Saturday, November 19, 2016

                                                MOSES VERSUS PHARAOH


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A8Oi7D0oT0




I feel like I want to add: "best two out of three falls, thirty minute time limit", the disclaimer always added to professional wrestling matches when I was a child.  We can see the story of Moses struggle with the Egyptian king as that alone, the leader of a slave race vying with the enslaver to get the People delivered.  But there is more going on here.

First a comparison of Moses and Jesus:

http://www.confidentfaith.net/moses-and-jesus-devine-similarities



Moses – The first mediator                                                               Jesus – The final mediator
Moses was born as a HebrewJesus was born as a Hebrew
Moses was chosen by God to be a leaderJesus was chosen by God to be a leader
Moses was born while his people were suffering under a cruel leader. (Pharaoh)Jesus was born while his people were suffering under a cruel leader. (Herod)
Moses hid in Egypt as a child.Jesus hid in Egypt as a child.
The leader of the land that Moses was born into tried to kill all of the babies when he was born.The leader of the land that Jesus was born into tried to kill all of the babies when He was born.
Moses turned water into blood.Jesus turned water into wine.
Moses died on a hill.Jesus died on a hill.
Moses fasted 40 days and faced a spiritual crisis on a mountainJesus fasted 40 days and faced a spiritual crisis on a mountain.
Moses told people about the need for a Passover lamb.Jesus became the Passover lamb.
Moses founded a new religionJesus founded a new religion
Moses communicated directly with GodJesus communicated directly with God
Moses performed miraclesJesus performed miracles
Moses revised an existing religionJesus revised an existing religion
Moses was a law giver – gave the ten commandmentsJesus was a law giver – gave the great commandment.
Moses was hated by the ruling party (Egyptians)Jesus was hated by the ruling party (Pharisees)
Moses had brothers and sisters who misunderstood him.Jesus had brothers and sisters who misunderstood him.
Moses chose 12 leaders to follow.Jesus chose 12 leaders to follow.
Moses gave his people a new identity as a people.Jesus gave his people a new identity as a people.
Moses had followers who strayed from his teachings.Jesus had followers who strayed from his teachings.
Moses is arguably the lead figure of the Old Testament.Jesus is the lead figure of the New Testament.
Moses taught his followers how to pray.Jesus taught his followers how to pray.
Moses chose people to carry on when he was leaving.Jesus chose people to carry on when he was leaving.
Moses led his people to the promised land.Jesus leads his people to the promised land.
Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan so he could bring people to the promised land.Jesus sent 12 disciples to the world so he could bring people to the promised land.
Moses appointed 70 rulers over IsraelJesus appointed 70 disciples to the nations.
The people picked up stones to stone Moses but they did not succeed.The people picked up stones to stone Jesus, but they did not succeed.
Moses controlled the waters of the Red SeaJesus controlled the Sea of Galilee
Moses brought living water out of the RockJesus brings living water to all of his believers.
The face of Moses shown with glory on Mount Sinai.The face of Jesus shown with glory on the mount of Transfiguration.
Moses lifted the brazen serpent up in the wilderness to heal peopleJesus was lifted up on the cross to heal us from our own sins.
Moses was a shepherdJesus was the good shepherd
Moses subdued an attacking army by raising his arms high on the top of a hill.  (with two other people)Jesus subdued sin and death with arms raised high on a hill.  (with two other people)
Moses said another prophet would come (Jesus)Jesus said another would come (Holy Spirit)
Those who did not follow Moses died in the wilderness because of their lack of faith.Those who refused to follow Jesus died in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  Jesus had warned them it was coming, and history shows that the Christians left right before the siege started because of the remembrance of the words of Jesus.  Those who did not believe Jesus stayed and were either killed or sold to slavery.
Moses fed thousands supernaturally with bread.Jesus fed thousands supernaturally with bread.
Moses took a gentile brideJesus took a gentile bride (the church)
Moses led the Israelites in a victory song after the victory in Egypt.This song will be repeated at the end as a victory song for Jesus.  (see Rev. 15:2-3)
There is a long period of silence in the story of Moses from the time he was a child until adulthood.There is a long period of silence in the story of Jesus from the time he was a child until adulthood.
Moses showed compassion to a woman getting water at a well.Jesus showed compassion to a woman getting water at a well.
Moses’ mission was to redeem Israel from slavery to EgyptJesus’ mission was to redeem mankind from slavery to sin.
Moses was loved and supported by his sister Miriam (which is Miryam in Hebrew)Jesus was loved and supported in his ministry by His mother Mary (which is also Miryam in Hebrew)
Moses gave God’s law on a mountain.Jesus gave the new law from the Mount of the Beatitudes. (sermon on the mount.)
Moses offered his life for the salvation of his people after the sin of the golden calf.Jesus offered His life for the salvation of the world.
Moses rejected a lavish, ruling lifestyle in the house of the Pharaoh.  Instead, he chose a humble life.Jesus rejected the offers of Satan to be the ruler of this world and instead chose a humble life
Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water.Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
Wow!  Those two characters were strikingly similar.  Now, you might think you could argue one or two of those points, or you might say that a couple of them are too general in nature to prove anything, but nobody can tell me that those lists are not extremely similar to each other.  They are similar to the point that they show the two stories had to have been divinely correlated.  There is no way that this could be an accident!



Then there's Pharaoh seen as Satan:   


Pharaoh was the god of Egypt.  Egypt is a picture of this world.  Pharaoh is a picture of Satan...the god of this world.  Like Satan, he was a liar.  Many times he agreed to let the Israelites go, and then change his mind or renege.  Pharaoh was a murderer.  And John 10 says the devil is our enemy—come to steal, kill and destroy.  Pharaoh kept the Jews in bondage, and the devil wants us to be slaves to sin as well.  Pharaoh hated God’s people, and the devil does too, walking about like a lion in his hunt for sanctified red meat! 

Although Pharaoh did not want to let them go, he did offer some compromises.  You say, how noble!  Not at all.  It’s Satan’s old, deceptive trickery...mingling truth with error...meeting us halfway...desiring US to be compromisers!  If the devil can’t get you to quit he’ll try to get you to compromise.  Once you truly get saved you ought to take down your dictionary from the shelf, turn to the ‘k’s and cut out the words ‘quit’ and ‘compromise’!

Although compromise may be the genius of politics and the secret success in marriage...it is the death of Christian convictions.  Compromise is the crack in the armor we are supposed to be wearing, and when our armor is compromised that is the very spot Satan will strike his death blow!

The devil today is still offering people of God these same 4 compromises:

1st  Compromise—
Ex. 8:25   Worship God, but do it in the land...stay in Egypt.  And today Satan doesn’t mind us coming to church on Sunday as long as we stay in the world all week long.  But God demands separation from the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17 
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
To serve God but stay in sin is a compromise. 
Some think they can serve God and still have a drink now and then.  But God says, Come on out of Egypt!  If you’re gonna do it, do it right.  Not halfway.
“I’ll serve God but I can’t tithe.”  Come on all the way out of Egypt!

There’s 2 extremes to try to avoid when talking about separation from the world [like ditches on either side of the highway]:
Legalism says—
Keep this set of rules and you won’t be worldly anymore.  You’ll be more spiritual than most everyone else.
        But worldliness starts in the heart, and the fix isn’t outward conforming but inward transforming!  The problem with lists of rules is everyone’s list is different, and we begin to major on little minors, and focusing on our preferences.  God does give us some lists in His Word, and we should focus on those, and what’s not covered it the lists can have Bible principles applied to them...just make sure it’s a heart decision to please God and not something you’re doing for man.

Liberalism says—
I’m free in Christ.  I can go where I want, look like I want, watch what I want, listen to what I want, hang out w/ whomever I want.  I dare you to try to impose any standards or absolutes on me!
        But it matters how we look, where we go, whom we are with, what we do, say, take in, or put out.  This crowd loves to quote the OT verse that says ‘God looketh on the heart’.  But they forget the first part of the verse which states that ‘man looketh on the outward appearance!’  If we’re going to affect the world the world is going to have to see a difference in us.  The truth is that both the inside and outside both need to be affected by God.  So make some inner decisions and allow those to affect you outwardly if that applies.

Now, how are we going to decide in questionable areas, whether they are right or wrong?  What about things the Bible doesn’t mention directly like gambling, the lottery, or certain movies. 
Ill.—in his later years Dr. John R. Rice was known to say, “HBO...it’s hell’s box office!  Cinemax?  It’s sin to the max!  So don’t be looking at a TV, be looking up, for the Lord will soon return and it’s gonna be Showtime!”

Here’s 5 questions to ask about questionable areas:
[these guidelines only work for those w/ a heart to do right, not for the worldly Christian looking for an excuse]
1.     What would Jesus do?
1 Peter 2:21 
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Would Jesus do this activity?  Would He watch this?  Would He talk this way?

2.     Is God your top priority?
Does He take the back seat to anything else?  What are you more committed to?  Am I in conflict between God and the world?  Why am I torn?  As Jesus asked Peter, ‘Lovest thou me more than these?’

3.     Will this help or hinder my Christian walk?
We should not only consider what’s wrong w/ something, but what is right with it?  Is it of any lasting value in eternity?  Would my time and efforts be better spent on something more profitable?

4.     What is the atmosphere around this?
The context is important.  It’s not just about what are you doing, but what are others doing in this place.  It is guilt by association.
Ephesians 5:11 
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Romans 13:12 
...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
5.     How will this affect others?
No man is an island.  We have a responsibility to consider how we affect others around us.  Paul said there’s some things I could do that are ok, but if they offend my brother, I won’t do them for his sake.

Serve God, but stay in Egypt...

2nd Compromise—
8:28
Worship God, but don’t go very far away.  Don’t go overboard w/ this Jesus stuff.  Be a borderline Christian / a compartment Christian – have a life – have a work life, a home life, a recreation life, and a church life.
        But we cannot put God in a box...don’t lock Him into one room...allow Him to roam freely and permeate every area of your life.  Not just another spoke in the wheel, but the hub out of which all the other areas are firmly rooted and revolve around!

What little word do we get from the word ‘fanatic’?  ‘Fan’!  It’s ok to be a sports fan, but if you are a Jesus fan that’s bad?

"I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord,
Real service is what I desire;
I'll say what you want me to say, Dear Lord,
But don't ask me to sing in the choir.
I'll say what you want me to say, Dear Lord,
I'd like to see things come to pass;
But don't ask me to teach girls and boys, Dear Lord;
I'd rather just stay in my class.
I'll do what you want me to do, Dear Lord.
I yearn for your kingdom to thrive.
I'll give you my nickels and dimes, Dear Lord,
But please don't ask me to tithe.
I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord,
I'll say what you want me to say;
I'm busy just now with myself, Dear Lord.
I'll help you some other day."

3rd Compromise—
10:7-11    Worship God, but don’t take your family.  Just the men were allowed to go.  Today the devil says, let your kids make up their own mind.  Don’t turn your spouse off to God...just keep quiet about it all.  It’s time for men to get back to being the spiritual leaders in the home!

This attitude also surfaces today as adults lead their own lives, and leave the kids in front of the automated baby sitter [TV or game system] and leave their education up to the school and leave their salvation up to their s.s. teacher.  We need to claim our kids for Christ and take charge and make things happen.  “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

4th Compromise—
10:24-26  Worship God, but leave your flocks and herds.  Pharaoh says, in case this religion thing doesn’t work out for you, you need a fall back plan.  Don’t burn your bridges!
        If doing God’s will and going to church doesn’t work out for you, you can always go back to the way you used to be!  Don’t sell out for God.  Keep one foot in the door of the world.

Another application today is, “Don’t let religion affect your pocketbook”.  Flocks and herds in those days were money.  The cry of the day in Christianity is that churches are all about money, when they should be about people and their hearts. 
        But Jesus said where your treasure is, there your heart is also.

“Don’t talk about money preacher, talk about something spiritual!”
        There’s nothing more spiritual that we can talk about...it’s the supreme test of our values, our obedience, and our heart.

“Pharaoh, pharaoh, I wish you’d just leave my people alone!”  But he won’t.  Satan is more at work in these last days than ever, and he wants us to compromise.  He knows he has lost your soul to heaven, but he doesn’t want you taking others with you.  He doesn’t mind you going to church, as long as you live a 50-50 lifestyle.

That’s a miserable place to be...riding the fence.  You’ve got enough Jesus in you that you can no longer enjoy the world, but still enough world in you so you can’t fully enjoy Jesus!

It’s high time we get out of Africa...leave Egypt behind, not for just a while, but forever.  Not still in eyeshot of the old life, but going forward, gaining higher ground, no looking back...on to the Promised Land!





Now instead of seeing Satan, see his Earthly human representative.  See an antichrist.  We are trained over the years to see various kings as Satan. to see it as a Satan versus Christ thing.  But it  has always been Satan screaming for a kingdom, any kingdom and mismanaging Earth into a giant Sahara because he doesn't know how to rule as God would.  Because Satan is incapable of love of any sort.  

But he doesn't seem to ever rule directly in terms of taking an office or signing bills into law,  no matter what someone may think of the President of one party or the other.  Satan seems to always find his rule in a puppet, an antichrist figure.   

About THE Antichrist:


Today I’ll share with you some of the qualities I look for when attempting to identify the Antichrist.
Note: Some of the qualities I discuss below will have some direct biblical-backing while other qualities may not have direct biblical-backing (it’s just my opinion).

EXTREMELY CHARISMATIC

I imagine that the Antichrist is going to be an extremely charismatic leader. I imagine the Antichrist will be capable of exciting large crowds of people, be able to persuade many people to become very loyal followers of his, and be able to persuade various world leaders to support his ideas.
This may surprise you, but I don’t know of a person today who comes close to being as charismatic as I expect the Antichrist to be.
  • This doesn’t mean that the Antichrist isn’t on Earth right now. I’m only saying that I don’t know of anyone who is as charismatic as I expect the Antichrist to be.
However, there is one historical figure who I think the Antichrist’s charisma may rival or even exceed. I think the level of charisma that the Antichrist will have could rival or even exceed the level of demonic charisma that Adolf Hitler, who I believe is the seventh king of Revelation 17:10, possessed.
Hitler possessed unnatural, demonic charisma that enabled him to induce millions of people into following him loyally. The Office of Strategic Services, a World War 2 U.S. intelligence agency, described the intoxicating effect that Hitler’s charisma had on the German people:
“Unquestionably, as a speaker, he has had a powerful influence on the common run of German people. His meetings were always crowded and by the time he got through speaking he had completely numbed the critical faculties of his listeners to the point where they were willing to believe almost anything he said… And somehow he always managed to say what the majority of the audience were already secretly thinking but could not verbalize. When the audience began to respond, it affected him in return. Before long, due to this reciprocal relationship, he and his audience became intoxicated with the emotional appeal of his oratory.1
Hitler’s unnatural charisma and persuasive abilities pushed people to perform tasks that they otherwise would not do. For instance, Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister and member of Hitler’s inner circle, followed Hitler despite having reservations:
“I have been working with him for years, I see him almost everyday, and still there are times when he loses me completely. Who can claim to know who he really is? …You’ll think I’m crazy, but listen to me: Hitler will bring us to a catastrophe. But his ideas, once they have been transformed, will acquire a new strength…Is he really human?” I would not want to swear on it”.2
Similarly, Ulrich de Maiziére, a member of Hitler’s General Staff, spoke of Hitler’s demonic impact on people:
“Secondly, (Erich von) Manstein spoke to Hitler. (Maximilian von) Weichs spoke to Hitler. (Guenther von) Kluge spoke to Hitler. And this cast a light on something which I myself experienced at the end of the war; that this man emanated an almost indescribable demonic effect on individuals, which only a few were able to escape. And which one cannot really understand if one hasn’t experienced it oneself”.3
Unlike Hitler, I expect the Antichrist to be fluent in at least a few widely-spoken languages, including the English language. The ability to speak different languages would enable the Antichrist to persuade people from a variety of countries to become followers of his and enable the Antichrist to use his full charisma to persuade leaders of different countries to agree to his ideas/requests/demands.

A PROBLEM SOLVER

I expect the Antichrist to begin his rise to prominence as a person who addresses some of the world’s major problems through diplomacy. In fact, I think the Antichrist is the rider of the white horse in Revelation 6:2.

(Pale horse rider.  Pale horse. W.)
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (Rev 6:2)

HEAVILY INVOLVED IN MIDEAST ISSUES

One of the top problems that I expect the Antichrist to address is the longstanding conflict in the Middle East.  More specifically, I expect the Antichrist to be a leader who will be heavily involved in shaping relations between Israel and its neighbors. The main reason for this expectation is that Daniel 9:27 tells us that the Antichrist will be able to confirm a “covenant with many” for “one week” (seven years).
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make itdesolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)
I think the “covenant with many” will involve Israel & its neighbors and relate to Mideast peace in some way. We see in Daniel 9:27 that temple sacrifice will be taking place during the first portion of the seventieth week of Daniel. I think it is quite possible that the covenant with many that the Antichrist will confirm will be an all-encompassing Mideast peace agreement which includes the acceptance/toleration of temple sacrifice.

A SUCCESSFUL MILITARY LEADER

I think the Antichrist will likely become a successful military leader (if he isn’t already a decorated military leader before his rise) in the latter portion of his rise as Daniel 11:39 suggest that he will be able to take on the strongest opponents and win.
(38) But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. (39) Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. (Dan 11:38-39)
I would not rule out the possibility that the Antichrist will utilize his persuasive abilities to give leaders of various countries a false sense of security during the early portion of his rise so that he can later overwhelm his opponents in surprise attacks during the latter portion of his rise.  Daniel 8:25 mentions that the Antichrist will “by peace shall destroy many”.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Dan 8:25)

EXTREMELY ARROGANT

After considering 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 I think it is fairly obvious that the Antichrist will have a gigantic ego since he will have the audacity to claim that he is God and will demand the world to worship him. Daniel 11:36 and Daniel 8:25 also confirm that Antichrist will likely be the most arrogant person of all time.
“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.” (Dan 11:36)
“And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; himself, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” (Dan 8:25)

RUTHLESS BEHIND THE SCENES

I expect that the Antichrist will not be benevolent towards others behind the scenes. Daniel 8:23 indicates that the Antichrist will be a “king of fierce countenance” which to me suggests that he will rule in a very harsh manner.
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (Dan 8:23)

NOT A WOMANIZER

I don’t think the Antichrist will be a womanizer as Daniel 11:37 suggest that the Antichrist will not regard the desire of women.
Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (Dan 11:37)
This does not mean that the Antichrist won’t be married or have a girlfriend (I can see him being married to aid his public image). However, you probably won’t see the Antichrist’s name in the tabloids for being around a bunch of different women.
(My own take is that his disregard for the desires if women means that he treats them badly and misuses them in the machismo pig fashion.   this has been taken to suggest the Antichrist is homosexual.  Yet I  know homosexuals who have very successful and warm relations with women.  W.)

RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY

I do not expect the Antichrist to be a follower of any of the world’s five major religions. Instead, I expect the Antichrist to adhere to occult practices and/or a New Age spiritual philosophy. Interestingly, Daniel 8:23 mentions that the Antichrist will understand “dark sentences”. Some believe “dark sentences” could imply that the Antichrist is into some sort of magic…
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (Dan 8:23)
More likely he will also be an apostate.

Now for a link within a link:

http://biblehub.com/sermons/auth/manton/apostasy_and_antichrist.htm

Apostasy and Antichrist
2 Thessalonians 2:3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…


I. THE GENERAL APOSTASY WHICH MUST PRECEDE CHRIST'S COMING.
1. Apostasy is any defection from that lord to whom we owe fealty. In religious matters it is defection from our right and proper Lord. The devil was an apostate (Jude 1:6John 8:44); our first parents (Romans 5:19); their posterity (Zephaniah 1:6Isaiah 59:13).
2. The apostasy of the text was not civil, the falling away of many kingdoms from the Roman empire; but of the visible Church from its Lord. This is proved —
(1) From the fact that the Thessalonians did not intermingle with State affairs.
(2) From the use of the word in Christian doctrine (Luke 13:13).
(3) Because it was expressly foretold (1 Timothy 4:1).
(4) Because those who are most concerned to maintain the notion of civil apostasy are most notorious in this defection.
3. The proper Lord of the Christian Church is Christ (Romans 14:9Ephesians 5:23).
4. Apostasy from Christ is determined by two things.
(1) By undermining His authority. This is done when others usurp His place without His leave, e.g., superinduce a universal head of the Church which Christ never appointed.
(2) By corrupting and destroying the interests of His kingdom, which is the case wherever there is a degeneration from the purity and simplicity of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3), such as when the faith of the gospel is turned into dead opinions and curious questions; and its worship corrupted into giving Divine honour to saints and angels and turned into a theatrical pomp of empty ceremonies; and its discipline transformed into temporal domination and carried on by sides and interests.
5. This apostasy is notable and discernible, not of a few or many in divers Churches. There have always been backsliders (1 John 2:18, 191 John 4:3, 5); but the great apostasy is in some visible Church where these corruptions are generally received and defended. Who then are they —
(1) Who usurp Christ's authority by setting up a universal head over all Christians?
(2) Who revive the worship of a middle sort of powers between God and man (1 Timothy 4:1Colossians 2:18), and invent so many lies to defend it, when Christians should keep themselves from idols (1 John 5:21), not contented with the only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:51 Corinthians 8:5)?
(3) Who plead for indulgences and the supererogatory satisfaction of saints as profitable for the remission of sins?
(4) Who keep believers from reading the Scriptures when expressly enjoined to do so (John 5:39Psalm 1:2)?
(5) Who deny one part of the Lord's Supper notwithstanding His institution to the contrary (1 Corinthians 11:25, 26)?
II. THE REVELATION OF ANTICHRIST as —
1. "The man of sin."(1) The Jews gave this name to Antiochus (1 Macc. 2:48, 62), and it is given to Antichrist because he is a man given up to sin eminently, and giveth excitements to sin. Now how much open sin is allowed in the Papacy their own stories tell Histories witness that the most abominable men have occupied the Papal chair; and no man can sin at so cheap a rate when, by dividing sins into mortal and venial, and these expiated by penance, faculties, licences, dispensations, indulgences until sin is distinguished out of conscience.
(2) Because he is called "the man of sin" it does not follow that he is an individual. One is often put for a society and succession of men as kings (Daniel 7:8Isaiah 10:5Isaiah 14:9); so the "man of God" is put for all faithful ministers (2 Timothy 3:17); "high priest" (Hebrews 9:25); "the king" (1 Peter 2:17). So one person represents that succession of men that head the revolt against Christ.
2. "The son of perdition." Wherein he is likened to Judas (John 17:12). The term may be explained passively as one condemned to everlasting destruction (2 Samuel 12:5Ephesians 2:3), or actively as bringing destruction on himself and others (Revelation 9:11cf. Hebrews 5:9). Note the parallel.
(1) Judas was not a stranger, but a pretended friend and apostle (Acts 1:17). Turks and infidels are enemies to Christ, but Antichrist seeks to undermine Him under a pretence of friendship. There is no mystery in open enmity (ver. 7).
(2) He sold Christ for a small matter; Antichrist makes a market of religion.
(3) Judas betrayed Christ with a kiss, and where is there apparently such friends of Christ as at Rome? They are ready to worship the Cross, and yet they are its enemies, because they mind earthly things.
(4) Judas was a guide to those who came to take Christ, and the main work of Antichrist is to be a ringleader in persecuting for religion.
(5) Judas was covetous, and England to its bitter cost knows the exactions of the Papacy.
(T. Manton, D. D.)



ETHNICITY UNSURE

I am not 100% sure what ethnicity the Antichrist will be. Some say that the Antichrist will be Assyrian as there are Bible prophecy verses in Isaiah 10, Isaiah 30, and Micah 5 that mention the “Assyrian” in a role that could arguably fit the Antichrist.
“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.” Isa 10:24
“And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. (31) For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.” (Isa 30:30-31)
And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.” (Mic 5:5)
There are others who think that Antichrist will be Syrian as Antiochus Epiphanes IV, a man who some people think Antichrist’s career will closely parallel given the similarities between how Antiochus and how the Antichrist were described by Daniel (see Daniel 8 and Daniel 11), ruled from Syria.
There are other theories about the Antichrist’s ethnicity beyond what I’ve mentioned above.  However, I cannot mention them all for sake of brevity…
I am personally much more focused on looking at the group of qualities I mentioned above than focused on the ethnicity of the Antichrist. I don’t know for sure what ethnicity the Antichrist will be, so it is not something I think about much in the search for the Antichrist.

I know I haven’t listed all the characteristics that describe the Antichrist, but I hope the characteristics I mentioned in this article are helpful for anyone curious about what I look for when attempting to identify the Antichrist.

Like my fellow blogger, I sometimes feel the need to look for the Antichrist and I watched this last election with some amusement until the results came in.  Then I was forced into an assessment.
1) Question:  if you were a believer in end times doctrines. and some christian who aren't, what would be the best way, if you were a voter in a democracy, to be sure you kept the man of perdition from taking over your country?  Answer later.
2) If the Antichrist is a uniter, we have nothing to worry about at the moment. Concerning the takeover of the Antichrist that is.  We have a lot to worry about though, because:
2) Among premils, there is agreement that Russia will sweep down from the north, go through some of the Arab states and attack Israel,  Many used to wonder why they would do that.  Today it's obvious that Muslim countries would applaud the move by Russia, but it becomes more obvious when we realize that Israel is the breadbasket of Europe.  God promised to bless the land when Israel was there and he has.  They discover new water sources every few years and have developed their agriculture so well that they do indeed feed most of Europe.  Olives grown there are as large as apples.  Europe relies on them more than any other country.  Add to that that it takes water for the production of any item we use such as:
Water is used in the production of many materials and finished products we personally use everyday. Take cars, for example. It takes 75,000 gallons of water to produce one ton of steel.  Since the average car contains about 2,150 pounds of steel, that means over 80,000 gallons of water is needed to produce the finished steel for one car. The gasoline that fuels a car also requires water consumption: approximately 1 to 2.5 gallons of water is used in the process of refining a gallon of gasoline.
It takes 24 gallons of water to make 1 pound of another everyday material: plastic. In fact, it takes at least twice as much water to produce a plastic water bottle as the amount of water in the water bottle. And the water footprint of 1 pound of cotton is 1,320 gallons. That’s more than 700 gallons of water for one new cotton shirt.
http://www.gracelinks.org/285/the-hidden-water-in-everyday-products



Notice it says it takes 2,5 gallons of water per gallon of gas.   24 gallons for the production of plastic, making such an industry unlikely in the Sahara region.  More interesting is the idea of fracking:


http://www.theoec.org/Fracking?gclid=CjwKEAiApLDBBRC8oICb9NvKsg0SJAD9yOHsGoMHBKcA29jWaD76EdhNHqt_46jFGf69pt4-usBpkxoCfdvw_wcB




FRACKING





WHAT IS FRACKING?

Relatively new drilling technology - high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing (fracking) - now makes it possible to reach natural gas reserves that underlie much of the eastern part of Ohio.
Fracking is the use of sand, water, and chemicals injected at high pressures to blast open shale rock and release the trapped gas inside. Horizontal drilling is just like it sounds: after the well drill reaches a certain vertical depth in the ground, the well is then drilled horizontally.
As with any industrial activity, the development of oil and gas involves risks to air, land, water, wildlife and communities.
The oil and gas drilling industry argues that horizontal fracking is safe because it has been around for 40 years, but that is not correct.
While the use of hydraulic fracturing to drill vertical wells has been around that long, horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing is very new and only began in Ohio in 2011.
The use of horizontal fracking requires millions of gallons of fresh water, acres of land per well pad, and the use of undisclosed chemicals.
As this new combination of drilling technologies has ramped up nationwide, communities have seen a corresponding increase in harmful air emissions, water contamination, and serious problems associated with the disposal of horizontal fracking waste fluids.

Fracking has enabled the US oil industry to forge ahead of even the Saudis in oil production. Imagine their desire to get at the water sources  in Israel.  

Hence my worry because the US now has a President who is extremely cordial with Putin who is firmly established in Syria and literally staring down the sights of cannons for invading the rest of the Middle East.  Worse, the USA seems to be losing any interest in intervening there.  And, since the same foolish economic policies of the Bush administration seem to be held in high esteem by the neo-cons in the House and Senate, we are facing yet another economic collapse.  should it happen we will be too economically crippled to prevent anyone for invading anything.  And will likely have lost enough industry to not recover at all from the crash.  Unless the policies the ideologues so love are abandoned. 

3) Meaning the Trump administration will likely be opening the door for a Russian invasion and the rise of the Antichrist.  

4) Which I realize should be making me sing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBHcvJhc6Pk

5) But I worry that some people I love will not be saved on that day, not ready, not with the Spirit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSW5uO4kKto

6) Let me emphasize I am not calling Trump The Antichrist though I wouldn't feel too odd calling him AN antichrist, an apostate  who claims to embrace the religion but obviously doesn't know the Lord and has a lifestyle that spits in God's eye.  I certainly wonder about his victory seeing potential computer tampering and more likely spiritual forces deceiving people.  I have had conversations asking people why they voted for a man who said things that were racist, who was walking into rooms with half-dressed and undressed teen beauty models and admitted it on the Howard Stern Show, was actually proud of his behavior, who concocted a fraudulent university to take  money from middle class citizens, and admitted to lying in his ads that he personally selected all the teachers when questioned during the proceeding of the New York lawsuit, and I often hear people say they never heard that, that he didn't say something that was recorded, or mean something that he said.    Perhaps the constant blare of foolishness just muffled a clear ear for the constant lies and sexism. Or there was a spiritual force involved.

7) Amid all this there was the constant cry that the Antichrist was coming soon.  

http://www.alphanewsdaily.com/antichrist.html

http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/54528-how-close-are-we-to-the-arrival-of-the-antichrist

http://www.reformation.org/antichrist.html


I hardly agree with all the things any of those folks say, but want to point out the EVERYBODY seems to think the Antichrist is coming soon.

Even the ones who have been proven wrong showing themselves false prophets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x899fR1WnII

Or merely foolish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoivaOFr2OE

Which arrives at:

8) The answer to the first question: what is the surest way to prevent the man of perdition, the man who's the Antichrist, running your country?  If you are a Christian, if you know he will  not be revealed until after the Second Coming, that he may well look like a Christian because he will be apostate, that you can't tell and even the elect may be deceived, what possible way is there to stop him from running your country?  Would god provide the perfect out if you were just paying attention?  Could there be a logic clue that would keep Christians from voting for a man who comes close to fitting the Antichirst description?

An old riddle will tell you:

A father and his son are in a car accident. The father dies instantly, and the son is taken to the nearest hospital. The doctor comes in and exclaims "I can't operate on this boy."
"Why not?" the nurse asks.
"Because he's my son," the doctor responds.
How is this possible?

The doctor is his mother.

And if you elect a woman, you prevent the Antichrist, who is always called a man, from running your country.  And everyone of those folks I mentioned above, and most of my conservative brothers and sisters,  likely voted for the wrong person. Because they believed the woman was evil.  

That even the elect might be deceived.  

This war has been going on since Eden as we've seen.  We were at war.  We are at war.  We will be at war so long as we are here.

So now we look at the gods of Pharaoh and his country.  


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