The Children Of Abraham- Part Three

The Descendants Of Keturah

To understand Israel’s end time destiny and how the church is connected to that destiny, we must go back to the man in scripture that started it all – Abraham. There are three different generational lines that comprise Abraham’s descendants. Abraham had three wives – Hagar, Sarah and Keturah – and had children by each. Even though most Bible teaching on the line of Abraham centers mainly on Sarah, as it probably should, since ISAAC was the promised seed through which Messiah came and will ultimately rule the Earth from Jerusalem, we must also understand the roles and origins of Hagar and Keturah to show us the greater work of God’s dealings with the Middle East, specially that of the lineage of Ishmael,  With nearly 1.2 billion Muslims in the world today and Islam being the fastest growing threat to Christianity and Israel – it would serve us wisely to understand these peoples and see what impact their salvation will ultimately have on the Middle East.

By Chris McDonald

TEXT: Isaiah 19:22-25  - And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.  [23] In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. [24] In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: [25] Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
 

        There is prophetic destiny on the children of Abraham. As we’ve stated in the first two parts of this message series, Abraham had three wives- Hagar, Sarah and Keturah, who we want to take a in-depth look at here. There is a great dearth of teaching on the subject of Keturah since many people forget she was Abraham’s third wife, after the death of Sarah.

Satisfied With Life

        Abraham’s wife Sarah lived almost forty years after the birth of Isaac:

Genesis 23:1-2

    And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. [2] And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

        Abraham loved Sarah dearly and must have experienced much grief and pain at her loss. After finding an excellent wife for his son Isaac, Abraham took another wife, whose name was KETURAH. Genesis 25:2-4 gives us some insight as to Keturah’s origins and her children:

Genesis 25:2-4

    And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. [3] And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. [4] And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

       Keturah actually bore Abraham more children than did Sarah and Hagar combined. That is a very interesting point as it pertains to the prophetic destiny of Abraham’s kids. Before Abraham died he gave gifts to the sons of Keturah and set them far away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

Genesis 25:6

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

        One of the sons of Keturah was MIDIAN, the father of the MIDIANITES. Some of the descendants of Keturah went to what was called PERSIA, or modern day IRAN. As we write this in 2006, Iran is in the forefront of just about every news story right now seeking to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran is probably one of the most dangerous countries on planet Earth right now as it pertains to the safety of Israel and the United States. Israel has hinted that her military will deal with Iran soon if the Islamic nation does not cease from developing such an arsenal.

            Others of Keturah’s lineage, were apparently scattered into Assyria.

Genesis 25:7-8

    And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. [8] Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

            Abraham left a FULL lineage behind, satisfied with life. Abraham’s sons Isaac and Ishmael came together to bury their father in a cave. What a statement! They came together – they united – to remember their father and put him to rest.

Genesis 25:9

    And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

            I believe that is prophetic picture of things to come when Abraham’s children will once again “come together” in common purpose and seek reconciliation instead of seeking revenge and violence. It’s hard to say when this will occur. As we’ve stated numerous times in recent messages, the Bible does not paint a pretty picture of what is ahead for Planet Earth as we rush headlong to the rapture of the Church, the rise of Antichrist and the Great Tribulation.

            Christianity and Islam are headed for a violent confrontation. Persecution is already shedding the blood of MILLIONS of Christians across the globe. The brunt of this persecution stems from Islam’s hatred of Christians and Jews. The goal of this demonic religion is to eradicate the “infidels” off the earth and cause those left to “submit” to the rule of Islam. That is what Islam actually means, “submission.” The interesting thing about this conflict however is that it involves family ties! Ishmael’s lineage and Isaac’s lineage are both tied to Abraham. Keturah’s children, the Midianites are ALSO tied to both as well.

            The Lord may very well bring the children together soon, but it is the opinion of this writer it will be later, quite possibly after the Great Tribulation period. Those things are in the hands of God, but we need to be praying towards this type reconciliation!

Keturah’s Descendants will Praise the Lord

            Isaiah prophesied about the descendants of Keturah, saying:

Isaiah 60:6

    The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord.

     The “thee” in this passage is Israel, and the young camels of Midian and Ephah are symbolic of the lineage of Abraham through Keturah! Midian was Keturah’s son and Ephah were her grandson! Or course that would make the two Abraham’s grandson and great-grandson respectively.  Another grandson, Sheba, is also mentioned that he will “bring gold and incense.”

            Gold and “incense” actually are the same things the wise men brought to Christ after His birth:

Matthew 2:1-12

    Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. [3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. [5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, [6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. [7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. [9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. [12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

            There is no where in Scripture it states the Wise Men were descendants of Keturah but they did come “from the east,” where the descendants of Keturah had settled and they certainly fit the description of Isaiah’s prophecy. Whether this was fulfilled at the birth of Messiah or is a prophecy yet to come matters little as it pertains to the prophetic destiny of Keturah’s lineage. These people will one day rise up as people of wealth and will end up worshipping the one, true God! They will “bring forth praise to the Lord!”

The Prophetic Line That Connects All Three Lineages

Isaiah 19:20

    And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a savior, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

Isaiah 19:23-25

    In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. [24] In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: [25] Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

            This prophecy is one of the most amazing I think in all of scripture considering the times we live in. Thought yet unfulfilled, it shows the three descendants of Sarah, Hagar and Keturah coming together in unity and worship! Remember as you read the prophecy remember Hagar was an Egyptian and that she returned to Egypt to find a wife for Ishmael, her half-Hebrew and half-Egyptian son. The descendants of Keturah settled in Assyria and beyond which includes the regions of modern day Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Syria, northern Jordan and parts of western Afghanistan. Of course Sarah’s descendants lived in Canaan or the place we now know as the land of Israel.

            To help keep it in your mind:

Hagar – Egypt

Sarah – Israel

Keturah – Assyria

(Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Jordan)

God is going to humble EGYPT eventually, and Egypt is going to lift a cry for help. The Arabs are going to cry out due to the severity of their oppressors, and the Lord will manifest Himself as Savior and Champion. After much pressure, and probably an all-out-war in the Middle East, God will make Himself known to the Arab peoples and they will turn to Him. Isaiah described the length to which they will eventually go.

Isaiah 19:21

    And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it.

      This not only means they will have a “GOD” encounter, but that they will become true disciples and will walk in obedience.

      This move of God will also impact Assyria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and other Middle Eastern territories. Keturah’s children were scatterd throughout the vast lands of Assyria! They still have an identity today, but it is obscured because Abraham sent them eastward into Trans Jordan and beyond!

Genesis 25:6

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

                  Imagine, the very area of Asia Minor, where the early CHURCH of Jesus Christ once flourished, will rise again out of the ashes into genuine, vibrant worship. Lands that appear to be held captive to the devil through Islam will be delivered, cleansed and set free from their impurity. After thousands of years of broken promises, hatred and enmity between Arabs and Jews, this will truly be a glorious day! A day in history when the curse is reversed and the blessing of the Lord emerges. Praise God!

      The Middle East may be a complex knot, but the HOLY GHOST loves brooding over “complex” knots and areas of darkness! He is an expert at bringing order of our chaos. The first time we see Him working in Scripture, He is doing just that.

Genesis 1:1-3

    In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [2] And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

    [3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

            The Holy Ghost is a PRO at creating change and making all things new. When we align our prayers and intercession with the heart of God, neighbor, the Holy Ghost goes to work! Yes, the Lord’s plans will not be altered by our prayers, but His will can be. I want to say that again. There is a difference between the WILL of God and the PLAN of God. God’s will very seldom gets done on Planet Earth and in our persona lives because of a variety of factors. But HIS PLAN is another story. Any movement or person trying to stand in the way of the PLAN of God, especially for the people of Israel, are in for destruction – be them Arab or Gentile!

The best illustration of this is the advent of Christ. In the fullness of time, God sent Jesus Christ to the Earth to become the Son of God and redeem fallen humanity from its sins. Nothing could stop that. In a short time, the man of sin is coming to Planet Earth and plunge the world into Great Tribulation. Nothing can stop that. No matter how much we pray or weep about that – it is in God’s plan! But what we CAN pray is for the salvation of souls in the Middle East as we embrace the prophetic destiny of the children of Abraham – from Keturah, Sarah and Hagar! Praise God, Praise God.

            The PLAN of God for the children of Abraham, according to Isaiah, is the formation of a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and people will go freely back and forth – probably RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF ISRAEL – worshipping God together! Oh, Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. Glory to God. I feel that neighbor. I feel the unction and power of the Holy Ghost on me as I write these words today. That is the plan of God and no amount of Islamic terrorism will be able to stop it. It’s coming and we need to be praying towards it!

All of Abraham’s Seed Will Be Blessed

Isaiah 19:24-25

    In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: [25] Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

            This is so powerful that I can hardly write this right now as the presence of God is here. Can you feel the import of what Isaiah is saying? Israel (Sarah), Egypt (Hagar) and Assyria (Keturah), will ALL BE A BLESSING “IN THE LAND.” I ask you today, what is causing the bloodshed we see every day in the Middle East? The land! What would happen if in place of hatred and violence over that same land there would be a BLESSING in the MIDST of it? What revival would break forth! How many millions of souls would be ushered into the Kingdom of God! What powerful outbreak of the Holy Ghost would take place. My Lord, I feel this. This is what Isaiah says is coming! ALL of Abraham’s seed shall be BLESSED.

            Blessed are the descendants of Hagar, God’s people! Blessed are the descendants of Keturah, God’s hands! Blessed are the descendants of Sarah, God’s inheritance. God is the supreme master craftsmen when it comes to the hearts of men – even those who lived thousands of years in hated to each other. Biblical prophecy indicates that alongside God’s gathering of the outcasts of Israel to their homeland, He is setting the stage to do a great work among all the descendants of Abraham.

            This writer sits here and wishes deep within his heart that this takes place before the Church is rapture. I pray the Lord hurries up and does this so I can see it. It breaks my heart daily to see the innocents killed in the name of a demonic religion that seeks to usurp the authority of God and place it in the hands of the memory of a demon-possessed so-called prophet named Mohammed. Mohammed was neither prophet nor divine. He was ruthless and killed his enemies with flattery – much like the coming Antichrist will do as well.

            What a blessing it would be to see this in our lifetime. What a miracle of the universe should the Lord perform this. As one writer wrote recently, “Surprise us Lord, let it be so!”

Praying For ALL Peoples of the Middle East

            God has declared a prophetic blessing over al the peoples of the Middle East because they have ALL comes from Abraham’s seed. The devil has arisen, however, to thwart God’s blessing. A holy war- an unholy war, rather, has raged for thousands of years. The conflict continues to intensify and a massive, satanic battle is coming. The Lord is going to pierce the veil of Islam. A move of God is coming out of the of land of Persia (IRAN), out of Iraq, out of Syria, out of Lebanon, out of Egypt AND OF COURSE OUT OF ISRAEL!

            A lot of warfare and death is yet to occur before Isaiah 19 is fulfilled. Isaiah 60:1-3 declares a great darkness is coming on Planet Earth. We mentioned this in the first message of this three-part series. GROSS darkness covers the hearts of millions today. This darkness is going to intensify and precede the breaking forth of this great light. Gentiles will come to the brightness of its shining, and even kings will bow the brilliance of this great light. But first comes gross darkness.

The Evil Alliance of Psalm 83

Psalm 83:3-8

    They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. [4] They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. [5] For they have consulted together with one consent:  they are confederate against thee: [6] The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; [7] Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; [8] Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Psalm 83:16-18

    Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord. [17] Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: [18] That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.

            Most Bible scholars agree that this text has not yet been fulfilled. This particular group has not yet been brought into an alignment with this degree of hatred – but it’s getting close. The passage does not say “the peoples of the land of the north,” or “Gog” or “Magog,” which is an entirely different alliance against Israel that will war with the Jewish nation at some point in the not too distant future. Ezekiel saw a Russo-Islamic Alliance coming from the north to attack Israel at a time of peace which included Germany, Libya, Iran and Ethiopia. This list in Psalms 8e does not include any of those nations – nor does it include Egypt.

            According to Sandra Teplinsky verses 5-8 tells how every nation in the neighborhood (except Egypt) unites against Israel: Edom and Ishmaelites (southern Jordan and Saudi Arabia); Moab (central Jordan) and the Hagrites (Syria and Arabia); Gebal (southern Jordan); Ammon (Central Jordan) and Amalek (Sinai desert); Philistia (Gaza Strip area); Tyre (southern Lebanon) and Assyria (Iraq, Eastern Syria, Iran). Verse 4 sounds their battle cry, “come, let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.

            In many ways this is nothing new. The enemy has, from the inception of Israel’s rebirth, vowed Israel’s destruction through the hatred and violence of her neighbors, who again, are also her relatives through Abraham. The Psalmist saw this through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and called for God to GLORIFY HIMSELF – to make HIS NAME great and HIS NAME alone KNOWN over all the Earth. God’s goal in times of testing is to GLORIFY HIMSELF!

            The Lord is going to ultimately use the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to do it. He wants BOTH blood-drenched peoples that HE ALONE is the MOST HIGH – not Allah, not Judaism without Jesus, not global secular humanism, not religious based charity without redemption and repentance – but CHRIST AND HIM CRUFICIED!

1 Cor. 2:2-4

    For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. [4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1 Cor. 1:17-21

    For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

    [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

        The redemptive purposes of God are higher than our pessimistic views of what is ahead in the Middle East. Granted it’s not hard to look at the situation as it stands now and see terrible tribulation ahead. I believe that is a scriptural stance to take. But if we can grasp what the Holy Spirit is trying to show us here through the prophetic destinies of the children of Abraham then we can pray for light and hope to come to the very dark situation in the Middle East. Joel says that before this world ends God will pour out His Spirit on ALL flesh. I believe ALL FLESH means ALL FLESH and that means the Arab world as well as those from the lineage of Sarah (the Jews).

Joel 2:28-29

    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: [29] And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

The Spiritual Children of Abraham

            I want to mention quickly here that Abraham has both physical children (which has been the subject of this message series) AND spiritual children as well. We as the church of the Lord Jesus Christ are the spiritual children Abraham brought into this world through the lineage of Messiah. ALL those who come to faith in CHRIST are part of the same line of Abraham spiritually even though not all of us are part of the physical line. Some are part of both the spiritual and physical being Jewish people who have come to know their Messiah in a saving manner. The church is the bridge between non-believing Israel and their Messiah and we as Abraham’s SPIRITUAL children are ordained to be carriers of the message of salvation – to the JEW FIRST and then the Greek.

Romans 1:16

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

            We are to PROVOKE the Jewish people who don’t know Messiah to want to come into this great family God is creating for eternity. That is the role of the church. This is what our One New Man studies are about – to illustrate and teach the role we as the church have as it relates to both National Israel and those of Abraham’s physical line who have believed. We have a role to play for BOTH! We act as intercessors and conduits of mercy and grace to both. Our prayers are key in this war against Islam and the hatred between Abraham’s kids. The United Nations will does not have the key to the solution to this problem through their godless peace treaties. The answer is through the blood of Christ and praying in the HOLY GHOST as the CHURCH against the powers of darkness!

            We war, but we war against POWERS and PRINCIPALITIES, not people groups!

Ephes. 6:10-18

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

            One day all three descendants of Abraham through Sarah, Hagar and Keturah will worship together in ONE ACCORD! They will worship at the same altar and will become a blessing in the midst of land right now torn to pieces by bloodshed and hatred.

            The camels of Midian and Ephah are going to be bearers of the good news of praises to the Lord. They are going to become worshippers of the God of their father, Abraham! It’s coming friend.

All Three Need Jesus – Even the Linage of the Promised Son Of Abraham

            All three national families of Abraham have, by and large, failed to recognize their true Messiah, who is Jesus Christ our Lord. The Jews are still looking for their Messiah to appear, while the others do not even realize that they need one. Although most accept Mohammed and Jesus as prophets, they do believe a Messiah is even necessary. Still the prophetic Scriptures predict that these descendants of Abraham will one day accept the true Messiah at a critical point in history.

Isaiah 19:20

    And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a savior, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

    The Lord says He will send “THEM” a great savior and a Champion. A champion has come. A messenger of the New Covenant has been sent to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Yeshua, Jesus, the True Messiah, said it best about Himself:

John 10:16

    And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

            The other sheep He refereed to here I believe was the Gentiles AND too the Arab people. A great spiritual revival is on God’s agenda and it will encompass ALL the Middle East. Neighbor, we are living in these times! How close we are to the rapture no one knows, but friend it cannot be too much longer. It humors me in a sad way to hear the utter denial of this doctrine behind most pulpits in America. It is close to blasphemy to take the scriptures and wrestle them to men's destruction by seeking to fit them into our own man-made traditions. But no matter how much we do that- the truth of God's Word will still stand the test! There is coming a move of God to Planet Earth - both in judgment and in glory - and it's going to affect ALL peoples - both Jew, Gentile and Arab! A great ONE has come to set the captive free in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and He reaches out to hearts today by His Holy Spirit.

        If there is any doubt in your heart as to where you will go should you die, neighbor, NOW is the day of salvation to make those doubts go away. You can KNOW the one true God through Christ Jesus and have the assurance of eternal life! Today, today, today is the day to make that decision. Not tomorrow, which none of us are guaranteed. Our life is but a vapor.

I Jn 5:9-15 - 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

James 4:14-16
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil

2 Cor 6:2 - (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

        I told my dad this AM as I finish the writing of this message that it has gotten to the point that we're waking up DAILY to news of tragic events world wide including natural disasters, rumors of war and pestilences in strange places. Those are the headlines of our news and those are the WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST as to the signs we would see close to and prior to His coming! It's getting late friend, so late that it would scare us all if we knew at this moment how close it was. Because we don't know, it behooves us to be ready at any moment - either for eternity through death, or the coming of the Lord, when the dead in Christ shall rise FIRST and then we which are ALIVE and REMAIN will be caught up together to be with the Lord and the Dead in Christ in the air - FOREVER! Praise God.

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Click here for Bibliography and sources of further study on the Children of Abraham

The Children of Abraham - Part Three - The Descendants of Keturah- 2/21/06

The Children of Abraham - The Descendants of Sarah- 2/18/06

The Children Of Abraham Part One - The Descendants of Hagar - 2/15/06