December 2007 FREE!

The King Is Coming

ALSO In This Issue: Jesus Christ Is Fulfilled Prophecy Proof that Jesus Christ is the Messiah

Is There an Eternal Hellfire? Dispelling the myth

The Return of the Twelfth Imam Ahmadinejad’s quest for world peace?

The King’s Marine What is the Christian Mission? Prevail Magazine December 2007

Managing Editor: Bill Watson

Editor: Horane Smith

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Contributing Writers: Horane Smith Patrick Bastien Behold He Comes Bill Watson 01 Anthony Braithwaite Noel Scoburgh Duane Nicol 03 The Voice of One Crying Zion Hezekiah Murray Johnson Stacy-Ann McGregor Jesus Christ Is Fulfilled Prophecy Steve Agnew 04 Ken Allen Waine-Ann McLaughlin One Kingdom, One King Jasmin Smith 06

Copy Editors: Jasmin Smith Stephanie Chin The First Failure, The Second Triumph 07

Technical Support: Noel Scoburgh Shey Smith 08 The Return of the Twelfth Imam Church of God International of Canada 1299 Oxford Street East, P.O, Box 33034 The Pursuit of Happiness London, Ontario N5Y 5L4 10

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All contents of Prevail Magazine unless otherwise stated are the property of the Church of God, EXCERPT: Kingdom Countdown International. Copyright © 2007. 14

Photos: iStockphoto, stock.XCHNG, stock.XPRT, morgueFile, flickr Is There an Eternal Hellfire? The writers of the articles and photographers of photos 16 in Prevail Magazine may own copyrights to their work. Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures are quoted from the King James Version or New King James Version Bibles. 18 The King’s Marine Subscribe via RSS and view all our issues online at: http://www.prevailmagazine.org Storm Troopers This magazine is distributed freely and is made possible 21 through your tithes and offerings.

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From the Editor: Horane Smith Be h o l d He Co m e s

esus Christ, the Son of God, the you do not know what hour your Lord is But regardless, the point is: if God is call- Saviour of all humanity, is coming. coming” (Matt. 24:42). This is a significant ing you, there’s no alternative but to be pre- JWhether this sin-sick world wants to warning for the human race. pared by repenting of your sins, be baptized, believe it or not doesn’t matter. The reality and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. is: THE KING IS COMING! The reality is modern day society has very Clearly, whether you accept His calling little, if any, time for God. Jesus warns or not, Jesus Christ is still coming as He The world is not expecting Him. Even if it us against allowing ourselves to be overly promised and you don’t want to be caught was, it’s not preparing for the triumphant distracted by the ‘social glitz’ of this world, unprepared upon His arrival. Second Coming of the Lord of all Lords especially Christians who should instead and the King of all Kings. The Second be biblically aware of what is happen- Many have questioned whether He will Adam (1 Cor.15: 45-49) came, died for our ing around them. The very signs given truly come. The scoffers were around sins, and rose again; and now this time, in Matthew 24 as an indication that His during the first century of the church and He will return as a Conquering King. return is near should not go unnoticed! If today they are in no short supply. They still The saints of God know He’ll return and Christ’s coming is going to be “as a thief cast doubt among the weak and they still wait patiently for their redemption to be in the night,” (meaning many are going to concoct all kinds of ridiculous reasons why fulfilled. be caught unaware, ‘not prepared for the Jesus won’t return. Some argue Jesus never intruder’), unquestionably, God’s people said He would return, some claim He’s Jesus Christ is returning and He will not be should not be in this category! But rather, here already, while others say He never soft on the evil and wickedness plaguing they should be preparing by watching and resurrected, therefore, He cannot come our society. We are told He is returning praying. back. Peter warned us about this doubt and with vengeance and wrath on wickedness. cynicism (2 Pet. 3:1-10). Humanity is going to weep. Humanity is But, what about those who have knowledge going to mourn when the wrath of God is of the true and living God; those called out However, notice what Jesus says: unleashed on unrighteousness. Who will ones who haven’t yet repented of their sins be able to withstand the power and might and are hesitating, delaying their deci- “Behold I come quickly and my reward is of God when sinful mankind begins to feel sion to commit their lives to God? What with me to give every man according to God’s anger for disobedience to His laws does the return of Christ mean to them? his works” (Rev. 22:7). and commands? Should it really matter? Should they be concerned? God cannot lie! He’s coming for sure and Matthew 24:44 warns us, “…the Son there will be weeping and mourning and of Man is coming at an hour you do not All of us have an appointment with death. gnashing of teeth. All ungodliness will expect.” His return for millions of people Yes, any of us could die at any moment cease. The whole world lies in wicked- will be “as a thief in the night” (1 Thess. anytime and, therefore be oblivious to ness we’re told in 1 John 5:19, but Jesus is 5:2). And why would that be? Aren’t we all His return because of this “sleep” that is coming to impose divine rule which will aware and haven’t we all heard, that Jesus appointed to man. Or on the other hand, end evil. will return some day? Sadly, many have, we could very well see with our own eyes but most don’t really believe it! But Jesus’ the returning King coming in the clouds statement is clear: “Watch therefore for on a white horse with the armies of heaven. continued on page 11

www.prevailmagazine.org | 1 Prevail Magazine December 2007

‘Hear’ Today, Gone Tomorrow

You’re hearing and reading the Word of God today, tomorrow you may not... But tomorrow doesn’t have to bring death...

Watch Armor of God! It brings you the good news about ‘life’.

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“‘Behold, I send My messenger, same was true with John. For one, John The voice of one crying And he will prepare the way before Me. the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus, but in the wilderness And the Lord, whom you seek, in the pattern of Elijah (Matt. 11:13-14; Will suddenly come to His temple, John 1:21-25), fulfilling the prophecy of As mentioned before, Isaiah 40:3 clearly Even the Messenger of the covenant, Malachi (Mal. 3:1; Luke 1:11-20). That’s proves John the Baptist was the person In whom you delight. one reason perhaps, why John went to whom the prophet spoke about. John’s pur- Behold, He is coming,’ the Jordon River to baptize converts—the pose was to prepare the way for Jesus’ First Says the Lord of hosts.” (Mal. 3:1) Jordon river was the place where Elijah Coming. The idea came from the practice had been taken up into the clouds above, of Eastern Monarchs, who whenever they his is a strong announcement from the in the sky surrounding the Earth (2 Kgs. embarked on an expedition, sent harbin- Lord Himself, regarding His Second 2:8-18) . Perhaps John believed Elijah’s gers before them to prepare the way for TComing. spirit rested upon him in much the same their passage. Israel was that desert coun- way as the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha try to which John was sent to announce the Over two thousand years ago, there came a (2 Kgs. 2:15) because he knew he was the coming of the Messiah. It was destitute at man from God whose name was John. He one crying in the wilderness, preparing the that time of God’s truths, and of the spirit came as a prophet to bear witness of the way (John 1:23). Notice how this is con- and practice of piety. John was sent to Light, to announce Jesus’ gospel of repen- firmed by the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 and prepare the way of the Lord, by preaching tance to Israel and the world, so they would is substantiated further by Matthew 3:3. repentance. flee from their sins. To accomplish this mis- sion, God raised up, John the Baptist, this John began his ministry in the wilderness God sent John to bear witness and to testify “Holy Man… Preacher… and Testifier,” of next to the Jordan River, teaching repen- about Jesus Christ so that all might believe Jesus’ gospel to present a message of hope tance (Luke 3:1-2; Mark 1:4). He also through Him. John was not the Light but to his generation. God anointed John and came to bear witness that Jesus was the came to testify concerning the Light. Jesus gave him tremendous divine power. Messiah in combination with his preach- came to the Jews first, but His own did not ing of baptism and repentance. He told the receive Him (John 1:6-11). Therefore, He Who was John the Baptist? people that the Light is coming. John was went to the Gentiles (Acts 1:8). the messenger, not the Light. John came as Like Jesus Christ, John the Baptist was a a witness preparing the way for the King! continued on page 23 charismatic religious figure who was able A witness is one who personally sees or to convince the people to get baptized and observes something that furnishes evi- repent of their sins. He took his mission dence of proof. John was attesting to the to heart, though it was short-lived, because facts or testimony of Jesus, validating Jesus’ he was only the precursor to Jesus Christ. position and role! John the Baptist had a mission of his own with an agenda that was quite different John’s busi- ness as the forerunner was from that of Jesus Christ. John had special to proclaim the gospel of God’s qualities such as detailed knowledge of the g r a c e , and Christ, the scriptures allowing him to explain parables sacrifi- The Voicecial Lamb and sayings, and the ability to persuade. of God who However, it was extremely difficult, even t a k e s for him, to convey a religious message to away the people already deep in their own religious sins of the world. convictions. Believers were to repent and be baptized for the remis- John was also related to Jesus, through the sion of sin. Repentance prepared the family connection of Elizabeth, Zacharias, soul for baptism. John came proclaim- and Mary. John and Jesus were only six to ing, heralding a seven months apart in age. Being so close matter of great like that and related to one another, it’s and solemn quite likely he spent time with Jesus as a importance to youth growing up, but despite that, John humanity; the of One was still not quite sure of the true purpose subject not of of Jesus’ coming to Earth. John did finally his own making, nor of himself, but enquire of Jesus about whether He was in of God, from whom he had fact, the Elijah to come after the Roman received his commission authorities jailed him. from birth (Luke 1:13-19). Admittedly, God may not necessarily explain His entire plans to His messengers up front when giving an assignment. The CryingBy Patrick Bastien

www.prevailmagazine.org | 3 Prevail Magazine December 2007 Jesus Christ Is Fulfilled Prophecy By Bill Watson

n today’s world many do not recognize of the one third who do recognize Him as iniquity [lawlessness].” (Matt. 7:21-23) the plain prophetic statements fore- the promised Messiah, don’t understand Itelling the Coming of Jesus the Christ what He really represents or what His On the one hand, in today’s secular, liberal as the suffering servant. They ignore the Gospel message is really about. So many of environment where the opinions of even specific declaration of His Messiahship, the traditional Christian teachings within the ‘village idiots’ are heard, Christianity how it was to be accomplished, and what the, so-called-Christian community have is often the target. This has contributed it means for mankind. This eye-opening camouflaged the truth, resulting in a mis- to the demise of what little credibility article will prove from prophecies of the understood purpose. Consequently, ‘the the Bible has retained among the world’s Old Testament that Jesus Christ is indeed many’ Christians today are being misdi- ‘scholarly elitists.’ Yet, on the other hand, the promised Messiah and Saviour, pro- recting into believing a blurred and confusing traditional Christianity has presented such phetically validating Him as the coming Christian theology of what God the Father, a compromised version of the original the- King of kings and Lord of lords! through Jesus Christ is accomplishing. ology of the Christ-centered gospel, that it should be no surprise for us to understand Peter tells us, Unfortunately, this has caused ‘the many’ that “many” would come claiming Christ is to be exposed to the jeopardy of what Jesus Messiah, but shall deceive ‘the many’ [most “And now, brethren, I wot [know] that described as those who think they are people] (Matt. 24:4-5). through ignorance ye did it, as did also pleasing God, but in fact, are not! Notice: your rulers [kill the author of life, Jesus Where is the Proof? Christ]. But those things, which God “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, before had shewed by the mouth of all Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of So, is it possible to prove from the Bible his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he heaven; but he that doeth the will of my that Jesus Christ is in fact the promised hath so fulfilled.” (Acts 3:17-18, empha- Father which is in heaven. Many will Messiah? And if that can be done, can we sis mine) say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, what we not prophesied in thy name? and in exactly was the definition and scope of His Regardless of this plain scriptural state- thy name have cast out devils? and in God-ordained mission? These are legitimate ment, currently 2 ∕₃ of the world do not thy name done many wonderful works? questions that deserve answers—and they recognize Jesus Christ as the promised And then will I profess unto them, I never can be answered! Messiah. And a portion knew you: depart from me, ye that work But, in order to properly answer these ques- tions, initially,

4 | www.prevailmagazine.org December 2007 Prevail Magazine we must remember the Old Testament any who have ‘eyes to see’ that specifically, 7:12-13 we see the story of Ahaz, King of scriptures were the only God inspired Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah of the Judah fearing his brother nation Israel and documents available at the time of Jesus Old Testament—whom most Jews today, its confederates would destroy his nation to Christ’s ministry. Many fail to realize that continue to dismiss. the South. God assured him this wouldn’t the New Testament Church was estab- happen. But notice the reason Isaiah gives lished and built on the texts of the Old It’s regrettable that this obvious and for preserving the nation Judah, even Testament writings (Eph. 2:20). This is understandable truth is disregarded and though Ahaz would prefer not to know why it’s absurd to consider mitigating the unaccepted! Clearly, Isaiah 9:6-7 explains (verse 12). Isaiah explains the reason is influence these manuscripts of the law, that a Child will be born, destined to be because a virgin will conceive a child, naming writings, and prophets had on the early a Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Him Immanuel, meaning: God with us! New Testament Church. Father, and Prince of Peace for a govern- The New Testament corroborates this in ment that would have no end. Additionally, Matthew 1:18-25 where it’s said, the Child Contrary to the opinion of many liberal He would be connected to the lineage of would be from the House of David and Christian scholars, the Old Testament man- King David, who was from the tribe of His name would be Emmanuel which also uscripts substantiate the New Testament Judah. This links up with Luke means, God with us! These plain, uncor- texts, including the very Messiahship of 1:26-35 where we read the story rupted scriptures emphatically con- Jesus the Christ! As a matter of historical nect Jesus Christ with the ancient fact, the Christian ‘way’ was originally con- prophecies that foretold how this sidered an extension of the ancient Hebrew would happen; undoubtedly religion. Unfortunately, too many have “My God, my God, authenticating Him (Jesus forgotten this and have dismissed the Old Christ) as the promised Child Testament and ‘moth balled’ it—relegating why hast thou King, born of a virgin. it to ancient history and/or cute little Bible stories that have a ‘moral to the story’ by forsaken But the story goes on and gets even the circumstances described. better when Micah explains that from me?... the city of Bethlehem, a ruler of Israel will Sadly, this is an enormous mistake, come forth who was promised from the days because the Old Testament has much more of eternity (Micah 5:2). Obviously, this value than this oversimplification. It is the ...they corroborates with Matthew 2:1, perfectly Biblical proof that these canonized books confirming the birthplace where the Christ verify the very hand of God in human pierced (anointed) Child was born in conjunction affairs. To marginalize the Old Testament with 2 Timothy 1:9, which clearly tells us is a decision to rule out a major historical my hands that the purpose of Christ was decided on record of God’s personal involvement “before the world began.” Obviously, this describing how He is orchestrating and my feet... is just another way of explaining He was the human realm for the fulfillment promised from the days of eternity. of His purpose, telling His-Story. The Old Testament prophecies ...they part my There are so many more prophetic con- pertaining to Christ and His suffer- nections we can illustrate from the Old ing servant Messiahship Ministry, is just one garments among Testament prophets that are incred- of the many very important components ibly stunning in their detail. For instance, sanctioning and authenticating God the them, and cast lots Zechariah 9:9, speaking some 500 years Father’s role, in the scope of His salvific before Christ was physically born, tells us plan. upon my vesture.” this King would ride into Jerusalem on a Psalms 22 colt. Later, we’re told He would be betrayed What is the Truth? by a friend (Psa. 41:9) for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12), and of which, this Unfortunately, the specific statements that betrayer would ultimately find this ‘blood pertain to Jesus Christ’s First Coming, as of Gabriel’s visitation to Mary announcing money’ paying for a potter’s field (Zech. the “Lamb of God,” the suffering Servant, the fact that she was chosen to bear this 11:13). are overlooked by many and especially some Child, Son of the Highest, who was des- in the 21st century Jewish community. tined to receive the throne of David and Even some of the prophetic details con- It’s amazing how so many clear and con- reign over the house of Jacob (all twelve cerning the death and crucifixion of Christ cise prophetic statements concerning this tribes) forever—ruling a kingdom without are just simply remarkable! Notice, in fact can be ignored. Sadly, Nostradomus, end. Gabriel also explains this will be a Psalm 22 we are told of how the people Edgar Casey, and other alleged prophets virgin birth, conducted through the power witnessing the crucifixion laughed at Him and clairvoyants receive more recognition of God’s Holy Spirit. and shook their heads in scorn. We’re told and credibility than the straight forward He was pierced in His hands and feet and prophetic documentation provided in the Now notice how this was prophesied Old Testament. Yet, the record is there for almost 800 years before it happened. In Isaiah continued on page 15

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he world we live in today is plagued Christmas season illustrates. He came as fulfilled? (Isa. 40:10-11). Unquestionably, with problems for which there the only one capable of dealing with the God’s word answers this for us! Tseem to be no solution. The enor- problem of sin—which is the source of mity of these problems make our world our overwhelming geopolitical and social Luke 4:18 gives a brief look at the creden- very unhappy and insecure. We need one troubles. tial and mandate of Jesus. He will bring to King and one Kingdom to take us out of an end all the evils besetting the human this dilemma. The truth is that Jesus is coming again race. The peace and happiness we seek will to bring the rule of God to this Earth. be brought to us with the establishment of Interestingly enough, in spite of the efforts Remember a section of the model prayer: God’s Kingdom. A literal kingdom will from world governments and insti- be established on the Earth (Zech. tutions, we have failed to break 14:9). No nation or territory will this yoke of unhappiness. Human On e Ki n g d o m escape the rule of Jesus Christ; beings won’t admit: we simply and no politician will be able to cannot create our own Garden of sabotage or discredit the Kingdom. Eden. Instead, we continue like On e Ki n g Furthermore, no dictator will By Anthony Braithwaite generations before us, to put our succeed in mounting a rebellion brightest minds to work at the impos- against it because it will be governed sible task of bringing world peace and by the power that created the universe. happiness. Jesus Christ will subdue all the king- doms of this Earth, enforcing God’s Our attempts at solutions have never law over all the people of the world. worked historically and simply never They will learn to respect the purpose will. Where does that leave us? How for which God created them and the do we bridge the gap, between what we value of honouring and praising Him. desire and what we see around us? From where, and to whom do we look for the All that has been outlined so far is for kind of leadership that will effectively the future, a glorious future of peace bring peace and happiness? and harmony. You can become a part of that future because God is offering We need to put an end to injustice and you and I citizenship in His Kingdom greed, the exploitation of the powerless (John 1:12). Being a child of God by the powerful, the suffering of the denotes loyalty and submission to His weak inflicted upon them by those who commands (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46). are strong—all in combination with Jesus wants to be Lord of our lives ending famine, disease, murder, and (Mal. 1:6). God expresses His feelings broken homes that contribute so much about the lack of reverence now being to the downfall of this society. Not to displayed by human beings; however, mention the additional problems of we are all invited to humble ourselves immorality, lack of fear of God, and at the feet of Jesus. There are great the destruction of the environment. blessing to be enjoyed. We are being offered positions in God’s kingdom What human government can bring (Dan. 7:27). God will give us heavenly solutions to these seemingly over- protection (Psa. 91:1) and prosperity whelming problems? Instead of getting “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in according to His will, preserving us as His better, conditions continue to get worse. earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). beloved children and providing us eternal The world cannot continue much longer on life in His everlasting Kingdom. its present course—it will simply destroy We can prepare ourselves for that because it itself. The Almighty God who created the will be a reality soon. When asked whether These are only some of the benefits avail- Earth will one day intervene to save man- He was a king or not, Jesus replied, able to those who put their trust in Him. kind from himself and bring every desired Whenever you are faced with the daily good. That’s exactly what He had in mind “To this end was I born, and for this cause challenges of life brought on by the sins of when He gave us Jesus Christ, His only came I into the world…” (John 18:37) this world, remember: the day is coming begotten Son. when one King, one Kingdom, will put an But what kind of King will he be and what end to all the miseries of life once and for When Jesus was born, the angels sang, kind of Kingdom will He be ruling over? all. Christ, the Anointed will usher in an Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men What about His subjects? Will they be era in which the Earth will be filled with (Luke 12:14). However, His birth means victims of the kind of dictatorships with the knowledge of God as the waters cover far more than the exchanging of gifts, which the world is so familiar? Or will the sea (Isa. 11:9). This is what the world the consumption of food, with partying the desire for happiness placed within needs now, and the King, Jesus the Christ, and having a good time as the traditional the human heart by God at long last be is coming to do just that!

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be like God knowing both good and evil (Gen. 3:4-5). The tree was then desirable Th e Fi r s t to the woman because of the wisdom that could be acquired (Gen. 3:6).

The second Adam, on the other hand, Fa i l u r e , already possessed all wisdom, but more importantly, was the perfect example of humility—an he first man, Adam failed, indication of His superior but the Second was nature. Christ humbled Ttriumphant over Himself so much that death. What made He was obedient all the Jesus, the Christ, way until death (Phil. 2:8). victorious and did He really Death and Life have anything in common with Both the actions of Christ and Adam Adam? impacted mankind. Sadly, by Adam’s sin, death entered the world and spread A contrasting look to all men. How can this be? Simply put, at Adam and Jesus the actions of a father affect his wife and shows our Saviour children. The decisions of a king or ruler to be superior in nature affect everyone in the nation. Likewise, and victorious in the the actions and decisions of the first Adam, flesh after confronting simi- who physically fathered the human race, lar circumstances to Adam. These victories had a deathly result on all of mankind that make Christ qualified to return as King of the par- a d i s e followed (Rom. 5:12-21). kings and Lord of lords. setting of A d a m , Jesus was led into the wilderness where The second Adam, Christ, created all Adam is referred to as the first man and there was nothing around. He had neither things and thus is head over all Creation Jesus Christ “the last [second] Adam” (1 food nor water. Among the temptations including the human race (Col. 1:16). His Cor. 15:45). The similarities and differences He faced, like Adam, He was tempted actions, too, have affected humanity—but between Adam and Christ (the second with food. He was hungry from fasting, in a good way. By contrast, because of His Adam) show why Christ is indeed worthy and Satan knew it was the opportune perfect obedience, death, and resurrection, to the called The Saviour of Mankind! time to tempt Him. He was challenged the grace of God is made available to all by to turn stones into bread. Where Adam way of Christ Jesus. Romans 5:19 says, Failure and Victory succumbed to Satan, Jesus in a weakened, vulnerable state resisted and was victorious “For as by one man’s disobedience many Satan tempted both Adam and Christ. (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). were made sinners, so also by one Man’s However, Christ succeeded where Adam obedience many will be made righteous.” failed. The book of Genesis reveals that Pride and Humility God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden Mankind can once again come into right of Eden. They were truly in a paradise. They Satan’s temptation no doubt appealed to standing with God, justified by the supreme were surrounded with lush trees and veg- the pride in Adam as a human being. This sacrifice of His only begotten Son for the etation where there was plenty of food and lack of humility was a contributing factor sins of the world. Where Adam’s sin... water. God made available to them every to the first Adam’s fall. Satan told Adam’s tree of the garden, but denied them to take wife that by eating from the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good their eyes would be opened and they would continued on page 23 and Evil. Satan appeared to Eve and tempted her. As a result, Adam and his wife disobeyed God and Th e Se c o n d Tr i u m p h ate from the forbidden By Noel Scoburgh tree.

In contrast, the second Adam, Christ, was also tempted by Satan, but remained obedient. Unlike

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The the Return Twelfth of Imam

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia University By Duane Nicol Photo by: Daniella Zalcman Source: flickr

n a speech to the U.N. General Assembly Why is the President of Iran praying for return. They are all connected and impas- on September 17, 2005, Iranian President the return of the Mahdi, the so-called sioned with fiery, zealous, religious fervor. IMahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke of a plan perfect human who will bring peace on Ahmadinejad believes Iran’s redemption for world peace. Earth? will come through a volatile mixture of Islamic ideology and confronting the He told the Assembly, Because, Shi’ite Muslims believe the “world conspiracy” they deeply suspect is Twelfth Imam, or Mahdi, the last in a line instigated by the Crusaders and Zionists “When that day comes, the ultimate of saints, descended from Ali, the founder (America and Israel); this suspicion and promise of all Divine religions will be of their sect and vanished down a well in hatred goes back hundreds of years. fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect 941 AD. According to this belief, he went human being who is heir to all prophets into a state of occulation’ like the sun In fact, the origin of the volatile hatred and pious men. He will lead the world to hiding behind the clouds. The story goes dates back to the book of Genesis where justice and absolute peace.” on and claims that after a stormy period of Moses wrote about Ishmael, Abraham’s apocalyptic wars, the clouds will part, and son by Hagar. Moses writes, Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, closed his the sun (the Mahdi) will be revealed. They speech by calling for the reappearance of believe that when he is released from his “And he [Ishmael] will be a wild man; his the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi. He prayed imprisonment, the entire world will submit hand will be against every man, and he before the assembly, to Islam. This belief is the driving force shall dwell in the presence of all his breth- behind Ahmadinejad, Ayatollah Khameni, ren” (Gen. 16:11-12) “O Mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten and the majority of the central figures in the emergence of your last repository, the the Iranian government. Once Iran has the necessary nuclear bombs promised one, that perfect human being, or missiles, Israel, the U.S. and/or even the one that will fill this world with jus- Ahmadinejad and tens of thousands of Europe will be threatened with a thermo- tice and peace.” mullahs are controlling Iran (ancient Persia) nuclear exchange if any of these countries and are dead serious about the Mahdi’s expects or attempts a regime change in

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Iran. EMP energy pulse. The President and the a terrorist in that they are comfortable in military tried to discern what had hap- business meetings, weddings, and dinner Michael Evans, author of, Showdown with pened. With the country silent from the meetings and political events. They speak Nuclear Iran, gives a chilling example of EMP pulse, there was no way to know several languages fluently and may have just how feasible a nuclear attack could be who attacked us and why. At exactly 6:30 multiple degrees from prestigious univer- manifested by Iran on the U.S. and Israel, AM, another container ship 250 miles off sities. Their focus is on talent and drive. and has set up an illustrative scenario the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, a second Islamic leaders have always cherished the depicting a nuclear attack: Shabab-3 missile was launched carry- idea of the umma: the world community of ing a 550 kiloton warhead headed for Muslims. “Nabih Osami was the Director General Washington DC. Eight minutes later a of Pakistan Shipping Lines in the port mushroom cloud formed over our nation’s Osama bin Laden’s network is comprised city of Karachi. Brigadier General capital destroying a large portion of the of many cosmocrats. They have operated Hossein Shirazi paid a visit to Osami city. At the time of these two nuclear blasts in Afghanistan, Yemen, Algeria, Kenya, to discuss having a special compartment a third missile was fired from Rafah, and the Philippines just to name a few. built on the cargo deck on one of Osami’s Egypt, toward Tel Aviv, Israel. With the Bin Laden’s al-Qaeda is sized between a container ships. Shirazi wanted a space blast, all communications in Israel also cult and a genuine mass movement. There twice the normal size of a container space went dead. All three crews knew they are presently several thousand al-Qaeda of eight feet wide, nine feet tall, and were an integral part of ushering in the members that are scattered in sixty coun- forty feet long. The container would be a Twelfth Imam.” tries around the globe. One of the defining permanent fixture of the ship and characteristics of an al-Qaeda be covered with a normal operative, aside from the container load. The deck cosmocrat status, is had to be able to deploy At exactly 6:30 AM EST the patience. The 1998 a vehicle from the Embassy bombing compartment and clear Revolutionary Guard Commander in in Kenya took five the deck above the con- years to execute. tainer. The Shadow-3, The U.S.S. Cole one of Osman’s new charge of the missile pushed a button bombing in Yemen container ships, was two years dropped anchor outside and sent the Shebab-3 shooting in the making. of the Port of New The plotters of York. He was sailing star missile carrying a 550-kiloton the World Trade under a Panamanian Center Attack flag for anonymity. formed around Inside the special lead enriched uranium nuclear warhead into Mohammed Atta lined compartment, started in Germany was a Russian built space. It detonated at 80,000 feet. in 1998; the execu- missile launcher, an tion of the plan was MHZ 534 transport An illustrative scenario from Showdown with Nuclear Iran on September 11, erector launcher. The 2001. erector raised a fifty three foot long Shabab-3 missile For millions of Muslims, skyward. At exactly 6:30 AM EST the The EMP scenario is a proven concept as the defeat of the Soviet Union in Revolutionary Guard Commander in the U.S. Congress in 2000 created a com- Afghanistan was not viewed as a victory charge of the missile pushed a button and mission to discern whether such a feat for the U.S., but rather a Muslim victory. sent the Shebab-3 shooting star missile could be accomplished. The scenario is If Saudi Arabia were to have a democratic carrying a 550-kiloton enriched uranium feasible and could be accomplished as the election, Osama bin Laden would be nuclear warhead into space. It detonated commission gave its report to Congress. elected president. Most Muslims believe, at 80,000 feet. When it exploded it sent The terrorists, in these examples, plan very including Amadinejad, that Osama bin a barrage of gamma rays to earth and carefully and then execute with vengeance. Laden was anointed by Allah to defeat the created an Electromagnetic Pulse. The If they are caught, martyrdom is part of evil empires of both the Soviet Union and EMP instantly reached a radius of sev- their faith and they are willing to die for the United States. Osama, with his inher- eral hundred miles and rendered all elec- their objectives hoping they will be richly ited millions, is able to support his jihadist tronic equipment inoperable. All cell and rewarded in heaven for their dedication. agenda whenever and wherever he pleases. land phones, electrical equipment, lights, Let us take a look at Osama bin Laden and He is an activist that operates with impu- motors, and computers were dead due to his cosmocrats. nity. Why is he on such a vengeful attack the pulse. The eastern half of the U.S. was on America? in a state of shock and disbelief. All agen- The dictionary definition of a cosmocrat is cies in the government and civilian areas “a universal monarch or world ruler.” The could not contact each other due to the same term can be used in the context of continued on page 20

www.prevailmagazine.org | 9 Prevail Magazine December 2007 The Pursuit of Happiness

The vanity of the human being is what I’m seeing Self-interest, idolatry, hatred and cheating Wealth gathering and futile competing Insincere fake smiles when greeting Domestic affairs involving wife beating Resulting in spouses leaving Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden By Zion Hezekiah We are living in the times of perilous deceiving.

truly find happiness people, particularly in the Western world, t’s 6 o’clock on Monday morning without having a are longing for satisfaction—the quest for and many in the Western world are concrete understanding of personal happiness at any expense. scrambling, getting ready to pursue one’s purpose on Earth? Iyet another futile, never-ending, self- It is quite inter- esting to note defeating weekly expedition better known Well, let’s take a moment to identify a few that The United States of America as the ‘rat race.’ forms of basic human behaviour and see is second among the world’s coun- if we can attempt to answer some of the tries in GDP (Gross Domestic According to a February 2007 survey aforementioned questions. Product), yet the U.S. only ranked number conducted by The U.S. Conference Board, fifteen in a “subjective well-being” test, less than 35% of American workers under People smoke, drink excessively, curse, analyzing the world’s happiest countries the age of 25 are satisfied with their jobs, kill, steal, and commit fornication. Why? (UN Human Development Report, 2005). Is while less than 45% between the ages of Because these activities create for them it possible that human beings were not cre- 45-54 express satisfaction. We are living a sense of happiness. ‘If it feels good, it ated to be contented with the limitations of in the age where many of us are living to must be okay.’ Basic psychology and mere material possessions and other vanities of work as opposed to working to live. Most common sense dictate that people do what this world? Could there possibly be much Westerners, who are trapped within this works. Where there is no benefit, conse- more to life than that which is tangible? vicious cycle of detrimental living, are quently there is no action. The human undoubtedly sick and tired of being sick demand for immediate gratification, as A young child will go to grade school, leave and tired. opposed to long term benefit, is prevail- the house when they are 18, go off to col- ing more and more as the generations go lege, find a steady job, get married and have That being said, we would all agree that it forward. children, then eventually die. Of course, is the innate nature of mankind to be in much more than that occurs in between, constant pursuit of happiness and satisfac- but in the grand scheme of things, this is tion. Since it is a fact that happiness can generally the sequence in which life tends rarely be attained in the workplace where “If it feels good, to transpire. That’s life! But what’s next? many spend well over 50% of their time, During the course of life, there is very this is a major dilemma. it must be okay” little consideration for life’s true purpose, the afterlife, and the reason why humanity We search for happiness in the music we was created. listen to, the movies we watch, the food we eat, the friends we socialize with—the We are living in a very rapid, high-speed The book of Ecclesiastes records one list goes on and on. But what constitutes era where everything is now-now-now! It’s man’s personal search for happiness and happiness? Who are the happy people? all about fast cars, fast food, easy money the true meaning of life. Following King Does happiness favour those of a particular etc… Solomon’s lengthy and comprehensive age, sex, or race? What is the correlation quest, he concluded that this life that we between happiness and wealth? Can one It’s virtually every man for himself and most all love and cherish is meaningless and

10 | www.prevailmagazine.org December 2007 Prevail Magazine vain (Eccl. 1:2). and relevant books in the Bible. It chal- Behold He Comes lenges every popular notion of what leads continued from page 1 But even from a secular viewpoint, we all to happiness and the true purpose of this would agree that no matter how much life that we live. This collection of philo- As it was in the days of Noah, when evil pleasure we experience during our lives, or sophical essays written (approx. 250 BC) was everywhere, the Holy Bible tells us how much wealth we accumulate, none of by King Solomon, serves a great purpose in “so shall it be at the end” (Matt. 13:49). this will be of any benefit to us once we are acknowledging the fact that “all is vanity” It’s even more urgent when we see evil six feet under in the grave. and that one can only live a happy and all around us. The time is now: “prepare meaningful life by learning to discern good to meet thy God,” (Amos 4:12) because All this considered, there must be a spe- from evil and by obeying the laws of God. tomorrow may be too late, and so could cific plan for mankind, a definitive purpose Simply put: life without God is pointless. next week, or next year if we keep resist- as to why we were created, and what is to ing the call of The Eternal. He won’t be expected of each and every one of us. The comprehension of life’s true purpose, keep calling all the time. God gives all Indeed, there must be a way to attain true according to the Word of God, is the of us who are called various opportuni- and everlasting happiness. beginning of the pursuit of true happiness ties in the course of our lives to answer which can only be found in Christ Jesus. His call and this could very well be yours According to the Word of God, there is now. Think about it carefully, because a deeper purpose for mankind on Earth. Jesus’ victory and authority over sin, undoubtedly, Jesus is coming for sure We were created in God’s image (Gen. death, and the grave belong to those of us and perhaps sooner than we expect. 1:26) with the purpose of becoming that have accepted Him as our Lord and joint-heirs with our Lord and Saviour. True happiness is now ours! In this issue of Prevail, we have articles Saviour Jesus Christ (Rom. showing you the prophecies pertaining 8:17). God expects us to True and eternal happiness for all of man- to Jesus Christ, His return, why He make serving Him our number kind will only begin once Jesus Christ must come again, and what it will mean one priority (Col. 3:2; Matt. returns to Earth to set up His everlasting for this civilization. The articles are to 6:33). The reality is, there is no true hap- Kingdom. enlighten you about the perilous times piness, no benefit outside of a life of true we are living in and why it is incumbent Christianity (Mark 8:36). Shall we continue to live in on each and every one of us to be con- vain, according to the flesh, scious of what is happening around us, A Christian life provides both immedi- in our pursuit of counterfeit not taking things for granted, especially ate and long term benefits. Life is much happiness? Can we continue to when they have international implica- more rewarding and stress-free when we invest in bags with holes or tions. We truly hope you will enjoy this obey God’s laws and commandments. It is pour water in broken c i s t e r n s ? issue and that the thought-provoking important to make the best of our physical Or, will we live a life of self-denial and articles will equip you with enough lives, but not at the expense of our spiritual obedience according to the will of God the information to read and understand the lives. Father and His Son Jesus Christ? need for you, personally to draw closer to God as the weeks, months and years tick As followers of Christ Jesus, we must be What shall it be? You must make a deci- by. May God open your understanding readily willing to deny our physical happi- sion soon because the King is coming! to the glorious plans He has for you! ness and to live by the Word, according to the will of God the Father, for we shall be rewarded in due time (John 16:20). Presently, we are living in very sinful and perilous times where the tempta- tions are a challenge to overcome. In our pursuit of true happiness, we must draw close to God so that He can draw close to us (Jas. 4:8).

We were not created to partake in the vanities of this world, which are considered the path of “happiness” by many. Instead we were created to fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13).

Ecclesiastes is one of the most logical

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The King Is Coming By Murray Johnson

will begin by stating boldly that be seen in every aspect of His Creation. thought today that believes the rapture will Christ is coming back to Earth soon The vastness, order, and precision of the take place before the Great Tribulation. The as King of kings and Lords of lords universe are manifestations of God; thus, term for this is Pre-Tribulationism. They Ito establish the Kingdom of God. those who refused to believe in Him have believe the rapture of the saints and the When He returns there will be signs and no excuse. Coming of Christ will occur at 2 different wonders in the sky and all those who are points in time, between 3.5 to 7 years, and alive will see them. That’s one promise that Everything in the universe is orderly, fol- that the tribulation will come in the middle will certainly be fulfilled. If God is calling lows a precise pattern, and is endless. There of these 2 events. They often call the first you and you haven’t repented of your sins, is no disorder or confusion; everything runs part of Christ’s Coming the secret rapture, what are you doing about it? as God has set in place and commanded. since Christ’s Coming for the saints is ‘as There is no mystery about this. God reveals a thief in the night’. It will supposedly be When Christ came to Earth approxi- His nature to all those who want to see. accompanied by no signs, except the disap- mately 2000 years ago, there was also a God doesn’t hide Himself. He makes clear pearance of the saints. sign in the heavens. The wise men from the that His only begotten Son came the first east saw this sign and they followed it to time to die for our sins and the second time The second part of Christ’s return, accord- Bethlehem. They were learned men who He’ll come to redeem us and put a stop ing to some churches, is the coming in knew their scripture and they studied the to sin. He also outlined a chain of events great glory to establish the Kingdom of stars. They knew this star would lead them leading up to His Second Coming. God and rid the world of the anti-Christ. to the New Born King and they came to In Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21, worship Him. Even Herod, King of Judea, We’ve all heard the term secret rapture. The Christ says that the sign of the Son of Man knew a King was born, albeit he thought it word ‘rapture,’ however, doesn’t appear in will appear in Heaven and then all the was an earthly king. He reasoned this King the Bible. The Greek word translation of tribes of the Earth will mourn and will see would be a threat to him and he tried to the word means “snatch out or catch away.” the Son of Man coming on the clouds of put him (The New Born King) to death. Even though the word never appears in Heaven with power and great glory (Matt. scripture, we read that the saints will 24:30). Now, when Christ returns to Earth the meet Christ in the air, in the clouds at second time, he won’t be as a little child His Coming. We know this will happen; Also, Christ compares the time just before to suffer at the hands of men, rather He’ll however, let’s be clear on when this will His Second Coming as in the days of return with all the divine power and might happen—what is the timeline, and what Noah when the everyday lives of people that He used to create the universe. As will happen afterward? went on as usual: two men in the field one we see in Romans 1, the divine nature will be taken the other left; two women and invisible qualities of God can clearly There’s a certain segment of Christian grinding, one is taken, the other is left.

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Pre-Tribulation thought claims these an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inspired by Satan the devil. But God will events must take place at two different inhabitants of the land tremble: for the step in and put a stop to it for the elect’s times. The upheaval in the heavens and the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh sake. God does not cause the tribulation ordinary everyday lives of people on Earth at hand; A day of darkness and of gloomi- but He allows it to show the futility of can’t happen at the same time, can they? ness, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, humanity.

We read in Genesis, that in Noah’s time The book of Revelation makes mention there was widespread violence and corrup- of the time of tribulation and the signs of tion. Human calamity was so great that heaven. God was determined to destroy all flesh except, Noah and his family. Yet, even “And I beheld when he had opened the with all this mayhem around him, Noah sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great and his sons were still able to build the Ark earthquake; and the sun became black as in relative peace. As we can see, life still sackcloth of hair, and the moon became goes on amidst tribulation. Look at today’s as blood; And the stars of heaven fell news and we see floods, drought, famine, unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth crime, war, global warming, injustice, and her untimely figs, when she is shaken of the threat of terrorism—nevertheless, life “...and the sun became black a mighty wind. And the heaven departed goes on. Here is the order of events leading as sackcloth of hair, and the as a scroll when it is rolled together; and up to Christ’s return, as stated in the book every mountain and island were moved of Matthew: moon became as blood...” out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich The Great Tribulation men, and the chief captains, and the 1 as the morning spread upon the moun- mighty men, and every bondman, and Spectacular Heavenly Signs immediately tains: a great people and a strong; there every free man, hid themselves in the follow the tribulation of those days. 2 hath not been ever the like, neither shall dens and in the rocks of the mountains; be any more after it, even to the years of And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall The Day of the Lord—Christ is seen many generations.” (Joel 2:1-2) on us, and hide us from the face of him coming with power and great glory. 3 that sitteth on the throne, and from the We see in Matthew 24, Christ speaks of wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of When we see all these things happening “tribulation” and “great tribulation” upon his wrath is come; and who shall be able we will know that the end is near. The Jerusalem, then speaks of the events lead- to stand?” (Rev. 6:12-17) Kingdom of God is about to be established ing up to His Return. (Luke 21:28, 31). As we see from the Old Testament, “Immediately after the tribulation of through to the New, there will be signs Christ speaks of the day and hour when those days the sun will be darkened, and and wonders in the sky, all laid out in a we will see Him coming in the cloud of the moon will not give its light; the stars linear fashion when the Great King Christ heaven. But He also says, will fall from heaven, and the powers of makes his triumphant return to establish the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign the Kingdom of God. Humanity will be in “But of that day and hour no one knows, of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, fear when the wrath of God is unleashed not even the angels of heaven, but My and then all the tribes of the earth will on a sinning world, but these things must Father only…” (Matt. 24:36). mourn, and they will see the Son of Man come to pass before Christ will appear. coming on the clouds of heaven with power Remember also, the people of God will be Only God, the Father knows the exact hour and great glory.” (Matt. 24:29-30) caught up in the air—but not before all this when Christ will return. So we are told trouble is upon us. to watch—not necessarily CNN or read- Similarly, Mark speaks of the heavenly ing the newspapers to see what events are signs that occur in those days after the Therefore, when see these events unfold- fulfilling prophecy, but to watch ourselves tribulation in Mark 13:24. Here is the ing we must have faith and courage for we to make sure we don’t fall for the pleasures sequence of events: know our redemption is coming. Don’t try of this world, rather to stay the course in to figure out which day He will appear. But Tribulation and Martyrdom Christian mind and deed. For those whom stay awake, stand fast, keep your mind on God is calling, your duty before God is to 1 the things that God is concerned about. Heavenly Signs appear repent and be baptized and receive the gift Put on the full Armour of God so that of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). 2 you can take your stand on that day when Men’s hearts fail from those things the King comes. If you haven’t repented of that are happening on Earth as the The book of Joel also speaks of the signs 3 your sins, now is the time to answer God’s Day of the Lord approaches. and wonders that will appear in the heav- call so you will be ready for the return of ens at the end time. the King of kings. The distress on the Earth during the tribu- “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound lation is brought about by human actions,

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esus came preaching the gospel of Father…Who hath delivered us from the enter, and they receive you, eat such things the Kingdom, saying ‘The time is power of darkness, and hath translated us as set before you: And heal the sick that are fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God into the Kingdom of His dear Son,’ (Col. therein, and say unto them, the Kingdom “Jis at hand.’” 1:12,13). of God is come nigh unto you.’ Jesus spoke these words more than God’s people are already ‘in’ the Kingdom Revelation 1:7: ‘John, who also am your 2,000 years ago; but as we have seen, the in the same sense that an heir is already the brother, and companion in tribulation, Kingdom of God has yet to be established possessor of his inheritance (see Gal. 4:1). and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus in the earth. Just what did He mean when They are ‘in’ the Kingdom in the sense that Christ, was in the isle called Patmos, for He said that the Kingdom was at hand? they have experienced some level of the the Word of God, and for the testimony of power of the Kingdom, and have submitted Jesus Christ.’ Consider the following: Jesus Christ is to the rule to the King of the Kingdom. King of the Kingdom. He is the ‘Way’ None of the above passages says that the into the Kingdom and the ‘Door’ by which Several other scriptures seem to suggest Kingdom of God has already been estab- we may enter. He came to call sinners to that the Kingdom is present. Please note lished in the earth. Rather, they simply repentance – to show them how they could say the Kingdom is present in power, or enter the Kingdom. When He said, ‘The in the Person (or Spirit) of the King of the Kingdom of God is at hand,’ He meant Kingdom, Jesus Christ. the Messiah, the Savior – the only means Kingdom under which men could enter the Kingdom When the disciples went into the various of God – had come into the world of men cities casting out demons, healing the sick, and was in their midst. Countdown and preaching the Kingdom of God, they said ‘The Kingdom of God is come nigh This clarifies Jesus’ often misunderstood unto you.’ They meant that the statement to the Pharisees: ‘The Kingdom means of entry into the Kingdom of God cometh not with observation: had been displayed. Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! For, behold, the Kingdom of God John acknowledged his is within you.’ The words within you companionship with fellow should be translated ‘among you,’ or Christians ‘in tribulation, and in ‘in your midst.’ Jesus Christ, the the Kingdom and patience of Jesus King of the Kingdom, was in the Christ.’ He was speaking of the hard- midst of the Pharisees when He ships he and other Christians were spoke these words. having to endure, but was speaking with a view toward the future. They Often, ‘king,’ and ‘kingdom’ shared in the Kingdom (or kinship) are used interchangeably. For in the sense that they shared the posi- example, the ‘head of gold’ in tive assurance that the present distress King Nebuchadnezzar’s pro- would one day give way to the glorious phetic dream (Dan. 2) represents Kingdom of God. the Babylonian kingdom – yet, it also represents the king of Babylon. The scholars who claim ‘You can’t have The prophet Daniel explains, ‘Thou Jesus saying both the kingdom is here and [Nebuchadnezzar] art this head of gold. is off in the future,’ and who supposedly And after thee shall arise another king- “take a very careful approach to how saying dom…’ (verses 38,39). An excerpt from our booklet: of Jesus were transmitted and to the evolu- Why Christ Must Return tion of the Bible texts,’ need to be much In the seventh chapter, four beasts rep- more careful in their evaluation of biblical resenting four kingdoms are described as references to the Kingdom. ‘four kings which shall arise out of the the following: Matthew 12.20: ‘But if I earth,’ (verse 17). [Jesus] cast out devils [demons] by the Perhaps they are not ‘maverick scholars’ Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God but who said the majority is always right. So when Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of is come unto you.’ God as if it were present, He simply meant Humanity is headed toward destruction. that the Kingdom was present in the Person Mark 12:34: ‘And when Jesus saw that he Unless Almighty God intervenes into the of the King. answered discreetly, He said unto him, affairs of humankind, there remains no Thou art not far from the Kingdom of hope for the future of our plant, no hope The apostle Paul’s reference to a present God…’ for our children and our children’s children ‘Kingdom’ has also been misunderstood. – no hope at all! That’s why Jesus Christ He wrote, ‘Giving all thanks unto the Luke 10:6-7: ‘And into whatsoever city ye Must return!

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Jesus Christ Is Fulfilled order by virtue of re-instituting the laws of nate Child, the Word manifest in the flesh Prophecy God, resulting in the “Kingdom of God.” as Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Rev. 19:11-16), continued from page 5 This will finally bring peace to the Earth would come and die for His Creation, go (remember, the reward of the saved is not back to the Father as a High Priest, and watched as His clothes were gambled heaven). Unmistakably, God’s Kingdom “appear a second time without sin unto sal- away by lot. Also, some of the very last will be established on this Earth! vation” (Heb. 28). Remember, the disciples words Christ would roar from His cruci- were told by the angel upon witnessing fied condition are found in verse 1. Psalm “And the LORD shall be king over all Jesus’ ascension that this same Jesus would 69:21 mentions the vinegar that was given the earth: in that day shall there be one return “in like manner as ye have seen him to Him when He asked for a drink. You LORD, and his name one.” (Zech. 14:9) go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). can validate the fulfillment of these many prophecies by simply reading and compar- The result of this God ordained interven- And when He comes thundering back, His ing the record of Matthew 27, Luke 23, tion, will change the order of things: mission will be to reshape the world order and John 19. and bring peace to men of good will. Isaiah 2:1-4; Jeremiah 23:5-8; Micah 4:1-4 all And of course it would be remiss not to speak of this God ordained project that the mention Isaiah 53 and the detailed descrip- “It’s always been about Father is determined to accomplish through tion of the events and reasons for these cir- Christ. He has a tremendous amount of cumstances, explained and outlined so we assuring mankind that investment devoted to this salvific pro- can understand why this had to happen in gram of redemption. He’s been telling us the way it did. The plan of God is under- we have the potential about it since the Garden of Eden when scored and anchored on the foundational He created man in His own image. It’s principle that remission of sins can only be of becoming part of always been about assuring mankind that achieved by the shedding of blood (Heb. we have the potential of becoming part of 9:22-28). This is the pattern of things in His God Family...” His God Family if we so choose to exercise the heavens—that which God the Father our birthright. Sadly, so many don’t recog- set in motion when it was decided that the nize the formula that results in atonement Creator God, the Word manifested later as with God. Yet, God is eager for all of us to Jesus Christ, came to die for His Creation understand why He is so interested in us (Col. 1:9-20; John 1:10-16). Admittedly, “And there shall come forth a rod out of and more importantly, how we can achieve this was the prophet that Moses also spoke the stem of Jesse [who was King David’s our potential. It all begins with accepting of in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 and of which father], and a branch shall grow out of his Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God and King the apostle Peter confirmed when he said, roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest of kings— the prophesied Messiah of man- upon him… And he shall smite the earth kind! (Heb. 2:5-18). “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, with the rod of his mouth, and with the A prophet shall the Lord your God raise breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. These specific fulfilled prophecies through- up unto you of your brethren, [Jesus was And righteousness shall be the girdle of out your Bible are unquestionably the proof Jewish, see Heb. 7:14; Rev. 5:5] …Yea, his loin, and faithfulness the girdle of his of this definitive fact! and all the prophets from Samuel and reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the those that follow after, as many as have lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with FURTHER READING: spoken, have likewise foretold of these the kid… and the cow and the bear shall The following are additional prophetic scriptures days… having raised up his Son Jesus, feed… and the lion shall eat straw like you can use as a side bar if you would like, sent him to bless you, in turning away the ox. And the sucking child shall play that would add further proof that Christ every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts on the hole of the asp, and the weaned is indeed the promised Messiah, fulfilling 3:22-26) child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s the prophecies of the Old Testament: [or adder’s] den. They shall not hurt nor • Gen. 23:18 relates to Christ, confirmed by Paul, The God Ordained Mission destroy in all my holy mountain [nation]: Gal. 3:8, 16 for the earth shall be full of the knowledge • Gen. 49:9-10; 1 Chron. 5:2: The Scepter will be Throughout the course of the many scrip- of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. from Judah, confirmed by Heb. 7:14 tures already referenced, we are explicitly And in that day there shall be a root of • Num. 9:12; Psa. 34:20: The Passover Lamb’s bones told that the Child, born of a virgin in Jesse [Jesus Christ, He is the root], which were not to be broken, confirmed by John 19:36 Bethlehem is to be a “King” for a Kingdom shall stand for an ensign of the people…” • Isa. 50:6; 52:14 illustrates Jesus’ beatings, confirmed by Matt. 27:26-31; Mark 15:15-20 linked to the Jewish Davidic lineage, (Isa. 11, emphasis mine) • Hosea 11:1 illustrates God’s son would come from destined to be eternal; a Kingdom without Egypt, confirmed by Matt. 2:15 end! It is to be a Kingdom described by the The rulership of the “root of Jesse” was • Zech. 13:6-7 illustrates Jesus was crucified prophets as a utopia: a Kingdom of Peace, always at the foundation of the mission. resulting in the scattering of the sheep, confirmed ultimately, ruled by this Prince of Peace who From the initial announcement from by Matt. 26:31 will change the nature of not only human Gabriel to Mary, fulfilling the prophetic • Psa. 35:11 illustrates false witnesses would be use beings, but even that of the animals. There utterance of Isaiah the prophet in chapter 9 against Jesus, confirmed by Mark 14:56 will be a complete reshaping of the social we are decidedly told that this God incar-

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“I’ll be your guide and you will follow me, do we know it exists? (Matt. 5:30; 2 Pet. This fiery punishment meant they will be And I will lead you through a world of pain, 3:7; Mal. 4:1). consumed by the fire and not the eternal Where dead souls writhe in endless agony and torment wrongly portrayed by Christianity clamor, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 describes Hell as a place throughout the ages. The text also referred As they cry to die again.” of punishment; Matthew 25:30 a place to the worm that dieth not. However, Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy of banishment; Mark 9:42, a place of fire the worm is not symbolic of sinners, but and worms; Jude 1:13, a place of darkness; maggots among the garbage. No one is he doctrine of an eternal Hell was Revelations 20:10, a place of torment; Luke in Hell right now. Scriptures show that around at the time when Italian 16, a place of consciousness, thirst—a place this Hellfire is to come (Dan. 12:1-12; Poet Alighieri wrote the poem as an without hope, unfulfilled desires, unan- John 5:25-29; 2 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:13-15). Tallegory of human life in the form swered prayers; Matthew 25.30, a place of of a vision of the world beyond the grave, weeping and gnashing of teeth. There are Various denominations have long held the with the hope of converting an evil soci- various meanings of the word ‘hell’ used in view that Hell is an everlasting punishment ety to righteousness. The poem describes these scriptures. In fact, the Bible speaks of based on Revelations 14:11, “…the smoke of Dante’s imaginary journey through Hell, three different types of hell. their torment ascendeth up forever and ever;” Purgatory, and Paradise—but is there Matthew 25:46, “…and these will go away really an ever-burning Hell? In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word into eternal punishment but the righteous into sheol is the same as the Greek hades in the eternal life;” Revelations 20:10, “…the devil, Dante’s poem is not a correct reflection New Testament, and refers to a place of the who deceived them, was cast into the lake of of the Holy Bible’s teaching on the fate of dead or the grave (Psa. 16:10; Acts 2.27; fire…and they will be tormented day and the wicked. As we will see in this article, 1 Cor. 15:55). The other Greek words are night forever;” Isaiah 34:5-10, “…the streams the true biblical teaching is not of an ever- tartaroo and gehenna. Tartaroo, used once thereof shall become burning pitch…the smoke burning Hell, but rather annihilation, the in the Bible, refers to the place where fallen thereof shall go up forever and ever;” and Jude Second Death, from which there will be no angels or demons are restrained awaiting 13, “…to whom is reserved the blackness of resurrection. judgment (2 Pet. 2:4). Gehenna refers to a darkness forever.” valley just outside Jerusalem, and is derived Before we begin, we must first ask these from the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom, the Valley In all the passages above, the Greek word, questions: What is Hell? Does it exist? For of Hinnom (Josh. 18:16). At the time of aion translated ‘forever,’ does not mean who was it created? Is it a physical place, Jesus, it was a city dump, where garbage eternity or infinity. Forever and ever simply and most importantly, is it infinite? What and other refuge were thrown and con- means the object will continue to last as does the scripture teach about Hell? The sumed by the fire. long as conditions permit—a limited time. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines Hell The fire will burn until everything is con- as, “a place of turmoil and destruction” It’s interesting to note that Jesus used sumed or destroyed. while the Farlex Dictionary defines it as, this particular locale, and what usually “a state of separation from God, or a place occurred there, to help us understand the Matthew 3:12; Mark 9:43; Luke 3:17; and of evil, misery, discord, and destruction.” fate the wicked and unrepentant sinner Isaiah 34:10 speak of a fire that shall never How does the Bible describe Hell and how will suffer in the future (Mark 9:47-48). be quenched. When we look at the Greek

Is Th e r e a n Et e r n a l He l l f i r e ? By Stacy-Ann McGregor

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for unquenchable, we realize Jesus was The story about Lazarus in Luke 16 is The wicked will be devoured: Psa. 21:9; simply saying that the fire will burn until baseless regarding everlasting punishment. Heb. 10:27; Rev. 20:9. the bodies of the wicked are consumed. An Jesus was merely using a parable to explain unquenched fire is one that has not been the torment unrepentant sinners will expe- The unrighteous will be cut off: Psa. extinguished. It burns itself out when it rience before they are totally consumed by 37:2; Psa. 37:9; Psa. 37:22; Psa. 37:34; consumes everything and has no more com- fire. The rich man was in hades (the grave) Prov. 2:22; Obad. 15-16. bustible material to keep it going. Ezekiel about to be thrown into the lake of fire. 20:47 speaks of fire that consumes entirely. This is what the Bible teaches: the unrigh- In Jeremiah 17:27, Yahweh said he would Anti-annihilationists argue that in order teous will receive their eternal punishment, kindle an unquenchable fire in Jerusalem. to be fair there must be extremes for good not eternal punishing, they will be com- This was fulfilled in 2 Chronicles 36:19-21. and evil—everlasting life vs. everlast- pletely destroyed—annihilated. The ques- Is Jerusalem still burning? tion then is: will a loving God punish people forever The following scriptures in Hell? Why are so many speak of eternal judgment: “Why are so many willing to accept willing to accept the idea Jude 7, “…even as Sodom that the God they worship and Gomorrah and the the idea that the God they worship and hold in high esteem cities about them…suffer- would willingly inflict such ing the vengeance of eternal punishment on a great fire;” Mattthew 25:46, “… and hold in high esteem would multitude of people? How these shall go into everlast- can such a belief go hand ing punishment;” Matthew willingly inflict such punishment in hand with the Bible’s 25:41, “…depart from me, ye description of Yahweh, cursed, into everlasting fire;” on a great multitude of people?” who is forever loving and Hebrews 6:2, “…resurrec- merciful? tion of the dead and of eternal judgment.” The Church of England’s ing punishment. However, Romans 6:23 Doctrine Commission 1995 report enti- In the above texts, the Greek for eternal destroys that argument: the wages of sin is tled, The Mystery of Salvation states, is aionou, which means final and complete. death, the gift of God is eternal life (see Sodom and Gomorrah are not burning— John 3:16). “Christians have professed appalling the- they burnt to ash long ago (Matt. 11:23; ologies, which made God into a sadistic 2 Pet. 2:6). Eternal destruction means the The Apostle John saw the vision of a new monster. Hell is not eternal torment, consequence is eternal. Once you are burned Heaven and a new Earth in Revelation 21, but is the final and irrevocable choosing up, you will not return (Psa. 104:35). following the vision of the lake of fire in of that which is opposed to God, so com- Revelation 20, where death and Hell were pletely and so absolutely, that the only end Dr. Samuel Bachiocchi in his book, Advent cast into the fire. Now, after all is burnt up is total non-being.” (p. 199) Hope for Human Hopelessness says, and the Earth is renewed, where would that everlasting place of fire be? Notice Remember the story of Noah and the flood. “this can hardly mean that the wicked Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem and God When God saw the bodies, He made a will be agonizing in the midst of inextin- come down to Earth after sin, sinners, and resolve that He would never again destroy guishable fire.” the effects of sin, are destroyed. the world by water but by fire instead.

In Jonah 2:6, the prophet cried out while in It’s clear from the rest of scripture, that the Theologian John Wenham, an advocate for the belly of the great fish, final fate of the wicked is complete destruc- the annihilation doctrine wrote: tion. The unrighteous will be destroyed: s h e r e a n “I went down to the very roots of the Ezek. 18:20; Psa. 37:38; Psa. 92.7; “I believe that endless torment is a hid- I T mountains into the land whose gates lock Psa. 145.20; Matt. 10:28; 1 Tim. 6:9; eous and unscriptural doctrine, which has shut forever.” Prov. 13:13; Phil. 3:19; 2 Thess. 1:9. been a terrible burden on the mind of the church for many centuries and a terrible In this illustration, forever lasted only The wicked shall surely perish: Prov. 9:19; blot on her presentation of the gospel. I three days and three nights. In Philemon Luke 13:3; 2 Thess. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:12 should indeed be happy, if before I die, I t e r n a l e l l f i r e 15, Onesimus was received by Philemon could help in sweeping it away.” E H ? forever, but when he died he could no longer The wicked shall be burned up: be a servant. Deuteronomy 15:17 speaks of Mal. 4:1-3; Isa. 33:12; Matt. 3:12; Editor’s note: This article was adapted from the a servant serving his master forever, but this Matt. 13:30; Heb. 6:8. winning speech at the annual Herbert W. Armstrong forever ended with the death of the servant. Memorial Speaking Competition, held by the Church 1 Chronicles 28:4 said David was to be The wicked shall be consumed: Isa. 1:28; of God International, Jamaica, at the Feast of king forever, but he ruled for 40 years. Psa. 37:20. Tabernacles in Ocho Rios, on October 3, 2007.

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By Steve Agnew The King’s Marine

A Promise in the Parade Ground also has an army (Rev. 19:19). They are con- tion, we are waiting for two more of these sidered ‘Christian soldiers.’ In fact, every specialists and their support staff at the end any of us are familiar with the Christian is commanded to put on the full time (Rev. 11:3-8). Hollywood plot line common to Armour of God (Eph.6:10-11) as though he Mmilitary movies which involve a were a soldier preparing for combat (Eph. A popular televangelist made a statement recruit, the drill sergeant, and a special 6:13-17). However, God also has His about the sequence of events that gener- mission thereafter. Several war movies special forces (1 Cor. 12:27-31). You could ally guide the path of a true Christian as made after the Second World War were say they are the ‘King’s Marines.’ They are this: “promise, problem, and provision.” of this genre. One such example was the divinely called, appointed, and chosen by Jesus spoke more specifically by promising Sands of Iwo Jima (March 1950), starring God’s own recruiting office (Matt. 22:14; that those who left the comfort of this life John Wayne. In this movie, a tough drill Isa. 44:24; Jer. 1:5). to serve the cause of the Kingdom would sergeant successfully prepares his marines be rewarded now and in the future (Luke for their future missions against the enemy The King’s Marines are trained in the 18:29-30). Of course, as the televangelist on Tarawa and eventually Iwo Jima. In public ‘parade ground’ of the Church, and says, with a promise there often comes a particular, the drill sergeant’s tough, but in the context of faith, preach the Gospel challenge before the reward is received. unpleasant methods pay back with results of the Kingdom of God as duty bound and saved lives. loyal soldiers regardless of the cost to their Hauling Down the Jolly Roger personal comfort (Rom. 10:17). This is the In real life, a marine is a soldier with a Christian’s mission: to preach the Gospel What is the challenge for the 21st century special kind of motto. His name conjures and witness to the truth so humanity may Christian who lives the life as a King’s up the ideas of duty, honour, and commit- have the opportunity to repent and be saved Marine? We are told that every Christian ment. His military prowess is also legend- (1 Tim. 2:1-7; Jude 1:20-23; Heb. 12:1-2). must witness to the truth so that all might ary, and he is often asked to go beyond the The mission of the King’s Marine is to do come to understand the truth and be saved norm. so without hesitation, fear, or compromise, (Acts 1:8; 1 Tim. 2:3-4). We are also told, even when it hurts. Some of these special as Christians we wrestle not against flesh Comparably, in the spiritual realm, God soldiers were the twelve apostles. In addi- and blood but against spiritual enemies

18 | www.prevailmagazine.org December 2007 Prevail Magazine in high places (Eph. 6:12). This is why we Elijah, is sent to the heart of the enemy remain of them (Rev. 19-20). must put on the spiritual Armour of God to combat spiritual wickedness in high and learn how to use it in this spiritual places and the religious deception of false The Reward warfare we are confronting (Eph. 6:10-20). priests who serve the pagan god Baal. But Especially, since we live in a world of despite the danger, because God’s strength What is the reward for a lifetime of risk ‘deception and spin’ where wrong is right is with him, he succeeds. Yet, throughout and commitment as a Christian soldier of and right is wrong (Isa. 5:20) and few seem the course of this event, we see evidence Jesus Christ? Jesus said that those who left to care (Matt. 24:11-12). of Elijah’s depression and doubt before the the comfort of this life to serve the cause victory. We are reminded that he is human of the Kingdom would be rewarded now The spirit of rebellion or and in the future (Luke antichrist is everywhere 18:29-30). Practically (1 John 4:1-6). This is speaking, all faithful true not only in the Christians will have secular world but in the some part in the ruler- religious world as well. ship of the Millennial It’s apparent that some Empire of our King, organizations that call “Each Christian, as Jesus Christ. It will themselves Christian finally be a time to set are plainly not. How a King’s Marine, has things right. Except for can you identify yourself a brief rebellion (Rev. as a Christian, but deny 20:3), the war will be the Lordship of Jesus a divinely inspired over (Isa. 2:4, Micah Christ? (Luke 6:46-49; 4:3). The joy for these John 14:15-17). In mission to engage Christian Marines, essence, there are many turned rulers, will be renegades—some might in ‘spiritual warfare’, like that of a farmer even say pirates—who who makes a sick tree boldly fly the ensign yield good fruit in due of the ship, the ‘Jolly confronting these season or like that of Roger.’ Each Christian, an architect who sets as a King’s Marine, ‘Jolly Roger pirates’ straight a leaning struc- has a divinely inspired ture. Subsequent to the mission to engage in Millennial Kingdom, ‘spiritual warfare’, con- with an encounter the greater joy will be an fronting these ‘Jolly eternal life of perfection Roger pirates’ with an of the Truth” with God Himself. encounter of the Truth. We can never know how This world’s scientists, that may affect them. educators, media, and Frankly, only our King governments talk about knows. the evolutionary nature of perfection. They say Remember, a true marine does not choose after all, but God does not desert him or it will be attained by the accumulation his mission or mission length, but instead forsake him. Instead, God strengthens him and use of knowledge. In particular, some simply obeys. He does not complain, and if and provides a helper and eventual replace- popular science-fiction shows so loved by he does, he quickly recalls his mission and ment— Elisha (1 Kgs. 17-19). In due time, the masses suggest that this view of perfec- commitment, undoubtedly knowing he has the ‘Jolly Roger’ of this situation, Jezebel tion is our future—but God has a different the full resources of his commander. As and her Baal worship, is taken down in plan. Only the Christian with God’s Spirit ‘Christian Marines’ we too are assured we Samaria (2 Kgs. 9). in him will truly live a life of eternal per- have the full resource of God’s Spirit and fection in the not too distant future... our Godly King’s provisions to complete A similar problem faces today’s Christian the mission we find ourselves confronting. Marines. North America is enslaved by So consider your life’s results. How do your We are assured in God’s army, contrary to many modern day Baals. They are: capi- works, as a soldier for Christ’s Coming ‘real life,’ no true Christian soldier gets left talism, secularism, feminism, socialism, Kingdom measure up? If tested by God’s fire behind (John 14:18-21; Rev. 3:7-13). intellectualism, hedonism, humanism, would they be burned up as hay, wood, and and in general, all forms of self-centered stubble, or would they endure as though they One such story described in the Bible is human thinking. In due time, the Baals of were diamonds and gold? (1 Cor. 3:10-15). the story of the prophet Elijah, which has North America, and the laws that create all the elements described above. In this and protect them, shall also be brought story, against all odds, a King’s Marine, down. One way or another, nothing shall

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The Return of the Twelfth Imam include the United States. The Middle conditions needed for the return of the continued from page 9 East, however, is a ‘mushroom factory’ for Twelfth Imam. Khomeini also believed he any and all prognostications in prophecy. was on a mission from God. We have two Peter Bergen, author of, Holy War Inc. gives The Beast and the False Prophet, for exam- things we can do in the interim of these us the answer: ple, are certainly cosmocrats. The Apostle end-time developments. John writes: “The continued American military pres- The first thing we can do is watch! Watch ence in Arabia, U.S. support for Israel, “Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to that we do not grow weary in well doing. its continued campaign against Iraq, and make war with him? And there was given Watch that we do not run out of oil or its support for regimes such as Egypt and unto him a mouth speaking great things become unprofitable. Watch that we do Saudi Arabia that bin Laden regards as and blasphemies; and power was given not backslide. Watch that as we increase apostates from Islam. Bin Laden is at unto him to continue forty-two months… in goods we have need of nothing. Finally, war with the U.S., but his is a political And all that dwell upon the Earth shall Luke writes: war justified by his own understanding worship him...” (Rev. 13:4-8) of Islam, and directed at the institutions “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, and symbols of American power that you may be accounted worthy to such as the Pentagon and the escape all these things that shall come World Trade Center.” to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36) There are many sides to the “...Therefore let us not sleep, Islamic religion, and the exis- The second thing we can do is work tence of a strong element of mili- as do others; while it is day, lest the night come tant fundamentalists is a threat when no man can work. Paul writes not only to Americans but also to to the Thessalonians: moderate Muslims. Tarek Fatah, but let us watch who hosts The Muslim Chronicles “Ye are all the children of light, and on Canadian television, told The and be sober...” the children of the day: we are not of Toronto Star he has kept his bags the night, nor of darkness. Therefore packed since criticizing Muslim (1 Thessalonians 5:6) let us not sleep, as do others; but let extremism on television. He said us watch and be sober. For they that he has been getting death threats, sleep sleep in the night; and they that and moderate leaders in the U.S. be drunken are drunken in the night. have also faced fierce criticism But let us, who are of the day, be for opposing extremist regimes. sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of The moderate voice is almost nonexistent. Matthew also writes: salvation. For God hath not appointed us Ahmadinejad and Osama bin Laden are to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our two high profile cosmocrats. They have “For there shall arise false Christs, and Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, access to millions of dollars to promote false prophets, and shall show great signs whether we wake or sleep, we should live their jihad agenda. Their charismatic pop- and wonders; insomuch that, if it were together with him. Wherefore comfort ularity is most certainly exacerbated by our possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” yourselves together, and edify one another, well-known adversary, Satan. The Dragon (Matt. 24:24) even as also ye do.” (1 Thess. 5:5-11) is assuredly influencing, taunting, and whispering to the Jihadist extremists. Paul Ahmadenijad will continue his ‘divine’ writes to Timothy in the context of the calling to ensure the revelation of the Christian, but is applicable to the Islamic Twelfth Imam. He is determined to bring Sources: Jihadists as well, the Twelfth Imam out of occultation and • Holy War Inc., present him as the ‘savior of mankind.’ by Peter Bergen (2001) “…And that they may recover them- With the second coming of the Mahdi, • American Jihad, selves out of the snare of the devil, who Shi’ites expect to realize the final triumph by Emerson (2003) are taken captive by him at his will.” of Islam around the world. At present, • What Went Wrong, (2 Tim. 2:26, emphasis mine) there is no force able to stop his relentless by Bernard Lewis (2003) pursuit of nuclear bombs and missiles to • Journey of the Jihadist, by Fawaz A. Gerges (2006) They are flaunting their venomous threats destroy Israel and cripple the U.S. In like • The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam, to the entire world with impunity. If they manner, Osama will proceed with his al- by Robert Spencer (2005) were to be killed it would only serve as a Qaeda operatives around the world. The • The Truth about Muhammad, catalyst for more virulent threats, because final triumph will not come without an by Robert Spencer (2006) they thrive on martyrdom. intense struggle. The Ayatollah Khomeini • Showdown with Nuclear Iran, firmly believed that only a proper struc- by Michael Evans (2006 ) Our current prophetic insights do not tured Islamic theocracy could create the

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By Ken Allen

here are many references in the New fold: they shall make great noise by reason account in Luke 16:16, Testament of conditions described of the multitude of men. The breaker is Tas warfare, the need for armour, and come up before them: they have broken up, “The law and the prophets were until appeals to be a Christian soldier. We and have passed through the gate, and are John. Since that time the kingdom of God hear about battles and warnings not to let gone out by it: and their king shall pass has been preached, and everyone is press- anyone steal your crown for the coming before them, and the LORD on the head ing into it.” (emphasis mine) reward of immortality and rulership. So, of them.” some say it’s no wonder Jesus mentioned, In one sense, the Kingdom of God has and “the violent take it [the Kingdom of God] Micah paints a picture of the ancient Jewish continues to suffer physical violence from by force” (Matt. 11:12). But, what was it practice of a shepherd building a makeshift the enemy as evidenced by persecution and that Jesus really meant by this? Many times rock fence to pen up or coral his sheep. the martyrdom of saints down through the we struggle to understand the context of a historical ages. But, on the other hand, statement, because we are so far removed “The next morning, to let the sheep out, what we need is not physical violence from the time and culture in which it was he makes a hole or breach in the fence by against others, but rather, spiritual deter- originally spoken. Let’s take, for example, tossing some of the stones aside. He steps mination against our sinful carnal nature. this scripture mentioned above, located in through this ‘gate’ with the sheep follow- And therein lies the distinction between Matthew 11:12: ing close behind. Because they have been where our ‘break out’ efforts should be penned up all night, they push and shove, directed—to spiritually resolve and be spir- “And from the days of John the Baptist several trying to get through at once, itually determined to overcome our carnal until now the kingdom of heaven suf- literally breaking through, and further nature! fereth violence, and the violent take it by breaching the little gate in their eager- force...” ness to get out and into the green pasture. However, Jesus showed His continued Finally they burst out into the open spaces, awareness of our proclivity to do physical What does this mean? Is physical violence rushing headlong after the shepherd.”1 violence when He told Peter to “Put your being committed against God’s Kingdom? sword into the sheath” (John 18:11) after the Are we supposed to be like a battalion of With this picture, a more accurate render- apostle slashed off the high priest servant’s ‘storm troopers’ employing all necessary ing of Matthew 11:12 would be: right ear. Later, while being interrogated force—even physical violence in order to by Pilate, Jesus emphatically dissociated take the Kingdom? “the kingdom of heaven is breaking forth Himself and His disciples from any form and every person in it is breaking forth of physical violence when He answered, Jesus originally uttered these words in [literally, ‘those who are breaking out Hebrew. Therefore let’s look at the text in break out in it’].” 2 “My kingdom is not of this world: if my its original cultural setting. The connect- kingdom were of this world, then would ing link is an old rabbinic interpretation of So the Kingdom is bursting out into the my servants fight, that I should not be Micah 2:12-13 which reads: world and the citizens of the Kingdom delivered to the Jews…” (John 18:36). are finding freedom. John the Baptist, the “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; forerunner of Jesus, is the breach-maker. I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Kingly I will put them together as the sheep of Shepherd leading His sheep to freedom Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their and green pastures. Compare the parallel continued on page 23

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King Herod’s Tomb Found?

Has the tomb of King Herod been found?

King Herod was the reigning King of Judea, from around 37 B.C. Archaeology to 4 B.C. (during the time of Jesus’ birth).

Professor Ehud Netzer, an archaeologist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says he located Herod’s tomb at Herodium, just south of Jerusalem. The description of ancient historian Josephus Flavius’ Corner details of Herod’s funeral procession is what led Prof Netzer’s team By Waine-Ann McLaughlin to the burial site. A smashed limestone sarcophagus was found mea- suring approximately 8 feet long with ornate rosette decorations on the fragments. The ornate rosette decorations played a major part in identifying the coffin’s significance.

Unfortunately there were no bones in the coffin. Professor Netzer believes that the bones may have been removed by Jewish rebels who fought against Rome between 66 A.D. and 72 A.D.

Israel Museum Puts Medieval Hebrew Manuscript on Display

The Israel Museum, in Jerusalem, has put a medieval manuscript on display. The manuscript was in the hands of a Lebanese born American who turned it over to the Rare Book Manuscripts and Special Collections Library at Duke University. It is now on loan to the Museum Shrine of Books, in Israel, for display and is housed with the Dead Sea Scrolls. The manuscript is a Hebrew manuscript containing the “Song of the Sea” section of the Old Testament book of the Exodus, dated to around the 7th century A.D. This comes from the time in history known as the ‘Silent Era’ that spanned for a 600 year period between the 3rd and 8th century A.D, from which there are almost no surviving Hebrew manuscripts.

The parchment is believed to have been part of a vast depository of Medical Jewish Manuscripts discovered in the late 1800 in Cairo’s ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Egyptian Tomb Inscription May Be Oldest Proto-Canaanite Text Yet

Professor Richard Steiner a Semitic language expert at Yeshiva University, in New York, has solved the mysterious inscriptions found on the tombs of ancient Egyptian Kings. These were religious texts inter-spread throughout the underground chambers of the pyramids south of Cairo. The texts remained a puzzle until 2002, when an Egyptologist emailed the undeciphered parts of the text to Professor Steiner. Steiner deciphered it and identified the texts to be of a Semitic origin and connected to a language used by the Canaanites at some point between 30 B.C. to 25 B.C. According to Steiner, the Semitic language of the texts is said to be a very archaic form of the language that later developed into Phoenician and Hebrew. This is interesting as it makes a connection between the Canaanites, Egyptians, and the Hebrew peoples.

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The Voice of One Crying God, even to them who believe on His John the Baptist prepared the way for this continued from page 3 name: Which were born, not of blood, nor Good News (Gospel) Message! He was of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of one of the greatest prophets who ever lived “But as many as received Him, to them man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13) (Luke 7:26-28). He gave the right to become children of

The First Failure, 2:16-18). Unlike the first Adam, Christ was sin into the world, the second Adam took Second Triumph perfect in obedience. He possessed perfect away sin from the world. While the first continued from page 7 wisdom and humility. Adam was given Adam brought sin and death, the last dominion over the created world, whereas Adam brings eternal life! ...—and consequently death spread to Christ was given dominion over all things. all humanity, Christ’s righteousness and Where the first Adam failed to overcome Thus, this King of kings and Lord of consequent life can spread to everyone. 1 Satan, the ruler of this world, Christ suc- lords, Christ, the Saviour of Mankind, is Corinthians 15: 21-22 puts it this way, ceeded! He was triumphant over sin, the the better Adam, the Second Adam, and flesh, and the devil (John16:33). the Last Adam who will return at the end “For since by man came death, by Man of the age. Indeed, the King is coming— also came the resurrection of the dead. For While the first Adam was made in the the only one worthy to rule and redeem as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all image of God, Christ “is the image of the humanity. shall be made alive.” invisible God” (Col. 1:15). While the first man was of the earth, made from dust, the Like Adam, Jesus was fully human, born of second Man is the Lord from heaven (1 the seed of man, but God incarnate (Heb. Cor. 15:47). While the first Adam brought

Storm Troopers We must, While they were busy splitting hairs continued from page 21 over doctrine and trying to discredit and “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the destroy the King ( Jesus Christ) of the Instead of using physical violence, the gate and broad is the way that leads to Kingdom, sinners (prostitutes, publicans, Kingdom of God is breaking forth, spiri- destruction, and there are many who go thieves), sick folks, demoniacs, the hungry tually, throughout the entire world by the in by it. Because narrow is the gate and and depraved were thronging Him with mediums of publishing, preaching, and difficult is the way which leads to life, reckless abandonment to get what they personal witnessing as the Good News and there are few who find it” (Matt. desperately needed: food, hope, healing, of Jesus Christ’s return with rewards of 7:13-14). and deliverance. They were like the hungry Eternal Life as an Immortal Spirit Being. sheep ‘breaking out’ through the small hole Just as the sheep break out through the hole This Way calls for unusual sacrifices includ- in the wall running after their Shepherd to in the fence, we human beings, like hungry ing the willingness to lose our lives for it if lead them into the green pastures of His pent up sheep must go after the Good necessary (Luke 14:26-27). Jesus issued a Kingdom. News of the Kingdom with zeal and our stern warning to the religious elite of His whole heart (Jer. 29:13). We must “hunger day in Matt. 23:13: As we reflect on the Hebraic perspective of and thirst for [God’s] righteousness” (Matt. Matthew 11:12, let us rejoice in the sure 5:6) and make the pursuit of understand- “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, promise from the Good Shepherd, our ing how to aspire to His Kingdom and His hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of Messiah and King, Jesus Christ: righteousness our highest priority (Matt. heaven against men: for ye neither go in 6:33). yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are “‘Do not fear, little flock, for it is your entering to go in.” Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’” (Luke 12:32)

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By Jasmin Smith Bo r n t o b e Ki n g the Old Covenant, unblemished JESUS: THE CONQUERING LION lambs were often used as an atoning sacrifice tocover the sins In addition to Jesus’ silent humility, His of Israel. However, the blood love and compassion towards those publi- of animals was not enough to cally accused of sinning, adds to the mis- wipe clean the exhaustive sins representation of Jesus as a weak Lamb. of mankind (Heb. 9:12-14). Therefore, Jesus shed His divin- When the Pharisees brought the woman ity and came to the Earth to who had been caught in adultery to Jesus, shed His blood as the Lamb of rather than condemn her to stoning, He God—the ultimate and perfect had mercy on her (John 8:3-11). His com- atoning sacrifice for the sins of passion expressed here was matched with mankind. courage as He stood up to the Pharisees declaring: “...He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;And as a lamb before “‘You are of your father the devil, and the “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, its shearer is silent, So He opened not His desires of your father you want to do… the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet mouth.” (Acts 8:32) there is no truth in him… for he is a liar head...” and the father of it. But because I tell the When a lamb is brought to slaughter it is truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you or many, this image of baby Jesus is docile, and quiet. The lamb remains calm convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, burned into their minds each time because it doesn’t know it is about to be why do you not believe Me? He who is they think of our Saviour. Others slain. Like the lamb, Jesus remained calm of God hears God’s words; therefore you Fliken Jesus to a gentle lamb—deli- and silent as He was led to slaughter. Thus, do not hear, because you are not of God.’” cate and docile. But how accurate are these for some, Jesus’ silent humility portrays a (John 8:44-47) representations of our Lord and Saviour? Saviour who was weak as a lamb—feeble and docile in the face of His accusers. These are certainlynot the words of a weak JESUS: THE LAMB OF GOD However, His actions were anything but and docile Saviour! those of a “weak and docile” person. Unlike Jesus is called the Lamb of God in John a lamb, Jesus knew His fate, and boldly 1:29 and John 1:36. sacrificed Himself to die for the sins of mankind. In “The next day John saw Jesus coming fact, His short life on toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

“And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’” (John 1:36)

Jesus was born with the distinct purpose Earth exem- of being the Saviour of mankind. When plifies both sin entered the world, so did the necessity humil- for the atonement of sin. As we know from ity and Hebrews 9:22, the shedding of blood is boldness. required for the atonement of sin. Under Photo by: Peter Shanks Source: flickr

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Other examples of Jesus’ boldness include:

Jesus overthrewing the tables of money changers in the temple: Letters to the Editor “…It is written, ‘My house shall be called Christmas Tree Replaces Christ Bo r n t o a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a Honestly, in my opinion, I would not have a Christmas tree in my home, simply ‘den of thieves.’” (Matt. 21:12-13) because I do believe that it has nothing to do with the birth, death, even the life of Jesus Christ. The whole reason or point of me being a Christian is to follow Christ; Jesus healing on the Sabbath: so adding pagan practices is kinda wrong. The Bible says in Exodus 11 that you shall have no other God but ME. Believing that a green tree gives everlasting life replaces b e Ki n g “‘Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the real Christ. the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from C.Z., United Kingdom the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a Loves the Magazine daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has I just received Tomorrow’s News [now Prevail] magazine and was very glad you did bound—think of it—for eighteen years, really consider sending it to me here in the Philippines by mail. I read it from cover be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?’ to cover on the day I got hold of it. I really appreciate the work you all have done. I And when He said these things, all His hope I’ll be able to get hold of the next and succeeding issues by mail. Again, thanks adversaries were put to shame…” (Luke a lot. 13:15-17) Nelson Francia, The Philippines

Jesus’ many scathing condemnations of Very Enlightening the Pharisees: I got a copy of your magazine Tomorrow’s News [now Prevail] and enjoyed it very much. I found it most enlightening. Please, I would like to continue getting copies “…Now you Pharisees make the outside in the future. of the cup and dish clean, but your inward Erlene Benigar, United States part is full of greed and wickedness… ” (Luke 11:39-44) Please feel free to send us your comments by email: [email protected]

“…Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full Be sure to get your copy of our next issue: of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!… [email protected] Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?...” (Matt. The Church of God, International of Canada 23:13-36, Read: “Is There an Eternal 1299 Oxford Street East, P.O. Box 33034 Hellfire” on page 16 for more informa- tion about the condemnation of hell) London, Ontario N5Y 5L4

“‘…You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

Indeed, Christ’s patience and mercy is matched with His powerful boldness! When Jesus shed His blood He fulfilled the first stage of His mission for mankind by becoming the ultimate atoning sacri- fice for our sins. In stage two, when Jesus returns to the Earth He will not come as a gentle babe, or as a docile lamb. Praise God, for the Lamb who was slain will gallantly return as a Conquering Lion to establish His Kingdom on the Earth! (Rev. 5:1-10).

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