Did you know that it originally was illegal to observe Christmas in both England and America? How did this happen and what took place to restore it again?
In "Merrie England,"
from the 11th to the 17th century, Christmas had become increasingly the great
festival of the year with observance from Christmas Eve (December 24) to Twelfth
Night (January 6). It had become a rollicking good time, and after the Norman
Conquest, with imported French flair added. By 1252 Henry III was slaying 600
oxen to go with the salmon pies and roasted peacocks. In the holly-decked great
halls of the feudal lords, wassailing, feasting, singing, and games, dancing and
masquerading, mummers presenting pantomimes, and masques were all part of the
festivities. The Christmas feast was brought ceremoniously into the hall, headed
by the chief cook carrying in the boar's head, followed by servants bearing an
incredible number of dishes.
But the wild license of these celebrations, with no semblance of the inner
vision and meaning of Christmas, came under the disfavor of the Puritans. During
the Reformation, Protestants
condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of popery"
and the "rags of the Beast". In Scotland, John
Knox put an end to Christmas in 1562. In England the observance of Christmas was
forbidden by act of Parliament in 1644. When Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector,
Puritans declared Christmas was "an extraeme forgetfulnesse of Christ, by
giving liberty to carnall and sensual delights." So the House of Commons
sat on Christmas day and sheriffs were sent out to require merchants to open for
business. Pro-and anti-Christmas factions rioted.
For
several weeks Canterbury was controlled by the pro-Christmas rioters, who
decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans. The Restoration of
1660 ended the ban, but most of the Anglican clergy still disapproved of
Christmas celebrations, using Protestant arguments.
RESTORATION
The Catholic Church
responded by promoting the festival in an even more religiously oriented form.
Charles II revived the feast.
While the Scots adhered to their Puritan view, England gradually found Christmas
again. However, in some places abolition was more permanent than in others.
Prince Albert is credited with having brought Christmas from his native Germany
and created the "Victorian Christmas" with the decorated tree and all
the trimmings. When the term "Victorian Christmas" is used, it refers
to the lavish customs and style popular at the time of the reign of Queen
Victoria. Prince Albert himself was one of the greatest authorities for the
reinvention of the English Christmas, for in his native Germany Christmas had
never disappeared. He introduced the first Christmas tree at Windsor (see cover
picture with Royal Family), and this quickly became an institution throughout
England and Wales. He also helped to popularize carol singing. People living in
the new industrial communities had lost touch with the half forgotten customs of
their rural past, so while new symbols like the Christmas trees and carols were
being imported, other customs were being created (Crichton, p. 89).
However, the German influence
did not only come from Albert, for Queen Victoria herself grew up German. She
was born in 1819, the same year as her first cousin Albert, whom she married in
1840. Her mother was Princess Mary Louisa Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Prince
Albert was the son of Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the brother of
Victoria's mother and Albert's aunt.
Alexandria Victoria was eight months old when her father, the Duke of Kent,
died. She was raised at Kensington Palace by her mother and her German
governess, the Baroness Louise Lehzen, a native of Coburg. Her mother's nearest
advisor was her brother, Victoria's uncle Leopold. He lived at Claremont, where
Victoria would visit him until 1831, when he became Leopold I, the first king of
the Belgians. Victoria grew up "to regard herself as a Coburg" (Britannica, Vol. 23, p.
125). She ascended to the throne in 1837 after the death of William IV.
AMERICAN HISTORY
The Puritans had brought to New England a Cromwellian detestation of
Christmas. Because of the Puritan influence, the festive aspects of Christmas,
including the tree, were not accepted in New England until about 1875.
It
will be somewhat of a shock to learn that in the eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries, most Pennsylvanians did not celebrate Christmas either. Puritanism is
a thing of the spirit, and Pennsylvania's Puritans--who included the Quakers,
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, as well as the Mennonites
and other plain groups, who were Puritans in spirit--shared New England's
aversion to paying a special honor to the 25th of December (Yoder, p. 5).
The
celebration of Christmas was made a crime in Massachusetts in 1659. That edict
was repealed in 1681, but in 1686 the governor needed two soldiers to escort him
to Christmas services. In 1706 a Boston mob smashed the windows in a church
holding Christmas services. Due to the early predominance of the Dutch in New
York (founded by them and first named New Amsterdam), New Yorkers celebrated
Christmas from the 17th century on, but as late as 1874 Henry Ward Beecher,
America's most prominent preacher, said, "To me, Christmas is a foreign
day."
The Puritans and other Protestant groups were right
when they said that Christmas observations in December had their origins in
pagan festivals of the winter solstice, and that no one knew in what season
Christ was born. Christmas customs have evolved from times that long antedated
the Christian period--a descent from seasonal pagan, religious and national
practices, hedged about with legend and tradition. Although many of the
picturesque customs of the pagan feasts of the winter solstice were suppressed,
they nevertheless, contributed much to modern observance.
THE GRINCH
In our modern era, Ted Geisel, under the pen name of Dr. Seuss, has
greatly twisted reality. “Grinch” is synonymous with “grouch.” However,
the Grinch is portrayed as an ogre or demon type figure. He is much like
Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken’s novel, A
Christmas Carol. He is a grouch who hates Christmas. He only
becomes loveable when he restores Christmas to the people.
Interestingly, Ebenezer is a Biblical name in reference to Yahweh as the
Stone of Help to Israel (1 Sam. 7:12). “Eben” is a Hebrew word for
“stone,” and “ezer” is a Hebrew word for “help.” Thus, the pagan,
idolatrous world has a knack for twisting things around to make those who trust
in Yahweh and His ways look like demon grouches (grinches), while all who love
the idolatrous, pagan, riotous celebrations are the loveable ones.
JUDGMENT
A day of judgment is coming on the earth wherein all will stand before
the Great Judge and will be judged according to their works. (Rev. 20:12) Only
those who belong to Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah will be able to stand in
that judgment. Those who loved lies will have their part in the lake of fire,
which is the second death. Get that!? Death, not life!
Those who love the seemingly joyous, riotous living and revelry, making
the way of righteousness seem as if it is the way of the grinch (grouch), and
making the false pagan lies seem to
be the acceptable ways will have their joy turned to weeping and gnashing of
teeth (Mt. 25:30).
It is true that those who love the truths of Yahweh are in a very
mournful, bitter state in today’s world. But Yahshua did say, “Blessed are
they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Mt. 5:4.
Remember this, in the day of judgment, those who are full of joy,
rejoicing, revelry, and riotous living will be weeping and mourning in that day.
Those who are full of mourning and bitterness in today’s world, not only
because of the delight that they see in others who love unrighteousness, sin and
corruption, but their own short-comings also, will be full of joy and rejoicing.
The tables will be turned. The world will be turned upside down.
At one time in England and America Christmas was illegal. In Yahweh’s
eyes Christmas is illegal. Are you man and woman enough to stand for Yahweh’s
righteousness or are you going to allow yourself to be carried away by the
world? The choice is presented to you here and now. Choose truth and life. Turn
away from the world and its false abominable ways. Stand up for Yahweh, Yahshua,
the Word of Righteousness and Truth so you will be able to stand in the day of
judgment.
By Elder George Kinney
The
season is again upon us when the world is busily planning for a big celebration
on December 25th. Gifts are exchanged, millions of greeting cards are sent,
thousands of barrels of strong drink are consumed, a fat man in a red suit is
glorified, and the birth of our Saviour is discussed.
Why
such a big thing over this day, when we read nothing in the Scriptures
concerning celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Yahshua? We read nothing of His
birth on this big celebration day. Rather, the Scriptures indicate He could not
have been born this time of year. Many, even knowing this, still engage in the
worldly celebration. Why? Why do people do it even if they know it is a day of
pagan customs and celebration? What makes People’s minds think it is alright
to partake of the heathen customs and associate the birth of our Saviour with
it? Every year we can read in the newspapers of the paganism in it. Why do
people not even know the true name of our Saviour, Yahshua? Why do they think it
is alright to call Him something else? Why do they think it doesn’t matter
what they call Him or His Father, Yahweh? Why have they forgotten the Scriptural
Sabbath, the seventh day of the week? Why do they think time has been lost and
that we don’t know which day of the week is the Sabbath? Why do they even
think it makes no difference which day we keep; or if indeed we should cease
from our labor in business, and buying and selling any day at all? Why don’t
they know the truth of these things? Why don’t they know what the Scriptures
say? Why do they not know the Word is truth? Why don’t they know?
DELIGHTING IN LIES
Actually,
I was once caught up in this situation. As a young boy I loved the Christmas
time, the pretty trees, the thrill of Santa Claus. I remember looking through
the newspaper to see how many pictures of Santa Claus I could find. It all made
me feel wonderful. A lovely feeling came over me. It was what is called “the
Christmas spirit.” It was a delightful, joyful emotion. But where did this
spirit come from? Why would partaking of paganistic practices and believing a
lie give me this ecstasy?
WHY
DO PEOPLE BELIEVE LIES? The Scriptures give us the answer. “For the secret of
law violation does already work. Only he who now restrains will restrain, until
he be taken out of the way. And then shall the lawless [one] be revealed, whom
the Master shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and render entirely idle
by the manifestation of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according
to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, and
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that PERISH, BECAUSE THEY
RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, that they might be saved. AND FOR THIS CAUSE
THE ALMIGHTY SHALL SEND THEM STONG DELUSION, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A LIE,
that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but HAD PLEASURE IN
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS,” 2 Thes. 2:7-12.
Because
they receive not THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, they believe lies.
REPENT OR PERISH
Yahshua
said, “REPENT…[or]...PERISH. (Lk. 13:3) Yahweh is not willing that any
should perish, but wishes that all would repent. (2 Pet. 3:9; Ez. 33:11) BUT
THEY MUST REPENT ...or...PERISH. They must repent of sin (the transgression of
the law— 1 Jn.
3:4) and start to obey Yahweh and keep His commandments. The atonement for our
sin is by the death of our Ruler, Yahshua the Messiah; and it is a free gift.
(Ro. 5:11 & 15) Then they can know the truth: “If you love Me, keep My
commandments, and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another
Comforter, that He may abide with you forever, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, WHICH THE
WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, BECAUSE IT SEEKS HIM NOT, neither knows Him; but you know
Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you,” Jn. 14:15-17. “Howbeit
when the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth,” Jn.
16:13. Yahshua prayed, “Separate them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth.”
And He said, “If you continue in My Word, then are you My taught ones indeed,
and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” Jn. 17:17
& 8:31-32.
There
came a time in my young life that my dad decided it was time I knew the truth
about Santa Claus. Guess what? On X-mas eve at my maternal grandparent’s farm
house with decorated tree cut by grandfather from his own land, when I was with
great expectation and joy, dad took me aside and told me there was no Santa
Claus. My dad was very effective in stating things in a few words at opportune
times. And He saw to it that I learned Scriptural truths.
We see that those who believe lies and perish, have
pleasure in unrighteousness. They do not know the truth because they do not love
it. They do not seek it. If they would only love the truth, simply because it is
the truth, they could ask Yahweh and He would show them the way. He would show
them the true way of healing, repentance, and salvation. Let us love every bit
of the truth we learn and follow all of it, so we will not believe lies. “But
we are bound to give thanks always to the Almighty One for you, brethren beloved
of Him, because He has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through
separateness of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by
our glad tidings to the obtaining of the esteem of our Master Yahshua the
Messiah. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you have
been taught, whether by word, or our letter. Now our Master Yahshua the Messiah
Himself, and the Almighty, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us
everlasting consolation and good hope through favour, comfort your hearts, and
establish you in every good word and work,” 2 Thes. 2:13-17.
Where are we and where are we
going? A prophetic look at past and present events that will determine our near
future. This article is based on a seminar given in 2003. While it may be
somewhat dated, the fact of the matter is that the subject applies today and in
our near future.
By Hector
Castillo
Introduction:
Brethren, we are currently living in some very exciting yet hair-raising
times. While many people attribute not only their lives but also current events
to happenstance, what I hope to do through this article is to prove that many,
if not most, of the events that occur, have occurred, or will occur, are not
based on random chance; or what some people call luck. Our past, current, and
future events are merely fulfillments of many things that have already been
foretold in the Scriptures.
Now
the Bible is composed of so many prophecies that there is no way that we could
possibly cover all of them in this article. Not to mention the fact that there
are also many prophecies that we don't fully understand yet. Therefore I am
limiting the core of this article to only mentioning a few of the current events
that I believe have important ties to Yahweh's overall prophecies; largely
because, as you will see, these current events are shadowing events that have
already occurred in the past.
By
reviewing these current events and by comparing them to the events that are
mentioned in the Scriptures, this should give us a better understanding of how
and why we are now living in the last days. I pray that
this knowledge will help us prepare ourselves not just physically but
most importantly spiritually in these last days.
Technological advances and the word of Yahweh:
In the early 1900's a British scholar condemned the Bible a hoax because
of a verse that gives the idea that the whole world could be watching an event
live, as it is happening. He was referring to verse 9 in chapter 11 of the book
of Revelation. In referring to the two witnesses it says, "Those from the
peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for
three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a
tomb." His argument was that it was impossible for the whole world to be
watching this when the whole world could not be in one place at the same time.
Perhaps in the 1900's something like this could have seemed impossible but now,
in the year 2003, we have witnessed the possibility. How many of you were able
to watch the US-Iraq War on your television as it was unfolding? From what I
remember, if you had the time, you could have watched it 24 hours a day 7 days a
week. Did you ever stop to think that this technology, which by the way, has
improved since the end of the war, could possibly be used in the fulfillment of
one of Yahweh's prophecies?
Revelation 13:17 gives the idea that the anti-christ will take advantage
of a cashless society to force people to take on his "mark". For it
says: "and he
provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one
who has the mark, either
the name of the beast or the number of his name." 25 years ago, a cashless
society would have been out of the question and yet today, with all the ATM's,
Credit Cards, Electronic Banking etc. we can see that what was once thought of
as crazy is now a possibility. Most of us have already found the convenience in
using such a system (cashless system), we can order products through the
internet and save money, some crimes have been reduced, the hassles that come
with using cash have also been reduced. The
list goes on and on.
What about the so-called Mark? Could it possibly be a computer chip or
laser tattoo? Well as some of you might know, there are several states in the
U.S. who tag animals by injecting a device in them. During the spring of 1998 it
was documented that in Singapore a man had a computer chip installed in his
forehead. In this same year, Time Magazine also had an article that spoke on the
benefits of a cashless society. Imagine going to a grocery/retail store, buying
what you need and walking out through a cashier less scanner that can read your
hand or forehead. It is said that the military uses this chip technology along
with the GPS (Global Positioning System) for their Special Operation Soldiers.
It is also common knowledge that the FDA usually takes about 7+ years of testing
before they approve a new medicine or technology. So, if this technology was
introduced in 1998 that would mean that we should start to hear more about it
around the year 2005. Does this mean that the chip could be the mark of the
beast? Not necessarily! But it is important to take it into consideration and to
keep our eyes and ears opened in case a similar technology is introduced.
The beginning of the end:
It is not surprising that we find a parallel line between what the
Scriptures say and what is going on around us. So where did all this begin and
how did we get here? And what if any do the world empires or current governments
have to do with what is going on? And most importantly, how do we know that we
are in fact in the 'Last Days?' I
think that it is important to answer those questions before we can begin to
compare the past scriptural events to the events of today. We can do just that
by reviewing the events that unfolded in the book of Daniel.
In the Book of Daniel, Chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream in
which Daniel, a prophet of Yahweh, received permission (from Yahweh)
to interpret it. Let's begin by reading verse 31 to verse 38 and as we
read we can identify who the interpretation is talking about: Dan 2:31-38
31
"You looked, O king, and there before you stood a large statue-an enormous,
dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of
pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of
bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked
clay. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It
struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35 Then the
iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces at the
same time and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind
swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue
became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.
36 "This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king. 37
You, O king, are the king of kings. The Elohim of
heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; 38 in your
hands he has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the
air. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head
of gold.
So here we are told clearly that Yahweh recognized King Nebuchadnezzar as
being the leader of the first World Empire. As we read on we will see that there
will be 3 more world kingdoms with the 4th one being the last one.
Before we continue let's take a minute to discuss something interesting
about the head of gold. Gold, among it being one of the most wanted metals on
earth, it is also one of the softest metals and it has excellent qualities for
resisting corrosion. That means that it easily forms into any shape and it looks
great. It is not surprising that this kingdom is at the top, for as we know if
the top was to melt, it would in fact spread itself (flow) right down to the
bottom (similar to when wax flows down the shaft of a candle). We find that it
is exactly what has happened with the Babylonian religions. They survive to this
day because like gold they have been adjusted and/or shaped to fit our society.
In fact, most, if not all, religions of today can be directly linked to the
Babylonian era. Many Christian ministers, encyclopedias and dictionaries would
testify that customs such as Christmas, Easter and others, have direct links to
the Babylonian religions. The book of Daniel (Chapter 3: 4-13) tells us about a
king that wanted people to bow down to a statute. Do you know of any modern
religions that still teach those practices? As you can see, Babylon is alive and
well in our society.
Now let's continue reading the first part of verse 39 and since the first
part of verse 32 is talking about the same thing, we will review them together:
39
"After you, another kingdom will rise, inferior to yours…
32
The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver…
As we already stated this part of verse 39 refers to the comment stated
in verse 32 that describes the chest and arms of the statue being made of
silver. The two kingdoms that had to unite to be able to defeat Babylon were the
Medes and Persian. They, under the command of Cyrus defeated the Babylonia
Kingdom by backing up the Euphrates River and going under the walls of Babylon
to open the gates from within. History shows that shortly after Cyrus took
control he allowed the Captive Jews to return to Jerusalem. Let's continue with
the second part of verse 39 and 32:
39
… Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth.
32
… its belly and thighs of bronze,
This third kingdom described as the belly and thighs of the statute,
turned out to be the Grecian Empire who was commanded by Alexander the Great.
Alexander the III of Macedonia was the greatest general of the ancient times.
Amazingly he never lost a battle. By 331 B.C. he had completely destroyed the
Persians who had been led by King Darius. In less than 14 years, Alexander had
conquered the world, however, because he didn't have any heirs, his kingdom
lasted for only a short period. Upon his death at the young age of 32, his
kingdom was divided between 4 of generals. It is ironic that the Grecian Empire
was partly represented as a belly and it was the fact that Alexander had
overfilled his belly with alcohol that ultimately killed him. Alexander's
divided empire eventually crumpled into many smaller kingdoms.
Out of this smaller kingdoms came the fourth and last kingdom described
in verses 40 and 33:
40
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron-for iron breaks and
smashes everything-and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and
break all the others.
33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay.
This
fourth and last major kingdom is clearly the Roman Empire, which was led by
Julius Caesar and whose brute force dominated the world for about 450 years.
The name of the seventh secular month, July, was named after this ruler.
We can see by continuing to read in verses 41, 42 and 43 that this kingdom
described as being a mixture of iron and clay, is one that did not stand and
eventually split into ten distinct kingdoms (10 toes). These kingdoms were
probably the Alemani (Germany), the Franks (France), the Burgundians
(Switzerland), the Suevi (Portugal), the Anglo-Saxons (Britain), the Visigoths
(Spain), the Lombards (Italy), the Vandals, the Ostrogoths, and the Heruli. The
Pope of Rome destroyed the last three because they refused to become
"Christian." These kingdoms, or the individual European nations still
stand today and amazingly they are looking to unite under the EEC or the United
States of Europe. In 1999 some of those countries implemented the Euro Dollar so
they can have just one currency. We know that for many years now the United
Nations were established as a unity and support pact for many nations. Just this
year we witnessed the birth of turmoil when France, Germany, Russia and others
refused to support the U.S. attack on Iraq. The President's disregard for the
United Nations seems to go inline with the fulfillment of prophecy, stating that
they will not remain united for long (verse 43).
41
Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of
iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength
of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly
iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle.
43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a
mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.
We will cover the next part of Daniel's prophecy later, but for now let
us move on to the current events that are in question. It is important that we
compare the events that have occurred in the past and see how they are being
replicated in the events of today. By reviewing past events that caused Yahweh
to become angry and to cause destruction and by comparing them to the events of
today we can clearly understand how and why Yahweh will soon send his anger upon
this world. We are reminded of Malachi 3:6, which tells us that Yahweh does not
change. So we can assume that if Yahweh hated certain events in the past then he
continues to hate them to this day. Let us begin by noticing the events that led
to the Great Flood mentioned in Genesis.
11 Now the earth was corrupt [OT:7843 shachath (shaw-khath'); a primitive root; to
decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)]
in Elohim's sight and was full of violence. 12 Elohim saw how corrupt the earth
had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So Elohim
said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is
filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and
the earth.
In view of our horrifying trends of our day, we can see how Yahweh would
be displeased with the violence and sexual immorality that affect many people
throughout the world. The following events could definitely qualify as reasons
that Yahweh should send a flood upon the earth.
·In one year Americans spend more than
$4 billion dollars on pornography.
·3 out 4 marriages end in divorce wrecking
lives-and breaking homes.
·Mass murders, neglect of the aged, abuse of
women and babies, children killing children, etc.
·Millions of people hooked on marijuana,
"crack," heroin, and other chemicals will ruin their lives by
detaching themselves from society and their maker.
·Many third world countries, the most recent
one being Liberia, are experiencing mass killings of
human beings. Many more will die in Civil Wars in the coming years.
·The Federal Communications commission has
stated that children between the ages of 5 to 14, will witnesses the violent
destruction of more than thirteen thousand human beings on television. Many
more are being witnessed in
computer games.
·A U.S. Senate subcommittee revealed in 1999
that in one decade, just as violence had increased in
T.V., delinquency in real life grew nearly 200%.
Looking at these statistics, the Master's words spoken in Matthew 24:12
certainly ring true!
12
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
11:1
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved
eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each
other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used
brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us
build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may
make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole
earth." 5 But Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower that the men
were building. 6 Yahweh said, "If as one people speaking the same
language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be
impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their
language so they will not understand each other."
8 So Yahweh scattered them from there over all the earth, and they
stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel--because there
Yahweh confused the language of the whole world. From there Yahweh scattered
them over the face of the whole earth.
So we can clearly see in verse 6 that the reason that Yahweh dispersed
them is due to the fact that by banning together nothing that they would have
wanted to do would be impossible for them. So what kind of things would they
have wanted to do? Well, we don't know but we are told that they would have been
able to do anything. We can see what Yahweh meant when we take into account some
of the events that are now taking place. Although the headlines listed below
sound like science fiction, they are very real. You should and could educate
yourself on these topics by spending some research time on the Internet.
As you read the headlines you should consider how they affect Yahweh's
overall creation.
·How Human Cloning Will Work.
·Dozens of Human Embryos Cloned in China.
·Mini-Pig Clone Raises Transplant Hope.
·Dolly Lab To Create 'Virgin' Birth Embryos.
·Second Cloned Baby Claim.
·What Are Genetically Modified Foods?
·Concern Grows Over Genetically Modified Food.
Gen 3:13 says:
13
Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against Yahweh.
As we continue reading in Gen 19 verses 1-5 we are given the reason that
the men were sinning against Yahweh:
19:1
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the
gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down
with his face to the ground. 2 "My Masters," he said, "please
turn aside to your servant's house. You can wash your feet and spend the night
and then go on your way early in the morning." "No," they
answered, "we will spend the night in the square." 3 But he insisted
so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal
for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before they
had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom--both young
and old--surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, "Where are the men who
came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with
them."
By reading the rest of the story we are told that the angels that Yahweh
had sent destroyed both the cities and their inhabitants. The sins that they
were committing were so grand that Yahweh could not allow them to continue
living. Their homosexual activities threatened Yahweh's established natural
order of marriage and the ability to procreate. Genesis 2:24 makes it clear that
a marriage is between a man and a woman, not a man and a man or a woman and a
woman!
Gen
2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his
wife, and they will become one flesh.
Today's headlines indicate that both man and women are attempting to
change the ordained union between a man and a woman. The current set of events
that are being discussed in Canada with reference to homosexuals and lesbians
being able to marry, is just a small glimpse of what is coming to the U.S.
It is clear that homosexuality and lesbianism is no longer taboo when it
comes to prime time television. Many church ministers are afraid to speak out
against these things because of the labels that accompany their criticism.
As you can see by the few examples that we covered, Yahweh definitely has
a reason to put an end to this world. It is no wonder that it will be during
this times that he will send his Son, Yahshua, to crush this evil and sinister
world and to establish his everlasting Kingdom.
Yahshua the Rock:
So now that we have seen the relationship between what happened in the
past and what is going on in our present times and since we have seen that we
are in the last days. Let us now regress back to Daniel Chapter 2 and discuss
the Rock that is thrown at this statute, or what we now know to be world
empires. We will begin by reviewing verses 34-35 and 44- 45 because they covert
the same topic:
34
While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck
the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35 Then the iron, the
clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces at the same time
and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them
away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge
mountain and filled the whole earth.
44
"In the time of those kings, the Elohim of heaven will set up a kingdom
that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will
crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure
forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain,
but not by human hands-a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the
silver and the gold to pieces.
It
should be noted that although the NIV uses the work Rock in these verses, the
actual Hebrew word 'eben, indicates that the word could also be read as Stone.
So then, it should be clear to all of us that this Stone that is made without
hands actually refers to Yahshua the Messiah. There are many verses in the New
Testament that refer to Yahshua as being the Chief Cornerstone here are just a
few:
Eph 2:20-22
4
As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by Elohim and
precious to him- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a
spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to Elohim through Yahshua Messiah. 6 For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one
who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
17
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which
the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?18 Whosoever
shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it
will grind him to powder.
The rest of the verses in question in the book of Daniel explain the fact
that the 5th or last world empire will be the one in which Yahshua the Messiah
is King. It is described as a Mountain that will be established forever. Verse
44 of Chapter 2 says that in the time of the kings, which we have already
defined as the current world governmental systems, he will set up his Kingdom
that will never be destroyed. This Kingdom will bring an end to every worldly
kingdom. And just like powder that is carried away by the wind, no trace will be
left behind.
44 "In the time of those kings, the Elohim of heaven
will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to
another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but
it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock
cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands-a rock that broke the iron, the
bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.
Summary:
In summary, I pray that if
nothing else, this article has opened your eyes and made you more aware of some
of the techniques that Satan uses to fool the world. If we as believers don't
keep our eyes and ears opened, he will assuredly fool us too!
It is amazing but not surprising that he can introduce technologies that
contradict Yahweh's very creation, in a
subtle and seemingly harmless way. Amazing also but not surprising is the fact
that most people do not realize what is going on. They fail to see the
seriousness of what these current events represent. In Matt 16:2-4 Yahshua said:
2
….."When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is
red,' 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and
overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot
interpret the signs of the times.
Notice here that Yahshua didn't say that it was impossible to determine
the signs of the times. He is simply admonishing these people because they have
not taken the time to do so. We have but to read the book of knowledge, the
Scriptures, to learn and understand where the world is heading next. Many of the
things mentioned in the book of Revelation that haven't yet occurred are moving
in the direction of fulfillment. Brethren
we must prepare ourselves!
I believe that our current level of social degradation, world violence,
cloning, genetically mixing vegetables or fruits with animal genes, the advent
of homosexuality and the destruction of the marriage are a sign of the times
because they challenge the one and only True Creator Yahweh and our Redeemer
Yahshua. When it comes to these topics and others that we didn't mention here,
we should follow the suggestion given to the disciples by Yahshua in Matt 10:16:
"Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as
doves."
Yahweh
commanded His people to set aside the seventh day of the week for a special rest
day and holy convocation. Yet, millions of people are setting aside a different
day of the week for this purpose. Who was it that changed the day from the
Sabbath to Sunday?
By Jerry Healan
The
Catholic Church admits: “Sunday is a Catholic institution, and its claims to
observance can be defended only on Catholic principles...From beginning to end of Scripture there is not a single
passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of
the week to the first.”
(The
Catholic Press, Sydney, Australia, August, 1900. Emphasis ours throughout.)
“Protestants...accept Sunday rather than Saturday as the day for public
worship after the Catholic Church made the change...But the Protestant mind does
not seem to realize that...in observing the Sunday, they are accepting the authority of the spokesman for the church, the Pope.”
(Our
Sunday Visitor, February
5, 1950.)
“It was the Catholic Church which, by the authority of J-sus Chr-st,
has transferred this rest (from the Bible Sabbath) to the Sunday...Thus the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they
pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the (Catholic) Church.”
(Monsignor Louis Segur, Plain Talk
about the Protestantism of Today, page 213.)
Isn’t it interesting that the church thought it had the authority to
change one of Yahweh’s commandments when the Savior never did, for He said,
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come
to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth
pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be
fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them,
the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven,”
Mt. 5:17-19.
We all know and understand where the command came from to observe the
Sabbath day. A quick look at Gen. 2:1-4, Ex. 16; Ex. 20:8-11, 31:12-17, Lev.
23:1-3, etc. should be proof enough. But just who was it that commanded Sunday
to be observed and why?
CONSTANTINE THE SUN WORSHIPPER
Here is what is admitted in the revised International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE),
Vol. 3, p. 160, article “L-rd’s Day” — “The next step (toward Sunday
observance) came with the accession of Constantine and his recognition and
favoring of the Christian Church. Hitherto the Roman empire had had no firmly
established week, although Mithraism had observed the first day as the day of
the sun and the seventh had often been made a special day for feasting. In C.E.
321 Constantine, who
also had some attachment to the sun-god,
made the first day a regular public holiday, decreeing that all ‘judges,
city-people, and craftsmen’ should ‘rest on this VENERABLE DAY OF THE
SUN,’ but allowing farmers to attend to agriculture when natural conditions
made it advisable. This law naturally facilitated Christian worship, and
Christians not only hailed the day as the day of the true SUN of righteousness
but also claimed that its observance as a day of worship rested not on
compliance with a state decision but on apostolic tradition.” (end of quote.)
It is important and interesting to note that the ISBE
admits that Constantine had some attachment to the sun-god. Such was absolutely
the case for Constantine, as Caesar and Augustus of the Roman Empire, also held
the office of Pontifex Maximus over all paganism.
The Immense Majesty
— A History of Rome and the Roman
Empire by Thomas W.
Africa, under the heading of The
Christian Revolution also reveals , “His (Eusebius, a supposed early church
historian) apologetic works are crammed with references to authors now lost, and
he welded Chr-stianity to classical culture by claiming that Plato and other
sages were either inspired by Biblical truth or had somehow intuited it. The Pax
Romana had been divinely designed to make the world safe for Christianity,
which was the culmination of all that was good in the past. THE HERO WHO
COMPLETED THE DIVINE PLAN, CONSTAN-TINE, WAS GLORIFIED IN A PANEGYRICAL
BIOGRAPHY THAT CONTAINS MUCH USE-FUL MATERIAL...The Roman Emperor was as divine
as he could be while still remaining a Christian...The widespread solar cult was incorporated by
Constantine, whose views of Christ
WERE ALLOYED with his old devotion to Sol Invictus. In 321 the emperor reserved Sunday as a holiday for Christians,
and in 336 the birthday of Sol Invictus, December 25, was arbitrarily chosen as
Christmas.
A mosaic still survives under Saint Peter’s in Rome which shows Christ
as a solar deity in Apollo’s char-iot.”
(Chapter 9, pp. 356-357)
How is it that Constantine is considered to be the “hero who completed
the divine plan?” I thought that it was the Messiah Yahshua Who did such!
Notice also that Constantine alloyed his views of the Messiah with those of Sol
Invictus.
Why would Constantine seek to do such a thing? The answer is found in the
Encyclopedia Britannica,
14th Edition, Vol. 15 under the article Mithras,
“Mithras, identified with Sol Invictus, thus became the GIVER OF AUTHORITY AND
VICTORY TO THE IMPERIAL HOUSE...the sanctification of Sunday and December 25th
were involved in his worship...Some icons in his worship were Mithras and Helios
(the sun, or Apollo) banqueting together; Mithras and Helios mounting the
chariot of the latter and riding over the ocean.” (pp. 620-621)
The Encyclopedia Britannica
also admits, “Constantine’s claim to greatness rests mainly on the fact that
he divined the future which lay before Christianity,
and
determined to enlist it in the service of his empire.”
(14th Ed., Vol. 6, pp. 298-299)
Constantine was seeking his own power, his own authority, his own glory.
He was more than willing to take that which was holy, precious and pure, blend
it with abject paganism and then lead the public into this deceitful form of
worship.
Upon his death, Constantine was declared to be a god by the pagan senate
at Rome while the Byzantine Church in the east declared him a saint “equal to
the apostles.”
THE ROMAN BEAST
Just who was Constantine specifically? Constantine was emperor of the
Roman Empire. Rome was the prophesied fourth kingdom of Daniel 2 and the fourth
beast of Daniel 7.
King Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed a dream which he couldn’t remember
(Dan. 2:1). He called for all of his counsellors, astrologers, etc.
inquiring of them what it was that he had dreamed and its significance
(Dan. 2:2-3). When they admitted that they couldn’t explain the dream to him
he threatened their lives and the lives of their families (Dan. 2:4-12).
Yahweh revealed the dream to Daniel who informed the king that he had
dreamed of a great image whose head was gold, chest and arms of silver, belly
and thighs of brass, legs of iron and feet part of iron and part of clay (Dan.
2:17-33).
Nebuchadnezzar was informed that he was the head of gold and that other
kingdoms would also follow his which would be inferior to his (Dan. 2:36-40).
History reveals that Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom of Babylon was followed by
Persia which in turn was followed by Greece, which also in turn was followed by
Rome. It was stated that the reason that the feet were part of iron and part of
clay was because the kingdom of Rome would become divided (Dan. 2:41). History
also records that Rome was divided between east and west.
But now notice in Dan. 7 that there is another description of these same
kingdoms. While the kingdoms are given metals for specific symbolism in Dan. 2,
Dan. 7 gives an animal-istic nature.
In order to clarify that these are the same kingdoms, we are given a
geographic location wherein these kingdoms ruled. That geographic location is
the “great sea” (Dan. 7:2). The “great sea” was known to the ancients as
the Mediterranean Sea.
These kingdoms all had their turn in ruling over that geographic
location. Rome was the fourth kingdom to bear absolute rule over that area. The
influence of all of these four kingdoms are evident and prominent in our world
today, but the influence of the fourth kingdom, the terrible beast called the
Roman Empire is more prevalent than them all!
THE CHANGE OF TIMES AND LAWS
One of the most important things to notice about this fourth kingdom is
found in verse 25 of Dan. 7, “ And he (the little horn of the fourth beast)
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.” Notice it again! This fourth beast will make war against
the saints of the Most High and THINK TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAWS!
Such has happened! Under the influence of Rome, many changes have taken
place in this world. A day was originally observed as beginning and ending
around sunset. Under Rome midnight begins and ends the day. A month was
originally governed by the moon (from whence comes the word “month”). When
the first visible crescent of the new moon appeared, the next
month began, the old month had ended. Today the moon isn’t even given
consideration as having any influence toward monthly calculation. The year
originally began and ended with the new moon closest to the vernal equinox.
Under Roman influence, the year ends on Dec. 31 and begins on Jan. 1, in the
dead of winter.
Yahweh had commanded annual festivals to be observed by His people (Lev.
23), but today the world is taken up with pagan festive “holidays”
introduced by the Roman Emperors and Popes.
Finally there is the week. While the seven day week continues to stand in
exactness to the seven day week of creation and the week given to the Hebrews by
Yahweh, the commanded day of observance has been changed. Yahweh commanded that
the seventh day Sabbath be observed (Ex. 20:8-11, Lev. 23:1-3, etc.). However,
under the command of Constantine, the successive emperors of the Roman Empire
who followed him, the Greek Orthodox (Catholic) Church of the east and the Roman
Catholic Church (the Popes) of the west, Sunday, the first day of the week, has been embraced instead. If you are observing these things in the
manner of Rome, then you are under the influence and authority of the dreaded
beast of Dan. 7 and Rev. 13 while also being influenced by MYSTERY BABYLON THE
GREAT of Rev. 17 and 18.
It is our admonition that you repent (Acts 2:38) and come out of her
(Rev. 18:4).
At this time we
followers of Yahweh are living in relative ease and safety. However this will
change in the future as the return of Yahshua and the beginning of the
tribulation draws closer. Troubles will escalate and intensify for Yahweh's
people. How will we handle it? This is a crucial question that we need to have
the answer for. His word will prepare us for all adversity if we will seek it out and
trust in Him.
By Dave Ganton
REV.13:17 The time is coming when we will not be able to buy or
sell unless we have the mark of the beast. This mark is the number of a MAN’s
name. Just who that man is, we don't yet know.
AMOS
3; 7 This tells us
that Yahweh does nothing without first telling His servants. He has revealed
certain things about the beast power to come in the scriptures. At the right
time He will give us the understanding we need to recognize the beast and his
mark.
1
JOHN 5:4.
We cannot face these things alone, nor do we have to. We who are begotten
of Yahweh overcome the troubles of this world by the faith of Yahshua. He got
victory over this world and we can too, through Him.
HEB.13:5
He has promised to always be with us and never to forsake us, MATT.28:20
even to the close of
the age. HEB.13:8
His word is
sure and unchanging.
We can rely on His loyalty.
We need to begin preparing now to face what is ahead.
(I) Think
peace; Calmness is needed to handle trouble. There can be no clarity of mind
without peace of mind.
JOHN
14:27 Yahshua has
given us peace of mind through His promises. We don't face trouble alone. Our
Heavenly Father and Yahshua face it with us. They are always in control even
when things seem to be out of control. Lean on them without doubt.
JAS.1:5-8 Use their strength. It is always there for us.
(II)
Delay action: You
need time to prepare a plan of action. Carnal nature reacts, spiritual nature
thinks first. We must tap the wisdom of Yahweh through His Spirit that is within
us.
ISA.
55:8-9 His ways are
not like our ways. His wisdom and knowledge are beyond our understanding. He has
the answers already. He will reveal them to us.
PSA.
37:5 Commit your
troubles to Yahweh in prayer and trust Him and He will deliver you in the way
that best suits the situation.
ROM.
8:28 Yahweh works
all things out for the good of those that love, trust and obey Him. Yahweh is in
charge. Never doubt it.
PSA.
37:6 He will
vindicate you. He has the power. Righteousness is our target. Yahweh works in us
toward righteousness. Don't worry or fret. Don't get angry. We must overcome our
fleshly, carnal inclinations.
(III) Cry out to
Yahweh; We can do this through deep, heartfelt periods of prayer. In doing this
we come to know Yahweh's heart and mind and so we draw closer to Him.
PSA.
91:14 Because we
love and trust Him, He will deliver us from all harm. He says He will protect us
because we know His name and call on Him.
PHIL.
4:6 Don't be anxious
but consult Yahweh in all things. You will be close to Him and will feel His
calm. If we involve Him now in peaceful times, then when trouble comes He will
know we want Him involved and will become involved even if we forget to ask Him
in a time of stress.
(IV)
Think Positive;
Give it to Yahweh. Let Him handle it. See the problem as an opportunity to grow
spiritually.
PHIL.
4:8 Think good
thoughts. Think about the positive side of the problem. There is always a
positive side because you can always grow spiritually in a problem. Let your
mind be in Heaven not on earth. Tap the power of Yahweh's Spirit within you.
(V) Look in the mirror. The bible is our mirror. It
reflects what we truly are and should be.
JAS.
1:22 Be a doer of
what we see and not just a seer. The bible is Yahweh's mind revealed to us. His
is the perfect law of liberty and freedom.
GAL.
5:22-23
The fruits of the
Spirit tell us a great deal about Yahweh and Yahshua. This is their Spirit;
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self control. This is Yahweh and Yahshua's mind.
COR.
2:16 We have that mind within us if we let it work. Their attributes are ours
to have if we will let them develop within us.
(VI) Thank
Yahweh through Yahshua; be grateful for what He has already done for us. Tell
Him about it. Just as we like to be appreciated, so does He.
1
COR. 15:57 Thank Yahweh for the victory that we have through
Yahshua. Our ultimate victory is assured through faith in the word of Yahweh as
delivered to us by Yahshua. Be steadfast and immovable in doing the will of
Yahweh.
JAS.
1:2 Be happy in
trials. Yahweh is working through them to develop patience and perseverance in
us.
HALLELUYAH!
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee…you will never
look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
Author Unknown
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how
things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and
wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as if
when one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the
kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.
Soon the water came to a boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the
second she placed eggs, in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them
boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.
She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out
and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a
bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me; what do you see?”
“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did
and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg
and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter
smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “What does it
mean, mother?”
Her mother explained that while each of these objects had faced the same
adversity…boiling water…each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However after being
subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid
interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became
hardened.
The coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling
water, they had changed the water.
“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on
your door, how do your respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but in pain and adversity do I wilt
and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the
heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial
hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and tough with a stiff
spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,
the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases
the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their
worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the
darkest the trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?
How
do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? Count your
blessings, not your problems.
THE BUZZARD
If you
put a buzzard in a pen that is 6' x 8' and is entirely open at the top, the
bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason
is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10-12'.
Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will
remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
THE BAT
The
ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the
air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat
ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and painfully until it
reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the
air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
THE BUMBLEBEE
A
bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies,
unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but
persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It
will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE
In many
ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee. We struggle about with
all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is
look up. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up. Live simply,
love generously, care deeply and speak kindly.
