Volume IV No. 5                        Nicholas Scrolls                            October 2008

Meltdown of American Pride

And the

Judgment of a Godless People

 

Dear brethren, friends and neighbors,

 

Shalom and Greetings! I’m back from a long season of maritime rescue and recovery and looking forward to getting back in the pilot seat of the ministry to which I am called. It was amazing to watch ministry traffic increase over the summer months exceeding bandwidth limitations twice despite the fact I was away and not publishing. Judging from the numerous responses received after my last two scrolls I take it that I touched on some sensitive areas with many of you. I evidently offended a couple of men with the use of some common language and bold judgments. The way I see it is if you can’t be real in your communicating with others then you’re not being entirely honest with them. I make no apologies for my candor and honesty.

 

I want to thank all of you who do take the time to write me expressing your thoughts and insights. I am delighted of course to hear from those who are still studying prior scrolls I’ve published putting everything I declare to the test. The one true litmus test for our faith in our thoughts, understanding and judgments is the simple, pure and undefiled Word of God. By it, our lives are judged and measured. With that, we either live free of a convicted heart or are transformed by the continual renewing of our minds and hearts. May our cherished Lord continue to bless each and every one of you who remain diligent in your pursuit of God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.

 

Democracy is Dead – Selling Out America

 

The Congress of the United States has taken a bold step to “bail out” (sell out) the failing financial system which continues to cause many unnecessary pain and suffering. A proverb rings loudly in my ears as I witness America’s declining democracy. “A fool and his money are soon departed.” America’s elected officials have just added nearly a trillion more dollars to the national debt. The feds have taken on bad debt by assuming ownership of critical assets and privatizing profits. Folks, this is Socialism. It is the very face of Marxism. Democracy has died. The 700 billion dollar bail out package was chocked full of pork sweeteners giving favor to a few special interests. These earmarks benefit a number of private enterprise groups giving them major tax breaks. The truth is that the burden of this debt which was brought on by the elite controlling an emotional market system was just passed on to you and me. This was done to free up the credit freeze which will inevitably allow Americans to continue spending money they don’t have driving themselves further in debt but it does nothing to replace 9.5 million lost jobs.

 

Why should I have to support the movie industry, NASCAR or wooden arrow manufacturers? I don’t mind that teachers or fishermen or lumbermen get a few breaks because they are essential to our economy and society. But - Rum makers? Good grief!

If I were making wooden arrows or distilling Rum for a living I would be celebrating right now. The US has just seen the ninth successive month of job loss. How did this bail out package help fix that dilemma? The truth is that this bail out package was crap. It serves no better purpose but to drive all of us further into bondage and lacked the necessary measures to hold Wall Street executives accountable. The major banking institutions and all the CEO’s that run these powerful corporations are the ones that should be held directly responsible for the current financial crisis this country is in. There is no recompense for the responsible parties. Instead, the US Government is ultimately rewarding poor management of the American economy. If Enron executives couldn’t escape judgment how is it that Wall Street executives got away with our millions?

 

The fundamental problem I have with all this is that the majority of Americans still place their faith in the government of men. Americans are still looking for Washington DC to fix our social problems. Education, jobs, housing, medical care and energy are all critical issues facing our society today but the answers and solutions to these problems can not be achieved by leaning on the federal Government. Leaning on your government to fix problems you created is not taking responsibility for the choices you’ve made in your own lives. The real solutions and answers to these problems affecting so many come from within and are found in making responsible social choices. Don’t pass the buck and don’t lay blame on others if your knee deep in credit card debt. Can’t keep up with your loan payments? Do you hate paying $100.00 to fill up that SUV? Not happy with your wages? The power of choice is still in your capable hands to do something about these common issues. Only you can truly help yourself become free of the bondage we put ourselves in. But that change only happens when you make responsible choices.

 

It is true that there are many innocent victims now suffering from the country’s housing crisis. Many have been victimized by irresponsible choices being made on Wall Street. But it is also true that the two root causes of this crisis were brought on by sub-prime lending and adjustable rate mortgages. That is lending to those without the appropriate credit and resource to afford homes and many of those people who bought homes with little or no down were forced into taking adjustable rate mortgages (ARM). An ARM is the most unstable contract one can enter into, especially in the face of inflated home value. It’s designed to cause future stress in your financial portfolio. I lost a beautiful home 15 years ago for the same reason and that is what qualifies my judgment here.

 

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”

 

It is high time that all Christians and believers alike set themselves free of this unnecessary bondage and separate themselves from an evil and corrupt society that seeks to further restrict and oppress their freedoms. Participation in a system of evil only strengthens evil’s cause and begets the stain of shed blood on one’s hands.

 

2 Corinthians 6:17-18  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

 

To Choose or not to Choose…?

 

I made some bold assertions in my last scroll regarding this year’s Presidential election and would like to briefly revisit them here. You will recall that I do not participate in the election process and refute every bogus notion that asserts I have no right to say anything. As I’ve said for many years, my choice not to vote is a NO vote because I refuse to be held accountable for choosing the lesser of two evils. I won’t get blood on my hands. I don’t trust politicians and never have trusted government. Some would say they are a necessary evil and though that may well be I choose to avoid being a part of it on any level. In the face of much rebuke and scorn by others I steadfastly maintain my position and am solely devoted to service in God’s court as a disciple. I will not divide my alliances under any circumstances whatsoever!

 

This does not mean that I can’t warn advice or speculate on certain political issues that impact all of us. In my last Scroll I said that despite the outcome of a popular vote supporting Barack Obama for President the likely outcome will be that John McCain will take office. Since the writing of that Scroll the Presidential candidates have chosen their running mates. I believe John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin will further strengthen his position because Sarah is likeable despite the fact that she may not be a seasoned Senator like Joe Biden, her contender. A lot of people would like to see a woman in an executive office and are hoping she has the fortitude to hold her own. Right now the poles are all showing Obama and Biden in the lead for the two executive offices but don’t be swayed by this because that too is totally biased reporting and designed to steer public opinion.

 

What is not being widely advertised by our liberal media is the background and history of faith and affiliation of Barack Obama. Despite his Christian claims, Barack was raised as a Muslim. Barack has historically maintained close ties with radical groups supporting terrorism, anti-Semitism and tolerance of socialist ideals. If Barack Obama actually does take office then we’re all going to see the enemies of Christianity gain great inroads further restricting and oppressing what little freedom remains in practicing our faith. Politicians are liars in general but Barack Obama is the greater danger and biggest liar. At this point, I’m not sure what would be worse, a lying Muslim running our country or President Bush seizing the country under a martial law declaration. As I said in the last Scroll, at least with John McCain in office we can expect more of the same because John is predictable. No matter what happens, we’re all up a creek and our paddle is broken. Better to bail out and swim to shore before the river current takes you over the falls.

 

Bailing out means to divorce yourself of credit card usage, reduce your overhead by reducing debts now! If that means abstinence from new purchases or learning to live with less then that’s what you need to do. Adopt a policy that if you can’t pay for it with cash then don’t buy it. Most of the time Americans are purchasing for wants and not what they actually need. If you’re driving a gas guzzler then trade it in for a gas miser or take mass transit and ride a bicycle when possible. There are many areas most of us could stand to trim back on. It is better to do that now rather than wait later for creditors to put the choke hold on your neck. If you don’t have a nest egg of cash reserves immediately available in a time of crisis then you’ll be impacted greater than those who are prepared for the worst.

 1 Timothy 6:9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

 

The judgments of God are clear in our crumbling society. But how many are paying attention? Is it no wonder? The US President and the US Congress basically told the American public to go to hell. $150 billion dollars of pork barrel money was added to the 700 billion dollar bail out package making it 850 billion dollars. The 10.1 trillion dollar trade deficit has literally cost Americans 4.5 million jobs in the manufacturing sector just over the last year! Evidently, free trade promoting a global economy is more important than the strength Americans once promoted in the work force. Adding insult to injury the majority of states have passed laws giving further protection and financial allowances to the gay and lesbian communities passing strict employment, housing and insurance laws further de-generating the family unit. But the judgments of God have been made clear.

 

Romans 1:24-32 “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie… God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. …God gave them over to a reprobate mind, …Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

 

Many leaders that Americans have put in authority are not unlike those described above and some of those leaders who do fear God have sadly compromised their faith thereby supporting the same evil doers described in Romans 1:24-32. Thanks to this country’s weak spined leadership it is now illegal to voice yourself against homosexuality in public places and work places and you can no longer discriminate against gay couples in housing, insurance or domestic court settlements. The media further oppresses our voice restricting the fullest expression of the true gospel on TV and in Radio. If you don’t think you’ve been sold out then you’re sleeping under a shady oak or in utter denial. Wake up people, America has been SOLD OUT and true Christianity is under trial.

 

1 Timothy 6:10-11 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

                                       

Continuing Signs of Judgment are ever Present

 

Many of us in the West and Northwest have seen little or no news coverage of the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Ike that made landfall in Galveston, Texas wiping out oil platforms, entire beachfront communities and flooded major portions of the city. I saw a slide show of the extensive damage done by Ike and was mystified why I hadn’t seen more in the news about relief efforts, needs etc. This story has been virtually squashed by the Presidential campaign. Yet, there are still at least 300 people missing, flooded roads, power outages and gasoline is hard to come by throughout the Southeast. I don’t see either Presidential candidate, Congress or the President doing much to support the communities devastated by Hurricane Ike’s wrath. Can you trust a bastardized government that seeks to protect its own selfish interests bailing out a corrupted and failing banking system over the genuine needs of citizens victimized by an uncontrollable act of nature? If this isn’t enough to get your attention and generate serious interest – I don’t know what else I could do to get you off your sofa.

 

“I declare by the Spirit of God in me that a day soon approaches when the captives will be truly set free. In the year of Jubilee our Lord shall return with tens of thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all the nations and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have done unceasingly and convict them of all their blasphemies which ungodly men and women have spoken against Him. As the ungodly have done unto the innocent so they have done unto Christ and judgment has been given to our Lord Christ Jesus to recompense every man and woman for their ungodly denial and unbelief. No stone shall be left un-turned and no one shall escape the attention of our Lord. All shall be held to account for all their thoughts and deeds and everything they have ever done under the sun.”

  

John 5:21-23 “For as the Father rises up the dead, and quickens them; even so the Son quickens whom he will. For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father who has sent him.”

 

John 5:26-27 “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”

 

Therefore brethren, friends and neighbors, know that the love of God toward you is great but you must separate yourself from all this evil. If you’re feeling like me lately then you know things are only going to get much worse. I am certain everyone reading this scroll agrees with me that liberal media outlets are dishing out the most censored and biased information ever in US history. The deluding influence is strong. Because 40% of this country does not participate in national elections I believe 40% of America knows better than to support a treasonist government. The financial meltdown in the US is also having far reaching effects on the European market. What happens here affects the whole world in a globalized economy. Civil rebellion here and abroad is very near on the horizon.

 

But YOU can make a difference with God’s help

 

The very center of our Bibles contains a powerful and profound message for all God-fearing Christians that should not be taken lightly especially in times like these.  Psalms 118:8-9 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Further, we are reminded not to take part in the things of this world at the expense of compromising our faith in God whose Kingdom is not of this world. The more that God’s children mingle in the affairs of human politics, corrupt governments and worldly concerns the more they become worldly in all their pursuits and trivial works. Jesus was never inclined to enforce political parties and neither did he condone, advocate or condemn secular governments. It is true that mankind needs governing but only to the extent that evil and wickedness is kept at bay. This ideally is a world where righteous judgment is practiced and discipline becomes necessary towards those who would otherwise rob us of our God given freedoms and liberties. One could almost say that our system of Law and Justice is a necessary evil for even God ordains certain ones to serve as ministers of justice. But be warned brethren for there are many who are not appointed by God.

 

This too is a biblical truth that can be found in the Book of Hosea. There are striking parallels between Israel’s transgressions and America’s being a once Christian nation. Hosea 8:2-4 Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him. They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols that they may be cut off.” In the same fashion that true Christianity has been replaced by the most apostate form of Christian practice in this country so too did Israel forsake a God they once knew. So many declare themselves being Christian and believe God is somehow in control of American politics but the truth is that God does not interfere with human government. We are solely held accountable for all the choices we make in our lives. If God were in control then how could He hold you accountable for your own free will? Take note that the choices Israelites made regarding kings and rulers were not ordained by God and so we can discern from this that not all of our appointed leaders are approved of God. It only makes sense that this would hold true since Jesus had nothing to do with the governmental reform of worldly powers. You are terribly deceived if you think God has a choice or would vote in any democratic election. The answer to the question, “What would Jesus do?” is painfully obvious – nothing!

 

Psalms 146:3-4 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.  His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”

 

Real Change starts on a Grass Roots level…

 

Real change and making a difference does not happen working from the top down. It comes from within and changing self, attitude and adjusting personal lifestyle. In more simple words, effective change happens when working from the bottom up. Jesus knew this well for He came into this world as a lowly Son of Man. At His trial when before Pontius Pilate Jesus made it clear; John 18:36-37 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Unlike the fate of mankind stated in Psalms 146:3-4, though Jesus’ breath went forth and ceased upon the cross His thoughts did not perish but were recorded for all time. These indeed are words for us to live by for even Jesus testified; Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” In no wise did Christ’s thoughts perish but rather His very words give life to all who would otherwise be perishing.

 

The above describes very plainly a renewed spirit, a new man and a new way of managing life’s complexities. One does not need to fall into snares and traps set to entangle self into divisive politics. I do not condemn any who by faith exercise their free will to participate in democratic elections. I will not attempt to force anyone to abide by my own example of faith in practice but I do feel compelled to bear witness of such so that you may have opportunity to consider the deeper and more devoted aspects of sincere Christian duty and obedience to one God – one Lord – one Savior. I do not subscribe to man’s divisive government because it essentially takes away from certain freedoms and liberties that are guaranteed me by God. Why would I want to surrender that which God gave abundantly?

 

I do not desire a society of more control and restriction which costs us dearly in tax dollars. I refuse to subscribe to or endorse any political candidate that ignores my Christian liberty but sees fit to endorse sexual immorality and fails to effectively punish sexual predators. I refuse to reward ignorance and poor management of my tax dollars by endorsing candidates that support and practice Marxist or Socialist ideals. I refuse to support and endorse anyone whose entire political record and history demonstrates a departure from moral and conscientious responsibility. And lastly, every single leader in this country carries on day after day as though the whole 911 affair was the result of Islamic terrorism. That is the biggest lie and cover-up in all American history and all of the dramatic changes that have been made since that fateful day are based on that one horrendous deception. 911 was an inside job, plain and simple. In my opinion, the George W Bush Administration is the most treasonist administration to have ever led this country. In the last eight years, America has become more a Godless Nation than ever and more closely resembles the fallen societies of Sodom and Gomorrah, Ancient Rome and Hitler’s Germany. I am convinced there is no solution, no remedy and no one to rescue us but Christ Jesus Himself. Therefore, my sole allegiance is to Christ alone.

 

 1 John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

 

1 John 2:21-23 “I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 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 hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledges the Son hath the Father also.”

 

Israel & Jordan Tour – My second Pilgrimage

 

I am pleased and excited to announce I will be returning to the Holy Land for a second time November 10th – 22nd. This time I will be taking my youngest daughter Renee who is also looking forward to spending some time with her God-fearing dad sharing in the rich exposure of life in modern Israel as well as visiting all of the most significant biblical sites scattered throughout Jordan and Israel. We will again be traveling with Dr. Noah Hutchings from Southwest Radio Church Ministries. This will be his 52nd tour.

 

You may recall my last trip to Israel was accompanied by a profound revelation of understanding. That is that the concept of a pre-tribulation rapture was totally unbiblical and further that the scriptures overwhelmingly support further suffering in and through the majority of time identified as the seven year tribulation. In three prior Scrolls I discussed the soon coming of our Lord, the most probable timing of his return and the necessity for our having to endure these times of “increasing trouble.” After much prayer and testing of these insights I published my findings and provided an overwhelming amount of scriptural evidence supporting the revelation of understanding I received. I am looking forward to further understanding and new insights that our Lord might reveal. I also enjoy bearing witness and testimony to other Christians, especially those holding onto a pre-tribulation view. Many of those that travel with Southwest Radio Church Ministry are pre-tribulationists. Opportunities to practice faithfulness abounds when one surrounds himself with Christians holding opposing views.

 

This trip will be a little different than the last one as we will be flying directly to Amman, Jordan and touring more cities than before. Amman, a Decapolis city referred to in Deuteronomy as “Rabbath the children of Ammon” once ruled by the human giant King Og, whose bedstead was nine cubits long! We evidently will also get to see the ancient Roman city of Jerash, another Decapolis city founded in the second century BC. Jerash boasts magnificent ancient architecture like Hadrian’s Arch and the pagan temples of Zeus, Artemis and Nympheum and others. At one time Jerash was home to a large community of early Christians boasting 13 churches. We will travel along “the King’s Highway” visiting the Plains of Moab and Mt. Nebo where Moses stood to view the Jordan Valley and the Promised Land beyond. We will visit Medaba where King David defeated the Ammonites – I Chronicles 19:7-19 and then Karak where the Crusader Castle situated 1000 feet above the Dead Sea can be seen from miles around. This city is thought to be ancient Kir where Tiglath-pileser sent the Syrian prisoners after conquering Damascus – II Kings 16.

 

By Day 4 of the tour we will get back to some familiar ground and head to Petra. I am particularly looking forward to visiting Petra again and doing some bartering for ancient coins and rare relics available from many locals. I might even get Renee to take a Camel ride into the city making for a great photo op. Before leaving Jordan we will revisit Wadi Rumm and take in the breath taking sites of sculptured red sandstone clefts, canyons and caves. This area was home to Essau and also featured in the old Hollywood film, Lawrence of Arabia. We will then cross the boarder at Aqaba into Israel and spend the night at Eliat, our first city in Israel located at the southernmost tip of Israel.

On day five we will be headed north along the Egyptian boarder and see a part of Israel’s land that was handed over to Egypt – the Sinai. We will very quickly be traveling along the shores of the Dead Sea visiting Masada, the last ancient stronghold of Jews that fell to the Romans in 72AD. This is the place where more than 1000 Jews took their own lives rather than fall into the hands of Roman occupation. Masada sits high on an isolated mountain plateau and the archeological preservation of this fortress is outstanding. The panoramic view from above is one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever laid eyes on. From Masada we will visit the beautiful Ein Gedi reserve and springs where David cut off the hem of Saul’s garment as he slept in a cave – I Samuel 24. Ein Gedi is a beautiful oasis of fruit and vegetation and home to the indigenous species of the Ibex and Coney. This beautiful oasis is not unlike a jewel springing out of the driest desert climate found on earth. On the evening of the fifth day we will arrive at the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel where I look forward to seeing Renee’s reaction to wading in the richest salt and mineral waters on earth. The Dead Sea is located at the lowest dry land elevation on earth and it is quite a sensation to wade in and feel the effects of the rich brine caress your body. If you have any unseen open sores, you’ll know it immediately upon entering the lake!

 

On day 6 we will get to visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This part of Israel in many respects resembles the desert portions of Colorado and Arizona. In addition to wind shaped desert rock sculpturing there are hundreds of caves littered throughout the rocky clefts. Along the way we will visit Beth-Shan, the city where Saul’s body was nailed to the city’s gate – I Samuel 31. The city of Tiberias will be our destination on this leg of the trip where we will spend three nights touring about the northern countryside each day. Tiberias is my favorite city in Israel. I found it most inviting and the locals are very friendly. Located off the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias has multiple ruins scattered about modern architecture and boasts of some beautiful vistas from different locals.

 

Day seven begins with a day sail on the Sea of Galilee. There I shall be in my element and maybe the boys will let me take the helm for a spell. Later we will see Tabaga where Jesus fed 5000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish – Matthew 6:19. The “Jesus Boat” Museum is also on the itinerary that day where a preserved fishing vessel was discovered in the shallows off the Sea of Galilee back in 1986. The boat has been dated back to the first century and was remarkably preserved in the freshwater sediments. We will get to walk along the Mount of Beatitudes where everyone knows Jesus preached the famous Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:1-7. The three cities Jesus cursed in Matthew 11:20-25, Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida will also be along the way. I noted that many such ruins of former settlements exist along the well traveled highways in Israel similar to these three. You see many hewn stones scattered about the ground where settlers once lived all over Israel. The parable of rocky soil comes to ones mind. The last time we visited I recall seeing some wild Ibex grazing about on the edge of these ruins. Of course, no trip to Israel would be complete without a visit to the Jordan River where customary Baptismal Services will be offered for any interested believers.

 

If time permits we will get to travel to the Kabbalah city of Safed which was established the same year Jerusalem was sacked by the Romans in 70AD. From there we will trek northward along the Lebanese/Syrian boarder to the Dan River and ancient forest reserve where we will get to see the ancient ruins of the city Dan. A most amazing find was the discovery of the Canaanite gate that Abraham passed through on his way to rescue Lot and his family from Amraphel, king of Syria – Genesis 14:1. This particular site is unique in that it was so well preserved despite the fact that many of the building bricks were fashioned out of mud and straw. We will also see where Jereboam set up the Altar and golden calf for Israel’s idolatrous sacrifice in Tel Dan. Caesarea Philippi will be next on this trek where Jesus first gave Peter his new name (Cephas) and told him that upon him He would build his Church – Matthew 6:18. This site is also an archeologically rich site boasting of numerous pagan idols and statues. The pagan Temple of Pan where many human sacrifices took place is also located here. One thing Israel is not short on is ancient archeological ruins despite the fact that the country has been built and destroyed so many times over the millennia.

 

From there we will travel to the Golan Heights a.k.a. the Land of Bashan where the armies of Gog are prophesied to be destroyed – Ezekiel 39:18. There already exist many relics of prior wars Israel was victorious in, 1948, 1967 and 1973. On the way back to Tiberias we will stop at the Gamla Bird and Game reserve on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee where 5000 Jews jumped to their deaths escaping capture from the Romans in 66AD. This was the place where the Jews held off capture from the Romans for two years under the leadership of the Jewish historian Josephus. Vultures are prolific in this area indicating prophetic signs of future death and bloodshed.

 

Day nine we will finally begin our final leg to Jerusalem stopping at Mt. Megiddo along the way where we will be able to see the Megiddo valley below where the final battle of Armageddon will take place – Revelation 16:16. The view is panoramic from the mountain top allowing one to see 360 degrees. The valley below is where the enemies of Christ will gather and be crushed and defeated by Him upon His return. It will be here that the forces of the antichrist will be utterly destroyed before Jesus finally takes his seat upon the earthly throne ushering in the new Millennium. Haifa and Mt. Carmel where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal will also be on this leg southward. After seeing Elijah’s cave and a Druze village we will finally arrive in Jerusalem for the final three days of our tour. Time permitting barring any political restraints we will visit Bethlehem.

 

The last three days will be chocked full of important sites and viewing including the Mount of Olives, the Old City, the Upper Room, Garden of Gethsemane, Garden Tomb, Golgotha where Christ was crucified, the Western Wall, the excavations below exposing Herodian architecture and the Pool of Bethesda, Solomon’s quarry as well as many other religious sites scattered throughout the four quarters of Jerusalem. One of the most moving experiences will be a visit to Yod Vashem, the Holocaust Museum where one is guaranteed not to walk out with a dry eye. As hard as it is to spend three hours in this museum, I strongly recommend a visit for anyone who visits Israel. The last time I visited it took me about a half hour to regain my composure before leaving. In such a place where one is most vulnerable, the Holy Spirit moves in such a way that one feels a sense of Christ’s anguish on the cross. For anyone that has a heart for God, their lives will be forever changed and the understanding one receives is deeply profound.

 

Summary thoughts…

 

As I publish this scroll, the Feds are considering buying up some National Banks which would inevitably give the US Government more control of your money. American Stock Market investors have lost over 8.3 billion dollars over the last year and in excess of 7 billion was lost just in this calendar year! Despite Barack Obama’s popularity I still think John McCain and Palin will win the White House posts but that in no way infers personal preference for I don’t trust any of them. President Bush recently jested on camera (YOU- TUBE), “This country would be a lot easier to run if it were a dictatorship… pause… Especially if I were the dictator.” That is a very real possibility folks. In fact, it seems to me that this country is already under Martial Law. Citizens just don’t know it yet because most are being mesmerized by the media’s brainwashing and are unaware.

 

While the financial infrastructure continues to buckle, we can expect the transportation and logistics industry to fail next. A pattern is forming here and we are clearly on the brink of extinction as a sovereign and independent nation. Democracy is failing and being replaced by tyranny. The whole world is being deceived and the deterioration of American democracy is dramatically affecting foreign governments and financial markets throughout Europe. Chaos and anarchy, strife and general mayhem are inevitable - planet wide.

 

Have you noticed in a reeling economy that the price of oil is dropping? How come the price of gasoline at the pumps isn’t keeping up with the price drop in oil as quickly as it did when the price of oil was rising? Gas companies responded to emotional speculation as the price of oil increased but are reluctant to let go of their increased profits now that the price of a barrel is dropping rapidly. How do you feel every quarter when the major Oil companies report multi billions of dollars in profits yet you and I, (Joe consumer) continue paying through the @ss#$ as Arabians continue to build themselves the world’s largest tour Mecca in the world catering largely to the nation’s elite?

 

Have you seen any angels flying about lately? Have any strangers graced your doorstep to give you warning? Can you tell the difference between a dream and a vision?

 

The Third Seal…

 

Revelation 6:5-6 “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”

 

The Catalyst to Sudden Destruction

 

Watch closely for the coming peace accord involving Israel and her enemies. Then we shall know when the seven year tribulation begins. As America sells itself out so too is America’s ally, Israel, being sold out under American guidance! Judgment is inevitable!

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”

 

The one sure sign that the end days have arrived will be the signing of that peace accord. Israel is already on the brink of territorial surrender. It is President Bush’s goal to see the provisions of his “Road Map to Peace” implemented and treaty signed. Any of the above concerns could fester and worsen which could be the catalyst Bush needs to publicly proclaim martial law and suspend what little freedoms we have remaining. As I said earlier, “democracy has died.” It’s time for all believers to truly submit and surrender to the only true Lord and Savior we can depend on. A mere confession is not sufficient. Your confession must be followed by a changed heart, attitude and behavior. Repentance and humility are necessary ingredients to salvation but it starts from the bottom up. Let the new “grass roots” movement begin today before it can no longer be called today. Pray, pray hard and pray unceasingly. Global tribulation is about to unfold. Come Lord Jesus come!

 

With all God-fearing sincerity and love for the truth,

 

Nicholas A. Stivers – a God-fearing disciple, scribe and messenger

http://nicholas-scrolls.com

http://cephasministry.com

     

 

 

 

 

 

  

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