It will be increasingly important, in days ahead, to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. As such, I urge all to take a look at what I posted last night and the scripture in it that has bolstered my thinking on this.
In that context, I’ll be doing short-form updates throughout the day on items that seem to fit the pattern.
This day in history, 1313 BC, idolaters made the Golden Calf.
Tammuz 16 [July 8th] was the 40th day following the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and the people of Israel wrongly expected Moses’ return from the mountain (he would actually return on the following day). When their leader failed to return, they demanded from Aaron: “Make us a god that shall go before us”. Hur (Moses’ nephew, the son of Miriam and Caleb) tried to stop them and was killed by the mob. Aaron fashioned a calf of molten gold.
MJ’s golden-coffin funeral, idolized by (perhaps) billions. The service began (in LA) just after sundown Israeli time. In other words: Tammuz 16, aka July 8th. Here’s one commentator’s take:
The New York Daily News had reported that the Jackson family couldn’t agree on which religion would guide the service. So they went without one. And yet there were many religious elements in the service… the screen was filled with interfaith symbols… [It is therefore] best described as straight-up civil religion. We usually think of civil religion as a political phenomenon. But it’s a cultural phenomenon as well and this memorial had it in spades. The sanctification of Jackson’s lyrics and the deification of Jackson — in that one pastor’s invocation alone — are good examples of the phenomenon… I was rather mortified by this memorial service. For us, the funeral is a time to talk about what God has done in Christ for the deceased — not how awesome and Messiah-like the deceased was. The problem with such eulogistic services is compounded when the sins of the deceased are so, well, public.
Tomorrow’s this-day-in-history Hebrew milestones? (H/T: El Gallo) I.e., as of sundown in Jerusalem today, 12:47PM, July 8th, EDT: Moses breaks tablets (1313 BC), Temple service disrupted (423 BC), and Jerusalem walls breached (69 AD). Weren’t we just talking about walls? (before I saw any of this); I could draw out the significance of those three events, but by themselves they speak volumes.
SERIOUSLY IRONIC UPDATE: I wonder if the UN is even aware that it’s directive to Israel to ‘tear down that wall’ is coming on such an auspicious anniversary? Related thought: 1940 years have elapsed… which is about the same amount of time that elapsed between Christ’s return (as a child) from the flight to Egypt and the founding of the state of Israel on May 14th, 1948…
Israel must tear down its West Bank separation barrier, a senior U.N. official said Wednesday, marking five years since the International Court of Justice declared the barrier illegal… Israel started building it in 2002 to stop a wave of suicide bombing attacks by Palestinians, who infiltrated across the cease-fire line.
Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, died fifteen years ago today. The atheist son of the atheist father bows his head in a moment of silence. To who/what? For what purpose? As C.S. Lewis notes in ‘Mere Christianity’, the sense of God and His law exists in all of us, even those who deny His existence. The son lashes out at the U.S.: “We will sternly smash the U.S. imperialist forces and South Korea’s puppet regime anti-unification plot.” With less and less to lose (his health continues to fail, perhaps faster now) one of these days he might finally act on that old, tired rhetoric which the West has come to regard as mostly posturing.
In fact, an attack has already been quietly launched. Much can be inferred about motive and perpetrator, I suspect, from looking at who and what was targeted.
A widespread computer attack has hit several US government agencies while some South Korean government websites also appear to be affected. The US Treasury Department, Secret Service, Federal Trade Commission and Transportation Department were all hit by the attack that started on July 4. In South Korea, the presidential Blue House and Defence Ministry, National Assembly appear to have been hit.
In South Korea, the stuff most directly necessary for defense and governance. (I suspect such things are a good bit ‘harder’ here). In the U.S., an attempt to destabilize infrastructure and the economy and further degrade our ability to support our allies. Exactly the kind of stuff one would target if one were starting a war (or trying to).
UPDATE I on computer attack: Wow… I’ve been in and around the IT industry for twenty years (including working for one of the ‘hit’ institutions) and this is impressive… the kind of thing only a national government could pull off. (Note the addition of new adjectives, e.g., ‘powerful’).
The powerful attack that overwhelmed computers at U.S. and South Korean government agencies for days was even broader than realized, also targeting the White House, the Pentagon and the New York Stock Exchange. An early analysis of the malicious software used in the attack found its targets also included the National Security Agency, Homeland Security Department, State Department, the Nasdaq stock market and The Washington Post.
UPDATE II on computer attack: It looks like NoKo or China is probably behind it.
The [South Korean] National Intelligence Service suspects North Korea or its sympathizers may have been behind the attack, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. The spy agency briefed some [South Korean] lawmakers on an individual basis or showed written reports that mention North Korea as the suspected attack source. The spy agency will report to the National Assembly intelligence committee today with its analysis, the sources said.
The Nikkei, down 2.35% overnight, and a sub-8000 DJIA looking likely today. I can’t seem to find it, but a couple of months ago, about the time I was writing this, I ran across a startling chart that matched up past market crashes against the current one. I’m no technical analyst, but the obvious lesson was that mass psychology drives a common shape. An initial ‘ski slope’ drop of 30-40% hits a ‘bucket’ of hope about a year or so in. Things rebound, perhaps 10-15% and linger there for awhile. Then another plunge of 30-40%. Recovery time to previous market highs: 12-15 years. Guess where we are? I just liquidated most of my 401K equity holdings.
No really, trust us, we’ll only kill babies to cure Parkinson’s. Not that that’s justified either:
Researchers at the pioneering Northeast England Stem Cell Institute say they have made the breakthrough using stem cells from an embryo. They claim that with some minor changes the sperm could theoretically fertilise an egg to create a child… scientists say the technique… could even be possible to create sperm from female stem cells, they say, which would ultimately mean a woman having a baby without a man.
No further comment should necessary. One can understand why God might be upset…
Speaking of pop culture music-icon idolatry, it has just never seemed like a good bet to parade around half naked mocking the Lord of the universe and his mother, particularly on her birth/feast day — much less to buy tickets to same. Danger Will Robinson.
Michael, I’m a Midwesterner; we use “potluck supper”, too – or “smorgasbord” in certain ethnic enclaves.
I am somewhat afraid that one day the hackers will perform an international bank robbery – after all, my bank account is made up of digital dollars. I think I know why my grandparents kept money in an old-fashioned banksafe at home ($17K in cash found after their deaths!)
In contrast to the East, Africa is low-tech for the most part. That is where some of the strongest Christians are now (or perhaps I should say “again”). A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of listening to a priest from Cameroon explain how Jesus’ raising of the dead girl was also interpreted as showing how female children are as worthy as sons in the Kingdom of Heaven. This was a tremendous change from the traditions of his country, where having several daughters was seen as a punishment.
As we were listening to him (and it was quiet in the church), I’m sure I wasn’t the only one struck by how Jesus was changing their beliefs down to the core. Then, a few days later, I was reading the accounts of a 19th century missionary and was moved by how some Odawa (Ottawa) men, before their baptism would, of their own accord, burn their idols and other religious paraphernalia. They were literally burning their past so that they would go forward in Jesus Christ.
It humbles me to realize how comfortable I’ve become with my daily routines and material possessions. I wonder if I was asked to chose, if I’d hesitate to part with them, even if it meant living closer to the Lord.
By: Jean on July 9, 2009
at 11:19 am
[...] days later? The dragon. Perhaps not that dragon, or this one (which may, perhaps be backed by a much larger one — China) but one never [...]
By: Signs in the Heavens « New Wineskins on July 9, 2009
at 10:45 am
If that has changed, I apologize. In the past they were against “burial”, and preferred cremation. No slight intended. The situation is not much different that Catholics in the past. Cremation was once taboo.
Be that as it may, the gold casket and the analogy stands. I’m not much for celebrity worship so the gold casket comments work with me. The spectacle surrounding MJ speaks more about the spectators than about MJ. I always had a soft spot for him. Troubled and lost on many levels, and to a certain extent a product of his own time. I hope he’s at peace, as I hope all find it. None are so perfect to need forgiveness; maybe that’s the real lesson.
Agape to you
By: archangel on July 9, 2009
at 10:02 am
Kenya, with it’s evil history of slave trading, is now a very important Christian country, sending missionaries to England, for example. Kenyan and Ghanaian Christians are some of the gentlest, sweetest spirits remaining on this earth. I have a friend who does a lot of research in Munich. The English Methodist church there has an American pastor, currently, but as always, women run the church. Those women are mostly Ghanaian. My friend reports that they decide, by means not readily apparent, that a given Sunday will be a potluck Sunday. (Translation for Midwesterners:Hot dish;) They just show up with those big African cooking pots full of wonderful spicy food.
I am sure that Africa has some of the same occult crapulance that we have here. I am also sure that the Army of the Forces of Light has no gaps in the ranks.
On a less cheery note, concerning the idolatry involving MJ, I was struck, several years ago, by the willingness of some “families” to sacrifice a child to him. They got paid or paid off quite handsomely, if news accounts can be believed, in exchange for really stirring the brains of one son. It’s not the only version of child-sacrifice that plagues our land, but it fits right in there with the rest of them. Was it not ever thus?
By: Michael on July 9, 2009
at 8:25 am
One interesting note, probably means nothing, is that BHO leaves the Pope to travel to one of the major occult sites in the world:
[He's going to Africa (Ghana), yes, but not any of the other places you mention, AFAIK.
While I share your concern -- occult practices are not to be taken lightly (see previous posts) -- I also know, from direct, personal experience, that Ghana (and many parts of Africa) are some of the most vibrant and "on fire" for Christ in the entire world -- certainly more than the U.S. The Christians there are well aware of this stuff and pray fervently that it be rolled back.
I'm not sure the same can be said for the U.S. And, though I don't have the numbers handy, many African countries beat the U.S. hands-down in terms of Christian conversion rates. What does his trip mean? I don't know. It harbors ominous possibilities but it not in and of itself indicting.
Also (note to all), if you're quoting sources not your own, please indicate as much (to help readers distinguish from your original material) and also provide a link. Your material here appears to come from here? Thanks. -ed.]
Knowledge of the paranormal, the Occult, connotes magic and inexplicable phenomena. Occult practices still exist around the world, from witchcraft to voodoo; occultists defy science and reason, and invoke spiritual forces.
Haiti. Haiti is a french-speaking Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola. The culture is a mix of French, African elements and Native Taino, and popular for its art, notably painting and sculpture. Today, there is a resurgence of Voodoo among Haitian-Americans, where it is often practiced in the home. Voodoo, meaning “spirit,” is one of the world’s oldest ancestral, nature-honoring traditions. The practice is fused with Catholicism as rituals are often begun with a Roman Catholic prayer.
New Orleans. Straddling the Mississippi River is one of the oldest cities in the United States – New Orleans.
The city is magical and mysterious, and many here practice both witchcraft and voodoo. When the African slaves were brought to America, voodoo made its way into the Western world. Today, Voodoo and Occult shops can be found in New Orleans, making the practice easy to undertake. Marie Laveau House of Voodoo and Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo are a few of the popular voodoo centres. The city’s famous “voodoo lady”, Marie Laveau, can be found on Bourbon Street. New Orleans’ nightlife can also be enjoyed here. If you aren’t looking for Voodoo merchandise, however, swing by Magazine Street where boutiques and antique shops abound.
Siquijor Island. In the Philippines, the island of Siquijor is popular for mysticism and witchcraft and its mambabarang (witches) and mananambal (healers). It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and the clearest waters. Tourists can ask around for demonstrations of the bolobolo treatment or healing through water blowing. The healer is believed to absorb all illnesses and blow this out into a glass of water. It is said that some visitors return from Siquijor acting in strange ways, having been possessed by the local spirits.
Madhya Pradesh. A two-year-old boy was found dead in Madhya Pradesh after having been sacrificed by an occult practitioner. Madhya Pradesh is often called the heart of India where it is dominated by the tribal population. Cultural practices, basis of heredity, social, economic structures and religious beliefs often flow from these tribal communities. When in Madhya Pradesh, tourists will enjoy the Khajuraho Temples that are famous for the erotic sculptures that adorn their walls. Another must-see is the Grand Stupa.
Ghana and Nigeria. Witchcraft in Ghana and Nigeria often operates with the combination of juju and voodoo. Having originated in Kofi-Manu of Ghana, black witchcraft has spread throughout Africa. Like most occult rituals, it is begun with a Catholic prayer. Africans give high regard to family spirits; in effect, particular places and settlements define rights of a group due to genealogical descent. Most men are organised into secret societies that imitate the activity of spirits in maintaining social order. Nigerians are a strong example of this. When visiting Nigeria, the capital Abuja is a great place to explore. The National Mosque, Ship House and City Gate are of the few structures that give the city character.
By: El Gallo on July 8, 2009
at 11:57 pm
quote from archangel: “I doubt there was ANYTHING IN the golden-coffin. To support this point, people must remember that MJ’s family were/are Jehova Witness… they don’t BURY the dead.”
Oh my! Where are you getting your information about Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Of course we bury our dead. We also cremate. This is totally up to the dead one’s prior wishes or the survivors to decide. The only scripturally based “requirement” we have about burial is that it be done with respect and without incorporating blatantly pagan rituals or traditions.
By: Ciera on July 8, 2009
at 11:43 pm
Not out of the woods yet it would seem: US, German intel: Al Qaeda plots multiple attacks on US-, Israel-bound airliners
“Western anti-terror agencies have warned that a large group of 15-20 al Qaeda terrorists, trained in Pakistan and Algeria to hijack and blow up airliners, deployed secretly in at least six European and Middle East countries in early July. They are standing ready to carry out multiple terrorist attacks.
The terrorists are believed to have landed in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey and Egypt.
The dates to watch, local authorities were warned, were July 4, July 7, the fourth anniversary of the 7/7 attacks on the British transport system in which 52 people died, and July 8-9, when the G8 summit meets in the Italian town of L’Aqila. US president Barack Obama will fly in from talks with Russian leaders in Moscow.
Al Qaeda planners, say the Western sources, know it is extremely hard to break through the massive security cordons protecting summit leaders. They are therefore planning to hijack passenger planes of airlines belonging to the targeted states and blow them up in mid-air.”
[headline & text added; link embedded -ed.]
By: Scott on July 8, 2009
at 10:54 pm
One positive note on the Michael Jackson funeral was the gospel singing of Andre Crouch against a church backdrop with stained glass and a cross. There was a news clip on World Net Daily that stated that Andre prayed with Michael two weeks before his death and he may have led Michael to Christ. My wife had a dream that Michael made it to heaven. Praise God for His wonderful mercy and love towards sinners. On another note, having the cross on the stage is amazing considering that Michael Jackson’s family were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They certainly don’t approve of crosses. Michael himself was kicked out of the Jehovah’s Witnesses a number of years ago. How ironic that the Lord accepted him when they did not.
[What an excellent reminder that what the world throws away, God can still redeem. -ed.]
By: Robert Distefano on July 8, 2009
at 8:09 pm
I am planning on reading Caritas in Veritate tonight so I can made educated comments on the document rather than rely on the impressions and interpretations of others.
By: Lisa on July 8, 2009
at 6:56 pm
I humbly disagree that 1 Thess 4 verses refer to final judgment. It is the rapture. The final judgment occurs after the Millennium Kingdom 1000 years. Revelation 20:11-15 and is the final judgment prior to the lost being cast into the lake of fire. Everyone gets judged then, at the great white throne judgment but as for the rapture, that is for believers only. The verse in Thess and Cor refers to the dead “IN CHRIST” and then, we (in Christ) that are alive are caught up together. “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” It is obvious. You and I *are* far off if you believe that all are caught up to meet Him. The verses clearly say those “in Christ”. The rapture is a believers event, dead and alive. Those who do not believe are left behind to undergo the Tribulation.
By: harpazo on July 8, 2009
at 5:41 pm
Another wall is being officially attacked in our own country…
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090708/ap_on_re_us/us_gay_marriage_7
This was addressed in the encyclical as well; especially when PBXVI addressed Humanae Vitae. This will certainly run the gambit to the SCOTUS.
And the battle continues
By: archangel on July 8, 2009
at 3:27 pm
harpazo-
1Thess4 refers to the Third Coming and the Final Judgement:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Th&c=4&v=1&t=NASB
This passage alone states an obvious point- The general resurrection PRECEDES those alive being taken. The rest is the whole world who is left. This is the Parousia. No one is left behind.
Now as for 1Cor15
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?t=NASB&b=1Cr&c=15&v=&x=59&y=5
Again, this is the Third Coming and is consistent with the previous passage. The dead rise first and then those remaining are taken up. EVERYONE. After that comes judgement. For those remaining, will it be a rapturous event… yes, for some. Terrifying for others.
So in the sense that when He returns, for believers there will be a moment of “RAPTURE”, you are correct. Many saints experienced that feeling upon praying and even death. But in the context of Paul, the event is tied to the Christ’s return at the end. Everyone is taken up AFTER the resurrection of the dead, GOOD and BAD.
PS- I don’t think our views are that far off. I think its a question of degree which Paul clears up. EVERYONE gets taken up to be judged.
Agape
By: archangel on July 8, 2009
at 3:12 pm
as regards the attack on US computers Federal, Business and other: I remember the Dow had a “glitch” Thursday and for the first time ever (I think) trading was extended 15 min beyond the traditional 4pm closing time. Wonder if that was part of the attack or if it was something else.
By: harpazo on July 8, 2009
at 2:16 pm
thanks editor and all others for your replies. I am a bible believer and when it says we shall be captured up to meet Him in the air and changed from corruptible to corruptible, I believe it. I don’t have to ‘hope.’ I can know, as 1 Thess and 1 Cor tells me explicitly and plainly. If I hope, or wonder about if we will be raised and changed in a twinkling of an eye, then I have to “hope” and wonder when the bible clearly also says that He died for our sins is that really true, or hope and wonder if it is really true that He is the way and the truth and the life. In other words, if a person does not believe the words of 1 Cor15 or 1 Thess4 then where does the hoping and wondering stop as to the bible’s veracity?
I am amazed and aghast that there is such doubt on this- among Christians no less. I am not talking of the doubt as to *when*, I am talking about the fact of its certainty of occurring. Wow.
By: harpazo on July 8, 2009
at 2:13 pm
Not at all. Just pointing out the other perspective and the theological basis.
BTW- I wonder, when PBXVI gives BHO a copy of the encyclical which has pretty strong refutation of EVERYTHING BHO stands for, will BHO give him an Ipod with his speeches? Just curious.
By: archangel on July 8, 2009
at 1:39 pm
A “rapture” is NOT a biblical fact. It is a biblical interpretation. One I might add, that it is an interpretation that logically leads to a FOURTH coming, which is not supportable.
What IS supportable is the Parouisia… the THIRD and FINAL coming with the FINAL JUDGEMENT. To be a Christian is too SUFFER. To be like Him. The notion that some will be spared tribulations is not a logical supposition, IMO. The greatest of saints had the greatest of trials… Peter, Paul, all the way to Francis of Asissi, Mother Theresa, ect.
If the Father didn’t even spare HIS OWN SON, the followers should not expect anything less.Too many who believe in a “rapture”, believe themselves to be the ones going. That’s a brazen self-judgement that, IMO, is awefully dangerous and presumptuous. I would pray not to be put to the test; as He has said and if it happens, it happens. I for one expect tribulations because THAT is what happened to Him.
Just a thought.
[Am I going to have to separate you two?
Belfast is a wonderful city but it won't be replicated on this blog. Seriously though, one of the dangers I've observed in turning the legitimate hope of a rapture into quasi-doctrine is the potential for pride. If the Lord comes for me -- whether in a rapture of a car accident -- I'll be running after him. If he doesn't, I'll wait. -ed.]
By: archangel on July 8, 2009
at 12:38 pm
harpazo,
I’m a rapture unbeliever…agnostic at best, although I was raised in the rapture teachings of the Souther Baptist Church. It is not something the entire Body of Christ uniformly believes in as ‘fact’.
Many believe we are supposed to overcome the world, not just be beamed out of here just when things start to get interesting…
I don’t want to hijack this into a rapture debate, but rather just inform you there are MANY that question the validity of the teaching of the rapture. I know many on both sides that are amazing and wonderful brothers and sisters that will be together with me in the end whether or not the rapture happens. So please don’t use that teaching as a sort of litmus test of someone spiritually and I will show rapture believers the same respect.
-Clint
By: Clint on July 8, 2009
at 12:30 pm
I don’t understand how you can read your bible and be a self-described “agnostic” on the biblical issue of the fact of the rapture…? It is clearly described and an upcoming event. ?? I am scratching my head over that one. People argue over timing, but not the fact of it. Or, at least, I didn’t think they did…I was sad to read that in your recent post.
[I'm quite familiar with the scriptural references to the harpazo (rapture), however as subsequent responses here have demonstrated, it is one of those issues on which faithful Christians can and do disagree. I hope you're right. I hope it happens. I hope it happens soon. I hope I'm included.
Whether it happens sooner or later or not at all though, I will not let that stand in the way of my faith or our brotherhood or allow belief in it to become a stumbling block to any of our non-Christian visitors. That's what I meant by 'agnostic'. You should not be sad for me.
As one of my favorite Internet/radio preachers (Allistair Begg) likes to say, "the plain things are the main things and the main things are the plain things" and therefore anything beyond the main/plain (e.g., what C.S. Lewis synthesized in 'Mere Christianity', say, or what is contained in one of the long-established creeds or confessionals) should not stand in the way either of our relationship with Christ, or with one another.
Thanks for commenting. I hope you're right. -ed.]
By: harpazo on July 8, 2009
at 12:13 pm
Just as a speculative note… I doubt there was ANYTHING IN the golden-coffin. To support this point, people must remember that MJ’s family were/are Jehova Witness… they don’t BURY the dead. MJ has probably been cremated. So if one wants to get all symbolic, just as thegolden calf was worshipped and found wanting; the golden casket is probably to be found wanting as well.
Idolatry and the perfunctual worship of mamam has been around and battled since the Fall. This point leads to a comment on PBXVI’s encyclical. I commend Anchoress for her patience and analogy with the Pixar cartoon. If you haven’t seen it… do so. In the comment section she too is fighting the ONE GOVERNMENT, black helicopter, the pope is Satan crowd. I have little patience for that myself and I commend her. What I will say is that one MUST read Leo XII’s Rerum Novarum as well as Paul VI’s Populorum Progressio along with JPII’s Centesimus Annus to get the FULL CONTEXT of Caritas in Veritate. On the economic/political arena the IMF, World Bank, as well as UNICEF were originally created with much of what is asked for in mind. The problem is that GOD has been removed from the equation. When that happens you get the conditions we have right now. THAT is the point of Caritas in Veritate.
I wrote yesterday about the “Kingdom of God” and what that would mean in the natural world we are in. It would be exactly as PBXVI is advocating… fraternal charity for the ENTIRE family of man based on the TRUTH of Christ. PBXVI goes to great lengths to DEFINE Christian Charity and the Christian DUTY we all bear with the RIGHTS we have as FREE individuals. What PBXVI is calling for in the financial/economic realm is for an IMF/World Bank to live up to its responsibilities with the help of countries (like ours) who have the means to alleviate the needs of others as a HUMAN FAMILY. He is fully aware that it would take much oversight because of HUMAN frailty. But the his call is simply for the KINGDOM to come as best as is humanly possible until Christ reurns.
Those “One Government”-phobes need to ask themselves a couple of questions:
1) Is humanity ONE family?
If one answers “no”, then one must distinguish who is part of “the family”. IMO, that requires a judgement NOT reserved for human knowledge.
2) If Christ IS KING, how would He rule? Stumped… just read the Gospels. The KING rules from there and tells us how to live as ONE FAMILY.
Re-distribution of wealth is not intrinsically bad. The capitalist system is very good at it. It rewards merit and promotes prosperity all around BUT like all things HUMAN, it is subject to the same vices that all of HUMANITY is subject to. Those excesses are the materialistic/hedonistic/idolatristic fruits that come from selfishness and greed. The Church has spoken out against Marxism and Communism based soley on how that system destroys the whole-person and attempts to render the soul non-existent. In that sense they are very diabolical. PBXVI takes the “technocrat” class to task on the same ground.
The gist is that without Christ… THEY ALL FAIL. In essence MAN fails whether there is multiple human political structures or just one. The minute humanity stops veiwing itself as US vs THEM, and starts viewing it all as US… then the world may be primed for Him to return. The Flock is one, its for the Shepherd to determine which are His sheep.
PS- License plate spotting: MOON (the spape of a star)ZZ… Made me think of Mary.
By: archangel on July 8, 2009
at 10:24 am
[...] Signs and Rumblings — UPDATED [...]
By: Sarah Palin — An Esther For Our Time? « New Wineskins on July 8, 2009
at 10:21 am
Hello. I have been reading your site for a month or so and find it very interesting. I am not proficient in seeing patterns to the future, but I was wondering if you had any thoughts about the recent earthquake activity at the G8 meeting site.
From the Times Online, 7 July 2009, “As 15,000 police and troops threw a three-kilometre security cordon around the town of L’Aquila where the G8 summit opens tomorrow, the Government of Silvio Berlusconi was frantically drawing up plans for an alternative venue if the mountainous Abruzzo region is struck again by a powerful earthquake”.
[Thanks for reading. I actually do have an opinion!
I majored in geology in college. The thing about earthquakes, even fairly major ones, is that they happen all the time. In scripture, the earthquakes tend to be very large indeed. In Revelation 16:18, it's the largest ever. I'm certain that God can make the right earthquakes happen in just the right places at just the right times. Could it happen in Italy this week? Of course. -ed.]
By: Bakatya on July 8, 2009
at 8:38 am