The Prince as Pauper...

Many are familiar with Mark Twain’s classic The Prince and the Pauper, the fanciful story of two sixteenth-century boys who exchange identities. This month A.D. 2018 picks-up on a mistaken identity theme at Christmas, revealing an inscrutable God who invades time and space, condescending to take on human form, under the most humble of circumstances.

Caught between two advents, scholars of old expected a prince arrayed in splendor, and looked beyond a pauper born in a manger. Conversely, 2,000-years on we’re fond of reminiscing over the babe in swaddling clothes, while overlooking the mission accomplished by the Prince of Peace.

This Christmas we shake your tree at little by inviting you to take a closer look at the great exchange, where divinity wrapped Himself in humanity. The Lord became mortal, to grace us with immortality. He became poor, that we might become rich. Sojourn with us as "wise men" this year, to enter into His presence.

Our Musical Greeting Card To You...

 

From our family to yours...Merry Christmas!

“Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, oh God.’” (Hebrews 10: 5-7)

I envision a farewell that must have taken place in heaven on the first Christmas Eve. As mentioned in the opening verse, I imagine the Son would have said good-bye to the Father and the Father to the Son. The Scripture gives us a remarkable look at the heart of the Savior before His birth.

He knew He was entering the world to be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. God had divinely prepared His body specifically for that purpose. Jesus was going to die for the sins of the world, and He knew it. Moreover, He was doing it willingly. That was the whole point of the incarnation.

The important issue of Christmas is not so much that Jesus came, but why He came. There was no salvation in His birth. Nor did the sinless way He lived have any redemptive force of its own. His example, as flawless as it was, could not rescue men from their sins. Even His teaching, the greatest truth ever revealed to man, could not save us from our sins. There was a price to be paid for our sins. Someone had to die, and only Jesus could do it.

Jesus came to earth, of course, to reveal God to mankind. He came to teach the truth. He came to fulfill the Law. He came to offer His kingdom. He came to show us how to live. He came to reveal God’s love. He came to bring peace. He came to heal the sick. He came to minister to the needy.

But all those reasons are incidental to His ultimate purpose. He could have done them all without being born a human. He could have simply appeared—like the angel of the Lord often did in the Old Testament—and accomplished everything in the above list, without becoming a man. But He had one more reason for coming: He came to die.

Jesus’ death, though devised and carried out by men with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil that anyone will ever accomplish. As for why it was necessary, allow me to make just three simple points:

First, the Creator brought everything into existence for the express purpose of engaging us in an intimate relationship for eternity. The magnanimous love He has for us all, and the love He expects in return, has one requirement though. To be reciprocated it requires an act of the will.

Second, human nature’s proclivity for imperfection separates us from the presence of the Creator’s infinite holiness—by our choice. Since perfection and imperfection will never peacefully coexist, we must either secure atonement for our sinfulness or perpetually remain estranged from the Author of life.

Third, because extricating ourselves from the fallen nature and expunging our own record is not possible, God did something for us that we could never achieve on our own. He fashioned a body uncorrupted by sin to be sacrificed on our behalf, in order to make amends for the imperfection of humanity.

Take another look at the manger this Christmas. Look beyond the tender scene, and see what Jesus Himself knew even before He came—that He was born to die.

Roy J. Tanner

Essay uses content excerpted from John F. MacArthur, Jr.,
God With Us: The Miracle Of Christmas (1989)

Ever been late with gifts, or sending out greeting cards? Or if you’ve ever received a “return to sender” notice from an invalid address -- then take heart; you’re in good company. The famed “wise men” that we hear about every Christmas also had a knack for miscues when it came to timing and destinations. For all their knowledge, the wise men or magi, apparently arrived as late as two years after the birth of the Christ child, eventually locating Him, only after inquiring of King Herod regarding His whereabouts.

The ancient Greek historian Herodotus records that the magi were a priestly caste of the Medes. They were active throughout Babylonia and Mesopotamia during much of the Old Testament era. They acted as advisors to kings, interpreting dreams and otherwise divining wisdom through their occult magic. They also helped settle questions of science and law (from which the word magistrate is derived). As contemporaries of the prophet Daniel, the magi gained a great deal of familiarity with Jewish Scripture--including prophecy regarding the messiah.

As God would have it, the signs in the Scriptures and the heavens eventually led them to Jesus. Upon seeing the child, their response indicates they became the earliest Gentile believers in Christ, where they worshipped in His presence. They also offered gifts of special significance: gold in tribute to the King of kings, frankincense to worship the eternal High Priest, and myrrh for the Savior who would suffer for the sins of humanity (Matt 1:21). More than sentiment, this ancient story also has application for each generation--in the midst of our own life stories.

In a phrase, “late and lost” certainly described my spiritual condition before my journey led me to the Savior. At 33, my appointment with destiny occurred later than I anticipated and happened in a place I didn’t expect. Although raised in the traditions of the faith, my wanderlust of youth confused life’s priorities and squandered many gracious opportunities. Ironically though, the zeal I have now for things eternal--seems to be in direct proportion to the forgiveness I’ve received in my life.

Everyone has his or her own story. Can you recall a time and place that you experienced the forgiveness found only in the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6)? Are you aware that right now, wherever you happen to be, God continues to extend salvation to us (2 Cor 6:2)? Destiny portends, that like the wise men, when you happen onto the Lord Jesus, your heart’s desire will also manifest trust in the atoning work of the Savior, worship for the Son of God, and service to the King of kings.

Like an intricate tapestry, that appears a haphazard patchwork underneath, many times the beauty of life’s patterns can best be seen from heaven’s perspective. It is my sincere hope, that sometime during your spiritual journey, regardless of seemingly errant timing or destinations, you also will be “found” in that vast number of souls who have placed their trust in the Lord for their salvation.

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Roy J. Tanner

“Nearer now than when we first believed.”

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John. 14:1-3)


"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1Thes. 4:16-18)

God has put eternity into the hearts of men (Ecc. 3:11), as evidenced by the abundant speculation about the afterlife. But why be concerned with ages to come and worlds unknown, when there are so many pressing issues to contend with in the here and now? Without losing our current focus, it's because mankind was created to live forever--that there's an insatiable curiosity about the hereafter.

In the movie Gladiator, General Maximus rallied his troops with, "What we do in life echoes in eternity." This tagline has the ring of truth, even if the comparatively few years we spend on earth will pale in significance to an unending eternity. As such, every person should pause and examine life in the light of this "blessed hope." For Christians, "eschatology," or the "doctrine of last things," can be a powerful factor in shaping our present conduct, and motivating service for God and man. [1] In this regard, we've been given considerable insight into what the future holds.

With predictive prophecy comprising fully one quarter of Scripture, the Bible stands alone as divinely inspired--as only God knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:9,10). From God's eternal vantage point, prophecy is merely history provided in advance. The prophetic passages like the ones above (along with 1 Cor. 15: 51, 52) support the Biblical basis for what's referred to as "the Rapture" of the church. This event includes complete transformation (Phil. 3:20, 21) and union with the Lord Jesus Christ that never ends.

Occurring at a time different from the coming of Christ in judgment, the Rapture has been described as pre-tribulational. Those who are left behind, having not previously placed their trust in Christ as personal Lord and Savior, will face an increasingly horrific seven-year interim period that's punctuated by persecutions, wars and natural disasters--of a type never before experienced on earth. Feeling vulnerable? While God wants all of mankind to be saved from this fate, justice will ultimately be visited on those not under grace.

Many have asked, "When is Christ expected to return?" While the Lord's return for His Church could happen at any time (i.e. doctrine of imminence), specific estimates may be relative to our culture. For example, 2009 on our Western calendar is also the year 4707 for the Chinese, and 5770 for the Jews. [2] Most people also don't realize that the West has not kept an unwavering record of time. Anyone wanting to chart, 100 BC to 2000 AD for example, would have to contend with the fact that 46 BC was 445 days long, there was no year 0 BC, and in 1582 we switched from Julian Years (360 days) to Gregorian (365 days).

Because most prognosticators are not aware of all of these errors, their math is immediately off by several years. But when it comes to knowing the general time frame of Christ's return for His Church, the Word of God is more generous. Jesus forewarned us of a number of events that will take place prior to His return. When we see the predicted events coming together, we can conclude that time is short (Mark 13:30). Most of these prophecies will take place during the tribulation. So any forewarning of their arrival, would make the Rapture all the more likely because it will occur before the start of the seven-year tribulation period. [3]

More specific estimates of the Lord's second coming rely upon a determination of both: a basis year, which initiates a predetermined countdown, and the length of a generation. One compelling theory suggests that we look to the year 1917 (with the signing of the Balfour Declaration), which coincided with international support for founding the State of Israel. To 1917 then add a 50-year jubilee increment (Lev. 25:11) to get to 1967, where history records that the Six-Day Arab-Israeli War resulted in the Jewish control of Jerusalem. If we use 1967 as our basis year, another jubilee increment takes us to 2017--suggesting the rapture event would occur before 2010 (by subtracting a 7-year tribulation).

Approximating a biblical generation of 50-years can also be supported through simple extrapolation. By dividing the historical period from Abraham to Christ by 42 generations (see Matt. 1:17), we come up with roughly 52-year increments. I also find it interesting that even the ancient Mayans approximated generational epochs of this duration. And although I put no real credibility in the calendars of pagan societies, mysteriously the ancients also reckoned the end of recorded history--in our generation.

Ultimately, the Lord tells us that we cannot know the day or the hour, however He does expect us to be mindful of signs of the times (Matt. 16:3), and to look for His appearing (Matt. 24:42). With this in mind, by my basis of estimate, the Rapture is very near. Starting with the fulfilled prophecy of Israel being re-established as a nation (occurring in 1948), I add the relative length of a generation (e.g. 70 years), and then subtract a tribulation period (i.e. 7 years)--leaving a not to exceed date approximating 2011.

If we are the rapture generation, then anytime between now and the next 2-years, in a moment's notice, believers will be transformed. Whether the events that have transpired in this generation--Israel's re-gathering, the revived Roman Empire (i.e. European Union), the Middle-East Road Map, etc.--are prophetic triggers [4] or not, this much we know for sure..."now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

By the way, the admonishment to act "now" acknowledges the brevity of life and the closing window of opportunity for accepting God's offer of salvation--by grace through faith in Christ. This passage also represents an aspect of biblical prophecy that deals more with forth-telling (i.e. proclaiming truth) than foretelling (i.e. describing a future event).

Inspired, prophetic foretelling ended with the Revelation (e.g. at the closing Canon). However, prophetic forth-telling continues throughout Christendom today, pastor to congregants, believer to seeker--everytime we espouse biblical precepts and principles that govern our faith and practice. So while knowing the exact timing of foretold events is exclusively reserved for the Almighty, you and I are expected to be about the business forth-telling in the here and now.

And frankly, something of the prophet in me wants to emphasize to others that life is short and unpredictable (Jam. 4:14). So if you have a talk to give, a message to write, or a song to sing for the Lord--we are to fulfill our individual missions before the dispensation of grace draws to a close. The catastrophic events recently in the news remind us of how fragile and uncertain this life can be. And a simple glance in the mirror affirms that time marches on.

Either at the Rapture or the end of this mortal life, we all have an appointment to keep with the Lord (Heb. 9:27). And the apostle Paul captured the sense of urgency that we should make our own in these last days when he penned, "...understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Rom 13:11).

Roy J. Tanner

1) All the Doctrines of the Bible, Lockyer
2) http://webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar.html
3) http://raptureready.com/ (James)
4) http://www.harpazo.net/news.html

Giving Thanks

This time of year hearts turn toward home and those things most dear to us. With this in mind, we invite your comments and reflections to this column. As the editor of AD 2018, I do the same by inviting you into my world. Using broad categories like faith, family and freedom, my mention of things I'm most thankful for is followed by excerpts of another insightful article by Dr. MacArthur. And for perspective, we end with President Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Think of all the dimensions that you draw perspective from. For me, I think in terms of being a husband (to my wife), father (to my girls), son (to my parents), brother (to my siblings), friend, colleague, citizen and so on...but of all the things that define me, nothing colors my worldview more than my faith. As such, I give thanks to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for adopting the elect into their family, by grace through faith in Christ.

Also like you, family and friends are usually foremost in my thinking. Whether it's protection or provision, doing my best at steering clear of the cultural influences that would divide us, or staying buoyant during difficult economic times, these are challenges that test our faith and trouble our souls. But through it all, I consider myself most blessed to have been entrusted a calling to such a noble mission.

In closing, I'd also mention our nation's cherished freedoms (e.g. of speech, assembly and religion) in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, which provides a standard of living other parts of the world only dream about. But in reality, freedom isn't free. Instead it's preserved by our men and women in uniform stationed around the globe, and it's passed from generation to generation by citizens who engage civically.

For these areas, and so much more...I'm thankful.



Consider leaving a comment on what you're thankful for (at the end of this post).


Rekindling the Gratitude (excerpts)
Dr. John MacArthur

The Thanksgiving season is a wonderful time to heighten your sensitivity to the blessings bestowed by God. Thanksgiving grabs your attention, shakes the cobwebs loose, and reminds you of all God's most precious gifts. That's one reason Thanksgiving has always held such a special place in my heart. It rekindles the kind of God-centered gratitude that our Lord demands and deserves--the kind that should be on our lips year round.

To help stimulate that kind of deeper gratitude, my family has adopted a Thanksgiving tradition we've found extremely helpful. Each year after our Thanksgiving meal we gather in our living room and simply recite the blessings of God that have touched our lives. One by one we circle the room, each one of us expressing our gratitude to God for His many physical and spiritual blessings.

Allow me to share with you (four) blessings that deeply touch me every year and prompt me to thank God. Perhaps it'll catch and you'll be able to rekindle your gratitude!

You're Saved and You Know It

No work of God's is more beyond my comprehension yet closer to my heart and more worthy of gratitude than salvation. Before coming to know Christ, each of us lived in a self-imposed prison. Guilty, condemned, spiritually blind, and with no means to pay our debt, our destiny was one of eternal separation from God. But Christ not only rescued us from the power and penalty of our sins, He also lifted us to a place of blessing. He delivered us from punishment and brought glory. He took away the threat of hell and gave us the hope of heaven. Salvation is the essence of Christianity. Thanking God for saving us should be the unceasing occupation of our lips--only a stone-cold heart could offer anything less.

The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth

Watch a half hour of news and tell me if the word chaos doesn't come to mind. The world is gripped by it. Conflict abounds as religious, philosophical, and political systems collide. Moral, social, and economic problems proliferate but solutions are scarce. The political process is drifting rudderless on a sea of confusion. Life is all questions and no answers. There is no concrete guideline or standard by which to judge good and bad, right and wrong. The suppression of truth exacts a tremendous price.

But thanks to God, you and I have an eternal, objective, incontestable, irrevocable standard we can depend on for all matters of life. From the truth of Scripture we can understand the ebb and flow of life better than all the educators, philosophers, politicians, and social pundits combined. God's Word offers us a window on the real issues people battle. We know how to be good employees, to love our spouses, to raise our families, to truly love our neighbors. Meaning in life is not a question, it's a fact. I thank God for revealing His truth to us and for allowing me the privilege of studying and teaching it.

Life's Storms

Perhaps the most difficult time to be thankful is when we're in the midst of a setback, a challenge, or a trial. When the storm comes, giving thanks is rarely our first reaction. Being thankful for adversity is never easy, but it is always right. From experience I know the difficult times are the ones in which God seems to be most at work in our lives, strengthening our weak spots, comforting our hurts, and drawing us to greater dependence. Businessman John Marriott offered this perspective: "Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." Let's not neglect to thank God for the strong winds He allows to blow our direction.

The People Who Make a Difference

Someone once made this wise observation: "Friends in your life are like pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, and sometimes they lean on you. Sometimes it's just enough to know they're standing by."

That's certainly been true in my life. I thank God daily for the many people who add so much color and warmth to my life. My best friend and wife, Patricia. Loving children and grandchildren. All who labor with me for the sake of the gospel. Each one enriches me greatly and is a very personal gift directly from the hand of God. I'm grateful for the friends--seen and unseen--whom I've been able to lean on, and who, to some small degree, have been able to lean on me.

Let me encourage you not to allow this Thanksgiving to come and go without taking inventory. Biblical gratitude isn't something that should pass from our minds with the passing of a season. It's an attitude, a God-focused response to circumstances that should pervade each moment of each day of each year.

May you, your family, and friends enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving season...all year!

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A236

The following is the text of George Washington's Oct. 3, 1789, Thanksgiving Proclamation; as printed in The Providence Gazette and Country Journal on Oct. 17, 1789.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=3584

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquir ing and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

George Washington

Thy Kingdom Come

He spoke with the authority of a King and taught us kingdom principles. He displayed the credentials and supernatural power of the promised King. And one day, it's prophesied He will return to this world to rule and reign as the King of kings.

For the interim, enthroned in heaven, He remains sovereign over the mediatorial kingdoms of history. More importantly, He seeks to preside over the hearts and minds of His people, here and now. As such, this month we look into preparing ourselves, both within and without, for the forgiveness and leadership offered by the Lord Jesus Christ.


The Kingdom of God starts within...




Kingdom Assurance

Barna Research indicates that Biblical literacy inside the Church is falling, with many congregants holding a false assurance of their own salvation. Given these findings, how are we to share a saving faith that we don’t already first possess? Tragically, the Lord Jesus confirms that many “religious” people will only come to terms with their presumption of meriting heaven after hearing the statement, “depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23).

The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards faced a similar quandary, when attempting to discern the extent of genuine “saving operations” during seeming widespread revival. Although heightened emotional experiences were common, many were void of evidences to validate conversion.

Edwards drew a distinction between “saving” versus “common” operations of the Holy Spirit, with saving operations producing salvation, and the latter resulting in sobering influences that fell short of “inward saving renewal.” He acknowledged the supreme proof of a true conversion was the presence of “holy affections” in the life of the believer.

Fortunately, professing Christians (and those we seek to lead to a saving knowledge of Christ), can know with certainty whether the Holy Spirit has performed a saving operation in their life. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that many proofs are contained in Scripture (e.g. 1 John) for assurance. Just a few are as follows:

1. Has there been a time when you’ve trusted Christ for your salvation (Rom 10:9-10)? Either devoted as a child, or broken as an adult (Isa 57:15), did you receive the gift? (Jn 1:12).

2. Have you enjoyed fellowship with Christ and the Father (1Jn 1:2-3)? A relationship with God is basic to salvation (1Cor 1:9). The experience of Christ living through us (Gal 2:20) is fundamental.

3. Are you sensitive to sin (1Jn 1:5-10)? Light and darkness do not peacefully co-exist (Rom 7:14-25). Christians are faithful to confess known sin (1Jn 1:9).

4. Do you obey God’s Word (1Jn 2:3)? This is motivated by a desire based on gratitude (not obligation), with a pattern of obedience (not perfection). In short, we “walk the talk” (1Jn 2:6).

5. Do you reject the evil of this world (1 Jn 2:15)? The world’s system is under the domination of God’s enemies (1 Jn 5:19). We’re to be in the world, but not of the world (Jn 17:14-16).

6. Do you eagerly await Christ’s return (1 Jn 3:2-3)? Upon Christ’s return, we will be transformed (Phil 3:20-21). It’s the hope of Christ-likeness that compels us to purity (2Ti 2:11-13).

7. Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life (1Jn 3:4-10)? Unbroken patterns of sin are characteristic of the unregenerate. Servants of the Lord are no longer slaves to sin (Rom 6:14, 17-18).

8. Do you love other Christians (1Jn 3:10)? It’s a natural Christian distinctive (1Th 4:9; Jn 13:35). Love expresses itself by meeting needs (Gal 6:10).

9. Do you experience answered prayer (1Jn 3:22)? God answers believer’s prayers (1Jn 5:13-15). God doesn’t necessarily respond to those out of fellowship with Him (Ps 66:18).

10. Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1Jn 4:13)? By the Holy Spirit we confess Jesus as Savior (1Jn 4:14). The Holy Spirit is our resident Truth Teacher (1Jn 2:27), eliciting our fellowship (Gal 4:6) and praise (Eph 5:19), while we yield to the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

11. Can you discern between spiritual truth and error (1Jn 4:1-3)? False religions deny who Jesus is and what he accomplished (Rom 4:25), failing to confess of the divine Lord (1Jn 4:2-3; 5:1), or commit to the divine Word (1Jn 4:5-6).

12. Have you suffered rejection because of your faith (1Jn 3:13)? While there is no virtue in being obnoxious, Christians may suffer for being righteous (1Pet 2:19-23), which acts as a rebuke (1Pet 4:4).

Men and women of God who have a settled assurance that they belong to Him, will most certainly energize America’s next “Great Awakening” through the bold proclamation of the Gospel. As such, the Spirit of God invites each of us to find our rest in His security (Rom 8:16)—the blessed assurance for our souls.

In Him,

Roy Tanner

Kingdom Principles

It's been said that genuine saving faith is evidenced by transformed lives. And because we were created to be related to God and others, this transformation can also have a redeeming effect on homes, communities and nations.

In their defining work on this subject Right from Wrong, McDowell and Hostetler affirm that the Bible is filled with precepts for an individual's faith and practice, for our good and God's glory (e.g. Sermon on the Mount).

They explain that acknowledging biblical precepts allows us to then apply the principles that emerge in our interactions with others. And it's in practicing godly principles that we're able to experience the Person and work of Jesus in our lives -- as our attitudes and actions conform to God's character and nature.

Judeo-Christian principles also accrue benefits to society at large, as they become codified in law and influence the culture. One popular example of this acculturation is found in a book entitled The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which identifies seven timeless principles that characterize personal and public effectiveness. Just how well do the 7-habits conform to godly principles? We report, you decide:

1) Be proactive - This is the characteristic of self-awareness, as seen in the ability to choose your response in any given situation. Between what happens to you and your response -- is a degree of freedom. And it's in this freedom to choose our response, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we can make choices which lead to growth and happiness.

2) Begin with the end in mind - This speaks to the goal of "Christlikeness." It suggests that preceding any physical creation or reality, is the mental image or visualization of that end. Covey's research supports the idea that this endowment unleashes the potential to self-actualize regardless of the conditions we are presented with.

3) Put first things first - This speaks to the endowment of willpower. For Christians it can be summarized as "What would Jesus do?" A highly disciplined life that focuses heavily on important, but not necessarily urgent activities of life, is one characterized by leverage and influence. Taken together, these first three principles speak to achieving the type of "personal" success that precedes "public" effectiveness as follows...

4) Think "win-win" - This refers to an abundance mentality versus zero-sum gaming in life. Everything is seen through principles. And as people become increasingly principle-centered, they love to share recognition and power. This abundance mentality suggests we have a vested interest in the success of others, which produces more effectiveness and recognition for everyone.

5) Seek first to understand, then to be understood - This represents an endowment of courage balanced with consideration. This capability acknowledges that the root cause of almost all problems in personal interaction involves self-centeredness -- or listening without the empathy that advances mature two-way communication.

6) "Synergize" - This is the endowment of creativity by way of respectful minds communicating effectively, to produce solutions that surpass original positions. This acknowledges that most negotiation is positional bargaining, which at best results in compromise. Synergy however, suggests that "win-win" solutions can almost always be found to satisfy both parties, affirming (along with the previous three principles) that "it's more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35). And last but not least, there's...

7) “Sharpen the saw” - This final capability focuses on the concept of continual improvement or self-renewal to overcome entropy, which represents closed systems of thinking. This endowment acknowledges that success in life is more a journey than a destination, as you're transformed from one level to the next "by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2).

Being personally invested in a biblical, principle-centered approach to life is the best way to realize personal effectiveness. It is also important to note that this paradigm doesn't embrace just the latest thinking in a continuum of transitory fads. Instead it inculcates the greatest of biblical wisdom and classic sociological truth ever put into practice.

Confirmed by history and tethered to the eternal, biblically based, principle-centered resolutions meet the test of effectiveness and integrity for individual and societal advancement. And it's on this basis that we can engage in Kingdom living now.

In Him,

Roy Tanner

Something Beautiful

This celebration was planned before time began. Heightened senses will experience the unimaginable, with the sights, sounds, aroma and atmosphere of a feast. And this life’s faith and hope will finally be satisfied by an unconditional love that is extended without measure. At this time, the Lord and his bride (the elect) will then know and be known in the perfect manner intentioned from the beginning.

Pictured figuratively in the Feast of Trumpets, the wedding supper of the Lamb will soon commence as we near the consummation of history. And with the start of the Jewish New Year, biblical scholars now suggest we're within a one year window. As such, this month A.D. 2018 takes a look at how both the historic Wedding Model and Feasts of the Lord symbolize literal events for the elect. While words alone are sure to fail us in describing what happens when the hearts of men engage with the King of Kings, let’s just say it will be something beautiful.


The Wedding Model
by Chuck Missler

All through the Gospels, Jesus relied on the ancient Jewish wedding pattern for many of His parables, climaxing in His promise in the Upper Room in John 14. Many of us miss the full import of these allusions if we aren't familiar with the model of ancient Jewish wedding practices.

The Jewish Wedding

The first step, the Ketubah, or Betrothal, was the establishment of the marriage covenant, usually when the prospective bridegroom took the initiative and negotiated the price (mohair) he must pay to purchase her.

Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was established, and the young man and woman were regarded as husband and wife. From that moment on, the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified - set apart - exclusively for her bridegroom. As a symbol of the covenant relationship that had been established, the groom and bride drank from a cup of wine over which the betrothal had been pronounced.

After the marriage covenant was established, the groom left his bride at her home and returned to his father's house, where he remained separated from his bride for approximately months. This afforded the bride time to gather her trousseau and prepare for married life.

During this period of separation, the groom prepared a dwelling place in his father's house to which he would later bring his bride.

Additionally, the bridegroom who labored on the new room for the bride would show this room to his father and ask if it was ready, the father was the one to decide, so here too, no one knew when the time was, only the father.

At the end of the period of separation, the bridegroom came - usually at night - to take his bride to live with him. The groom, the best man, and other male escorts left the father's house and conducted a torch-light procession to the home of the bride (she was taken in a box, lifted carried to the groom's house).

Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the time of his coming. As a result, the groom's arrival was preceded by a shout, which announced her imminent departure to be gathered with him.

After the groom received his bride, together with her female attendants, the enlarged wedding party returned from the bride's home to the groom's father's house, where the wedding guests had assembled.

Shortly after their arrival, the bride and groom were escorted by the other members of the wedding party to the bridal chamber (huppah). Prior to entering the chamber, the bride remained veiled so that no one could see her face.

While the groomsmen and bridesmaids waited outside, the bride and groom entered the bridal chamber alone. There, in the privacy of that place, they entered into physical union for the first time, there by consummating the marriage that had been covenanted approximately one year earlier.

After the marriage was consummated, the groom came out of the bridal chamber and announced the consummation of the marriage to the members of the wedding party waiting outside. Then, as the groom went back to his bride in the chamber, the members of the wedding party returned to the wedding guests and announced the consummation of the marriage.

Upon receiving the good news, the wedding guests remained in the groom's father's house for the next seven days, celebrating with a great wedding feast.

During the seven days of the wedding feast, the bride and groom remained hidden in the bridal chamber (Cf. Genesis 29:21-23, 27-28) for the seven days of the huppah. Afterwards, the groom came out of hiding, bringing his bride with him, but with her veil removed so that everyone could see her.

The Ultimate Bride

The New Testament portrays the Church as the Bride of Christ in Ephesians 5:22-33 (Paul even quotes Genesis 2:24 as the union at the Parousia of the Bridegroom in v.31); cf. Romans 7:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2; James 4:4. In the opening verses of John 14, the marriage covenant is confirmed. Paul continually reminds us of the purchase price and the covenant by which we, the Bride, are set apart, or sanctified, consistent with the Lord’s ancient wedding model.


The Feasts of Israel
Do they have prophetic significance?
by Dr. David R. Reagan

"Let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." Colossians 2:16-17 (NASB)

This statement by the Apostle Paul refers to the Jewish Feasts as a "mere shadow" of things to come, the substance of them being found in Yeshua, the Messiah. What Paul is saying here is that the feasts were prophetic types, or symbols, that pointed to the Messiah and which would be fulfilled in Him.

Before we pursue that point to see how the feasts were fulfilled in Jesus, let's first of all familiarize ourselves with the feasts.

Origin and Timing of the Feasts

The feasts were a part of the Mosaic Law that was given to the Children of Israel by God through Moses (Exodus 12; 23:14-17; Leviticus 23; Numbers 28 & 29; and Deuteronomy 16). The Jewish nation was commanded by God to celebrate seven feasts over a seven month period of time, beginning in the spring of the year and continuing through the fall. You will find the timing and sequence of these feasts illustrated on the chart below.


As you study the chart, notice that the feasts fall into three clusters. The first three feasts Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits occur in rapid succession in the spring of the year over a period of eight days. They came to be referred to collectively as "Passover."

The fourth feast, Harvest, occurs fifty days later at the beginning of the summer. By New Testament times this feast had come to be known by its Greek name, Pentecost, a word meaning fifty.

The last three feasts Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles extend over a period of twenty-one days in the fall of the year. They came to be known collectively as "Tabernacles."

The Nature of the Feasts

Some of the feasts were related primarily to the agricultural cycle. The feast of First Fruits was a time for the presentation to God of the first fruits of the barley harvest. The feast of Harvest was a celebration of the wheat harvest. And the feast of Tabernacles was in part a time of thanksgiving for the harvest of olives, dates, and figs.

Most of the feasts were related to past historical events. Passover, of course, celebrated the salvation the Jews experienced when the angel of death passed over the Jewish houses that were marked with the blood of a lamb. Unleavened Bread was a reminder of the swift departure from Egypt so swift that they had no time to put leaven into their bread.

Although the feasts of Harvest and Tabernacles were related to the agricultural cycle, they both had historical significance as well. The Jews believed that it was on the feast day of Harvest that God gave the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. And Tabernacles was a yearly reminder of God's protective care as the Children of Israel tabernacled in the wilderness for forty years.

The Spiritual Significance of the Feasts

All the feasts were related to the spiritual life of the people. Passover served as a reminder that there is no atonement for sin apart from the shedding of blood. Unleavened Bread was a reminder of God's call on their lives to be a people set apart to holiness. Leaven was a symbol of sin. They were to be unleavened that is, holy before the nations as a witness of God.

The feast of First Fruits was a call to consider their priorities, to make certain they were putting God first in their lives. Harvest was a reminder that God is the source of all blessings.

The solemn assembly day of Trumpets was a reminder of the need for constant, ongoing repentance. The Day of Atonement was also a solemn assembly day a day of rest and introspection. It was a reminder of God's promise to send a Messiah whose blood would cover the demands of the Law with the mercy of God.

In sharp contrast to Trumpets and Atonement, Tabernacles was a joyous celebration of God's faithfulness, even when the Children of Israel were unfaithful.

The Prophetic Significance of the Feasts

What the Jewish people did not seem to realize is that all of the feasts were also symbolic types. In other words, they were prophetic in nature, each one pointing in a unique way to some aspect of the life and work of the promised Messiah.

1) Passover — Pointed to the Messiah as our passover lamb whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, at the same time that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening.

2) Unleavened Bread — Pointed to the Messiah's sinless life, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus' body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life.

3) First Fruits — Pointed to the Messiah's resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the "first fruits from the dead."

4) Harvest or Pentecost — (Called Shavuot today.) Pointed to the great harvest of souls, both Jew and Gentile, that would come into the kingdom of God during the Church Age. The Church was actually established on this day when the Messiah poured out the Holy Spirit and 3,000 souls responded to Peter's first proclamation of the Gospel.

The long interval of three months between Harvest and Trumpets pointed to the current Church Age, a period of time that was kept as a mystery to the Hebrew prophets in Old Testament times.

That leaves us with the three fall feasts which are yet to be fulfilled in the life and work of the Messiah. Because Jesus literally fulfilled the first four feasts and did so on the actual feast days, I think it is safe to assume that the last three will also be fulfilled and that their fulfillment will occur on the actual feast days. We cannot be certain how they will be fulfilled, but my guess is that they most likely have the following prophetic implications:

5) Trumpets — (Called Rosh Hashana today.) Points to the Rapture when the Messiah will appear in the heavens as a Bridegroom coming for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52)

6) Atonement — (Called Yom Kippur today.) Points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the day of atonement for the Jewish remnant when they "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36).

7) Tabernacles — (Called Sukkot today.) Points to the Lord's promise that He will once again tabernacle with His people when He returns to reign over all the world from Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-7).

Coming Attractions?

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Friends,

Just when you think things are looking up, the harbingers of doom return. But this time, according to the Wall Street Journal, "the new wave of disaster movies and TV shows isn't about staving off the apocalypse. It's what happens afterwards that counts." In other words, pending catastrophe is a foregone conclusion.

For example, the movie director that brought us Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Day After Tomorrow, will soon hit theaters this Fall with his next movie entitled, 2012. In this end times vision of the future the earth is literally ripped apart, in fulfillment of so-called ancient prophecies. Obviously, there's a market for this genre of entertainment, but what is it in our imaginations that makes this so intriguing?

To be fair, maybe art just imitates life, or at least what we expect of it. After all, 2012 is only the latest in a long line of apocalyptic films, which included: War of the Worlds, Planet of the Apes, Mad Max, The Terminator, Armageddon and The Matrix. But while these movies may validate our sense that history is heading toward a climax, do any of them really have credibility?

Dealing with reality is challenging enough. But what are we to make of the steady drum beat of bad news these days? Or how about the predictions of the ancient Maya or the writings of Nostradamus? Is there any compelling evidence that we may be facing "the end of the world as we know it"? This month’s column attempts to separate fact from fiction, as we ultimately look forward to brighter days.

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Prima Facie
Evidence demanding a verdict

Even without cataclysm occurring, it's self evident from news headlines that we're facing perilous times. Aside from U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for example, rumors of pre-emptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities may set in a motion a catastrophic series of unintended consequences, surpassed only by their terror masters being nuclear capable. Then there's the global pandemic to contend with, the spike in natural disasters, the Western banking crisis, and the insolvency of America. So how are we to cope with all the uncertainty? Where can we turn for answers to dispel doubts about the future?

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Rather than losing sleep over an uncertain future, or resigning yourself to myriad world ending scenarios, I assert that hope can be found in a Christian worldview that's based on an evidential faith. As a student of history and eschatology for over 20-years, I can confirm that what sets the Bible apart from other supposed inspired texts, is the validation offered by fulfilled predictive prophecy. As such, the Bible stands alone as divinely inspired, and is altogether trustworthy.

Essentially biblical prophesy answers with "authority," since only God demonstrates He knows the "end from the beginning." Involving over one fourth of Scripture, the Bible contains over 2,000 specific prophecies (involving people, places, and events), made hundreds of years in advance of their fulfillment. For me, the book of Daniel is most notable in that it traces the rise and fall of world kingdoms like Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (before they transpire) as they intersect with Jewish history.

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Fast forward to today, and one of the most compelling and widely held theories (related to Christ's return) deals with the rebirth of Israel in our generation, as a necessary milestone for timing the start of Daniel’s 70th week (culminating in the Day of the Lord). And while exhausting all the possible permutations for timing can be tedious work, a simple method of estimate merely starts with the state of Israel’s founding in May of 1948, and then adds back the length of a generation (e.g. 70-years), to arrive at a not-to-exceed date (which in this case would be 2018).

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And once an end date is determined, it follows that a pre-tribulation rapture event simply precedes this by at least seven-years. That said, many basis years and generational epochs could also be used for calculating potential fulfillment dates. But rather than ridicule estimates that have come and (uneventfully) gone, true people of God instead gain encouragement, knowing that it’s through the process of elimination that subsequent estimates only gain more strength in terms of probability. And this Fall opens yet another window of opportunity for the elect.


Just like you, I have a vested interest in seeing things return to normal. But what if we are the generation that will live to see the Lord's return? Would this eventuality change any of your priorities? Now, imagine how you’d feel if those dearest to you disappeared? Some may soon experience the rapture, but many others will be left behind. But just knowing this separation could have been avoided will be the most difficult part for many.



What does your intuition tell you? You don’t have to be an intelligence analyst to know that the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran will force a choice between bad or worse. You don’t have to be an economist to know America’s future prospects are on borrowed time. And you don’t have to be a social scientist to know that dissolution of the traditional family spells the decline of society as we’ve known it.

But nothing that transpires will take the Sovereign by surprise. Adam and Eve were forbidden to sustain themselves with fruit from the tree of life, after sin and death entered the world, for good reason. Being bound forever in an imperfect world is not what the Almighty has in store for those who long for His appearing. No, the heart of God has instead intentioned an existence so wonderful for us, it’s beyond anything we can hope, or imagine.




Whether this Fall is just a dress rehearsal, or dawning of the main event, when redemptive history and world events coincide, it heralds a world to come: spinning free from sin and death; in bodies that never grow old; in communities that live in peace; that consummates a vow between the King of kings and His bride – made before the world began. Yes, it’s the end of the world as we knew it, in favor of the world without end.

The Lover of our souls is trying to get your attention. The facts are in. The Word of God offers us prima facie -- the evidence that demands a verdict. What say you?

Maranatha,

Roy Tanner

America in Prophecy?

Happy Independence Day,

This month we address the future of America as inferred by prophecy. Although explicit mention of the New World is absent in holy writ, we can still predict with a great deal of certainty what’s in store for any nation, based on its desire to glorify God and its interactions with Israel.


So we start with commentary that provides individual hope despite the external environment, and we follow with recommended links and articles that provide context for the challenges that lie ahead. In all these areas we’re emboldened by the end-time harvest of souls, the promise of the blessed hope, and the soon return of the King.

The Spirit of 1776

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence

That the US has been exceptional among nations is due to our acknowledgement of rights that flow from God versus government. As manifest in law and order, peace and prosperity, and altruism in the community of nations, the uniqueness of American experiment has been a force for good for over two centuries.


Unfortunately, as our trust in God has given way to reliance on government, receding too is our ability to sustain liberty and avoid obscurity. The chains of our bondage are evidenced by a level of national indebtedness that will never be repaid, and deficit spending this year alone that will exceed $1.4-trillion. And absent God’s provision, America’s ability to project power and global leadership will also now be greatly diminished.



But while America’s continued drift invites God’s judgment, for over two-millennia our individual liberty continues to be secured in Christ alone. Indeed, freedom from sin and judgment is offered to everyone who appropriates grace through faith in the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. However, this dispensation of grace frames a limited time offer, as alluded to in the passage above.

When Christ began His public ministry with a passage from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2), he omitted the part that referred to God’s judgment. In doing so, He was effectively entrusting His Church with a commission to reach the world with the transformational message of God’s love in atoning for our sin. Sadly though, we've since: substituted His call for repentance, with the spurious notion of replenishing the earth; ignored His command to spread the good news of God's liberty, in favor of proffering a social gospel of dependency; and allegorized the literal, future City of God, preferring instead the vain hope of sustaining the City of Man.

Be that as it may, God’s prophetic clock counts time undeterred, with the sweep of its hands rapidly moving toward the consummation of history in this generation. In fact, our latest research suggests a new window for a rapture watch begins this fall. According to the Rapture Code, “The Hebrew year 5770 begins September 19th 2009 on Rosh Hashanah. Computer matrices found using Bible Code software suggest that this could be the year when the Bride of Christ will be raptured and the Tribulation period begins."

As such, three provocative articles follow that challenge us to examine our priorities in light of the anticipated millennial kingdom by A.D. 2018. The first commentary attempts to move us past emotional jingoism by asking, "whose on God's side?" while taking a critical look at the secular bent of our nation. The second article documents our growing reliance on government versus God. And last but not least, we go back to the future by re-examining what God requires of America. These articles can be found at:

• God bless America?
• In Government We Trust
• What God Requires of America

Assuming the nearness of the Lord's return, we're asserting that now is the time for more outreach, not political activism. Personally, after 8-years of civic engagement (i.e. RNC Team Leader, Bush-Cheney Campaign, American Citizen Alliance founder, US Senate Candidate, Taxpayer Budget Review Board, and TEA Party organizer), I've concluded that any revitalization of America must first begin with lives that have been transformed by the Gospel of Christ. And as the ranks of the regenerate swell, we'll increasingly look to the providence of God, versus the ever-growing, unsustainable nanny state.

In closing, that there is no mention of America in prophecy suggests that either a stablizing percentage of citizens are taken during the rapture, or in the subsequent judgments of the New World Order. Regardless, the animating Spirit of 1776 is alive and well in the hearts of those who yearn to live free. That said, we must be willing to proclaim this liberty of time and eternity before the Dispensation of Grace expires.

Godspeed…

Roy Tanner

Return of the King

If it wasn't for humanity's need of rescue, there wouldn't be much fascination with heroes. And nothing packs a theatre like succeeding against impossible odds. But if the truth be known, Hollywood's best productions still miss the mark by comparison to the greatest story ever told, as found in the Bible's prophetic books.

While most of us are familiar with passages regarding the "Lamb that was slain" for the sin of the world, what's more disconcerting is the notion of the "Lion that will reign" for those who resist accountability to the Divine. But as students of history, we have a high degree of confidence that this generation will soon have a ring-side seat to the "real" return of the King, and the consummation of history.

As such, this site is devoted to preparing our generation for the Millennial Kingdom. And this month we recommend the following commentaries for your consideration:

• Seven Major Prophetic Signs
• We are living on borrowed time
• Nearer than when we first believed
  

In closing, we didn't want to miss the chance to encourage visitors to keep looking-up. The Lord's return and the rapture that precedes it were promised to the generation living at the time Israel was reborn in 1948.

And by our best estimates, we can now place a not-to-exceed marker in the Fall of 2010, for the rapture of the Church. We arrived at this date through the following assumptions:

1) God's prophetic time-clock (for approaching Daniel's 70th week) resumed its countdown in May of 1948.

2) This basis year, combined with the most popular reckoning for the length of a generation (i.e. 70-years) brings us to 2018.

3) And if the remaining Jewish Feast Days also prefigure actual prophetic milestones, the Fall of 2017 will figures prominently.

4) Last, if the rapture of the Church precedes the tribulation by 7-years, the period between now and the Fall of 2010, frames the remaining window.


So to keep this time frame foremost in our thinking, a count-down timer has been established. Please see:

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I anticipate that if our estimates are on target, we will rapidly see world events spiral toward what I'll describe as undeniable endtime developments. With this in mind, as the day approaches, I invite you to join me in redoubling our efforts to reach our world for Christ.

Godspeed...

Roy J. Tanner