In Adoring God by Keith Knell we get a look at the true attributes of God. We all have a concept of who God is, whether it’s an old man in a white robe on a cloud, or a loving father, or the judge of sinners. Keith Knell, however, asks us to reassess who we think God is. Relying heavily on Scripture-the most reliable source for information about God-he walks readers through God’s many attributes, separating the myths and misconceptions from what the Bible says and reminding us not to make the error of seeing God as having human attributes because we are made in His image and not the other way around.

As Keith states early in the book, “Ultimately, my goal in this book is not to teach you how to read and understand the Bible better, but for you to get to know God better, to understand Him more fully and love Him more deeply.” Keith wants us to reread the Bible, asking ourselves in the process, “What does this passage reveal about God?” After all, Keith points out, “The Bible is primarily about God unveiling and revealing parts of who He is!”

Keith then walks us through the attributes of God, devoting chapters to such topics as God’s holiness, His truth, how He is unchanging, and how He is merciful. But Keith also makes us realize that the Bible is not always presenting us with a loving God who will forgive us and only let people like Hitler burn in Hell. For me, the most rewarding and challenging parts of Adoring God were these chapters where Keith looks at some of the seemingly harsher aspects of God’s character, including His jealousy and His wrath; again relying heavily upon Scripture, Keith shows how these aspects of God’s character are not contradictory but righteous and part of God’s overall perfection.

The result is a very eye-opening portrait of God that can result not only in increased love and devotion toward God but also facing some hard truths for the reader-truths that even Keith has struggled with, as clear from the Contemplations sections that end each chapter. In these sections, the reader can pray to God and ask for insight and better understanding. One such Contemplation reads:

“Wow. It boggles my mind to think that You don’t consider what we would think of as ‘the right thing to do.’ You considered what You wanted, and did it. And that made it right. Now that’s supremacy. You are what is ‘right.’ I don’t have to spend time arguing with myself over whether something You chose to do was right or not. It is a given. It was right because You decreed it. How unsearchable are Your judgments and unfathomable Your ways!”

Another point Keith makes that many Christians today may try to ignore is that God is wrathful:

“Many people don’t believe God is wrathful at all… And some who agree with the truth that God is wrathful, nevertheless make excuses for Him or feel the need to apologize for this part of who He is. Some think that if He was wrathful, then that was the ‘Old God,’ long ago from the Old Testament past, and that He has changed, matured.”

Keith goes on to explain that God is wrathful, but He is just and righteous in being so. Furthermore, Keith denies the modern notion that God can mature or evolve. He quotes the Puritan writer Stephen Charnock to support this point. Charnock says, “What comfort would it be to pray to a god that, like the chameleon, changed color every moment? Who would put up a petition to an earthly prince that was so mutable as to grant a petition one day, and deny it another?”

In other words, God is not like you and me. Once we move past that faulty view, we can discover who He truly is, as reflected in Scripture, and as highlighted in this book.

In addition to the main text, Keith quotes many theological giants to support his points. Those writers include A.W. Pink, Thomas Watson, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards, to name just a few.

Perhaps most impressively, the book is a superior example of Bible scholarship. There are over 500 footnotes, most listing multiple Bible verses, not only to back up Keith’s statements, but more importantly, to be further reading for the person who truly wants to explore and understand the various attributes of God. Keith asks that people not just read the book, but that they spend a week on each chapter, praying over its message and meditating on the many verses cited. I believe this process would be very beneficial and turn a reading experience into a deeply spiritual one.

In the end, Keith hopes that the result of reading this book will verify the Scripture statement, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). Whether you are currently a nonbeliever, an active Christian, or somewhere in the middle, Adoring God will give you much food for thought and, ultimately, I believe it will deepen your understanding and relationship with God in surprising and gratifying ways.

As a Christian, I have spent many moments thinking about how wonderful the Garden of Eden must have been. I imagine that all nature was bigger, brighter and better than anything you or I have ever seen this side of Heaven. But the greatest aspect of this beginning time of our history is the amazing and unhindered relationship God had with Adam and Eve. He was their Father and friend. Here is a retelling of Genesis chapter 2 to help your young children become familiar with this part of God's wonderful story.

Adam loved the garden that God had made. It was beautiful! There were plants with bright yellow and red flowers. Trees so high, they seemed to touch the sky. The fish in the sea were amazing to look at and the birds of the air were glorious as they flapped their wings up and down. Adam especially loved the animals – elephants, giraffes and majestic lions that were his to touch and name anytime he pleased. But even though the garden was filled with many wonderful things, Adam was alone.

God did not want Adam to be alone. And God said, "I will make someone to be with Adam, and help him." So, when Adam was asleep, God did something amazing! He took a rib from Adam and He made a real live woman from Adam's rib! God brought the woman to Adam and Adam named the woman Eve. Adam loved Eve very much. God loved Adam and Eve and they loved God. After God made Adam and Eve, he rested from all the wonderful work He did.

Adam and Eve loved their new home. They had everything they needed. God made sure of that. But mostly they had God's peace and love in their lives. That was greater than all the plants, fish, birds and animals in the whole world. The first people of earth obeyed God and did everything He told them to do. They even talked to Him just like you and I talk to each other. They were friends. God wants to be your friend too.

Questions:

1. What are 3 things in nature God created? (Wait for responses such as fish, birds and animals.)

2. Did God want Adam to be alone? (Answer: No.)

3. What was the name of the first woman God made? (Answer: Eve)

4. How did God make Eve? (Answer: From Adam's rib.)

5. Did Adam and Eve love God? (Answer: Yes.)

6. Did God love Adam and Eve? (Answer: Yes.)

I am a product of the Word

God's love and Word brought me into being

These words of Grace nurture my entire being

They make me fruitful

They give me all my attributes

They set me on the path of mercy.

These words of love characterize my entire life

These words propel me and add springs to my feet

These words embolden me

And by these words

I have the following results:

My faith is strong and produces amazing results.

I live a focused life doing the right things at the right time in the right place

My thoughts are organized and center on these same Words of God

My dreams are sweet and always give me a push

My strength is not small it does amazing things

I have an absolute will power that's controlled by God's Word

My hope is firm not wavering but fixed on the truth

My Love is true, genuine and liquid

I have an inspiring story that is amazing and teaches

My goals are Word oriented and so achievable

My Spirit is strong it is God look-alike

My Steps are always right for the Lord orders them

My light never grows dim for they are fanned into flame by love

My hands do good always for the Lord is my strength

My eyes are blessed, they only see good

My mind is great, its furnished with the light of God's word

My imaginations are creative it's controlled by God's creative ability

My words are soothing and sweet for I am the salt of the earth

I have blessed days for I speak words of power into it

My family enjoys the beautiful of life for the Giver of life lives within us

My husband is blessed in and outside because I am his complementary copy

My children rule and reign always for they key into the words I speak about them

My talents bless my world for they came from above

My happiness is infectious for I carry God within me

My intelligence is supreme for it came from the Father of Life and light

I raise strong and healthy children it is my calling

God's Word is a lamp in my path

These Words throw a beam of light on my darkened path

His Words illuminate my life

My decisions are accurate because I function by the Word

My choices are the best because the Word guides me.

I am gentle but not dormant

I am humble but not stupid

I am trusting but not disgusting

These Words of life have turned me into the woman a man needs

These Words have made me a better me.

These Words have transformed me

I am truly Cultured by the Word!

Why should you walk with God daily? Well that's a pretty interesting question. It involves a few different things. Number one what God are we talking about? Number two how do you walk with a God at all. This article is about taking a walk with the Christian God daily, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. How do we walk with God daily? We simply read his Word in the Bible, pray, and most of all listen to what he has to say. I'll explain the listening part a little later on.

Now if you aren't Christian this article isn't intended to convert you to Christianity, there are articles to do that already as well as, hopefully, people you know. This article is to convince current Christians that their lives can be enriched with a daily walk with God.

Why You Should Walk With God Daily:

When you decide to read, pray, and listen to God on a daily basis you have a chance to really confront what you are feeling and what you are worried about. Every time that I've opened my Bible to a random passage I've found that it applies somehow to my life. Praying, in my experience, ends up being an outpouring of everything you truly desire, think, regret, everything that you may hide from yourself during the day. Times like these are rare in an average person's life but you can have them on a daily basis just by walking with God during a quiet time of your choosing.

How to Walk With God Daily:

I believe everyone should have their own relationship with God so I am going to give you my way of honoring him on a daily basis. I like to have a small bible study every morning while I eat breakfast, I live alone right now so its generally by myself. First I'll have a few minutes of prayer where I thank God for the day and food, ask him for anything that I want or feel that I need, then just sit and listen. A lot of times while I'm listening thoughts will come up in my head of what I need to focus on during the day or in my life in general. Then I'll pick a topic that I want to know more about or just open the Bible and start reading. When I come to a nice stopping point I'll reflect on what I've read and then close in prayer. This is just how I walk with God daily, I expect that everyone who currently does this has a routine that they enjoy. Start out small say 10 minutes in the morning to devote solely to God then expand it as you grow in your faith. My routine is up to around 30 minutes a morning and I have never had a better more personal relationship with Jesus.

Listening During Our Walk With God:

I believe that listening is a form of praying that has long been forgotten by the average Christian. Everything is about I want this and help me with that. I challenge you to simply sit in his presence and listen. I do this for as long as I can in the mornings during my daily walk with God and I found that I learn all sorts of things that maybe are from me and maybe are from God. The people that I have thought of during these quiet times have almost always been in need of an encouraging word or a prayer. Simply listening during your walk with God can make your relationship with him so much more fulfilling.

There you go a small lesson on how to walk with God daily, both why to do it and how to do it. I hope it helps someone out there to start there on walk with God.

I was born David A. Hoover on January 10, 1960 in Bowling Green, Ohio. However, I legally changed my name to David Ben-Ariel (with the help of my Jewish lawyer) during the Spring of 1989. It cost me $300.00.

It also required that I take out a small ad in a newspaper announcing my intentions 30 days beforehand. I placed my ad in the Bowling Green Sentinel.

I also had to appear before a judge (it depends on what county you were born) for him to privately question my motivations. He was assured by my lawyer that I wasn’t running from the law or trying to escape some outstanding debt, but that my reasons were religious in nature. The judge accepted that but wanted to impress upon me that I could have “trouble” with that name in America, without elaborating. I felt he meant because it was Jewish and/or could be difficult for some to know how to pronounce. I told him I wasn’t concerned about it since I planned on moving to Israel anyway.

My reasons for changing my name were religious in nature. Why? Because I honestly feel that Ben-Ariel is a God-given name. And why would I feel that way? Because after a Hebrew class where my teacher mentioned how many people change their names when they move to Israel, I went home wondering what surname I would have in Israel, knowing my first name is already Hebrew.

I had always liked the Hebrew last name of Ben-Ammi, after reading it in Leon Uris’ book Exodus, since it means “son of my people,” but while thinking about it and wondering what name my father would’ve given me, if he would’ve given me a Hebrew name, I didn’t know. I then knelt down in prayer and asked God what name, IF ANY, would He give me since He’s my Heavenly Father, and I couldn’t ask my dad because he died when I was twelve.

I expected God to perhaps lead or guide or influence me to like a particular name, but immediately ARIEL flashed into my mind and immediately I rejected it. Why? Because it means “the Lion of God” and I felt such a name only belongs to Jesus Christ, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. While wondering about the name of Ariel, I remembered that Israel’s defense minister was Ariel Sharon (whom I’ve since met in Jerusalem and Hebron). I reluctantly decided to keep the name in reserve (since it was really impressed upon me!) until God or circumstances might lead me to accept another, and went to bed.

The Bible mentions MANY INCIDENTS where God chose to change someone’s name or to name them before their birth. It is unusual but it’s not unscriptural. There was Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac (Gen. 17:5, 15, 19); Ishmael (Gen. 16:11); Solomon (1 Chron. 22:9) and Solomon’s nickname Jedidiah (2 Sam. 12:25); Cyrus (Isa. 44:28; 45:4); John the Baptist (Luke 1:13); Jesus (Matt. 1:21); Peter and the two brothers James and John whom Jesus nicknamed “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:16-17); just to name a few.

God promises to give us each a new and unique name in the Kingdom, either in place of or in addition to our current one (Rev. 2:17), as well as sharing Jesus’ new name and bearing the Father’s name as Priest-Kings (Rev. 3:12, 14; Ex. 28:36; Lev. 8:9). God has many name or titles, descriptive of His wonderful qualities and characteristics (Isa. 9:6). The Jews even teach that God’s Hebrew name Elohim (literally Gods) is plural due to the fact that God is too great to be constrained to one name, and is used in the sense of the royal “We.” That’s why Elohim said “let us….” We understand that it’s also because there’s presently two God-Beings in the one Kingdom of God, like Adam and Eve were two separate people who both shared the surname Adam as one family unit (Gen. 2:24; 5:2; John 10:30).

God has His reasons why He would change someone’s name and who are we to question Him? The April 1980 issue of The Good News Magazine (published by the Worldwide Church of God) carried an article called “History of the Church” that helps us to understand why Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter: “…and He gave him a surname prophetic of the moral and spiritual strength he would eventually demonstrate. Jesus bestowed upon him the new name, before he had earned it that it might be an incentive to him to realize what Jesus had expected.”

After going to bed, about to fall asleep, Isaiah 29:1 flashed into my mind. What’s amazing is that I had never memorized that Scripture! It reveals that Ariel is a nickname for JERUSALEM! I now understand why God the Father had chosen Ariel for me. Anyone who knows me knows that Jerusalem is always on my mind (Jer. 51:50), especially after my first visit there to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in 1980. God has shown me that He’s stirred me up and given me a burning desire for Jerusalem and Israel (Isa. 62:1, 6-7). I finally realized that God was calling me a “SON OF JERUSALEM.”

I got out of bed, got down on my knees with tears in my eyes, and thanked God for truly knowing us inside and out, just like His Word says, and embraced the new name God had given me! I also accepted it as a SPIRITUAL GOAL: to live worthy of one named after holy Jerusalem and all that it ideally represents.

I end my prayers facing Jerusalem every night with “Yerushalayim shel Zahav” (Jerusalem of Gold), a plea for Jerusalem to fulfill its calling (2 Chron. 6:38-39; Dan. 6:10). Later, I began to understand how Ariel can also refer to Judah and King David. Since my family tree is traced back to the British and Scottish Royal Families (the Royal House of David) it’s also befitting that Ben-Ariel can mean “son of David” and “son of Judah” (whose tribal emblem is the lion).

I’m convinced that the God of the Bible, the God of Israel, and the God of my forefather David, has blessed me with the name of Ariel. Even if I chose Ariel for myself — which I did not, I originally objected to it — there wouldn’t be any harm in that since such a practice is Biblical: “One shall say, I am the LORD’S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel” (Isa. 44:5).

God surnamed me Ariel back around 1982, however it wasn’t until 1989 that I finally changed my name legally. I knew that even though God had given me the name that I didn’t necessarily have to change my name. I was also hesitant to do so because I am the only son and the only Hoover males alive (that I’m aware of) were my grandfather and myself. I didn’t want the name to die out, not that I’m married and have any sons anyway (although God assures His “eunuchs” that we’ll be given excellent and eternal names – Isa. 56:5). I began to see that Hoover was possibly an Anglicized form of the German Huber (since many immigrants changed their names upon arrival in America).

I also didn’t want to hurt or offend my grandfather (Arthur Hoover of Risingsun, Ohio) or possibly get disinherited, but I made up my mind that since I was about to seek citizenship in Israel, starting a new chapter in our family history, I was going to take the lead and change my name. My grandfather ended up dying about four months before the fact, unaware of what I planned to do. So now I’ve been David Ben-Ariel for years and my family and friends are used to it.

My God-given name is ESTABLISHED BEFORE GOD who mentions Jerusalem twice in it: the City of David and Ariel.

I think the place to go next is to the heart of the matter. How do you know there really is a God? Who amongst us hasn't asked himself that question? Let's try and find an answer together. Let's attempt to establish some proof positive. Let's try to prove the existence of God by eliminating the alternatives. Let's ask ourselves some questions:

1. Who else but God could have created the universe?

2. Who else could have given us the ability to reason and to talk?

3. Who else could have given us the desire to believe in God?

4. Why else would we want to have faith in one Supreme Being?

5. Why else would miracles happen?

6. How can we believe in the future without faith?

7. How can we believe in ourselves if we don't believe in God?

The answer to all these questions is to take the 'little leap' of faith that God is real and He is always with us.

Ask yourself the question: do you believe you could go on living a worthwhile life without faith in God? Could you find happiness without faith? Could you feel secure without faith that God would protect you from the dangers you live with? Could you have peace of mind without knowing that God was watching out for you?

But questions aren't answers or proof positive, are they? The fact is the proof is in believing. The proof that God exists lies in our willingness to believe that he does. The proof lies in what we truly believe in our hearts and minds. It resides in our imagination. It is a matter of faith.

Take the 'little leap' of faith that makes you believe that God exists and is real. Get inspired to find God.

Once you accept God in your heart as a matter of faith, you will know what direction to take next. You will know to follow your instincts.
You will know to take a direct path to God. Your faith will be proof positive that God exists.

*******

Why was Jesus crucified? Because His gospel was highly politicized. It had everything to do with GOVERNMENT! God's people would do well to note that fact. His enemies accused Him of sedition. They distorted His Message to make it appear He was out to overthrow the government! (John 19:12). They led the rulers to believe Jesus was a dangerous individual, a real threat to public order and national security (John 11:48). Jesus had to be stopped! Both the political and religious authorities turned on Christ.

Why was Stephen murdered? Should he have just kept his opinions to himself? He blasted the religious establishment for their hypocrisy. Although he spoke the plain truth, they confused the issue by taking his words out of context. He undoubtedly did tell them that Jerusalem was going to fall and the Temple was going to be destroyed – just like Jesus prophesied – if they did not quickly change course (Acts 6: 8-15). He was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin (their religious court). They angrily condemned him to die for being so blunt (Acts 7).

I read the Book of Acts, making it much more meaningful and relevant, during my detention in Jerusalem's Russian Compound jail. If you examine the evidence surrounding Paul's frequent arrests and imprisonments, you'll see a pattern of trumped up charges, misunderstandings and misguided zeal. It's a miracle that Paul did say "enough is enough" and quit. But God used him to provide for us a very human example, since we expect Jesus to act divine (I Tim. 1:16).

Many in jail proclaim their innocence, but God knows that I was an innocent politico-religious prisoner. The Leftist government in Israel was out to crush their opposition. As a Christian member of the Temple Mount Faithful, I represent all that the secular hate. I've been involved in many televised demonstrations to remind the government of its biblical responsibilities. Whether they listen or not is between them and God.

Living by Faith

The Israeli settlers whom Gerald Flurry (pastor general of the Philadelphia Church of God) once condemned are putting their lives on the line. By living in Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel) they are exercising their faith in God's Word that promises the Holy Land to Israel, not Ishmael. How cowardly for Gerald Flurry to throw rocks at their faith when he sits safe in his comfortable office in democratic America. God help him (and all the other Church leaders) to wake up to this aspect of the Bible of which too many remain ignorant. Thankfully, from subsequent articles in The Philadelphia Trumpet magazine it appears Mr. Flurry's understanding has improved.

God's people won't suffer the prophesied persecution (not that we're seeking it) until we take a PUBLIC STAND on religious matters that have political ramifications, just like Jesus and the apostles and prophets. It's an artificial separation between politics and religion. God's one government has two branches: Church and State (Malachi 4: 4-5).

Spiritual issues are fought in the political arena of men's minds (2 Cor. 10: 4). Whether we recognize it or not, our Israelite nations are engaged in a cultural war. Unless we join the struggle, promoting the biblical platform that pierces through the mental fog, how can we expect to be in any position to help influence our nation's direction away from the precipice (Rom. 10:14)? God's Church has a superficial understanding when they fail to put God's truth into practice and take political action (James 2: 14-17)!

I was detained for a righteous reason. I'm closely associated with those who call for a return to biblical values. We uphold God's Law as our true Constitution. We plead with Judah (and Joseph) to obey God and not men; to put their trust in Him and not fear the UN; to restore the Temple Mount as the Temple Mount. If the Jews fail to listen to this opportunity for restoration, they'll self-destruct, falling apart at the seams. Israel faces the growing threat of a civil war and European intervention!

Warning the Jews

My enemies (if you don't have any, God is your enemy), knowing that I've written that the mosques must go – the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aksa mosques – have falsely accused me of being in a plot to destroy those beautiful abominations! It's the serpent up to his old tricks, telling half-truths and mixing it with outrageous lies. I did tell the GSS (Israeli Secret Police like the former East German Stasi) that I was thankful for the opportunity to clear the air and answer any questions. I didn't want to incriminate myself in any way – and they did try to entrap me – but I also didn't want to deny Christ the opportunity to testify before them (Mark 12:13).

All the while during my six and a half hours of interrogation, I prayed only to speak what God would have me to say; nothing more or less (Luke 20: 12-19). I did clearly warn them that the "peace" process is a trap; that it's about to blow up in their faces, and that a German-led Europe is going to wage a new crusade to enforce the vatican's version of peace. Catholic Europe will backstab and betray both the Arabs and the Jews. They'll push for Jerusalem to become "an international city" (Zech. 14: 2), all under the cover of UN Resolution 181 .

I maintained that the only explosives that I'm involved with is the bombshell I've written, Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. I continually referred them to it, stating that's where my beliefs are on public record (John 18:20). (Later I gave them a computer disk with my book on it to assist their alleged investigation). I told them I know that Israel won't take God's warning seriously, any more than those Jews who spurned Jabotinsky's efforts to save them from Hitler. (Ze'ev Jabotinksy warned the Jews of Hitler's fury but they thought he was just crying wolf). Nevertheless, God will intervene and save us after our worst time of suffering, and every survivor in Jerusalem will be holy.

That whole ordeal brought my name, and the fact that I've written a book, and that I'm a Sabbath-keeping Christian member of the Temple Mount Faithful, to Israeli attention (Philip. 1: 12-14). It also increases my standing in the Jewish community who know I've willing to suffer to help try to save Israel from itself, and that I'm not bitter, but still expect Israeli citizenship. I've proven that I'm not a fair-weather friend. I plan on standing by Judah's side, even when they fall because they've refused to take the necessary actions to insure "Never Again." (Isa. 49: 5; I Sam. 12:23).

The Church of God has been charged to get the Word out to all the world and make disciples (students) within every nation, teaching them to follow Yeshua's (Jesus') teachings. What did Yeshua teach? Yeshua boldly proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God, the immortal family of divine beings soon to reign over all the earth. He also taught his students how to live a life that graces the gospel and compliments the kingdom. We're to become more godly, more Christlike, more Kingdom-like, daily, in anticipation of its Dawn.

But Yeshua also warned of TURBULENT TIMES to occur just before His landing on the Mount of Olives to liberate Jerusalem and secure David's Throne (leading to Israeli deliverance).

We know that certain prophecies were not to be fulfilled until these "last days." Therefore their sealed messages weren't to break their silence until the appointed time (Dan. 12: 9). With the advent of the nuclear age, we've been living, for the first time in history, with the weapons of mass destruction that can erase all life from off planet Earth! (Matt. 24: 21-22).

The early Church preached the Gospel, but within the framework of addressing issues and concerns of their time and place. For example, they emphasized Yeshua's necessary death and resurrection. The biblical approach is to offer "meat in due season," custom-made messages, tailored for the times, "becoming all things to all men," using current events as a prop and a podium. The apostles and evangelists preached Christ and Him crucified, and did not deal with Yeshua's prophecy about Jerusalem's imminent fall and the Temple's destruction. Why? Because it wouldn't affect the daily lives and national affairs of their Gentile audience.

However, today the European Beast is taking shape and form before us, while the American, British and Jewish peoples continue their nosedive to oblivion. Both of these intertwined events were clearly prophesied (Lev. 26; Deut. 28). And it's only with our God-given understanding of biblical prophecy that we can see where these trends are rapidly heading. Both the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation reveal a Gentile confederation of nations to emerge upon the world scene just before Messiah comes, wrecking havoc upon Israel and opposing the Heavenly Army (Dan.7; Rev. 13; 17).

These prophesied headlines will directly affect the lives of every member of the Church of God and nations of Israel! We're living in the prophesied time of a knowledge explosion, of mass transit and rapid communication, and have truly become a global village (Dan. 12: 4). Therefore these "geopolitical" prophecies are most personal and pertinent.

It was necessary for God to first identify Israel today (the so-called lost 10 Tribes) so the Church could deliver his message to them, preserved by the Prophets for our time. We're to warn the sinful Israelite nations that the Holocaust was only a preview of what's to come! Many different groups and organizations (for better and for worse) have helped to restore identity identity. But Herbert W. Armstrong was the most influential, through his inspiring book The United States and Britain in Prophecy , as God ordained (Isa. 49: 6). How else could we go with the Gospel to the "lost sheep of the House of Israel" unless God directed us? How could we warn about the imminent "Time of Jacob's Trouble" unless God sent us?

Many professing-Christian ministries today are still lost in their own little religious worlds (Ezek 34: 4-5). They still don't know or care who Israel is or reject our identity (yet express interest in our Jewish brethren), although God expects His shepherds to help remind Israel of our biblical roots and responsibilities and regather them as "One Nation Under God, "a truly" United Kingdom "(Ezek. 37: 22). It appears that they're happy believing they're Gentiles (with their counterfeit Christianity / Gentile religion) and don't want to return to biblical ways and days, preferring their perverted scatter-brain traditions (Hos. 1: 9).

As brought out in my timely book, Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall , "Christ referred to WORLD WAR III as the GREAT TRIBULATION (Matt. 24: 21-22). He'd given an outline of prophetic events to occur just prior to His Second Coming. Although we can't know the exact time or date, we can know when it's very near! "

Yeshua taught that the end time would be very similar to Noah's time and how it was in Sodom and Gomorrah. Didn't Noah know what was about to happen? Wasn't Lot warned about imminent destruction? YES! Biblical precedent provides the proof that the people of God won't be left without a clue (Amos 3: 7).

The Church of God, His called-out ones (drafted to be delightfully different and wonderfully weird, living "ahead of our time"), are called Children of Light (1 Pet. 4: 4; 1 Thes. 5: 1-6 ). We haven't been left in the dark, in stark contrast to those around us who know the latest weather report but miss the significance of the times. Too many remain oblivious to the fact that a EUROPEAN STORM IS BREWING (Matt. 16: 2-3). Many won't realize it until it HITS HOME and they're devastated!

There's precious little time left to help sound the alarm and let the sirens go off. We're supposed to serve as God's EARLY WARNING SYSTEM (Jer. 44: 4). From the Watchtower of Faith we're able to see what's on the horizon and pick up on our spiritual radar screen the clear and present danger Europe presents. We know what's going to happen, based upon biblical facts, and declare it with confidence (Rom. 4:17).

If we don't help warn the world, giving everybody a chance to escape, we'll be held accountable for their deaths (Ezek. 3:18). Isaiah 42:19 warns about God's servant going blind and His messenger going deaf; Isaiah 56:10 rebukes blind watchman and dumb watchdogs that don't know how to bark and are asleep on the job! Obviously God did not "hire" them that way. This is so serious that God must warn us about it, (and you're being warned right now) because apparently many won't pass this part of our Christian test, deserting our posts, and running like Jonah. Such Christian-doves will get swallowed up in the belly of the Beast! There's nothing new under the Sun: just as Yeshua's closest friends fell asleep just before His trial and crucifixion, it appears some will nod off just before our Church and nations are scourged.

An important part of Yeshua's teachings, relevant to this generation, is the warning signs of what's about to strike, so everyone can prayerfully watch and seek shelter before it's too late (Lk. 21:36). But we're to share His survival course with others so they can know what to look for and expect and how to receive around-the-clock protection by trusting in Him. We can help save lives and prepare people for what's just ahead, whether it's World War III or the Lake of Fire (Jude 23).

Signs reveal what direction we're heading and how close we're getting to that destination. We're to share our God-given light of understanding with the world that they may be warned. That is our solemn privilege and responsibility. How nations or individuals respond is not our responsibility, it is between God and them.

Ezekiel's warning message is the same as Yeshua's and Paul's: repent or face the judgment of God. Likewise, Revelation's message is to repent of such things as murder, occult practices, immorality, idolatry, etc. and begin to obey the commandments of God and hang on for dear life to Jesus' teachings (in attitude and actions, in word and in works). However, God has decreed that His final warning to the world before the Storm breaks should be directed to His People Israel, now identified as prophesied, and that it should include exposing the European Beast as a satanic system compared to the saints of God and His government.

If God preferred that we stuck to a general message of salvation rather than to warn about a specific POLITICO-RELIGIOUS POWER rising in Europe, then he wouldn't have given us such inspired details in the Bible! Those who think otherwise are vainly dismissing the Prophets and Revelation as unnecessary. They think they're so smart but they're acting like fools (Rom. 1:22; Job 38: 2). God knows what He's doing. Anyone can preach a generic message, but only the Children of Light can understand the fine print in God's Word and reveal His Secrets to mankind.

All the magicians in the times of Joseph and Daniel put together couldn't provide the right answer to the questions of their day, yet those two witnesses gave God the glory and revealed truth that could only come from God (Gen. 41; Dan. 2:30). Likewise, God expects us to share HIS DIVINE REVELATION (Isa. 48: 6). This deeper understanding and special relationship with God and His Word ought to be evident to outsiders as something truly unique (Deut. 4: 6-7; John 15:15).

May the Church of God share the complete teachings of Yeshua, His full gospel – individual and national – with all the world. Such priceless teachings about the Kingdom of God, faith and forgiveness, also warn about frightening events that will signal the end of this age and help usher in the Wonderful World Tomorrow.

May we faithfully explain the spiritual significance of today's bad news (through the light of Bible prophecy) and emphasize the GOOD NEWS that we have a Savior from sin and a Deliverer from men!

Come Lord Jesus! Hosanna in the Highest!

Have you ever found yourself taking someone or something for granted? Were there consequences or did you get it corrected before it became a serious problem? 

In Luke 17:11-37, Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem from the border between Galilee and Samaria. He will spend some time here and in Perea before heading to Jerusalem for the Passover and His pending crucifixion. As He enters a small village in His travels, He is approached by ten lepers who ask Him to heal them. There is a lesson in this encounter for us about the dangers of taking God for granted. 

 

Ten Healed, One Grateful – Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus is about to enter a village on the border between Samaria and Galilee, ten men who have leprosy, a contagious, degenerating and deadly skin disease, approach Him and ask to be healed. Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priest who can confirm that they are healed and allow them to again worship in the local synagogue. As they go to do as they were told, they are immediately healed. One of them, who is not a Jew, turns back and thanks Jesus. The others (Jews) take Him for granted. Jesus tells the grateful Samaritan that his faith has saved him.

 

How much do we go to church and do our religious routine without considering what God has done in our lives? In what ways have you taken God for granted? Of course, God wants us to call on Him when we need healing or help, but shouldn’t we also notice the beautiful things He has created and praise Him? Wouldn’t it be appropriate to praise God for all of the good things that have happened in your life? 

 

The Kingdom of God – Luke 17:20-24

Jesus has quite a crowd traveling with Him at this time, plus the people from the village. A Pharisee asks Him when the Kingdom of God will come. Jesus advises him that the Kingdom of God is not like an earthly Kingdom, but is one that resides in the heart of all who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is internal and personal. 

 

We get into all sorts of speculation about the second coming, Kingdom of God and Jesus reigning on earth. What Jesus is saying here is that He reigns NOW (not in some future event). His Kingdom is within all who believe in Him. That is why no government can overcome or suppress it. The Kingdom of Christ is not like the government of the United States or any other country. There is no “capitol city”, no legislature, no place to go or physical person that constitutes the Kingdom of God. It exists inside of and is comprised of all believers. You are a part of the Kingdom of God NOW! Don’t take that for granted!

 

Wages of Rejection – Luke 17:25-32

Jesus now warns His disciples that they will not always have Him around. When He is gone, they should not be fooled by people trying to tell them where He is or how to get closer to Him. They will all be wrong. Since His Kingdom is in us, He can be like how a bolt of lightning lights up the entire sky as opposed to being one man in one small location.  

 

This is why I reject most of the stories that I hear about the second coming of Christ. They all mean well and are well studied in their view. They have searched the Scriptures, but too much is being made of some future coming and not enough is being placed on Him living in us.  We need to remember that we are in His Kingdom NOW and you and I need to be ready NOW!

 

Jesus also talks about His being rejected by people (Christians included) who are taking Him for granted. We become complacent and routine and don’t always think about what we are doing or why we are doing it. Some will become so careless as to step outside of God’s grace. They will take their salvation so much for granted that they return to their life of sin while still attending church and thinking that they are Christians.

 

You and I should constantly remind ourselves of who God and Jesus are, what they have done to win our love.  We should also examine our behaviors to make sure that we are taking His salvation and our relationship with Him seriously and not get careless about fighting temptation. It is the giving in to temptation out of carelessness that will destroy us. 

 

You Must Lose to Win – Luke 17:33-37

Jesus makes one more comment that we want to look at. The only way we can attain eternal life is to give up trying to keep this life. We can’t earn our way to heaven. We can’t be good enough to get God’s favor. We must surrender and trust God’s grace and promises to do what He says He will do. One person will trust God and be taken with Him. The other will try to earn their way to Heaven and be left behind (for Hell).

 

Often times, the only way we can get our way is to quit trying to get our way. This is true in love. You can’t make another person love you. You can only let them go and if they choose to love you, then you are loved. If they choose not to love you, then there is nothing you can do to make them change their minds. With God – salvation is on His terms, not ours. We can’t win our way to heaven unless we lose our power to do it ourselves. God bless you and have a great week!

How can you expect to receive God's message of love and kindness and caring if you aren't listening?

Yes, God will speak to you if you open your heart to him and start to listen. Wouldn't you like to hear from God?

Maybe God is waiting to hear from you. Do you have enough faith to stop patching your life together, and start to rely on the word of the Lord?

Sometimes it's hard to believe in what you cannot see or understand, but if you have enough faith all things are possible. Wouldn't you like to have enough faith to cope with your personal weaknesses and the troubles of our Time? Don't you want to have peace of mind?

All things are possible when you start to find your faith in God. You can achieve a sense of peace and a feeling of security that you have never known before. Stop using temporary quick fixes to patch yourself together and learn to rely on your faith in God to avoid addictive behavior. Stop patching yourself together. When you strip away your inhibitions and start to use your imagination, you will discover your own personal patch of faith: your symbol that will put you closer to God.

Use your faith patch to give you the strength to get rid of all the temporary pills and patches that you use to get you through the day, and learn to rely on your faith. Don't be shy about trying to become a Person of Faith. You are a good and worthwhile person, and no matter what your background or personal beliefs are, you are entitled to become a person of faith. You have the God given right to find faith anyway that your imagination dictates. You have the right to make a choice as to how you will believe in the Almighty.

You are genetically predisposed to want to be a Person of faith. It is only natural. It is an instinct that our common Lord instilled us with right from the beginning of mankind. Strip away your inhibitions, use your imagination to find God, and you will discover how strong your faith in him really is. Start to use your faith as the only patch you will ever need. Start to use your faith as the only true cure-all you will ever need to stop addictive behavior. Become a person of faith.

Are you ready to get closer to God?

Are you listening for his words of wisdom?

Maybe God is waiting to here from you.