Headline News
IT BEGINS: Israeli Army Deploys 3 Additional Brigades Of Soldiers As Hundreds Of Thousands Of Palestinian Rioters Begin Assembling At Border
The Israeli army is deploying three additional brigades to Gaza and the West Bank at the start of what Israeli security officials believe could be an extremely violent week of Palestinian protests coinciding with the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, the military said Saturday.
The Israeli army is deploying three additional brigades to Gaza and the West Bank at the start of what Israeli security officials believe could be an extremely violent week of Palestinian protests coinciding with the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, the military said Saturday.
“In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.” Zechariah 12:8 (KJV)
EDITOR’S NOTE: You better buckle up, people, things are about to get crazy. Why? Starting on Sunday and going into Tuesday, the following events will all take place one after the other in Israel. Sunday May 13th is Jerusalem Day, the day where Israel celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem and the victory that God gave the Jews in the 6 Day War in 1967. The next day, Monday May 14th is the day when the United States will officially open the US Embassy in the heart of Jerusalem. Tuesday May 15th is the Palestinian Nakba Day, where the mourn the loss of Jerusalem (as if they had any claim to it in the first place), and it is also the start of Ramadan. For the past 6 weeks thousands upon thousands of Palestinians have been rioting at the Gaza border, setting fire to ten thousand tires, and causing unprecedented amounts of environmental damage. In addition to that, 48 Palestinians have already been killed in the violence, with over 5,000 more wounded. Hamas is calling for an all out assault on the Gaza Strip, and Israel believes they will attempt it. And oh, don’t forget about Iran who fired 20 missiles at Israel last weekend. The IDF is preparing for another larger attack from them as well. When does it start? It’s already begun. Since Israel is 7 hours ahead of the United States that would make it now Sunday May 13th in Israel. What comes next may just be the greatest amount of riots and violence that Israel has ever seen, and that’s saying something.
An army spokesperson told reporters that two of the reinforcement brigades would be sent to the Gaza Strip, while the third would be positioned in the West Bank. The leaders of the Hamas terrorist group, which controls Gaza and seeks to destroy Israel, are encouraging hundreds of thousands of Gazans to try to breach the border with Israel en masse.
“We will place a million martyrs on this land until, God willing, we liberate it,” Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of Hamas, vowed this weekend. “We don’t care about [US President] Donald Trump’s moves or the indifference of the Arab world.” Hamas’s Gaza chief Yihya Sinwar said last week he hoped to see hundreds of thousands of Gazans breach the fence.
Israeli military officials said Saturday night that they were bracing for mass marches on the fence, the flying of dozens of “attack kites” carrying petrol bombs into Israel, efforts to plant explosives at the fence, and shooting attacks on Israeli troops deployed at the border. Firebomb-bearing kites sent over the Gaza border on Saturday sparked two brush fires in southern Israel, the latest in a slew of incidents in which airborne combustibles launched from the Palestinian enclave managed to set Israeli fields ablaze.
On Friday, Palestinian rioters set fire to gas pipes serving Gaza as well as electricity infrastructure and a conveyor belt used to transfer goods into the Strip. The IDF said dozens of protesters sabotaged infrastructure on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom goods crossing, causing tens of millions of shekels of damage.
The IDF is also bracing for violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. There were two car-ramming attacks in the West Bank on Friday, with a soldier lightly injured in one of them, at a checkpoint near Nablus.
Security in Jerusalem has also been bolstered ahead of the politically tense week that will see the US move its embassy to the capital, Israel celebrate 51 years of the city’s reunification and the culmination of over six weeks of protests along the Gaza border, when Palestinians mourn the “catastrophe” of the creation of the Jewish state.
“Moving the embassy is a matter of both national and international importance, and police have been preparing accordingly in recent months,” a police official told the Ynet news site.
The official said thousands of uniformed police and Border Police officers will be deployed throughout Jerusalem starting Sunday. He said the officers will secure the perimeter of the US embassy during the Monday opening, assist in securing the visiting American officials and help direct traffic.
Part of the preparations for the embassy ceremony have included carrying out “overt and covert operations against anyone who intended to disrupt or damage the ceremony,” he said.
Concurrently, Jewish and Israeli institutions abroad are also ramping up security out of fears that Iran will launch an attack after the IDF earlier this week struck dozens of its military sites in Syria in response to a barrage of Iranian rockets launched at Israel.
According to Ynet, synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers have employed additional security measures, and Israeli diplomats have also been ordered to take caution. In a number of particularly sensitive countries where Israel has a diplomatic presence, the Foreign Ministry has requested additional security from the local government.
The report said that some officials fear that since Iran failed to launch a single rocket into Israeli territory in its attack early Thursday morning, Tehran may employ one of its proxy groups in Africa or Asia to attack Israelis or Jews in retaliation.
On Sunday, thousands of Israelis are expected to take part in the annual Jerusalem Day parade celebrating 51 years since the reunification of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War.
The march — in which primarily religious teenagers march through the Old City decked in white and blue, the colors of the Israeli flag — has raised tensions over its route through the Old City’s Muslim Quarter. In previous years, the march has sparked sporadic incidents of violence between Israeli revelers and local Palestinian residents.
Amid fears that the nationalist demonstration could inflame tensions with local Arab residents, the police official stressed to Ynet that officers would show “zero tolerance for verbal abuse or physical violence” during the event.
He urged revelers to be mindful of the political sensitivities of the march, and to “maintain law and order.”
Israel is also girding for possible violence during Nakba Day protests on Tuesday, a national day of Palestinian mourning marking the “catastrophe” of Israel’s founding, commemorated every year on May 15.
In his first major briefing to international media since becoming head of the Gaza terror group in 2017, Sinwar implied he would like to see thousands of Palestinians crossing into Israel as part of the culmination of more than a month of protests.
Sinwar said the mass protest would be “decisive,” and vowed that he and other top officials were “ready to die” in a campaign to end Israel’s decade-old blockade of the territory.
In recent Fridays, Palestinian protesters have burned tires along the fence, hurled stones at Israeli troops, and flown incendiary kites over dry fields on the Israeli side of the border. Some of the protesters, mainly youths, brandished wire cutters, a popular tool in weekly attempts to cut through the border fence.
According to the Hamas health ministry, 48 Palestinians have been killed since protests and clashes began along the Gaza border on March 30 and hundreds of others have been wounded from gunfire. Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, damage to the fence, and attacks.
Israel has repeatedly expressed concern over the possibility of a mass breach of the Gaza fence, in which Palestinians would stream across with terrorists among them, wreaking havoc. Sinwar has vowed in the past that protesters would “breach the borders and pray at Al-Aqsa,” referring to the major Muslim shrine in Jerusalem. source
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“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJV)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
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Headline News
NTEB RADIO BIBLE STUDY: The Kingdom Of Heaven And The Kingdom Of God Are Not The Same
The Kingdom Of Heaven Points To The Millennial Reign Of Jesus Christ While The Kingdom Of God Shows The Spiritual Rule Of God Over The Redeemed
The differences between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God is not some dry theological hair-splitting, it is one of the keys that unlocks the prophetic program of Israel and the mystery program of the Church. The kingdom of heaven points to that literal, visible, earthly reign promised to Israel, when the Lord Jesus Christ will sit upon the throne of David and rule the nations from Jerusalem. That is why the Millennial Temple of Ezekiel 40–48 belongs on the left side of the image at the top of this article: it is architectural, national, earthly, Jewish, prophetic, and future. It is Heaven’s government come down to the earth, with Israel restored, the King enthroned, and the nations brought under His righteous rule.
“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Matthew 21:43 (KJB)
On this episode of Rightly Dividing, the kingdom of God, on the other hand, reaches beyond land, throne, temple, and nation, and speaks to the spiritual rule of God entered by the new birth and ultimately inherited in resurrection glory. That is why the Pretribulation Rapture of the Church belongs on the right side of the image, with a dividing line between the two of them. The Body of Christ is not waiting for Israel’s temple to be rebuilt in order to receive its hope, but for the Lord Himself to descend from Heaven and call us up. The kingdom of heaven is connected with Israel’s earthly promises; the kingdom of God includes the believer’s spiritual standing, righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost, and the coming glorification of the redeemed. Related, yes, Jesus is King over both kingdoms, but they are not identical. Rightly dividing these two kingdoms keeps Israel in her lane, the Church in hers, and the word of truth exactly where God put it. Rightly dividing is the key to understanding the scriptures.
Study Helps And Links For Tonight’s Bible Study
- After The Gideons Said No, Pastor Dancan Of Glory Fellowship Church And Orphanage In Kisii Kenya Has Reached Out And Asked Us To Supply Them With Bibles
- The Incredible Events Of The Last Supper In The Upper Room Illustrates Perfectly The Revealing Of The Man Of Sin At The Pretribulation Rapture Of The Church
- The Kingdom Of Heaven And The Kingdom Of God Compared, Contrasted And Rightly Divided
- Today Was Another Bible Distribution Day At The Glory Fellowship Church In Kenya Where Operation Africa! Delivered Hundreds Of Bibles In Ekegusii And English
• The BIBLE BELIEVERS Sunday Service
Every Sunday morning, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST, we invite you to join us live and in-person at the Bible Believers Church here inside the NTEB Bookstore in Palatka where we lift up the Lord Jesus Christ in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and preach a message from the pages of the King James Authorized Version Holy Bible.
OUR MOST RECENT SUNDAY SERVICE VIDEO: Chief Of Sinners
• The RIGHTLY DIVIDING Radio Bible Study
Every Sunday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST, we offer an in-depth rightly dividing and dispensationally correct rocket ride through the preserved word of God as found within the pages of the King James Holy Bible.
- SUNDAY NIGHT: Our original Sunday Night Radio Bible Study, it’s from 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST, and we have praise, singing, testimony and of 90-minute King James Bible study. All our King James bible study programs are archived here.
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Every Monday and Friday afternoons from Noon to 1:30 PM EST, we examine breaking news and current events in light of bible prophecy.
- MONDAY AT NOON: Every Monday at Noon we review all the latest news and events related to bible prophecy, and examine what is happening in light of what is written. If you miss the live show, all of our Prophecy News Podcast programs are archived here.
- WEDNESDAY: Every Wednesday we do our Midweek Update, to keep you informed of breaking news. Unlike the other two podcasts, this is a pre-recorded program.
- FRIDAY AT NOON: Friday at Noon we review all the latest news and events related to bible prophecy, and examine what is happening in light of what is written. If you miss the live show, all of our Prophecy News Podcast programs are archived here.
Your Generous Donations Make These Live King James Radio Bible Studies Possible!
On our Sunday and Wednesday night radio bible study, we are preaching and teaching the gospel of the grace of God, rightly divided and dispensationally correct, to a truly global audience who is hungry for the word. These programs would not be possible without your generous support. Listen to just a few of the recent comments we have gotten:
- I thanked God for sending to your website in 2015 , I live in the South of France near Nice and let me tell you here there isn’t any Bible Believing church at all, the sad reality of France is that is full of freemasons and Muslims. You came to me at the time I was going to take my own life because of my job. You’re anointed person and I pray for you, family and ministry because you’re a blessing to all of us. May God bless you always. I know I’ll meet you in heaven one day. Lots of Love from your sister in Christ, Paula.
- “Hi Geoffrey and staff, Today is my one year anniversary that I got saved on your podcast! I am now a KJB only, I threw away my other two versions I had. I was shocked to learn of the differences and how the new versions twist the words of God, and dilute the message at best. Thank you for the fabulous bible education and fire for the Lord. I donate on your website throughout the year. Thanks for all that you do.” Donna
- “I have been reading on NTEB for about 5 years and listening as I can to your services. If I could list the encouragement, the doctrines, the awareness of what is coming (our blessed hope) but also the last days culture in which I live that you have taught me, this email wouldn’t fit in this letter. Because of you, I am a stronger more equipped soldier for Jesus Christ. Thank you sir for you, your ministry in my life. Faithful to the end because He lives in me.” Ruthie Dennis
- “My name is Carl N from Mumbai, India. My wife Andrea and I have been ardent listeners of your Bible Study and news update podcasts from the very start of the lockdown last year. In fact we make it a point to share these links with our family and friends… many times getting into trouble, as the truth upsets people. We cannot even begin to tell you how this has changed our lives and walk with the Lord. Thank you so much for what you’ve been doing for the Kingdom!! We’ve even switched Bible translations to the KJV. For the last month or so, you’ve been speaking about making end times Bible study materials available. This got us really excited, as we’re eager to use these for our weekly house church group.” Carl N – Mumbai, India
- “I listen to your podcasts often. Very enlightening and I’ve learned a lot. I’m Catholic and followed the Holy Bible throughout my life however, since listening to your podcasts, I’ve learned much more. I recently sent NTEB a small donation. I’d like to do so again in the future. I’ve also signed up for NTEB chatroom. Anyways, I have a downloaded version of KJB on my computer and I follow your Bible Study with my pdf version KJB. You have offered to send out printed version of KJB if requested. If not too much trouble, when you or your staff get the opportunity please send me a copy.” Kevin W – Frankfurt, Germany
- Just wanted to let you know that your ministry is producing fruit. After listening to the studies and church on NTEB, I was motivated to write witness letters along with NTEB gospel tracks to friends from my hometown who I know are not saved. I sent two of the letters to former Catholic priests of mine….I attached the response from him urging me to read the book “Prove It!.” My wife and I have been placing your gospel tracks in different places we visit. This coming Sunday, I am hosting my first Bible study in my house with some people in our neighborhood. Tomorrow evening I have been given a chance to teach the lesson to our youth church group (our church is very Laodicean), and I am going to talk to the youth on end times. Thank you so much for your ministry and encouraging us to get something done for Jesus while we still can! Thomas B
- “The sole purpose of this email to you is to let you know how much we have been blessed by your amazing ministry/website. ‘We’ is my wife and I, in our early forties, 3 kids, professing, churchgoing, bible believing Christians in The Netherlands. Since two months, I listen to your bible studies on Sunday evening, and since this week also to your prophecy podcast. I listen to them in the archives, because of the 6 hour time difference. The shofar and the blessing at 0:30 into the study never fails to make tears in my eyes. We are praying for you, we are praying for your voice, that it lasts in these incredible busy times for you. Listening to your podcasts, you seem to do it effortlessly, talking, scanning the chatbox for questions, diving into the texts, from Genesis to Revelation and everything in between, I love it when you realize after 1:30h into the study, actually a lot more subjects need to be addressed! Thank you for all your work and effort, you are doing an amazing job. Although it all seems effortlessly, I know it is not…Our faith is strengthened by your work and we are able to testify in a better way to the people around us!” Wouter D. van der Wiel – Netherlands
- “Wanted to send you encouragement and thank you for all you are doing!! I’ve been reading from this website for about 5 years and I’ve been on this at least 10 times a day. It’s the most honest prophecy website in history. And you have ministered to me greatly. This lockdown has been amazing as God gets us unto himself and smooths out the paths for us. I was reading devotional from Kenneth Copeland and during that time you had really hit That ministries hard. I was not Word Faith but I was feeding off his teaching. During this time I have removed Kenneth Copeland I wanted to thank you for your exposure of his ministry. Holy Spirit is truly the leader of all truths. The bible study on Bill Gates was tremendous. And I had the same check in my spirit as you did. He’s the guy that gonna lead this one world revolution Amazing times we live in. I’m super excited and living in total victory and peace. Once again thank you for the time you put in your reward in heaven will truly be great. Looking forward to this coming week. My prayer tonight is this …Father send Your Son!! DG
- “Thank you oh so much for sound teaching. I am so thankful and blessed for clicking on your channel. I have been on your Facebook page since 2011 and never subscribed to you-tube channel until today. I loved the live recording of singing, what a delight to hear the joy of the Lord in the voices of the congregation. So wonderful to hear the part about Luke 12:36, that has made my eyebrows furrow when I read and therefore I have always steadfast to not leaning on my own understanding. May God continue to bless you, your family friends and loved ones. All Glory be to Jesus, my Saviour Redeemer and King, Amen.” Susan Anderson
- “Loved this teaching! Presented in a clear contextual manner that was easy to follow along. You connected the dots for me that had previously brought so much confusion, namely the 4th seal covenant, the 5th seal tribulation saints, and the 6th seal 2nd Coming of Christ AFTER the wedding of the Body/Bride of Christ IN HEAVEN. Wow, after 41 years since my being born again by the Holy Spirit in to the Body of Christ, I finally have the answers to end the confusion. What joy and peace has flooded my heart! Thank you for this encouraging teaching of the Word.” SB
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Nothing thrills my soul like teaching the word of God, it is what the Lord called me to do 29 years ago, and Now The End Begins is the vehicle in which I am able to do it. How exciting it is to be able to teach the Bible to tens of thousands of people per year. Like I told you with the first post of 2020, I have dedicated myself now full-time to NTEB, and it is only through your generous support that such a thing is possible.
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Listen to what our donation angels have to say about the ministry of Now The End Begins
- “You are truly an end time ministry and I appreciate how our Precious Lord is using you to educate his very own flock. There is a lot of confusion , but your ministry is putting scripture in the right prospective. Thank-you so so much Geoffrey S Grider for standing firm and putting in a lot of hours of your time. God Bless You , also your Ministry and your family. IN JESUS MIGHT NAME.” T. Muto
- “Jesus. I am now 64 years old and never in all the years I’ve been a Christian was I able to grow in the Lord as much as I have in the last past year. All because of our blessed brother’s work Geoffrey Grider who as the bravery of standing fast forward without fear of claiming the truth of God by the power of his love in Jesus Christ. May God bless you abundantly to the end my dear brother… ROMANS: 8: 36,37,38” Mireille Anderson
- “I met you at the car dealership earlier this year. We spoke briefly, then you handed me a card and told me to check out the website. You left. A few minutes later, you returned to tell me not to forget to look up the website. I told you…” I already did. I already subscribed.” In that short time we spoke, I experienced from you…a total stranger…peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, compassion, and love. I am convinced that God sent you to share the Good News that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. For that, and for the work you are doing for the Kingdom of God, I say…Thank you and God Bless You.” Sonia Merced
- “I really enjoy the emails and Bible studies! I haven’t found a church and enjoy your services very much! Be blessed brother!” Marcia Mann
- “You and your organization are on the front lines in the Battle For Truth…. current events, end times, and trying to awaken a sleeping laodicean Church. Thank you brother for fighting for us and all your teaching and insight God bless…” Daniel Cartrette
- “I’m a KJB believer. We’re so close to being “caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I have many lost family who don’t want the truth, including my husband & son. I’ve been banned from seeing my grandsons since I comforted the 4 1/2 year old with sharing Jesus loving the little children & telling him about the one who created him last he stayed overnight March 3rd. He was so excited to hear about Jesus! His dad (my son) was angry that I told him & wants me to apologize. I never will do so. If my own family won’t hear, I know there’s others searching for the truth. My heart grieves for all the lost who will spend eternity in hell if they reject the Lord Jesus Christ, the expectant hope of the world. He is not willing that any should perish. God bless your ministry, Geoffrey! (I continue to pass out your tracts & you’re on my prayer list!)” LouAnn Benham
- “Love the Sunday night bible study. I want to support someone who has the passion for the lost like Geoffrey does and rightly divides the word of God. God bless you.” Teresa Carey
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STREET-TESTED NTEB GOSPEL TRACTS:
This is the official gospel tract of NTEB, used here on the streets of Saint Augustine and sent around the world as they are purchased through our website. We ask you to prayerfully consider supporting the work of Now The End Begins by purchasing a box of these full-color, high-quality gospel tracts. Thank you in advance!
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
Headline News
THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Chief Of Sinners
Paul Never Forgot That He Had Persecuted The Church, But He Refused To Let His Past Become Greater Than The Grace Of God
Paul’s testimony is one of the greatest encouragements in the entire word of God, because Paul is not presented to us as a man who had no past. He is presented as a man with a terrible past, a religious past, a violent past, a Christ-rejecting past — and yet a man who found mercy in Jesus Christ. That is what makes Paul’s testimony so powerful. He was not merely a sinner who lived carelessly in the world. He was a sinner who sinned while thinking he was serving God. He was religious, zealous, educated, separated, serious, and completely wrong. Saul of Tarsus had Bible, religion, tradition, authority, and zeal — but he did not have Jesus Christ.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJB)
Paul never forgot what he was when Jesus Christ found him. He was not looking for the Lord. He was not seeking truth. He was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord. When Paul says he was “the least of the apostles,” he is not denying his apostleship. He is remembering the mercy that made him an apostle. He knew he was called by the risen Christ, but he also knew he had once persecuted the church of God. This is why he calls himself the “least of all saints”, and the “chief of sinners”. Paul’s authority was real. His calling was real. His office was real. But none of it produced pride in him, because grace always points back to the One who gave it. If God can do all that that through Paul, he can do it through you, too. If you are discouraged today, this message will give you a real hope that God can give you a better future.
SUNDAY SERVICE STUDY NOTES: Chief Of Sinners
Chief Of Sinners
“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 1 Corinthians 15:9 (KJB)
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” Ephesians 3:8 (KJB)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJB)
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13,14 (KJB)
I. Paul Remembered What He Had Been
Paul never tried to rewrite his testimony. He had been a persecutor, a blasphemer, and injurious. He had dragged believers out, consented to the death of Stephen, and fought against the very Lord who would later save him.
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:13 (KJB)
Paul did not hide his past, but neither did he let his past define his future. He remembered it only as a monument to the mercy of God.
Application
Some sinners think they are too far gone. Some Christians think they have ruined everything beyond repair. Some carry memories that still accuse them when they lay their head on the pillow at night. But Paul’s life says otherwise.
If God could save Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of Christians, He can save anyone. If God could put Paul into the ministry after what Paul had done, then no sinner should ever say, “There is no hope for me.”
Closing Challenge
Do not let the devil preach your past louder than Christ preaches His blood.
II. Paul Humbled Himself Under Grace
Paul’s spiritual progression was downward in self and upward in Christ.
He said:
- “I am the least of the apostles.”
- “I am less than the least of all saints.”
- “I am chief of sinners.”
That was not despair. That was humility born from grace. Paul knew exactly what he had been, but he also knew exactly what Christ had done.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly then they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJB)
Application
Grace does not make a man proud. Grace makes a man useful.
Paul did not say, “Because I sinned so badly, I cannot serve God.” He said, in effect, “Because God had mercy on me, I will spend my life preaching the One who saved me.”
The same grace that saves the sinner also strengthens the servant.
Closing Challenge
Your past may explain where grace found you, but it does not have the authority to cancel what God has called you to do now.
III. Paul Refused To Be Chained To What Was Behind Him
This is the missing piece:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13,14 (KJB)
Paul had much to forget.
- He had the memory of persecuting the church.
- He had the memory of opposing Christ.
- He had the memory of wasted years in religion.
- He had the memory of blood, rage, blindness, and pride.
But Paul did not live looking backward. He looked forward. He reached forward. He pressed forward. This does not mean Paul denied what he had done. It means he refused to let what he had done become greater in his mind than what Christ had done for him.
Application
There are sinners who need to hear this plainly: you cannot undo yesterday, but Jesus Christ can save you today.
There are Christians who need to hear this just as plainly: you cannot serve God while dragging the chains of forgiven sin behind you as though the blood of Christ was not enough.
Paul did not forget his past by pretending it never happened. He forgot it by refusing to let it control the race set before him.
Closing Challenge
Are you reaching forth unto those things which are before, or are you still reaching backward into the graveyard of sins Christ already judged at Calvary?
IV. Paul’s Past Became A Testimony, Not A Tomb
Paul’s sin was great, but God’s grace was greater. Why did Jesus chose Saul to be the leader of the Church? Because He wanted to give us a living example of the power of the grace of God. He took the worst person He could find, a man whose whole live was devoted to killing the followers of Jesus Christ, and saved him and showed him grace.
“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.” Acts 22:3-5 (KJB)
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:14 (KJB)
That phrase “exceeding abundant” is the answer to every sinner who thinks he has sinned too much, fallen too far, or waited too long. Paul was not merely forgiven quietly in a corner. God made him a public display of long-suffering mercy.
“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (KJB)
Paul became a pattern. His life says: “Look what Christ can do with the chief of sinners.”
Application
That is the encouragement for sinners.
- The drunkard can be saved.
- The blasphemer can be saved.
- The religious hypocrite can be saved.
- The immoral sinner can be saved.
- The bitter rebel can be saved.
- The backslider can be restored.
- The ashamed believer can get back up and press toward the mark.
Paul’s past did not become his excuse. It became his pulpit.
Closing Challenge
Will you let your past be the place where the devil buries you, or the place where God displays His mercy?
V. Paul Pressed Toward The Mark
Paul did not merely stop looking back. He started pressing forward. Ceasing to do a negative resets you back to zero, and that’s good but not good enough. Once you are able to stop living in the negative, there must be a pressing forward into the positive!
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 (KJB)
That word “press” matters. Paul’s life was not passive. He ran. He reached. He laboured. He endured. He followed Christ with urgency. Grace did not make Paul careless. Grace made Paul determined.
Application
The answer to a sinful past is not self-pity. It is not denial. It is not pretending sin was harmless. It is bringing it under the blood of Jesus Christ and then getting up to follow the Lord.
The sinner needs salvation.
The saved man needs cleansing.
The discouraged servant needs to press on.
The ashamed believer needs to stop staring at the ashes and start looking at Christ.
Closing Challenge
You cannot run today’s race while living in yesterday’s failure.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1,2 (KJB)
Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
Headline News
Today Was Another Bible Distribution Day At The Glory Fellowship Church In Kenya Where Operation Africa! Delivered Hundreds Of Bibles In Ekegusii And English
Today Was Another Bible Distribution Day At Glory Fellowship Church In Kisii, Kenya, Where NTEB Delivered Hundreds Of Children’s, Ekegusii And King James Bibles
About 8:30AM EST this morning, Lori and I got on WhatsApp with Pastor Dancan and we prayed over the joyous distribution of Bibles to the hundreds of people assembled at the Glory Fellowship Church. This video shows you what that looked like. Along with hundreds of bibles in the Ekegusii language, we also provided children’s bibles and King James Bibles. Many of the people in Kisii only speak Ekegusii, but many others are able to read English, so we are trying to provide Bibles that will give us the widest range of coverage. Your fervent prayers are making Operation Africa! possible, and you’re looking at what your donations are providing for “the least of these” here in the last days for God’s glory.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16 (KJB)
This is what missions looks like – Operation Africa! – in the closing moments of the Church Age. Not empty talk, not photo opportunities, not man-centered religion, but getting Bibles into the hands of people who need them, praying over the work, and watching the Lord give the increase. Please continue to pray for Pastor Dancan, Glory Fellowship Church, and the work that God is doing in Kisii, Kenya through all of us here at Operation Africa! The harvest field is wide open, the need is urgent, and the word of God remains quick, powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword. We still need to raise another $4,000 to complete our mission of providing Bibles for all 823 members of Glory Fellowship Church. If God has prospered you, please click on the donate button and help us to reach our goal!
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
If God has prospered you, please take a moment to click on the donate button to help us in this monumental task of providing King James Bibles, New Testaments, scripture portions, gospel tracts as well as Spanish Bibles to everyone who needs one. We need your prayers, we need your generous financial support, and we need you to stand with us in the closing days of the Church Age. Thank you so very much, TO THE FIGHT!!!
NOTE: If you need a 501 C3 Letter of Donation for tax purposes, please send your donation to:
NTEB Ministries
1340 N Great Neck Rd.
Ste. 1272-129
Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
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