End Times I

This study describes the signs of the End Times, what has to be in place and the order of events both before and after Ya`akov’s Troubles (The Great Tribulation).

It does not discuss the events of Ya`akov’s Troubles.

Present Age – signs of the times p1;

relativism p2;

usurped p3 – artificial creation of life p3, 3-parent technology p3, man-made cells p4;

Timing of death – abortion p4, euthanasia p4;

Wars – global p6, internecine p6, terrorism and rumours p6;

Earthquakes and famine p7;

Weather catastrophes p7;

Diseases – agricultural p8, livestock p8, human epi- and pandemics p9, pithovirus p9;

Pestilence p9 – rats, insects;

Days of Noach (Noah p10);

21st. Century paradigm p13;

UFOs p13;

Yisra`el ingathering – Operations Flying Carpet and Shlomo (Solomon) p14, in unbelief and in belief p15;

One World Church – dangers of Ecumenicalism p16, Nicolaitans p16, modern day Izevel (Jezebel) p19;

Return of Messiah – in the Clouds p25; Snatching Away (Rapture) p25;

Timing of Messiah’s birth p26;

The Two Witnesses p29

Ferrari Concept of Biblical study: how to read and study scripture p29;

Abomination That Causes Desolation who or what is the cause p32;

Temple/Tabernacle/Sanctuary – how these are mistakenly interchanged p35; Temples – First, Second, Yesha`yahu’s (Isaiah’s) unsanctioned, Yechezk`el’s (Ezekiel’s) Third p35;

Preparation – what non-Believers do p37, what Believers must do p38

Ya`akov’s Troubles (Great Tribulation) begin p42- a brief chronology of the 7 years; when p43, why p45, who p47, where p47 but not what:

Return of Messiah to earth (Second Coming p47):

Daniy`els (Daniel’s) 45 days p51:

Millennial Kingdom p52:

Beginning of eternity p55:

References p56:

The End Times/Eschatology

Part  1 (Signs)

Present Age

1. a) Signs

“As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?’” (Matt. 24:3).

“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will lead many astray.” (Matt. 24:5). There will be many false Messiahs who will try to usurp the place of the true Messiah. The correct meaning of ‘anti’ is ‘in place of’. “Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray.” (Matt. 24:11). Along with false Messiahs, there will also be false prophets ending within one that will be able to counterfeit the work of Messiah and is known as the Anti-Messiah and his False Prophet.

“But there also arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.”(2 Peter 2:1). “For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4).

Throughout history, Man has sought the ultimate Truth. For most of this time the established or orthodox religions had been the arbiter of this Truth. Man, being in the most part illiterate, required the services of a privileged class of ‘interpreter’, known as priests, to explain the meaning of this truth. Religious Man relied upon the veracity of this explanation. These priests had varying degrees of revelation, giving rise to denominations and Truth being according to each interpretation. In the 17^th. and 18^th. Centuries the Enlightenment Movement gained prominence and Man turned away from religion to science for Truth (https://www.britannica.com/event/Enlightenment-European-history). This was the great hope for secular humanity as it relied upon empirical truth that seemed to be directly contrary to biblical truth. Science and technology increased in experimental knowledge that was readily viewable and repeatable.  Yet, science became more and more theoretical so that it became necessary for a new class of ‘priests’ that was required to interpret their findings.

Again, there are differing views on what the result of experiments or research proved. Scientific Man relied upon the veracity of the scientists in that the experiments and research were open only to a select, privileged few. Many new ‘truths’ contradicted past ‘truths’ that were held as fact.

In the 20^th. Century, science and technology were considered by the secular world to be the saviours of the planet. Nevertheless, science could not produce Truth and by the 21^st. Century, science and technology were seen as causing more problems for the planet than they solved. This has given rise to an anti-intellectualism movement. As Man’s quest for

___________________________________________________________________Page 1

 

truth has remained constant, a vacuum formed by the failings of organised religion and of science and technology. This void is being filled by cults that commonly have tentative ties with orthodox religions, but promise a version of Truth handed down by their founders (Beck 1977).

Increasingly though, a re-awakening of Relativism has caused many people to abandon the search for absolute Truth. Two main thoughts of Relativism are:

They all assert that one thing (e.g. moral values, beauty, knowledge, taste, or meaning) is relative to some particular framework or standpoint (e.g. the individual subject, a culture, an era, a language, or a conceptual scheme) (http://www.iep.utm.edu/relativi/);

Cognitive relativism (truth) – affirms that all truth is relative. This would mean that no system of truth is more valid than another one, and that there is no objective standard of truth. It would, naturally, deny that there is a God [sic] of absolute truth;

Moral/ethical relativism – affirms that all morals are relative to the social group which they are constructed;

situational relativism – Ethics (right and wrong) are dependent upon the situation (https://carm.org/what-relativism). As there is no single Truth, there cannot be a single arbiter of Truth.

“In those days there was no king in Yisra’el: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judg. 21:25). Only a few generations after the Yisra`elites settled in the Promise Land, the people forgot what Moshe, Aharon and Yehoshua had accomplished and no central figure arose to ensure the standard laid down by יְהֹוָה (Torah) was being upheld. With no authority to enforce Torah, most people did what they felt like doing and was in their best interest. The recent upsurge in Relativism relies on this lack of authority/standard. People are now putting more significance upon how they feel than what they think.  (Beck 1977).

With the apparent failure of organised religion and science to discover Truth, the vacuum formed is being filled by cults that either profess they have Truth or declare that there is no Truth. Their founders declare that their writings are all-authoritive, as authority itself or the sole interpreter of Scripture.

“’Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ says יְהֹוָה. ‘I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking,’ says יְהֹוָה. Behold, ‘the days come’, says יְהֹוָה, ‘that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as King and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Yehudah shall be saved, and Yisra`el shall dwell safely; and this is His name by which He shall be called: יְהֹוָה צִדְקֵנוּ [יְהֹוָה tsidqenuw, יְהֹוָה Our Righteousness.’” (Jer. 23:1, 3-6). This passage (and the whole of Jer. 23) warns of false pastors (shepherds) and prophets. These pastors and prophets are propagating false teachings for financial gain, self-aggrandisement or having been taught in error, all of which form part of the End Times satanic attack on Believers. The Believing Remnant will face increasing animosity from the assembly leadership, coolness from other assembly congregants, resulting in the Believers’ spirits being quickened (Rev. 18:4). Although the Remnant will be

______________________________________________________________________Page 2

scattered, they will all be called to a place or person of security. Discernment must be used so as not to leave one false pastor for another. The above passage reads that shortly after the in-gathering of Believers, Messiah Yehshuah will return to snatch away Believers and then eventually to step foot back on earth as her rightful King.

“You shall have no other gods before me…you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them, for I, יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym, am a jealous `Elohiym…” (Exod. 20:3, 5a). “I am יְהֹוָה, that is my name: and my glory I will not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa. 42:8). Not only will there be a rise in false pastors prophets, there will be a rise in false gods that the prophets proclaim. Of all the sin Man has committed, the sin of idolatory is a direct insult to יְהֹוָה `Elohiym and has come under יְהֹוָה’s severest wrath and swiftest retribution (Exod.32:1-35). He cannot remain impassive when others try to usurp His sovereignty.

Abomination that causes desolation – this is where the Anti-Messiah desecrates the       sanctuary and sets himself up as the god in יְהֹוָה `Elohiym’s earthly dwellingplace.

“And there will I meet with the children of Yisra`el, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my Glory.” (Exod. 29:43). (See further details below).

Creation of life – this is the sole prerogative of יְהֹוָה.

Artificial life – In 2010, Dr. Craig Venter and his team created a single bacterial cell known as syn1.0. This research was one step in the synthetic production of bio-fuels, antibiotics etc. In recent developments, Dr. Venter has produced a minimal bacterial cell (JVCI Syn3.0) that contains 473 genes that is considered to be the minimum number to sustain life (www.rdmag.com). However, of these 473 genes, there is no knowledge of what some 149 genes do. (www.theguardian.com). Some commentators are concerned that this research may be used to produce gene-specific biological weapons.

ii) 3-Parent Technology – Generally speaking, this involves two parents wanting a child. However, one or both parents have a genetic abnormality that will be transferred to the foetus. This will cause the foetus or new-born child to develop a debilitating or terminal condition. 3-Parent technology is where the defective DNA is removed from the foetus and is replaced by DNA from a healthy donor (newscientist.com/article/2107219). On the surface, this would be considered a good use for scientific, medical or technological research. However, with all such developments, the original safeguards that are put in place are usually downgraded to meet public demand. Although this has been developed to eliminate horrendous medical conditions, it is easy to see the direction it will go; from severe and terminal conditions to less severe until ‘designer’ babies will be ‘made’. The area that will be targeted will be the definition of a condition that requires such drastic action. It may be foreseeable that a foetus that has a gene for height would be manipulated so that the child will grow taller than otherwise expected. This overlaps eugenics; the ideology of improving the genetic pool of humanity. Eugenics was originally considered as the practice of promoting positive genetics (e.g. intelligence, physical strength/stamina) or limiting or eradicating negative genetics (e.g. medical infirmities such as sickle cell syndrome or mental ‘infirmities’ such as autism, violence, alcoholism)   by means of ‘selective breeding’ (www.encyclopedia.com). However, this was in the late 19^th. and early 20^th. Century when

___________________________________________________________________Page 3

 

this was the only means of genetic manipulation. Now, it is possible to select the desired gene and insert or remove it from the foetus.

iii) Man-made cells – Mature female human eggs have now been grown under laboratory conditions. Like all ‘breakthroughs’, legislation is required to proceed to the next step (fertilization) (www.independent.co.uk/news/health/human-eggs). However, there has in recent times been the bias of legislators towards ‘medical research’ taking priority over moral, ethical and religious concerns. All the arguments seem to be based upon the devastation of diseases, disabilities and, in this case, the lack of fertility of women due to various reasons. All these are valid reasons for the medical research but unfortunately, once legislation is passed, the rationale behind further reduction in restraints are governed more by life-style choices than medical issues.

Timing of death – throughout history right up to this very moment, soldiers and innocent men, women and children are being killed in wars. This is not what is meant here. “You shall do no murder.” (Exod. 20:13). Murder is defined as “The unlawful and premeditated killing of one human being by another.”     (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/murder). “My times are in your hands.” (Psa. 31:15).

Induced abortion – this is where a pregnancy is terminated by surgery, pharmaceutically (‘morning after pill’) or medically (IUD). Terminations were only legislated for in very few scenarios including rape, incest and the foetus having a severe abnormality. Nevertheless, since abortion has been allowed, the vast majority of terminations have been down to life-style choices. Between 2010 and 2014 approximately 56 million induced abortions occurred annually in contradistinction to non-induced abortions or miscarriages. This statistic has recently declined in developed countries whereas in the developing nations the rate has remained fairly constant (www.guttmacher.org). However, the decline in the developed countries may be as a result of readily available pharmaceutical and medical intervention. One type of emergency oral contraception (‘morning after pill’) and the insertion of an IUD (intrauterine device) prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. Neither of these methods is considered as induced abortion.

Euthanasia – is defined as “The painless killing of a patient who is suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma” (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/euthanasia). This is in contradistinction from the removal of a such patient from mechanical life support or medication, allowing the patient to pass away. Most countries consider euthanasia or mercy killing as illegal but several including Canada and some states of the U.S.A. allow it to take place. Many of the developed nations have on-going debates whether or not to introduce legislation allowing euthanasia.

The whole chapter in 2 Peter (2 Peter 2:1-22) Sha`ul (Paul) and Shimon Keefa in this passage in 2 Timothy warn against false teachings. These false prophets and teachers promise freedom but who are slaves themselves to sin. It may be likened to a drug user pushing drugs to others, not to share the enjoyment, but to share in the misery. A place has been reserved for them in She`ol.

“Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he who does speak; behold, it is I.’” (Isa. 52:6). “It will come to pass in that day, says

___________________________________________________________________Page 4

the יְהֹוָה of Hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will no more be remembered… I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ And they will say, ‘יְהֹוָה is my `Elohiym.’” (Zec. 13:2a, 9). These two prophets tell of a time both imminent and of a much more future time (‘in that day’) when the true Name of the Almighty will be made known. Yesha`yahu (Isaiah) repeats the ‘I AM’ theme that would bring to mind יְהֹוָה to all the listeners. Likewise, Zekharyah (Zechariah) tells of a time when there will only be a remnant of Believers but these will call upon יְהֹוָה and recognise that this Name is the true Name of the Eternal Self-Existing One. Strong wrongly ascribes #H3068 Jehovah to יְהֹוָה as this was the name in common usage when he compiled his concordance. *484a hwhy as Yahweh However, with the growing Messianic Jewish Movement, better scholarship and leading of the Ruach HaKodesh, the true Name is being made known throughout the Congregations of Believers.

“saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’” (Heb. 2:12). The writer to the Messianic Hebrew Congregations quotes Psa. 22:22. This is King David (foreshadowing Messiah) talking to Yahua and calls Him יְהֹוָה. Thus the Messiah will make known this Name to His people. Rav Sha`ul quotes Tanakh (Old Testament) verses in support of his discussions, for example: Rom. 9:17/Exod. 9:16; Rom. 10:13/Joel 2:32; Rom. 15:9/2 Sam. 22:50 and Psa. 18:49. In each of the Tanakh verses the Name of יְהֹוָה is used. “It will happen that whoever will call on the name of יְהֹוָה shall be saved; For in Mount Tziyon and in Yerushalayim there will be those who escape, As יְהֹוָה has said, and among the remnant, those whom יְהֹוָה calls.”(Joel 2:32). “I, even I, am יְהֹוָה; and besides me there is no saviour.”(Isa. 43:11). Again, in this passage (Isa. 43:1-28), Yesha`yahu’s theme is ‘I AM’ and the inspired prophet declares that יְהֹוָה is the Saviour. It is יְהֹוָה who saves. Yehshuah means Yah is Salvation (www.wwyd.com ). The name of Yehshuah is not a unique name so there is no special ‘power’ in the name.  However, יְהֹוָה `Elohiym recognises the faith involved when the Name of Yehshuah is called upon. Therefore, as the End Times draws to an ultimate conclusion, יְהֹוָה will increasingly be made known throughout Believers and more power will be realised within Believers congregations. This will coincide with the increase in demonic activity and the subsequent need of speaking the true Name of יְהֹוָה.

“If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym, then יְהֹוָה will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues–great and prolonged plagues–and serious and prolonged sicknesses. Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which [is] not written in this Book of the Law, will יְהֹוָה bring upon you until you are destroyed.”(Deut. 28:58-61). Part of the Blessings and Curses passage in D`varim (Deut.) stresses the vital necessity of not only knowing the Name יְהֹוָה `Elohiym, but that making known the Name was one of the foundations of the Book of Moshe. By comparing the Book of Revelation and the Book of the Law, it would be seen that in the End Times, Mankind would indeed be struck by all the Plagues of Egypt plus a whole lot more.

___________________________________________________________________Page 5

“When you hear of wars and rumours of wars…” (Mark 13:7a). “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” (Matt. 24:7a). This means literally nation versus nation or kingdom versus kingdom. This is a Hebrew idiom for an all-out war. It may be some or all of the following:

A global war as was World War I and World War II. Many consider that WWII was just a continuation of WWI with a lull in the fighting between Nov. 1918 to Sept. 1939.

Internecine wars i.e. brother versus brother. This can take the form of:

within national borders – civil or tribal wars and/or ethnic cleansing or

outside national borders – this will probably be of a religious nature such as Church of England versus Roman Catholic, Shia versus Sunni, communism versus faiths, humanism versus faith;

within regional boundaries – such as the Arab Spring revolts of 2011.

Judaism (and by implication Christianity) and Islam consider Avraham as the father of their faith, therefore these are ‘brothers’.

Rumours of wars could be wars that are taking place without actual battles and with the advent of 24 hour per day news coverage, camera ‘phones and social media, the reporting is now instantaneous :

the Cold War, for example, where political ‘battles’ take the form of espionage;

the War on Terrorism where extremists follow ideological or religious teachings when the terms terrorist or freedom fighter may be interchangeable depending upon the point of view expressed;

cyber warfare where the ‘battles’ take place via computers;

Social warfare where the ‘battles’ are fought for human rights, against poverty, injustice drug or human trafficking or for social reform.

“For when they shall say, ‘Peace and safety’; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thess. 5:3 KJV). In order to prevent war breaking out, peace talks are continually ongoing. In some cases, the peacemakers are genuinely trying to broker a lasting peace. “Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of יְהֹוָה.” (Matt. 5:9 KJV). However, there are others who use the time of peace to re-group, re-arm, make new alliances etc. “An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” (Prov. 11:9 KJV). This will be most apparent when Yisra`el’s enemies surround her and tempt her into an unholy alliance but planning her destruction all the time. It will only be the righteous calling out to their Saviour will annihilation be averted. There are an increasing number of meetings between Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim leaders where ‘common ground’ is being sought (http://www.jcrelations.net/Resolution.3601.0.html?).

“…and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matt. 24:7b). These will become common, more severe and in places not known for these calamities. For earthquakes, the Richter Magnitude Scale is the normal expression of severity. This is an

___________________________________________________________________Page 6

objective mathematical model representing the magnitude of the quake. The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is a subjective approach and represents the damage caused by the quake. A massive earthquake in a remote district can be less destructive than a smaller tremor in a built up area. Relatively small earthquakes can trigger tsunamis of devastating results as per the Indian Ocean tsunami of 30^th. December 2004 and the Japanese tsunami of 11^th. March 2011. These caused thousands of deaths in areas far removed from the epicenters.

Famine can be caused by man-made circumstances, usually war, and with the increase in wars, famine will be on the increase. However, adverse weather conditions can significantly increase famine. “Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of  has יְהֹוָה spoken, that he may declare it? Why is the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, so that none passes through? יְהֹוָה says, ‘Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein, but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Ba`alim, which their fathers taught them;’” (Jer. 9:12-14). National sin has dire consequences for the land (Spencer & White). In this passage, the prophet Yirmeyahu is the ‘mouth of יְהֹוָה’ through which the judgement is passed. Due to their continual sin of Torahlessness and following false lords and gods, the land suffered desolation.

“Hear the word of יְהֹוָה, you children of Yisra`el; For יְהֹוָה has a charge against the inhabitants of the land: ‘Indeed there is no truth, Nor goodness, Nor knowledge of יְהֹוָה `Elohiym in the land. There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; They break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed. Therefore the land will mourn, And everyone who dwells therein will waste away. All living things in her, Even the animals of the field and the birds of the sky; Yes, the fish of the sea also die.” (Hosea 4:1-3). Here again, the land suffers because of the sin of the people. Although the prophet spoke in the 7^th. B.C.E., he could well be speaking to the nations in the 21^st. C.E. and it bodes ill for the environment.

The recent weather catastrophes have been put down to one of the following reasons:

Random factors:- no discernible pattern;

Global warming:- the increase of ‘greenhouse’ gases such as carbon dioxide or the  depletion of the ozone layer by Chloro-Fluro Carbons (CFC’s) have led to more severe weather conditions and if there is not a multinational concerted effort, the weather will continue to have increasingly erratic and catastrophic consequences;

Cyclic patterns:- records have been kept for over 200 years and some weather patterns are noticeable. There is an increased use of the term ‘a hundred year…’ either in regards to flooding, drought, storms, heat waves or cold spells. This is not borne out by statistics but rather refers to living memory. However, the patterns may be cyclic of much longer periods than those noted in the records. This may point to an overall Designer, One who can control the weather; יְהֹוָה’s judgements:- יְהֹוָה does not roll dice to determine the outcome of any particular

___________________________________________________________________Page 7

situation. He is not capricious as the pantheons of the Greek, Roman and Germanic people. On the contrary, He is constrained by His Word and can only and must act upon His promises of blessings and curses.

“If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym, then the יְהֹוָה will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues—great and prolonged plagues—and serious and prolonged sicknesses.” (Deut. 28:58, 59). As יְהֹוָה commandments are increasingly flouted and in a more open and brazen fashion, then this section of Deuteronomy’s Curses becomes more prevalent. The following plagues/diseases/sicknesses are from UK sources, but are merely a snapshot of a general condition that is happening worldwide:

Trees – Acute Oak Decline (a bacterial infection), Chalara Dieback of Ash (a fungal attack, Oak Processionary Moth (the larvae being hazardous to animals and humans as well as oak trees), Phytophora ….( a species specific fungus-like pathogen affecting many different trees) (www.forestry.gov.uk). As well as the trees suffering whole eco-systems are at risk with further manifold consequences.

Livestock –Avian Influenza (a viral infection known to mutate and infect humans), Bluetongue (a viral infection affecting all ruminants and camelids except pigs and horses), Bovine Tuberculosis (a bacterium infection of most mammals including wild and domestic animals), Classic Swine Fever (a viral disease affecting pigs) (www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases). In most case, the animal has to be killed and the carcass destroyed. These are just a few of the more severe attacks in the UK over recent years.

Crops – microdochim seedling blight, ergot, barley yellow dwarf virus (www.gov.uk/pests-and-diseases-combinable-crops).

All the above cause great economic and social costs to society in the UK. However, due to the wealth of the nation and the counter-measures put in place by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) the effects can be contained. However, in less

wealthy or organised countries that have a proportionally higher dependency upon farming, these diseases can be catastrophic. There is some speculation that the increase in these diseases in the UK can be attributed to the general warming up of the climate due to global warming (www.defra).

Humans – an epidemic is where the incidence of an infectious disease is greater than expected rates; a pandemic is where an epidemic is spread over a vast geographical area (www.diffen.com). A further definition of ‘pandemic’ is when a new virus emerges (due to mutation or antigenic drift) and threatens the worldwide population that has little or no immunity (www.hpa.org.uk). There are currently several areas of concern relating to near-pandemic diseases; antimicrobial resistant infections, influenza, tuberculosis and invasive bacterial diseases (www.ecdc.europa.eu). However, health organisations are increasingly concerned about outbreaks of pandemics that may spread or mutate quicker than the emergency services can respond, quarantine and treat. These include viral hemorrhagic fevers (Lassa, Rift Valley, Ebola), antibiotic resistance (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis [MDR-TB], methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and H5N1 (Avian Influenza Virus A) (www.news-medical.net). Due to the over-use of antibiotics and the vast increase in air travel, those localised epidemics can easily become pandemics. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika Virus can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids as well as by non-sexual means.

___________________________________________________________________Page 8

Of a more global concern, a virus has been recently revived after lying dormant in the Russian permafrost for thousands of years. Known as the pithovirus, it is the largest known virus found to date (www.newscientist.com/article/dn25151). Although it has attacked amoeba but not mice or humans, there is no way of knowing what damage to life – animal, fish, bird or plant it is capable of. With the increase in prospecting under permafrost, there could be more devastating viruses lying dormant. The greatest danger is where there is no natural immunity within a population (human, animal, plant etc.). This can be clearly seen during the European explorations of the 16^th. – 19^th. Centuries. Between his arrival in the New World in 1519 and his entering Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) in 1520, Cortez and his arm decimated the local population with European diseases. The local people had no natural protection against smallpox, measles, mumps etc. that had been carried over by the Spanish invaders (www.uic.edu ). Similar accounts have been noted amongst the Inuit and First Nation People carried by traders. Even seemingly innocuous diseases such as the common cold can wreak havoc where no immunity is available.

In some Bible versions, the word plague is translated pestilence. I believe that pestilence is more of an insect or animal infestation:

Rats – there is an increase in the number and size of rats now infesting some major cities in Europe and Asia (www.independent.co.uk/news/…giant-rats)

Asian hornets – these are expected to arrive in UK and kill bees, wasps and other pollinators that can severely affect honey production and crop fertilization.  (www.express.co.uk/news).

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes – these are also expected in the UK and are known to carry over 20 various diseases such as dengue-like chikungunya fever, (www.express.co.uk/news), malaria, yellow fever, zika virus. The European Environment Agency has warned that many such ‘invasions’ are likely due to global warming and the ease of travel around the world. This may be due to the fact that the incubation period of diseases are much longer than the time it takes travellers to fly trans-continental. Many trans-continental travellers arrive and take off from hub airports where they come from other countries, transfer on to other flights and continue their journey. Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta, USA (est. 100million travellers), Beijing, China (est. 90+ million) and London Heathrow (est. 75+ million) are the three busiest airports (http://www.itv.com/news/2013-12-17/) and show the ease of spreading pandemics. Another drawback to travel is the ease in which insects can find their way on to flights, embark in one continent and disembark a few hours later in another continent.

“This Good News of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14, Mark 13:10). The medieval Jewish scholar, Rabbi Yitzchak taught that Mashiach Ben Yoseph will not come until all the kingdoms are converted to the belief of the heretics [Sanhedrin 97a]. This is not conversion to other faiths but an aberration of the one true faith Judaism (that is ‘Christianity’). In the passage in the 24^th. Chapter, the Master explains that “As the days of Noach were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt. 24:37). What were the days of Noach (Noah/Noe) like?

__________________________________________________________________Page 9

“They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:27 KJV). The pleasures of the flesh outweighed any spiritual influence. Likewise, the references to marriage in this passage seem to indicate that the sacrament of marriage had been replaced by a more secular form with total disregard to importance given to it by יְהֹוָה.

“Tzillah also gave birth to Tuval-Kayin, the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. Tuval-Kayin’s sister was Na`amah.” (Gen. 4:22).  There was great progress in the use of metallurgy and technology.

“and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noach with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly.” (2 Peter 2:5). Although יְהֹוָה has raised up Evangelists to preach the Good News, the worldly desires caused them to ignore יְהֹוָה’s warnings.

“It happened, when men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them,” (Gen. 6:1). The widespread sexual immorality caused a rapid increase in population. Although on the face of it, this was in obedience to יְהֹוָה initial commandment to be fruitful (Gen. 1:28), it is typical of the world’s system that it is not the act that is important, but more the motive behind the act. In this case, it was purely the pursuit of pleasure.

“Lamekh took two wives: the name of the one was `Adah, and the name of theother Tzillah.” (Gen. 4:19). This was in blatant contravention of the original economy יְהֹוָה had for Mankind in that one man was to take only one woman as his wife (Gen. 2:24).

“And God saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5 KJV). “And God looked upon the יְהֹוָה, earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” (Gen. 6:12, 13 KJV). HaSatan’s system to corrupt Mankind and negate יְהֹוָה promise to Havah of her seed defeating haSatan was almost accomplished. יְהֹוָה saved all of Noach’s family because of the righteousness of one man when Noach obeyed יְהֹוָה building the ark and taking all his family into the ark.

“The earth also was corrupt before and the earth was filled with violence.” (Gen 6:11). Not only was Mankind part of the deterioration of Creation, but all things had been corrupted.

“יְהֹוָה said to Noach, ‘The end of all flesh has come before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” (Gen. 6:13). Enough is enough! Although one of the attributed of יְהֹוָה `Elohiym is His long-suffering towards man, there was a limit and man had now over-reached that limit. (Morris).

“For this reason, יְהֹוָה gave them up to the vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.” (Rom. 1:26, 27). There will be a normalisation of homosexuality (gay and lesbian) activity (Johnson(1) p35 quoting Sifra Acharei Mot).

___________________________________________________________________Page 10

 

10) “יְהֹוָה blessed them. יְהֹוָה said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply…’”(Gen. 1:28). In direct rebellion to יְהֹוָה `Elohim, abortions were used to keep a woman’s physical appearance and attraction to men. (Johnson(2) p9).

11) “יְהֹוָה said, ‘Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind… bring forth living creatures after their own kind… `Elohiym created man in His own image. In `Elohiym’s image He created him; male and female He created them.’”  (Gen. 1:12a, 24a, 27). יְהֹוָה `Elohim ordered Creation according to His divine will. Again, in direct rebellion the pre-flood world was experimenting with genetic re-modelling. This is seen in the recent ‘creation’ of cybrids (human nucleus in animal cell) and chimeras (animal nucleus in human cell) (Johnson(2) p13; Johnson (3) p195).

12) “יְהֹוָה said to Noach, ‘Come with all of your household into the ark, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation.” (Gen. 7:1). “Avraham drew near, and said, ‘Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?’” (Gen. 18:23). In the days immediately prior to the Flood, יְהֹוָה could not find anyone else who was righteous apart from Noach. It may not necessarily be the conduct of the people that had dismayed יְהֹוָה, but that there was a lack of Believers to carry out His work. It has been recently been remarked upon that there is a dearth of young prophets coming through and the current crop is getting old. This could also be true of teachers as both prophets and teachers need to have younger people to mentor and encourage. The role of both these groups of people is to explain the Scriptures and how to show how to apply them to everyday life. The moment that Messiah returns in many respects does away with the need for prophets and teachers as Scripture makes plain what is to take place. Is this scarcity down to the imminent return of Messiah and יְהֹוָה will no longer have a need for them in the next generation?

“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt. 24:24). “So they worshipped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast…”(Rev. 13:4a). During the End Times there will be a marked renewal of demon worship culminating in the overt worship of haSatan (See also Angelology/Demonology).

The centuries prior to the birth of Yehshuah, commonly referred to as the ‘Intertestamental  Period’ was known for the lack of written prophecy and revelation (www.angelfire.com).  Although there must have been prophets and teachers active in this period, the years prior to the Messiah coming to earth (His birth) was noted for a dearth of prophecy and teaching. Could this be repeated in the years prior to His Second Coming?

“But you, Daniyel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Dan. 12:4).  Another sign of the ending of time is that there will be a proliferation of eschatological debate (as per this discussion). Some translations have the messenger asking Dani’el to keep the details of the End Times secret (e.g. CJB) until the nearing of the end of time. Then, will people be rushing around either in panic or in eagerness to understand more. (Refer also to Ya`akov’s Troubles Begins below.)

___________________________________________________________________Page 11

As a side note, the Bible translators have always refered to haSatan as a ‘him’. “He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and haSatan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years;” (Rev. 20:2). The word ‘him’ is #G846 αὐτός autos which can be translated ‘him, her or it’. It is my belief that haSatan (and the rest of the angelic beings) is not a personality but a created being and should be referred to as an ‘it’. יְהֹוָה is accredited with personality to help Mankind understand Him better. Man is accredited with personality because we are made in His image. All the rest of Creation must be referred to as impersonal things.

“Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake.” (Matt. 24:9). “You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you they will cause to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:16, 17). With the great outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh when the Good News is taken to every nation, there will be many who come to faith in יְהֹוָה through His Messiah. In many of these countries (and especially Islamic and Communist regimes) Believers will be thrown out of their homes, disowned by families and even handed over to the authorities to be punished. However, the Word of יְהֹוָה also states that “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will win your lives.” (Luke 21:18, 19). If Believers are being killed, then these two verses can only refer to eternal life in Messiah.

“For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of יְהֹוָה; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof.” (2 Tim. 3:2-5b). “…ungodly men, turning the grace of our `Elohiym into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master, Yehshuah the Messiah.” (Jude 4b). “They said to you that ‘In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.’ These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Ruach.” (Jude 18, 19). This long but not exhaustive list reads like a description of western society in the 21^st. Century.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15). This is part of the Great Commission that Messiah called us to carry out. Although it is usually taken to mean every person, the word ‘creature’ #G2937 κτίσις ktisis – 1a) creation. It is important to remember that creation suffered as well as mankind in the fall. One of the signs of the End Times must be that the Good News is proclaimed worldwide. HaSatan is determined that this is at least slowed down, and stopped if possible. If any part of the Bible can be found to be false, then the whole Bible,and hence the Good News, is false. This is why there is such a concerted attack on the Book of Genesis. Of all the Books of the Bible, Genesis, and in particular the account of Creation, is the one that is most open to question. (The various arguments for and against the biblical account of Creation is too vast a topic to be covered in this discussion. For a good concise document, refer to Evolution Fact or Fiction? [Blanchard 2009] or a more in depth study on www.answersingensis.org).

___________________________________________________________________Page 12

 

However, one area that is seldom covered is that of aliens or UFO’s, although there is no biblical argument against them: lack of evidence is not evidence of their non-existence. Genesis starts of as viewed from יְהֹוָה `Elohiym’s perspective then changes down to Man’s. The paradigm reduces down until an ‘insignificant’ nation is highlighted as יְהֹוָה people. Although the Yisra`elites are surrounded by more powerful nations, frequently coming under their dominion, they have always been יְהֹוָה nation. In order that Mankind may be deceived, haSatan may use the idea of aliens but actually use its demons. Since the 1960’s, scientists have looked for evidence of the existence of life sources outside of Earth (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – SETI {http://www.seti.org}). Unfortunately, as with all scientific research, the findings may be used to cast doubt upon the Biblical account of Creation.

Good science can never prove יְהֹוָה does not exist but ‘bad’ science can pervert or withhold findings and be selective in its interpretations of the findings. “Science is the proof of how God does things.” (Lake).

“Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.” (Jer. 31:37 KJV). The typical method of haSatan is to distort the truth and the enemy would have a right to hold יְהֹוָה to the promise above. Since the Enlightenment (www.princeton.edu ), there has been a concerted effort by science to measure the heavens and plumb the depths of the earth in search of the ‘truth’. The depths of the earth and its oceans have been measured, but the heavens are so vast, there will be no possibility of the totality of the heavens being measured.

“…the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image…” (Rev. 19:20). While all of Creation looks up to the sky for the return of Messiah, it is possible that haSatan could use a counterfeit coming out of the sky. The current increase in UFO/alien sightings and interest may lead to the use of UFO/alien recognition. The Bible does not rule out the possible existence of life forms from other planets, even of greater intelligence than Man. יְהֹוָה has not chosen Mankind because of Man’s inherent intellect or strength but on many occasions has vastly superior forces been defeated by much smaller ones (Gid`on versus Midyanim [Judges7:1-23]; Asa versus Zerach and the Kushim [2 Chron. 14:8-12]; Hizkiyahu versus Sancheriv King of Ashshur [2 Chron. 32:1-23]. For… יְהֹוָה hath chosen the weak… to confound the…mighty [1 Cor.1:27b]).

“But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.” (2 Tim. 3:1). #G5467 χαλεπός chalepos hard to bear, dangerous, harsh, savage. As little as thirty years ago, a murder or rape was considered as worthy of nationwide news headlines. Now, these and other heinous crimes are seldom reported upon even in local newspapers. Such is the common occurrence and the de-sensitizing of people’s psyche.

1. b) The Ingathering of Yisra`el

Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, there has been an influx of people into Yisra`el. This is known as aliya or to go up. However, there are several specific episodes of note: Exodus – on 11<sup>th</sup>. July 1947, the ship Exodus left France with 4515 passengers on board bound for Yisra`el. The British authorities prevented the ship docking and the people were held in a transit camp on Cyprus. It was only after the UK acknowledged the new State

___________________________________________________________________Page 13

of Yisra`el were the released and entered Israel in 1949 (www.israelforever.org ).

Operation Flying Carpet – officially known as Operation On the Wings of an Eagle (Kanfei Nesharim), 50,000 Jews left Yemen between June 1949 to Sept. 1950 under the supervision of the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). However, the facilities were not in place to receive the Yemenite Jews and many died before reaching Israel (www.haaretz.com ).

Operation Solomon – in the early 1970’s thousands of Jews fled persecution from Ethiopia to Sudan. 4000 died and untold numbers of atrocities took place. Between 24^th. and 25^th. May 1991, 14325 Ethiopian Jews were air-lifted back to Israel. Under the supervision of the JDC and having learnt from past operations, Operation Solomon (Mivtza Shlomo) was carried out successfully over 36 hours (www.jdc.org/news ).

These migrations were all part of the plan of יְהֹוָה to gather in His people, Yisra`el:

i – in unbelief

“and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out;” (Eze. 20:34). ‘Gather’ #H6908 קָבַץ qabats a word to describe harvest. This image of a harvest is important. The people would mark out the area where the first shoots came through or the tree with the first buds. This grain/fruit would be given as the first fruits, the guarantee of the harvest to come. Likewise the Master’s resurrection was the first fruits, a guarantee of our resurrection. *1983 קָבַץ qabas generally refers to a gathering of people for social, military or religious occasions and of יְהֹוָה gathering in His people in the End Times.

“Therefore thus says יְהֹוָה `Elohiym: Because you are all become dross, therefore, behold, I will gather you into the midst of Yerushalayim. As they gather silver and brass and iron and lead and tin into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire on it, to melt it; so will I gather you in my anger and in my wrath, and I will lay you there, and melt you.” (Eze. 22:19, 20). The in-gathering will be for all Yisra`elites, Believers and non-Believers alike. It will not be a time of peace and tranquillity, but rather a period of refining or disciplining to bring non-Believers back to יְהֹוָה.

ii – in belief

“and shall return to יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym, and shall obey His voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; that then the יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where the יְהֹוָה your `Elohiym has scattered you.”(Deut. 30:2, 3). “For, behold, the days come, says the יְהֹוָה, that I will turn again the captivity of my people Yisra`el and Yahudah, says יְהֹוָה; and I will cause them to  return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.” (Jer. 30:3). When Yisra`el turns back to יְהֹוָה `Elohiym, He will gather (#H6908 קָבַץ qabats) them together. This will be a time for Believers to return to יְהֹוָה’s Promised Land.

___________________________________________________________________Page 14

“It shall happen in that day, that יְהֹוָה will set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people…He will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Yisra`el, and gather together the dispersed of Yahudah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:11, 12, Isa. 11:12; 43:5, 6; Jer. 31:8). This can only take place if the land was secure. This was accomplished at the end of the 6 Day War in 1967. ‘Ensign’ #H5251 נֵס nec a banner or sign *1379a nes a rallying point. This is the same word used of Moshe and his lifting up of the brazen serpent. It can also be used to refer to a miracle. In this passage from the prophet Yesha`yahu, יְהֹוָה has performed a miracle in bringing back His people, a sign to the surrounding nations of יְהֹוָה power and an indicator that time is running out for non-believers. The rallying point for all Believers will be Messiah Yehshuah.

 “It will happen in that day, that I will make Yerushalayim a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it.” (Zech. 12:3). Having brought back His people and raised them up as a sign to the nations, the nations converge on Yerushalayim in order to destroy יְהֹוָה ‘s people.

1. c) One World Church

“To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write…But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev. 2:1a, 6).  Hate #G3404 μισέω miseō means to detest. The term Nicolaitans may not have been a definite sect of people but rather a description of a type of people (Cross).

“To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write…But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Bil`am, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Yisra`el, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise.” (Rev. 2:12a, 15, 16). The Renewed Covenant has little to say about the Nicolaitans, other than these two passages, the former to the Assembly at Ephesus and the latter to the Assembly at Pergamos.

Ephesus was a major city in Asia and was the centre of pagan worship. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) was located there and was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Pergamos was the capital of the region and was the centre of worship of Zeus and Asclepios who was depicted by a serpent entwined around a staff. Temples in the Graeco-Roman world were home to religious prostitutes. Thus any compromise that would bring in to the Assemblies greater numbers of the upper classes of society would be promulgated (Barclay(1)). However, their beliefs may be considered as Bil`amites of which Shimon Keefa and Yahuda both warn against (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). These passages warn against satisfying the flesh and leading others astray. “that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.” (Acts 5:29).Ya`akov ruled at the Council of Yerushalayim against such practices.

___________________________________________________________________Page 15

“Yisra`el abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Mo`av: for they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods. Yisra`el joined himself to Ba`al-Pe`or: and the anger of יְהֹוָה was kindled against Yisra`el.” (Num. 25:1-3). Having failed to bring about the destruction of the Yisra`elites through curses, Balaam instructed Balak in other ways to bring down the Yisra`elites.  This was done by enticing the people into sexual immorality and idol worship. יְהֹוָהs’s commandments were specifically laid down to keep the Yisra`elites separate from the surrounding pagan nations and set apart unto Him. At Pe`or, they failed on all accounts.

“Behold, these caused the children of Yisra`el, through the counsel of Bil`am, to commit trespass against יְהֹוָה in the matter of Pe`or, and so the plague was among the congregation of the יְהֹוָה. Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him.” (Num. 31:16, 17). Bil`am’s error was to cause the Yisra`elites to turn away from יְהֹוָה `Elohiym who had brought them out of Egypt. Not only were the Israelites committing fornication but fell into Ba`al worship. Moshe’s instructions were to destroy the surrounding nations so that they would never again be led astray. These were not carried fully carried out. The prostitute/whore/harlot is a type of person (male or female) that leads others into sin.

“Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn’t know יְהֹוָה, nor yet the work which he had worked for Yisra`el. The children of Yisra`el did that which was evil in the sight of יְהֹוָה, and served the Ba`alim; and they forsook יְהֹוָה, the `Elohiym of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Mitzrayim, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were round about them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked יְהֹוָה to anger. They forsook יְהֹוָה, and served Ba`al and the `Ashtarot.” (Judges 2.10-13). The result of disobeying יְהֹוָה commands through Moshe took only a generation to come about. “The children of Yisra`el again did that which was evil in the sight of יְהֹוָה, and served the Ba`alim, and the `Ashtarot, and the gods of Aram, and the gods of Tzidon, and the gods of Mo`av, and the gods of the children of `Ammon, and the gods of the Pelishtim; and they forsook יְהֹוָה, and didnot serve him.” (Judges 10:6). “In those days there was no king in Yisra`el: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25).

בִּלְעָם Bil`am (Hebrew) =   בָּלַע bala` – to swallow up (conquer) +  עַם `am people

Νικόλαος Nicolaus (Greek) = νῖκος nikos to utterly vanquish (conquer) + λαός laos people.

The name Balaam had an evil connotation to the early Assemblies from the original account (Num. 22:1-24:25) and the term Nicolaitans would have been more acceptable to its early adherents. Tertullian mentions another sect, the Cainites as ‘alii Nicolaite’ (Barclay(1)  quoting Tertullian). These were trying to amalgamate the Person of Messiah with the false deity of Belial (Fairbairn) even though it was in direct opposition to Sha`ul’s instructions to the Corinthian Assembly (2 Cor. 6:15). The Nicolaitans were also accused of denying יְהֹוָה `Elohiym as Creator. Other early Church Fathers equated the Cainites with the Ophites and Sephites who were opposed to יְהֹוָה, glorified the Serpent and considered the Fall as a progression from ignorance to knowledge (Cross).

___________________________________________________________________Page 16

 

Whereas Nicolaus’ teaching was that the flesh was bad, his outworking was to punish or mortify his flesh. However, early Church leaders had the Nicolaitans’ doctrine very different from this:

Irenaeus – the Nicolaitans lived a life of unrestrained indulgence.

Hippolytus – the Nicolaitans departed from correct doctrine and encouraged indifference to food and life.

Clement of Alexandria – the Nicolaitans could use or abuse their flesh as shamelessly as they wanted.

There is some early tradition that some Believers were following heretical teaching attributed to Nicolaus, a gentile יְהֹוָה -fearer from Antioch in the process of becoming a Jew (a proselyte). His teaching was that the flesh was totally evil and that severe self-punishment (whipping, fasting, penitence) could bring one closer to יְהֹוָה (to be taken up by the Roman Catholic Church). The following verses, although probably not available to him, would be the kind of teaching that led to excesses.

“For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I do not find it doing that which is good.” (Rom 7:18).

“deliver such a one to haSatan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Messiah Yehshuah.” (1 Cor. 5:5).

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of יְהֹוָה.” (2 Cor. 7:1).

“Those who belong to Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.” (Gal. 5:24).­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Whether Nicolaus’ teachings had been perverted in later years or that there was no relationship between Nicolaus and the Nicolaitans cannot be definitively proven.

The doctrines of the Nicolaitans can be summarised as follows:

The Law is ended, there are no laws , rules or regulations and so they could do whatever they wanted:

Flesh is evil and spirit is good, and as a spirit being, a man could do whatever he liked to the body as it did not matter:

Grace is all-sufficient and would protect them. Antinomianism – if sin is an  opportunity for יְהֹוָה to display His Grace, the more a person sins, the more opportunity for יְהֹוָה to display Grace:

They wanted Believers to compromise the teachings given to them so that the difference between the pagans and themselves would lessen, making it more attractive to non-Believers to join them. This was mostly aimed at the upper levels of society (Barclay(1)): They wanted to introduce a system of hierarchy in the clergy that was man-inspired and not יְהֹוָה -called. There would be no direct access to יְהֹוָה through the mediation of Messiah, but had to go through the priest, bishop, Mary or dead saints (see Izebel below).

___________________________________________________________________Page 17

 

This last doctrine of the Nicolaitans can be seen in the trend of denominations. The initial founders of the various denominations were true Believers following the teachings of the Master and the Bible. However, over time, the Headship of Messiah is replaced by an ecclesiastical hierarchy (see below). This was derived from the association of the Nicolaitans with Nimrod.

“‘Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before יְהֹוָה.’ The beginning of his kingdom was Bavel, Erekh, Akkad, and Kalneh, in the land of Shin`ar.’” (Gen. 10:9b, 10). #H5248 נִמְרֹד Nimrod means rebellion or valiant depending upon the spelling. This is the first reference to an earthly kingdom and the inference was that Nimrod expanded it through force i.e. to conquer and subjugate the surrounding people. He was considered to be a tyrant and enlarged and maintained his empire by violent, despotic means (Skinner). He set up a form of government that was hierarchical in structure and his expansionism was to instigate a one-world authoritarian religious government. Nimrod ruled through fear and taught his subjects to fear and depend upon him and not on יְהֹוָה `Elohiym. As the Flood was still fresh in the memories of the people, Nimrod had contempt for יְהֹוָה and thus started to build the Tower of Bavel so that Man would no longer be under the threat of another deluge (Josephus). It is also the first mention of Man deliberately rebelling against יְהֹוָה and falling into apostasy.

Nimrod is known throughout ancient history by many different names. He appears as the main character in all pantheons (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Norse etc. www.youtube.com/watch ) but is commonly called Ba`al (www.bible-history.com).

“To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write…But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Izevel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.” (Rev. 2:18a, 20). Although Messiah does not actually name the Nicolaitans in His condemnation of the Assembly at Thyatira, Izebel is said to lead them into Balaam’s doctrine. There are two differing opinions as to whom ‘Izebel’ refers:

Izebel was a particular woman, probably a prophetess or witch, that was using her position to corrupt the Thyatiran Assembly:

Izebel was symbolic of the Roman Catholic Church (ref. 1&2 Kings):

Idol worship (Mary, dead saints, angels)

Persecution of true Believers

Refusal to repent, especially considering the doctrine of ‘Papal Infallibility’.

“It happened, as if it had been a light thing for him (Ahab) to walk in the sins of Yarov`am the son of Nevat, that he took as wife Izevel the daughter of Etba`al king of the Tzidonim, and went and served Ba`al, and worshiped him.” (1 Kgs. 16:31). Throughout the Tanakh, Ba`al worship caused the Israelites to turn away from יְהֹוָה and bring about judgement upon themselves. Izevel is the archetypical whore against which Scripture warns (Rev. 2:20). “And on her forehead a name was written, ‘MYSTERY, BAVEL THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE Earth.’” (Rev. 17:5). Bavel here

___________________________________________________________________Page 18

is not a person or even a city but rather a system of religion that leads people astray. It started at Bavel with Nimrod; carried on through the days of Moshe, the Judges, the kings of Israel and Yehuda. “A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, ‘Thus with violence will Bavel, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all.’” (Rev. 18:21). However the city most associated with or the centre of this system is the physical indication of the system and that it has been destroyed. It is active today and will be until its destruction stated in this verse.

“And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write… Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away… Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.” (Rev. 3:1-4). Even in the Assembly at Sardis, Believers were turning away from sound doctrine and following false teachings and continuing a lifestyle of sin. The inference is that if a few have not followed this course, many have.

Although the Assemblies above are historic it is widely accepted that each Assembly represents a particular stage in the development of the Church Universal and that throughout time each characteristic will be continuously displayed but with one characteristic being prominent. There is no evidence of an Assembly at Thyatira, but this and the other Assemblies are central hubs in their various locations, out from which information is disseminated. From the doctrine summary above the characteristics and doctrine can now be seen as becoming more and more wide-spread in the various churches today. It is vital to realise that this particular danger will come from within the Church. Out of seven Assemblies, two are not criticised by Messiah (Philadelphia and Smyrna) and one is apathetic (Laodicea). That leaves four Assemblies that show the traits of the Nicolaitans.

Although it is not in the scope of this study to discuss the events, symbolism and typography of Ya`akov’s Troubles, there are certain events that commence well before the Troubles. One such case is that of Yochanan’s fourth beast. The beasts of Rev. 13:1-7, Rev. 17:3-17 have a predominant feature in the leopard’s body. When comparing Yochanan’s fourth beast with Danyiel’s fourth beast in Dan. 7:7-25 and N’vukhadnetzar’s dream, the beast represents a revived Roman Empire. However, this revived Roman Empire shows traits of the other previous empires (lion = Babylon, bear = medo-Persia, leopard = Greece). Therefore, the overarching trait would be Grecian (Larkin p120).

The old Roman Empire morphed from a secular/military state into one dominated by the ‘adopted’ religion of ‘Christianity’. After the Eastern/Western religious split in 364 C.E., the Western church grew strong in the Greek and Roman churches. These had a major influence in the subsequent development of nations that are still recognisable in the Judaeo/Christian laws of today. The Greek paradigm was the known world-wide culture from Philip II of Macedon uniting the Greek states until the final defeat by Rome in 31 B.C.E. This is known as the Hellenistic Age. However, Roman society took on the Greek culture to such an extent that some scholars consider Greco-Roman culture as being one continuous civilization (www.timemaps.com).

One of the most influential aspects of the Greek paradigm is that of the political system known as democracy. This was first formulated as early as 600 B.C.E. (www.bbc.co.uk/history) and was to flourish until a large number of nations today have some form of democratic political government. This democratic system will be used to pass laws that are satanic in opposition to יְהֹוָה’s commandments.

___________________________________________________________________Page 19

Another, even more insidious aspect of the Greek culture, probably older than democracy, is the Greek way of thought. This was noticeable in the clash of cultures in Yisra`el between the Greek thought process (based upon abstract conceptions) and the Hebrew thought process (based upon tangible understanding). This can be seen in Scripture (Acts 6:1) and the Greek paradigm now is the single most important feature in the vast majority of translations of Scripture. This Greek way of thought is the main reason why Believers struggle with Torah.

“For there will arise false messiahs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt. 24:24). “He led him to Yerushalayim, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of יְהֹוָה, cast yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you;’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, Lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.'” (Luke 4:9-11). Through the lack of faith, the Church is desperately seeking signs and wonders and holds on to every teaching that offers them. That is not to say that miracles no longer happen. However, not only the miracle but the method and person involved must be carefully weighed against Scripture.

“But the Ruach says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,” (1 Tim. 4:1). “The devil said to Him, ‘I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want. If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours.’”(Luke 4:6, 7). Power has always been a seductive draw and can be seen in the desire of men within the Church to attain to positions of authority. This is made possible by the hierarchical system seen in most religions, faiths and denominations today. There is also the danger of compromise that substitutes the Word of יְהֹוָה and His Commands with the opinions and false interpretations of the Church leaders.

Compromise can also be seen in the ecumenical movement in bringing together all the different religions of the world. The premise is to engage in dialogue in order to remove the causes of enmity between them. Many organisations are currently seeking to bring about this reconciliation. This can only occur when the differences are set aside. These organisations include The Elijah Interfaith Institute, Inter-religion International Meetings, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Sant’Egido and Freemasonry (especially Royal Arch Masonry).

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of יְהֹוָה.” (Gal. 5:19-21). “The devil said to Him, ‘If you are the Son of יְהֹוָה, command this stone to become bread.’”(Luke 4:3). It is human nature

___________________________________________________________________Page 20

 

to want the easy way of life and any doctrine that can make life easier, more palatable is a popular one. Most people attend church today for what they can get out of it rather than what they can put into it. Throughout the Master’s ministry, He constantly challenges His followers with a difficult life; one of persecution and service.

“For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only do not use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.” (Gal. 5:13). The Nicolaitans have blatantly ignored Rav. Sha`ul’s teachings. Little wonder that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans was hated by Messiah for perverting liberty for license.

The three references to Luke above are the three temptations haSatan tested the Master at the very beginning of His ministry. Each time the Master refuted the Adversary’s attempts for the Him to by-pass His ministry and to declare Himself the long-awaited Mashiyach Ben David. Little did it know that one day the Master will reveal Himself as Mashiyach ben David, but that would only be possible after He revealed Himself as Mashiyach ben Yosef. The birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of the Master are the perfect examples for all Believers to follow and given for Man’s benefit. It is my belief that the Master included these trials so that Man can have the perfect example of how to counter haSatan. The Master could well have refuted haSatan in other ways but it was imperative that Man should know. Hence, as only the Master knew the details of the trials (as opposed someone being a witness to the scene), shows the extreme importance of this encounter.

Let us now consider the doctrines above and counter as the Master did by stating what is written:

The Law is ended: “For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.” (Matt. 5:18). This is not the normal argument between the Written Law (Mosaic) and the Oral Law (Pharisaic) or even Law versus Grace. The Nicolaitans preached that all Law was done away with and with no standard to follow nor any sanctions against them they could do whatever they wanted.

Flesh is evil: “יְהֹוָה `Elohiym created man in His own image. In יְהֹוָה `Elohiym’s image He created him; male and female He created them. יְהֹוָה `Elohiym saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”(Gen. 1:27, 31). יְהֹוָה `Elohiym specifically formed or created Man as opposed to the rest of Creation that יְהֹוָה `Elohiym spoke into existence. Man was the last and pinnacle of Creation to which יְהֹוָה `Elohiym called very good. Therefore, Man (ruach, soul and flesh) is not intrinsically evil. It may be argued that the flesh is the only inert part of Man as it operates only under the influence of the spirit and soul. Even physical substance dependency can be attributed to the soul desiring something before the addiction sets in or even in some cases may be caused by demon possession or attack.

All-sufficient grace: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?” (Rom. 6:1, 2). Rav Sha`ul directly counters this doctrine by asking how is it possible that a

___________________________________________________________________Page 21

Believer would want to consciously sin. This is not to say that a Believer would or should never fall to temptation, but the Nicolaitans wanted to escalate the degree of sinning.

Compromise: “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You are not able to serve יְהֹוָה and mammon.”(Luke 16:13). The compromise that is facing the Church today is the accommodation of the world’s values when compared to the Word of יְהֹוָה. It is sad to say that this Scripture has proven to be accurate. In order to attract more people into the mainstream churches, there has been an inexorable move away from יְהֹוָה standards towards the world’s standards.

Hierarchy: “He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the set apart ones, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Messiah;” (Eph. 4:11). This is often quoted as proof-text for the basis upon which a hierarchical church is founded. Alternately the early ministry of the Master consisted of the Master, an inner group of Shimon Keefa, Ya`akov and Yochanan, the outer group comprising of the other Shlichim and finally His followers. These offices are not meant to be in a position of authority but are to serve the Church in instructing the assembly. This can only be accomplished if the teaching is in accordance with the Word of יְהֹוָה (www.messianicjews.com.au ).

“But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:26, 27). The hierarchical system is designed so that man is exalted within the fellowship and the leadership can lord it over the congregation. The prime examples of this are those ecclesiastics that display their positions like peacocks using brightly coloured garments and symbols of office. How far away are these examples from that set by the Master? He disrobed and washed the feet of His Shlichim. In the references, there are several websites promoting ecumenicalism – the coming together of various religions. All leaders display the trappings of authority and titles like ‘His All-holiness’. How unlike the Master who instructed His Shlichim not to take two cloaks with them on their travels and who Himself corrected an enquirer who call Him ‘good’.

“But how does יְהֹוָה answer him? ‘I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Ba`al.’ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day of grace… What then? That which Yisra`el seeks for, that he did not obtain, but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened. According as it is written, ‘יְהֹוָה gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.’” (Rom. 11:4-8). Throughout history, many Believers have worshipped Ba`al through ignorance of the Word or not following the leading of the Ruach. However, there has always been a core of true Believers that have not been deceived.

___________________________________________________________________Page 22

 “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree;” (Rom. 11:17). “Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called ‘uncircumcision’ by that which is called ‘circumcision,’ (in the flesh, made by hands); that you were at that time separate from Messiah, alienated from the commonwealth of Yisra`el, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without יְהֹוָה in the world. But now in Messiah Yehshuah you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Messiah.” (Eph. 2:11-13). Both Jewish and Gentile Believers are now united into the commonwealth of Yisra`el but the lessons of history have not been learnt. Many Believers today have been carried off into a Babylonian Exile for their disobedience and presumptive arrogance. King Hizkiyahu was a righteous leader but after witnessing the sundial move backwards, it is my belief that he became proud of his accumulated treasures and presumed that יְהֹוָה would not allow it to be taken away from him. This arrogance led to the sacking of the Yerushalayim and the leading off of the nobles and leaders (hierarchy) of Yahuda. Only a remnant of vineyard and farm workers was not carried off into the Babylonian Exile (2 Kgs. 20:1-21; 24:10-25:21).

“The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in certain of the children of Yisra`el, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Kasdim… Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Kasdim, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.” (Dan. 1:3, 4; 2:2). During the exile in Babylon, the Jews were subjected to a culture of Ba`al (Marduk) worship and the associated occultic practices, especially during the latter part of the exile under Koresh, King of Persia. It was common practice of the Persians to unify the various displaced people by having them speak the same language. This was in direct opposition to the will of יְהֹוָה `Elohiym (Gen. 11: 1-9) where the people were scattered and different languages were instigated (Herrmann).

“You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the star-gazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.” (Isa. 47:13). The prophet Yesha`yahu describes the occultic practices of the Babylonians and Persians and warns them of the impending judgement to all who are associated with these abominations.

“Hear you this, house of Ya`akov, who are called by the name of Yisra`el, and are come forth out of the waters of Yahudah; who swear by the name of יְהֹוָה, and make mention of the `Elohiym of Yisra`el, but not in truth, nor in righteousness (for they call themselves of the set apart city, and stay themselves on the `Elohiym of Yisra`el; יְהֹוָה of Hosts is His name):” (Isa. 48:1, 2). This terrible indictment is upon those who profess faith but are still held captive by the seductive nature of Babylon/One-world Religion.

___________________________________________________________________Page 23

 

“Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then had your shalom been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea… Go you forth from Bavel, flee you from the Kasdim; with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say you, יְהֹוָה has redeemed His servant Ya`akov.” (Isa. 48:18, 20).  The prophet Yesha`yahu warns the people of Isra’el of the consequences of being united with the people of Babylon by their refusal to listen to יְהֹוָה. Even today, many Believers are not being obedient to יְהֹוָה through the leading of His Spirit and are thus held captive by the religious system known as Babylon.

It is also my belief that the Babylonian Exile is a type of an End Times Babylonian Exile wherein יְהֹוָה `Elohiym allows the One-world Religion (Izevel) to ‘carry off’ or lead Believers into ‘captivity’. It does not take much scrutiny of modern ‘Christianity’ to realise this. There are two main areas where this is evident:

in teachings that are in direct contradiction to Scripture i.e. Mary/saints worship, mis- or non-use of the gifts of the Ruach, dispensationalism (role of Yisra`el), immorality.

in teachings that are ‘traditions of the elders’ i.e. Christmas, Easter, cessationalism (termination of Law), Names of Father and Son.

Although the Jews that were carried off originally kept to יְהֹוָה Laws, the lifestyle in Babylon was not harsh. There were large communities that were allowed to farm, accumulate wealth and to keep their religious observations. However, due to the false prophets (that were partially to blame for the exile), large numbers were content to compromise/assimilate with the pagan population and fell into a comfortable but idolatrous existence. (www.jewishencyclopedia.com).

“He cried with a mighty voice, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Bavel the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird!’..I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues,’” (Rev. 18:2, 4). Even at the very last opportunity, in His mercy, יְהֹוָה `Elohiym calls out to people.

References

 

Barclay Rev. W.(1)(1960)                The Revelation of John Vol.1, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.

 

Barclay Rev. W. (2)(1960)               The Good News of John Vol.2, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.

 

Beck H.F. (1977)                                How To Respond To…The Cults, Concordia, St. Louis, Miss.

 

Brown B., Driver S.R.                      The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon,

& Briggs C.A.(2005)                          Hendrickson, Peabody, Mass.

 

Blanchard J. (2009)                          Evolution; fact or Fiction? Evangelical Press, Darlington.

 

Cross F.L.(1966)                                The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press, London.

Fairbairn Rev. P.                               The Imperial Bible Dictionary Vol.I, Blackie & Sons

 

FFOZ                                                      Mikra’ey Kodesh, Marshfield, Mo, USA.

 

Harris R.L., Archer G.L.,  Thoelogical Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago, Waltke B.K. (1980)                            Il.

 

Herrmann S. (1979)                         A History of Israel in Old Testament Times.

 

Johnson K.(1) Th.D. (2010)             Ancient Post-Flood History, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.

 

Johnson K. (2) Th.D. (2008)            Ancient Book of Jasher, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.

 

Johnson K.(3) Th.D. (2012)             Ancient Book of Enoch, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.

 

Josephus F.                        Jewish Antiquities, Clays, St. Ives, 2006

 

Lake J.G. (1995)                John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith,  Kenneth Copeland Pubns, USA.

Larkin C. (1919)                 The Book of the Revelation, Third Edition, Larkin Pub., New Rochelle N.Y.

 

MacDonald S. (2016)       The S.O.S. A Handmaid’s Guide to the Apocalypse, Xlibris, U.K.

 

Morris H.M. (2009)                          The Genesis Record, Baker, Grand Rapids, MI.

 

Skinner J. (1912)               A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Genesis, T&T Clark, Edinburgh.

 

Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison.

___________________________________________________________Page 56

Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

 

www.abcnews.go.com/News

www.aish.com

www.angelfiire.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greekdemocracy_01.shtml

www.answersingenesis.org

http://www.betemunah.org/birth.html

www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/maps_jerusalem.html

http://www.bible-history.com/faussets/N/Nimrod/

www.biblicalplaces.com

www.biblicalstudies.com

www.blueletterbible.org

www.chabad.org

www.diffen.com

www.ecdc.europa.eu

http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/biology-and-genetics/genetics-and-genetic-engineering/eugenics

www.express.co.uk/news/science-technology/379227/Invasion-of-the-killer-bees-Predatory-Asian-hornets-on-their-way-to-Britain

www.ffoz.org

https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-worldwide

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/mar/24/landmark-lab-creates-synthetic-cell-with-minimum-genes-needed-for-life-craig-ventner

www.haaretz.com

http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/chanukah

http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/simchat-torah

http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/shmini-atzeret

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Rosh_Chodesh/Kislev/kislev.html

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Rosh_Hashannah/rosh_hashannah.html

www.hpa.org.uk

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/giant-rats-more-pictures-of-huge-rodents-emerge-9264451.html

www.independent.co.uk/news/health/human-eggs-grown-lab-fertility-breakthrough-first– time-ivf-development-scientists-edinburgh-a8201001.html

www.israelforever.org

http://www.itv.com/news/2013-12-17/top-five-busiest-hub-airports-in-the-world/

www.jcrelations.net/Resolution

www.jdc.org/news

http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4012-captivity

http://www.lightofmashiach.org/yomteruah.html

www.matthewmcgee.org/millen

___________________________________________________________Page 57

http://www.messianicjews.com.au/articles/details/13/Doctrine-or-Teaching-of-the-Nicolaitans-and-Church-Government

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25151-biggest-ever-virus-revived-from-stone-age-permafrost/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2107219-exclusive-worlds-first-baby-born-with-new-3-parent-technique/

www.news-medical.net

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/euthanasia

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/murder

https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Age_of_Enlightenment.html

https://www.rdmag.com/article/2016/03/scientists-create-revolutionary-synthetic-life-form

http://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/sukkot

http://www.seti.org/?gclid=CMvVwvO9u8ACFWT4wgodulwAyg

http://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/talmud-history/

www.templemount.org/theories.html

www.telegraph.co.uk/News/UKNews/Defence

http://thinkingtorah.com/kislev-facts/

https://www.timemaps.com/civilizations/ancient-greeks/

http://www.triumphpro.com/shemini-atzeret-eighth-day.htm

http://www.uic.edu/classes/osci/osci590/3_3%20European%20Disease%20in%20the%20New%20World.htm

www.unitedwithisrael.org

https://www.wordnik.com/words/tribulum

www.wwyd.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PNtxqeBIgw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YiyybTd12M

 

HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.

King James Version (KJV) Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown. This Bible is printed and published by Cambridge University Press, the Queen’s royal printer, under royal

letters patent. The text commonly available now is actually that of the 1769 revision, not that of 1611. The text used by BLB is the current 1769 edition.

 

Ecumenical References

http://christiannews.net/2014/07/03/tv-preachers-glowingly-describe-meeting-with-pope-to-tear-down-walls-of-division/

http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/index.php?id=27

http://rowanwilliams.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2384/archbishops-meetings-with-religious-leaders-in-jerusalem

http://www.santegidio.org/en/ecumenismo/uer/

http://www.supremegrandchapter.org.uk/about-royal-arch-masonry/what-is-royal-arch-masonry

___________________________________________________________Page 58

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/24/meeting-pope-patriarch-jerusalem-matters-catholics-orthodox-christians

http://tantur.org/

 

 

___________________________________________________________________Page 60