ECCE

      Israel is a prophetic time clock. As we keep our eyes on that appointed nation, we can see the prophecies of the end times revealed through the events surrounding Israel. The prophet, Zechariah, wrote the Word of the LORD concerning Jerusalem: "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." (Zech. 12:2-3). All people will be burdened by Jerusalem and the LORD will destroy all who come against it. We see threats made against Jerusalem and all of Israel today.      The prophet, Habakkuk, wrote about the LORD's command to write plainly the prophetic vision, and that He, the LORD, will bring it to pass. (Hab. 2:2-3). One of those prophecies, as Paul wro...

            Years ago, a comedian named Flip Wilson used to make jokes about a certain kind of church. He called it "The Church of What's Happening Now." He would poke fun at the things that were not right in the church. It was funny because it was based upon true and recognizable weaknesses. What kind of church are we supposed to be? What kind of church do we choose to be - a supernatural church standing upon an immovable rock, or a church that swings in whatever direction the world is going?      Jesus described a church based upon the revelation of Him as the Messiah/Christ, the Son of God, which Peter received from heaven at the time. Jesus said to him: "And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church ( ekklesia - called out assembly); and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mt. 16:18).       This is the first mention of "church" in the New Testament, which is th...

      In discussing the dangers and tribulation connected to the end of the age and His return, Jesus also warned His disciples not to be deceived: "Take heed that no (man) deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Mt. 24:3-5, see also Mk. 13:5 ). Jesus then described the events that would come upon the earth and added: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (v. 21-22). Then He spoke again regarding deception: "Then if any (man) shall say unto you, Lo, here (is) the Christ, or there; believe (it) not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if (it were) possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you bef...

      This message comes after last week's message about redeeming the time. It is about what we are seeing now and what we will see in the days ahead as Christ's return draws nearer.      Paul wrote to Timothy of the things that were coming: "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away..." (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Those who are sin laden and lust-filled will be easily led away as there will be a seeking of new ideas and learning but without ever learning the truth of God. (v. 6-7). Never before have we seen such advances in computing, even to the development...