At AllFaith.com I share numerous studies into the world's religions based on my personal quest for Truth. Over the years this research has led me to embrace Judaism. That is now the main focus of the domain.
On my blogs I share many of these studies and invite your questions and comments.
Also see my Xanga Blog.
Hi friends, Well... the guy from our ISP came out yesterday and the news is isn't so great. Their new equipment wont work because of the trees between us and the digital signal source so... Next Monday they are going to come back out with a tree climber and place our equipment high up in a TREE!
Stranger and stranger!
I tried setting up a temporary dial-up account but apparently our phone lines are so bad we can't get a strong enough signal that way for us to connect either now .... So...
Its nice to live rurally but sometimes it can be a real pain!
Anyway...
I won't be on much this week either because the connection is just too weak and sporadic.
Here's Wishing you all a Wonderful New Years! See You Next Year Insha'allah!
Have you made a New Year's Resolution this year? What is it?
I've never really put a whole lot of stock in New Year's Resolution but most years I make one any way ;-)
Last year I resolved to lose 80 pounds and keep it off. I lost 75 and have thus far kept all except for about 10 off (it goes up and down). Not too bad but not a total success either.
This year I thought about it and have settled on one.
I have a few manuscripts laying around that I've been thinking about publishing for a long time. Four novels (mostly complete), my translation of the Gita (complete for several years and on line at free http://www.srijagannatha.com/gita), my commentary (bhasya) on the Gita which is about 75% complete (the one I'm gradually adding to my Sri Jagannatha site is different and not nearly as detailed)....
A few years ago a friend and I were talking about the prophecies and how they might be fulfilled in unexpected ways. There are things that must happen (the rise of Rex Mundi, the negative global government followed by the positive global government etc.) but HOW such things might happen and what they might look like are always open for debate. So... as an exercize in thought as much as anything I wrote a novel about a group of people who experience one possible future where the prophecies are fulfilled in ways that are not generally contemplated. Its a good read and even though it doesn't present how I expect the prophecies will be fulfilled, it would be in keeping with them. It also shows how good people could come togther for the good of the world....
Anyway... my New Year's Resolution for this year is to stop procrastinating and get this one published.
Have you made a New Year's Resolution? What is it?
Our Internet access is almost non-existent now.It takes on average 8 -15 tries to get a web page to load rather than the Network Timeout error message.
It APPEARS that the recent snowstorms messed up the hardware on our roof. So, next Monday our ISP says they will come out and replace the equipment. Till then our connection will probably remain spotty if at all so I won't be posting much.
In the meantime, we wish you all a most wonderful Holiday Season however you are celebrating it.
Sign the Interfaith Joinder Brief to Repeal Prop 8
December 22, 2008
Join hundreds of other clergy, faith communities and organizations by signing an interfaith joinder briefto repeal Prop 8. Sign by January 13th to ensure your name or faith community will be submitted to California's Supreme Court.
Our last interfaith brief effort was signed by over 400 clergy, faith communities and organizations, all affirming our religious freedom to marry same-sex couples. Our amicus brief was the only brief mentioned during oral arguments by Chief Justice George, who cited it to refute claims that "traditional" marriage is between one man and one woman.
You can review the content of the joinder brief by reading the religious writ on which the brief is based. If necessary, provide copies of the writ to your Board members, denominational leaders, and colleagues to encourage your faith communities and organizations to join the brief.
You can sign the joinder brief online by visiting the California Faith for Equality website before January 13th.
California Faith for Equality needs 10 volunteers to contact supportive clergy and congregations to urge them to sign the joinder brief. We provide the lists, you make the calls.
To volunteer, please contact Kerry at kerry@cafaithforequality.org or 310-598-5866 to get the materials you need.
Contribute!!
Your contribution is crucial to the existence and success of California Faith for Equality. Donate online by visiting our secure website.
California Faith for Equality educates, supports and mobilizes California's communities of faith to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in California and to safeguard religious freedom.
It is generally believed among Western educators that Abraham was the first monotheist. He lived circa 2000-1800 B.C.E. Prior to this time, it is generally believed, most people worshiped many different gods (often called asuras in the Middle East and suras in India).
Abraham is believed to have revolutionized religious thought by declaring there is but one true God.
According to the Torah (the first five books of the "Old Testament") Adam was the first human and the first monotheist. By the time of Abraham everyone on earth -- presumably except Abraham -- had embraced polytheism and forgotten the One True God.
Abraham's (Abram) father Terach made idols for a living. One day when his father was out young Abram smashed all the idols in his shop, except the biggest one. He placed a hammer in this ones hand. When his father returned he was furious! "Who did this!" he demanded to know.
Abram replied, "He did!" pointing at the remaining idol.
"He's just an idol! How could he do this!" Terach scoffed.
Abram smiled knowingly, "And yet you worship him as a god when you don't even believe he could smash little clay images?"
With this, most Westerners believe, monotheism was born with the worship of El/Elohym/HaShem/Allah: the God of Abraham, Isaac and Ismael (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).
However some western scholars argue that Zarathustra (Zoroaster) was the first monotheist with his devotion to Ahura Mazda. This is debated on various points and in my opinion is debatable. Zarathustra's birth and other dates are uncertain, they vary from as early 6000 B.C.E. (placing him earlier than Abram) to as recent as 100 B.C.E. We simply don't know; probably somewhere in the middle is most likely. My guess is that he was a contemporary of the Hebrew prophet Daniel (but that's just conjecture on my part).
There is no question that Zoroastrianism had a profound impact on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Regardless of this debate however, the worship of Ahura Mazda leads us to my answer to this question of which came first polytheism or monotheism.
Zoroastrianism is actually named Mazdayasna: "the Worship of Mazda."
So, who or what is Mazda?
Ahura Mazda appears to have been an Iranian (Persian) version or development of the much older Vedic belief system -- that according to the Vedas is the original Truth.
Ahura Mazda::
Ahura: asura: sura: demi-god (in India the asuras (anti-gods) fought the suras (gods, aka devas) during certain battles but both groups are "sura" or gods (or demigods). The asuras are not so much "demons" in Vedic thought as they are defeated or displaced gods.
Mazda: wisdom/intelligence coming from the older Sanskrit word medha meaning "intelligence" or "wisdom."
Hence although Ahura Mazda is generally viewed as a monotheistic "One God," and indeed today is viewed as such by the remaining Zoroastrians, many scholars believe his origins are likely Vedic. If Vedic, then Ahura Mazda is reckoned with the Vedic sura (god) Varuna (compare Rigveda 8.25) who grants his holy mazda or medha to his devotees.
Now, I'm not trying to confuse you here, bear with me a bit longer... The point is not whether or not Ahura Mazda is a monotheistic deity, but rather the understanding of deity from which he arose.
The Vedic (Sanatana Dharma/Hindu) understanding of deity -- from which Ahura Mazda arose and through which the three Abrahamic faiths were so deeply influenced -- is essentially monotheistic -- not polytheistic as is generally believed. Among the earliest and most established views of the Sanatana Dharma (the Vedic religion that became known as Hinduism later) is the following affirmation:
Ekam Sat: Vipra Bahudha Vadante:
"Truth is one; sages call it by various names."
In other words, there is but One God (Ekonkar): Ek Devata.
However Ekonkar is beyond all description! Even to translate this word as "God is One" is not completely accurate because the One God is utterly transcendent to all comprehension.
The word "Ek" means numerically "One." The word "Onkar" however does not literally mean "God" as generally conceived. It is more specific. Onkar is derived from the Sanskrit bija or root "Om" (i.e. Omkara), which of course is the fundamental Sound Vibration from which all else arises. In the same way, we can understand that Onkar -- which is grammatically related as the Primal Sound (ie the Omkara) -- is the essential nature or being of God rather than a title! This Omkara (as Pranava) is the "first breath of God" and hence is likened to and one with the One God (Ek Devata). Therefore Omkara is actually another name for the One God rather than a generic description as "God is One!"
Since Ek (the One) is so utterly beyond comprehension, fragments of the One Truth are revealed at various times in various ways that humans can comprehend. These are the devas, the avatars, the suras and asuras ... the gods and divine manifestations conceived of in countless ways. Therefore Asura Mazda/Varuna is the god of wisdom, Vivasvan is the god of the sun and so on and yet ultimately Ekonkar: God is One.
To those who do not understand the nature of these teachings it APPEARS to be polytheism however it is actually a monotheism so sublime that it acknowledges the utter transcendence of the Ek Devata: The One God. In humility this understanding acknowledges that no one and no teaching can correctly claim to fully comprehend or encompass the vastness of God! God is ALWAYS More.
This truth is explained in the Sanatana Dharma Scriptures in various ways, including the following as we read in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3.9.1:
"Then Vidaghdha, son of Shakala, asked him, "How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?"
Yajnavalkya, ascertaining the number through a group of mantras known as the Nivid, replied, "As many as are mentioned in the Nivid of the gods: three hundred and three, and three thousand and three." "Very good," said the son of Shakala, "and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Thirty-three." "Very good, and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Six." "Very good, and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Three." "Very good, and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Two." "Very good, and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "One and a half." "Very good, and how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "Ek [one]."
So in reality, in my opinion, monotheism is the oldest and original belief system.
From time to time this understanding has been lost or forgotten. The Scriptures explain how this monotheistic wisdom is periodically restored.
In the Srimad Bhagavad Gita we find the following:
Bhagavad Gita 4:1: The Blessed One said: I instructed this immutable yoga system to the sun god Vivasvan. He taught it to Manu and Manu taught it to Iksvaku. 4:2: Thus through disciplic succession the royal sages understood this knowledge, but with the passing of time this great yoga system was lost to this world, O chastiser of enemies. 4:3: Today this ancient yoga system is declared by Me unto you. Because you are My devotee and friend I will fully reveal this foremost of all mysteries. Source: My translation and bhasya: http://www.srijagannatha.com/gita/bhasya4.html
This restoration is said to have occurred circa 5561 B.C.E. by the mercy of God.
At the time of Abram (circa 2000-1800 B.C.E. ) the One God used him to restore it again, and not only to his people (the Hebrews/Jews) but to much of the world through Judaism, Christianity, Islam and all those these faiths have touched for the good.
JERUSALEM REPORT From Mike Evans the founder of the Jerusalem Prayer Team
Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seems more intent than ever to taunt Israel. In a recent article in Haaretz, he had a few choice things to say about America's closest ally in the Middle East:
"In Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's latest verbal assault on Israel, the Iranian president said it would soon 'fade away from the earth.'
"'The crimes being committed by the Zionist regime [Israel] are happening because it is aware that it has reached the end of the line and will soon fade away from the earth,' Mehr news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying during an anti-Israeli rally in Tehran.
"'He said world powers have become increasingly hesitant to show further support for Israel, which he said has lost direction.'
"Ahmadinejad claimed that Israel's 'crimes' in Gaza were aimed at changing the political leaders in the troubled region in line with its own political interests.
"Israel has enforced a blockade on the Gaza Strip since the Islamist organization Hamas seized power there in June 2007.
"The Iranian president has attracted international condemnation in the past three years with his attacks on Israel, suggesting it should be 'wiped off the map.' However, he has repeatedly rejected charges he is anti-Semitic.
"Iran does not acknowledge the sovereignty of Israel and supports the Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip.
"At the Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, the Iranian cleric Ahmad Khatami condemned international organizations and even Arab countries, including Egypt, for having remained silent over the situation in Gaza."
The purpose of prophecy is to glorify the One God who alone holds past, present and future in His hands, and to prepare the faithful to Stand. Prophecy is a reminder that "this too will pass."
But pass to what? Many people are concerned about current events and we're hearing references to Armageddon, but few understand what the prophets are saying we can expect, let alone are most people aware that we are called to be active participants in these historic events!
Armageddon
When many people hear the word Armageddon they envision the end of the world! A global holocaust! The end of... well... the end of everything!
That's the general perception and it understandably causes great anxiety for those who believe our future is so bleak. But as is so often the case what most people suppose is not what the prophets actually foretell!
Notice that as the Prophet Paul discusses the rise of the Son of Perdition he adds a vital point at the end:
II Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ....
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
The prophets warn of coming events for a reason. In II Thessalonians 2 Paul gives important information about the coming Rex Mundi. He points out that Believers in God will be living on earth during his reign and that they will be called upon by the Lord to Stand against him (I discuss the non-biblical doctrine of the Rapture elsewhere). This period of time will last just under seven years and will end when Moshiach (Messiah) destroys the Novus Ordo Seclorum and its Rex Mundi.
For the topic of this study we note how Paul ends this chapter: Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. Rightly understanding the prophecies produces peace of mind and comfort while granting us the strength, conviction and courage to do what must be done. This is what we'll be looking at in this study: Earth After Armageddon: Paradise Restored! We're not only working to oppose the Evil but to promote the Good! We seek not only the fall of the Novus Ordo Seclorum but the supremacy of the kingdom of God.
Early during the seven year rule of the Rex Mundi two camps of opposition will emerge to resist him: The first group consists of 144,000 Jewish resistors (Rev 7:4-8) and the second is referred to as a great multitude of non-Jews (Rev 7:9).
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
As the Rex Mundi takes his global throne he will appear to be a great humanitarian and saint. Most people -- of all religions and belief systems -- will accept and follow the Rex Mundi. However once he commits the "abomination of desolation" in Jerusalem (Matt 24:15/II Thess 2:4); serious opposition will surface. The opposition will include these two camps of the Messianic Army (i.e. the 144,000 Jews and the Great Multitude of Gentiles). There will be other opposition to his reign as well including the leaders of China (Rev 16:12), Russia (Rev 20:8), the Muslim Ummah and others. Like most Christians and Jews (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists etc), most Muslims will accept the Great Leader as a saintly man and a bringer of peace at first. Many Muslims will doubtless believe him to be Imam Madhi even as many Christians will believe he is Jesus returned. However the Abomination of Desolation will turn the Ummah solidly against the Rex Mundi even as it will the Jews and many Christians.
According to the prophets China, Russia and other opposing forces will gather in the Valley of Megiddo and together will attack desecrated Jerusalem in an attempt to overthrow the Mew World Order of the Rex Mundi:
Rev. 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
At that point, after the Abomination of Desolation has been committed, many of the Jews living in Jerusalem will have fled into the desert to Megiddo:
Matt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
For info on Megiddo this web site may be of interest.
The military forces that will be gathered at Megiddo (Armageddon) for their planned invasion of Rex Mundi controlled Jerusalem will be so devastating that the remaining Jews would not survive if this battle takes place as planned. Armageddon would mean the death of the Jewish people.
So serious is this threat to the continued existence of the Jewish People that God will personally intervene to save His people, as Prophet Y'shua foretold:
Matt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
The military forces of the Rex Mundi will move against the forces of China, Russia, the Muslim Ummah and others and the final war will begin.
But then something unexpected will happen:
Rev. 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast [i.e. the Rex Mundi], and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse [i.e. the Moshiach], and against his army. 20 And the beast [i.e. the Rex Mundi] was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him [i.e. the religious figure who will lead the worship of the Rex Mundi from Rome], with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast [which will almost certainly be an implanted RFID chip], and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
The common Christian belief is that the Messiah (usually believed to be Jesus) will literally appear in the skies over Megiddo seated on a huge white horse and surrounded by angel mounted horses. This is what the text literally says.
A rule of thumb I use when studying the prophecies is that if the context makes sense literally I take it literally. When it does not I look for a metaphorical interpretation that is harmonious with what is otherwise known.
Now, I freely acknowledge that God could place His servants on flying horses, that the Moshiach could have a sword protruding literally from his mouth, that he could use that two edged sword to defeat his enemies literally and so on, however it seems more likely that these descriptions are not intended to be taken literally.
Here's what I believe:
During the seven year reign of the Beast the 144,000 and the Great Multitude will be traveling the earth as missionaries proclaiming the Great Commission: The Kingdom of God is at hand!
For years Protestant Christians have believed the Great Commission is the global testimony of Jesus and the calling of all people to repentance and salvation. Christian Missionaries often claim they are in "foreign mission fields to help fulfill the Great Commission."
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
However this is not what the Scripture says. Christians are to preach "the Gospel of Grace" not "the Gospel of the Kingdom."
The Great Commission is the Gospel of the Kingdom. During the final Seven years the 144,000 Jews and the Great Multitude of godly gentiles will proclaim the soon arrival of the earthly Kingdom of God. During these seven years every soul on earth will hear that call: Choose! Will you embrace the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Rex Mundi! This is the Great Commission.
As the war of Armageddon is enjoined Moshiach will lead his armies into battle for the future of the planet earth even as the HaShem lead the armies of Israel in 1948 to reestablish their homeland and begin the End of Days.
This will be a literal, physically war fought between "the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness" -- Between Moshiach leading Israel and its allies and the supporters of the New World Order led by the Rex Mundi. This is one reason why it is vital, even today, that we stand solidly with Israel.
One side will win.
One side will lose.
Both sides are convinced they will win.
Now or later everyone will choose a side.
Now HaShem had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. -- Genesis 12:1-3
After Armageddon
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
By the end of the Seven Year Tribulation Period the world will have been completely plundered. Once Moshiach and his forces have defeated the Global Union (the world government of Rex Mundi), China, Russia, the Muslim Brotherhood and all other enemies present, Lucifer, their Commander and Chief, will be imprisoned for the next thousand yeas. At the end of the Millennial reign of Moshiach there will be another, final rebellion.
Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
After the War the Moshiach will triumphantly enter Jerusalem and take up his throne as theocratic ruler. His first order will be a call for all Jews who survived the War to come home to Israel.
Among his first acts in office will be the resurrection of those 144,000 Jews and the Great Multitude martyrs who did not survive the War. Like all leaders, Moshiach will form his cabinet and delegate his officers for the smooth administration of his government. From among his followers Moshiach will anoint judges and grant them authority to carry out his directions.
As I said before my rule of thumb when studying the prophecies is that if it makes sense literally, I take it literally. At first glance it is difficult to accept this verse literally. How can Moshiach literally raise those who have died and who been beheaded? And yet we have many accounts of such miracles happening both in Scripture and by the word of eyewitnesses. I've seen the dead raised to life myself and have seen a great many healing and other "impossible" acts performed, so the idea that the Moshiach will perform such acts. even on such a massive scale as this, is easy for me to accept. Besides, by the end of the Seven Years the survivors will have witnessed so much Divine (and Luciferian) intervention that this question will be moot. For now I'll simply say that I accept this literally. I believe there will be a general, global resurrection of those who have died in faith during the seven years. There is conjecture that the nation may be divided into states defined by the Tribes of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. While this seems likely it is conjecture.
The long awaited Jewish Moshiach will lay claim to all the lands promised to his people by HaShem as their rightful inheritance:
Moshiach's judges and administrators will visit the various nations of the earth and establish diplomatic ties. The Gentiles will be allowed to rule themselves however all nations will be subject to Moshiach as to an Emperor. This submission to the global theocracy will be gratefully accepted by the semi-autonomous states. This is confirmed by verses of prophecy such as this one:
Zech 8:21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before HaShem, and to seek HaShem of hosts: I will go also. 22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek HaShem of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before HaShem. 23 Thus saith HaShem of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
During the thousand year reign of Moshiach the people of earth will be free to seek joy, security and meaning. No longer will corrupt politicians, hypocritical religious figures or opportunistic capitalists manipulate the people.
Science will be devoted to improving life. Religious differences and beliefs will be resolved by Moshiach and a host of enlightened men and women who reveal the Truth of God for all to behold. None will debate who is the true God, which is the true understanding and so on because the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth.
During the years of the Millennial Kingdom humans will establish the most advanced, spiritually enlightened, and just society the world has known during this age! Life in the Kingdom will be absolutely awesome!
But then...
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
From the biblical perspective the last 5000 some odd years have been like a court case wherein Lucifer has used humanity to present his case. His challenge is that Terrans (Earthlings) prefer to rule themselves rather than to submit to the One God. Lucifer further charges that he should be granted permission to act as governor of the earth because given the choice Terrans always side with him. Supporting Lucifer's claim is the Merovingian House. Supporting the Believers is the House of Israel.
Its worth noting here that the contest is not between Lucifer and HaShem. HaShem is Judge and Master or all. The contest is between those humans who wish to submit to God and those who do not.
Much can be said about this contest, and I have said a lot about it elsewhere, but the final Seven Years which will soon begin and the thousand that will follow them are the closing arguments in the galactic court battle.
By allowing the Rex Mundi to come to power and allowing his New World Order to be established despite the clear warnings of Scripture the Terrans have now decided to take their stand with Lucifer and his dark dominion. This decision has already been made by the majority of Terrans as required by the terms of the galactic court. Despite those who are continuing to resist the revelation of the Beast, we're just waiting for the full implementation of the Novus Ordo Mundi now. The elevation of the Rex Mundi to the global throne is going to happen. There's no stopping it.
Like prior despots however, once the Rex Mundi has implemented his Global Union he will go too far. He will enter the yet-to-be rebuilt Temple of at Jerusalem and commit the abomination of desolation: He will enter the Holy of Hollies in the Temple -- probably sacrifice a sow on the alter -- and proclaim himself to be God incarnate.
We know from the prophets that this blasphemous act will spark serious resistance. Those who have not received his Mark will begin to resist him in earnest (many who have received it may even turn on him but for them it will be too late). In time (about 3 1/2 years after he commits the Abomination of Desolation) the Battle of Armageddon will be waged and won by the Children of Light but even with that, even after a thousand years of unprecedented peace, prosperity and knowledge, some will choose to rebel.
A major contingent of these rebellious people will head to Jerusalem from Moscow (Magog) and seek to overthrow the ruling theocracy of Moshiach. Their attack will be shocking but of no surprise to these enlightened people.
With their certain defeat our present age will come to an end.
During the thousand years humanity will have created a global society beyond anything now conceivable! But then:
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Of this the prophet says:
I Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God
Just imagine it! Given a thousand years the greatest minds in human history will have created a earthly paradise! And then... even that glorious civilization will be transformed into something so awesome that, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for [us]!
I Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
As mentioned above, after the Battle of Armageddon only those die as martyrs during the Seven Years will be resurrected. During the Thousand Year kingdom these faithful people will have had and properly raised children. Then at its conclusion they, their children and all those who have died will decide Join the rebellion or enter Paradise.
Following this decision and the final rebellion the First Age will be restored. Of such a time we read:
I Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
This is the hope laid before those who know the biblical prophecies.
The Luciferian New World Order and it global king is going to be destroyed.
The 144,000 Jews and a great multitude of others are going to stand against him (and indeed are standing even now).
These are the Hinderers. These are they who even now are hindering the rise of the Beast. Once he is enthroned they will undertake the Great Commission.
And many of them will die:
Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
And that's OK!
No one wants to die however death is certain (although some now living will live lifespans that we can barely imagine!). Those who Stand in opposition to the Beast, if they die, will take part in the first resurrection and receive the white robe of martyrdom.
Its well worth it!
After The Thousand Year Kingdom
Of these martyrs we read:
Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
The last trump is sounded at the time of the general resurrection at the end of the Thousand year Messianic Kingdom (which is one of the reasons we can know that the "Pre-Tribulation Rapture" is not the biblical doctrine). Those who take part in the second resurrection, like those who take part in the first resurrection, will do so in "glorified bodies."
The Bible provides cursory information from the beginning of our present age -- which began around 5769 B.C.E. until the times of Abraham and Sarah (circa 2000-1800 B.C.E.). It then covers basic Jewish history until the beginning of the Times of the Gentiles (circa 70 C.E.) about 2000 years later. Other than the information about the first century followers of the Way of Master Y'shua the Bible is then silent for the next 2000 years, until the end of the Times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Rev. 3:15-20). As the Times of the Gentiles draw to its conclusion the Bible has a lot to say from that event onward until the defeat of the Rex Mundi by the Moshiach. After the establishment of the Kingdom of God there is cursory information about the final thousand years.
Biblical history begins with Adam and Eve and their expulsion from Paradise. As they were being expelled we have the following interesting event:
Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
It is generally believed that this simply means that the first human couple became embarrassed about their nudity and that God clothed them. However there is an ancient belief that there is more going on here than that!
As our present age began humanity rebelled against God and sought independence as described in the Book of Job.
When this challenge was placed, it can be argued, humans were encased in flesh, they lost their higher, more spiritual vibrational frequencies. What happened in this verse is not that God killed and dressed an animal and made clothing for Adam and his wife, but that he literally clothed them in corruptible mortal flesh which, literally, what the text says.
Job is accepted by many scholars as the oldest book in the Bible despite its historic placement. The belief is that in Job we have critical information about the past 5000 years of humanity and the decision we are all currently being called upon to make:
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
In early Genesis we read of people living to be nearly a thousand years old but life expectancy quickly drops to more of less current levels. This is because we were "lowered" into a more animal nature. This corruption is not our normal state however. Once the Kingdom is established this corruption will be removed:
I Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
We have a few examples in scripture of incorruptible bodies. Consider for instance the three men who approached Abraham on their way to destroy Sodom:
Genesis 18:1 And HaShem appeared unto him [Abraham] in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
As two of the three men arrived in Sodom Lot immediately knew they were not like other men:
Genesis 19:1 And there came two angels [messengers] to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Another appearance of such a body occurred during the ministry of Prophet Y'shua and his transfiguration:
Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Master Y'shua was giving his disciples a glimpse of their future. Those few who survive the War of Armageddon, those who take part in the first resurrection along with those who take part in the second resurrection will find themselves purified, glorified, transfigured in ways we can not even conceive of currently!
Friends, we are not these physical bodies, subject to decay, disease and death! No, we are all children of the Most High God! And as the Psalmist said:
Psalm 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. 3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. 7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Adam and Eve lived in Paradise but lost it circa 5769 B.C.E. as this age began. Human history since that time has been the account of how Paradise was lost and how it is being restored.
So rejoice and stand tall O Child of the One God! Our Deliverer is drawing near!
Lawsuit: Bailout Funds Used in 'Shariah' Financing
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 2:19 PM
ANN ARBOR, MI — A federal lawsuit was filed this morning against U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. and the Federal Reserve Board to stop all bailout funds from going to American International Group, Inc. ("AIG"). According to the lawsuit, the U.S. government, through its ownership of AIG, is not only violating the Constitution, but also promoting and financing the destruction of America using American tax dollars.
The basis of the lawsuit is that AIG intentionally promotes Shariah-compliant businesses and insurance products, which by necessity must comply with the 1200 year old body of Islamic cannon law based on the Quran, which demands the conversion, subjugation, or destruction of the infidel West, including the United States. To help achieve these objectives and with the aid of federal tax dollars, AIG employs a three-person Shariah Advisory Board, with members from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Pakistan. According to AIG, the role of its Shariah authority "is to review [its] operations, supervise its development of Islamic products, and determine Shariah compliance of these products and [its] investments."
Of particular significance is the Pakistani Board member, Dr. Muhammed Imran Ashraf Usmani. Dr. Usmani is the son and devoted disciple of Sheik Mufti Taqi Usmani, the leading authority on Shariah financing who, in 1999, authored a book dedicating an entire chapter on why a Western Muslim must engage in violent jihad against his own country - even if Muslims are given equality and freedom to practice their religion and to proselytize.
The lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of Kevin J. Murray, a former Marine infantryman who served two tours of duty in Iraq. Murray is represented by the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and David Yerushalmi, an associated attorney who specializes in litigation and is an expert on Shariah law and Shariah compliant financing. Mr. Yerushalmi also serves as general counsel to the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C.
According to the lawsuit, use of taxpayer funds to acquire ownership of a business that intentionally promotes, endorses, supports, and funds Shariah-based Islamic religious practices violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, "This lawsuit not only raises significant constitutional issues, it also shines a light on serious national security issues that our own government has created by direct financial support and ownership of a business that supports anti-American, radical Islamic activities. Make no mistake, there is an internal cultural jihad underway against our great nation, and I fear that many of our political leaders are unwittingly complicit in it."
On September 11, 2001, Islamic terrorists, guided by principles of Shariah-mandated jihad against "infidels," attacked and killed thousands of innocent American civilians. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. went on the offensive by engaging Islamic terrorists overseas in Iraq and in Afghanistan. As in the past when our Nation faced great crisis, American servicemen were called to action, and Kevin Murray answered the call. From March to October 2003, Murray - a U.S. Marine - was deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Yet today, Murray's federal tax dollars are being used to advance the very cause of global jihad he and his fellow servicemen were placed in harm's way to overcome. Shariah explicitly demands the murder of infidels like Kevin Murray and the destruction of the United States, which Murray took an oath to defend. Shariah is the same law that is used to justify beheadings, stonings, and amputation for petty crimes in places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Sudan, which Americans deplore.
Nevertheless, AIG acknowledges and boasts its promotion of Shariah law and Shariah-based business practices. AIG itself describes "Sharia" as "Islamic law based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet [Mohammed]."
In further support of the federal government's endorsement of Shariah, the U.S. Treasury department co-sponsored a seminar in November of this year entitled "Islamic Financing 101" to promote Shariah financing among American institutions. The Seminar was jointly sponsored by Harvard University, one of the many American universities and colleges receiving millions of dollars from oil-producing countries to influence their Middle East programs, which are often staffed with professors who are anti-American, anti-Israeli, and pro-Islamic.
"It is clear," said Thompson, "oil money is purchasing the sovereignty of the United States and whatever loyalty to America these greedy financial institutions, corporations, and universities have left. It's up to the American people to take back their country from those who so easily betray its interests."
The federal lawsuit challenges that portion of the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" that appropriated $40 billion in taxpayer money to fund and financially support the United States government's majority ownership interest in AIG, which engages in Shariah-based Islamic religious activities that are anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, and anti-American.
According to the lawsuit, through the use of taxpayer funds, the U.S. government acquired a majority (79.9%) ownership interest in AIG, and as part of the bailout, Congress appropriated and expended an additional $40 billion of taxpayer money to fund and financially support AIG and its financial activities. AIG, which is now a government owned company, engages in Shariah-compliant financing, which subjects certain financial activities, including investments, to the dictates of Islamic law and the Islamic religion. This specifically includes any profits or interest obtained through such financial activities.
An important element of Shariah-compliant financing is a form of obligatory charitable contribution called zakat, which is a religious tax for assisting those that "struggle [jihad] for Allah." The amount of this tax is between 2.5% and 20%, depending upon the source of the wealth. The zakat religious tax is used to financially support Islamic "charities," some of which have ties to terrorist organizations that are hostile to the United States and all other "infidels," which includes Christians and Jews.
The Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, recently convicted for providing material support to Islamic terrorist organizations, is an example of an Islamic "charity" that qualifies for receipt of the zakat. Thus, as a direct consequence of the taxpayer funds appropriated and expended to purchase and financially support AIG, the U.S. government is now the owner of a corporation engaged in the business of collecting religious taxes to fund interests adverse to the United States, Christians, Jews, and all other "infidels" under Islamic law
Continued Thompson, "This lawsuit is as much about protecting constitutional principles as it is about protecting our national security and preventing another 9/11 - whether it be overt through flying planes into buildings or covert through appropriating taxpayer money to fund an Islamic cultural jihad."
The lawsuit seeks a court order to stop the taxpayer funding of AIG and its Islamic-based businesses and activities.
