Footsteps of Messiah
The Times of the Gentiles and the Red Beast
In last week’s newsletter, we looked at correlations between the sharp sickles of Passover, specifically the First Fruits of the Barley, and the sharp sickles of Revelation Fourteen. Within that passage of Revelation, we read a very specific prophecy:
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And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia. (Re 14:17-20)
Yeshua harvests for Firstfruits of the Barley and Shavuot, the conclusion of human “wheat.” The angel of fire harvests those from the Vineyard as well as the vineyard of the whole earth to throw them into the winepress of Sukkot, when the decrees of Rosh HaShanah are executed upon the whole world. Sukkot is also known as “The Feast of the Nations.” One may enjoy the Feast of the Nations with Yeshua, or one may be part of a nation consumed by his wrath.
As we’ve seen, the prophecies of Scripture are fulfilled multiple times in history. Often there are textual markers, such as a doubled word or repetition within the text, or sometimes a chiasm. Blood up to the horses’ bridles is a very precise prophecy, and it leads the reader to a previous fulfillment. In the last stand of the Jews who followed Bar Kokhba, a false messiah, the Romans massacred the inhabitants of Beitar. According to the lone survivor of the massacre, the blood in Beitar ran up to the Roman horses’ noses. That leads to the Footsteps prophecy of Song of Songs, which prophesies the “turn” of Messiah on the mountains to meet with his Beloved Israel.
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2:17 Until the cool of the day, when the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.
The mountains of Bether are an odd location because they are not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, and even the Romans’ massacre there was far in the future when first prophesied in the Song. There must have been a singular event in history that would mark a step of Messiah’s turning to his Beloved.
Try reading the following passage in Luke Twenty-one as two separate time periods of Yeshua’s prophecy. The first during the Roman destruction of Beitar [or Beit Tar/Beit Tor] when the destruction occurred inside Judea, and the second in Yeshua's return with the cloud to judge the nations:
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“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of punishment, so that all things which have been written will be fulfilled. Woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people; and they will fall by the edge of the sword and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
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There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting from fear and the expectation of the things that are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk 21:20-28)
Yeshua mentions the “times of the Gentiles,” which had a meaning to the Jews of the First Century. First of all, "Gentiles" is not a pejorative unless used that way in context. A Gentile is simply one who is not of Israelite descent. When it is used to describe idolators, then it is a pejorative. Don't take offense if you're called a Gentile until you know why!
The Midrash presents a very specific explanation of the times of the Gentiles derived partly from our “upon the mountains of Batar” verse in Shir 2:17.
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“The redemption will come only when the idolatrous kingdoms will have taken their portion [batar] of reward. It will come when the Roman kingdom will have taken its portion of grandeur. The Holy One, blessed is He, said: ‘Even if I have no grievance against the Romans, except for what they did in the city of Beit Tar, My judgment will be extended against them.” (2§36)
Even though the Jews followed a false Messiah, which resulted in their massacre at Beitar, their atrocious massacre will be a point of “turning” for Messiah. He will return, the authentic Messiah, to judge the Gentiles.
How will we know the “times of the Gentiles” have been fulfilled? If the massacre at Beitar is a clue, then its end will coincide with the return Messiah Yeshua. As the massacre at Beitar ended all hope of Jewish self-governance in 135 AD, so Yeshua will end the Gentiles' times of self-governance.
The times of the Gentiles is thought to be fulfilled when the last kingdom of the Beast, Rome, is rewarded. Rewarded? Yes.
The reasoning is thus:
Even wicked people do a little bit of good in their lifetimes. Being a just Elohim, the Holy One rewards them in this life. By rewarding them for whatever good they have done, even if it is tainted with self-serving motivations, they go before the Judgment Throne fully rewarded and entitled to nothing in the afterlife. They are not entitled to eternal life in the Garden, nor its rewards.
Likewise, the beast kingdoms of the world are running their course. In turn, Babylon, Persia-Medea, Greece, and Rome have risen and fallen. We are now down to Rome’s iron and clay “feet.” The systems of Rome are now reflected in nations around the world: military, economics, politics, government, philosophy, medicine, education, sports, etc. It is the spots of the leopard on the beast's body that will be a clue we'll follow in a future newsletter. The leopard-body will confirm that it is Rome's systems extending to its present-day feet and toes. Each beast kingdom passed down its own systems to be incorporated and further developed by its successor. Each one has in its turn destroyed Jerusalem.
The last beast, as viewed by Daniel, was a conglomerate creature: the mouth of a lion, the paws of a bear, the body of a leopard. This was Rome, the Red Beast. Even after its iron legs faded into history, it survived within the nations that adopted its systems as feet desiring to stand upon the earth, and as every beast before it, to stand upon the Holy Mountain of Jerusalem.
When the last “toe” of Rome has been rewarded, the times of the Gentile kingdoms is over. Their last measure of reward has been measured, and they will either bow to the King of Kings or be destroyed by King Messiah. Should any among the Beloved Israel or the nations cling to the Red Beast, riding those systems of control over the nations, they will be subject to the judgments recorded by John in his Revelation.
We plan to live stream at the regular time on YouTube on Shabbat. B'azrat HaShem, we'll see you at approximately 4:00 pm Eastern.
The Sukkot tour is full, but...
the LIMITED MOBILITY TOUR is November 28th-December 8th. Itinerary and registration are now available to view. Scroll all the way down the newsletter or click here to read more.
SHABBAT SHALOM!
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Recommendations of the Week: Torah Portions!
Intermediate to Advanced Students:
Bamidbar pulls the threads from the Rivers of Eden through the Torah portions. The first lesson explains how the Levitical tribes' encampments are based on the pattern of sevens: Days of Creation, Spirit of Adonai, Feasts, and Assemblies. Lessons continue with in-depth analysis of the Mishkan and its travels in the wilderness, including: stewardship vs ownership, role of vows and the trial of sotah, the importance of the shadows to the reality, the fallacy of truth vs tradition, using spiritual authority, salvation of the soul (nefesh), the apocalyptic symbology of the clouds, the spirit of fear vs the Spirit of Power, preparation and placement of "word packages," spiritual warfare, three central messages of the red heifer and the contranym of the Red One, self-deception leading to disobedience and sorcery, jealous vs zealous, and power leadership.
For the Beginner:
by Timothy Herron
Torah introduction covering all 54 Torah Portions. Each chapter emphasizes basic concepts found in Scripture beginning in the Torah.
Preparing the Soil is a wonderful way to introduce the Torah portion as an ancient framework for study that underpins the rest of Scripture.
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LIVE STREAM THIS SHABBAT !
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Join us for Elul New Moon Aug. 26th- 28th. Discount Registration is only during the month of March.
Registration is now open online. We will be gathering at the beautiful Lake Junaluska Conference Center in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. This is a destination venue with a variety of great recreational opportunities. All five meals are included in the Women of Valor registration fee. Please follow the link on the website to reserve your hotel room accommodations with our group discount.
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The Creation Gospel
Trainer Retreat
July 6-8, 2022
If you are a current Creation Gospel trainer, a potential trainer, or you just want extra tutoring before deciding to take the plunge, this is CG immersion! For those who want to go through the material rather than test, sessions will be provided.
Join Dr. Hollisa Alewine and Kisha Gallagher in the majestic Smoky Mountains on July 6-8, 2022, for a retreat especially for Creation Gospel Trainers! Those who would rather cover the material without testing are welcome, too. In this relaxed atmosphere, you can take advantage of classes and informal interactions with trainers and other students.
Click Trainer to read more or register.
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Potential trainers will test with Dr. Alewine for certification, current trainers will be able to meet and learn from one another, and all will benefit from Dr. Alewine's sessions including:
- Teaching Basics for Trainers
- Chiastic Structure in the Rivers of Eden
- The Seven Assemblies in Light of Current Events
Certified trainers will offer classes for those just wanting to cover the material in CG Workbook One without testing.
We will be staying at the Luxury Lodge in Sherwood Forest Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. This is a new luxury cabin with beautiful, scenic views of the Smoky Mountains. On the lower level, there is an indoor pool with huge picture windows, framing the Smokies - a perfect place to decompress in your downtime. Or, relax in the steamy hot tub. In the morning, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the early mountain air on one of the many deck loungers. Couches abound on every level to sit and chat with fellow CG trainers.
For questions, email Kisha Gallagher at:
kisha@graceintorah.net
* Potential trainers: a testing day is still planned after Women of Valor on Sunday August 28th, 2022 at Lake Junaluska Conference Center.
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You can now register for
When Our Community Goes from ME to WE
FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS
700 Cool Springs Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067
It's a little later this year, but we're excited to see you all again at REVIVE!
There will also be a pre-REVIVE Leadership Training this year. Join Pastors Bill & Beth Cloud, Pastors Mark & Tammy McLendon and Dr. Hollisa Alewine for a 2 day seminar prior to REVIVE 2022 at the Marriott Cool Springs Hotel in Franklin, TN for the LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2022. These leaders bring to the table years of experience in a variety of areas as it pertains to the faith walk and serving others.
This seminar is designed to encourage and assist those who are either leading a congregation or who feel called to begin a local congregation. With the great need that there is for healthy communities to be established in order that we may gather together with like-kind and like-mind, it is our desire to help equip the body of Messiah with the tools they need to be a part of building up the body of Messiah.
We look forward to joining you for this time of learning about the joy of being a part of a community of believers.
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Your continual prayers for the children of LaMalah and our brothers and sisters in Kenya are so much appreciated. We wired tuition funds this week along with funds for the geological survey to see if the water table is suitable to drill a well with a solar pump. They are also finishing the front gate and some final work on the septic system. Brother Peter did not feel well this week, and he has been taking medication for fatigue. Please add him to your prayer list along with the children and workers at LaMalah. The photos are from the Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrations.
Shalom my Sister,
We are all doing well and pray you too.We pray for you all many times.
LaMalah is officially in Nakuru County now, out of Kiambu County. We appreciate your tireless efforts, and I thank Father for giving me the energy to keep moving even when things got tough.
The process of relocating involved so much.There is school transfers and when you get to a new school, each child have to pay a certain amount of money (The children in primary sch) .The ones in high school take the lion's share. We today have the two boys in boarding school, one girl and two boys in day high school, and the new one joining today. In all, relocating, the tranfers, and school fees has taken like U.S.$ 1450.
We had put up temporary outhouses.We were advised to building a big septic tank to serve the 3 houses for like 3 decades. It's nearing completion, but still require some amount .We need steel bars, a lorry load of ballast, and some cement.
We are grateful we are harvesting some tomatoes, kales and capsicum .But some issues keep cropping up. Will we be able to relocate the water tank?. As of now it's full of water because it's the rain season. Yet all the rain water from the 3 houses is going to water. Or do we require a 5000 liters tank for each house? Will we relocate the cows? Will they be affected by the weather change. Limuru is a tea zone, meaning it's relatively cold, while MaaiMahiu is relatively warm. In the interim, we are buying milk for the children.
Shalom.
Peter
If you feel led to help with the operating expenses of LaMalah or would like to fund two additional greenhouses ($5000 apiece), you can always use the donate button below or send a check by snail mail to:
The Creation Gospel
PO Box 846
East Bernstadt, KY 40729
Creation Gospel Workbook sales go to the ministry, so take a moment and shop our webpage or Amazon. You can also sign up on Amazon Smile by selecting "The Olive Branch Messianic Congregation, Inc.," as your designated charity, which is the umbrella organization for The Creation Gospel.
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You can listen to the live streams of our podcasts on Podbean by clicking on the link below. Soon we'll be adding Torah portions.
We are transferring most of our YouTube videos to Odysee, which will eliminate those pesty ads. All this takes time and money, so it won't happen tomorrow, but it is something to look forward to soon. You can see what has been posted so far on The Creation Gospel at Odysee. The videos will remain on YouTube as well.
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Thursdays: 9-10 am & 10-11 p.m.
Mondays: 4-5 am & 2-3 p.m.
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"A LIGHT TO MY PATH"
November 28 – December 8, 2022
Leader: Dr. Hollisa Alewine
Tour Coordinator: Kisha Gallagher
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“Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” will be our guide in this limited mobility tour of Israel. A journey through the Land of Israel does not have to be at a lightning pace. In fact, when Esau urged Jacob to travel home with him, Jacob objected: “I will proceed at my leisure, at the pace of the cattle that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children.” The Word will light our way and illuminate our path on this more leisurely tour. If you ever thought you couldn’t keep up with a tour group, this might be the trip for you.
We will look to the Word for the significance of the locations on our itinerary, and because we’ve included more museums on this tour, we’ll be able to see into the past of Israel by viewing its remarkable artifacts. We’ll also come away with a greater understanding of why Israel’s geography, weather, and agriculture are emphasized in the Scriptures.
While our transportation will not have wheelchair lifts, there will be room to store walkers or wheelchairs beneath the bus. If you need assistance for boarding and deboarding the bus or personal care, your assistant will need to register and travel with you. While we can limit the challenges in a nation built on rocks, we can’t eliminate them entirely!
Click here to view the itinerary and register.
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