.  You stop and roll down your window to ask her what’s happening.

Graphic: brentwoodbaptist.com/

“Church has been cancelled until further notice.”

“What?  Why?” 

“Martial law.  It seems that Christians who go to full-gospel churches and who believe in a literal return of Jesus are considered possible terrorists and we’re not allowed to meet in groups of more than 3 unless it’s sanctioned by the ‘state’, so there’s no way we can have church.”

You can’t believe your ears.  “Terrorists!  That’s ridiculous!  How can they do this?”

“I don’t know,” she says, “Some churches are able to remain open, but we’re not one of them.  I think they’re afraid we’ll get together and form a plan to overthrow the government or something.”

You see an officer approaching your car.  You say goodbye to the church secretary who also notices the officer and scoots by the front of your car as she heads to hers.  You feel the vibration and hear the sound of the officer banging on the top of your trunk with his flashlight. “I said move along, sir!”  You smile and wave and drive around the parking lot.  As you approach the exit, you see others being redirected as well.  Unfortunately, one individual seems to have given the police a hard time and he’s being handcuffed and dragged off.  You recognize him as the deacon of the church.  His car door is still open and his engine was running.  You see his wife emerging from the car screaming and crying.  You exit the parking lot, and as you drive home, you come to the reality that something has gone terribly wrong.

Can they really stop Christians from having church?  Yes, they can.  As you read in this account, born again believers in Christ who believe that the bible is the inspired word of God, who believe in a literal rapture of the church and who believe in the second coming of Christ are already considered by the government to be possible terrorists.

Example #4 (Filling Up On Food and Fuel)

An economic collapse has occurred.  Most people lost every penny they had in the bank, including businesses and state agencies. Your community has been under marshal law for the past couple of weeks.  Transportation has been curtailed, all privately owned grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations have been closed.  Due to the restriction of highway travel, no food or fuel was able to be delivered to local area supermarkets, convenience stores or gas stations.  This caused a riot-like run on food left nothing on the shelves.  Even the church food bank is empty.  Gas station tanks ran dry after just 24 hours.  Because of the declining economy in previous years, a lot of people were forced to seek help.  This help included financial assistance and food stamp assistance.  Since these forms of assistance utilized EBT cards, the transition to a new digital monetary system was almost seamless.  They just had to substitute one card for another.  The same was true for those who used debit cards.  They were useless now, and the switch to a card that accessed a new form of digital money seemed like a solution they could live with.  As long as everyone had food on the table and fuel in their cars, they were satisfied… for now.

The military along with local law enforcement agencies opened government operated gas stations and food distribution sites in a few areas of the city.  They’ve become the community “saviors” in this time of need.  Unfortunately, if you are a gun owner, you are required to surrender all your firearms, ammo and clips before you can purchase any food or fuel.  You also have to submit to a home search.  If they find out you’ve deceived them and that you still possess firearms, the penalty is internment in a regional FEMA camp.

Graphic: patdollard.com

Taking all firearms away from citizens is the goal of the majority of those serving in the federal and state government at this point in time.  During a time of martial law, expect that to be their main focus and their main reason for the terrible crimes against humanity that will result in their attempt to disarm American citizens.

Example #5 (What’s On TV?)

Once martial law was enacted, television began changing.  Entertainment television was being axed in favor of a more news oriented form of entertainment.  Sponsors were no longer making money, so they couldn’t afford to pay for advertisements.  That hit the entertainment industry hard and almost all television entertainment ended within a few short weeks.  Hit even harder were religious broadcasts.  They were taken off the air immediately after martial law began. 

Since there wasn’t much to keep their attention, many people listened to the state-run news outlets and read local newsprint that continued to push forth the idea that everything would be okay and that the government was there for them.  They were told of this country’s past hardships and were encouraged to endure until we came through these hard times.    

Some people began complaining about propaganda television, but most people just laughed at those comments.  After all, every single news outlet couldn’t possibly be lying, and the president was there for them as well, making sure that no one went hungry or went without medical care.  Every new mandatory directive was for everyone’s safety.  Citizens were ready to make sacrifices for their president and for the country in order to make it through this difficult time and emerge a stronger and more cohesive nation.

Every time a personal liberty was taken from them, they were told it was for their own safety, and they believed it.  Of course, there were stories of people being shot in the streets or sent to detention centers, but they were the troublemakers; they were the ones the government was trying to protect everyone from; they were the bad guys.  What they didn’t know is that a lot of them were born again believers in Christ who refused to be forced to do anything that went against the word of God, even if it meant their death. 

It's not just television, radio and newspapers that will be under the control of government.  Other forms of information will be under their control as well, including magazines, the internet, post office, etc...  Any information you receive will be under the tight control of the government. 

Epilogue

These are just a few examples of what awaits us when our economy implodes in the near future.  It could only be a few weeks or a few months away.  How much of what I described will we have to endure before the Lord returns?  We just don’t know.  Martial law doesn’t even compare to what’s ahead for those who will go through the seven-year tribulation.  It’s just the beginning of a world system that will encompass everyone, whether they are slaves to Satan or slaves to Christ.  

During the Tribulation, the Christian believer has one hope, and that hope is in Jesus Christ.  The believer has the hope of salvation through the blood of Jesus, a hope sealed by the Holy Spirit, a hope to be realized by our physical death or by the glorious appearance of Jesus Christ at the end of the tribulation period.  As this end-time scenario plays out, prepare for the worst but hope for the best.  Prepare for martial law, but hope for the Rapture! 

God bless and may the peace that passes all understanding fill your heart as we wait for the return of the Bridegroom!

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The 144,000 Messianic Jews And God's Seal

144,000 Messianic Jews receive the seal of God on their forehead after the Rapture. Does scripture mention God placing a mark on anyone else? Is this story an allegory, as some suggest? Is the mark visible? Let's refresh our mind with the portions of scripture we will be reviewing.

The sealing of the 144,000

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 

6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 

7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 

8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand." (Rev. 7:1-8 KJV)

Here is another portion of scripture that mentions the 144,000:

“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. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 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. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Rev. 14:1-5 KJV)

The answer to the question of whether God has placed a mark on anyone previous to this specific event can be found in scripture. The earliest recorded "mark" was given to Cain. We can read about that in Genesis chapter 4:

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him." (Gen. 4:8-15 KJV)

Obviously this was a physical mark that was visible in the physical world. It had to be visible to others in order to protect Cain’s life.

Is there anywhere else in the bible that mentions a mark given to man by God? Yes, actually, there is. It's in reference to the sealing of the faithful as recorded in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel, we read of a similar case where, before the City of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians, angels went throughout the city searching for, and sealing, the faithful in order to protect them from God's judgment.

“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; 4 And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 7 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. 8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord God! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?  9 Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not. 10 And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. 11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.” (Ezekiel 9:1-11 KJV)

This portion of scripture seems to describe a “spiritual” mark that was placed on the foreheads of those who were obedient to God; a mark that could be seen only by those in the spiritual realm; a mark that excluded those who received it from suffering God's judgment upon Israel.

Here we have two examples of marks being placed on individuals. One is a visible mark (Genesis 4) and the other is not (Ezekiel 9). 

So what differentiates the two types of marks? I believe it has to do with who was expected to see this mark.

• The mark that Cain received was to hold significance in the physical world.  It was a warning sign visible to other human beings; a warning sign to those who would seek to injure or kill Cain. 
• The mark received by the individuals mentioned in Ezekiel 9 was not meant to be seen by mortals, but was a mark placed on the forehead of the obedient to be seen by the angels who would keep them from harm.

We see through scripture that God has indeed placed marks upon the foreheads of people, marks that are both visible and invisible.

Allegory?

These incidences seem to be real and not allegorical, so what would make some believe that the mention of the 144,000 Messianic Jews and the marks they receive is nothing more than an allegory concerning the church? Let me share a quote concerning the study of scripture:

“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.” (Hal Lindsey)

I have to ask myself, “Do Rev. 7:1-8 and Rev. 14:1-5 make sense when taken literally?” I believe they do. So why is there a need to put any other kind of interpretation on this portion of scripture? What is the point of making it allegorical other than to try to use it to prop up a false interpretation of this portion of scripture?

When we find ourselves changing the meaning of God’s word or making things allegorical so that it fits in with our own personal doctrine, we’re doing a disservice to the word of God. We have to be open to having long held beliefs challenged. Unless we’re willing to do that, we can never fully understand those things that the Holy Spirit would like to reveal to us.

If the marks placed on Cain’s forehead and placed on the forehead those who were obedient to God (Ezekiel 9) were real, is it really that far-fetched to believe that the marking of 144,000 Messianic Jews could be real as well? Certainly not! 

Is this seal of God limited to just these 144,000?

ALL born again believers are "sealed" with the Holy Spirit once they are born again:

"Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." (2 Cor. 1:21-22 KJV)

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Eph. 1:13 KJV)

We also know that in heaven we display a seal on our forehead that will contain God's name:

"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." (Rev. 22:1-4)

As born again believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Do we need a seal on our forehead when the light of the Holy Spirit Himself emanates from within us, to be seen by all in the spiritual realm? The Holy Spirit Himself is our seal. We are also told in the preceding portion of scripture that we will receive a seal on our forehead when we are in heaven. That causes me to believe that during this church age, we have no need for a seal on our forehead and that we will receive our seal after we are raptured and in God's presence in heaven.

After the Rapture, Jesus is going to raise up a new group of Messianic Jews who will possess the seal of God when they accept Jesus as their Messiah. They won't be just any ordinary believers. As the scripture states, "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Rev. 14:4-5 KJV)

Why will these 144,000 receive a seal on their forehead during the Tribulation? I believe that not only is it a special seal offered only to those who will have the honor of being known as the firstfruits and who will have the honor of being in the constant presence of Jesus throughout eternity, but it is also a sign to the spiritual forces operating on earth (both good and evil) that these men have been set aside by God and are under His protection. We can see an example of this in Rev. 9:1-12 concerning the creatures from the bottomless pit. During the Tribulation, they are released into the world by an angel that comes from heaven with a key to unlock the abyss. The creatures that rise out of this abyss are forbidden to attack those with the mark of God on their forehead. This may or may not reference every born again believer, but that's a discussion for another article. It definitely references the 144,000 because we are told they will have a seal on their forehead. 

• God has shown us through His word that He has set a seal upon people in the past. This is nothing new for Him. It's happened before and it will happen again after the Rapture.
• The 144,000 Messianic Jews will be sealed by God. I believe it will be a seal seen only by spiritual forces, since they are the only ones referenced in regard to this seal.
• From a biblical perspective, this is not allegory. They do not represent the present day church. They represent a group of men chosen by God to spread the salvation message to the ends of the earth unhindered by the demonic forces that want so desperately to stop them.

Side note: Satan rebelled against God, demanding to be equal to God, to be seen as a god. It's interesting to see how he has created his own false trinity (Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet) and is already planning on using his own "seal" (known as the Mark of the Beast) to mark those who will follow him (to be placed on the right hand or forehead). In a way, Satan is acknowledging God's perfection by mimicking those things God has already accomplished. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and contemplate what was shared. Please leave your comments below.

If you like this article, or any of the other information on this web site, please consider following me. You'll be one of the first to be notified when I create new content! You'll find the section at the top of the right hand column on this page. It says, "Follow Tribulation Harvest by Email." After entering your email address, you may be prompted to sign in to your Google account. Thank you!!!

Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!

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