The Same God Question – Part 4: Eschatology and the End of Days

March 10, 2016 – by Ralph Sidway

The “End of Days,” or Eschatology, also referred to as the Apocalypse, reveals much about Islam and Christianity, and the Same God Question. If you want to understand any belief system, look at what it teaches about Origin and Fulfillment, Beginning and End, about Ultimate Things.

The Return of Jesus in Christianity and Islam

Traditional Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, to redeem us from our sins and restore us to the Father. This same Jesus rose from the dead and ascended in glory, and will return at the end of this age to usher in his kingdom, after which the destiny of mankind as children of God will be fully revealed.

This is set forth in a simple way in the Nicene Creed: “He shall come again in glory, to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.” What will this kingdom be like? John relates the vision given him in Revelation 21,

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Why Christians Must Fight Boycotts Against Israel

8/13/2015 Tom Brennan – Stand With Israel

Israel has faced many enemies in the past and faces even more today. Muslim terrorist armies such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the malevolent individuals within the Palestinian Authority are in the closest proximity.

The rapidly advancing ISIS and Caliphate forces and the expansion of Tehran and its goal of eliminating the Jewish State and all unbelievers has been moving towards active hostilities in their proxy wars. But the BDS activity has been perhaps as damaging as the violence because it attempts to harm Israel by causing financial harm to the nation of 8.2 million shekkels.

Boycotts are being staged in nations which have large Christian majorities and many are adopted by church denominations. Academic and professional groups adopt resolutions that use boycotts to support pro- Palestinian positions. The Palestinian Authority and other Muslim activists promote their position with a sophisticated social media campaign that utilizes outright lies, fraud and a willing media which follows any story that puts Israel in the worst light. The mainstream media has abandoned any semblance of balance, due diligence and fact checking to get attention from a gullible public.

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Prepare for Persecution: A Message From Billy Graham

Prepare for Persecution A Message From Billy Graham10/27/2015 Billy Graham

In the event of a national catastrophe, much confusion, terror and consternation would reign. What would the Christian do? What should our attitude be? Which way would we turn if the country in which we live were suddenly wrecked and all the props gone?

As a whole, our nation does not know what privation is. We do not know what sacrifice is. We do not know what suffering is. Suppose persecution were to come to the church in America, as it has come in other countries.

The immunity to persecution that Christians in our country have experienced in the past two or three centuries is unusual. Christ strongly warned Christians that to follow Him would not be popular, and that in most circumstances it would mean cross-bearing and persecution.

The Bible says that all who “desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus said that as the time of His return draws nigh, “They will seize you and persecute you” (Luke 21:12). We have no scriptural foundation for believing that we can forever escape being persecuted for Christ’s sake. The normal condition for Christians is that we should suffer persecution. Are you willing to face persecution and death for Christ’s sake?

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What Is the Most Dangerous Threat to 21st Century Christianity?

7/10/2015 Larry Sparks – Charisma Magazine

Standing at this critical crossroads in the history of our nation—and yes, the history of our world—we must ask ourselves this honest question, “What is the most dangerous threat to Christianity in this hour? To the church? To your personal walk with Jesus?”

Powerless Christianity. A “faith” of rhetoric without demonstration will absolutely cripple the 21st-century church if we continue to move in this direction. Paul warned young Timothy about this, listing a number of attributes that would be prevalent in the last days. Among the list is this descriptive: “having a form of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5). In other words, so-called Christians will talk the talk, but their words will be without substance because their lives are without demonstration.

In the words of the late, great revivalist, Leonard Ravenhill, “The world out there is not waiting for a new definition of Christianity; it’s waiting for a new demonstration of Christianity.” Deadlier than agendas and political movements, when we redefine what Christianity actually looks like and how it should be expressed, we live beneath our inheritance as Holy Spirit-inhabited followers of Jesus.

At the day’s end, what are we even inviting people into? Another religion? Another agenda? Another group? No. It’s a kingdom ruled by King Jesus, and it’s a kingdom of demonstration, power and supernatural transformation.

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If Pastors Don’t Stand and Preach the Truth, America Will Fall

If Pastors Don’t Stand and Preach the Truth, America Will FallShane Idleman – Christian Post – July 15, 2015

A paraphrase that is often attributed to Alexis De Tocqueville—a Frenchman who authored Democracy in America in the early 1800s, helps to open this letter: “I looked throughout America to find where her greatness originated. I looked for it in her harbors and on her shorelines, in her fertile fields and boundless prairies, and in her gold mines and vast world commerce, but it was not there.”

“It was not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her success. America is great because she is good, and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

Over the last few decades, Americans have seen the destruction of the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, the removal of God’s Word in several areas, and the blatant murdering of millions of babies. This is an indictment against America and the pulpit is partially responsible – our silence speaks volumes.

The pulpit regulates the spiritual condition of God’s people which affects the nation. A lukewarm, sex-saturated culture (and church) simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew.

Sadly, many pastors are exchanging truth for passivity, boldness for cowardliness, and conviction for comfort…they are not aflame with righteousness. We aim to be motivational speakers rather than preachers of righteousness.

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What Franklin Graham Wants Muslims to Know About the End Times

4/7/2015 Franklin Graham

At the core of the Islamic State doctrine is the belief that their adherents are waging warfare against unbelievers—infidels—in order to usher in an apocalyptic end-time battle in which Islam will finally and ultimately triumph.

Many Muslims believe that the Syrian town of Dabiq—near Aleppo—is the location predicted by the prophet Muhammad for this confrontation. In the ISIS journal Dabiq, the dark, evil mind of the terrorists is clearly stated: “As the world progresses toward al-Malhammah al-Kubra (the Great Battle), the option to stand on the sideline as a mere observer is being lost.”

Of course, the Bible speaks of a great conflict at the end of the age that will be waged at a place called Armageddon. The location is often interpreted as the mountain of Megiddo, located on the north side of the plain of Jezreel and frequently identified in the Old Testament as a military stronghold.

Described by the Apostle John as the “battle on the great day of God the Almighty” (Rev. 16:14), it will be the Lord Jesus Christ who returns in glory to vanquish every foe: Satan, his demonic legions, and all who are allied with the prince of darkness and have refused to bow their knee to the Savior.

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At Closing of Empowered21 Global Congress, Samuel Rodriguez Urges Christians to Stand Up for Their Faith; Warns ‘There’s No Such Thing as Comfortable Christianity’

May 25, 2015 –The Christian Post – Leonardo Blair

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, tells Spirit-filled Christians at the Empowered21 Global Congress to stand up for their faith at the Jerusalem Pais Arena in Israel on Sunday May 24, 2015.

In a high-energy parting shot to a gathering of several thousand Spirit-filled believers at the closing session of the Empowered21 Global Congress in Jerusalem, Israel on Sunday, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Samuel Rodriguez warned that “there is no such thing as comfortable Christianity” and urged the group to use the power God gave them to declare Him to the world.

“When you are filled with God’s Spirit everything changes. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are able to do what you were not able to do before. The Spirit came down and Peter did what? He raised his voice…Listen carefully, religion makes us complacent while revival makes us courageous. Today’s complacency is tomorrow’s captivity,” he warned.

Preaching from Acts 2:14 highlighting the reaction of the Apostle Peter after the initial descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Rodriguez urged the believers to “be filled, stand up, and raise your voice.”

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The End Times According to Islam

The End Times According to Islam3/4/15 – by Robin Schumacher – The Confident Christian

Nine years ago, then president of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated in an interview that he experienced a supernatural experience during a speech he gave at the United Nations the previous year. Ahmadinejad claimed that he was bathed in a light from heaven at the outset of his talk, with the light remaining on him for the full length of the speech.

Ahmadinejad made a number of references during that U.N. speech to the “mighty Lord” who will hasten the emergence of “the promised one,” the one who “will fill this world with justice and peace.”[1] Exactly who was Ahmadinejad referring to? According to another speech he gave that same year, he saw his main mission to “pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance.”[2]

CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen points out that ISIS has similar hopes based on their belief in Islamic prophecy. Believing that their actions hasten a supposed final battle at a small, obscure Syrian town named Dabiq between “Rome” and Islam (where the forces of true Islam triumph), Bergan notes: “ISIS members devoutly believe that they are fighting in a cosmic war in which they are on the side of good, which allows them to kill anyone they perceive to be standing in their way with no compunction. This is, of course, a serious delusion, but serious it is.”[3]

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ISIS, Iran Are Agents of ‘Apocalyptic Islam’ Paving Way for ‘Islamic Messiah,’ Says NYT Bestselling Author

By Samuel Smith , Christian Post Reporter – February 26, 2015

Joel Rosenberg speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters’ International Media Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, February 24, 2015.

Speaking in a discussion on Islam at the National Religious Broadcasters’ International Christian Media Convention on Tuesday, New York Times bestselling author and Middle East expert Joel Rosenberg explained that the biggest threat facing the Western world is not the rise of radical Islam, but rather the rise of “apocalyptic Islam.”

In one of four Islam discussions held at the three-day conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Rosenberg, who authored the bestselling book series The Last Jihad, criticized the Obama administration for refusing to acknowledge the threat posed by radical extremist terrorists as a threat from “radical Islam.”

Rosenberg continued by saying that although many people feel that the rise of radical terrorist groups is one of the biggest threats to America and Western nations, a bigger cause for concern in the West should be the rise of two nation-states — Iran and the Islamic State — with leaders promoting an “apocalyptic” brand of Islam focused on the “annihilation” of the United States and Israel.

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It’s Urgent That We Stand FIRM With Israel

1/23/2015 Steve Strang or Charisma Magazine

Every once in a while something comes along that is so important it rises above many other things that are clamoring for our attention. Two weeks from now in Colorado, a new organization will be formed uniting Christian ministries who love and support Israel.

It is called the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM). They are holding their Israel Summit from Feb. 4-6 at Resurrection Fellowship Church in Loveland, Colorado.

There are many organizations that support Israel, and most have different functions. Some are more focused on lobbying and working with the Jewish community and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

I believe that it is time for Christian ministries to join together to support Israel, even embracing those believers who come from a Jewish background who are often excluded from participation in other pro-Israel organizations.

You know that I have been a big supporter of Israel. I have donated my time and resources helping to do what I could. Now I am throwing my weight behind Wayne Hilsden, the visionary and founder of FIRM. He is the pastor of King of Kings Community Jerusalem in the heart of the Israeli capital.

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Salvations & Deliverance as Holy Spirit Fire falls at Australia Day Prayer & Revival meetings with Ps Donnie Swaggart

Dear family & friends in Christ,

What a wonderful weekend it was to see God’s manifest presence at every single meeting and then on Australia Day at the prayer meeting.

Hundreds packed the CTFM auditorium over the weekend to hear the Word of God, with people travelling all the way from Perth, Darwin, Sydney and other places around Australia to soak in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Ps Donnie preached the Word of God with power and authority as many received a mighty touch from Heaven.

All glory to God for several people who gave their hearts to Jesus during the revival meetings, including a media journalist who was present. Many others were baptised in the Holy Spirit and prayed in tongues for the very first time, as some others received deliverance as Ps Daniel laid hands and prayed for them.

At the Australia Day United Prayer Service, Church leaders from Baptist, Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Messianic Jewish, CRC and other Pentecostal denominations led in prayer for Government, Armed Forces & Emergency services, Youth & Families, Business & Marketplace, Israel, Indigenous people etc.

The worship was absolutely awesome, as the Holy Spirit moved most powerfully.

Many were in tears when we sang ‘The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit’.

You may click the following links to watch this and a part of our national anthem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKuhWs6_AcU&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A00wKOOs3PM

You may order your DVD copy of the 2 hour service from CTFM office by calling (03) 9703 1620.

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Live webcast / National Australia Day United Prayer & Holy Spirit Revival Meetings with Rev Donnie Swaggart from USA in Melbourne in January 2015

Dear family & friends in Christ across this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit, As many people have been inquiring, we're very excited to announce that the next National…

Continue ReadingLive webcast / National Australia Day United Prayer & Holy Spirit Revival Meetings with Rev Donnie Swaggart from USA in Melbourne in January 2015

Hundreds of patriotic Aussies expected for United Prayer Vigil on Australia Day to pray for Protection & Peace in Australia

Dear friends & family in Christ,Australia Day Prayer

On this Australia Day Monday 26th January 2015 from 10am – 1pm, hundreds of patriotic Aussies from many different ethnicities, Christian denominations and churches will unite as one to pray for peace in Australia at the premises of Catch The Fire Ministries at 30 Star Crescent in Hallam, Victoria.

This intercultural interdenominational prayer vigil will focus on beseeching Almighty God’s Grace, Peace and Protection over this Great South Land of Australia.

Special guest speaker is Reverend Donnie Swaggart, son of the well-known Reverend Jimmy Swaggart from USA.

Special dance presentation from 25 Indonesian Australians from Sydney and many other special cultural items.

There will be bible reading from Psalms 23 & 91 and the Lord’s Prayer.

This National Prayer Day for Australia is a major opportunity for reconciliation and unity as different ethnicities, churches, and denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Presbyterians, Protestants, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Evangelicals, Salvation Army and others, come together to corporately pray for our nation’s Government, Armed Forces, Emergency Services, and protection over our country from bush fires & Islamic terrorism.

Ps Daniel stated “As government leaders look for answers as to how to deal with the increasing threat of fundamental Islamism, we as the church need to play a major role in praying and standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow countrymen to protect our nation. The church must not stay silent, as the silence of the church in history was partly the reason for the success of Nazism, Communism and now Islamism. I call on the church will rise up, pray and act as a united voice to stop the violence and to promote peace.”

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Tonight’s Blood Moon-Lunar Eclipse: Second in 2014-2015 “Tetrad” of Four

Aimee Herd : Oct 7, 2014 : EarthSky.org

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” –Luke 25-28

In the early morning hours before sunrise on October 8th, there will be another lunar eclipse in the northern hemisphere; turning the full moon to “blood”-red in color as it passes through the shadow of Earth.

The total eclipse will last about an hour, with a partial eclipse going in and coming out—each taking about an hour—so the entire process of the lunar eclipse will last about 3 1/3 hours.

Who will see it?

That all depends on where you are! According to an EarthSky.org report:

North and South America, the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, Australia and eastern Asia are in a good position worldwide to watch the total eclipse of the moon on October 8. If you live in the Americas or Hawaii, the total eclipse happens before sunrise October 8. In the world’s eastern hemisphere, the total eclipse happens after sunset October 8.

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Great presence of God in Sale, Vic / Harbingers / Live Webcast

Dear family & friends in Christ, 1) Last Sunday Pr Daniel and a team from CTFM ministered in Sale, Vicwhere God moved most powerfully at both meetings. Many were greatly…

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