The Church: To Assemble Or Not To Assemble?

Tags

1 Samuel 12, Alex McFarland, assembled ones, Biblical Christianity, California churches, Christian Canadian persecution, Definition of Ekklesia, Definition of the Church, do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, do not forsake the gathering together of believers, Ekklesia, End Times, Governors mandate against California churches, Grace Community Church, Hebrews 10:25, New Testament Christianity, Pastor Artur Pawlowski, Pastor James Coates, Pastor John Macarthur, Pastor McFarland, Pastor Tim Stephens, Pentecost 2020, Persecution, persecution in Canada, Practicing Biblical Chrisitanity, the assembly, the assembly of believers, the church, the last days, What is the church, who is the church, Worship in California

An important question to be asked today is this: what is the definition of the Church? It seems in recent months churches have lost the meaning of what being a church actually is, if they ever knew or thought about that meaning at all. They attempt to explain away the fact that they disbanded the Church, saying that the Church is not a building but the people that are in it. Though at first glance I thought I agreed with this logic, I have since concluded otherwise. For the Church (meaning the people in it) are, in fact, a building. First Corinthians 3:9 says so actually. Referring to believers (as a group not individually, plural not singular) the passage states you all “are God’s building.” Paul even goes on to say that he is a “master builder” and that Jesus is our “foundation”, and that everyone is contributing to this building project. Therefore, even if the Church, the body of Christ, the assembly of believers is not an actual wooden building with a cross on it and a steeple, God Himself calls us all His building.

Pastors have tried to gloss over locking their doors by saying that the early church met in homes so why shouldn’t we? Yet another form of logic is that of the reasoning that we as Christians must obey the legal authorities. Though there is some merit to what they have said — for yes the early church did meet in homes and yes we are to honor our secular rulers — in all these explanations the pastors, however, have lost the meaning of the name “church”. Indeed, they’ve even missed the fact that we are God’s building. So, in order to better understand what the Church actually is let’s take a look at both the Greek word for “church” and its Hebrew equivalent. Though you may say “this looks like Greek to me!” please bear with me because laying this foundation is important!

The word for “church” in the Greek is ekklesia (Strong’s #1577). Ekklesia comes from ekkletos, meaning “called out” and is from the word ekkaleo meaning, “to call out.” Thus, the word for church, ekklesia, means “the called people…those called out or assembled in the public affairs of a free state, the body of free citizens called together by a herald,” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 541). And a herald (kerux, #2783) is a preacher, a messenger, one who proclaims, who in Classical Greek was a “public servant of supreme power…one who summoned the ekklesia, the town gathering…a kerux, messenger, was…[a] conveyor of a declaration…in 2 Peter 2:5…Noah was a herald of righteousness…” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 861).

In the Old Testament there are two Hebrew words used for assemblies/gatherings: edah (Strong’s #5712) and qahal (Strong’s #6951). In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament that had been put together before Christ by 70 leading Jewish Biblical scholars, the word synagogue is equivalent to edah, and the world ekklesia is equivalent to qahal. Though occasionally used in the New Testament to refer to the Church, early on the Greek word synagogue came to be strictly associated with the Jewish gatherings. However, the Greek word ekklesia, which even Jesus used on occasion (Matthew 16:18), came to be regarded as Christian gatherings. (“Jewish Literature in New Testament Times,” https://www.bible-history.com/jewishliterature/jewish_literaturethe_septuagint.htm; “Septuagint,” https://www.septuagint.net/)

For further clarification “…both qahal and ekklesia indicate a calling or summoning to a place of meeting. Qahal and ekklesia are the more sacred terms, denoting the people in relation to Jehovah, especially in public worship” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 1334). Even so, ekklesia is synonymous with episunagoge (Strong’s #1997) used in Hebrews 10:25 which means, “to gather together.”

From what are we as Christians called out? The world system that is under the rule of the evil one and his cohorts. To what are we called? We are called out by a messenger/preacher to gather in worship of our King. We are called to assemble in praise of the King and Kingdom of God that has no end. Thus, we are no longer a part of the system of this world, but have become a kingdom of priests and kings unto our God (Revelation 1:6), are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), are the body and Bride of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; 2 Corinthians 11:2), and ambassadors of His heavenly Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). Because of this, we live by Kingdom rules, for we are citizens of the country of heaven (Philippians 3:20). While here as ambassadors, we honor those God has placed in power here, but when anything comes into question, we stand on the side of the Kingdom that we represent. He is our head (Ephesians 5:23).

It has been recently, correctly stated by Pastor John Macarthur and the pastoral leadership and elders of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California that,

“As pastors and elders, we cannot hand over to earthly authorities any privilege or power that belongs solely to Christ as head of His church. Pastors and elders are the ones to whom Christ has given the duty and the right to exercise His spiritual authority in the church (1 Peter 5:1–4; Hebrews 13:7, 17)—and Scripture alone defines how and whom they are to serve (1 Corinthians 4:1–4). They have no duty to follow orders from a civil government attempting to regulate the worship or governance of the church. In fact, pastors who cede their Christ-delegated authority in the church to a civil ruler have abdicated their responsibility before their Lord and violated the God-ordained spheres of authority as much as the secular official who illegitimately imposes his authority upon the church…

In short, as the church, we do not need the state’s permission to serve and worship our Lord as He has commanded. The church is Christ’s precious bride (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23–27). She belongs to Him alone. She exists by His will and serves under His authority. He will tolerate no assault on her purity and no infringement of His headship over her. All of that was established when Jesus said, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).

Christ’s own authority is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And [God the Father has] put all things in subjection under [Christ’s] feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:21–23).

Accordingly, the honor that we rightly owe our earthly governors and magistrates (Romans 13:7) does not include compliance when such officials attempt to subvert sound doctrine, corrupt biblical morality, exercise ecclesiastical authority, or supplant Christ as head of the church in any other way.

The biblical order is clear: Christ is Lord over Caesar, not vice versa. Christ, not Caesar, is head of the church. Conversely, the church does not in any sense rule the state. Again, these are distinct kingdoms, and Christ is sovereign over both. Neither church nor state has any higher authority than that of Christ Himself, who declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).”

However, unlike Pastor John Macarthur, so many American Christian pastors (and Canadian for that matter) still have their doors locked. In so doing, these pastors are willingly allowing godless governors and mayors to lead God’s flock, and thus, have forfeited their role as shepherd of the flock of God.

Remember what happened when Israel, a nation under the headship of God alone, asked for a human king? “Give us a king to judge us,” they said. “And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:6-7). And so, in 1 Samuel 12, Saul is made king at the beginning of the wheat harvest (1 Sam 12:17) – that is Pentecost, for Pentecost is the day of the first fruits of the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22). And Samuel said to them “I will call to the LORD, and He will send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking a king for yourselves,” (vs17).

Indeed, it was this exact timing, May 31st Pentecost Sunday (year 2020), that the pastors of this nation were presented with a choice: to reopen or to remain closed. Around 3,000 churches in California pledged to reopen together and thousands of churches in Minnesota did the same, and a few other churches around the U.S. took a stand, and chose to serve the Lord as their King. The others who remained closed and are still closed, have, whether they admit it or not, chosen their governors and mayors and judges as king. And just as in the account of Samuel and the Israelites demanding a human king, God sent thunderstorms across the U.S.; even areas that don’t usually get thunder and lightning were rocked and rolled.  (“Thunderstorms to Rumble Around “Ring of Fire” This Week,” https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/05/31/Thunderstorms-to-rumble-around-ring-of-fire-this-week/6241590931418/; “Thunderstorms Rock Puget Sound Region as Severe Weather Threatens Eastern Wash.” https://komonews.com/news/local/thunderstorms-rock-puget-sound-region-as-severe-weather-threatens-eastern-wash; “Unusually Intense Severe Storms Likely In Oregon and Washington on Saturday,” https://www.forbes.com/sites/dennismersereau/2020/05/30/unusually-intense-severe-storms-are-likely-in-oregon-and-washington-on-saturday/#386877d37537; “Thunderstorms Target the Great Lakes, Northeast Through Sunday,” https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/thunderstorms-target-the-great-lakes-northeast-through-sunday/709906; “Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding Plagued Parts of the Plains, Midwest and Northeast,” https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2020-05-15-severe-thunderstorms-flash-flooding-plains-midwest-northeast).

However, God said that the head of the Church is Christ not Caesar (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23), that we are to render to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21), and that we are to respect the rule of law as long as it is righteous and does not conflict with His Kingdom law. And under His law, the Church is an “assembly,” a “gathering” together of those who are called out of this world’s system into the Kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13), in allegiance to and worship of their eternal King. Thus, no matter what is happening, no matter who says what, no matter when in history, those called by the name ekklesia/Church are to do what their name implies, which is to congregate together.“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Truly, can a body be called a body when it is in pieces? Is the liver the body? Is the stomach the body? Is the tongue the body? Certainly not. One organ does not constitute the body. Rather, it is all the organs, sinews, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, blood vessels and so forth all joined together that constitutes a body. Even so, the body of Christ is not the body unless fitly joined together, gathered together to build one another up by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, assembled for worship. Therefore, can the Church be called the Church unless it gathers together? The succinct answer is NO.

Throughout the centuries of rulers commanding that Christians not gather together under pain of death, the Church gathered anyway, from the Apostle Paul and John and Peter and the early Church, to those who secretly and illegally gathered in the catacombs under Rome, to smaller nameless sects who hid in the hills and caves during the Dark Ages, the Albigenses and Waldenses of the 12^th and 13^th centuries, to the Quakers, to the Anabaptists, to the Lutherans and other reformers. And in now in modern times, in China, North Korea, and any Muslim nation including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Christians still gather for worship in defiance of godless laws on pain of imprisonment, fines, torture or even death. These did not and do not fear the very real threat of death. Why? Because they are the “Church”, the called out, assembled ones. Assembling is what they do. It is the Church’s nature to assemble.

In Grace Community’s pastoral leadership’s letter to their church they continue by saying,

“The church by definition is an assembly. That is the literal meaning of the Greek word for “church”—ekklesia—the assembly of the called-out ones. A non-assembling assembly is a contradiction in terms. Christians are therefore commanded not to forsake the practice of meeting together (Hebrews 10:25)—and no earthly state has a right to restrict, delimit, or forbid the assembling of believers. We have always supported the underground church in nations where Christian congregational worship is deemed illegal by the state.

When officials restrict church attendance to a certain number, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the saints to gather as the church. When officials prohibit singing in worship services, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the people of God to obey the commands of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. When officials mandate distancing, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible to experience the close communion between believers that is commanded in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In all those spheres, we must submit to our Lord.” (bold type added by Holy Light Ministries)

“Pastor and apologist Alex McFarland says North Pointe [of Atlanta, Georgia] and other churches that are keeping their buildings closed need to rethink the decision.“Merely to roll over and play dead, as it were, and to say that we’re not going to meet again, that’s not New Testament Christianity,” he insists. “If you’re not meeting for corporate worship, you’re not practicing New Testament Christianity.”” (“Christian Apologist: No Time for Churches to Keep Doors Shut,” https://onenewsnow.com/church/2020/07/16/christian-apologist-no-time-for-churches-to-keep-doors-shut)

In truth and with great gravity, Pastor McFarland and Grace Community’s pastoral staff and elders are absolutely correct. If the churches continue to disband, then they ought not be called the “Church” anymore, for in so doing they are in direct contradiction to the meaning of their name and definition as stated in the Bible. The Church, the called out ones, are those who gather and assemble together, they do not disassemble nor dissolve for the sake of any mandate or pandemic. It does not break up, it builds up. It does not blend in, it stands out.  The Biblical, New Testament style Church stands out as the called out ones who stand together, without bending or breaking, without hiding or complying, through thick and thin and without compromise or apology for the cause of Christ. Are you a part of that “assembled” Church? Is Christ your head or is Caesar?

**************

Below is an excellent 11 minute May 9, 2021 message by Pastor Tim Stephens who was arrested on May 16th for having dared to “assemble” the body of Christ in Canada. Pastor Stephens is the 3rd pastor to be arrested in Canada in the past few months of 2021. The other two are Pastor James Coates and Pastor Artur Pawlowski. All three who have been arrested are from the province of Alberta, Canada. For more information on them, use this link: https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/02/22/persecution-pastor-imprisoned-in-canada/

Christ Is Head, Not Caesar: the Stand of John Macarthur’s Grace Community Church

Tags

A Biblical Case for the Church's Duty to Remain Open, Acts 5:29, Christ Not Caesar Is Head of the Church, Ekklesia, Grace Church, Grace Church Los Angeles, Grace Church Sun Valley, Grace Community Church, John Macarthur, Obedience to God, Obeying God, Render to God What is God's, singing in church, the assmebly of the called out ones, We must obey God rather than men

 

Below are select sections of a rather lengthy letter by the pastors and elders of Sun Valley’s Grace Church in Los Angeles, California. Their “Addendum” in full is provided at the end of this letter. For your convenience, the full article is found here: “Christ, not Caesar, Is Head of the Church: A Biblical Case for the Church’s Duty to Remain Open,” https://www.gracechurch.org/news/posts/1988

“Christ is Lord of all. He is the one true head of the church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18). He is also King of kings—sovereign over every earthly authority (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Grace Community Church has always stood immovably on those biblical principles. As His people, we are subject to His will and commands as revealed in Scripture. Therefore we cannot and will not acquiesce to a government-imposed moratorium on our weekly congregational worship or other regular corporate gatherings. Compliance would be disobedience to our Lord’s clear commands.

Some will think such a firm statement is inexorably in conflict with the command to be subject to governing authorities laid out in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. Scripture does mandate careful, conscientious obedience to all governing authority, including kings, governors, employers, and their agents (in Peter’s words, “not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable” [1 Peter 2:18]). Insofar as government authorities do not attempt to assert ecclesiastical authority or issue orders that forbid our obedience to God’s law, their authority is to be obeyed whether we agree with their rulings or not. In other words, Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 still bind the consciences of individual Christians. We are to obey our civil authorities as powers that God Himself has ordained.

However, while civil government is invested with divine authority to rule the state, neither of those texts (nor any other) grants civic rulers jurisdiction over the church. God has established three institutions within human society: the family, the state, and the church. Each institution has a sphere of authority with jurisdictional limits that must be respected…

Therefore, in response to the recent state order requiring churches in California to limit or suspend all meetings indefinitely, we, the pastors and elders of Grace Community Church, respectfully inform our civic leaders that they have exceeded their legitimate jurisdiction, and faithfulness to Christ prohibits us from observing the restrictions they want to impose on our corporate worship services…

As pastors and elders, we cannot hand over to earthly authorities any privilege or power that belongs solely to Christ as head of His church. Pastors and elders are the ones to whom Christ has given the duty and the right to exercise His spiritual authority in the church (1 Peter 5:1–4; Hebrews 13:7, 17)—and Scripture alone defines how and whom they are to serve (1 Corinthians 4:1–4). They have no duty to follow orders from a civil government attempting to regulate the worship or governance of the church. In fact, pastors who cede their Christ-delegated authority in the church to a civil ruler have abdicated their responsibility before their Lord and violated the God-ordained spheres of authority as much as the secular official who illegitimately imposes his authority upon the church…

In short, as the church, we do not need the state’s permission to serve and worship our Lord as He has commanded. The church is Christ’s precious bride (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23–27). She belongs to Him alone. She exists by His will and serves under His authority. He will tolerate no assault on her purity and no infringement of His headship over her. All of that was established when Jesus said, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).

Christ’s own authority is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And [God the Father has] put all things in subjection under [Christ’s] feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:21–23).

Accordingly, the honor that we rightly owe our earthly governors and magistrates (Romans 13:7) does not include compliance when such officials attempt to subvert sound doctrine, corrupt biblical morality, exercise ecclesiastical authority, or supplant Christ as head of the church in any other way.

The biblical order is clear: Christ is Lord over Caesar, not vice versa. Christ, not Caesar, is head of the church. Conversely, the church does not in any sense rule the state. Again, these are distinct kingdoms, and Christ is sovereign over both. Neither church nor state has any higher authority than that of Christ Himself, who declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18)…

The church by definition is an assembly. That is the literal meaning of the Greek word for “church”—ekklesia—the assembly of the called-out ones. A non-assembling assembly is a contradiction in terms. Christians are therefore commanded not to forsake the practice of meeting together (Hebrews 10:25)—and no earthly state has a right to restrict, delimit, or forbid the assembling of believers. We have always supported the underground church in nations where Christian congregational worship is deemed illegal by the state.

When officials restrict church attendance to a certain number, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the saints to gather as the church. When officials prohibit singing in worship services, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the people of God to obey the commands of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. When officials mandate distancing, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible to experience the close communion between believers that is commanded in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In all those spheres, we must submit to our Lord…

But again: Christ is the one true head of His church, and we intend to honor that vital truth in all our gatherings. For that preeminent reason, we cannot accept and will not bow to the intrusive restrictions government officials now want to impose on our congregation. We offer this response without rancor, and not out of hearts that are combative or rebellious (1 Timothy 2:1–8; 1 Peter 2:13–17), but with a sobering awareness that we must answer to the Lord Jesus for the stewardship He has given to us as shepherds of His precious flock.

To government officials, we respectfully say with the apostles, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge” (Acts 4:19). And our unhesitating reply to that question is the same as the apostles’: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Our prayer is that every faithful congregation will stand with us in obedience to our Lord as Christians have done through the centuries.

Addendum

The elders of Grace Church considered and independently consented to the original government order, not because we believed the state has a right to tell churches when, whether, or how to worship. To be clear, we believe that the original orders were just as much an illegitimate intrusion of state authority into ecclesiastical matters as we believe it is now. However, because we could not possibly have known the true severity of the virus, and because we care about people as our Lord did, we believe guarding public health against serious contagions is a rightful function of Christians as well as civil government. Therefore, we voluntarily followed the initial recommendations of our government. It is, of course, legitimate for Christians to abstain from the assembly of saints temporarily in the face of illness or an imminent threat to public health.

When the devastating lockdown began, it was supposed to be a short-term stopgap measure, with the goal to “flatten the curve”—meaning they wanted to slow the rate of infection to ensure that hospitals weren’t overwhelmed. And there were horrific projections of death. In light of those factors, our pastors supported the measures by observing the guidelines that were issued for churches.

But we did not yield our spiritual authority to the secular government. We said from the very start that our voluntary compliance was subject to change if the restrictions dragged on beyond the stated goal, or politicians unduly intruded into church affairs, or if health officials added restrictions that would attempt to undermine the church’s mission. We made every decision with our own burden of responsibility in mind. We simply took the early opportunity to support the concerns of health officials and accommodate the same concerns among our church members, out of a desire to act in an abundance of care and reasonableness (Philippians 4:5).

But we are now more than twenty weeks into the unrelieved restrictions. It is apparent that those original projections of death were wrong and the virus is nowhere near as dangerous as originally feared. Still, roughly forty percent of the year has passed with our church essentially unable to gather in a normal way. Pastors’ ability to shepherd their flocks has been severely curtailed. The unity and influence of the church has been threatened. Opportunities for believers to serve and minister to one another have been missed. And the suffering of Christians who are troubled, fearful, distressed, infirm, or otherwise in urgent need of fellowship and encouragement has been magnified beyond anything that could reasonably be considered just or necessary. Major public events that were planned for 2021 are already being canceled, signaling that officials are preparing to keep restrictions in place into next year and beyond. That forces churches to choose between the clear command of our Lord and the government officials. Therefore, following the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, we gladly choose to obey Him.”

The Restraining Power of a Solemn Assembly

Tags

a september solemn assembly, a solemn assembly, Dana Coverstone's dreams, Jacob's Trouble, Joel 2, Pastor Coverstone's dream of September, Pastor Coverstone's dreams, Pastor Dana Coverstone, the book of Joel, The Bride of Christ, the Day of the Lord, the fulfillment of the book of Joel, the Great Tribulation, The restrainer, The restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2, The restraining one, the Trump of God

The book of Joel is about to unfold before us. God began to fulfill it in the book of Acts 2 when He poured out His Spirit on all. Indeed, the last few verses of Joel 2 have been and are being fulfilled. But, the rest of Joel has not been fulfilled, for most of Joel is about the Day of the Lord (which is elsewhere referred to as Jacob’s Trouble and the Great Tribulation). And according to Joel, that which precedes the Day of the Lord is agricultural devastation, a great shout/the blowing of the trumpet in Zion and “a solemn assembly” of God’s people gathered together in repentance, prayer, and fasting. This is beginning to unfold right now, for the day of the Lord is at hand.

I’m now going to go step by step with some details pertaining to this topic, specifically regarding Joel’s “solemn assembly” and how it is “the restraining” one of 2 Thessalonians 2, what the enemy has been doing, and what we as Christians are called to do right now. I pray the Lord blesses you as you read this article and opens your eyes to see that our time is short.

Recently I’ve been puzzling over “the restraining” one in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7.

“6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

I looked up the Greek word for “the restraining” and found it to mean just that. The Greek word katecho (#2722) means, “to hold fast, to retain, to hold down, to suppress, to take possession of.” Several have said that this restrainer is either the Holy Spirit or the Church, but I don’t recall anyone giving a scriptural reference with the actual word “restraining” being used regarding the Church. Yes, we as the Church have been given authority over all evil, we can trample on serpents and scorpions; we have the power to bind, to take thoughts captive, to wrestle with all levels of the demonic, can resist the devil and he must flee, and are more than conquerors. But, the actual word “restraining” and the Church I have not heard about nor been taught. So, I’ve been puzzling…

Something else I’ve been following are Pastor Dana Coverstone’s dreams, half of which have already come to pass in great detail. Why are dreams important? Because according to Amos 3:7, “7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” And yes, we must always test the spirits to see if they are from God; vigilance in this regard is beyond important! (1 John 4:1). Furthermore, and incredibly his dreams do play into the 2 Thessalonians 2 topic. Again, please bare with me!

I do not know if you are familiar with Pastor Dana Coverstone’s dreams or his most recent dream regarding September (it is posted on this site and I encourage all to view it soon), but it got me thinking on what he said about “a sacred assembly.” I knew that I had read that term in the Bible regarding the Lord’s feast days, and I wondered about it to the point that I looked it up. Let’s just say, what I found astonished me, and if you haven’t already seen this yourself, I think you will find it extremely interesting. I have not heard anyone say anything about what I’m about to share, but that is not to say that someone else has not already seen this or taught it.

To begin with, I simply looked up the term “solemn assembly” in Strong’s to see how often the term was used and where it was used. It is used 4 times regarding the 8^th day of the feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35; 2 Chronicles 7:9; and Nehemiah 8:18, 1 time regarding the 7^th day of Unleavened Bread in Deuteronomy 16:8, 1 time regarding a nameless fall feast day in Isaiah 1:13, and 2 times in the book of Joel regarding a large, impromptu gathering for the sake of repentance and prayer in Joel 1:14; 2:15. After looking at the list in Strong’s, I proceeded to look up each passage. Then, once I viewed each, I decided to investigate the Hebrew word for our English translation “sacred assembly.” For this I went to The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, Brown-Driver-Briggs, and the BibleHub Online Interlinear Bible/Dictionary.

To begin with, the Hebrew noun for “sacred assembly” is atsarah (#6116) which means exactly that, “an assembly” for religious purposes. But, I do know from taking Hebrew in my Bible college/Seminary days that every word in Hebrew has a verbal root, and in order to better understand any Hebrew word one must study the Hebrew verbal root. So, I did. And what I found astounded me!

The Hebrew root of atsarah is atsar (#6113), and (drum roll please!) it means “to restrain, to shut in” to hold something back, to stop something, to keep something or someone in bondage.

Now, after reflecting on the passages that use this word, I was drawn to Joel 1:14 and 2:15. Though the final verses of Joel 2 began their fulfillment on the day the Church was born (Pentecost – Acts 2), much of Joel has not yet been fulfilled, for its main theme is the Day of the Lord (Jacob’s Trouble, the Great Tribulation). But, according to Joel 1 and Joel 2 something comes just prior to the day of great darkness, and that is “a solemn assembly.” This solemn assembly is a day when believers of all shapes, sizes, races, and ages gather in repentance, prayer, fasting, and “rend their hearts and not their garments.” It is a day of shouts of war/victory and the blowing the trumpet in Zion, of sounding the alarm in God’s holy mountain.

There is so much I could venture into regarding Joel and the shout and the trumpet, but I will stick with just one astounding thought for today. Could it be that “the restraining” that has held back the lawless one, that has held evil in check, is the “solemn assembly” of believers gathered together in repentance, prayer and fasting? Could this also be why the enemy, the powers that be, our governors and mayors have disbanded the Church and have banned them from gathering? Think about it. Indeed, this could be exactly why God told us to not forsake “…the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

The enemy knows that the “solemn assembly” of believers restrains and has been restraining him. Thus, he wants to silence us. He wants to be revealed, and he is laying the foundation of his one world order government, one world economy, one world religion right now. He wants the restraining to end now, and has used COVID-19 and all it entails to scatter believers.

But God!!! God is calling His Church, His Body, His Bride, to gather together as “a solemn assembly”, and in so doing to restrain for all they are worth –in spite of grievous Supreme Court Decisions, in spite of little Pharaoh governors and mayors, in spite of do-gooder snitches, in spite of other churchgoers’ derisive comments– let’s continue to gather together until we hear the sound of the Last Trump of God, and we rise to meet Him in the air — think RAPTURE!

But, until God removes “the restraining” from the midst, we are called to “a solemn assembly” as found in Joel 2:15-18,

“15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” 18 Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, And pity His people.”

The book of Joel is on the verge of being played out right before our vary eyes, and the Day of the Lord is just around the corner. Let’s be a part of that “solemn assembly” that gathers in humility before God and in a cry of help against the strategizing of all nations and peoples of Psalm 2, and all evil plans of Satan against the people of God (Revelation 12). Now is the time to stand. Now is the time to assemble. There will be no other.

No Worries: The Song of Creation

Here is a children’s short story that could be applied to anyone concerned in any way about any individual challenge (health, employment, family, etc) or even the COVID crisis or the new world order agenda or any and all end-time’s events unfolding today. This story, No Worries: The Song of Creation by author H.E. Basaar, is about three new friends, Tommy, Gill, and Mary, who each are deeply troubled by life altering questions, but who in the end come to one life changing answer. May God bless you as you read!

************

In a valley not unlike any other valley, there wound a river in which lived a little Rainbow Trout named Gill. Every day Gill happily splashed about in the waters near a bubbly waterfall, attended a school he loved, and played swimming games with his other fish friends. He was full of life, and loved his little home in the fresh water. Yet, one day he overheard some adult fish asking one another where they thought the water of the river came from. Some said it came out of the ground, others said it fell from the sky, and a few of them even declared it came from high up in the mountains.

Well, little Gill became so confused that he did not go to his favorite school the next day. Instead, he swam aimlessly close to the riverbank where he had always been told not to swim. Because his mind was so overwhelmed by unanswered questions regarding the river, he did not even notice that there was a boy fishing along the shore.

As he thought and thought and thought, he caught sight of a worm dangling in the midst of his liquid paradise. The sun shone down brilliantly into the watery world, and he in great delight lost track of what he had been thinking. Hunger pains struck his stomach, and in haste he swam over to the bobbing worm. In one big bite he chomped down upon his unexpected, tasty lunch, but what happened next perplexed him greatly.

Pain struck his little mouth as he tried to swim away, and panic filled his heart. What was happening? How was the worm hurting his mouth?

It was then that he realized how close to the shore he had swum, and in fear Gill beheld the outline of the boy with the fishing pole who was pulling him out of the water.

What was he to do? He recalled stories of other fish and how they had gotten away. Could he? Was he strong enough?

“Got one!” The boy exclaimed when Gill dangled before him. “Looks like I’ll be having fish for supper.”

Gill began to puff for air, but found that he could not breathe.

“Ah!” He tried to call out to the boy who nearly dropped everything upon hearing the voice of the fish, but what the little fish had said could not be understood because of the hook that was in his mouth.

The boy looked left and right, unwilling to believe that a fish could talk. He cautiously reached back out for the fish and carefully threw it into his bucket.

“No. Please!” Gill exclaimed through gasps for air, for he needed to get back into the water and fast.

“I don’t believe it,” the boy muttered, scratching his head.

“Don’t believe what?” The little fish asked curiously, while he flopped about uncomfortably.

“Y-ou, y-you t-t-ta-lk?” The boy stuttered uneasily.

“P-please, I c-can’t b-breathe! Let me go b-back into the water!” Gill gasped.

“Y-you t-talk,” the boy said again, only this time not as a question.

“Please, I did not mean to swim so close to shore! I, I, I was just so sad,” Gill moaned unhappily.

“Sad? Fish get sad?” The boy squinted as he spoke, and Gill started to pass out.

“P-please, I’m g-going to die,” the little fish puffed heavily.

“But, if I put you back in, you’ll swim away and not talk to me,” the boy explained.

“No, I, I, won’t. R-r-really,” the Rainbow Trout said breathlessly, and so the boy compassionately reached out and placed the little fish back into the glistening water.

After a few seconds passed, Gill surfaced, looked suspiciously at the boy, and swished the water with his fin.

“Gosh! I didn’t know fish could talk!” The boy declared as he set down his fishing pole. “Say, do you have a name?”

The little fish nervously blew bubbles in the water, then shyly answered, “My name’s Gill.”

“Hi, Gill. I’m Tommy. I live over there on a farm.” He pointed over his shoulder.

The fish and the boy looked carefully at each other, and after a few more questions began to warm up to the idea of talking to one another.

“You said you were sad,” Tommy began. “Why are you sad?”

“Well,” the little trout rolled his eyes, “None of us fish know where the water of our river comes from, and so, I,” he paused thoughtfully. “So, I started thinking that maybe the water could all dry up, and, and, then…” His voice trailed off.

“I can see why you’d be sad,” Tommy said sincerely. “I’m afraid of things too. I wonder about whether or not I’ll run out of air. You know, like, is it possible to breathe it all up?”

“I don’t know,” Gill expressed pensively. “I guess if the river could dry up, then the air could stop too.”

“Hello,” a petal soft voice spoke, and both the fish and the boy looked around to see from where it had come. “Over here,” she called, but their eyes looked past her. “The daffodil, silly!” She giggled. “I’m Mary.”

“Why are you happy?” Inquired the wide-eyed, little fish. He could not believe that a flower was talking, for he had always been taught that plants could not speak.

“I’m not happy.”

“But you said you were merry.”

“No, silly! My name is Mary,” she rolled her lovely green eyes.

“Well, uh, um,” Gill stuttered, “Mary sounds like a merry name.”

“I don’t feel very merry though.” The flower’s yellow head drooped with sadness as her green leaves withered.

“Why not?” Gill asked.

“I fear that the sun will stop shining one day. It stops shining at night, and sometimes,” she lowered her voice dramatically and glanced from right to left. Slowly, she leaned forward and whispered, “Sometimes there is an Ipsy.”

Tommy looked at Gill, and Gill looked at Tommy. Both had puzzled expressions on their faces, for neither one knew what an “Ipsy” was.

“A what?” Tommy finally asked.

“An Ipsy. You know,” she rolled her lovely eyes. “When the moon throws its shadow over the sun.”

“Oh! You mean an eclipse!” Tommy nearly shouted, and the fish splashed about in laughter.

“Yes, yes, an Ipsy, that’s what I said,” the little yellow flower declared, fluffing her petals, like a bird fluffs its feathers, while completely disregarding the boy and the fish’s laughter. “Well, I really don’t think it is a laughing matter,” she explained seriously as the laughter began to die down.

“What’s not a laughing matter?” The fish slapped its fins.

“The sun not shining. I do fear it so,” she said weakly and her withered leaves trembled.

“That would be scary,” the boy agreed.

“Oh my! Oh my! What if the river dried up, the wind stopped, and the sun quit shining?” Gill inquired with wide, terrified eyes.

“Gosh,” mumbled the boy.

“Oh, dear me,” whimpered the flower.

There was a splashing sound behind them, but none of them looked. Ripples washed over the surface of the river, but not one of them beheld it. Foaming waves began to gush, but the flower stared at the ground. A whirlpool started in the center of the water, but Tommy’s eyes were closed. However, when the little waterfall roared, Gill turned quickly to observe it.

“Oh dear,” the little fish said, but no one could hear him because the sound of the water was so loud.

Tommy looked up, and his mouth dropped open at the sight. “Wow,” he whispered, but his words were lost in the noise.

“Uh oh,” Mary said through shaking petals, but no one heard her either.

The water brewed and stewed and sloshed and splashed while the three looked on aghast. It spun and churned and swirled and lapped as the sun rays glinted off its liquid sheen.

“Uh, uh-hem!” They heard a roar. “Uh-hem! Uh-hem!” They heard again. “What’s this I hear. You fear? You fear? Ah-hem, what’s this I hear?”

Each blankly blinked with mouths open wide at the unusual sound and sight, for there before them rose the waterfall in magnificent light. Frothing waves, like soda pop fizz, moved in circular motions within the falls, and splashes sputtered as they descended down into the crystal clear water below. Shimmers of red and blue and yellow and green danced within the waters liquid glory as the sun doused it with glitter and confetti of grand display.

“I say, I say, uh-hem, are you afraid?”

Was it the water that spoke? Tommy could not blink; Gill could not speak, and little Mary’s heart did sink.

“Oh, come, come. Tommy, minutes ago you did not think that fish could speak,” Mr. River roared with a laugh. “And Gill, were you not shocked when Mary spoke?”

None of them could say a word now, however, for the sight of the amazing river was more than they could bear.

“Well, well, so be it. I heard what you were saying,” the River declared. “Little Gill,” the frothing falls said in a deep voice, “I know that you do not understand where the water comes from. It is known by most to come from the sky, the earth, and the mountains. But,” the roar of the mighty churning waters laughed joyfully to the tune of the wind rippling across its golden, glittering surface, “it really comes from none of these places.”

The little fish listened closely and gulped at the words. For, what could this mean? If the water did not come from the sky or the earth or the mountains, where did it come from?

“Ah, little Gill, do not be worried about me drying up,” Mr. River laughed.

“But, why?” Gill tried to say, but all that came out was a squeak.

“Because, God provides the water. It is He who makes me and all rivers like I am.”

“And like I am too,” a feather soft, silky voice declared, and all three turned around in circles trying to determine who had spoken. Golden shimmers dusted down upon them as they looked from left to right, behind and in front of themselves.

“Wh-who are you?” Asked the bewildered boy.

“Wh-where are you?” Inquired the fearful flower.

“Wh-what are you?” Questioned the trembling trout.

“Look up, dear friends! Look up!”

All eyes turned upwards into the cloudless sky. There, beaming with amusement glistened the golden sun who was cheerfully bouncing.

“Oh my,” the daffodil whispered in disbelief. “The, the, sun is talking.”

“Yes, yes, little Mary.”

The daffodil trembled. “Why?” She asked as she shook her petaled head.

“Dear, dear daffodil,” chuckled Mrs. Sun, “I want you to know that I will not stop shining, because I have been placed here by God Himself to reflect the glory of His ceaseless light.”

“What’s that?” The yellow flower questioned.

“What’s what, dear?” Replied Mrs. Sun.

“Uh, um, c-c-ceasel-lessy.” She crinkled up her little, daffodil nose, which is very unlike a human nose.

“It means to never quit. So, I’ll never quit shining down my golden rays upon you, Mary.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because God is light, and I am a reflection of it.”

Mary tilted her head to the side. “Reflectsey?”

“R-e-f-l-e-c-t-i-o-n, dear daffodil. You know, like when you look into a mirror.”

“Mir-what?”

“Oh, that is right, you are a flower, not a human,” the Sun chuckled, thus sending forth brilliant, swirling rays of happy light down around the flower, fish, and boy.

“I understand,” Tommy replied with a firm nod of his head.

“I am very glad, Tommy,” Mrs. Sun spoke softly. “Now, dear daffodil, turn and face the surface of Mr. River. Look closely.”

“Oh my! Why, that’s me!” She cried out with glee as she perceived her face on the dancing surface of the waters.

“Yes, yes, little Mary. You can see yourself can you not?”

“Yes! Oh, yes! Why, how splendiferous!” Mary exclaimed.

“You mean splendid, stupid,” Tommy corrected the flower who paid no attention to him.

“Now, now, you two, splendiferous is word. But, even if it was not, you must not call each other names,” Mr. River spoke up.

“Thank you, Mr. River,” Mrs. Sun commented with a smile. “Now, Mary, when you look into the water, you can see yourself, can you not?”

“Why, why, yes!” Shouted out the little flower with glee.

“You are not in the water though, are you?”

“Uh,” Mary glanced down at her petals and stem to make sure that she was not wet. “Nope!”

“So, then, dear,” the Sun smiled and crystal shimmers showered down over Mary, “you see, look here,” Mrs. Sun pointed with a brilliant ray, “you are yellow. Those there, those are your eyes, your nose, your stem, and leaves. Can you see me behind you shining down?” Mary nodded happily. “What you are seeing is a reflection of yourself.”

“Oh, my yes! Oh, oh my!” Mary giggled. “Neato! I can see my reflectsey!”

Mrs. Sun and Mr. River tried very hard to keep from laughing at the silly pronunciations of the little flower. Tommy and Gill simply rolled their eyes with amusement, but Mary was too taken with her own reflection in the water to notice anything.

“So, Mary,” The Sun began again.

“Yes, Mrs. Sun.”

“I will not stop shining because I am a reflection of God’s light. All light comes from God,” Mrs. Sun smiled down happily upon Merry. “And God’s light will never fail because God is forever.”

“What’s forever?” The inquisitive flower asked further.

Mrs. Sun chuckled, “It’s a very long time.”

“Oh!”

The daffodil gleefully looked at her reflection in the water while Gill delightedly splashed about and drank in the refreshing liquid. However, Tommy was not happy, for he was still unsure about the wind. Now he knew that the Mr. River would continue flowing and Mrs. Sun would not stop shining, but he still wondered about the air. So, in troubled thoughts, Tommy sat down on the edge of Mr. River where Gill darted back and forth in the water. While he gazed into the crystal clear surface, a soft breeze rippled over the liquid before his sad eyes and swirled through the glittery rays of the Sun. Upon his face it blew, until he took in a deep breath of fresh air.

“Never fear, Tommy.”

Tommy gasped, for he knew that the Wind was talking to him.

“Tommy, I have been around since the beginning. God breathed into Adam and Eve the breath of life, and they lived. And since then his Wind has blown throughout the earth.”

All fell silent at the hushed words of the Wind. Gill stopped splashing, and Mary even stopped looking at her lovely reflection.

“So,” Tommy started to speak, “so then, you come from God just like the water of Mr. River and the light of Mrs. Sun? And, and you won’t stop blowing or get all used up?”

“Not at all, Tommy. Not at all,” the Wind sighed gently, and a smile crossed Tommy’s face. “God will always provide for you, including air to breathe.”

The little daffodil cocked her head to the side and tried to ask a question, “What’s pro-pro, um, uh?”

The Wind answered without her finishing. “When God p-r-o-v-i-d-e-s for you, it means that he makes sure you have everything you need, like the sunshine, little Mary.”

“Oh, okay!” She smiled. “Pro-pro-pro,” Mary stumbled over the words again. “Pro-pro-VIDE!” She sneezed because of her own pollen, and the word came out perfectly.

Gill snickered, and Tommy stifled his laugh while Mr. River and Mrs. Sun said, “God bless you.”

After the silly scene calmed down, the Wind continued in a soft voice, “Therefore, Tommy, Gill, and Mary, no one ever needs to worry about anything, for God is our provider. And from him comes every good and perfect thing.” Then, very refreshingly, he blew over Gill, Mary and Tommy, until each of them smiled at each other.

And so the three new friends forgot their worries and began to play happily all the rest of the day. Tommy swam with Gill, and both of them splattered Mary with water from Mr. River. All of them giggled and talked and dove and dreamed as the sun sparkled, the river gurgled and the Wind blew round the Sun’s rays and River’s watery sprays.

Soon a choir of trees, squirrels, birds, bees, farm animals, crops and rocks, and other creatures and vegetation of the valley sang forth jubilantly the tune of God’s provision. Magnificently the cows of the farm mooed, birds tweeted, trees rustled their branches, bees buzzed, the fish flapped their fins, and the daffodil joined in on the song of creation. Tommy laughed with delight at this wonderful sight and joyful song, and soon in laughter sang along.

No worries! No worries in sight!

For God’s golden sun

Shines forth His great light.

No worries! No worries at all!

For God’s river flows

From a crystal waterfall.

No worries! No worries to bear!

For God’s breath of wind

Will always be there.

Sing forth! Sing forth all of you!

Who sit and sputter

Who whine and stew.

Sing forth! Sing forth everyone!

For God’s our provider

Of Water, Wind and Sun.

Sing forth! Sing forth, today!

God knows what you need

Before you kneel and pray.

Fear not! Fear not my children!

God cares for you

For He’s a God of provision.

Doubt not! Doubt not His word!

For God does not lie

Of this be assured.

Reach out! Reach out to Him!

For He is eternal

And in Him we will win!

Blessings! Blessings be to the King!

Lift up your voices

High now and sing.

Blessings! Blessings to Him evermore!

Who richly gives to all

That He has in store!

Blessings! Blessings lift up in praise!

Worship Him today

Forever and always!

So in faith, little Gill went home and shared the good news with his family and friends. And the very next day to school he did go, and never again doubted that the waters would flow. Mary danced about, and told her flowery friends what the sun had said, and all ran to the water’s edge to admire their reflections. And Tommy, the boy, ran home quite relieved that the wind blew from the very presence of God and would not cease.

And from that day forth, each of them tried to live their lives without worrying, for they knew that God would always provide for their needs according to his riches in glory. This is not to say that they got everything that they wanted, for God is not Santa Claus in the sky. And even though they often thought that God was late in helping them and in answering their prayers, God always provided right on time.

Reflections: Spiritual Renovations

Tags

1 Corinthians 3, Being ready for Christ's return, building each other up, Building one another up, Edification, Edifying the body of Christ, End Times, Ephesians 5, Jesus' Return, Last Days, spiritual house, spiritual renovations

Over the past few months since the quarantine/lockdown my neighbors all around me have been doing home improvement projects. To begin with, my former neighbor passed away and her family busily emptied her house and quickly sold it. Then the new owner and her extended family proceeded, like worker bees, in both gutting the kitchen, tearing out most of the shrubbery, the indoor renovations, and the planting of new flowers. Yet another set of neighbors across from me, who are preparing to leave as missionaries, have occupied a great deal of effort and time into putting in a new fence, applying fresh paint, and doing numerous unseen, noisy things inside so that they will be able to rent out the place while they are gone. Then, yet another neighbor across the street, invested in a new roof and new cars. The neighbor directly next to me has also put in a fence, put new siding on their house, new paint, and done a few other odds and ends inside. Four of my immediate neighbors have been working feverishly and constantly to fix up their houses just in the last few months since the quarantine. Not only this, but it seems that nearly a third of my town has been actively involved in the same sort of thing.

I have been reflecting on this phenomenon. Before I share my thoughts on this matter, I first want to say that home renovations is a favorite of mine. I even love watching tv programs like This Old House, Ask This Old House, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It is amazing to see someone who knows what they are doing turn something run down into something beautiful that feels like home. When I watch such programs I can almost smell the fresh paint and new carpet. It’s just so good!

That aside, while my immediate neighbors as well as those on block after block around me and on down the road and throughout my town are putting so much time and energy and money into home projects, it makes me wonder are we investing so much time, energy and resources into our spiritual house? Think about it… Are we?

Are we building up our spiritual self? Are we renovating what needs to be renovated? Do we have the right people in our lives helping us to get fixed up? Maybe something in our hearts needs to be gutted. Maybe something in us stinks and the carpet of our hearts needs to be taken out and a new wood floors put in its place. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to tear out what He needs to tear out, remove what He needs to remove, change what He needs to change, clean what He needs to clean, repair what He needs to repair? Are we allowing Jesus to wash us with the water of the Word? (Ephesians 5) Do you realize that He can’t do that unless we are reading the Word?

It is important to remember that as we approach the day of the Lord’s return, we must be vigilant to get our spiritual affairs in order. How we allow others to build us up and how we build up others spiritually must be a priority, for it it has eternal value and will be tried by fire.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 writes,

“9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

May the Lord bless you and help you be ready for His SOON return as you reflect on this eternal truth!

Looking up,

Holly Light Ministries

Pastor Coverstone’s Dream of A Solemn September Assembly: “ARISE MY BRIDE!!!”

Tags

A Call to Prayer, A solemn September assembly, Arise my Bride, Dana Coverstone, Jesus' Return, Pastor Coverstone, Pastor Dana Coverstone, Poetry, Prayer, rapture, September dream, solemn assembly, Something Big is Coming, Warfare prayer

I am calling all who are CHRISTIANS. This is a call to warfare prayer. God is calling us to prayer, right now, such as never before. God is calling His Bride to “ARISE”. Please, connect with this link and listen to the powerful dream of Pastor Coverstone about the month of September and the call to battle. The Church is under attack. Prepare for battle, Christian. Now is the time. This is it. There will be no other. Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be ready!!!!!!!

“Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare to pray. Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare for battle. Arise my Bride; Arise my Bride and prepare to see My face.”

Pastor Coverstone’s Dream of Christian Persecution in America

Tags

Brace Yourself and Endure to the End, Christian persecution, Dana Coverstone, Pastor Coverstone, Pastor Dana Coverstone, Persecution in America, The Coming Persecution, The Wolf Dream, wolf in sheep's clothing

The Time is at Hand: God is Moving!!!

Tags

Battle Hymn of the Republic, California bans singing in churches, California Revival, Crossroad Bible Church in Georgia, Evangelist Harrison, Georgia revival, Georgia revival 2020, God is on the Move, Golden Gate Bridge protest, Governor Newsom bans meeting in church buildings, Governor Newsom's ban on singing, Huntington Beach revival, Jessi Green, Jessi Green the church has left the building, mass baptisms at Huntington Beach, Pastor Chet Cooper, Protests against singing ban, Saturate OC, the field is white unto harvest, Waymaker, Waymaker Michael W. Smith, Worship on the Brooklyn Bridge

Along with a rise in the persecution of Christians in America, incredibly AWESOME things are happening among the New Testament Christians of America who dare to be the Church who gathers together in Christ’s name. When little Pharoah-like governors decree that the Church cannot gather inside a building, then they gather outside; when the little Pharoahs say you may not sing, then they sing all the louder with voices raised unto Almighty God; when the little Pharoahs declare that only a limited number may be together at one time, they follow that rule and thousands take their turn assembling to hear the Gospel and be set free from drug addiction and alcohol and every other form of evil. Indeed, God is on the move and cannot be stopped and will not be stopped, for the field is white unto harvest!!!!! When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will lift up standard against him, and the gates of hell will not prevail!!!!

In a small town near Macon, Georgia, a real, old-fashioned tent revival is under way, and has been since June 1st. Evangelist “Harrison said more than 250 people have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior under the tent.”We’re talking about alcoholics, drug addicts,” Harrison shared. “One man was 79 years old that walked the aisle. An 83-year-old woman got born again.””People are getting saved, and God is just moving in unbelievable ways,” he continued. “It’s just unbelievable to see what God’s doing.” Harrison also said families are being put back together, and marriages are being restored.” (https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2020/july/alcoholics-drug-addicts-among-hundreds-to-accept-christ-at-central-georgia-awakening-revival). Because of the vision of Pastor Chet Cooper of Crossroad Bible Church, Evangelist Harrison was invited to set up his big tent in spite of the coronavirus pandemic of panic that struck the world. And in spite of coronavirus restrictions, thousands just keep on coming and coming and coming. In the same CBN article regarding the revival, Harrison said, “”In the midst of the chaos; in the midst of all of the stuff going on, God is still alive; He’s still on the throne, and revival is still possible,” Harrison said emphatically.”

And then, there is the move of God in Huntington Beach, California called “Saturate OC” which began July 3rd. Back in 2016 Jessi Green had a vision of mass baptisms at the beach. With this vision in mind, she and her husband moved from New York to California. Then, in January 2020, she heard that this would be the year of the realization of that vision. When the virus hit and all the restrictions on indoor church gatherings, Jessi Green declared to the gathered group of 1,000, “the Church has left the building”. And those baptisms are happening, including the baptism of upwards to 60 children between the ages of 3 and 16 as several churches in the area join together in this incredible outreach. Praise the Lord!!! According to Jessi, this is a “threshing floor movement where God [is] going to start  to separate the wheat from the tares.” And this revival is not over yet. Jessi Green is looking to reach 2,000 and for them to then reach 50,000 more with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-beach-revival-church-jesus-christian; https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2020/july/california-beach-revival-brings-beautiful-harvest-of-souls-together-for-worship-baptism)

And last but definitely not least, when the governor of California banned singing and chanting in church, a group of 300-400 Christians gathered at the Golden Gate Bridge for 2 hours in protest of that order, and they sang and worshiped God for all they were worth. The police who protected their right to protest, and who were each prayed for individually by the protestors, said they had never been to such a protest in their lives. This protest will not end at the Golden Gate Bridge either, but is on its way to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey in the days to come. (https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-coronavirus-protest-worship-san-fransisco; https://www.cnsnews.com/index.php/blog/bailey-duran/worshipers-stage-golden-gate-bridge-protest-california-governors-singing-ban; https://canadafreepress.com/article/hundreds-protest-californias-singing-ban-at-golden-gate-bridge-let-us-worsh)

On top of this, there also was a worship march/protest on the Brooklyn Bridge on July 20, 2020. I am unclear as to whether this is in connection with the group that gathered on the Golden Gate Bridge or not. But, it appeared peaceful and very Christian.

Truly, God is on the move and cannot be stopped. The Kingdom of God is advancing in spite of the enemy’s best laid plans. While some may cower in compliance unsure of what to do, the Church triumphant is rising, and God is marching on!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!

Christian Persecution in America Has Arrived

Tags

2 Peter 2:5, 3rd Grader in Mississippi persecuted, 3rd Grader persecuted, Alex McFarland, American persecution of Christians, Apologist Alex McFarland, Assembling together, Biblical Christianity, California church facing $350000 fine, California churches, California North Valley Baptist, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley, Calvary Chapel sues state of Maine of Constitutional rights, Calvary Chapel sues state of Maine over religious liberty, Charges of Contempt for Rob McCoy, Christian persecution in America, Definition of the Church, do not forsake the gathering togther, Ekklesia, Gathering together, Grace Church told to close its doors, Grace Community Church, Hebrews 10:25, Jack Hibbs, Jack Trieber, Jesus loves me mask, John MacArthur charges of contempt of court, L.A. County Wants John MacArthur to be Charged with Contempt of Court, LA Superior Court Rules against John MacArthur, Nevada Calvary Chapel, New Testament Christianity, Noah preacher of righteousness, North Valley Baptist California, Orrington Church fights for Constitutional rights, Orrington Church Fights Maine's Restrictions, Pastor Jack Trieber, Pastor McFarland, Pastor Stacey Shiflett, Qahal, Rob McCoy Contempt of Court Charges, Supreme Court Decision against Nevada churches, the Body of Christ, The called out ones, the Kingdom of God, the persecuted church, the persecuted church in America, What is the church

(The long list of links at the bottom of this article will be updated at this link: https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/persecution/)

Back in November 2016 I wrote an article entitle, “America’s Present Path and the Road Less Traveled,” (https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2016/11/09/americas-present-path-and-the-road-less-traveled/) wherein I explained the three choices set before us on Election Day: Bloody Mary, the Emperor Constantine, and the Road Less Traveled as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. The choice that was made was not the road less traveled. Rather, it was the road we are on now, the road wherein we trusted in a so-called patriotic, so-called Christian president. Many still believe him to be Cyrus, and even Orthodox Jews laud him as a savior and have created Temple coins in his honor. He says many great things and makes patriotic Americans feel like he cares, when in reality—yes, let’s be honest about this—he does nothing to back up what he says. Just think about it…

But, I am not a political author (though I do have a degree in History), and this article is not about a particular person nor is it is about the upcoming elections. It is, however, all about where my previous article “America’s Present Path and Road Less Traveled” said we’d end up, which is namely, right where we are: smack dab in the middle of subtle persecution.

Before continuing, let’s remember that time and again, Jesus warned us to NOT BE DECEIVED – in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, the book of Revelation, and the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2, Ephesians 5, and other like Jude, and 1, 2, and 3 John to name a few. So, if Jesus warned us about the overwhelming nature and possibility of deception in the Last Days, why are we so trusting?

Elusively and suddenly, American Churches are in the middle of an odd sort of persecution, but the American Church was so busy believing the “great things” that they could not see the devil in the details nor the entrance of the enemy via the front door – yes, the front door, not the back door (“The Snake Poem,” by Oscar Brown Lyrics: http://www.songlyrics.com/oscar-brown-jr/the-snake-lyrics/; About the song: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/the-snake-by-al-wilson/). Many will not even see the discrepancies and contradictions in what has been said in the media and by so-called health care professionals. And though Christians and church services are under attack, they cannot see it because of the key words being used against them such as “for the common good” and “love thy neighbor as thyself” and “obey the governing authorities.”

Strangely enough, there are three camps on this issue of Christian persecution in America.

Camp # 1:

We met as a church until… our political leaders and doctors told us that we were under the threat of COVID-19. Thus, we’re now following the mandates of our secular, non-Christian leaders, and are not attending church; we are wearing our masks; we are practicing social distancing; we are being good citizens and loving Christians by doing so. Any Christian who thinks they are undergoing persecution is actually not. Those, Christian or otherwise, who do not respect the governing authorities will be subject to punishment. Thus, we are not undergoing persecution. This too shall pass if we all work together for the common good.

Camp #2:

We met as a church until… we were threatened with damaging vandalism and graffiti, gunshots, warned of bodily harm and possible death, legally pursued with menacing words, discouraged by snitching fellow-Christians, and scared off by threats of arrest and public scandal. Yes, there are Christians who are undergoing persecution in the U.S., and this is proof of it. Therefore, we must hide at home, pursue things legally, look to godly politicians to help, and wait for the storm to pass. We are like the Christians who hid in the catacombs of Rome; we will worship in secret; we will survive.

Camp #3:

We met as a church until… well, some of us never stopped meeting, while some of stopped for a while but are now back. Though some of us never believed the media’s story, some of us did initially believe what was told us, but now we see through the hype and are realizing the hidden agenda behind it all. Still there are others of us who still think the media’s story is true, but that God is bigger than any disease. Regardless of various reasoning, this Church is meeting together in person, and will not be told they cannot. To them, persecution in this nation is real, burgeoning and not going away, but they are determined to suffer together and to suffer well for Jesus, for the battle belongs to the Lord, and when God is for us, who can be against us.

Whether Christians are in denial about persecution in America or not, persecution is happening to those who are practicing Biblical Christianity.

What is this “Biblical” Christianity? In order to better understand this, let’s take a look at both the Greek word for “church” and its Hebrew equivalent.

The word for “Church” in the Greek is ekklesia (Strong’s #1577). Ekklesia comes from ekkletos, meaning “called out” and is from the word ekkaleo meaning, “to call out.” Thus, the word for Church, ekklesia, means “the called people…those called out or assembled in the public affairs of a free state, the body of free citizens called together by a herald,” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 541). And a herald (kerux, #2783) is a preacher, a messenger, one who proclaims, who in Classical Greek was a “public servant of supreme power…one who summoned the ekklesia, the town gathering…a kerux, messenger, was…[a] conveyor of a declaration…in 2 Peter 2:5…Noah was a herald of righteousness…” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 861).

In the Old Testament there are two Hebrew words used for assemblies/gatherings: edah (Strong’s #5712) and qahal (Strong’s #6951). In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament that had been put together before Christ by 70 leading Jewish Biblical scholars, the word synagogue is equivalent to edah, and the world ekklesia is equivalent to qahal. Though occasionally used in the New Testament to refer to the Church, early on the Greek word synagogue came to be strictly associated with the Jewish gatherings. However, the Greek word ekklesia, which even Jesus used on occasion (Matthew 16:18), came to be regarded as Christian gatherings. (“Jewish Literature in New Testament Times,” https://www.bible-history.com/jewishliterature/jewish_literaturethe_septuagint.htm; “Septuagint,” https://www.septuagint.net/)

For further clarification “…both qahal and ekklesia indicate a calling or summoning to a place of meeting. Qahal and ekklesia are the more sacred terms, denoting the people in relation to Jehovah, especially in public worship” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 1334). Even so, ekklesia is synonymous with episunagoge (Strong’s #1997) used in Hebrews 10:25 which means, “to gather together.”

From where are we as Christians called out? The world system that is under the rule of the evil one and his cohorts. To what are we called? We are called out by a messenger/preacher to gather in worship of our King. We are called to assemble in praise of the King and Kingdom of God that has no end. Thus, we are no longer a part of the system of this world, but have become a kingdom of priests and kings unto our God (Revelation 1:6), are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), are the body and Bride of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; 2 Corinthians 11:2), and ambassadors of His heavenly Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). Because of this, we live by Kingdom rules, for we are citizens of the country of heaven (Philippians 3:20). While here as ambassadors, we honor those God has placed in power here, but when anything comes into question, we stand on the side of the Kingdom that we represent.

So, what is happening today? There are Christians following ungodly leadership that is leading in ungodly ways, saying the God has placed this impious leadership over the Church. However, God never said that. God said that our head was Christ not Caesar (Ephesians 1:22), that we are to render to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21), and that we are to respect the rule of law as long as it is righteous and does not conflict with His Kingdom law. And under His law, the Church is an “assembly,” a “gathering” together of those who are called out of this world’s system into the Kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13) in allegiance to and worship of their eternal King. Thus, no matter what is happening, no matter who says what, no matter when in history, those called by the name ekklesia/Church are to do what their name implies, which is to congregate together.“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Truly, can a body be called a body when it is in pieces? Is the liver the body? Is the stomach the body? Is the tongue the body? Certainly not. One organ does not constitute the body. Rather, it is all the organs, sinews, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, blood vessels and so forth all joined together that constitutes a body. Even so, the body of Christ is not the body unless fitly joined together, gathered together to build one another up by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, assembled for worship. Therefore, can the Church be called the Church unless it gathers together? The succinct answer is NO.

Throughout the centuries of rulers commanding that Christians not gather together under pain of death, the Church gathered, from the Apostle Paul and John and Peter and the early Church, to those who secretly and illegally gathered in the catacombs under Rome, to smaller nameless sects who hid in the hills and caves during the Dark Ages, the Albigenses and Waldenses of the 12^th and 13^th centuries, to the Quakers, to the Anabaptists, to the Lutherans and other reformers. And in now in modern times, in China, North Korea, and any Muslim nation including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Christians still gather for worship in defiance of godless laws on pain of imprisonment, fines, torture or even death. These did not and do not fear the very real threat of death. Why? Because they are the “Church”, the called out, assembled ones. Assembling is what they do. It is the Church’s nature to assemble.

“Pastor and apologist Alex McFarland says North Pointe [of Atlanta, Georgia] and other churches that are keeping their buildings closed need to rethink the decision.“Merely to roll over and play dead, as it were, and to say that we’re not going to meet again, that’s not New Testament Christianity,” he insists. “If you’re not meeting for corporate worship, you’re not practicing New Testament Christianity.”” (“Christian Apologist: No Time for Churches to Keep Doors Shut,” https://onenewsnow.com/church/2020/07/16/christian-apologist-no-time-for-churches-to-keep-doors-shut)

In truth and with great gravity, Pastor McFarland is absolutely correct. If the churches continue to disband, then they ought not be called the “Church” anymore, for in so doing they are in direct contradiction to the meaning of their name and the definition as stated in the Bible. The Church, the called out ones, are those who gather and assemble together, they do not disband nor dissolve for the sake of any mandate or pandemic. The Biblical Church does not change like a Chameleon to blend in with the world, but rather, stands out as the called out ones who stand together through thick and thin and without compromise or apology for the cause of Christ. Those Christians who think that American Christianity is not undergoing persecution are the ones believing the words of the media while hiding behind their masks as they do Church online in the name of obedience and the “common good”: they are not the ones on the front lines who are daring to let their lights shine, who are daring to remain the Church, who are daring to stand out in the ever growing darkness.  But, persecution is here, whether a majority of scattered churches call it that or not.

America’s Modern Day History of Persecution:

So, here we are today, July 20, 2020, and the a good portion of the American churches are disassembled and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. The persecution is very real, and its threat is immanent as the hand of godless leadership has been empowered from the highest levels. At the end of May 2020, in a 5-4 decision, America’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of state governors’ authority over churches during the “pandemic.” In spite of allowing places of business to be open, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, as well as allowing for thousands of protestors, and for abortion clinics to function without restriction, the Supreme Court sided with the governor of California (and other governors) and the California state courts against the rights of churches to freely and peaceably assemble. (“Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Limits on Church Services; Roberts Sides with Liberals,” https://www.foxnews.com/us/supreme-court-rejects-challenge-to-limits-on-church-services-roberts-sides-with-liberals; “Supreme Court Allows Restrictions on Attendance at Church Services Amid Coronavirus,” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-allows-restrictions-on-attendance-at-church-services-amid-coronavirus/; “Supreme Court Won’t Force the States to Speed Up Church Reopenings, ”https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/30/church-reopenings-supreme-court-refuses-force-governors-hands/5281999002/).

At the end of March a mega church pastor was arrested for continuing to hold services of upwards to 5,000 people, after which he and his parishioners encountered death threats and verbal abuse, which caused him to close his doors (“Florida Mega Church Pastor Arrested for Holding Services, Defying Social Distancing Orders,” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/31/coronavirus-florida-megachurch-pastor-arrested-church-amid-orders/5093160002/). In April Pastor Tony Spell was arrested and placed under house arrest while facing both misdemeanors and felony charges, but he remains undaunted with the assistance of Judge Roy Moore of Arkansas (“Roy Moore Advising Louisiana Pastor Charged for Holding Large Gatherings During Coronavirus,” https://www.foxnews.com/us/roy-moore-advising-louisiana-pastor-charged-holding-large-gatherings-coronavirus; “Louisana Pastor Defies House Arrest, Holds Service Again,” https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/04/26/breaking-news/louisiana-pastor-defies-house-arrest-holds-service-again/).

Meanwhile, Liberty Council is presently doing its best to defend the rights and Constitutional freedoms of churches in California, Kentucky, Illinois, Virginia, and Maine, as well as upwards to 25 other states unlisted.

Persecution in Colorado

“Colorado Churches Win Against COVID Orders,” Quote: “A federal district judge issued a 44-page decision granting an injunction in favor of two churches against Governor Jared Polis’ discriminatory COVID orders that place numerical restrictions on houses of worship and require masks. The order in Denver Bible Church v. Azar prevents the state of Colorado from enforcing the indoor occupancy limitations and the face-covering requirement on the churches. Pastors Bob Enyart of Denver Bible Church in Wheat Ridge and Joey Rhoads of Community Baptist Church in Brighton filed the lawsuit in August.”  https://lc.org/newsroom/details/102120-colorado-churches-win-against-covid-orders-1?fbclid=IwAR1B36UYdqLNtTGonxKE1ULdYaHaCzHHljS1Z7_MZPV0arQgu5nGi-Sj7ts

Persecution in Nevada

Churches in Nevada continue to have strict restrictions, but casinos along with other businesses such as restaurants and movie theaters may permit up to 50% capacity, allowing casinos to grant access to hundreds of patrons at a time. Thus, a Calvary Chapel church took their case to the Supreme Court — and today they lost in a grievous 5-4 decision. (“Supreme Court Denies Plea from Nevada Church That It is Hurt While Casinos Reopen,” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/supreme-court-denies-plea-from-nevada-church-that-it-is-hurt-while-casinos-reopen/2020/07/24/9b99cbf8-cc48-11ea-91f1-28aca4d833a0_story.html)

Persecution in California

The Governor of California has not only ordered that singing be banned from churches, but more recently, has ordered that churches be closed for indoor services indefinitely. Nevertheless, churches such as Pastor Jack Hibb’s church Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and others have stood their ground and remain open, with indoor and outdoor venues available, and many churches are suing the governor and the state of California over such unlawful edicts. Truly, as one California pastor put it, the Church “has been essential for 2000 years.”

(““We’ve Been Essential for 2,000 Years”: California Church Holds Service Indoors Despite Coronavirus Warnings,” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/harvest-rock-church-california-coronavirus-lockdown-violation-services/; “Evangelical Churches Sue California Governor Over Ban On Singing During Services,” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/california-churches-sue-gavin-newsom_n_5f10b3d8c5b6d14c3364ffed; “California Governor Gavin Newsom Bans Singing in Church to Combat Coronavirus, https://www.lifenews.com/2020/07/07/california-governor-gavin-newsom-bans-singing-in-church-to-combat-coronavirus/; “California Churches Sue Governor Over Singing Ban,” https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/507667-california-churches-sue-governor-over-singing-ban; “California Church Network Sues Governor Newsom Over Ban on Worship, Home Bible Studies,” https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-church-newsom-coronavirus-worship-ban; “Church Sues California Gov Gavin Newsom Over Ban Against At-Home Bible Studies, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jul/20/gavin-newsom-sued-over-ban-against-home-bible-stud/).

California Update (08-16-20):

In California, pastor after pastor and church after church have come under fire regarding the right and liberty to freely assemble, from John MacArthur, to Jack Hibbs, to Rob McCoy, and many others. After John MacArthur was threatened with fines and imprisonment, he went on the offensive by suing the governor and other state officials. So far, he has been met with favor by the judge in the case, who has said that MacArthur’s church may continue to meet without further restriction and may sing without restriction, but “the judge is requiring congregants to wear masks and social distance between family groups while indoors.” MacArthur is abiding by this, and is pleased with the decision. Though his church deems this a win, it is not over. He must appear before the court for a “full hearing” on September 4th. “‘Historic Win’: John MacArthur Claims Victory in Lawsuit Over Church Restrictions,” https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2020/august/john-macarthur-files-lawsuit-against-gavin-newsom-california-over-church-restrictions

In the case of Rob McCoy of Ventura County, a restraining order was placed on his church and a request was put in by the city to have the sheriff shut him and his church down. In a wise move by his lawyers, his case was heard by a different judge who denied the request to shut down the church. However, McCoy must appear in court August 21st on the charges of contempt.

“Judge Denies Request https://www.christianpost.com/news/judge-denies-request-for-police-action-against-church-holding-indoor-services.html

California update (08-21-20)

“L.A. Wants John MacArthur Held in Contempt of Court, Issued Hefty Fines for Meetings,” August 20, 2020, https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/la-wants-john-macarthur-held-in-contempt-of-court-issued-hefty-fines-for-meeting.html

Update (08-30-20)

Pastor Rob McCoy and his church were fined $3,000 dollars for having services when told not to do so. “Judge Holds Godspeak Chapel and Pastor Rob McCoy in Contempt, Orders Fine,” August 21, 2020, https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2020/08/21/covid-ventura-county-church-pastor-held-contempt-health-violations-indoor-worship/5609260002/?ocid=uxbndlbing

Pastor Triebur of North Valley Baptist church were also fined recently for meeting together inside their church building. “California Church Fined $10,000 for Singing, Meeting Inside; Pastor Vows to Take a Stand,” August 26, 2020, https://www.christianpost.com/news/calif-church-fined-10000-for-singing-meeting-inside-pastor-vows-to-take-a-stand.html

L.A. County attempted to obtain a temporary restraining order against Pastor John MacArthur and they attempted to hold him in contempt of court, but neither worked. https://churchleaders.com/news/381277-john-macarthur-la-county-denied-restraining-order.html; https://churchleaders.com/news/381041-update-la-superior-court-rules-grace-community-church-cannot-be-fined-for-worshiping-indoors.html

Update (09-06-20)

Jack Trieber of North Valley Baptist’s update

John MacArthur update regarding his church’s September 4th hearing

San Fernando Valley church, L.A. County square off in court over indoor ban

Update (09-16-20)

LA Superior Court rules against Grace Community Pastor John MacArthur; orders church to close

South Bay Church Fined For Holding Indoor Services

Update 10/25/20

“California Church seeks Full Court Review Amidst Criminal Threats,” Quote: “Liberty Counsel just requested the full panel of judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to hear our case involving Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, which includes 162 California churches…CA Gov. Gavin Newsom has been abusing churches and Christians for over seven months. Instead of easing restrictions, his discrimination against churches has become more severe. Gov. Newsom still bans ALL WORSHIP in most of the state, including where Harvest Rock Church is located.” https://lc.org/newsroom/details/ca-church-seeks-full-court-review-amidst-criminal-threats?fbclid=IwAR3g4YHyoq4x-V_ZxnXODNlOCmBIgA6JF8V7ihLzrjZozNmsdSRb_W7MAxs

Update 11/05/20

“California Church Goes to Court Facing $350,000 Fines Despite Zero COVID Cases,” (11/02/20), https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2020/november/ca-church-goes-to-court-facing-350-000-fines-despite-zero-covid-cases

Persecution in Illinois

In May, the Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois stated that the state’s churches may not reopen for a year or more due to the coronavirus. (“Illinois Governor Says Churches May Not Fully Reopen for a Year or More Because of Coronavirus,” https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/illinois-governor-says-churches-may-not-reopen-for-a-year-or-more-because-of-coronavirus)

Then, Mayor Lightfoot of Chicago got nasty and had various church parking lots blocked in spite of the churches “peaceably gathering” in unison with other churches around the country. (“Chicago Blocked Church Parking Lots, Mayor Threatens Fines,” https://www.foxnews.com/us/coronavirus-illinois-church-chicago-service-reopen; “Pastor Urges Faith Leaders to Reopen in Defiance of Governors’ Coronavirus Orders: ‘Step Up and Roar,” https://www.foxnews.com/media/pastor-brian-gibson-faith-leaders-reopen-coronavirus-governors). Though things appeared to have died down, in recent days, things have gotten even nastier as the mayor and other leadership of Chicago called churches that are continuing to meet “public nuisances,” and threatened to bulldoze any church that defies their orders. “According to the city of Chicago, it now “has the power and duty to cause all nuisances affecting the health of the public to be abated.” The city has also threatened a “summary abatement,” which means it could try to raze the two churches’ facilities if they refuse to comply with its orders.” (“Chicago Threatens to Bulldoze for Not Complying with Coronavirus Orders,” https://www.naturalnews.com/2020-07-15-chicago-threatens-bulldoze-churches-not-complying-coronavirus-orders.html; “Facing Fines and Threat of Closure, Churches Continue to Hold Services: “There Is Not Going To Be A Standdown,” https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/24/21269156/facing-threat-closure-city-encouragement-trump-churches-hold-services

Update 10/25/20

“Don’t Let It Happen Here,” Quote: “Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot are repeating Romania’s persecution of Christians – and some of the same pastors who suffered under the brutal Romanian regime are dragging Gov. Pritzker to the U.S. Supreme Court.” https://lc.org/newsroom/details/20201016dont-let-it-happen-here?fbclid=IwAR1lvpukZQ8SnuUvxRO1yPYrtdPoOAZp2NF1BGgxpvuSSE07E7ksIoOUS3E

Persecution in Maine

Governor Janet Mills’ orders remain in effect that churches may not gather even for outdoor services. Non-religious services, such as social services or feeding the hungry, can take place within the churches’ parameters, but “religious” services may not. “Gov. Mills said that churches will only be allowed to meet in small numbers when she is satisfied with the “metrics,” and when that happens, she will require churches to apply to reopen. Approved churches will then need to display a “badge” at the front door signifying they are approved to open. However, Gov. Mills has no process in place now to begin the approval process and no application for the churches. Even the notion that churches would have to apply to reopen and display a “badge” signifying approval is offensive to the First Amendment.” (“Maine Church Takes Governor’s Orders to Court of Appeals,” (https://lc.org/newsroom/details/maine-church-takes-governors-orders-to-court-of-appeals). While churches are held to such a standard, all other places of businesses are allowed to reopen and operate without threat or need to fill out applications for approval, and any protests are allowed without question or legal warning.

Update (09-16-20)

“Orrington Church Fights Maine’s Coronavirus Restrictions in Federal Appeals Court,” (Calvary Chapel church) https://www.newsbreak.com/maine/orrington/news/2057789479592/orrington-church-fights-maines-coronavirus-restrictions-in-federal-appeals-court

Most churches are following Maine’s COVID-19 restrictions, even as loud minority fights them

Persecution in Kentucky

“Gov. Andy Beshear who had been warned not once, not twice, but three times by a Federal Court and the Department of Justice not to attack churches. Beshear defied all these warnings and sent State Troopers to give “quarantine notices” to every person in their cars who were in our client’s parking lot for an Easter service. Yet, the same people could have parked in a liquor store lot and listened to the pastor on the radio with no problem.” (“Pastors in 30 States Under Siege,” https://lc.org/newsroom/details/20200420-pastors-in-30-states-under-siege)

Persecution in Virginia

The Virgina Governor Northam has unashamedly called on Virginians to “snitch” on any and everyone not obeying his phase 2 orders. “Regarding in-person worship services, under Northam’s Phase Two rules, “religious services must be limited to no more than 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load…Individuals attending religious services must be at least six feet apart when seated and must practice proper physical distancing at all times (with the exception of family members).”” The penalty for breaking this man-made rule: up to a year in jail or a $2,500 fine. But a double standard is in play, for the governor himself has been seen in selfies with beach goers and none of them were wearing masks. On top of this, protestors get by with everything and without threat of reprisal. (“VA Governor Encourages Snitching on Churchgoers,” https://canadafreepress.com/article/va-governor-encourages-snitching-on-churchgoers; “Repressing Churches While Encouraging Riots,” https://lc.org/newsroom/details/20200604repressing-churches-while-encouraging-riots).

More recently, according to the Liberty Council website, criminal charges against a pastor in Virginia were recently dropped. According to other news sources, Pastor Tony Spell of Louisiana is still calling America to repentance (“On July 4^th, About 200 Attend Baton Rouge “Save America Rally,” Say Enough Is Enough,” https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_cd7d7190-be35-11ea-9e84-0ff8bebb754a.html).

Update 10/25/20:

Quote from article below: “Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “The Court of Appeals reaffirmed that Maryville Baptist Church continues to have the protection of the injunction that blocked Gov. Andy Beshear’s prior orders. Churches have a constitutional right to meet, and the First Amendment does not disappear during a crisis. Governor Beshear clearly targeted this church and violated these church members’ religious freedom. If Gov. Beshear attempts to reimpose restrictions on churches, we will return to the Court of Appeals to stop him.”

Court Stops Gov. Andy Beshear From Using Coronavirus to Close Churches

Persecution in North Carolina

David Benham, along with other from Cities4Life, gathered outside of an abortion clinic as usual on Saturday. There they, as usual, prayed and spoke with women entering the clinic. In spite of this, he was arrested. “David Benham Was Arrested Simply for Exercising his First Amendment Right — to Pray,” https://adflegal.org/david-benham/donate?sourcecode=10013372&fbclid=IwAR0Gf19JeBzMm4dhrJVNbfCExsSVkix1xIvN5dFfma8LrdEFzQGFqq1RdfI

Persecution in New Mexico

“A federal judge in New Mexico meanwhile, has ruled against a New Mexico church that filed suit to keep its doors open. Judge James Browning ruled it is not a violation of religious freedom to ban church services during a public health crisis. The suit was brought by Legacy Church, located in Albuquerque.” (“Christian Apologist: No Time to Keep Doors Shut,” July 16th https://onenewsnow.com/church/2020/07/16/christian-apologist-no-time-for-churches-to-keep-doors-shut)

“Arizona Governor is Granted the Right to Forcibly Vaccinate and Indefinitely Confine Individuals With Absolutely No Legal Oversight,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syJa49HdxSI; https://thecommonsenseshow.com/activism-agenda-21-conspiracy/arizona-gov-granted-right-forcibly-vaccinate-and-indefintely-confine-indiviudals-absolutely-no

Persecution in Maryland

“Pastor Refuses to Stop In-Person Church Services,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uSEp0rQkvg

“Pastor Tears Up Cease and Desist Order Over In-Person Services: “We’re Gonna Do It God’s Way,” https://thehill.com/homenews/news/498980-pastor-tears-up-cease-and-desist-over-in-person-services-were-gonna-do-it-gods

“Baltimore Fines For Holding Services While Thousands Protest in the Streets,” https://hotair.com/archives/jazz-shaw/2020/06/13/baltimore-fines-church-holding-services-thousands-protest-streets/

Mississippi

“Mississippi Principle Orders 3rd Grader to Remove Jesus Loves Me Mask,” (November 5, 2020), https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/11/05/mississippi-principal-orders-3rd-grader-to-remove-jesus-loves-me-mask/

Other Supreme Court Unconstitutional Rulings:

“Supreme Court Rules That LGBT Americans Are Protected from Discrimination,” June 16, 2020, https://www.houstonpress.com/news/us-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-lgbt-rights-11477420

“The Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Rights…” June 30, 2020, https://theintercept.com/2020/06/30/louisiana-abortion-law-supreme-court/

Words of Warning:

“Justice Alito Warns of Dangers to Free Speech…” (Quote from article: According to Justice Alito, “In certain quarters religious liberty has fast become a disfavored right,” he said. “For many today, religious liberty is not a cherished freedom. It’s often just an excuse for bigotry and it can’t be tolerated even when there’s no evidence that anybody has been harmed.”) https://www.foxnews.com/politics/justice-alito-warns-of-dangers-to-free-speech-religious-liberty-in-federalist-society-address?utm_source=wnd&utm_medium=wnd&utm_campaign=syndicated

The Time Is At Hand: And There Will Be Signs

Tags

Acts 2, Bible prophecy, birth pangs, Earthquakes in diverse places, Jesus is coming soon, Jesus' Return, Joel 2, Look up for your redemption is drawing near, prophecy, Prophecy Update Videos, Signs and Wonders, Signs in the earth beneath, The Return of the Lord, wonders in the heavens

Lightning storm off Cooke Point, Port Hedland, Australia

(The Links at the bottom of this page is in no way exhaustive, but they will be updated at this link to the best of the author’s ability: https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/there-will-be-signs/)

The birth pangs are coming faster and faster, one on top of the other, as the earth continues to travail and groan. “And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath; blood and fire and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come” (Acts 2:19-20; Joel 2). “…and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in diverse places” (Matthew 24:7b). “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken,” (Luke 21:25-26).

This indeed, is unfolding right now such as never before in history. Yes, there have been signs and earthquakes before, but not one right on top of each other and simultaneously in nation after nation. And before I continue, the word in the Greek for “earthquake” does not merely refer to earthquakes but to all disruptive, devastating activity such as floods and tornadoes and hurricanes.

There have been 39 active volcanoes (as documented in June); hail the size of melons; strange sunrises such as the illusion of 5 suns in China and the ‘devil’s horns’ on the Persian Gulf; all-red rainbows over Canada and Washington state, new kinds of lightening called ‘giant jets’, ‘red sprites’, ‘blue jets’, ‘blue starters’, and ‘upward lightening’, to name a few, as well as mysterious green lights called ‘green ghosts’ lighting up the night sky; ginormous dust clouds swirling all the way from Africa to the U.S.; tremendous flash flooding worldwide; scorching, merciless wildfires in Australia; a record breaking heat wave in Siberia along with hundreds of historic wildfires burning; locust plagues; 50 mile wide swarm of ants that can even been seen from space; over 4 million acres burning in Russia,; unusual June snowfall in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho; countless sink holes opening up; hundreds of earthquakes 5.0 or higher; an increased number of hurricanes predicted, and devastating tornadoes.

When the Bible speaks of a wonder it is referring to a miracle that is observed with the eyes that is “startling, imposing or amazing.” A sign is a miracle with a “spiritual end and purpose,” demonstrating the “finger-marks of God.” These work in tandem with each other, and draw one’s attention to God. “These two words refer not to different classes of miracles, but to different aspects of the same miracle.” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, pg 1286 (#4592) and pg 1378 (#5059))

And the signs and wonders of God can be seen everywhere these days, and below are a list of links to convey this incredible fact. Jesus said we’d see these things, and we are. If you’ve not yet seen these or heard of these, it’s time to see them. It’s time to get your eyes off of the nightly news drivel or the novel you’re reading or the sports rerun you’re watching or the cup of coffee you’re drinking or the make-up you’re applying, and it’s time to look up into the skies. It’s time to notice what is happening all around you — even in your hometown. It’s time to see and know that odd and awesome and crazy things are happening. Jesus is coming back — the signs are everywhere. All we need to do is see them.

Signs and Wonders In The Year 2020 So Far

The Tail End of 2019

December 26, 2019’s an eerie solar eclipse created a strange sight of “devil horns” rising from the waters of the Persian Gulf in Qatar. “Jaw-Dropping Mirage: Photos of Solar Eclipse Give Appearance of ‘Red Devil Horns’ Over Persian Gulf,” (January 8) https://www.redstate.com/elizabeth-vaughn/2020/01/08/incredible-photos-of-december-solar-eclipse-gives-appearance-of-red-devil-horns-over-persian-gulf/

“ ‘Devil Horns’ Eclipse Over Middle East Causing Social Media Stir,” (January 8) https://abc30.com/devil-horns-eclipse-bikini-top-nasa-astronomy-picture-of-the-day-elias-chasiotis/5828439/

In January Alone:

“Catastrophic Month: Disasters Around the World On January 2020,” https://whatdewhat.com/catastrophic-month-disasters-around-world-january-2020

Prophecy Update Videos (youtube channel) is an invaluable site for RECENT updates on all end times news headlines. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQVjsisdIbtLZWeWgv3-fQ

A Multiplicity of end times headlines from around the world. This includes earthquake activity and volcanic eruptions. 5 minute mark. “Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/15/20,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQbDSNxq8U

Earthquakes and natural disasters around the world listed at about the 5 minute mark, “Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/12/20,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIHuZg27by4

“Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/8/20,” At the 5 minute and 50 second mark, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yziZPEVMBZI

Wonders in the Heavens:

“Red Rainbow Over Bellingham, Washington,” (May 4^th) https://earthsky.org/todays-image/red-rainbow-over-bellingham-washington

“Rare Annular Solar Eclipse to Create a Dazzling ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Sky This Month,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePz1z5Tm0ms

“Extremely Rare Gigantic Jet Lights Lights Up the Night Sky Over Brazil,” (April 17^th) https://strangesounds.org/2020/04/gigantic-jet-brazil-video-paraiba-phenomenon-lyrid-meteor-shower.html

“Mysterious Green Ghost Captured Over West Texas,” https://strangesounds.org/2020/06/green-ghost-phenomenon-sky-texas-video.html

“Watch: China Wakes Up To 5 Suns In the Sky And It Looks Every Bit As Amazing As It Sounds,” (February?) https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/environment/sun-dog-china-recently-rose-to-five-suns-in-the-sky-506639.html

“Rare Blood Rainbow Appears in the Sky Over Canada,” (June 8^th) https://savemyrights.com/rare-blood-rainbow-appears-in-the-sky-over-canada/#:~:text=Rare%20BLOOD%20RAINBOW%20Appears%20in%20the%20Sky%20Over,Alberta%2C%20on%20June%208th%20was%20mainly%20blood%20red

U.S. Signs In The Earth

Flooding:

June 18^th, there was a flash flood in Houghton and Ripley Michigan that destroyed upwards to 3 dozen roads and property and created 60 sinkholes. The National Weather Service deemed it “historic flood damage.” “Flash Flooding Destroys Roads in Houghton, Michigan,” https://ph.news.yahoo.com/video/flash-flooding-destroys-roads-houghton-171117250.html,

“River of Floodwater Destroys Roads and Property in Ripley, Michigan,” https://ph.news.yahoo.com/video/river-floodwater-destroys-roads-property-165041767.html

“Heavy Storms Cause Flash Flooding, Power Outages,” https://wgem.com/2020/06/21/heavy-storms-cause-flash-flooding-power-outages/

“New Data Shows and ‘Extraordinary’ rise in U.S. Coastal Flooding,” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/climate/coastal-flooding-noaa.html

“Storms Carry Severe Weather, Flood Risks Across Large Swath of the U.S.,” https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/06/28/Storms-to-carry-severe-weather-flood-risks-across-large-swath-of-US/9771593346249/

Unusual Thunderstorms:

Washington state

“A Gloomy Start to June—But Mellow Compared to Last Weekend’s Powerful Thunderstorms,” (June 5^th), https://www.knkx.org/post/gloomy-start-june-mellow-compared-last-weekend-s-powerful-thunderstorms

“Scattered Thunderstorms In the Forecast This Weekend Again,” https://komonews.com/news/local/scattered-thunderstorms-in-the-forecast-this-weekend-again

“Thunderstorms Roll Through Puget Sound Knocking Out Power to Thousands,” https://www.king5.com/article/weather/washington-seattle-thunderstorms-power-outages-puget-sound/281-5d568708-2300-4c56-8e18-a97a350ca111

Hail:

Texas

“Large Hail Pummels Del Rio, Texas – April 11, 2020,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaRx58pKgu4

“Grapefruit-Size Hail Slams North Texas In ‘Loaded Gun’ Atmosphere,” (May 23^rd) https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2020-05-23-enormous-hail-northern-texas

Kansas

“June 21, 2020: Damaging Winds and Large Hail,” https://www.weather.gov/ict/event_20200621

“Grapefruit Size Hail Seen in Northeast Kansas, Severe Thunderstorm Now Canceled,” (July 11, 2020) https://www.ksnt.com/weather/grapefruit-size-hail-seen-in-northeast-kansas-severe-thunderstorm-watch-still-in-place/

Several Midwest States

“Large Hail, Strong Straight-line Winds, A Few Tornadoes, and Flash Flooding Possible,” (July 14^th) https://wqow.com/2020/07/14/large-hail-strong-straight-line-winds-a-few-tornadoes-and-flash-flooding-possible-tuesday/

Snowfall:

” ‘Juneuary’ Out West as Utah, Idaho and Wyoming See Fresh Snowfall: ‘The Ongoing Crazy That Is 2020’,” https://www.foxnews.com/us/juneuary-snow-weather-utah-idaho-rockies-2020-weather-mountain-snow

“There Was a June Snowstorm in Colorado and Wyoming Last Week,” https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2020/6/13/21286799/weather-snow-june-colorado-wyoming

Record Hot Vs. Record Cold

“First Winter Storm in Spokane Marks Snowiest October Day on Record,” https://www.krem.com/article/weather/snow-forecast-spokane-friday/293-96fc4661-51d7-427d-907b-205e702d4322

“What the cold, snowy winter predicted for Spokane means for the pandemic,” (Quote: “Spokane is in for more snow and lower temperatures than average this winter…While much of the U.S. benefits from a relatively warm winter, just a few states – mainly Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas – will likely get the opposite.” https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/oct/15/what-the-especially-cold-snowy-winter-ahead-for-sp/

“Death Valley Records Possible Hottest Temperature Ever As Heatwave, Rolling Blackouts Continue in California,” Newsweek, August 17, 2020, https://www.newsweek.com/death-valley-records-possible-hottest-temperature-ever-1525526

“Death Valley Reaches 130 Degrees, Hottest Temperature in U.S. in at Least 107 Years,” CBS News, August 17, 2020, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/death-valley-records-highest-temperature-107-years-heat-wave/

“California Wildfires Force More Evacuations Amid Record Heat and Lightning Strikes,” CNBC, August 19, 2020, https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/19/california-wildfires-force-more-evacuations-amid-record-heat-and-lightning-strikes.html

“‘Fire Tornado’ Warnings and Extreme Heat Hit California and Nevada as Wildfires Blaze On,” National Post, August 17, 2020, https://nationalpost.com/news/world/fire-tornado-warnings-and-extreme-heat-hit-california-and-nevada-as-wildfires-blaze-on?ocid=uxbndlbing

“Here Comes the Polar Vortex: America’s North-East Braced For Record May Cold,” (May 8^th) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/08/polar-vortex-us-weather-snow-cold

“Record Heat Returns to the West and Record Cold Plunges into the East,” (May 6^th) https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/06/weather/record-heat-west-cold-east-coast/index.html

“Stinging Cold Smashes May Records in the Midwest, East, and South,” (May 12^th), https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2020-05-07-mothers-day-weekend-record-cold-snow-bombogenesis-extreme-pattern

Hurricanes

“July 7 Update: There’s an Increase in the 2020 Hurricane Season Forecast,” (July 7^th), https://www.click2houston.com/weather/2020/07/07/july-7th-update-calls-for-increase-in-2020-hurricane-season-forecast/

“20 Named Storms Predicted for 2020 Hurricane Season,” https://www.wbrc.com/2020/07/08/named-storms-predicted-hurricane-season/

“Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted for 2020,” (May 21^st), https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/busy-atlantic-hurricane-season-predicted-for-2020

The Unusual

“Deadly Derecho Leaves Path of Destruction Across Midwest, 800,000 without Power,” USA Today, August 11, 2020, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/11/derecho-inland-hurricane-destruction-midwest-iowa-illinois-indiana/3343472001/

“DERECHO: Corn Crop Catastrophe, Grain Stores Destroyed, Food Prices (Developing),” Ice Age Farmer, August 10, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3O-lDvZTOI

“Derecho Damaged Up to 10 Million Acres of Iowa Farmland; Corn and Soybean Crop Most Impacted,” Fox Business, August 12, 2020, https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/derecho-iowa-crop-land-farmland-midwest-damage-severe-weather-corn-soybean-disaster-10-million

“U.S. Faces Another Deadly Health Problem As A Massive Dust Cloud From Africa Covers Florida, Gulf of Mexico,” (June 26^th) https://countercurrents.org/2020/06/u-s-faces-another-deadly-health-problem-as-a-massive-dust-cloud-from-africa-covers-florida-gulf-of-mexico/

“Saharan Dust Cloud Cloaks U.S. Gulf Coast In Choking Haze,” (June 27^th) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saharan-dust-cloud-us-gulf-coast-mexico-choking-haze/

“Another Round of Saharan Dust Reaches the U.S. After First Huge Plume Dissipates,” (June 30^th) https://fox6now.com/2020/06/30/another-round-of-saharan-dust-reaches-the-us-after-1st-huge-plume-dissipates/

Around the World:

Earthquake/Volcanic activity:

Japan

In Osaka, Japan had a 5.6 earthquake on June 17^th. “39 Volcanoes Erupting Right Now and Extreme Flooding Around the Globe,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCDsbwOfX9o

Earthquake/Volcanic activity is happening in New Zealand, Indonesia, Mexico, etc. The list of seismic activity worldwide begins at the 5 minute mark. “Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/15/20,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQbDSNxq8U

Earthquakes and natural disasters around the world listed at about the 5 minute mark, “Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/12/20,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIHuZg27by4

“Prophecy Update End Times News Headlines – 7/8/20,” At the 5 minute and 50 second mark, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yziZPEVMBZI

Prophecy Update Videos (youtube channel) is an invaluable site for updates on all end times news headlines. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQVjsisdIbtLZWeWgv3-fQ

Hail:

Mexico

On May 17^th, hail the size of melons fell from the sky in Mexico. “Giant Hail Hits San Luis Potosi, Mexico,” https://watchers.news/2020/05/19/giant-hail-hits-san-luis-potosi-mexico/

Flooding:

Turkey

“Flash Floods in Northern Turkey Kill 5, 11 Missing,” U.S. News August 23, 2020, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-08-23/flash-floods-in-northern-turkey-kill-four-11-missing?ocid=uxbndlbing

India

“Man Rescued After Clinging to Tree for 16 Hours to Escape Flooding That Has Killed 1,000 People,” CBS News August 17, 2020, (about flooding in India and Bangladesh) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-floods-bangladesh-deaths-millions-displaced-dramatic-rescue-caught-on-video-today-2020-08-17/

Italy

“At Least 2 Dead After Apocalyptic Storm Causes Biblical Flooding in Palermo, Italy,” July 16, 2020, https://strangesounds.org/2020/07/palermo-biblical-flooding-apocalyptic-storm-video-picture-italy-sicily.html

China

“In Pictures: Severe Floods Engulf Eastern China,” (July 16th) https://news.yahoo.com/pictures-severe-floods-engulf-eastern-145718421.html

“China Reports 141 Dead or Missing In Flooding Since June,” https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-07-13/china-reports-141-dead-or-missing-in-flooding-since-june

Mexico

“Heavy Rain Brings Flash Floods,” https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/heavy-rain-brings-flash-floods-and-havoc/

Honduras

Heavy Flooding (June 16^th) “39 Volcanoes Erupting Right Now and Extreme Flooding Around the Globe,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCDsbwOfX9o

The Unusual:

China

On June 13^th, Octopus, shrimp and starfish fell from the sky during a severe thunderstorm. “39 Volcanoes Erupting Right Now, and Extreme Flooding Around the World,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCDsbwOfX9o

Iran and India:

In May, fish fell from the sky, “39 Volcanoes Erupting Right Now, and Extreme Flooding Around the World,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCDsbwOfX9o

The United Kingdom:

“A 50 Mile Wide Swarm of Ants Over England Was So Massive It Was Mistaken for Rain Clouds,” https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/a-50-mile-wide-swarm-of-flying-ants-over-england-was-so-massive-it-was-mistaken-for-rain-clouds/ar-BB16U6bC

“50 Mile Wide Swarm of Ants In UK Spotted on Radar,” https://www.ibtimes.com/50-mile-wide-swarm-flying-ants-uk-spotted-radar-3014381

Africa/Asia/Middle East:

“Swarm of Locusts Threaten Livelihood of Millions In Africa, Asia, and Middle Eastern Countries,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PVkVv7XRVk

Fires and Heat:

Siberia/Russia

“Russia: Siberia Heatwave,” August 22, 2020, https://www.dw.com/en/russia-siberian-heatwave/av-54658113

“The Arctic Is On Fire: Siberian Heatwave Alarms Scientists,” (June 24^th) https://phys.org/news/2020-06-arctic-siberian-alarms-scientists.html

“Climate Crisis: Alarm At Record Breaking Heatwave in Siberia,” (June 17^th) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/17/climate-crisis-alarm-at-record-breaking-heatwave-in-siberia

“Siberian Fires Bring Smoke to Southcentral, Eastern Alaska,” (July 2^nd) https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/07/02/siberian-fires-bring-smoke-to-southcentral-eastern-alaska/

“Smoke From Siberian Wildfires Is Reaching West Coast of U.S.” (July 12^th) https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/07/12/smoke-from-siberian-wild-fires-is-reaching-west-coast-of-u-s/

South America

“Cold Front Hits Brazil and Drops Temps,” August 21, 2020, https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/wiseup-news/cold-front-hits-brazil-and-drops-temperatures/?ocid=uxbndlbing

“Parts of South America Are Forecast Their First Significant Snow in 60 Years,” August 20, 2020, https://electroverse.net/parts-of-south-america-are-forecast-their-first-significant-snow-in-60-years/