Title: Israel - A Prophetic Warning!
A Matter of Faith is a Newsletter outreach from The Letters of Faith ministry: http://www.lettersoffaith.com/
Editorial
- Keep
an Eye on Israel - A Prophetic Warning!
Feature Article - The Idolatry of (our personal) Religion!
Feature Article - The Idolatry of (our personal) Religion!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
1. EDITORIAL:
Keep an Eye on Israel - A Prophetic Warning!!!
It does not take much "Scriptural Insight" to recognize that the City of Jerusalem, and the land of the nation of Israel, are especially significant to the Prophetic Word of Elohim - especially the "End-Time" Prophetic Messages... In light of this fact, I can only pray that the Ekklesia has been paying attention to the events taking place in the Holy Land over the past months, weeks and days, because nearly every sign that we have been told to watch for, is about to be fulfilled right before our eyes.
It does not take much "Scriptural Insight" to recognize that the City of Jerusalem, and the land of the nation of Israel, are especially significant to the Prophetic Word of Elohim - especially the "End-Time" Prophetic Messages... In light of this fact, I can only pray that the Ekklesia has been paying attention to the events taking place in the Holy Land over the past months, weeks and days, because nearly every sign that we have been told to watch for, is about to be fulfilled right before our eyes.
While the
above comments may seem immaterial,
irrelevant or even blasé to some, the following statement may
be totally unnerving to many others, because,
I believe that the period of tribulation has already begun!
I believe that we have
already entered the seven year period that immediately precedes
the return of our loving Messiah and King!
On what am I
basing this statement? Let's investigate
the Book of Revelation for a moment, and see
what insight the Word gives
us today:
Revelation 6 depicts the opening of the first Six (of Seven) Seals of a Scroll (Given to the Lamb, by our Father in heaven, for Him to open). As we look at the revelation presented through the opening of those first six seals, however, we must recognize that only the sixth seal offers any sort of identifiable or immediately noticeable event. The first five things Prophesied to occur are more a "Condition" than an "Event"; more a "State of the World" than an explicit event to be seen in a single day. With this being so, therefore, we can easily see how the things depicted throughout the unveiling of the first five seals, could pass unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our everyday life. (That is unless we intently seek to know these things).
Revelation 6 depicts the opening of the first Six (of Seven) Seals of a Scroll (Given to the Lamb, by our Father in heaven, for Him to open). As we look at the revelation presented through the opening of those first six seals, however, we must recognize that only the sixth seal offers any sort of identifiable or immediately noticeable event. The first five things Prophesied to occur are more a "Condition" than an "Event"; more a "State of the World" than an explicit event to be seen in a single day. With this being so, therefore, we can easily see how the things depicted throughout the unveiling of the first five seals, could pass unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our everyday life. (That is unless we intently seek to know these things).
Seal #1 - Revelation 6:1-2 depicts a
rider on a white horse, given a bow and a crown; "And he went out
conquering and to conquer." I
believe that this rider is involved in conquering the one true
faith; involved in turning the hearts and minds of souls away from Yahshua,
the Messiah and King! Surely the apostasy, faithlessness and deceit
that abound today are evidence of his workings...
Seal #2 - Revelation 6:3-4 speaks of a
rider on a red horse, and "To him", "It was granted to take
peace from the earth, and that men should slay one another." Wars
and rumors of wars abound - globally - today,
so this "event" is certainly happening,
as we speak, in unprecedented ways.
Seal #3 - Revelation 6:5-6 - reveals a
rider on a black horse, and to him it was granted to cause
"inflation" throughout the world. Even
though prices may not be rising at
this instant, they will - and
along with shrinking pay-checks,
both will contribute to
an inflationary spike that is about to
afflict everybody in the world!
Seal #4 - Revelation 6:7-8 - makes
note of a rider on an ashen
horse, "And he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was
following with him. And authority was given to them over a fourth of
the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the
wild beasts of the earth." How
many are dying today, every day, by just these things? It is very
clear, that this rider is picking up steam very rapidly
- today - and that the fulfillment of 25% of the world population
dying, is going to happen very
soon!
Seal #5 - Revelation 6:9-11 - Notes
that tremendous Martyrdom
of the Ekklesia is to occur during the
final days! Is this not taking
place?
Any
realistic viewing of these first five "sealed"
revelations of the end time period, will
dictate (even in the still sheltered and protected
"West") that all of these things are taking place in unprecedented
ways today - around the world! The matters
of "Death" and Martyrdom alone should
be tremendously eye-opening...
In
Seal #6, however, Revelation 6:12-17, we are given an absolutely
identifiable event - a Great Earthquake - that will literally cause,
"The kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the
rich and the strong and every slave and free man", to hide - and cry
out, in the mistaken belief that, "The Wrath of the Lamb" had
befallen them. As nasty
as this earthquake is going to be, however, His wrath comes a bit
later!!!
In
Seal #6, however, Revelation 6:12-17, we are given an absolutely
identifiable event - a Great Earthquake - that will literally cause,
"The kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the
rich and the strong and every slave and free man", to hide - and cry
out, in the mistaken belief that, "The Wrath of the Lamb" had
befallen them. As nasty
as this earthquake is going to be, however, His wrath comes a bit
later!!!
I believe that
we are about to witness the
"Great Earthquake", and
the events that lead to and cause that great earthquake,
very soon! "And the sun
became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like
blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth... And the sky was split
apart...And every mountain and island were moved out of their places"
(Revelation 6:12-14).
A question
that beckons to be asked though, is, "Just where is the epicenter of
that great earthquake going to be?"
Answer: How about downtown Jerusalem!!!
Answer: How about downtown Jerusalem!!!
Revelation
11:13 tells us that after the Two Witnesses are "Snatched" away -
after having lain dead in the streets of Jerusalem (Revelation 11:8) for
three and a half days - that, "In that hour there was a great
earthquake, and a tenth of the city (Jerusalem) fell." This
earthquake is an aftershock of the other great earthquake of Revelation
6:12-17.
Please permit me to digress for a moment, and outline - very, very briefly - what I believe Yahshua is telling us in His Word about the End Time! This outline is taken from every Old Testament Prophetic message of the end of the age, as well as everything set forth throughout the New Testament - including the Words of our Master Himself:
Please permit me to digress for a moment, and outline - very, very briefly - what I believe Yahshua is telling us in His Word about the End Time! This outline is taken from every Old Testament Prophetic message of the end of the age, as well as everything set forth throughout the New Testament - including the Words of our Master Himself:
The world is
to experience a seven year period of tribulation. Within the
time-frame of those seven years, the
events of the first five seals are to commence... Then, at some point,
the Two Witnesses (Enoch and Elijah) and 144,000 Evangelist's, are
going to be "sealed", and
are going to walk among the
world's population - proclaiming the full truth of Yahshua's Gospel
message. The Two Witnesses will have authority to Prophesy for three
and one-half years.
Also within
the time-frame of those seven years, Satan is to be kicked out of heaven -
denied access, as the accuser,
to the throne of our Father in heaven. When he comes, the
Antichrist and the false prophet will rise to power - also for three and
one-half years!
Inasmuch as
the Antichrist is given authority to kill the Two Witnesses at the end of
their "Term", it must be noted, therefore, that if the Two
Witnesses possess a three and one-half year term, and the Antichrist is
given a three and one-half year term - and he remains after the Two Witnesses
have been "snatched" away - along with the Ekklesia, that
the Two Witnesses will be revealed (in power and authority) BEFORE the
Antichrist is revealed! This "overlapping" may be by thirty
days, forty-five days or seventy-five days (I simply do not know the
ultimate timing of this matter
yet). Nevertheless, the overlapping of authority is not for any
period longer than seventy-five days.
Of this I am absolutely certain!
Anyway, during
the three and one-half years of his reign, the Antichrist is going to enter
into a (short-lived) period of peace with the nation of Israel, and will
even go so far as to permit construction of the Temple - in Jerusalem!
But how can this be? The Mosque sits atop the Temple site today,
doesn't it?
Well, as
events will soon show, Israel and its neighbors are about to enter into a
war. Palestine, backed by Iran, Syria
AND Egypt - and a host of other Muslim nations - are about to strike
Israel with everything they have, in an attempt to finally eliminate any
thought or notion of an Israeli
State. The ferocity of this war will be such that Israel
(at least) will use the tactical nuclear weapons that
they possess.
I have
no problem concluding that the results of all of this
will trigger the Great Earthquake of Revelation 6.
(The ramifications of all of this could fill a book, but this is a
simple newsletter)...
No matter what
else happens though, the Mosque will be gone, and the Temple Mount will
be free for renovations! Whether
this happens as simple collateral damage - brought on by the war, or as a
matter of design, the
conclusion will be that the Mosque will be no more!
While Israel
will exist after the war - with backing from the European Community (from
which the Antichrist will receive his authority) - the final three and
one-half years of their existence, before Yahshua returns, will be one of
tremendous pain and sadness. "Peace, Peace" will resound in
the streets of Jerusalem, but the "Peace" will be short-lived -
and false!
Before the
first "Great Earthquake" can occur, however, Revelation 7 tells us
that nothing is to happen, "To the earth or the sea or the trees, until
we have sealed the bond-servants of our Elohim on their foreheads"
(Revelation 7:3). Therefore, before the first earthquake - or any
damage from a nuclear war can fall upon the earth - the 144,000
bond-servants of Yahshua will be sealed
- and revealed... (I also
believe that the Two Witnesses will be revealed at the same time, but
there is no real support to be found in Scripture for this conclusion).
Accordingly,
after the earthquake, and some time after the sealing of the bond-servants
and Two Witnesses, "The stars of the sky fell to the earth"
(Revelation 6:13)... And in this, we have Satan and his minions
being cast from heaven - down to earth...
I believe that
we sit at the precipice of these events TODAY! TODAY...
This week... This month... February... March... Passover
this year is March 26 - 27!
According to a brother (although not necessarily in this vein) the Holy
Day of Passover is a very likely Biblical Time for these things
to take place!!! If this is so, and if events transpire according to
the "word" that is being
given to
many of Yahshua's children, then we may
very well be nearly half-way into the tribulation period -
already - and the "Day of the Master" is truly at hand!
Are you
prepared, brethren? Is your heart ready for the hardships to come?
Do you know the fullness of Yahshua today - and are you serving Him with all
your heart, might, soul and strength?
Is your
devotion unto Him, or are you absorbed in the idolatry of your personal
religion?
2. FEATURE ARTICLE:
The Idolatry of (our
personal) Religion!
Throughout The
Letters, we speak forcibly against the "denominations" and
"religious systems" of Babylon... Many who receive this
newsletter have been called-out from Babylon, and rejoice in these
teachings. Many others, however, are enraged by our approach, and let
us know this as well!
One of the
things that our Master has been impressing upon me with an ever greater
urgency though, is the simple fact that many within His Ekklesia are
still clinging too tightly to our own personal "religious" beliefs
and notions; to the point of dividing the Body. It is exceedingly
clear today, that He is not pleased with this idolatry!
Through a very
recent and painful exchange of letters with a brother of some knowledge
and understanding, Yahshua showed me the hardness of our hearts - with
regard to our idolatry toward what we think we know! Although we
all determine to say that no one individual has all of the answers, and even
though we all seemingly acknowledge that we "know in part and we
prophecy in part - dimly", the matter of our personal religious
idolatry roars its ugly face whenever anybody dares to challenge (even
lovingly and compassionately) our long-held and long-assumed positions
on any matter of our Biblical understanding!
And this is
true no matter how persuasively and powerfully our brethren might be in
their presentations; and in total disregard for how many Biblical
"proofs" they might set before us!!!
We speak of
not knowing everything. We give lip service toward the fact that not
one has all of the answers. And yet, as soon as anybody might
challenge what we hold to be true, we patronizingly and condescendingly tell
them that they are wrong, and that they don't know what they are talking
about!
This, beloved,
is idolatry, and it must cease within the Ekklesia of Yahshua our Master and
Messiah!
From the very
outset of The Letters, I have openly - and repeatedly - stated that I do not
have all of the answers. From the beginning of those writings I offer
a concordance of passages to support any and every thought and nuance that I
present - and, I firmly ask that the reader verify what is being taught with
the fullness of Scripture.
To the end that I desire to only teach the Truth and Fullness of His Word, I am willing to listen to any presentation that might draw a conclusion that differs from what I believe to be true; anything that differs from what we have presented... With all my heart, I pray that I have listened attentively - and changed my thought whenever proven to be in error! And yes, it has happened...
To the end that I desire to only teach the Truth and Fullness of His Word, I am willing to listen to any presentation that might draw a conclusion that differs from what I believe to be true; anything that differs from what we have presented... With all my heart, I pray that I have listened attentively - and changed my thought whenever proven to be in error! And yes, it has happened...
And yet, as
the years have passed and letters have been exchanged with scores of
brothers and sisters, I find many who simply refuse to admit an error,
in spite of overwhelming evidence against their preconceived notion or
belief. And, it appears that for many, the more an individual might
know and understand (which should produce tremendous humility) their
knowledge and understanding produce an abhorrent "stiff-necked"
approach to receiving further enlightenment. This is not as it should
be, and our Master is not pleased in these things...
Many divisions
are being caused today by matters such as:
The Rapture!
Frankly, who cares??? We have work to do. Life saving work!
The Master will come and get us when that work is complete - when His time
is right! Until then, what do we care when the event is to occur?
If our lamps are trimmed and ready, we'll be snatched away, if not - then,
WHY NOT? Could it be that the idolatry of our religion might have
gotten in the way?
Speaking in tongues (which
many still want to proclaim as the only sign of a true believer - in spite
of overwhelming evidence that this is a Satanic device meant to divide the
Ekklesia). Speaking in tongues is a gift given to the Ekklesia - as,
"A sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers" (1
Corinthians 14:22). If "Tongues" is a sign to unbelievers,
how is it that many within the Ekklesia still teach that "Tongues"
is a sign of the indwelling of the Qodesh Ruach - as a believer, to other
believers?
The Rapture!
Frankly, who cares??? We have work to do. Life saving work!
The Master will come and get us when that work is complete - when His time
is right! Until then, what do we care when the event is to occur?
If our lamps are trimmed and ready, we'll be snatched away, if not - then,
WHY NOT? Could it be that the idolatry of our religion might have
gotten in the way? Speaking in tongues (which
many still want to proclaim as the only sign of a true believer - in spite
of overwhelming evidence that this is a Satanic device meant to divide the
Ekklesia). Speaking in tongues is a gift given to the Ekklesia - as,
"A sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers" (1
Corinthians 14:22). If "Tongues" is a sign to unbelievers,
how is it that many within the Ekklesia still teach that "Tongues"
is a sign of the indwelling of the Qodesh Ruach - as a believer, to other
believers?
Immersion Baptism! And this one is very confusing too. Simply, the
Master received an Immersion Baptism. We are to follow our Master -
AND - in the Great Commission (Matthew 28) we are commanded to, "Make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them." Yet in spite
of this, some either refuse to follow the Word and receive baptism - OR -
just as wrongly, they hold to a "religious" mind-set about baptism,
believing that this is the only act (work or deed) of faith that is needed
for salvation.
Once-Saved-Always-Saved! Aside from the division caused by the rapture
issue, this is perhaps one of the most damaging and divisive false teachings
of our age. Nobody wants to be held accountable - to anybody -
including accountability to our Father in heaven, through His Son, Yahshua!
Sin is rampant in our world today - within the halls of Babylon - in spite
of the fact that the children of Elohim have been called into repentance.
The calling is being ignored, except by His faithful children - many of whom
have "come out" from Babylon! And yet, the notion that
anybody can do anything, as frequently as they desire, without any
consequence, permeates the teachings of today's religious institutions...
Anyone calling
for repentance is rebuked - to the delight of the evil one - because those
so deceived believe that no matter what they do, they remain within the
saving grace of Elohim. They are wrong!
For more on
this, please visit The Letters at: http://www.lettersoffaith.com/choice11.htm#Once
saved
Denominationalism - and "Church Unity"... I recently
received a letter from a man telling me that unless I was connected to one
of the "denominational" churches, that my message was false.
In my response, I defined exactly what "denominationalism" means,
presented Elohim's definition of what the Ekklesia is - and openly declared
that I assemble with the Ekklesia - and that by the grace of my Master, I
will never again associate with a "denomination"... He has
never written back.
I receive the
same sort of reaction when I respond to letters calling for world church
unity - under the leadership of - the Catholic church, the Baptist's -
regardless which one of the hundreds of different Baptist denominations
might ultimately end up in control, the Mormon Church, the Pentecostal's,
Charismatic's, or any other such group!
There is only
One Head to the Body of which I belong, and their is only One Master to Whom
I bow, and that is the Master and Messiah, Yahshua - the only begotten Son
of the Father in heaven! In Him alone, there is only One Ekklesia, and
it is that Ekklesia - in Him - to which I (or any of His children) are to be
accountable! Denominationalism, Sectarianism and Religion - as
practiced within this worlds institutions - have absolutely nothing to do
with Yahshua, and therefore, neither will I!
I could go on
with this list, brethren, but I think the point has been made - that unless
we know something - without any doubt, and with the full support of the Word
of Elohim (and not some other man's writings), then we must be open to
changing our preconceived notions and thoughts about what we think or assume
might be true. His Word, through His Qodesh Ruach, is our ONLY
guide!
If we hold too
tightly to our own personal religious idolatries, He will be unable to use
us for His glory! This fact has been proven true throughout the whole
of Scripture, and is being presented here as a reminder of the upward call
of Elohim in Yahshua our Messiah.
Many things
are going to be changing very soon. Our faithfulness to Yahshua must
only change in that it grows ever stronger - in an ever increasing
comprehension of Him! This, beloved, happens when we surrender our
self to Him, dying to Him, so that He can live in us. Surrendering
our preconceived notions and religious idolatries to Him accomplishes this
goal...
May the
Master, Yahshua Mashiach be glorified in your walk and ministry for His
glory, and may you know the fullness of His peace, joy and power!
3. PRAYER REQUESTS:
Sandee is
seeking prayer for an unsaved friend - who is in a coma today!
Karen is
asking that we pray for the emotional stability and healing of her children,
Karlo and Sylvia.
Anna is
thanking everybody for joining her in prayer for a home - which our loving
Master has now provided... Praise You, Yahshua!
Jan and Lance
are thanking everybody for their prayers on their behalf. Lance now
has a new job, and aside from a few wrinkles to be ironed out with regard to
their finances, all is well... We join you in praising our loving
Messiah for His salvation and provision in our time of need!
As always,
Charlie and I seek your prayers on our behalf - for this ministry!
4. CONTACT:
larry vosen
If you have any questions about the Bible, Elohim
(God), Yahshua
Mashiach (Jesus Christ),
The Qodesh Ruach (the Holy Spirit), the Gospel, Faith or any pressing spiritual matter,
please feel free to contact me. While I may not possess the answers personally, I know Who
Does! Every effort will be made to answer your questions in a timely and Scripturally
supported manner.
The Qodesh Ruach (the Holy Spirit), the Gospel, Faith or any pressing spiritual matter,
please feel free to contact me. While I may not possess the answers personally, I know Who
Does! Every effort will be made to answer your questions in a timely and Scripturally
supported manner.
Do you have a prayer request? Please
share your needs with us... We will post your needs
in our "Prayer Request" sections, so that we can approach the Throne of God in a united
front on your behalf.
in our "Prayer Request" sections, so that we can approach the Throne of God in a united
front on your behalf.
We can be reached through our email address at:
Contact larry
Or, please feel free to mail your thoughts
or requests to:
Larry Vosen
2600 E. Seltice Way, #203
Post Falls, ID 83854
Larry Vosen
2600 E. Seltice Way, #203
Post Falls, ID 83854
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Thank You, and may Elohim
bless you and your ministry - for the praise of His glory and your
eternal joy!
eternal joy!
