ISRAEL UPDATEMarch 6, 2005 - Syrian President Bashar Assad has brought the prophecy of Ezekiel chapter 38 into relevance, as he said, “Russia is a great power and bears a great responsibility for the situations in the world.”
These two nations are some of Israel's worst enemies, who now seek to better the world by correcting the problems in the Middle East. This statement made by Assad is of great prophetic significance.
The Old Testament prophet wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, defining the evil motives of these countries in Ezekiel 38:10, “Thus saith the L-rd G-D; it shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought.”
These nations are notorious for their violations of human rights, causing untold pain, suffering, and death. It is amazing how the two of them believe they can and should “help” with the situation in Israel. Man’s arrogance never ceases to amaze us…
However, as Syria, Russia, and all of the enemies of Israel poise to attack her in their smug superiority of troops and weapons - they fail to understand that G-d is in control. They do not understand, nor accept the reality of a Sovereign G-d.
In the end, G-d will be glorified, not just in Israel’s eyes, but in the rest of the world eyes as well. (Ezekiel 38:23 and 39:28-29)
Assad and Putin think they have it all figured out… However, in reality their plan is doomed to failure. G-d's plan will be not just a spoiler of evil, but also one of glory to G-d. The restoration of Israel is something He has planned for all eternity.
March 6, 2005 - The Sadducees were mentioned more times in the Scriptures then were the Essenes. It is interesting to note that not one time are they mentioned in a positive light. We see this in Matthew 3:7 and Matthew 16:1, 6, 11, where they challenge Jesus on doctrine and practice.
Most scholars believe that this group did not believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead, and only held belief in the first five books of the Bible; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
So much of their spirit is evident in modern church circles today. A great many people are denying the validity and reality of the Resurrection - claiming that it is hyperbole and speculation at best.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus warned His disciples of many things. The group not believing in the Resurrection created some severe stumbling blocks.
If the Christian believers of today do not believe in the Resurrection, then what Jesus do they believe in? What hope does this give to others? True, people do not completely agree whether sanctification is a one-time act, or is a continual process. We also do not all agree on aspects of eschatology, external security, and other topics.
For those who do not believe in the whole Bible as the inerrant word of G-d, and the Resurrection as a reality, are missing the point. The Sadducees of today represent a Gospel that is void of life, truth, and hope. This is the very opposite of what Jesus taught and His followers believed with fervor.
The Sadducees, like the Essenes, ceased to exist after the destruction of the Temple.
To be continued…