Daily Archives: December 16, 2008

Jerusalem Oh Jerusalem

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Jerusalem Oh Jerusalem
By Dana G Smith

No doubt as a believer, this town comes to our heart and mind. In fact there are believers from the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths that all see this place as holy. All faiths claim it. But only one will succeed in having their LORD reign and rule from there. This would be of course, Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha Massiach.  This short article discusses Jerusalem. Much could be said, this article is not a complete course on the subject. It is just thoughts on this Famous town, one place where three top religions claim and the world looks on.

jerusalem

Jerusalem over the centuries has been the battleground and the home of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and even Romans who eventually destroyed the city. During the tribulation there will come to this part of the world two prophets. These will have the power and the presence of God with them. They will speak the oracles of the Lord Jesus Christ as they put out a message of salvation to the world. These two prophets who many consider to be Enoch and Elijah will be able to have power to bring down fire upon their enemies. No one will be able to overcome them until they finish their testimony. So hated these two will be that when they finish their message the world will literally rejoice and send presents because they will be dead.
Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Moreover, it will at this time that Jerusalem will be full of what the “scriptures call Sodom and Egypt”. This is the sin, idolatry, witchcraft, magic, debauchery, wickedness, and death that existed in both Sodom and Egypt. The beloved city that David and many Jews along with Christians think of Jerusalem will be no more. It will come under judgment as these two Prophets preach and then are eventually killed. After three days they will arise from the dead and ascend to the Lord in Heaven. This will be in full view of the world as they watch.
Furthermore, an earthquake and armegeddon will also put the dampers on this place and area. As the antichrist gathers forces to battle the Messiah coming in the clouds the whole world will be watching. Jerusalem will be divided and partly destroyed by this earthquake. Many thousands living in this area will be killed along with those who in the armies opposing Jesus Christ. This is the seeds of the beginning of a new era. When Jesus comes and puts a stop to the antichrist and his prophet, destroying their forces, a new kingdom will start. We call this the 1000 year Millennial reign of Christ.
Today we look at this town Jerusalem and think of all the centuries of bloodshed it has seen. With a heart full of grief do I look at this town and see all the blood, hatred, violence, and politics that seem to govern this place and the whole area where our Lord trod. But then, the place doesn’t make it holy. That is, this area is not holy just because our Lord was there. As Christ said, “why call me good, there is only one that is good, that is your Father in heaven.”. So too, we must not think this place is holy for namesake or historical sake. If there is any goodness or holiness, we find in in our Lord Jesus Christ, who walked in the fullness of the Father. For He said, “I and the Father are one”. It is in our God, united we find holiness.
Today we see battles and shed blood. Many times innocent people are murdered by these events. Through terrorism and violent ways we see this taking place. All the nations on earth are involved in this area as everyone wants peace. It ever a place was holy, it should be holy enough to bring peace. But, alas it does not. Jerusalem for Jerusalem’s and Israel’s cannot bring peace. Only the Messiah can. The events we see going on along with the blood that is spilled will never be forgotten. The blood over the centuries that has been spilled in Gods name is atrocious. This blood is in the ground. Today if you listen closely you will hear the ground crying out about all the blood that is shed.
We call this “blood guiltiness”. When blood is shed and innocents is lost. That blood defiles the ground. The Lord then becomes the defender of innocent blood being spilled. The Lord is keeping an account of what is going on. One of these days he will come and cleanse the “blood defilement” from the Land, and the wickedness will end. Until then, our hope is not Jerusalem for Jerusalem’s sake. Our hope is Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMassiach. He will bring in the kingdom and re-instate Jerusalem to its glory in Him.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
…The Watchman..

American Bacchanalia

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American Rome

Bacchanalia: another word for Debauchery, A wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity. An orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus (= Bacchus)
When the Roman Empire would conquor a region, they would usually incorporate the better avenues of that society into Rome life. In the case of the Greeks, they would incorporate the food, literature, Gods, and language into the life of everyday Roman citizens. Today, even in America, we can trace certain things from the Roman culture. In this we find a myriad of Gods and traditions that have found their way to our land.

When Christmas was first celebrated in America, Puritans did not follow this custom. They knew the origins of it. Christmas was derived from the Pagan Organiastic festival of Rome, which was known as the “festival of Saturn” or Saturnalia. The time for heralding their God Saturn happened December 17-23.

This was time at the end of the Vintage and harvesting with feasting and unrestrained merrymaking. Observance included exchanging presents and offering sacrifices. Masters served their slaves as a token of the equality of rank and the lack of class distinctions during the golden age (which was supposedly ruled over by Saturn). It became later known as Saturnalia. The lower case saturnalia became known as synonymous with “orgy” among the Christians. This Event became so unrestrained in its manner, it was later outlawed by the Roman Senate. However, during their reigns, many Caesar’s of Rome held celebrations close to the same type of orgy that was the rule in the festivals of Saturn.
Dionysus, also commonly known by his Roman name Bacchus, appears to be a god who has two distinct origins. On the one hand, Dionysus was the god of wine, agriculture, and fertility of nature, who is also the patron god of the Greek stage. On the other hand, Dionysus also represents the outstanding features of mystery religions, such as those practiced at Eleusis: ecstasy, personal delivery from the daily world through physical or spiritual intoxication, and initiation into secret rites. The woman associated with this festival and the rites of Dionysus were called Maenads, interpreted to mean “a frenzied woman who is part of a orgiastic ritual”. A more appropriate term is “nymphet”. These woman according to history says that these women would get in a high “frenzied” nature through dance, wine, and orgasiatic atmosphere they would run into the forest and tear apart any animal they saw and eat them raw.
Thus we can trace the roots both of the Winter Solatice and Christman to this Saturn festival. Whereas, we can trace the Spring solatice and celebrations like Carnivale to the Dionysus festival. Is it any wonder that not all people want to take part in such things with there dubious origins? Paul gives us a word on this manner.

2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 ¶And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

“Vexed with filthy conversation”
This scripture in its context is about the “unlawful deeds” of the wicked. The examples given are “Sodom and Gomorah” with “Noah”. Both the cities mentioned and the civilization in Noahs day were destroyed by the wickedness they participated in. To make sure we understand the words here, let us look at the words “Vexed”, “filthy” and “conversation” in the original greek.

2 Peter 2:7 ¶And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: The word “vexed” here means: oppressed, to be oppressed, or distressed. Strongs # 2669
2 Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds; The word Vexed here means: to be tortured, tormented, in pain, to torture, or torment. Strongs #928

Lot as seen in this context was oppressed by those deeds that went on around him daily. The deeds and actions of the public distressed him. In Lot’s soul, his innermost being we find that it was actually tortured, tormented, and in pain caused by those actions of the public around him. Things had gotten so bad, the inner pain was like torture. Verse 9 of this scripture in context says it all “the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of these temptations[strongs # 3986-test or trial] and to reserve the unjust for judgment and punishment”. This became a trial for Lot and just as it is a true today for many believers who face the same kind of “filthy conversation”

Filthy conversation
filthy-strongs # 766 – debauchery(A wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity), sensuality(Desire for sensual pleasures[carnal gratification]), lewdness(behaving in an obscene[inciting indecency or lust] manner), lasciviousness(Feeling morbid sexual desire or a propensity to lewdness), wantonness(lacking control, free from inhibition-being lewd and lascivious )

conversation-strongs # 391- way of life, behavior
Just as the parties in Roman life celebrating the God Saturn became known as “orgies” or “saturnalia”, so the parties to the god Dionysus became thus likeminded in actions. Many other pagan customs that were iniated in civilizations became the pattern of the day. Today, America has been thoroughly rowdy and accustomed to the same type of “orgies”. From the vivid lewd movies, pictures, books, magazines, advertisements, and behavior of teachers, students, along with the people of this generation, we have become in love with “saturnalia”.

Reports have come in from the “Repent America” people who demonstrate the love of God by showing placards at their parades which have the Word of God on them, urging the folks to repent of their “Unlawful deeds”. These are deeds contrary to Gods Word. Even though it is acceptable in the USA, it does not change the Word of God. Noah’s generation was “exceedingly wicked” and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah “were homosexual and proud of it”. All faced the judgment of God for their “unlawful deeds”. Both Noah, his family, and Lot and his family were delivered from the judgment before God delivered the punishment. This does not precluded Noah and Lot with their respective families from facing this “Vexing of their souls” with the wickedness around them. They faced it and were delivered, although the wickedness caused much pain to them. So too, does this wickedness cause the same for many true believers today. The only ones it does not bother are those who are “lukewarm” and will do nothing about it. I urge you to read the churches of Revelation chapters 1-3.
Today, Christians even celebrate the books of C.S. Lewis and call them christian. However, there is debate as to how christian he was. When you can find witchcraft and godlessness celebrated in his books. For example:

Book four is entitled Prince Caspian, and in it we find Aslan, the type of Christ, leading a wild woodland dance along with Bacchus, the god of drunkenness and orgies, and the Maenads, who are orgiastic women that also tear apart live animals and humans and eat the raw meat of their victims. This fourth book also contains spells on how to summon up tree spirits with so-called white magic. All such things are strictly forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:9-12. [The Last Trumpet Newsletter, Pastor David Meyer].

Remember the Maenads? They were mentioned above in connection with the god Dionysius. The celebration they are connected with is pure lust and godlessness. In regards to C.S. Lewis, you can read more on the link above and make up your own mind.
In conclusion, the “vexing” of the soul today is real for many true believers. They see the filth, murder, pornography, rape, bloodshed, hatred, violence, homosexuality, lesbianism, child porn, teacher molesting their students, and plain wickedness going on daily. It is all around them. It never stops. It never will stop until the Lords kingdom is brought in. The Lord will deliver all those who trust in Him and will appoint the wicked a day for their punishment.
The scripture says of a society that forgets God that it will “be turned into hell”. This is what is happening today. A literal hell of godlessness has been unleashed and will only get worse.

Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
The Apostle Paul tells us the the Last days Society:
2 Timothy 3:1 ¶This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
I urge you today to take heart in the fact that the Lord see’s you today. He can and will deliver you from what is facing you. Look to the Lord. If you are bound up in sin, look to the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. He saves, heals, and delivers all who call upon his name. Seek him today…The Watchman..

In Seas of Trouble, the Soul at Rest!

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In Seas of Trouble, the Soul at Rest!
‘being placed in, finding help for, and seeing the LORD deliver you during trouble’
by the Watchman Dana G Smith
keywords: seas, waters, rest, pastures, LORD, God, Jesus, nations, America,
words:1707

peaceful lake

As 2009 gets closer, the daily account of bank foreclosures rise, businesses lay off workers, and the bailout seems to get higher. No matter what the nation of political ambitions seem to do, the trouble does not end. American life that has seen ease and prosperity which has been unequalled in the world as we know it, is coming to a bump in the road of hedonism.

Yes, the pleasure society that we all have seen and watched over the years as it seemed to enjoy it’s limitless time and money is now facing trouble. The whole irony of just how rich Americans are and how they seem to go through money like its nothing can be seen in the Madoff scandal. You know the Wall street power broker that is in the news for bilking 50 billion dollars from clients. It is said he still has 300 million left. Really? But even that amount is not enough to cover the massive losses he has occurred. Just think he was investigated some 7 years ago and was cleared. What happened?  How can one person lose 50 billion? How can one person even need that much? As for my family and I, just a measly one million could set all my family including relatives up for life. Of course that would not be living as many do. But then, how can society look at this example of pure greed and get mad. After all he was just doing what many do legally on Wall street. Buy and sell. Did not the bankers lose it all as well? Did not the major banks in the World need bailout? Where did all their funds go?  Yet in all this, the poor are still poor. The cold, the hungry, the oppressed in our society just look on and go without.

Well this will change. The change has been coming for some time. In fact many today have been facing extreme pressures and troubles of their own. Next, you will see entire empires of Evangelism go down. You know the ones, those who have gotten rich on the ‘gain is godliness’ craze.  In all, every American will face the coming pressures. The high roller society of America is going down, much to the cheers of our enemies who hate our lifestyle anyway. I can say that our own greed has definitely led us to this, with alot of Pride.
any man thirst

I know from the emails we get and those who regularly join in our broadcasts on Warn Radio that many today are facing these same pressures. Many good Christian believers who in their own world are facing financial problems, job losses, sickness, and other troubles. The shaking is here and will get worse as it is coming at us like a midnight passenger train loaded, heading down a hill at night with no lights, no brakes, and the bridge is out.

As I write this I know for many the scare and fear factor is there already. If it is, you need to stop and look to the LORD. I know, you are telling me that you have done that already. But I ask again, have you really? I could write on and on with more on what is coming. Matter of fact, I am a positive person. I am 100% positive in fact.  I am positive that things will get worse as the ‘shaking’ and the ‘smelter of the LORD’ in these end times come upon the nations in full force. But I stand upon scripture for deliverance and comfort.  As I look forward the only hope, help, and knowledge that will bring me comfort is that in all the things coming upon a nation and all troubles coming at people, is that the LORD God is in charge.  I know this God is full of mercy and grace, but in that, we find he also sends ‘shaking’ to bring the carnal and proud out of their states of delusion. The point being, when trouble comes, many do stop and look at what they have been doing. When they cannot handle it anymore they do something. Some give up, some find solace in idols, spiritism, black magic, and other things. Still there are many who hang on to the LORD and his Word. These are those who know that they know, that they know, He is a God of His Word. He cannot lie.  Because of his record of this, and his covenant with those who honor his name, his Word, and follow him in obedience, these people look to only True God for deliverance. Now is the best time to look to him. For the things coming will not stop.

In the shepherds Psalm, we find many promises, but I want to point out to you verse 2 and 3. Here we find the LORD who makes his ‘sheep’ lay down in ‘green pastures or literally pastures of tender grass’. Here we find comfort and feed. All in his presence.

Psalms 23:2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters [literally 'waters of rest'].
3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

We also find he leads us besides the still waters or ‘literally waters of rest.’ The word water here is the Hebrew word mayim, which is always plural: “waters.”  It pictures us in a sea of humanity, in the storm of a chaos driven world, just one among the nations. But in this word we find the God driven helper and comfort of mercy. For most significantly, mayim speaks of life sustenance, fertility, blessing, and refreshing. All these represent the God providential blessing and covenant driven relationship that brings us provision. It tells us that in the days of the end times, when nations and peoples are tossed in this chaotic prophetic scenario, we don’t have to be. For if we will wait on the LORD, in his presence, a supernatural touch reaching from the presence of God into the physical realty that you know, will occur. It is in that short moment that you will find refreshing for your soul as you find the true ‘waters of rest.’

Waters: mayim, [my-yeem], strong’s 4325; water, waters, floods, seas. Mayim is the Hebrew word for water, but it is always plural: “waters.”  It occurs as a metaphor for the raging heathen, the chaotic stormy seas at creation, and vast nations [or seas of people]. Most significantly, mayim speaks of life sustenance, fertility, blessing, and refreshing.

This same word ‘mayim’ is used in Isaiah 43:2, where we find that the LORD will be with those who honor him, follow him, and are ‘his’, through covenant. For in this life, we all will pass through the waters. We are in the world, it will be tossed. We are in America, it will be judged. We are in a carnal society, it will be turned upside down. But in all this, the LORD is our strength and will make us to lie down in ‘pastures of tender grass’ by the ‘waters of rest’, and there, this God will restore your soul, leading you in paths of righteousness for his names sake. He will do this because of his Name, he is mercy, he is grace, he is a covenant God, one who will take care of you. One who will heed the call of the repentant. But also one who will bring down the ways of the proud and wicked.

Isaiah 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

In all this, let us not forget that to this end we are called. As disciples, we must remember that the early church knew that their own calling and the suffering that sometimes came with it was all part of the race to be won. The Book of Acts says of this that as disciples, ‘we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.’ Even Jesus said, ‘in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ Meaning, that He overcame, so can we, because he is in us, leading us by his Spirit. He will not leave us, but will comfort and guide us.

Acts 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

So as you move toward the year of 2009, remember that you are living in the days before the coming of the King. He is coming to rule and reign on this earth. The world is giving birth to a new kingdom, and that kingdom will be our LORDS. This generation will face a time of trouble unlike any other at any time in history. Be sure that your God, the MOST HIGH, even the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father will be there to help you through this. That is, if you take time to seek Him, Fast, Pray, and be before him. Let Him place you in ‘pastures of tender grass’, leading you beside the ‘waters of rest’, while restoring your soul and leading you in paths of righteousness for his names sake.

And yes, don’t forget, the world is being judged, but you, as his Son or daughter, walking in Godliness, need not fear. For the LORD, says the Apostle Peter, ‘Knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations’ while at the same time ‘reserving the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.’

2 Peter 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: