Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

February 2018

One of the Greatest Biblical Mysteries:

That Desperately needs to be Discovered

  “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife. and they two shall be one flesh.  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.“ — Ephesians 5:31-32

  Everyone loves a mystery, right?  Well, marriage is a mystery — it contains and conceals a meaning far greater than what we see on the outside. God created and ordained marriage so that the eternal covenant relationship between Christ and his church would be imaged forth in the marriage union.

 Unfortunately, most Christians and people in general, do not have the foggiest idea of what marriage really is.   This is a mystery that God certainly does not want to be a mystery to any married couple. God has given every marriage a built-in marriage counselor, as marriage was designed to be NOT a couple, but a TRINITY between the man, his wife and the indwelling presence of our Lord Jesus.  It is the presence of the Lord Jesus that allows his LOVE to dwell in us, providing us the wisdom that is from above, as James 3:17-18 describes it:

 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

 How many couples would be excited about having this kind of fruit dominate their marriage?  This is contrasted with the absence of the presence of the Lord Jesus that is filled with the wisdom that is not from above as described in James 3:14-16,

  “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

How many married couples do you know 

who need to know to understand this mystery?

 There is a reason God made this MYSTERY in marriage available.  Why?  Because marriage and family problems outnumber all other counseling problems combined. Marriage is the most basic institution God ordained and it is for that reason that the devil has made such an assault on it.

 To the single person that has never been in love before, they cannot imagine the difficulties that arise when two people come together in marriage and cohabitation.  The  basic problem is, no one can love without the indwelling of the Lord Jesus because He IS love.  Without the Lord Jesus, it is impossible to truly love,  Those who come to the marriage altar without the wisdom that is from above are blinded to the many problems that arise in their future marriage.  When a man and a woman enter into as intimate a relationship as marriage, they quickly discover that there are many adjustments that need to be made. They discover that problems arise in this environment that never appeared before.  There is the simple fact that both are of the opposite sex and they react differently to situations.  They both have ideas, emotions, values, ambitions, desires, and points of views that are not only different but that will sometimes oppose one another .
And their different backgrounds also add to their differences.

 Differences — Differences can either destroy a relationship or enhance it.  It has been said that there is very little difference among men, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is going to be what destroys or enriches a marriage. The lesson on this subject is not a proposition to resolve every problem nor to make all of the adjustments for your marriage.

 Initial Adjustments — When a newly wedded couple begins living with one another they discover, WOW, THIS IS DIFFERENT!   Yesterday I was single; today I am married. Yesterday I slept alone; today I am sleeping with my spouse. Yesterday there was a possibility that my mate would find someone else to marry; today we have a commitment to live together till death do us part.  Yesterday I lived with my own point of view; today I have to live with the consideration of the point of view of the opposite sex.  Yesterday it was not proper for me to touch my mate in an inappropriate sensual manner; today it is proper for us to even experience intimate sexual relations.  Yesterday, I was only responsible only for myself; today we are responsible for each other.  Yesterday we only saw each other when we were at our best; today we see each in the normal every day setting — oftentimes at our worst appearance.  Yesterday, we were able to hide many of our faults and worst habits from each other; today it is extremely difficult to accomplish that, Yesterday, we were able to live dreaming about how things will be when we get married; today, we are living in the everyday reality of marriage. Yesterday I was single, today I am married!  What a big difference!  No other relationship exists that demands such quick and extraordinary changes from its partners. When one realizes this, it is only is easy to understand why there are so many marriages that fail. We can say with certainty to every prospective person considering marriage that your marriage will result in disaster – if you and your partner do not manage to make the proper adjustments in a mature and sane manner. Every successful marriage comes about because the couple makes an effort to communicate with each other.  All the changes need to come about through patience, love, humility and esteeming each other more than oneself.  When these adjustments are made, they will establish a satisfactory and solid marriage.

The Major Change:

WE — TOGETHER

 Prior to getting married, we were accustomed to thinking in terms of the following pronouns: I – ME — We have planned our lives around ourselves, individually. Self is the  king in our society. By nature, we are all egocentric.

  However, when we get married, all this has to change. Suddenly, it should no longer be I, it must become WE — US.  So different!  So strange! Yes, so difficult!   Yesterday, whenever I felt like it, I would go out and do the things i liked to do.  i would play golf, go shopping, visit some of my close friends, do some the things that I liked doing.   Yesterday, if I didn’t like the job I had I would simply quit and look for another job.  Now, I have to think of the new responsibilities I have in maintaining a household.  Yesterday, If I didn’t want to shave or fix my hair and face, I just wouldn’t do it. Yesterday, I would do whatever I wanted to do or go wherever I wanted to go, at any time I wanted to do it. That was yesterday!  But today, things have changed dramatically.   I am no longer allowed to think in terms of I, the moment I said, “I do,” I have to become part of WE — together.

  God tells those who marry about the importance  of the relationship between a husband and wife — that it  is a portrait of the relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ and His Bride — every born-again believer (Ephesians 5:31-32).   We  find this language given   to us in Ephesians  2:5-6:

 “Even when we were dead in sins (single) has God quickened us (made u s alive — married) together with Christ, (by grace you are saved)  And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

  The most major adjustment one has to make when they get married is to think in terms of together, and no longer I, ME.  If we are successful in accomplishing this, the rest, of the adjustments will be much less difficult to accomplish.  Our thinking process has to change from what I want  — to what we want. Together, we need to consider what is good and beneficial to us both.  God tells us the two shall become one!  This, of course, involves a drastic change in that thought process.  We need to have our minds transformed to that thought process.  Remember, God takes the two and forms them into one.  I am no longer living for Myself, but for OURselves and OUR good.  Our individual life is to be inseparably tied with that of our marriage partner. There needs to be a level of communication between the marriage partners that does not exist with any other person. The circle that surrounds the husband and wife must never be violated by anyone else. The Lord Jesus is already in that circle with the couple.

 When this thinking process has taken hold, it will impact every practical area of our lives. That  means that I do not spend as much time doing leisurely things as I did before.  Do I stop doing these things because I have lost interest in them?  Of course not!  It is because now, they are  secondary in my life in relation to my partner for life.I still like to the things I did before, but I now do them with my partner or less frequently. Both partners need to place each other in the number one category.

  Where are you going?  What are you thinking?  Where have you been?  Why did you do this?  Who were you talking to?  What did you do today?  When are you going to be back?  What are you planning to do today?  What did they tell you?

  Does this sound familiar?  These are questions that are asked every day in households all over the word.  The married couple should live their lives for each other and in completing the task God has prepared for you and the family He will give you. Our plans, thoughts and experiences should be shared with out marriage partner. If my partner has to ask these kind of questions, there is generally something wrong in our communication and togetherness. When one of the marriage partners thinks that a question of this sort is meddling into the lives, they have failed to recognize the fact that they are no longer living the life of I — ME. but WE — US, TOGETHER.  God’s Word declares to us that since WE are now ONE, both have the right to know what the other is doing. This is extremely important, as it will add or take away from God’s blessings upon your life. We are instructed in 1st Peter 3:7:

 “Likewise, ye husbands dwell with them [wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

 Now we can clearly see why this understanding is so vitally important. An adjustment of this magnitude requires not only a change of lifestyle — from the single life to the married life — but a change of moving to thinking in terms of ONE — WE.  To be sure, it is not easy, but it is doable by the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus and brings about a wonderful relationship and marriage!  When this occurs in a marriage, your love for each will GROW, and GROW, God’s love NEVER deteriorates, it can only grow. In ten years, the husband will love his wife ten times more than their wedding day!  After fifty years, it is off the charts.

 There are at least three things that are needed to bring this about.

1 — A spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ and His abiding help. Without Christ, you can do NOTHING.  Our Lord Jesus tells us in John 15:5:

 “I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without me ye can do nothing.”

2 — A marriage partner that is well grounded i God’s Word and principles.

3 — Love — Not as the world loves but the love that comes from God.

  Many marriages can be pleasant.  But a marriage without Jesus Christ at its center can never experience the deeper abundant life that only comes from knowing Him by having an intimate personal relationship. To achieve this marriage with the abundant life our Lord Jesus offers, the married couple needs to commit themselves to God and His Word. He alone can make the needed therapy in the heart of each individual and make the change from ME to US, as recorded in Romans 12:2, “be ye transformed [ metamorphosed ] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  God specializes in transforming our point of view on certain matters when He controls our mind by His life in us.  This is the mystery.

 If you are reading this and are single, then there is something you can do before you get married. You can share with your loved one a good and solid foundation. Talk to them about the TOGETHER marital  relationship you desire to experience. Any marriage partner will enjoy this type of TOGETHER marital relationship even before they ever get married. Strange, but true.  Generally, this relationship is based solely on the physical. In most instances, these relationships are usually short lasting.  When they find someone else they are attracted to physically, they are gone. Since the flesh can never truly satisfy,. any adjustments made in these relationships are doomed.

LOVE — It is strange to even mention this when we talk in terms of adjustments. Strangely, many get married without ever knowing what love really is?   They confuse LUST  with LOVE and they are incapable of understanding true love. As it is written in 1st Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned [understood].” Each one is selfishly consumed with themselves and they preoccupy themselves with the other person.

 Biblical love has only one prerogative — to GIVE.  God demonstrates this love in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” A relationship without love can only be based on what is good for me personally.  Even when one does something for the other, they do it in order to gain something in return. Conversely, genuine love only interests itself in the good of the object of its love — with no regard to receiving anything in return. If you meditate on what the Scriptures say about love, you will capture a broader view of the beauty of genuine love (1st Corinthians 13).

 “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” (disrespected —  despised — you cannot buy love). — Song of Solomon 8:7

 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

 “Let love be without dissimulation” (hypocrisy) — Romans 12:9

 The Bible tells us LOVE  “… suffers long, is kind, envies not, does not vaunt itself, is not puffed up, does not behave unseemly, does not seek it’s own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, rejoices in the truth, bears all things, endures all things, endures all things, never fails …” 1st Corinthians 13:4-8

 “by love serve one another” — Galatians 5:13

 Those of us who are married need to ponder again and again how mysterious and wonderful it is that God grants us in marriage the privilege to image forth stupendous divine realities infinitely bigger and greater than ourselves.

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the February 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “One of The Greatest Biblical Mysteries That Desperately Needs to be Discovered” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, the Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

September 2018

Artificial Intelligence and Bible Prophecy

  Billionaire Elon Musk declared he was worried that artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to the rise of an “immortal dictator,” a “godlike” entity that could take over the world.  Is this accurate, or at least, close in some ways?  Does Bible prophecy foretell of the rise of an immoral leader who considers himself above all gods?  Will this result in great destruction?  What is AI?  How might it fit in with various prophecies?  Was the increase of technological knowledge prophesied over 2,000 years ago?  Will 666 control over buying and selling involve any form of AI?

 Remember, when various prophesies were made regarding AI. there was no technology capable of fulfilling them, and since the advent of computers, such ability does now exist.  What does our Lord Jesus Christ plan to do about it?

  In a 2017 video, the Department of Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was quoted as saying that drones would “be deployed with a mixture of mission payloads.”  Now we know what that really means…

KILLER DRONES WILL DECIDE

WHO, WHEN, WHERE

  Details of a killer drone project have been outlined on the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) website, which specifications were nicely summarized by Tyler Durden with Technocracy News & Trends (https://www.technocracy.news).  The project includes details of an unmanned military drone fleet which can automatically detect, recognize, classify, identify (DRCI) and target enemy combatants and vehicles using artificial intelligence (AI).  The Department of Defense (DOD) solicited businesses that have developed needed technology for the project to partner with the Army, to eventually transfer their technology to this operation.  The United States Army now operates drones manually, but the drones being developed will have no human oversight.  That’s right, they will “automatically” detect and identify the enemy and kill them.

  The Word of God tells us that during the seven-year tribulation, some very extreme population control will be taking place on the earth, for example:

 “The fifth angel sounded and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth, and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.  And he opened the bottomless pit and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.  And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power…They were instructed not to kill them, but that they should be tormented five months, and their torment was the torment of a scorpion when he strikes a man” Revelation 9:1-3, 5.

  In John’s day, a swarm of drones could perhaps best be described as a swarm of locusts.  The word “drone” did not exist.  Besides the above-described torments, the Word of God also tells us that a fourth of the inhabitants of the earth will be killed (Revelation 6:8); and a short time later, a third of those who remain on earth will also be killed (Revelation 9:15).

 Our Lord Jesus said regarding the last days, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).  The saints of God will be taken from the earth before the great tribulation begins (1st Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 3:10).  Will you be among them?

Mark of the Beast Technology?

The New Electronic Tattoo

  A computer built right into your skin?  Yes, it has become a reality.  A team of scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an electronic computer patch that attaches to the skin which is thinner than a hair.  The device can observe vital signs of a medical patient, store, and transmit data, locate individuals as well as other functions.  John A Rogers, a materials science professor and leader of the development team, reported on the new device in the journal Science.

 “The skin is a particularly interesting point of integration.”  Rogers says.  “Skin is the largest organ.  It provides our main point of non-visual sensory interaction with the outside world, and it is a place where people have attempted to interface electrodes and electronics for decades.”

 The goal of the team was to “blur the distinction between electronics and biological tissues.”  The epidermal electronics, as the patches are referred to, are powered via solar energy and from electrical current in the human body.  At present, the devices are being used only for medical patients in hospitals under observation or medical care.  In addition to being able to monitor vital signs, such as heart-rate, brainwaves and even the health of a fetus in the womb, the team behind the electronic tattoo stated that the device can help with voice commands, covert military operations and many other purposes.

 This type of technology opens the door for the fulfillment of Revelation chapter 13’s Mark of the Beast.  The Bible prophesies that once the Antichrist (the false Messiah who will deceive the world before the Second Coming of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ) has taken full control of the world’s governments in the end times, an economic and religious system will be set up for all citizens of the world via a “mark” that will go into the forehead or right hand.  As the Bible states, though this mark, all buying and selling of any items in the world will be strictly controlled.  Clearly, with epidermal electronics, that can transmit data. this is even more possible.

Revelation 13:16-18, “And 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:  And 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.. Here 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.”

  Now, this does not mean that this electronic patch is the Mark of the Beast.  In fact, it cannot be, according to the Bible.  Scripture is clear that the Mark is instituted by the Antichrist himself and his cohort, the False Prophet.  It will be offered to all the people of the world to take as a sign of their belief in the Antichrist as God.  And since the Antichrist has  not emerged on the scene, the Mark is something that will occur off in the future at a date unknown.  What the invention of epidermal electronics does show is that the technology is now readily available which can fulfill this prophecy.

 The Apostle John, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the book of Revelation in the first century A.D.  The Roman Empire, which John lived in had coin currency for purchases.  Additionally, any items of value could be bartered for other goods.  The idea of all commerce of every citizen on the planet being controlled by a mark in one’s hand was not remotely possible at that time.  The notion of a “mark” being used to track all sales and purchases to any first century-Roman citizen would be insane.  Even in modern times, that type of device being described in Revelation was not technologically feasible until just a few years ago.  But now with wireless and satellite technology, and computer innovations like the epidermal electronics, it is  very much a reality.

  For those readers who are not Christians, it is important to know that the Bible is full of prophecy — some of which has been fulfilled and others referring to events yet to come. The Mark of the Beast is clearly something that could not be possibly be fulfilled at the time John wrote about it, but now it can be.  Bible prophecy is coming to fruition right before our eyes.

              The time is now to believe and be spiritually born again

  For those who are already saved, do not be afraid at news like this.  Just know that the time is more urgent than ever to spread the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ to the world. At the rate technology is moving, we do not know how much time is left.

UFO’s: How the Supernatural

Reaches Out To Our World

  The 1950’s through the early 2000’s had us labeled as being a touch crazy if we dared to believe in UFO’s; they were anything but real — cloud formations, swamp gas — anything, but not real.  During that time, the media kept filling our subconscious with imagery of what they should be.  Friendly little beings or spooky critters to be avoided were the two views topping the list, but still they were not supposed to be real.

 At some point after 2005, the media, governments and executives determined it was time to bend our thinking once again with the idea that they are now, not just real, but also they are now, not just real, but also they our distant brother race that should be looked to for the answers.  This is a higher civilization, was the message which came from the flood of data released by country after country from the secret files they had compiled over the years.

  All of sudden, it’s public information.  The veil of Top Secrecy has been dropped; the files are now public domain — well let’s say one part of them, because when you look below the surface they only  released a portion of the data and have withheld areas that will remain in the conspiracy theory realm to this day.

 Let me mention the secretive areas without going into detail: D.U.M.B. (Deep Underground Military Bases), RFID Implants, Missing People — abductions, missing hardware (ships and planes), and of course entire groups of people being taken at once with no explanation or follow-up investigation.

 The information we were allowed to have consists of files verifying sightings and diverse races, but the character and nature of the beings was left up to others with some type of status for them to color in as to whom or what these beings actually could be.  The Pope, famous scientists, and even actors play a part in how we are to see these suddenly real beings and the craft they pilot around the planet.  My, my, how a little time can change a situation… or does it?

 Within 70 years, we’ve gone from being crazy for believing in, yes, you should believe, but only if you see it our way.  No other explanation required, and you’re expected to accept this as is.  No deeper digging please:  it’s not necessary.  The authorities will fill in the blanks as required, so don’t worry; everything is fine and under control.  They are a higher power looking to help us with the many problems and troubles we have today.  They will have the answers, but we alone will ask the questions.

 It is important to see the coincidental timing of those events and Israel becoming a nation in 1948. Israel is key for keeping track of God’s timetable concerning end-time events.

 The tail end of Revelation 12:12 says “…for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time”.  Timing is key, and it becomes clear to see the powers behind UFO / alien events are also very aware of timing and exactly when things should be released to the public.

 “For there shall arise false Christs, and prophets, and they shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).

 Before our eyes, we are seeing the development of the largest deceptive move ever taken against mankind.  A plan so deep and widespread it could stand to fool even the strongest of believers among the Christian community.

 While UFO’s and aliens are now a part of the mainstream entertainment cycle, it must be noted that the people releasing the information are also forming the things we believe about them; they have reserved that right and expect you to abide by whatever it is they dictate as facts.

 I need to make a notation here, and we need to understand UFO’s and alien’s are not unique for spreading the lies, but they are only one part of many means used to communicate false beliefs and demonic doctrines.  The message from these so-called “other worldly” beings are cousins to Ouija boards, tarot cards, palm readers, psychics, seances and even Satan worshipers.  It all depends which size and flavor appeal to you. They have something to meet almost every curiosity and level of interest.

 Remember, these beings have been at this for a very long time and have truckloads of experience on how to pull you in and deceive even the finest biblical student.  Use Caution; use extreme caution, remembering that the only true means of protection comes through God’s Holy Spirit and remaining grounded in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18).

 Within one lifetime, we’ve gone from “don’t you dare believe” into “Yes, believe, but only what we tell you.”  From death threats, if you speak of it into openly published documents for all to review.  How can this be?  Has anyone wondered how it could change so much in so short a time?

 Seeing how the official narrative for UFO’s has not stayed on track, let’s take a look at something that never changed and has never wavered, shall we?  Our observation and diligent study are required in order to remain stable and grounded.  We are to seek out knowledge and be informed.

•  “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
•  “But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge” (Job 36:12).
•  “He dies for a lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is lead astray” (Proverbs 5:23).
•  “The lips of the righteous feed many but fools die for a lack of sense” (Proverbs 10:21).
•  “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me.  And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

 God’s Word tells us we are to be aware, to have knowledge and not to reject the evidence that is right in front of us.  It clearly is up to Christians living by the Word to spread this knowledge before the deception is fully employed and official disclosure is made.

  If you’re aware of this deception, please make sure others know of it also.  If not, please take the time to study it.  There is a major event coming that will forever change our world system, and it can’t be far off.  When we see the other events happening globally and the patterns of how they follow a biblical outline, it becomes obvious we are the last generation which will experience this global deception.

  If you’re born-again, it will not include you; but it will impact others you may know that are not yet received their free pardon for their sins.  It is up to us to warn others of this scheme before it happens so they have an educated chance for survival during the toughest time the earth will ever know.

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the September 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “Artificial Intelligence and Bible Prophecy” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

January 2019

Emmanuel Macron Continues Quest

to be the Leader of the World

 It is imperative to understand that God is in total control of all that occurs throughout history.  When we think of what is taking place in the world today, many believers get upset and think things are falling apart and that God must be asleep.  Nothing could be  further from the truth.  This is precisely what the Jewish people believed when the Lord Jesus came the first time.  We must understand that God used the Roman government just as He is using world government today in doing His will.

Romans 13:1-4, “Let every soul be subject unto the the higher powers. For there is no power but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinances of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation…”  For he is the minister of God to thee for good …”

  In regards to the coming world leader and those who will work with him, Scripture clearly tells us they will be doing the will of God.  We are told in Revelation 17:17, concerning those world leaders who will help promote the Antichrist:  “For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”

  The kings give their kingdom to the wild beast Antichrist so that their authority and might is used for him, whether in making war upon the Lamb (Revelation 17:14) or in casting down the harlot, the false prophet.  God puts in their heart to act untied.  We are told here God has given to them to make “one mind.”  But they are only carrying out the righteous will of God.  God wills that the harlot / the False Prophet religious system shall fall; and even in their war upon the Lamb, they are only preparing for the crisis when the foes of the righteous King shall fall (Revelation 19:19). Thus does the wrath of man ever turn to God’s praise.

  This is exactly what took place when Pontius Pilate, Herod, the Jews and the Gentiles joined hands against Christ Jesus and crucified Him. (Acts 4:26-28)

Daniel 11:21, “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and ‘laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

 We previously provided an article on many interesting credentials Emmanuel Macron possesses, which is why many students of Scripture look to him as a strong candidate for becoming the long anticipated leader of the world.  According to Scripture, the greatest political  leader in history, the man of lawlessness will arise from Europe to seek world domination, deceiving millions into complying with his dictates.  With the nearness of the time when this man of sin is to be revealed, it is certain this individual is almost certainly alive.  For hundreds of years now, there has been much speculation about the identity of this son of perdition.   Among the speculation, some of the more popular candidates have been: Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, many of the Popes, Prince William,  Barack Obama, Donald Trump. and even Jared Kushner.

  Yes, out of all the candidates who have come and gone, Emmanuel Macron, who became President of France on the 14th of May, 2017, has generated more end-time buzz than any other world leader in recent times!  This is because Macron seems to fit the exact characteristics of the Antichrist in so many ways.  Let’s look at some.

1.) This man of sin will rise suddenly from obscurity, as we are told in Daniel 7:8, “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.“  The Antichrist will be a human being, but will be possessed by the Devil himself.  He will be extremely intelligent and charismatic in all his ways.

  This is how Antichrist is described in Daniel 8:9, “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.”  Many news reports speak of Macron’s meteoric rise from obscurity, appearing out of nowhere!  A year before the French election, Macron had no political party and no previous electoral experience.  Two years before, he was a virtual nobody.  However, no one can rise to this position from obscurity, he was chosen.

  France has been in chaos from all the terrorist attacks and the far-right Front National candidate, Marine LePen, seemed the only answer to the madness.  And yet, Emmanuel Macron won a landslide victory over  Marine LePen in the French election.  At age 39, he is the youngest President France ever ever had, and not since 1958 and Charles de Gaulle has a French President ever won such a powerful majority, taking 351 out of 577 seats! Macron’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. It is in fact unprecedented. Nothing comes easy, and today France is facing bad times with a very large unemployment and Macron’s approval rating are in the 20’s.

2.) One aspect of this man of sin that even non-religious people are aware of, is the ominous number 666.  Even when I was a young boy, this is a term that many were acquainted with.  This number identifies Antichrist and is possible to be computed Revelation 13:18, “Here 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.” According to Dr. E.W. Bullinger, “when the name of the Antichrist is known, its gematria will doubtless be found to be the number 666”.  There are 36 total characters in Macron’s name, that’s (6 x 6), (32 letters, 1 dash, 3 spaces).  If you give each character a value of its position and calculate the sum, you get 666 (1+2+3+…+36 = 666).

 Moreover, another interesting tidbit is that Macron won the French presidency by 66.06% of the vote and assumed office on May 14, 2017, Israel’s 69th anniversary as a reborn nation, what a coincidence!

3.) The Antichrist will claim to be God and is worshiped as we are told in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

  We mentioned in our last article on Mr. Macron, that he has already claimed that he will “Rule like the Roman god Jupiter,” in homage to the highest pagan god in the Roman and Greek pantheons, the king of all the gods in ancient roman religions.  In open reference to this, Macron’s own nickname in France now is “Jupiter”.  Other names given to him include: “Jesus Macron”, “Europe’s Savior” and “the new Louis XIV (or the “Sun King” reborn).

   His name is also significant, as Antichrist will ultimately claim to be God and will sit in the temple of God in Jerusalem, claiming to be God.  President Macron has seemed to covet this attention, when he has jestingly allowed people to draw attention to the origin of his name “Emmanuel,” which means in Hebrew “God is with us.”  In fact, all parts of his name call him some sort of God or Jesus, except his last name meaning: “a written    or printer mark…”!

   This is the meaning of his full name Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frederic Macron:

Emmanuel — God with us

Jean — gift from God

Michel — who is like God?

Frederic — peaceful ruler (Prince of Peace is the title for Jesus Christ)

Macron — a written or printed mark:

  The Antichrist is to require people to take his mark in order to be able to buy or sell in the Bible, known as the mark of the beast.  Revelation 13:16-17, “And 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:  And 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.”

  There seems to be no end to the coincidences regarding this man, he was born on 21 December 1977, which is the Winter Solstice or the shortest day of the year.  The reason December 24 and December 25 were picked for Jesus’ birthday is because those were considered to be the Winter Solstice, or the shortest day of the year… Technically being born on Christmas, and with the name of “Emmanuel”, Macron could falsely claim that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy given in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

4.) The Antichrist is also called a prince in Scripture.

Daniel 7:8, “I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”

Daniel 9:26 “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolation’s are determined.”

 Unlike most European and western leaders. Macron is technically a prince, becoming co-prince of Andorra, a small principality located between France and Spain, at the same time he assumed office!  The remaining royalty in western and northern Europe have little or no power and are essentially just figureheads, but this particular royal has rocketed to power since he also holds the highest executive office in the country.  Because of his party’s sweep of legislative elections, some articles are even calling him a monarch who can rule by decree.

5.) This future world leader will also be of Roman descent, rising out of the revived Roman Empire (the European Union). Macron is a citizen of Europe with Roman ancestry through both sides of his family, and his country, France, is part of the revived Roman Empire (EU).  Macron is working on uniting Europe which would be a return of this power. and is currently leader of one of the two most powerful countries in the EU. We read in Daniel 2:42-43, “And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay. so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.  And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” 

6.) The Antichrist will be a sexual pervert and show no regard for the normal desire of women.  We are told in Daniel 11:37, “Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor t the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.”  Strangely, Emmanuel Macron, at the age 15, fell in love with Brigette Trogneaux, a married teacher at his school, who at the time was 39!  Despite her initial rejection of him and the fact that she was already a married mother-of-three, Macron did as he pleased and began an affair with Trogneaux as a teenage boy.

 Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigette Trogneaux, who’s 24 years older.  The desire of women is to have a family and children.  Macron said he doesn’t want kids of his own. There are also rumors he’s homosexual and has had affairs with a few men.

7.) Antichrist is thought to be an extremely charismatic leader, who is seemingly friendly and charming when he deceives people.  This ability will be brought to the max as he will be possessed by the Devil himself.  Macron looked upon as a young, good looking and charming.  This is highlighted in much of the media, with the following article appearing in Haaretz News, that had this to say about Macron:

 “When he takes the stage st rallies, you can feel Emmanuel Macron’s messianic dimensions — the audience’s near-sexual ecstasy, his followers’ blind faith, his speech writers’ evangelical messages.  People yearn to get a picture with him, speak with him, touch him.”

  Macron’s friend describes how the president is a “grand seducteur,” a man who uses his prodigious gifts to get whatever he wants.  Macron, he explains, is a polymath, a person who is able to acquire significant expertise in a variety of different subjects to become an expert in them, and that he uses this ability to ingratiate himself with others.

  The Financial Times quoting a source who has known Macron well for years, detailed how, “…he seduces everyone.  And then he kills,”  The FT source says Macron is always charming, especially with enemies and those hostile to him, even as he has displayed with President Trump.  After having a very charming and friendly time with President Trump, on the last visit between Macron and Trump, he was very hostile and insulting with President Trump, causing Trump to cut his time in France short.  During the election, for example, Macron took particular pleasure in always trying to meet his opponents, even the most hostile, face to face.  He did this, so the source says, because he was and is so confident of his ability to “win people over.”

8.) Antichrist will be a clever psychopath who is ruthless towards others behind the scenes, a quality Macon appears to possess.  Antichrist is described this way in Daniel 8:23, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up“ (as he did with President Trump when he was in France).  Macron’s leadership style is beginning to emerge, and it IS ruthless.  The former  French leader, President Francois Hollande made Macron a government minister, until Macron abandoned Hollande and ultimately took his job.  Another instance was when Macron purged three well-established and senior ministers in the first few days of his administration.  Macron has wasted no time in also lecturing, and greatly offending eastern and central European leaders on what he perceives as their collective failure to accept adequate amounts of refugees from the Middle East into their nations.

  Macron has told French politicians, from both left and right, they’ll have to play by his rules if they want to be in his camp.  Back in June, the whole world witnessed France’s president publicly humiliating a teenager for calling him ‘Manu’.  French president Emmanuel Macron. contrary to his public image, Sophie Pedder, says, “…can be very ruthless when he wants to be.”

  Macron’ s consistently scornful approach to the normal rules and boundaries of life has led leading European psychiatrist Adriano Sagatori, who has studied Macron extensively, to actually declare him as a potential psychopath.

9.) Of course this coming world leader will be a  globalist as we are told in Revelation 13:7, “And 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”.  His rise to prominence as a person came when he addressed some of the world’s major problems through diplomacy.  Eventually this man of sin will appear to be the savior of the world as we are told in Revelation 13:4, “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?  who is able to make war with him?”.  Emmanuel Macron is the darling of globalism, he is its very embodiment.  Macron is such a globalist that he has stated that “the French culture does not exist.”  One prime example of Macron addressing world problems is the role of leadership in the “Climate Change” global agenda.  Climate Change, formerly known as “Global Warming” has always been considered the vehicle by which the Globalists will dominate and control the world’s economies.

  Macron has already been successful in France, representing all that is wrong in Europe: Socialism, no borders, immigration madness, Islam exaltation and Godlessness.  In France, Macron is already being called “Jesus Macron”, Europe’s Savior and “Sun King” reborn.  Last year, the Rothschild magazine portrayed Macron in a Christlike walking-on-water photo with the headline “Europe’s Saviour?”

10.) The Antichrist will be the most arrogant person of all time as we’re told in Daniel 11:36, “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.”  Macron’s claim that he will “Rule like the Roman god Jupiter,” is in effect a statement that he wants to rule “above every god” (Daniel 11:36).

  Macron has been criticized for taking an arrogant approach, such as when he didn’t conduct the traditional French presidents’ Bastille Day TV interview because his thoughts are “too complex” for such a forum.  Leading European psychiatrist Adriano Sagatori states, “Like all psychopaths, he believes in his higher purpose.  Macron does not love France and will not fight for the French people.”  Sagatori continued, “Macron loves only himself…  The paradox is that he appears normal, but we have a case of full-blown narcissism.”  This impression of Macron is not an isolated one, it seems to be echoed by many other people, especially those close to him.   Even Emmanuel Macron’s wife thinks he is arrogant.’!

11.) The ultimate source of the Antichrist’s power is Satan, Revelation 13:2, “And the beast which I saw was like 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”.  A reporter followed Macron for a week and noticed some unique traits he displayed, documenting them in an article.  These include not breaking in sweltering heat, possessing relentless energy (which he is renowned for), being able to look at someone and convince them to trust him with his “penetrating blue eyes”, being able to recite perfect Greek, and playing both sides in a bid for a newspaper.

  Macron’s former classmates reckon “he was not like the others”. As a teenager and young adult, Macron was always hanging around older people, having dinners with his teachers, avoiding the advances of girls his own age (no regard “for the desire of girls his own age (no regard “for the desire of women”, according to his former classmates.

12.) The Antichrist will rule a ten-nation confederacy which will rise out of a revived Roman Empire (the European Union) (Daniel 2:31-35; 40-45; 7:7-8; 19-24: Revelation 13:1-2; 17:3; 7; 12-16).  President Macron has been pushing to bring together a core 10-nation “Coalition of the Willing” EU Army to prepare European armed forces to take action together in emergencies, and to bind Britain into military cooperation as it leaves the EU. Only recently, a coalition of ten European militaries ready do defend the continent’s borders has been unveiled in Paris, just days after Emmanuel Macron called for a “real European army”.

13.) The future world leader would probably be fluent in at least a few widely-spoken languages, including the English language.  Macron does indeed speak English fluently and has even given a number of interviews in English with the British media.  It is often joked that Macron speaks better English than Americans, including their president, Donald Trump!  It is interesting that Macron consistently speaks the most common language of the day.  A vast number of Europeans speak (or at least understand) English as a second language.  Would it be any surprise that Macron would abandon use of his native tongue in favor of a common language?   Macron also speaks German and who knows what else.

14.) The Bible predicts in Daniel 9:27 that the Antichrist is going to make, and sign, a seven-year peace treaty with Israel: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation. and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”.  Even Macron has wanted to offer Israel “Safety and Security” as he attempts to do what no one to date has been able to do. and has said if President Trump does not come up with a Peace Treaty soon, he will.  Macron is interested in being a significant factor in the attempts to renew talks between Israel and the PA, and the French are already working on their own peace plan!

  Apparently, if U.S. President Donald Trump does not present his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, Macron has said he will issue a proposal of his own!

Macron calls for renewed Israeli-

Palestinian peace talks

15.) The Antichrist will be smart economically, controlling the world’s economy.  Macron is very smart economically having worked for the Rothschild’s banking corporation!  In 2008, Macron became an investment banker with Rothschild, and was promoted from an entry level position with the Rothschild banking system to a partner after just two years.  In just one meeting, Macron convinced the Rothschild banker to make him a partner within 3 hours of talking to him, which the banker said was unprecedented.  He made a 10 billion dollar deal there, earning his nickname, “the Mozart of Finance,” and has a net worth of $32 million despite saying he’s not a millionaire in his presidential run documentary.  In 2012, Macron left Rothschild to become deputy secretary-general at the  Elysee for two years, then was quickly promoted to Minister of Economy and Finance. Ex-minister and senior civil servant Jean-Pierre Jouyet, told Macron at the time he took the job as economy minister: “You’re the boss now.”  Macron was indeed a financial genius.

16.) Macon’s now arguably the most important political leader in Europe, especially since Angela Merkel has announced she is retiring.  After creating his own party En Marche (named with his own initials), then winning 350 out of 577 seats in the French parliament, all within one year of its creation, and now exploring creating his own party  for the European Union and even his own political school, Macron’s considered a political genius!

17.) Another major project in the agenda of Antichrist will be to change times and the law Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until until a time and times and the dividing of time”.  Ever since Macron took office, he’s been completely changing many labor laws in France, which have caused multiple violent protests, and wants to change Sunday work times.

18.) This world leader will also form this one-world religion as told in Revelation 19:20, “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image.”  The world leader will join hands with the False Prophet to establish a one-world religion.  Emmanuel was born to non-religious, liberal parents but decided he wanted to be baptized a Roman Catholic, at the age of 12, despite his parents’ misgivings. He then received a Jesuit education until his last year of high school.

  In June, Macron visited the pope at the Vatican and was granted an unusually long meeting behind closed doors with Pope Francis (his longest meeting with a head of state) in which they discussed migration issues, conflict in the Middle East and the future unity of Europe.  Secular France has a strict separation between church and state, established in law in 1905.  Yet, in a speech to Catholics this year, Macron said he wanted to “repair the bond” between church and state.

19.) The world leader will use a one-world religious system, but himself has no regard for “any god” (Daniel 11:37), but “shall honor the god of fortresses [energy]” (Daniel 11:38). Being a secular lapsed Catholic, Macron gives no regard to any god.  Though the title “god of fortresses” belongs to none other than the Roman god Jupiter whose Greek equivalent is Zeus!  Macron’s already claimed he will “Rule like the Roman god Jupiter”!

20.) The ultimate source of the Antichrist’s power is Satan as we noted in Revelation 13:2.  Expect the Antichrist to be surrounded by demonic symbolism.  The demonic symbolism around Macron is very pronounced:

• Macron walked out of the European Union national anthem “Ode to Joy”, a song about Jesus (in which the original lyrics, unknowingly, are actually about entering the shrine of a pagan goddess and the uniting of all men in brotherhood by the power of magic), instead of the French national anthem when he made his presidential victory speech.
• The symbol of a pyramid and all seeing eye has long been associated with evil groups, who have wanted to destroy the evangelical church and to have Satan worshiped instead.  Macron celebrated his victory at the Louvre museum right in front of the glass pyramid composed of 666 pieces, with what looks like lit up eyes watching over him from the top.  To top the night off, he held up his arm in a V shape that with the pyramid behind him made the Masonic crest.

• Macron has given another speech on a stage shaped like the Masonic unfinished pyramid, as well as a stage that was lit up in the shape of a cross.  In his debate with Marine LePen.  Macron flashed the 666 hand signal many times, even on both hands at the same time.  On other occasions, Macron has held up the satanic horned hand symbol.  There was even a photo of Emmanuel Macron having “horns” on his head on Time Magazine’s cover.  Was this deliberate?  God knows.

 The Bible makes it clear that the man of iniquity will not be revealed until the Restrainer (Holy Spirit-indwelt Church) is removed (2nd Thessalonians 2:3; 7-8).  No one will know for sure who the Antichrist is until the Rapture occurs.  That being said, we can speculate, and it certainly looks like a possibility, especially given the shortness of time.

  There have been and there are many who actually want to become the President of Planet Earth.  Many of come and gone.  Macron certainly seems to be one of them.  Our purpose is not to identify the who the Antichrist is, but to exhort God’s people not to set their affection on the things of this earth, but rather in Heaven where Christ sits a the right hand of God here. Amir Tsarfati says of Macron:

 “I believe that in Emmanuel Macron’s case I can very clearly say that we are watching a young, West European leader who was groomed by the ‘one world order’ gang for this powerful position.  I am not talking about grooming him to be the Antichrist, but definitely toward leadership of Europe.”

  As Christians, we won’t be here when the Antichrist is revealed, so we don’t need to know who he is!  But we DO need to know and understand the season in which we live. Jesus is coming…Are you ready?

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the January 2019 issue of Today’s Front Page was “Emmanuel Macron Continues Quest to be the Leader of the World” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

June 2018

The World Map of the Ten Kingdoms of Revelation

Revelation 17:12, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.”

  God reveals to us that in the latter days, the Antichrist will control a world divided up into Ten Regional Kingdoms, headed by leaders the Bible callas kings.  All of these kingly rulers will consent to give their allegiance to the Antichrist.  We can now see how these Ten Regional Governments have divided up in the world.  As yet, none of these government leaders even know that they are merely fulfilling what the hand of God and counsel of God determined before to be done.

  God tells us in Revelation 17:17 that it is God Himself who inspires these leaders to give their allegiance to the Antichrist in order to fulfill God’s eternal plan for all things.  This is precisely how God used Pharaoh of Egypt, and Pontius Pilate, they were all ordained ministers of their Creator to bring His eternal plan to its fulfillment.

  When our Lord Jesus was here on earth. He lived under the power of a foreign government who was controlling the land of Israel.  He never called the people of Israel to rise against the Roman government, but rather to render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.  All of these things must come to pass, and they will in due season.  The Scriptures tell us that all of the world will be formed into One Global Economy, One Global Religion and One Global Government.

 The Pentagon developed a map that shows the Ten Regional Governments throughout the world in its strategic thinking that is outlined in a book entitled, “The Pentagon’s New Map”, by Thomas P.M. Barnett. The author is a professor of the  U.S. Naval War College and a Senior Strategic Researcher.

According to Global thinking, there are

only two types of nations in the world today:

1. Nations who already functioning in the  new Global System or who are clearly and firmly  going in that direction — the “Functioning Core”.
2. Nations who are not now functioning in the Global System and are not likely to do so in the foreseeable future, they are kicked into it by U.S. or European troops, or by the threat of invasion. These nations are called the “Non-Integrating Gap”.

The strategy being followed by the United States and the European  Union is to “shrink the gap”.  In other words, The Pentagon has developed a global strategy which will:

1. “explain the nature of war and peace in the twenty-first century”.
2. “sets the parameters for where our forces will likely be headed in the future”;
3. “outlines the unique role that America can and will play in establishing international stability”;

  In other words, this new Pentagon strategy is determining where America has gone to war, with whom, and for what purpose since the attacks of 9/11!  Using the book, “The Pentagon’s New Map”, published in 2002, it revealed that the other countries within this “Non-Integrating Gap” are going to suffer the fires of war, threats of war, economic collapse and other pressures designed to move them into the global “Functioning  Core”! Now that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are drawing down, the time has come to spread  the wars and “Regime Change” pressures to the other nations in the  “Non-Integrating Gap”.

The Pentagon’s New Map

 “Our next war in the Gulf will mark a historic tipping point — the moment when Washington takes real ownership of strategic security in the age of globalization.” With this thought in mind, let us examine the areas of the world within this region where the fires of war are leaping high: The Middle East and Africa.

  Now, let us review the nations where the Global building is setting on fire:

Pakistan:

What are some factors causing political crises threatening to bring down the Pakistani government?

• “no electricity”
• “no gas”
• “no jobs”
• Increased sales tax
• Hike in gasoline prices

Pentagon must show Pakistan repercussions of

supporting terror: U.S. lawmakers

(IndianExpress.com, November 10, 2017) The lawmakers, in a joint report of the Senate and House Armed Services committees released yesterday, asked the Pentagon to “demonstrate to Pakistan the consequences of continued support to terrorists”.

  One other matter is continuing to antagonize many average Pakistani people: the brutal and deadly drone missile strikes by American forces which are killing many Pakistani civilians. Time and time again, the Pakistani government has protested the wanton use of these drones as a violation of Pakistani national sovereignty, but such protests have fallen on deaf ears in Washington.  If Pakistan does fall, then the entire region slides immediately into chaos — the kind of chaos globalists use to its benefit in restructuring the region.

U.S. Drone Strike Kills Militants in Pakistan

but Angers Its Government

(NYTimes.com, 1/24/18) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A leader of the militant Haqqani network and two of his aides were killed in an American drone strike in northwestern Pakistan, an attack that was denounced by the Pakistani government.

 The Haqqani network, affiliated with the Taliban and designated as a terrorist group by the United States, has carried out numerous deadly attacks in Afghanistan in recent years. The presence of its leaders and militants in Pakistani and its links with the country’s military intelligence agency have long caused friction between United States and Pakistan.

  American officials have repeatedly demanded  that the Pakistanis take action against Haqqani network, but Pakistani officials deny that the militants have any organized presence inside the country.

  Washington is about to “take real ownership of strategic security” in a section facing strategic ocean waters — Yemen, Somalia, the Sudan and Saudi Arabia face out on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf!

Remember the words of the Naval War College author of “The Pentagon’s New Map”:

 “Any time American troops show up — be it combat, a battle group pulling up off the coast as a ‘reminder’, or a peacekeeping mission — it tends to be in a place that is relatively disconnected from the world, where globalization hasn’t taken root because of a repressive regime, abject poverty, or the lack of a robust legal system. It’s these places that incubate global terrorism. Draw a line around these  military engagements and you’ve got what I call the Non-Functioning Gap.”

 Those countries who are not now properly “connected” to the Global System economically or politically are likely to “warrant a U.S. military response”, i.e., an invasion or threat of invasion, and certainly a public demand for a “regime change”. These disconnected nations are called the “Non-Functioning Gap”, and in truly arrogant fashion, this Naval War College author threatens to invade these countries in a rather flippant manner.  Listen

 “So where do we schedule the U.S. military’s next round of away games?  The pattern that has emerged since the end of the cold war suggests a simple answer: in the Gap.” [P. 174]

 The Ivory Coast lies well within the “Non-Integrating Gap”, and the Ivorian President knows it well.  If an invasion comes, it could very well be from the puppet organization “The African Union”.  Their leaders have been threatening the President with invasion threat fits nicely with the scenario outlined in “The Pentagon’s New Map”.  One way or another, the Illuminati is going to destabilize the Ivory Coast so that nation can be “boot kicked” into the New World Order.  Other nations within this region will then get the message and start reforming on their own so they can avoid a similar fate.

Ivory Coast president’s party votes for coalition

(MSN.com, 5/6/18) The party of Ivory Coast President Alassane Onattara votes to back the formation of a large “unified party” with its allies, the RHDP (Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace), with the president saying there should be a primary to choose a candidate before presidential polls due in 2020.

 “I propose the organization of the RHDP constituent council as soon as possible to allow us to establish the RHDP in all the regions of our country.” stated President Ouattara.

Super-nations 7 and 8 of Revelation 17

Are Being Formed — According To

“The Pentagon’s New Map”

  The Illuminati has created a plan to reorganize the world into exactly 10 super-nations, in precise fulfillment of Daniel 7:7-8.  Here is the Plan:

1. North America
2. Western Europe
3. Japan
4. Australia, South Africa, and the rest of the market-economy of the developed world.
5. Eastern Europe, including Russia
6. Latin America
7. North Africa and the Middle East
8. Tropical Africa
9. South and Southeast Asia
10. China

  Our contention is that these wars, threats of wars, economic pressure, and diplomatic isolation in these nations is destabilizing Revelation 17 nations 7 and 8.  What are the  nations comprising the area shown on this map for these two new super nations?

Super-nation 7 — North Africa and the Middle East

• Morocco
• Algeria
• Libya
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
• Israel, Syria, Jordan
• Iraq
• Iran
• Yemen
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan

Super-nation 8 — Tropical Africa

• Western Sahara
• Mauritania
• Senegal
• Mali
• Guinea
• Sierra Leone
• Liberia
• Ivory Coast
• Berkina Faso
• Ghana
• Togo
• Benin
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Cameron
• Chad
• Central African Republic
• Republic of The Congo
• Democratic Republic of The Congo
• Angola
• Zambia
• Namibia
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Sudan
• Somali-land
• Senegal
• Zimbabwe
• Mozambique
• Uganda
• Kenya
• Ethiopia
• Eriteria
• Djibouti

 We are seeing the beginnings of the outworking of Revelation 17 creating two more Super-nations 7 and 8. What should believers do in view of things emerging on the world scene? Rejoice and look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.  Peter is clear in his answer, 1st Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer  to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the June 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “The World Map of the Ten Kingdoms of Revelation” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

June 2018

The Church of the Antichrist and

Bible Prophecy

  “The Emerging Church!” Perhaps the term is meaningless to you. If this is the case, it won’t be for long. Bible-believing Christians are facing an onslaught of ideas and experiences redefining the meaning of Christianity in this post-modern world.  The Word of God is under attack, where even the State of California is wanting to ban the Bible. Biblical truths are being replaced by the word of Christian leaders who are claiming the time has come “to do whatever it takes to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth”. [1]

  This new wave that is sweeping the world is powerful.  While other waves have come and gone, the present emerging church wave is a tsunami that has the potential of reshaping the very foundation of the Christian faith — the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  Consider the following list of changes presently underway in the name of Christ and becoming increasingly more popular on a worldwide scale. No denomination or church affiliation is immune to the changes.  The emerging church movement is gaining momentum.

• Scripture is no longer the ultimate authority as the basis for the Christian faith.
• The centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ is being replaced by humanistic methods that promote church growth and social gospel.
• More and more emphasis is being placed on “how can I be more successful in the ‘here and now'”, and less and less on the warnings of Scripture about the imminent return of Jesus Christ and a coming judgment in the future.
• More and more Christian leaders are looking for a kingdom of God to be established here on earth by human effort and deny that Jesus Christ will rule in a literal millennial period that is to come.
• There is a growing trend towards replacement theology — the church takes the place of Israel and Israel has no prophetic significance.  The Proponents say the Book of Revelation does not refer to the future, but instead has been already fulfilled in the past.
• An experiential mystical form of Christianity is being promoted to reach the postmodern generation called the “Emerging Church”.
• The church is being told that Christianity needs to be re-invented in order to provide meaning for this generation.
• Leaders of the Emerging Church say that in order to take the church forward, Christian leaders need to look backward in church history and find out what experiences were effective to get people in the door, then reintroduce these experiences into the present.
• While the authority of the Word of God is being undermined, images and sensual experiences are being promoted as the key to experiencing and knowing God.
• These experiences include icons, candles, incense, liturgy, contemplative prayer. experiencing the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist.
• Many bridges are being established that lead in the direction of unity with the Roman Catholic Church. While the Roman Catholic Church has an agenda called the “new evangelization” program to win the world to the Roman Catholic Eucharistic Jesus, many evangelicals are unaware or don’t care.
• Some Evangelical Protestant leaders are saying that the Reformation went too far. They are reexamining the claims of the “church fathers” saying that communion is more than a symbol and that Jesus actually becomes present in the wafer at communion.
• There is a growing trend towards an ecumenical unity for the cause of world peace that claims there are many ways to God.

  While the term “Emerging Church” may be new, the ideas being promoted by the Emerging Church can be understood by the the warnings we find in the Bible regarding an End Times counterfeit Christ. Those who take the Bible seriously are not surprised. The following is a list of trends we can expect to see in the future based upon the warnings we find in the Scriptures:

• Apostasy (falling away from the faith) will become worse and worse.  Many who once held to “the faith” based on God’s Word, will embrace “a faith’ that contradicts God’s Word. This deception will become stronger and stronger as God allows a “strong delusion” to overcome those who refuse to accept God’s Word as the truth (2nd Thessalonians 2:3-11).
• Christianity will be “re-invented” as Christians fall away from the faith and embrace an alternative faith that is inspired by the “doctrines of demons” who have a plan to prepare the counterfeit bride for the counterfeit Christ (1st Timothy 4:1).
• The biblical teachings on sin will be replaced by psychological self-help and self-empowerment programs promoting loving oneself rather than loving God (2nd Timothy 3:1-5).
• Sincere Bible-believing Christians seduced by doctrines of demons will lose discernment and embrace ideas in the name of Christianity that are anti-christian (2nd Timothy 2:23-26).
• The road to Rome and a one world religion will become more and more apparent to those who study Bible prophecy.  Rome’s plan to unite the religions of the world for the cause of peace will promote a false security (1st Thessalonians 5:1-5).
• Further, P.EA.C.E. plans being promoted by purpose driven Christians have the potential of causing believers to depart from the simple gospel for a social gospel.  While this social gospel promises answers to the world’s problems, there are concerns,  The Roman Catholic P.E.A.C.E. plan both plan to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth by human effort.
• Deceivers will become more and more effective and many will be deceived. Fewer and fewer Christian leaders will teach the Word and warn about the imminent return of Jesus (2nd Timothy 3:13).
• Faith in God’s Word and a belief in the simple gospel becomes a rare commodity (Luke 18:8).
• Serious Bible-believing Christians will begin meeting in homes and having private Bible studies. Bible-believing Christians who stand on the truth and warn others about the dangers of man-made plans that contradict God’s plan will be viewed as crackpots and dangerous heretics (2nd Timothy 3:12).
• Christian Babylonian-ism will become more and more popular as Satan’s plans to deceive the world in the name of Jesus Christ continues to unfold (Matthew 24:3-4).
• This counterfeit gospel can be understood in light of Paul’s warning to the church at Corinth.  “Another spirit” will lead the masses towards “another Christ” as “another gospel” sweeps the world (2nd Corinthians 11:3-4).
• False appearances of the Roman Catholic Eucharistic Jesus will become more and more evident. People of all faiths will eventually be attracted to these so called “Eucharistic Miracles”, being attracted to signs and wonders that include healings and the casting out of demons (Matthew 7:21-23).
• Apparitions of a woman claiming to be the mother of Jesus, also called the “Queen of Heaven” will continue to play an important role in setting up the Eucharistic Reign of Jesus.  The apparitional woman will claim to share a role in redemption of mankind and can be understood in light of the Bible as demonic in nature (Isaiah 47:10).
• However this “Mary” factor will be very instrumental in bringing about unity with Roman Catholics and Muslims and other religions for the cause of peace. Eventually all religions will unify for the cause of peace, seduced by Marian apparitions and false appearance of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (Matthew 24:23-26).
• More and more we will hear about the Catholic view of the Eucharistic Reign of Jesus (the Second Coming) as these appearances of the Eucharistic Jesus manifest through the practice of Eucharistic adoration.

  There is much more that could be said regarding the biblical scenario of how the Emerging Church will unfold in light of Bible prophecy. One thing is certain. It will not be popular to warn people what the Bible foretells. We can expect that the trend to unify at any cost will continue.  Those who refuse to bow their knee to the coming one-world religion for the cause of peace will be singled out as trouble makers.

  Finally, I am going to conclude this commentary with a challenge to all serious Bible-believers. The only way to understand what is happening and to know what God has said.  Many are saying they are no longer able to find a church in their area that teaches the Bible and where the pastor is warning the flock about what lies ahead.

  John in a vision provided the solution to this dilemma. He wrote:

 “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” — Revelation 18:1-4 [1] http://www.biblicalrecorder.org/content/news/2005/4_19_2005/ne190405rick.shtml

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the June 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “The Church of the Antichrist and Bible Prophecy” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

May 2018

World Watch News Scan

666 UPDATE: Scientist Says Human Micro-chipping

Will Soon Become “Not Optional!”

(www.jewsnews.com.il)

  Technologies designed specifically to track and monitor human beings have been in development for at least two decades.

  In the virtual realm, software programs are now capable of watching us in real time, going as far as to make predictions about our future behaviors and sending alerts to the appropriate monitoring station depending on how a computer algorithm flags your activities. That is in and of itself a scary proposition.

 What may be even scarier, however, is what’s happening in the physical realm.  According to researchers working on human-embedded microchips it’s only a matter of time before these systems achieve a widespread acceptance.

 “Chances are you’re carrying a couple of  RFID microchips now. And if you are, they’re sending out a 15-digit number that identifies you. That number can be picked up by what’s called an ISO compliant scanner.  And they’re everywhere too.”

 “It’s not possible to interact with society in a meaningful way by not having a mobile phone. I think human implants are likely to go along a very similar route.  it would be such a disadvantage to not have the implant that it essentially becomes not optional.”

  Your initial reaction to this idea may be one of disbelief.  There’s no way society would accept such a device. Why would anyone want to implant this in their body?  Consider for a moment where we are right now.  For decades Americans rejected the notion that they would submit to being tracked or recorded.  Yet, just about every American now carries a mobile phone.  They’re so prevalent, in fact, that many consider it a “right,” prompting the government to actually provide subsidies to those who can’t afford one on their own.

 Embedded in every one of these phones is an RFID chip that can track our every movement via GPS or cell tower triangulation. Moreover, those microphones and cameras that come standard on every phone can be remotely activated by law enforcement surveillance systems, a capability that has existed since the early 2000s.

  But as intrusive as these devices are, they are accepted as the norm by billions of people worldwide.  Not only that, but no one had to “force” them on us.  We are, it seems, the masters of our own enslavement.  And we pay top dollar to have the best tracking device money can buy!

  Granted, one can simply disconnect from “the grid” by throwing away their cell phone.  But, the direction these new monitoring technologies are moving coupled with continued government expansion of surveillance suggests that microchip RFID technology will eventually be non-voluntary.

  Michael Synder of The Truth Wins asks “What will you do when you can no longer buy or sell without submitting to bio-metric identification?”

 “This technology is going to keep spreading, and it is going to become harder and harder to avoid it.  And it is easy to imagine what a tyrannical government could do with this kind of technology. If it wanted to, it could use it to literally track the movements and behavior or everyone.”  […]

  “And one day, this kind of technology will likely be so pervasive that you won’t be able to open a bank account, get a credit card or even buy anything without having either your hand or your face scanned first.”

 It’s difficult to imagine a populace that will freely submit to such digital bondage.  But as has been the case with the degradation of personal privacy and rights in America, be assured it won’t simply become law over night.

  First, the technologies will need to be generally accepted by society.  It’ll start with real-time consumer based products like Google Glass.  The older generations may reject it, but in a couple years you can bet that tens of millions of kids, teens and younger adults will be roaming the streets while sporting cool shades, interactive web surfing and the capability to record everything around them and upload it to the internet instantly.

 Next, as we’re already seeing from early adopters, RFID chips will be voluntarily implanted under our skin for everything from access to high security buildings to grocery store purchases.

  Eventually, once the concept is generally accepted by the majority, it will become our new “social security number.”

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the May 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “666 UPDATE: Scientist Says  Human Micro-chipping Will Soon Become “Not Optional” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

May 2018

World Watch News Scan

Fingerprint Scanners Help Companies

Track Workers

New York, Associated Press, http://www.wcbstv.com, (03/27/18)

  Some workers are doing it at Dunkin’ Donuts, at Hilton hotels, even at Marine Corps bases,  Employees at a growing number of businesses are starting and ending their days by pressing a hand or finger to a scanner that logs the precise time of their arrival and departure — information that is automatically reflected in payroll records.  Manufacturers say these bio-metric devices improve efficiency and streamline payroll operations. Employers big and small buy them with the dual goals of keeping workers honest and automating outdated record=keeping systems that rely on paper time sheets.

  The new systems have raised complaints, however, from some workers who see the efforts to track their movements as excessive or creepy.  “They don’t even have to hire someone to harass you anymore. The machine can do it for them,” said Ed Ott, executive director of the New York City Central Labor Council of AFL-CIO. “The palm print thing really grabs people as a step too far.”

  Is the timing falling into place with 666 Mark Technology at hand?

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the May 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “Fingerprint Scanners Help Companies Track Workers” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

May 2018, Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

The JUST Shall Live by FAITH:

What does that mean?

  God truly wants us to understand how vital it is to know what it means to live our lives by faith. The imperative is given to us in Romans 1:7, “…the just shall live by faith.”

  But most Christians do not have the slightest idea what FAITH is!

  So what IS faith?

 Faith is really defined as simply trusting completely in what God says with no conditions. It is unconditional trust in what God says, to believe His written Word. Believing strictly on the basis that He said it (i.e. 1st John 1:7-9).

Do some people have a special gift of faith that others do not?

 Yes, indeed.  We are told in 1st Corinthians 12:8-9, “For to one is given by the Spirit the world of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;”

 The spiritual gift of faith is found in the list of the gifts of the Spirit in 1st Corinthians 12:9, where we are told that some people are given the gift of faith, but the gift is not specifically explained. All believers have been given saving faith by God as the only means of salvation (Ephesians 2:9), but not all believers are given the spiritual gift of faith. Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gift of faith was given for the “common good,” which means the edifying of the body of Christ (1st Corinthians 12:7).

  A perfect example of this is when Mary was chosen by God bring forth the Messiah. This is found in Luke 1:26-38,

  “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.  And, behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and shall call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:  and the throne of his father David:  (Wow, this would cause anyone to stagger at these words. But how did Mary react?) ..

 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (This is the gift of faith, most anyone would have fainted, but the angel continued to explain to Mary.)  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (What was Mary’s response?)  And Mary said, Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

 The gift of faith may be defined as the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence, just as Mary did.  Those with this gift can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakable confidence in God, His Word, and His promises.

 Besides Mary, examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11. This chapter is often called “the heroes or the hall of faith,” and describes those whose faith was extraordinary, enabling God’s Spirit to work through them to do extraordinary things. In Hebrews 11, we see Noah spending 120 years building a huge boat when, up to that time, it never rained; we find Abraham believing he would father a child when he and his wife’s ability to do so had ended.  Without the special the special gift of faith from God, such things would have been impossible.  As we are told in Philippines 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

 The Apostle Paul was another one that was given the gift of faith, even though it took awhile before God activated his faith. We are told in Acts 9:15-16, “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  Yet Paul was chosen even while he was in his mother’s womb as we are told in Galatians 1:15-16, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” 

  As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given to some Christians who use it to edify others in the body of Christ. Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do. Extraordinarily faithful people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quietly fearless and zealous. They are so convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and so confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause.  They fully understand Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

  That is what faith really amounts to, and everyone lives their life either doing that or not doing it.  Everyone leads their life either believing in what God says and betting their life on it, or in betting their life on their own attitudes, on their own intellect, on their own understanding. Those are the only two options; but the faith that God is talking about in Hebrews 11 is that faith which takes the bare Word of God and acting on it, simply because they know it is the Word of God.

 True faith doesn’t need to ask any questions. It is simply believing what God said, because He’s God and said it, without any explanation at all.   In fact, where you have true trust, you don’t need explanations…  That which looks fro signs and wonders and explanations is not faith.  It’s doubt looking around to see if it can find some proof.  Since God and the system are opposites, faith means breaking with the system; and so, to believe God is often to do that which is unreasonable and illogical and certainly different than what the world would dictate.  It was unreasonable for Noah to build a huge boat, telling people water was going to fall from the sky, as it had never rained before. He was laughed to scorn by the masses. It was unreasonable for Mary to believe what the angel told her was going to happen.

Faith willingly obeys God’s Word

  Abel, the first illustration of faith in Hebrews 11 didn’t ask God any questions. He didn’t ask for any reasons.  God said, “Make a sacrifice,” and he did it. And then we saw Enoch. Enoch didn’t question God.  God said to Enoch, “Separate yourself from the world and walk with Me,” and he did it. And then we saw Noah, and Noah didn’t question God. He obeyed, though it seemed totally bizarre to spend 120 years building a boat in the dessert. God told him to do it.  He suffered the mockery of his contemporaries for all those years, and he never saw any rain, but he believed it would rain. Why?  Did Noah have a black cloud hanging over his head for 120 years?  No, he believed it because God said it, and that was all he needed.

  JUST TRUST AND OBEY

  Abraham believed God.  God told him, “Get up and get outta here and go to a land I’ll show thee, and I’m not even going tell you where it is, and you’re going to get a promise that you’ll never receive.” And he got up and went.  Why?  Because God told him to go, and he never questioned God. He just obeyed. And he wasn’t even raised in a godly religious system. He was an idolater who worshiped at a ziggurat, but God gave him the gift of faith.  (I have actually been in Ur, Iraq — Abraham’s hometown and I saw the ruins where he lived and worshiped.)

  Then we saw Isaac and Jacob and Joseph, and in each case, the natural course of events would lead a certain way, and God gave them instruction to violate the natural course of events, and never for a moment did they hesitate to believe it.  And then we saw Moses, and everything in Moses’ life said,  “Hang onto Egypt.  Hang onto the pleasure, the plenty, and everything else you’re got.” But God said. “Break with it. Go down and lead My people out of Egypt.”  He immediately did what God said.

 WHY?  Why did they so believe God?  It boils down to this: They had the right view of who God is.  They all knew what we are told in Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”  The life of faith is based on a proper view of God. It may be difficult to do what God says. It may be strange. It may be bizarre. It may cause a certain suffering. It may mean separation from the world, and even from people you love.  It may cost all the ambitions and dreams of your life. It may even cost you your life. But when we hear God’s Word, we obey God because God said it — that is what faith is really about.  Faith believes that God can only do good, it is impossible for bad to come from Him. He can never lie or do anything bad or evil.  We are told in Deuteronomy 6:24, “The Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God. for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.” 

 People who don’t trust God, don’t know who God is and that He is a God that we can trust.  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.

 People who really know who God is have no reason to do anything but trust Him totally; and the reason these people trust Him is because they have the right view of who He is.  Moses focused on God, who God was, and the character of God; and, therefore, when he had a God that was great enough, he didn’t have any problem doing what that God wanted him to do; because he knew God would do what He said He would do, and keep His promise.

 The bigger your God, the more you trust Him.  These heroes of the faith had such a lofty, exalted knowledge of God.  They saw Him as a sovereign, loving, covenant-keeping, faithful God.  They took Him at His Word.  They banked their life on it, though it was strange, though it was out of the ordinary, though it cross-grained everything they knew in the natural. They did it simply because God said it.  That’s exactly what the Spirit of God wants first-time readers of the Book of Hebrews to do.  Remember, all books of the New Testament are written to somebody in particular, and this was written to a colony of Jews, as they were being presented with a new covenant.  Some were believers but some were intellectually ascending to the Gospel, but had never committed themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ;  and this combination was being pinpointed by the Scriptures in the Book of Hebrews, to come all the way to the Lord Jesus, to totally believe Him, and to let go of all the old traditions, to abandon themselves to what God said. They’re trying to hold to the best of two worlds. They really didn’t trust Him.  We are told in Acts 17:32-34, “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.  So Paul departed from among them.  Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopgite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” This last group had the gift of faith.

  When the Gospel was preached to many Jews, some of them believed the Lord Jesus was the Messiah and they were born-again; but they found themselves holding onto some of the old patterns, some of the old customs, and they found themselves having a hard time breaking with the temple traditions. Here is what God instructed them to do:

Hebrews 12:1-2, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Cut the line that ties you to the dock and go out on the sea and believe that God is telling you, “I”ll take care of you in your little boat.”

 In chapter 11, God defines what this full faith is.  It’s that commodity which allows a person, because they believe so strongly in a powerful God, to cut themselves off from everything in their life to obey what that God tells them to do, no matter what the apparent circumstances and conditions might be; and these all did. They all believed God to the point where they cut the cord from whatever it was that they were used to doing and obeyed God.  How hard was it for Mary to believe?…  for Joseph?

 The intellectually convinced individuals who weren’t yet born of the Spirit were in terrific danger. Note Hebrews 10:38. “Now the just shall live by faith .. He says … but if anyone goes backward, if anyone draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

 He’s saying to the intellectually convinced, “Don’t fall away. Don’t fall backward now that you’ve come this close to being redeemed.” It is on the other side of faith chapter Hebrews 11, God introduces us to the first two verses of chapter 12. This is addressed to those who have had their sins washed in the Blood of the Lamb, received the forgiveness of sins and entered into an intimate personal relationship with God.  God has become their Father, and they have become His children.  In the first passage, God is talking to the intellectually convinced. The second one, to those born of the Spirit. He says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, so many who illustrate to us the life of faith, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” …and the sin there, as well as being a very practical statement of sin in any Christian’s life, was probably the sin of not wanting to let go, of hanging on to old patterns of traditions found in religious Judaism, and not really being able to come in full faith . . . Let us run, with patience, the race that is set before us, looking unto…unto what?… Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

 God it telling us, “Drop that old thing.  Focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, jump all the way in, and run the race.” So on the one side, … He warns the intellectually convinced not to fall back.  On the other side of chapter 11, He speaks to born of the Spirit and says, “Allow yourself to be led of the Spirit, cut the cord of religious flesh and run the race of the Spirit with patience.”

Your Faith is based on your view of God

  If you don’t get anything else out of this article, get this: Your faith, your trust is based on your view of God.  If you’ve got a little God, you’re not going to trust Him. Our faith MUST always be tested.  Our Lord Jesus gives us a great example of this in John 6:2-7 where He tested Philip’s faith: “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.  And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the Passover, a feast the Jews, was nigh.  When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him. he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?  And this he said to prove (TEST) him: for he himself knew what he would do.  Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.”  Philip did not know who that was standing next to him.  He did not understand that Jesus was Emmanuel (God with us). This is where most Christians live today.

 This is what makes the testing of our faith so spectacular.  In 1st Peter 1:6-7, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (much testing) that the trial (testing) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire might be found unto praises and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

 The true test of faith is courage.  It’s the faith that is exhibited in the face of disaster, trial, and trouble that really proves the legitimacy of it.  True faith at its high point is courageous.  Real faith has courage. Faith at its highest point has the courage to believe and to do. It does not matter how big or how small God’s faith is distributed to us.  We are even told how powerful the smallest amount of faith can be. Even the faith of a mustard seed. We are told in Luke 17:5-6: “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, [the mustard seed is regarded at the smallest seed] ye might say unto this sycamore tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

How does faith come?

 Romans 17:10 tells us, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Faith comes to us when we hear or read the Word of God. God illustrates this to us in a spectacular way in the life of a prostitute. This woman had never been to church or Sunday School, she never went to church camp, she did not own a Bible, she did not listen to Christian radio or Christian TV . as a pagan prostitute she was never exposed to any Bible teaching. But God, about did HEAR people talk about the Word of God, about how God had delivered His people .. remember, faith comes by hearing, and Rahab heard!

 We read in Joshua 2:9-14, “And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, [many pastors. the UN and most of the world does not know what this prostitute knew], I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye come out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og whom ye utterly destroyed.  And as soon as we heard these things, [after she heard the Word of God], our hearts did melt, [her heart melted, became fearful] neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. [there was no shallowness of Who the God of Israel was].  Now therefore since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:  And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. And the men answered her,  Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business.  And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” Friend, God has kept His promise.

 She was even included in the famous chapter of faith, Hebrews 11, where we read in Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not [Rahab took God at His Word and believed] with them that believed not, [the rest of the town did not believe] when she had received the spies with peace.”

 This small token a mustard seed faith that Rahab received and believed, was so impactful, that it placed her on the generalogy of our Lord Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-5, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

 Amazingly, only two women are listed in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus, Rahab, and Ruth. Both are not even Jewish women, but are gentile. And Rahab is a prostitute.  Amazing what faith the size of a mustard seed can accomplish.

 We can always be confident that when God sends His Word out, it will always accomplish exactly what He intended it to. We are told in Isaiah 55:10-11, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.“

 Rahab was outside of the commonwealth of God for many reasons.  She was out because of her profession.  She was out because she was a Gentile. She was worse than that, she was a Canaanite.  Worse than that, she was an Amorite; and she was a member of a race that God had devoted to destruction.  His mercy’s open to all who will receive it; and God’s grace has always been wider than Israel, even in the Old Testament. Many others had heard God’s Word, but only Rahab believed it!

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the May 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “The JUST Shall Live by FAITH: What does that mean?” www.JohnBarela.com

Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

No. 1 in News and Inspiration

World Watch News Scan

Congress Quietly Pushing Bill to

Require National Bio-metric ID for

‘ALL Americans’

By Matt Agorist, Free Thought Project,

January 22, 2018

H.R. 4760 — Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 — is a massive giveaway to he police state which will use a National ID to track Americans.

 Earlier this month, Representative Bob Goodlatte [R — VA-6] introduced H.R. 4760 — Securing America’s Future Act of 2018, a sweeping bill that entails everything from Education and the Workforce to Homeland Security to the military.  Also, tucked in this 400-page behemoth of a bill are the details of a new bio-metric National ID card that could soon be required for everyone.  Not surprisingly, there is almost no media coverage on this legislation.

 H.R. 4760 establishes a mandatory National Identification system that requires all Americans to carry a government-approved ID containing “bio-metric features.”  Without this card, according to the legislation, you will not be able to work in this country.

 This legislation was drafted under the auspices of providing a legislation solution for the current beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.  However, as Ron Paul points out, “this bill would give DACA recipients a 3-year renewable legal status while forcing a bio-metric National ID card on virtually everyone else.”

  “That’s right — the statists want to control you,” said Paul.

 Naturally, this bill is wholeheartedly supported by the anti-immigration sect and has gained 70 co-sponsors already in only a few days.  As with most police state-promoting legislation, fear of illegal immigration is being pushed to garner such support.  However, as Ron Paul points out, the bill won’t just target illegals — it targets EVERYONE—and it will your most private information to track you.

 “Under the statists’ National ID scheme, you’d be forced to carry around your National ID card, tied to this massive database, chock-full of bio-metric identifiers like fingerprints and retina scans,” Paul noted, “without this ID, you won’t be able to legally hold a job — or likely even open a bank account or even board a plane!”

 Paul said there is a very good chance this bill will become law as the support for it seems overwhelming.  He laid out three key factors that are detrimental to the freedom of all Americans.

• Allow federal bureaucrats to include bio-metric identification information on the card, potentially even including fingerprints, retinal scans, or scans of veins on the back of hands, which could easily be used as a tracking device;
• Be required for all U.S. workers regardless of place of birth, making it illegal for anyone to hold a job in the United States who does not obtain an ID card;
• Require all employees to purchase an “ID Scanner” to verify the ID cards with the federal government.  Every time any citizen applies for a job, the government would know — and you can bet its only a matter a time until “ID scans” will be required to make even routine purchases, as well.

  The control freaks in the U.S. government have been trying for years to pass a National ID card law and it has been successfully resisted every time.  This time, however, it appears that the Republicans—who used to be vocally opposed to such measures—are now fully on-board likely because of the bill’s anti-immigration language.

  As Paul points out,

  For years now, statists in BOTH parties have been fighting to RAM their radical National ID-database scheme into law.  In fact, this scheme was a key portion of the infamous failed “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” bills BOTH parties tried to ram through during the Obama administration.

  Now, using the momentum behind Trump’s tough talk on immigration and border security, I’m afraid the statists believe the best way to finally enact their National ID scheme is by promoting their bill on Capital Hill as a “DACA fix” while they sell it to the GOP base as border “security” measure.

 Of course, that’s nothing more than a buzzword meant to trick Americans from all over the country into thinking that Congress is going to seal our southern border.  But in reality, it means something far different.

  The “security” that members of BOTH parties in the U.S. House want doesn’t target any U.S. border.  Instead, it’s meant to create an all-out police state within them.

 The truth is, this is exactly the type of battle that often decides whether a country remains free or continues sliding toward tyranny.

 Paul’s Campaign for Liberty is planning a massive crusade against this tyrannical legislation in the form of billboards, commercials, and other advertising.  He’s even started a petition to let your representative know how you feel about them ushering in a new level of despotism and control.

Printed with permission of Today, The Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone No. (918) 279-1136. The name of the original article in the March 2018 issue of Today’s Front Page was “Congress Quietly Pushing Bill to Require National Bio-metric ID for ‘ALL Americans’ www.JohnBarela.com