There’s a rampant fear growing on the Internet and this time, the church is one of the biggest purveyors of it. Instead of appealing to the flesh, it appeals to our fears, creating a fear-based way of living that renders its victims impotent as God’s agents of change and messengers of hope in the world.
I do not wish to impugn the character of those offering survival foods and alternative medicines through their ministries. Having an emergency supply of food and alternative medical supplies at the ready is a reasonable practice. I do however wish to challenge their judgment.
Just this week, I heard one prominent purveyor declare that World War 3 is already under way. “They just haven’t declared it yet!” C’mon people! Wake up! When WWIII breaks out, you won’t need a TV preacher to tell you. Most likely he won’t be broadcasting for a while, if you get my meaning!
Let me back up a bit…
We are in another tetrad (series of 4 consecutive blood moons). It’s about the 8th one since the time of Christ on earth. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that a tetrad is a sign of anything. For a full treatment of this subject, please read my blog from May 2014, Four Blood Moons – What Nobody is Talking About.
What irks me the most about some of my esteemed brothers in Christ is their apparent disregard for accuracy. Anyone can make a mistake and I am certainly open to correction, but 7 of the 8 recorded tetrads in the last 2000 years either had no known historical event affecting the Jewish people, or as in the case of the Spanish expulsion (1492) and the formation of the Jewish state (1948), were tetrads that came 1 -2 years AFTER the event it was allegedly warning about!
But the insanity continues.
Some cite the Antonine plague that made its appearance in 166 AD about three years after the most recent tetrad in 162 – 163. However, besides being a three-year delay, it decimated the Roman Empire primarily. Supposedly the blood moons are to indicate a judgment on the Jewish folks, not the heathen.
The other blood moon occurrences have no meaningful connection to Jewish history, but yet some expositors site things like the Vatican being attacked in 842 – 843 AD. Again… the Vatican is not Jewish. Pick any year in the last 2000 years and you can find some piece of history that occurred in that year. Stuff happens every year folks!
Recently one nice gentleman pastoring a church posted a YouTube video explaining that the first Ebola patient to die in the US, first began exhibiting symptoms on Rosh Hashanah 2014. Never mind the fact that the outbreak occurred more than a year prior to that. Never mind the fact that he contracted the disease at least a week earlier.
His symptoms became apparent on Rosh Hashanah… The inference was that we could be overrun with Ebola because his symptoms appearing on September 25th were a dire warning. That same, now popular preacher turned blood moon author, showed on his chart an expected cumulative total of 1.4 million Ebola cases to happen by the 20th of this month. Admittedly, he was citing other sources, but it was still promoting a fearful expectation. I take him to be a sincere man of God but the effect is the same.
The next day to be very afraid is the solar eclipse on March 20th…???
Never mind the fact that solar eclipses occur on average 2.4 times per year. This one should make you very afraid. Why? Because another author rushed his book to the press and on TV and Internet said, “this” “could be” “really significant” because it happens during a tetrad. Ignoring the fact that solar eclipses ALWAYS occur during, before and after tetrads.
That brings me to the newest reason to be afraid out there. It’s called the shemitah or Sabbath year. As I watched one shemitah expert proclaim, “Every 7 years, there is an economic crash of sorts”. He cites 2001 and 2008 in particular but goes on to reference other dates like 1994 and 1987. Because 2001 and 2008 experienced significant downturns, I wanted to learn more. 1994 was minor and the crash of 1987 occurred October 19th, actually missing the shemitah year by a few weeks.
He showed a chart of the Dow Jones with markers every seven years. But he didn’t allow enough time to actually study the chart so I found one for the last 100 years and examined it closely myself. Guess what? If you were to short the market based on the seven year crash theory, every seven years since 1916 / 1917, you could have made money 7 times, and would have certainly lost money 7 times, and maybe broke even once. However, you would have also missed several other notable downturns that occurred in non-shemitah years. They just don’t happen every 7 years as implied.
We won’t even discuss the fact that the Hebrew year begins in the Spring, not the Fall as is crystal clear in Exodus 12:2. Don’t weary me with the lame notion that there are things like the school year and the fiscal year and your birth year, so therefore the real new year begins legitimately in the fall. Right. And Jesus was born on December 25th. Not!
So, will the market crash in 2015?
If it does, and it very well might, some purveyors of fear will say “I told you so”. If it doesn’t, they will say, “I only said it could happen.” May I suggest you build your life on something much more solid than fear? Let’s build our future on a premise of victory, despite the turmoil that will naturally unfold in the coming years.
Let me hit one more thing please… EARTHQUAKES!
This week, I saw what appeared to be a genuinely sincere (rather young) brother on Christian TV quoting the stats of earthquakes up dramatically since the ‘70’s. It was quite a startling statistic. Nearly 114,000 earthquakes in 2014 compared to a supposedly low number of just 2 – 4,000 per year in the ‘70’s. If you’re in to fear, you would have really liked it. It was this huge increase in earthquakes that he claimed was proof enough that the end was near.
Now hold on Nellie…
First of all, back in the sixties, Japan registered 600,000 earthquakes in an 18 month period. That was just Japan! Surges in earthquakes happen. Let’s look at smaller earthquakes, (6.9 or less) and then the stronger earthquakes (7.0 or larger). The number of smaller earthquakes being recorded annually appears to be significantly higher in recent years for two major reasons. The first is fracking. According to scientists, more than 2500 earthquakes have occurred due to fracking, over the last five years, in Oklahoma alone. But really, that’s insignificant. They were very small quakes.
The second one is the dramatic increase of earthquake measuring devices being installed around the world. Back in the ‘70’s, there were a fraction of measuring devices compared to today. Now we are measuring smaller and smaller quakes in more and more places.
But the big ones, don’t need a measuring device to gain attention. Based on observations since 1900, there have been an average of 16 major earthquakes per year (7.0 or larger) somewhere on the planet. In 2013, that grew to 19, but in 2014, it was only 12. That’s a one third DROP from the previous year and 25% below the average!
Jesus said, “For nations will rise against nations, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:7) Please note that Jesus DID NOT say there would be an increase in the number or the intensity of earthquakes as many prophetic teachers are heralding today. Those things are the beginning of sorrows (verse 8) and have been happening throughout the ages. In and of themselves, they are not indicative of the imminent return of Christ.
Look, stuff is going to hit the fan.
It always does. And yes, there are cycles of war, cycles of weather and economic cycles, etc. That is indisputable. Our job is not to peddle the fear, but rather be a voice of authority, speaking the truth and bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We need more sons of Issachar who understand the times and know what to do!
As the body of Christ, we look ridiculous to the world when we peddle our brand of fear, wrapped in “out of context” or “misquoted” Scriptures. Can we this year, in 2015, get on the ball, tune out the purveyors of fear and spend time really getting to know the Lord and making Him known. He is coming back. I don’t know when and it could be soon. All the more reason to truly know Him and make Him known.
If you know Him, you will do exploits and greater works than He did. All we seem to be able to do is magnify the devil’s exploits and message and then store up dried food. The world needs real answers. Real healing. Real hope. Real victory. Not fear. Let’s give it to them!
By the way, we are planning our trip to Israel to be there for Passover and the Resurrection celebration. Yes, it will be during the blood moon, and it will be incredible. We call it the Recover All 2015 Tour. It’s a customized travel schedule that visits the locations of some of the greatest comebacks and recoveries in Bible history. Want to know more? Drop us an email at judy@michaelpink.com.
Thanks for sharing this. I have to agree except for your comment “and this time, the church is one of the biggest purveyors of it.” Reminder: Swine flu; June 6, 1996; Y2K to name a few.
Thanks for posting Sandi… Didn’t mean to suggest this was the first time, only that it seems to me, the church is leading the charge on this one. I well remember Y2K and the church was quite involved in that, but so was the mass media. Whether they were leading the charge or not, I am not sure, but the they were certainly onboard with it. I’m glad you brought those issues up. Thanks!
Well said Michael! I love what you said about “knowing Him and making Him know”. Phil 3:10. Your passion to pursue Him is something every believer needs to bring transformation wherever they are! Thank you!
Thank you Robert. We need to keep Him front and center at all times!
I beleive that this is a quote from Kris Valotin-Bethel Church:
I will not embrace an end-time worldview that re-empowers a disempowered devil.
I will not accept an eschatology that takes away my children’s future, and creates mindsets that undermine the mentality of leaving a legacy.
I will not tolerate any theology that sabotages the clear command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations and the Lord’s Prayer that earth would be like heaven.
I will not allow any interpretation of the scriptures that destroys hope for the nations and undermines our command to restore ruined cities.
I will not embrace an eschatology that changes the nature of a good God.
I refuse to embrace any mindset that celebrates bad news as a sign of the times and a necessary requirement for the return of Jesus.
I am opposed to any doctrinal position that pushes the promises of God into a time zone that can’t be obtained in my generation and therefore takes away any responsibility I have to believe God for them in my lifetime.
I don’t believe that the last days are a time of judgment, nor do I believe God gave the church the right to call for wrath for sinful cities. There is a day of judgment in which GOD will judge man, not us.
Hi Mark;
I am not familiar with that quote, but I am encouraged by it. Thank you for posting!
Very good article. Something that caught my attention in 2014 was the fact that Fiskar celebrated 365 years of being a company. It so intrigued me. During the late 1990’s I began to do a study on the Great Depression. I was not interested in the damage done. I was interested in those companies and ministries that survived it…how they did, etc. What held my gaze about Fiskar was not necessarily the company…but the fact that it had survived 365 years. I know it is not an American company, but I am sure there were enough wars and rumors of wars and other chaotic stuff going on in their 365 years that could have taken them completely out of business. I am also sure that the company today does not look like the company that was started 365 years ago. The point is, they came through…and are still going forth. I am not personally nor ministerially looking for a quick or easy way out nor am I following the mark of the beast…I am following the Mark of Christ with the hope that others will follow that way as well. Jesus settled the issue of the beast in Matthew 4 while in the wilderness after the Father identified Him as a Son in Matthew 3.
Hi Joanne… Love the illustration you gave. Was not familiar with the Finnish company Fiskars that began in 1649. They would have been a fairly young company when the belief that 1666 would be the return of Christ. It was a very rampant belief, at least in England, and one that Sir Isaac Newton embraced for a while. Thanks for pointing out Matthew 3 & 4, as well!
God Bless You!
Michael
Wow! Well said Michael. I have been struggling with how I respond to all the purveyors of doom in the body and you have done so very well. Thank you for your boldness for our Lord and the truth.
Hi Alan; Thanks for the word of encouragement. I’ve been hesitant to speak out because I have no interest in being perceived as attacking fellow believers. Plus it takes a lot of research… (o-: Bless you brother!
A blessed and a happy new year to you and Judy and to all, Michael!
Just this morning the difference that made the sons of Issachar stood out from the lists of other men among the 12 tribes of Jacob came across my mind during my time with the LORD…it was knowing how to read the times and thus knowing what the nation of Israel should do…it does not come naturally and not an easy task! Now I read it again thru your blog…our LORD must be teaching something here really…and I am all ears to Him!
It could be that it is also like rightly dividing the word of God in the New Testament….a discerning ability to apply and tease out the true from the untrue, faith or hope in the LORD instead of fear, the courage to take redemptive action instead of inertia upon playing it safe, truthtelling instead of mere storytelling…for this reason, the LORD continues to raise up sons of Issachar so that the elect are rightly led. That in good or bad times, security in Christ is unshakeable! I could liken them also to Christian apologists…and I observe that you are being raised up to being one, Michael.
May He continue to reveal Himself to you as He leads you to discerning the truth for our times so that the household of faith and who are in the marketplace would keep on knowing what to do. Bless you, my brother!
In Him, BenjieC./Manila, Phils.
Hi Benji;
Thanks for your thought provoking and encouraging comments. I try to stay out of the fray, but it seems at times, that there is a need for a counter balancing viewpoint.
Bless you my brother, See you in class later this week!
Michael
What exciting times! The greater adversity the greater the victory. The greatest pangs come just before birthing.
As mentioned, there is probably no greater number of earthquakes (or anything) that there has been previously. Seemed increases occur due to technology (both determining technology and information distribution) and greater population numbers.
Yes, the financial markets have cycles (see Harry S. Dent) but they are more associated with things like generations and presidential cycles.
A greater concern is the seemingly increasing violence committed by those who stand against the Judeo-Christian ethic.
The church can choose to embrace fear or faith. Embracing faith will exhibit courage, strength and wisdom empowered by the Holy Spirit that will usher in a great move of God.
Eschatology matters not as much as enthusiasm (God within us). Do we dare have Godliness but deny its power? (2 Tim 3:5)
One must choose Faith. One must choose Power.
Peter Daniels says, “It is time for the church to get [up] off its blessed assurance!” It is time to make something happen. It is time to be used.
“God, send me,” means one is ready to go.
One should not say they are ready to go unless they are ready for miracles.
The greater the mess out there the more chance for someone to come in and clean it up. It is time Christians take the lead (overtly or covertly) and actually be leaders.
Hi Tim;
I love your comment… “Eschatology matters not as much as enthusiasm (God within us). Do we dare have Godliness but deny its power?” Thanks so much for weighing in on this my friend.
See you in class Thursday night! (o-;
Blessings,
Michael
Thanks Michael,
With this subject, and as with many others today, it’s often hard to get to the truth. I must confess I have occasionally passed along something I believed to be true, only to discover later it was a dupe.
So my number one prayer these days seems to be for wisdom. Although many times I’ve found that wisdom comes through hard work, personal research, and great articles like this one.
Thanks again.
Hi George;
I think many of us have passed on information we thought to be true but was not. Sometimes they are outright lies. Don’t know why people create misinformation on purpose, but many do it. Then, the unsuspecting, often pass it on. We need wisdom as you said, and discernment.
Blessings,
Michael
Great Article! As I stated when I posted the link, “People often wonder why I don’ chase Bible Prophecy teachers, this is why. We end up being too busy about “The End” and not busy about The Lord’s today business…”
But, here’s the thing, what if the end id not at all dependent upon a previously fixed date and time, what if the close of the church age is entirely dependent upon Father saying enough is enough.
In this regard, we had all the precursors ready to fall into place just prior to the Jesus Movement of the ’70s.
Did that revival buy us time? Would having a true revival now buy us time? I don’t know…
But… If we continue to be preoccupied with Prosperity and “The End” instead of Our Lord…
We don’t deserve to be a Nation among nations anymore.
Thanks for posting Michael… We need to return to the basics like, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and let Him add all those things we have need of. We need to be about His business, His priorities, etc.
Hi Micheal
This is a wonderful informative article supported by great research and facts. I have sent it to many of the church leaders I work with suggesting they file on their computers to help defeat all this madness with well reasoned debate.
Hi Bruce;
Thanks for the great feedback and for passing it on to other church leaders. Would love to hear back from any if they feel so inclined. Blessings on you my brother,
Michael
Thank you for posting this, Michael! I shared it to my network. I appreciate your respect for truth.
Thanks Andy!
Thank you so much for this truth….too long in the body of Christ we focus and proritize things that He doesn’t say we should make our focus. And we have missed teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom…colonizing earth so that he reflects heaven. ‘thy Kingdom come on earth’
Thanks for sharing Marcia. Bless you as you pursue Him this year.
Thank you for this article, Michael. We in the Christian community seem to be living more in fear than in faith. When we were coming up to January 1, 2000, so many Christians were worried about not having enough food, not having heat, not having water, etc. Very few Christians were standing on what the Bible says.
I have been listening to several people who are into Bible prophecy such as Jimmy DeYoung of http://www.prophecytoday.com and his program every week who do not believe all these people who are talking about the disasters that are suppose to come and put it in proper perspective.
Where is our faith and belief in the LORD who tells us that nothing will happen to us that hasn’t past through HIS hands? Are we Christians going to live in fear or in faith? I am choosing to live in faith and so does my wife Beverly.
For the last 7 years, our government has been pushing fear in order for us to fall into their trap of trying to replace our faith in the LORD to have faith in them. The main street news media has been doing that for the last 34 years since Ronald Reagan became president. This is all from the liar of liars, Satan.
The LORD told Joshua to stand strong and courageous. You, Michael, have challenged us to do the same thing in this post. Keep it up.
Thanks for the encouraging comment David. I appreciate you sharing your viewpoint. It helps stimulate conversation and thought in the community. Keep pursuing Him! (o-:
Ha ! Brilliant article Michael. I had such a heavy feeling after a New Years message from a pastor near us, helping the fear items along….
May we all embrace a year with a far closer walk with the Lord than ever before. Stick close to the true source of truth……
Looking forward to hearing your recorded message from tonight.
Be blessed.
Malinda
Thanks Malinda. Will be posting tonights lesson online shortly. Bless you guys!
Michael,
Thanks for giving us the level headed “rest of the story”. This was very helpful and gave me tools to respond to those people I meet who are in a state of fear because of those who promote fear.
I am reminded of 1 John 4:18 that “perfect love casts out fear”. When we become fearful we must remember that God is in control, does all things well and loves us so much that Jesus died for us. We may have difficult times but God wins in the end! Amen.
Dan
Amen Dan! Thanks for sharing!
So many things in the media, on Facebook, etc. today are just there to add drama to life. Real life has enough built in drama without being worried about trumped up things. Spreading fear is not a way to honor the Lord and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for the reminder!
Well said RaShell. Well said. God bless you and Jason this year!
Thanks Michael! You did your research and clearly and respectfully responded to fear with truth. Well done!
Hi MIchael, I appreciate your comments and your opinion regarding this topic. A couple of things to offer up. I as well have been to Israel and have some understanding of the Hebrew language.
The Jewish Civil New Year is in the Fall marked by Rosh Hashana, and the High Holy Day Feasts and the Jewish Relgious New Year is in the Spring with Passover, hence 2 ways the Jews mark time. They also mark time as I am sure you know by the lunar calendar where The West marks time on the solar calendar. God’s calendar is the Hebraic calendar.
The Hebrew roots in Genesis when the Lord says I will give you signs and seasons in the heavens, seasons is translated as signals, the sun, moon and the stars.
There is no where that I have found that a tetrad is listed in the Bible but Blood Moons on Jewish Holy Days be it civil or religious coupled with solar eclipses on Jewish Holy Days are worth noting from a historical perspective. That is the difference regarding the celestial events, do they fall on Holy Days on the Jewish calendar?
I find a study of Jewish history and the Hebraic roots of our faith to offer deep revelation, and not from a fear perspective, but from a potential foreknowledge perspective. The Greek mindset has a hard time reconciling with an Eastern mindset. And since the Bible is an Eastern book, we in the West may miss some revelation without having the scriptures opened up. I wouldnt assume that people who are taking interest are coming at it fearfully at all, I find it fascinating and potentially enlightening. Only time will tell. But Our Creator has sought over the ages to provide insights and wisdom for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. That is Truth.
Michael, thank you for being a proclaimer of peace, truth and wisdom today.
You are blessed because you have not joined the chorus of fear that is prevalent from the political to the
religious spirit of claiming that the sky is falling. I agree with a statement a Prophet and friend of mine
Russ Walden states “the sky is not falling, the Kingdom is Coming”.
Bless You!