Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil?

24 09 2022

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Sundown tomorrow is the feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah, the beginning of the final feasts. The last feast is Tabernacles, a seven day feast beginning on October 9th this year. The whole world is shaking right now with the birth pangs of a new Kingdom. Wake up and prepare for the coming of the Lord! There are many Bible scholars who believe that the Messiah will come on the Day of Trumpets. So, the question of the day is: Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil? Here are the words of Jesus the Son of God, Yeshua ben Yehovah:

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”  Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

Will you be celebrating the final feast, the marriage feast? It is the marriage supper of the Lamb of God. Not all will be admitted. Of course, the unrepentant will not enter, but even many who claim to serve Him will not enter. This is consistent in Jesus’ teaching as recorded earlier in Matthew.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? ’And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Matthew 7:21-23

The Ultimate Preppers – There are many preppers around the world today who are saving up food and water and more. Some have bomb shelters or they move into the wilderness because of the things that are about to come on the earth. Preparedness is wise, but the question remains: Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil? This oil is the Holy Spirit, and the lamp is your life. Are you full of the Holy Spirit? Do you know His voice? His assignment from Yehovah is to prepare the bride for the Heavenly Bridegroom and the great wedding feast of eternity. As Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for Isaac, so God sent the Holy Spirit to prepare a bride for the Messiah. I am glad you have plenty of freeze-dried food for the next hurricane, but, Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil?

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rains for the land.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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Indispensable Hope for 2022

2 01 2022

Anchor

Did you know there are only two kinds of hope? One type is superficial, nothing more than wishful thinking. It is a false hope which includes delusion, fantasy, mistaken belief, and self-deception.  It is believing or imagining something that you desire, but with the very slim probability that it will ever happen. Winning the lottery is the classic example. Millions of people hope to win but the odds are astronomical. The real kicker is that most winners find their lives ruined by the sudden influx that overwhelms and confuses their real priorities of life. This is the wrong hope, completely undependable. It is based on nothing sure. All hope that is not based on something immovable, unchangeable, is just wishful thinking.

But there is a solid hope available to live by. It involves investing your belief, your faith, into the Person who cannot ever let you down. This hope is described as an anchor for the soul.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

Notice that the anchor is for our soul, not our body or our spirit. Our body will age and die. And our spirit is already in the Presence of God, the inner sanctuary through eternal life granted by the blood of the Lamb, the Messiah Yeshua. It is our soul that waffles and fails and falls into hopelessness. We need to grab the anchor. So what exactly is this hope? Hebrews 6 is a worthwhile read. It explains that eternal hope is not based on any of our desires, but on the faithful God who gave promises that cannot fail.

His promises are sure because His very nature is truth. He literally cannot lie. Therefore His words are true because His character is true. Our hope is based on these two facts of His spoken promises which issue from His true character. There is a saying that has gone out of vogue lately that “a man’s word is his bond.” Yet man lies and breaks his word. Only the living God Yehovah perfectly and perpetually keeps His word. This is the the anchor for our soul.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. …Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:1, 5 & 11 NLT (also Psalm 43:5)

“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” Acts 24:14-16 NLT (Paul before Felix)

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 Peter 1:18-21 NLT

As we embark on this new year, let this hope guide us. 2022 will be blessed whatever happens if we put our hope and trust in God. Shalom! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and than God for the rainy season.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists             (Read more)


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Messiah and the 9th of Av

17 07 2021

nineth of Av 1200px-Francesco_Hayez_017

The day of mourning for the destruction of the first and second Biblical Temples began at sundown July 17, 2021. For Jews it is a day of fasting and remembrance, not only that the temples were destroyed on the exact day over 650 years apart, but also many other Jewish tragedies were on the 9th of Av. We need to intentionally pray and stand with Israel this weekend. But, beyond the mourning is the belief that only the Messiah coming will end Jewish persecution. Here is a quote from a Jewish website making this very point.

Mourning the Temple: Tisha B’av at the Western Wall – On Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, the First and Second Jerusalem Temples were destroyed. Jews from all sectors mourn the Holy Temples at the Western Wall, with prayers and lamentations.  The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, sending the Jewish into a 70-year exile. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, and Judean independence was lost following the fall of the city of the city of Beitar, the last stronghold of the Bar Kochba revolt. After the destruction of the Temple, the Jews lost their spiritual center and were exiled from their homeland. This is the exile which the Jewish People suffer from to this day, and it will be resolved only with the coming of the Messiah.

Days of mourning for Jews usually brings up the long awaited arrival of the Messiah. Anti-Semitism also reminds of the hope of the Messiah. My observation from a distance is that there is a notable increase of interest in the Messiah almost year by year. When I first visited Israel in 1984 more than 50% of Israeli Jews were atheists. Even though there is a strong secular segment in Israel, more Israelis are softening toward God. There is a growing number who now believe in Yeshua haMashiach. Jesus the Messiah. It is still only a remnant, but Yehovah God is turning hearts toward Him. Pray for hungry seeking hearts for Jews everywhere.

For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:24-26

Notice this is the re-gathering after being exiled to all the nations, which we now see in current events. God will give them a new heart and a new spirit after they return to their “own land.” Christians who have received the Messiah have had this very same experience of a new heart and a new spirit. I long for the glorious day when His chosen ones recognize Messiah and enter the joy and true Shabbat rest of the God of Israel. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)

 


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Merry Christmas, Timing is Everything

25 12 2020

Christmas 2020

Monday’s big event was the close view of Saturn and Jupiter forming “the Christmas Star,” for the first time in 800 years. Even though the wise men visited two years later; and Messiah’s birth was probably a different month; still, there was a message from God on Monday.

The astronomical oddity was exactly on December 21, the shortest day of the year. How appropriate that the day with the most darkness was visited by the heavenly sign of the star. The Messiah indeed came into Israel at one of its darkest hours to proclaim Himself as the LIGHT of the world!

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:9-14 NLT

Doreen and I, and our entire family, bless you this wonderful season. May you day be full of joy, blessing and giving of thanks for Yeshua, the Messiah. He is the real reason to celebrate.

Also, please prayerfully consider an end of year donation to Elisha Vision Ministries. We so appreciate your prayers and support throughout the year. Shalom!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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France Has a Muslim Problem

20 11 2020

M&Ms

I know my title is politically incorrect. Please allow me to explain. Not all Muslims are jihadists, but all jihadists are Muslim. Therefore the picture of the M&Ms is appropriate. How many would you eat if only 10 of 10,000 pieces of candy in a bowl were deadly? Following the beheading of a teacher for showing a cartoon of Mohammed, and then the beheading of a Christian woman in a church, French President Macron stood tall and strong.

Emmanuel Macron issues ultimatum to French Muslims – French president issues ‘republican values ultimatum’ to Muslim leaders, demanding they sign charter denying Islam is a political movement.

“We will behead you all” – France is the new Syria – “My father will behead you.” a student told a teacher at Pierre Mendes France school in Saumur, in front of everyone. One of many. – While French President Emmanuel Macron is working on the law against “Islamist separatism,” Islamists are threatening to separate many heads from the bodies of numerous mayors and professors.

At least 10% of France is now Muslim with much higher percentages in Paris (15% or more). This is a ticking time-bomb that will only get worse, unless Macron is successful with his ultimatum. (See my book, Simple Islam.) I bring this up because we understand that ethnic conflict is a sign of the last days. 

Jesus was asked when He would return, in Matthew 24, and His answer had a hidden clue lost in translation.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” Matthew 24:7

The hidden clue is the Greek word translated “nations.” When you read the verse it sounds redundant because nation and kingdom both mean countries. But the first one, nations, is the Greek word “ethnos” which is almost precisely the English word, ethnic. 

Therefore, the rise of ethnic clashes in France is a marker that we are close to the return of the Messiah. The same is seen in the rise of racial divisions in other countries. BLM is an example in America. So what are we to be doing at this time?

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.”  Matthew 24:45:47

We are to be about our Father’s business even as the day approaches. Remember my last post; more are they that are with us than they that are with the enemy.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Israel rains.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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The Ultimate Antidote

7 04 2020

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THE HINGE OF HISTORY

 

As humanity battles “the invisible enemy” Coronavirus, a much more deadly disease threatens our eternal destiny. While there is no vaccine yet for the virus, Yehovah has provided the antidote for sin that seeks to block our eternal relationship with our loving Father God. His plan is revealed in the Passover and Resurrection Day. We celebrate both this week. (See: 2020 Passover at Home). Each has three parts revealing God’s purpose of redemption.

Passover’s three parts are unleavened bread, the passing over of the death angel, and firstfruits. Each point to the Lamb Messiah. He was unleavened by sin, He died in our place, and He rose from the dead. The Exodus account is a prophetic look ahead to the actual historic reality of Jesus two thousand years ago. How ironic that Passover 2020 mimics the conditions of the first Passover. They were given the “stay at home order” just as we are today. We too, must apply the blood to the doorposts, not only of our doors but on our hearts.

THE HINGE OF HISTORY – When Yeshua finally came there were also three key elements. I call His “Passion Week” the Hinge of History. Every hinge has three pieces. One piece attaches to the door and one to the doorpost. The third is the pin that connects the two. It is critical that we understand the cross broke the curse and delivered us from death through the shed blood of the Lamb. But redemption would have failed without the other two pieces.

Jesus was tempted to save His own life in the Gethsemane prayer. Three times He asked His Father for another way, yet each time ended with: “Not my will, but your will be done!” Without that prayerful surrender there would have been no cross.

Likewise, when He died, if He had not been raised, Satan would have won. Death would be victorious. But He did not stay in the grave. He lives! Death was defeated for all who embrace Him as the Messiah Lamb of God. (Please read all of 1 Corinthians 15)

And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.  1 Corinthians 15:17 NLT

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.       1 John 2:1-2 NLT

Jesus, the Son of God, or as said in Hebrew: Yeshua ben Yehovah is the antidote!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain to fill the Sea of Galilee.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                       (Read more)

Notice I do not use the name: Easter. That is the name of a pagan goddess, and should have no association whatsoever to the resurrection of Jesus. The season is called Passover and is rich with deep meaning that ultimately connects believing Jews and Christians as one new man through the Messiah.


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Abraham the Believer

17 06 2019

Talit

As we leave for our 2019 Elisha Vision “Speak to the Dirt” Israel tour, my thoughts turn to Abraham. Most translations of Genesis 15:6 say that he believed in the LORD. However there are several like this from the New Living Translation:

And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6

This is a better translation, that he believed the LORD (Yehovah). Even though many don’t believe in God, believing in God is a no-brainer.

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. James 2:19 NLT

So as you continue reading in James 2 you will find that the New Testament leaves out the word “in” for all translations.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.  James 2:23 NLT

That means the New Testament leaders understood that Abraham did not just believe “in” God, he believed God. What a totally transformative meaning. He was a believer in the Messiah! You see, that is the promise that Yehovah made to Abraham. He would have a son who would be the line of ancestry from which the Messiah would come. That is why he was not afraid to offer Isaac. He believed God’s promise!

May we walk in the faith of Abraham and be counted righteous through the promised Messiah. Abraham believed, long before Yeshua appeared on this earth. How much more should we believe, who know the many fulfilled promises evident in the birth, death, and resurrection of Yeshua haMashiach, Jesus the Messiah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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Ready for our Israel Tour!

4 06 2019

Joy

Two weeks from today we fly to Israel with 30 folks for the experience of a lifetime. Doreen and I are honored to lead the group who are mostly first-timers. Even though this is my fifteenth time, I still feel just like this sweet little girl. I always feel like a salmon returning to its spawning grounds. Jerusalem is the center of the earth and the center of God’s redemptive purpose. When the Messiah comes, He is not coming to Washington, DC or New York or London or Rome or Mecca or anywhere else. He is coming to Jerusalem.

I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,’ says Yehovah your God.  Amos 9:14-15 ESV

We are now praying about a 2020 Elisha Vision Israel Tour. If you would be interested, please let us know, here.

Prayer Points: Here is a current list of prayer points for Israel and the Jewish people:

  1. Psalm 102:13 Now is the time! (The Holocaust Psalm)
  2. Psalm 83:9 Pray that Yehovah will deal with Israel’s enemies as he did with Midian when they turned on each other in Gideon’s day.
  3. Psalm 122 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
  4. Zechariah 10:1 Pray for rain in the time of latter rain.
  5. Romans 11:23-24 Pray for Israel to grafted in again.
  6. Ezekiel 36 Pray through the whole chapter as a literal prophecy.
  7. Isaiah 62:6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
    They shall never hold their peace day or night.
    You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent,

If you want your prayers answered, pray what Yehovah has already said He will do.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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Locust Plague in Mecca

11 01 2019

locust 1-11-2019

The unprecedented event this week in Mecca amazingly corresponds to this week’s Torah reading in Jewish synagogues. They read from Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 about the locust plague in Egypt.

Is it simply irony that in the weekly Torah portion Jews read about the final five plagues – boils, fiery hail, locusts, darkness and death of first-born males – that God sent to afflict Pharaoh and the Egyptians, a swarm of locusts attacks Islam’s holiest mosque? Prophecy in the news

Watch: Locust Swarm Descends on Mecca’s Grand Mosque – Breitbart

MECCA’S GRAND MOSQUE, THE WORLD’S HOLIEST MUSLIM SITE, IS UNDER ATTACK BY LOCUSTS – Newsweek

SWARM & BUZZY – The Sun

This is under the category of things that make you go: Hmmm! Just last week we referenced Matthew 24:7 about the signs of Messiah Yeshua’s coming regarding earthquakes. Now in that very same verse we find the sign of pestilences.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” Matthew 24:7

Do you think God may be getting our attention?

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain (and snow).

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Rise in High Intensity Earthquakes

5 01 2019

earthquake oakland 1989

Magnitude 6.9: Oakland, CA on Oct. 19, 1989. The freeway collapsed (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Major earthquakes have gone from one per decade to one per year!

Jesus said several signs will increase like birth pains before He returns (Matthew 24:8). This means those signs will increase in frequency and intensity before the Second Coming. One of the signs Jesus cited is earthquakes (Matthew 24:7). We’ve seen a marked increase in the frequency of high intensity earthquakes over the past two decades. 

From 1900 to 1950, the world only registered six 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. Since 2010, we’ve had ten. Earlier this year, more than 70 earthquakes hit the Pacific Ring of Fire in a 48-hour period. The earth is preparing for the King’s return! Prophecy New Watch

It is true that we have always had earthquakes, but the intensity rise indicates we are nearing the end of history as we know it. The birth pains Jesus spoke about are now happening. He was answering the question: “What will be the sign of your return?” His answer is called the “Olivet Discourse” because he was speaking on the Mount of Olives, the exact location of His Second Coming. This conversation is recorded in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.

Here is an amazing observation. All of the signs He mentions are true in every generation to some degree, except one. Only one sign has an absolute time stamp. It is the sign of Jerusalem!

“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:24

This time-specific reference has an exact historical fulfillment of June 1967. Jerusalem was trampled down by the Gentile nations from 70 AD to 1967. This was not even fulfilled when Israel became a nation in 1948. Jerusalem was still held by Jordan until 1967. The restoration of Jerusalem was not only a fulfillment of the overall restoration of Israel, it confirms that we are in the generation that will welcome the Messiah. Hallelujah!

Yehovah God, the Father, turned the page of history in 1948. For nearly 2,000 years the Jews never won a war. But since 1948, they have never lost a war. What changed? It is the time of God’s restoration and favor of Israel. It is in this very season that the great sign of the Second Coming was given to erase all doubt. Jerusalem is restored to Israel! Fasten your seatbelt, the Messiah is at the door.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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Simeon the Prophet

21 12 2018

SimeonOne of the best parts of Messiah’s birth story is often overlooked. The story of Simeon holds EIGHT amazing prophesies about the purpose of Jesus, in just one short passage in the Gospel of Luke.

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ​​“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; ​​For my eyes have seen Your salvation ​​which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, ​​a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, ​​and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

  1. Holy Spirit was on Simeon, leading him to the Temple at the precise moment.
  2. Holy Spirit revealed that he would live to see the Messiah.
  3. Simeon held baby Jesus and saw salvation (Hebrew “yeshua”). There would be a dozen or so babies at any given time. And, no; baby Jesus did not have a halo. Simeon recognized Him by the supernatural revelation of the Holy Spirit.
  4. He amazingly prophesied that Jesus would bring His light to the Gentiles!
  5. His salvation would also be the glory of Israel.
  6. Jesus was destined to preside or the fall and then the rise of Israel. Nations normally rise and fall, but Israel was about to fall (rejecting the Messiah) and then rise in the last days. We see this now in our generation.
  7. The sign (of Jesus’ death) would be spoken against (even piercing Mary’s soul).
  8. The very method of His death would expose the hearts of every person.

As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:33

The baby in Simeon’s arms was indeed the SALVATION of all who believe on Him.

Yeshua ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah. Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus Son of Yehovah! Remember the reason for the season and have a blessed Christmas honoring Him.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for continuing rain in Israel all winter.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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Listen for the Trumpet Sounds

7 09 2018

jesus_second_comingDid you hear the one about the long-awaited Messiah finally arriving in Jerusalem? The Mayor of Jerusalem goes out to meet him and welcomes him to Jerusalem. But the mayor says: “I just have one question. Is this your first or second visit?”

Jews believe he has not come yet. But Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah who came 2,000 years ago to become the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world to all who receive Him, especially the Jews. But both believe the Messiah is coming soon!

Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. Matthew 24:34-36

Which generation will not pass till all is fulfilled? If you study Matthew 24 and Luke 21 you will find the only time specific reference is the status of Jerusalem. Jesus prophesied its downfall: “It will be trodden down (ruled) by the gentiles.”

And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21:24

So, Jerusalem’s fall would last UNTIL. That is a timing word. We now know when the “until” happened. It was June 1967 that Israel regained sovereignty over Jerusalem from the gentiles. This restoration followed the scattering to all nations. This is all now in our rear view mirror. It’s history. Therefore we are the generation that will not pass away till the Messiah comes!

Jesus said exactly when He would come. Most Christians believe He was obscuring the timing with His answer. On the contrary, He actually specified the timing. The phrase “no man knows the day or hour” was almost a cliché’ in Jesus’ day. It was a common expression among the Jews of that day referring to the timing of the Fall Feasts of Yehovah. These were: Trumpets, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles. (For my teaching on the Feasts, please listen to my radio interview for ten minutes on each of the seven Feasts.)

The Fall feasts begin with Trumpets or Yom Teruah This year it is officially Sunday sundown to Tuesday sundown, September 9-10. This is an arbitrary fixed date set by Rabbinic Judaism. However, the Biblical commencing of  Yom Teruah or Trumpets, begins on the first sighting of the new moon in the seventh month from Jerusalem. (Using the Biblical method to figure it is a characteristic of Karaite (Bible believing) Jews. Here is a link to Nehemiah Gordon, a leading Karaite).

So what? Well, I believe Jesus was telling His disciples He would come during the Fall Feasts, specifically Trumpets.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

There are five elements that make the actual day or hour unknowable.

  1. The confusion caused by the arbitrary Rabbinic calendar.
  2. The actual day of sighting the new moon could vary by weather conditions, cloud cover, etc.
  3. Even the hour could vary if the evening started cloudy early and cleared up later, for example.
  4. The “last trumpet” could refer to the last shofar during Yom Teruah (trumpets) beginning the Fall feast.
  5. Or, the “last trumpet” could even refer to the trumpet sounded at the end of Yom Kippur.

Therefore, even though the day or hour is unknown, I believe Jesus was speaking clearing to His disciples that He would come during the first ten days of the Fall Feasts, which then leads to Tabernacles where God will live with men and celebrate the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

May it be this year, Yeshua ben Yehovah – Jesus Son of God – Yeshua haMashiach – Jesus the Messiah!

Yehovah has appeared of old to me, saying: ​​“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; ​​Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. ​​Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, ​​O virgin of Israel! ​​You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. ​​You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food. ​​For there shall be a day when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, ​‘​Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to Yehovah our God.’ ” Jeremiah 31:3-6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

 

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Miracle Sign of the Messiah

2 05 2018

318189_385200644856014_100000982451242_1074244_222476338_nJews and Christians are both eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come soon. One of the most astounding signs is already revealed. Israel is alive! Am Yisrael Chai! Yet, many Jews and most Christians don’t get it. After nearly 1900 years of no national state, a miracle happened. Israel was reborn, on May 15, 1948. This year we celebrate 70 years as a modern state.

For believing Jews, it the first coming of the Messiah. For Messianic Jews and Christians, it is His second coming. That distinction is the major issue. There is a greater distinction between believing Jews and non-believing Jews. The same is true for Christians. Many Jews and Christians are not actually believing in the Messiah. They are just nominally following a religion. But there are millions of Jews who know the God of Israel, worship Him from the heart, and are waiting expectantly for the Messiah.

The same is true in “Christendom”. Many are Christian in name only and don’t know Jesus. They do not believe He is coming soon. Yet, millions of Christians know the God of Israel and the Bible. They eagerly look for the Messiah Jesus to return. I submit that the believing Jews and Christians have more in common than their un-believing brothers and sisters.

What motivates Yehovah? Did God bring Jews back to Israel from all over the world to just destroy them? No, that is the mantra of Iran. Did God originally choose Israel as a means to reject the world? No, His motive was to pave the way for all the nations to be blessed through Israel. Did God later choose the Church so He could find a way to completely and permanently reject Israel? No! He never gave up on them. He vowed to restore them and we have seen it in our lifetimes. (See Romans 11 for the full explanation.) Blessing Israel

The miracle resurrection of Israel is a great sign that the end of the age in near. Add to that the restoration of the people to the land, the resurrection of the Hebrew language, the liberation of Jerusalem, and even the restoration of the personal name of the covenant God of Israel: Yehovah! What a day to be alive. What a day to be His child!

If God raised a nation from the dead, don’t you think He can handle your problems? If you have not believed, isn’t it about time? Put all your eggs in one basket. Trust in God and His promised Messiah. This is the season of His appearing.

Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children. Isaiah 66:8

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of Yehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Isaiah 2:2

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10

Pray for the coming of the Messiah and pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


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One Day: No More Wars!

8 03 2018

Enjoy this wonder song recorded in Haifa, Israel. 3,000 Israeli Jews, Christians and Muslims singing in harmony. It sounds very Messianic to me. May the Messiah come soon! Enjoy.

Here are the lyrics to “One Day” by Israeli singer, Matisyahu

Sometimes I lay under the moon and thank God I’m breathing then I pray don’t take me soon ’cause I am here for a reason.

Sometimes in my tears I drown but I never let it get me down. So when negativity surrounds I know some day it’ll all turn around because…

All my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [6x]

It’s not about win or lose ’cause we all lose when they feed on the souls of the innocent blood-drenched pavement keep on moving though the waters stay raging.

In this maze you can lose your way (your way)
It might drive you crazy but don’t let it faze you, no way (no way)

One day this all will change treat people the same stop with the violence down with the hate.

One day we’ll all be free and proud to be under the same sun singing songs of freedom like: One day [4x]

Sometimes in my tears I drown (I drown) But I never let it get me down (get me down)
So when negativity surrounds (surrounds) I know some day it’ll all turn around because..

All my life I’ve been waiting for
I’ve been praying for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [6x] Matisyahu Lyrics (Singing Is Believing!)

And he will judge among the nations, and will rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4

Pray for the real peace of Jerusalem through Messiah Yeshua, and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Waiting for the Last Trumpet!

22 09 2017

Dry bones Messiah

YOM TERUAH! We are at the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles. Today we are hearing the Sounding of the Trumpets, which is Yom Teruah, the first Fall Feast. In light of all the signs in the heavens, the wars and rumors of wars, and the terrible natural disasters, it is good to lift up our eyes to the Heavens. Our redemption is closer than ever.

And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:6-8 NLT

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28 NKJV

It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT

There are many believers who sincerely believe Jesus may come this weekend. Personally, I think there are a few more prophesies to be fulfilled, like Isaiah 17. However, I could be wrong, so my lamp is trimmed and ready!

One time I was musing out loud, in a message I was preaching, that the times of great tribulation would be a wonderful time to share the Messiah. After I was finished, Doreen made me promise to go on the first load. So, I always “stay ready.” Maybe it will be decades before the great appearing of our Lord and Savior, but we stay alert and watching.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8 NLT

The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37 NLT

(Today’s posting was inspired by my grand-niece-in-law, Sam Gardner of Sandpoint, Idaho. Thank you, Sam, for your Facebook post.)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists            (Read more)


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Back from Idaho, On to Israel

10 05 2017

20170505_141906

Thank you Sandpoint Christian Center, Sandpoint River of Life Church and Cocolalla Cowboy Church for such wonderful meetings last week. My granddaughter Aly and I were so blessed to minister and enjoy the great Pacific Northwest. I always leave part of my heart there on many levels. Ken and Mavis Lawrence are gracious hosts and even more so with Aly along as my assistant.

Now Doreen and I prepare for our extraordinary 50th Anniversary trip to Jerusalem, a beyond generous gift from our daughters’ families and friends. We are so excited to be there to join in the 50 year anniversary celebrations of the reunification of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. It was a prophetically historic event at the end of the 1967 Six Day War.

Yeshua had prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD.

 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-24

This section is often put into the end times, but notice that after the destruction they will “be led away captive into all nations”. This refers to the nearly 1900 years between the  70 AD fall of Jerusalem, to its reunification of 1967.

But He also prophesied its restoration in verse 24:

And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

There was to be an end to the Gentile rule of Jerusalem. In addition, He connected the restoration of Jerusalem to the Messiah’s coming.

Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:29-33

To which generation does He refer in verse 32, that will not pass away till He comes? I submit that it is our generation, the one which sees Jerusalem come back under the sovereignty of Israel instead of Gentile nations.

Hallelujah! Come soon Yeshua ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists            (Read more)


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Is the End Near?

14 12 2016

 

biblepic-dollywood-11-2016Miracle Message: This amazing picture is from Dollywood in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Terrible forest fires burned thousands of acres in the Southeast with over 14 deaths. At about the same time many major fires burned throughout Israel. In both cases, arson was a cause.

The miracle message is in the photo above. Just one page from the Bible was found near Dollywood burned around the edges, leaving these verses readable.

Joel 1:15
The day of the LORD is near, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be!

Joel 1:19
To you, LORD, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field.

Joel 1:20
Even the beasts of the field pant for you because the water brooks are dried up,
and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Joel 2:1
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.

Here is the last verse again in the New Living Translation:

Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of Yehovah is upon us. Joel 2:1

Jesus prophesied many signs would precede the coming of the Messiah. We are seeing such on almost a daily basis. The burned Bible page indicates that the day of God’s judgements are now here. The end is not yet, but is very close. We are fast approaching the end of days and the glorious kingdom of Messiah Jesus, Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus the Son of God.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (Read more)

(New explanation for why I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah. Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson.)

 


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Why This is the Last Generation

28 11 2016

Generation LASTMany who will read my prophetic commentary will consider this for the first time. There are multiple possible scenarios leading to the conclusion that we are living in the last generation of time as we know it. Some scenarios are clearly man-made events. Many believe that the planet’s population will reach a breaking point. Others cite climate change or disease or a wayward comet causing the end of the world. And, of course, world war is always a threat.

However, I offer two Bible prophesies which indicate the last generation in clear terms, one each from the Old and New Testaments. Please accept my submission for your prayerful consideration. If you agree with me, it will affect not only your world view, but your perspective on eternity.

So, first let me stipulate that I believe the Bible and take it literally when possible. Therefore, the two perspectives are  based not on the reasoning of man, but on the truth of Scriptural revelation. In this post I can only state my case. For an in-depth analysis read my book Generation LAST.

#1. The “Generation Last.” Psalm 102 is a prophecy that only made sense after 1945. The first ten verses are an exact graphic picture of the Holocaust of WW II. Verse 13 is the turning point where God says the set time to favor Zion has come. History bears witness to the fact, with modern Israel appearing in 1948. God turned the page from judgement of the Jewish people, to favor and restoration. Then comes the surprising revelation of verse 18. This is the confirmation verse of the timing of the earlier passage. Notice that the English translation is quite nebulous.

This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18

Some translations say “a future generation.” However, the Hebrew phrase used is narrowly specific: “dor acharon.” It literally means “the generation last.” You can see for yourself on the link to the verse (above). Just look at the Hebrew definition.

This Psalm makes perfect sense as a prophecy, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight of recent history. The Psalm had a moderate value for comfort over the millennia, but blossomed into fulfillment in our generation…the last generation!

#2 This generation will not pass away. Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13 record what scholars call the Olivet Discourse, the teaching of Jesus on the Mount of Olives. Jesus is answering the most burning question of the ages: “When are you coming back?” When you pour over these chapters you will find that none of the signs He gives are time specific, except one. Most of His signs appear in every generation to some degree. What is the only one that is tied to time? It is His prophecy about Jerusalem. Jesus prophesied  both the destruction of Jerusalem (fulfilled in 70 AD), and the restoration of Jerusalem (fulfilled in June, 1967). Once again we have the benefit of being on the other side of fulfilled prophecy. The clincher is in Luke 21. First He speaks of the city’s destruction and the scattering of the Jews to all nations, leaving Jerusalem in the hands of the Gentiles. until their time to rule the city is finished.

And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21:24

But then, Jesus speaks of the fig tree as a symbol of Israel’s restoration. Those who “see” these things happening, including the specific return of Jerusalem to Israeli sovereignty, will be alive for the Messiah’s appearance! The time for Gentile rule of Jerusalem is done.

So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Luke 21:31-32

This was fulfilled in our generation! It is now history. The most important question remaining is: “Are you ready?” Scholars disagree on the length of a generation, but I think it is one hundred years. If so, He could come very soon. I am so excited and filled with anticipation of all the events falling into place. What a great honor that we are blessed to live in this day.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (Read more)

Generation LAST is available here on Amazon for $10.00


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Holocaust Again?

10 07 2015

israel_holocaust   NEVER AGAIN!

Here is a simple answer to a critical question. Will Israel and the Jews still suffer another Holocaust? They will not.

The two millenia since Jesus show that they were severely judged nationally for rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. Even though almost all the early believers were Jews, the national political and religious authorities of that day did not believe He was the promised Messiah. Apostle Paul profoundly declared an often misunderstood principle in Romans eleven.

Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Romans 11:22-23

History bears this out. For almost 2,000 years the Jews have suffered great persecution under the severity of God. However, as surely as it happened, it came to a certain end after the Holocaust. God turned the page for Israel from severe judgment to favor, blessing and restoration. Psalm 102 is the prophetic Holocaust Psalm. After spending eleven verses in the most graphic picture of the concentration camps of Europe, the Psalm turns abruptly to verses twelve and thirteen:

But You, O Yehovah, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. ​​You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, ​​Yes, the set time, has come. Psalm 102:12-13

Likewise history abruptly turns after the Holocaust. Within just three years Israel is a nation! And for 68 years against overwhelming odds, Israel has survived. Not only that, but it has prospered in every area of its national life. Israel has one of strongest armies in the world, economic prosperity and wealth (especially with mammoth finds of natural gas and oil), and the return of over six million Jews from nearly every country on earth! The season of Israel’s judgment is over. Read Psalm 102 and Romans 11 for yourself. This is the time of the resurrection of God’s covenant people. We are seeing Israel’s restoration by Yehovah, the promise keeping God! Praise Him.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (READ MORE)

(I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah! (for deeper study click here.)


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Messiah Died

7 04 2012

Sandpoint Sunrise by Ross Hall

(The following is an excerpt from my newest book, Generation LIFE Chapter 1 – Jesus is Alive, being published this summer.)

JESUS DIED

Do you believe in Him, I mean, do you really believe Him? Do you follow Him? Do you have a deep desire in your innermost being to be like Him? I want to know all I can know about Jesus. Getting to know Him personally is really possible. Do you know Him?

Do you believe He really died? Or do you think He just sort of passed out and then woke up a little later? If Jesus didn’t die, we are still in our sin. Guilty! I want to talk about His resurrection LIFE, but first we need to get this. Jesus really died. He was dead. He was so dead that He Himself could not come back to life. We need to understand this. It was not a charade. When He gave up His last breath, He was utterly dependent on the faithful true Promise of His Father to live again. That is why this chapter is named: Jesus is Alive. Of course He was eternally alive and existed with the Father before Creation, and He is alive now. But between, for three days, He was dead.

You may think it strange to begin a book about life with a dead Jesus. But, if you don’t know that He died and why He died, you are missing the best part. Yes, it is the resurrection, but it is meaningless if He did not die. Jesus died, and on the third day, rose again. Hallelujah! I really want to talk about His life. But we must understand His death to appreciate the all-encompassing glory of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not then, nor does He now possess some super power called “resurrection power”. If it were up to Him, He would still be dead. As we will soon see, Jesus is LIFE, He is resurrection LIFE. It is His own personal experience of redemption from death. Here is a verse to confirm how He was raised back to life.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you Romans 8:11.

So Jesus was dead and was resurrected by the Holy Spirit of God. We know that Jesus lived by the Spirit and was raised by the Spirit. Therefore, through His ultimate trust in Yehovah, the Father, He qualified to die for all who believe in His finished work. I honestly believe in Him, do you?

He is no longer in the grave, He arose from the dead. Jesus is alive!

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)


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