Apostle Paul In Petra, Taught By Jesus, During His Stay In Arabia!

Apostle Paul In Petra, Taught By Jesus, During His Stay In Arabia!

by | Mar 12, 2023 | Tim's Articles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Apostle Paul in Arabia

Reconstructing Paul’s Hidden Years
In the Desert at Petra

3/11/23  By Tim Buck
Fotet.org

The New Testament recounts many episodes from the apostle Paul’s life. Yet it provides scant details about his visit to Arabia. In his letter to the Galatians, while describing his conversion, Paul mentions his time in Arabia:

When God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. (Galatians 1:15–17, NRSV)

In the first place, Paul is not referring to the area we today call Saudi Arabia. After his conversion, rather than immediately travel to Jerusalem to be instructed by the apostles, Paul instead went to Nabatean, Arabia, a wilderness desert that stretched East of Damascus down to the Sinai Peninsula. Paul then says, “After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter” (Gal. 1:18).

During his three years at Petra, Paul made a visit to Damascus (Gal. 1:17) but mainly resided in Arabia under the continuous ‘seminary’ instruction from the Lord. One can only imagine what that experience must have been like. Paul confirms the Lord was his only teacher in his testimony,

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:11-12

What else happened in Arabia?

Ben Witherington III of Asbury Theological Seminary explores these hidden years of Paul’s life in “Paul of Arabia? The Apostle’s Early Adventures,” published in the Winter 2021 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. Although the specifics do not appear in the biblical text, Witherington reconstructs elements of this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witherington clarifies that the region called Arabia in Galatians 1:17 should be associated with Arabia Petrea, or the kingdom of Nabatea. With its capital at Petra, Nabatea flourished for several centuries and remained independent from Roman control during Paul’s lifetime. Witherington thinks that Paul likely spent time in Petra, which was situated on the major trade route that brought spices across the Arabian Peninsula—from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.

Later in his life, when Paul would travel to other Mediterranean cities, he typically sought out the local Jewish community and shared the gospel, first with the Jews and then with Gentiles (non-Jews). He spoke Greek, the language of the day. To support himself, he practiced leatherworking and tent making. Witherington thinks it likely that Paul did these same things at Petra.

Another passage seems to support the idea that Paul preached while in Arabia. In 2 Corinthians 11:32–33, Paul says that King Aretas tried to arrest him in Damascus. This refers to King Aretas IV, who ruled Nabatea from 9 B.C.E. to 40 C.E.

Why would the Nabatean king have known about Paul and wanted to arrest him? Witherington thinks it likely that Paul came to the king’s attention while preaching in Nabatea. It seems likely Paul preached the gospel in Arabia Petrea, and the king wanted to arrest him for promulgating a non-Nabatean religion in his territory without permission.

These reconstructed details give a glimpse of the apostle Paul’s time in Arabia. Since we plan to be in Petra during our upcoming April-May Tour of Jordan and Israel we’ll see if we can learn more about the Apostle Paul’s hidden years in Petra.

Current Events Headlines From This Week!

Current Events Headlines From This Week!

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Tim's Articles

 

 

 

News & Headlines

3/10/23  By Tim Buck
Fotet.org

Israel and the Nations

Recent reports suggest that Hungary is now considering moving its embassy to Jerusalem. However, Budapest has communicated that no decision has been made as of yet. Furthermore, there are reports regarding new Abraham Accords negotiations for normalizing ties between Israel and Niger, Mauritania, Indonesia, and Somalia.

Israel, Iran, and the Nuclear Saga

For the first time ever, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi last week. Pathetically, Grossi recently said that an Israeli attack on Iran would be “illegal”.

I like the response of prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu – “Grossi just said in Tehran that an Israeli attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities is illegal. Outside what law? Is it allowed for Iran, which openly calls for our destruction, to defend the instruments of destruction that will slaughter us? Are we not allowed to defend ourselves? Of course, it is allowed!”

In addition to the rising tension, there are reports that Azerbaijan will allow Israel to use its military airports to attack Iran.

Israel continues to preemptively attack Iran in Syria, as the Israeli military struck several targets in Aleppo early this week. Another attack occurred in Deir ez-Zor in Eastern Syria, which was aimed at Iranian weapons and was carried out by the US in coordination with Israel.

It’s worth noting that what happens between Israel and Iran doesn’t stay between the two. You can already see how many countries are part of the equation, and now Jordan has shared its concerns with the US concerning the Iranian threat to Jordan. This is worth keeping a close watch in the coming days. As noted by an Arab blogger, there has been some unusual flight patterns involving Israeli fighter jets in recent days.

Most significantly, the head of Israel’s national security council said yesterday, “Israel is ready to strike Iran and the Americans know about it! Israel will not rely on anyone in order to take care of its security!”

Dissension in Israel

Every Saturday evening, liberal progressive anarchists demonstrate in Tel Aviv against the judicial reforms of the new government. They shout “democracy”, yet they don’t respect the democratic decision of the majority who voted for this government. That’s the face of the left all around the world – it’s either their way or the highway! Sadly, the current US administration is enabling the left in Israel by supporting the ridiculous demonstrations.

Russia & Ukraine

The Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia is being crushed by the Russians, and is facing abandonment. As far as the Russians are concerned, it’s part of the four districts that they unilaterally annexed, so they will not stop destroying it until it surrenders in the future. The scope of the destruction is enormous, which can be seen in photos online.

Things are continuing to escalate in a way that’s becoming more and more concerning. Recently, former President Donald Trump voiced his perspective that World War III will be inevitable if something doesn’t change soon – very soon.

Moscow, Tehran Nuclear Deal

According to at least one source, Russia and Iran have reached a secret agreement in which Moscow is now able to return the stockpile of enriched uranium that it transferred from Tehran after the signing of the nuclear agreement in 2015.

Update On FOTET Ministry

The conversation that Jesus had with His disciples on top of the Mount of Olives has been followed by many misleading conclusions over the last 2,000 years. When will these things happen? What is the sign of His coming? How will we know when it’s the end of the age? The world needs clarity on the times and seasons we face in the run-up to the Tribulation and Second Coming!

Both non-Christians and Christians alike need to know about the terrors of the Tribulation. Non- Christians must understand what is awaiting them if they reject Jesus. Christians must realize what their unsaved loved ones will go through, so that they are motivated to share the truth with them. These are some of the reasons we started this teaching ministry.

Time and time again we’ve seen God bless this ministry through your abundant and faithful prayers and your generous financial gifts. I can’t thank you enough for the way you express support for what God is doing with Focus on the End Times.

While the events of this world are heading in a crazy direction (and have been for some time), let’s not forget that they’re heading in a prophetic direction. As believers, we have a front row seat to the fulfillment of what the Scriptures have communicated for thousands of years. As we face adversity and trials in these last days, may we be actively waiting to meet the Lord at any moment.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Highlights of FOTET’S 2023 “DANIEL UNSEALED” Series, Chapter By Chapter!

Highlights of FOTET’S 2023 “DANIEL UNSEALED” Series, Chapter By Chapter!

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Anti-Christ, Beast, Daniel's Prophecies, Tim's Articles

 

 

“DANIEL UNSEALED”

Chapter By Chapter Highlights

3/7/23  By Tim Buck
Fotet.org

Thinking DanielIf you spent any time in Sunday School you know about Daniel with the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego escaping the fiery furnace and Daniel escaping the Lion’s den. But Daniel is more than a Bible character on your teacher’s flannelgraph.
 
His book accurately prophesied more than 2500 years of world history with astonishing detail. And in the process, students of prophecy discover something very important. God wants us to use Daniel’s prophecies as the standard for interpreting other prophecies. It’s unique design built into every chapter presents it as God’s blueprint for prophetic interpretation. Here’s the best part.The book holds the key to understanding our history and our tumultuous times today and reassures us of God’s absolute authority over the future.

Overview, All Six Classes!

– 2023 Dates –

Four Beasts, 10 Horns and a Little Horn – Daniel 7 (March 14)

The prophecy that was revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, that there would be four world-ruling empires, was repeated about 50 years later in Daniel 7. This time, however, it was Daniel who had the dream, and there were added details.

In this vision Daniel saw four beasts—representing the same four world-ruling empires described in Daniel 2 that come up out of the sea. The phrase “coming out of the sea” is a purposeful link that coincides with the Beast of Revelation 13 who “comes out of the sea” so we know the four beasts of Daniel 7 are also depicting the final empire of Antichrist.

Daniel noted that there was also a little horn that spoke blasphemous words against God and made war against the saints. God reveals the “little horn” (Antichrist) for the first time in scripture, and dramatic details emerge of the intensity of his war against Israel and the unprecedented evil that will pour out from the empire of Antichrist.

Daniel 7 also gives us a much greater explanation of the fourth beast, which has 10 horns, representing 10 kings that would arise from the fourth kingdom. This prophecy concludes with more details about the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom.

The Ram and the Goat – Daniel 8 (April 18)

One of the unstated themes running throughout Daniel is his search through these empires to identify the bloodline and geographical territory of Antichrist. In the eighth chapter, Daniel begins his journey of narrowing down the search for Antichrist. To accomplish this we are given an expanded vision of just two of the four world-ruling empires, the Persian and Grecian Empires also identified in Daniel 2 and 7. Daniel sees a vision of a ram with two horns (Medes and Persians) and then a male goat with a single notable horn between his eyes (Alexander the Great) conquering the ram.

The historical fulfillment of this vision is Greece under Alexander the Great conquering the Medo-Persian Empire. The search narrows as it then follows the division of Alexander’s kingdom after his untimely death into four new empires ruled by his four generals.

It further narrows with the focus landing on two of the four new Grecian Empires; the Ptolemy and Seleucid empires. In one last twist, Daniel narrows our search for Antichrist down to just one possibility when sees another “little horn,” coming out of one of these two empires but he’s different from the little horn of Antichrist in chapter 7.

This time he’s the rogue and vile Syrian King of the Seleucid Empire who in 167 BC launched severe persecution of the Jewish people in a pattern to be followed by Antichrist. This becomes the model for the rise of Antichrist to emerge from the Middle East land mass of the Seleucid Empire in the territory of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

 

 

 

Israel’s Calendar Revealed, 70 Weeks of Daniel – Chapter 9 (June 20)

The 70-weeks prophecy found in Daniel 9 reveals God’s extensive 490 year calendar that unfolds His plans for Israel. This remarkable prophecy dates the coming of Jesus Christ to earth the first time and also identifies significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry. Israel should have known when their Messiah showed up in Galilee.

We learn that the majority of Israel’s calendar events were fulfilled at the time of Jesus’ death covering 483 years, but that seven years still await fulfillment. These final seven years that remain unfulfilled is the seven-year Tribulation period.

The seven years begins with an international peace treaty or covenant, is disrupted when Antichrist invades Israel and breaks the covenant by committing the abomination of desolation in the middle of the seven years, and ends when the disruptor is soundly defeated at the Second Coming of Jesus.

Spiritual Warfare, Fighting the Prince of Persia, Placing Life in the Larger Story – Chapter 10 (August 8)

In Daniel ten, Gabriel pulls the curtain of the unseen spirit-world aside and reveals the battle of spiritual warfare up close and personal. In addition, Gabriel reveals God’s, “Book of Truth” to Daniel, God’s heavenly record of unrevealed end-time events which is kept in heaven.

The chapter reminds us that until we grasp the spiritual realties at work in this world, we will never truly appraise the things in our lives the way that we should. We learn that behind whatever crises or conflicts the world faces, lies a more potent spiritual conflict. A conflict that requires spiritual weapons, prayer and discernment. The chapter reminds us that we have a God who is more than capable of handling any crises of the past, present and future.
 
Wars of Antichrist – Daniel 11 (September 26)

Of particular interest in this chapter, to students of prophecy is Daniel’s reference to “the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). In Daniel 11 this refers to evil events that the other “little horn,” Antiochus IV Epiphanes did like pouring pig’s broth throughout the Temple and outlawing being Jewish, atrocities he committed in Jerusalem around 167 B.C.

In chapter 12 the abomination is in the context of the “time of the end” (Daniel 12:4) pointing to when Antichrist desolates the temple in the seven-year Tribulation. Jesus later spoke of this same end-time event (Matthew 24:3, 15).

Writing from the location perspective of the land of Israel, Daniel 11 writes of other powers coming into the region he referred to as “the king of the South” and “the king of the North” (Daniel 11:5-6). Of special interest to us, verses 36-45 speak of these same powers becoming the end-time wars of Antichrist (king of the north) as he seeks to conquer all the land of Israel and destroy God’s people. This scenario is rising right before our eyes today as the nations of the Middle East shuffle and are staged for the coming final empire.

Daniel 12 Wrap up!

While previous prophecies in the book of Daniel have touched upon end-time events, the final short chapter gives special emphasis to wrapping up his vision of the Tribulation period. Even though this will be “a time of great trouble” unlike any other, the encouragement for God’s people is that after Christ returns they will receive eternal life and be glorified in the Millennial Kingdom with their beloved King Jesus on the Throne in Jerusalem.

Understanding Daniel’s prophesies is so important today because most interpretation of prophetic events these days, especially on the internet and TV, is based on emotions and current events as opposed to sound doctrine flowing from the study of the Word.
So we invite you to join us for each class this year.

CURRENT EVENTS UPDATE!

CURRENT EVENTS UPDATE!

by | Mar 6, 2023 | How to Live the Last Days

 

 

 

 

Current Events
Update!3/4/23  By Tim Buck
Fotet.org

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Matthew 24:6-8

7,700 Earthquakes Have Shaken the Middle East Since February 7

Turkey and northern Syria continue to be ground zero for ground-shaking. Since the first two major quakes occurred on February 7, there have been more than 7,700 aftershocks. The largest, measuring 6.4, struck near the Turkish city of Antakya on Monday, killing six people. It took down dozens more buildings, many in Hatay province near the Syrian border, and was felt in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. The death toll of the original quake has climbed to more than 45,000 people, with 122,000 more injured.

Israel Targets Iranian Drone Experts in Syria

Israeli fighter jets killed at least 5 and wounded 15 more in a strike on the Kafar Sousah neighborhood of Damascus. Targeted was a meeting of Iranian experts on the development of drones. Some reports indicate that it was actually eight high ranking officials of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who were killed, while others say that a Syrian engineer and an Iranian official were among the dead. The area hit serves as a security zone housing offices and branches of the IRGC’s Quds Force. Per policy, Israel declined to admit its role in the attack. Russia later condemned Israel’s actions, calling it a “flagrant violation” of international law.

Netanyahu’s Justice Reform Bill Clears First Hurdle

Early Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform bill passed in its first reading. Heavily attacked by the Left, this bill will limit the expanding power of Israel’s judiciary by reducing the types of laws the High Court can review and taking the power to appoint judges away from other judges and putting it in the hands of the legislature. There are still a second and a third reading of the bill which must pass for the reform to go into effect.

UN Security Council Issues Statement Denying Jewish Right to Live in Historic Homeland

The United States joined other member nations of the UN Security Council in denouncing Israeli settlements in their historic homeland. The statement expressed “deep concern and dismay” over Israel’s decision to expand settlements, while ignoring the recent terrorist attacks against Israel by Palestinian groups and the fact that the Palestinian Authority subsidizes terrorism and pays the families of terrorists. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the denouncement, saying, “The statement should not have been made and the United States should not have joined it.”

IRGC Attacks Israeli-Owned Tanker Using Kamikaze Drones

The Campo Square, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker owned by an Israeli, was the victim of an attack by Shahed-136 suicide drones operated by the Iranian IRGC. These are the same drones being shipped by Iran to Russia for use in the conflict with Ukraine. There were no casualties or damages reported.

Sanction Battle Between the EU and Iran

The European Union on Monday expanded their sanctions related to Iran’s violent suppression of those protesting the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Asset freezes and visa bans were imposed on 32 more Iranian officials, bringing the total sanctioned to 196 individuals and 33 entities. In response the next day, Iran issued retaliatory sanctions against 23 people and 13 industries from the EU and the UK. Regarding the protests, after a temporary lull they have once again fired up in earnest.

IAEA Admits 84% Uranium Enrichment by Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) admitted to detecting uranium enriched to 84% at an Iranian nuclear facility. This means that this atomic watchdog agency is one of the few organizations that hasn’t quite realized that Iran has had weapons-grade 90% enriched uranium for a while now.

Iran’s Assassination Plot Against Diaspora Jews

A plot which involved Iran mapping the location of high-target diaspora Jews for assassination has been uncovered. The plan, revealed at a high-level meeting in Tehran, was intended to be implemented should Israel attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is pressuring the UK to refrain from designating this same IRGC as a terrorist group, this despite the fact that the European Parliament has recently made that designation as did the US under the previous administration. Washington is choosing to ignore Tehran’s assassination plots against innocent civilians in the hopes that somehow they can resurrect a failed nuclear deal with Iran.

High-Ranking Israeli Politicians Recommend Military Aid to Ukraine Following Visit

Yuli Edelstein and Ze’ev Elkin, two high level Israeli lawmakers, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday. Both men are originally from Ukraine and lead the Ukrainian parliamentary friendship group in the Knesset. Following the meeting, they issued a joint statement which read, in part, “Israel has provided and will continue to provide extensive humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but, in our opinion, it is not enough.” The statement went on to encourage the Israeli government to provide military technologies to Ukraine to help in the war effort, a sentiment that is sure to get Israel into even deeper water with Russia.

US President Joe Biden Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine

The day before the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv. In a meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, Biden reaffirmed America’s support for the nation and pledged another half-billion dollars in military assistance. Moscow was informed of the visit ahead of time and they extended the courtesy of taking a brief break from their recent favorite pastime of raining down cruise missiles on the capital city.

US Warns China Against Supplying Arms to Russia

After US intelligence indicated that China is considering aiding Russia militarily in their effort against Ukraine, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made a statement Sunday saying that such an action would not be good. Blinken said, “It was very important for me to share very clearly with [senior Chinese foreign policy official] Wang Yi that this would be a serious problem.” Not surprisingly, Wang Yi didn’t take kindly to Blinken’s statement, responding the next day, “We will not accept American finger-pushing in China-Russian relations.”

Vladimir Putin’s Moralistic Speech Marks Anniversary of Military Operation

Tuesday saw arch-villain Vladimir Putin making a speech to the federal assembly marking the one year anniversary of his “military operation” against Ukraine. In it, he emphasized the military power of Russia, saying that, since they cannot be defeated on the battlefield, the enemy is fighting a war of information. He then defended not only the righteousness of his actions, but the righteousness of the Russian nation.

Taking the moral high ground, he spoke of the decadence of the West, saying, “It is all about the destruction of the family, of cultural and national identity, perversion and abuse of children, including pedophilia, all of which are declared normal in their life. They are forcing the priests to bless same-sex marriages…. But here is what I would like to tell them: look at the holy scripture and the main books of other world religions. They say it all, including that family is the union of a man and a woman, but these sacred texts are now being questioned. Reportedly, the Anglican Church is planning, just planning, to explore the idea of a gender-neutral god. What is there to say? Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

What we see in his words is an attempt to create common ground with Christians, Jews, and Muslims in order to garner their support. But we must not be fooled by holy-sounding rhetoric. Putin is a man who truly believes in his own righteousness. However, it is through his bloody actions that we see him for who he truly is.

Please Pray Against WW3!

DOES YOUR CHURCH TEACH THE RAPTURE?

DOES YOUR CHURCH TEACH THE RAPTURE?

by | Mar 2, 2023 | Church, Rapture

Does Your Church
Teach The Rapture?3/2/23  By Tim Buck
Fotet.org

Somewhere in the past, a tragic divorce occurred; theologians and pastors decided we must separate the return of Jesus for His church from the proclamation of the gospel. The results of this untimely divorce have led to a dearth of understanding among believers regarding Jesus’ appearing and the joyful anticipation that comes with such awareness.

Confused believers in most churches hear that they will surely die rather than meet Jesus in the air, which directly contradicts the New Testament in passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:51 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The Apostle Paul believed there would be many saints alive at the time of the Rapture, including himself, but preachers today are hesitant to even mention the imminent return of the Lord.

The divorce of the Rapture from the gospel has resulted in a near blackout of teaching about our “blessed hope” in churches today. This negatively impacts new believers as well as seasoned saints as it leaves them ill-prepared to live in a fear-ridden society because such teaching provides no prophetic context into which they can place the violence, lawlessness and deterioration of the culture.

The new converts in Thessalonica were so fixated on their soon departure from the earth that when some in their midst died, they grieved unnecessarily thinking they would miss out on the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-19). In response, Paul emphasized the primary place of the “dead in Christ” during the rapture telling his converts that Jesus would resurrect them first at His appearing (4:16).

Another sorrowful result of this divorce is that it takes the eyes of believers away from their ultimate hope at a time when they need such a focus. Instead, their eyes remain focused on earthly aspirations.

Few pastors talk about what happens at the moment Jesus returns for His church (1 Cor. 15:51-55; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Thess. 4:16-17). Even those that believe these things rarely discuss the wealth of biblical content on the Rapture, or on the believers’ instant transformation to receive our glorified body, for fear that talking about the Rapture might hurt attendance.

When discussion on the Rapture ended some thirty years ago in the church and elsewhere, so did the whole body of the doctrine of eschatology. Roughly thirty percent of the Bible is predictive prophecy when written and you can’t become all that God wants you to be by cutting out thirty percent.

When Rapture teaching stopped so did any discussion of the Millennium, Israel’s key end-time role, the world trending toward the Tribulation, the building of the third temple in Jerusalem, the prominence of end-time deception, the push for peace by dividing Israel and so much more!

The sad result of decades of shelving the Rapture is that it’s become almost impossible for the average believer to understand the doctrinal reasons for the times we live in from a biblical and prophetic perspective! And right at a time when people need answers more than ever because they have questions as they observe the turmoil of our times.

So, does YOUR church teach the Rapture from the pulpit? If not, my suggestion is to find one that does! You’ll be glad you did!