A Word from the pastor
“The Cosmic Conspiracy and Christmas”
Conclusive Conspiracy
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Today, we encounter an abundance of conspiracy theories. Some are well-reasoned, while others are half-baked, at best. Although some people are on to something tangible, and might even be partially right in their discernment, the Bible tells us about a conspiracy that outstrips all other plots and schemes in world history. I am, of course, talking about the “cosmic conspiracy” against the promise of the messianic seed, found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis.
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Scorned Seed
“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15 NKJV).
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Satan has targeted the fulfilment of that prophesy, the first promise given to fallen humanity, from the very beginning. With limited knowledge of who this coming Messiah would be, the “god of this world” stirred up Cain to kill Abel, thinking that perhaps he was the fulfilment of that prophecy. From Satan’s point of view, it was a “logical” conclusion since God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, but not Cain’s (Gen 4:1-5; cf. 2 Cor 4:4; 1 John 3:12).
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Jeopardized Jews
After it became clear that the promise would be fulfilled through Abraham and the Jewish people, the hunt began (Gen 12:1-3). Pharaoh tried to kill all the Hebrew baby boys (Ex 1-2).
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Later, Queen Athaliah attempted to murder all the royal heirs of the house of Judah, the line through which the promise was to be fulfilled (2 Chron 22:10-12). In addition to that, Haman tried to root out the entire Jewish nation (Esther 3). Finally, King Herod, demonically inspired, intended to kill all the Jewish male boys living at that time, two years old and under (Matt 2).
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Prophetic Preciseness
Satan knew that Jesus was the fulfilment of that ancient prophecy.He was supposed to be a descendant of Abraham (Gen 12:1-3), from the House of David (Isa 9:6-7) and born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
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Concerning the prophetic preciseness, the above-mentioned things are just the top of the iceberg. Of course, God is all powerful and thus well able to fulfil all His predicted promises concerning a Redeemer.
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Transcendent Timing
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Gal 4:4 NKJV).
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Unlike Easter, where we know the exact dates for the death, burial, resurrection and even ascension, the exact date for the birth of Christ is unknown. It is assumed that it was during the darkest season of the year. At least the Western churches, both Catholic and Protestant, have embraced the 25th of December as Christ’s official birthday. Fortunately, the exact day for this miraculous birth has no salvific significance. What is important, though, is that it happened exactly when God had decided it would happen - in the fullness of time. Galatians 4:4 was the official start of the fulfilment of the powerful prophecy found in Genesis 3:15. Of course, it would take another 33 years before our Lord proclaimed “it is finished” on the cross (John 19:30).
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Precious Promise
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 NKJV).
Traditionally, the story goes that the shepherds who first received the good news were the poor and outcast of that time.
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God wanted them to hear before the prominent and influential people, as it were. However, although that may be true, there are good reasons to believe that these shepherds were not necessarily young teenagers at the bottom of the social ladder. Instead, they may very well have been adult men and “shepherd priests”. Most likely, they were the ones in charge of caring for the sacrificial lambs. In other words, they both raised them, making sure they were without blemish, and sacrificed them in Jerusalem at Passover.
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Significant Sign
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah 5:2 NKJV).
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They were about to be given a sign, by the angels, that probably amazed them beyond measure - “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manner” (Luke 2:12 NKJV). Inspired by the message, they decided to go to the City of David, Bethlehem. In fact, they were already close. According to Jewish regulations, flocks were not to be kept near the city, except those animals destined to be sacrificed. Since these shepherds seem to have been near Bethlehem, they were most likely “shepherd priests”, not just ordinary shepherds.
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Precise Place
These sacrificial lambs were, according to some scholars, born in the “Tower of the Flock” (Migdal Eder in Hebrew). This tower is mentioned in Micah 4:8. It was the place where Jacob’s wife, Rachel, died, giving birth to Benjamin (Gen 35:21).
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Also, the story of Ruth and Boaz unfolded in this location (Ruth 4:11-13). Finally, this was the site where David was born and later crowned king (1 Sam 16).
From here the shepherds were watching over the flock, but the tower, as mentioned earlier, also functioned as the maternity ward for the ewes. Some Bible teachers have even suggested that the new-born animals were wrapped in special swaddling clothes, once they were approved to be Passover lambs. Based on several arguments, I think it is plausible to suggest that Jesus may very well have been born in this unique location, being THE Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev 12:11).
In the New King James Version, the Greek word φάτνη (phatné) is translated “manger” in Luke 2:12. One meaning of this noun is “stall”, a place where animals are kept (Strong’s Concordance # 5336). Therefore, Jesus may have been born in the exact same place as the Passover lambs were delivered, indicating that the time for animal sacrifices was nearly over (Heb 10:10, 14). This place, the Tower of Eder, was most likely the place where God led the young couple, Joseph and Mary, when there was no room for them in the inn. To say the least, this is mind-blowing, is it not?
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Certain Certainties
Although this “supposition” is unknown to many scholars and debated among others, it brings a new and exciting dimension to the Christmas story, does it not? Perhaps the most convincing arguments concerning this come from the Austrian born Jew, Alfred Edersheim (1825-1889), who later became a Christian.
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His book “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”, although a difficult read at times, is a great source of inspiration and information.
The prophetic preciseness of God’s Word allows for such a literal and specific fulfilment of the story found in Luke 2:8-20, does it not? Whatever you choose to believe about the Christmas story, we can know at least three things. First, Satan’s “cosmic conspiracy” failed. Genesis 3:15 has been fulfilled. Second, the timing of God’s fulfilment of His prophetic promises are always perfectly timed. In the fullness of time Jesus was born (Gal 4:4). Third, we know, according to the Scriptures, that we have a Saviour, well able to deliver us from this present evil world (Luke 2:11; 1 Tim 1:15). This is worth celebrating, is it not? Merry Christmas!
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P. Mikael Toll
Contact: stockholm@ggwo.se
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Get to know Mariya Nedelcheva
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Mariya is originally from Bulgaria. She moved to Sweden a long time ago, but she did not meet our ministry until about ten years ago. Her testimony is unprecedented.
Having been saved much earlier in life, she found herself in a difficult place. Her husband left her, and her business went bankrupt.
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She literally cried out to the Lord day and night, longing for Him to “touch” her with His healing hands. Mariya says half-jokingly that, previously, the only thing she had to look forward to was smoking and talking about nothing on her balcony. Well, God heard her prayer. He came through in her life wholesale.
Mariya discovered our ministry through an online group, including people from Finland, Germany and the US. At that time, she was living in Tierp, a small town about 130 kilometres north of Stockholm. For a long time, Mariya travelled back and forth, several times a week, even to participate in our midweek services. It took her 2,5 hours from door to door, using public transportation. Later, God opened a door for her to relocate to Stockholm. Today, she never misses a chance to participate in whatever the church does.
For sure, one of her gifts is the “gift of helps” (yes, the word is plural in 1 Cor 12:28). She never misses an opportunity to serve the Body of Christ in Stockholm and worldwide. Mariya is a faithful listener to “Grace Hour” and whatever else that is flowing out of the pulpit ministry in Baltimore.
Finally, Mariya has a desire to return to Bulgaria one day, if or when the Lord opens a door. She would love to see churches in Sandanski, her hometown, and Sophia, the capital city, as well as the Balkan region in general. Please, keep her and her desire in your prayers.
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Focus on the mission field
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Since we have already been acquainted with Mariya and her vision for Bulgaria and the Balkan region, we are including a map of Southeast Europe. Perhaps you will be led to pray more for that part of the world this month.
You can also pray for the world through Baltimore’s prayer calendar.
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Last month, we launched a monthly day of prayer for our local assembly. Many participated in that event. However, of course, we would love to see more people jump on the bandwagon. This month, we have another opportunity lined up for you, namely, Thursday December the 10th.
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The church in Baltimore also has a day of prayer and fasting. The next time will be Wednesday December the 2nd. So, two great opportunities to pray corporately.
Please, feel free to mail us your prayer requests using the following email address stockholm@ggwo.se Otherwise, here are a few things you can include in your prayers.
First, let us pray for those in authority, both locally and globally. That includes the government, parliament, military, police, executives, union leaders, principals and teachers on various levels (1 Tim 2:1-4). The Bible encourages us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city or place where we live (Jer 29:7).
Second, please, include the opinion-formers, such as editors, journalists, bloggers and authors, in your prayers. Pray that they will use their “platforms” to speak the truth with no hidden agenda.
Third, pray also for those who exert influence on people’s minds and opinions in various ways. That would be actors, celebrities, athletes and many others. Pray that those who are believers and have a testimony will open their mouth. We want God to raise up godly and fearless voices among all the above-mentioned categories, who will present an alternative view to the increasing ungodliness in our midst.
Fourth, pray for all the members of our local church, including discernment, protection and health. Pray especially for God to stir up people, both young and old, to hunger and thirst for biblical discipleship, Bible College and a worldwide vision for the lost.
Finally, pray for the spiritual leaders in our country and around the world, especially those who are part of our ministry, Greater Grace, that they would proclaim the truth boldly (Eph 6:18-20).
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Antisemitism
Recently a big conference, initiated by the Swedish government, was cancelled, due to Covid-19. It was supposed to be about the increasing problem of antisemitism in Sweden, Europe and worldwide.
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Hopefully, it will take place next year, provided that the Corona situation has changed.
The hatred of Jewish people has a supernatural origin. This month’s “a word from the pastor” touched on the subject. Here you can read Dr. Mikael’s e-book that discusses anti-Semitism historically, presently and prophetically.
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Pastor Luigi Palmerie has passed from time to eternity
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A great man of God, missionary, church planter and evangelist has been promoted to his eternal abode. Please, pray for his wife, Isabelle, his family, the church in Marseille as well as several local assemblies in French speaking Africa.
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Personally, I remember him for his great sense of humor, fervency in ministering to the lost and biblical content in his messages. In September of 2017, I spent a week teaching in Montpellier, France. Pastor. Luigi and his wife, Isabelle, faithfully attended every session. I was tremendously blessed to have such experienced spiritual giants in the audience. I felt that it should have been the other way around - I should have been in the audience and Pastor Luigi the teacher. This spoke volumes to me about their humility and walk with the Lord.
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During these unusual times, when many people are not even able to meet, celebrating communion may seem very far away. Here is a link to a message by Dr. Mikael labeled The Current Communion versus the Coming Communion. The message starts from Matt 26:26-29 and 1 Corithinans 13:12.
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However, it takes us through the Abrahamic covenant and the three subsequent covenants dealing with three different aspects of the Abrahamic one, namely, soil, seed and salvation. These covenants will have their ultimate fulfillment in the Millennium, the 1000-year reign of Christ from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Jesus said that He will not drink the fruit of the vine from now until that day when He will drink it new in His Father’s kingdom. Little did the disciples know that they had a 2000-year time gap in front of them, the church age. At the end of the message, there is a possibility to break the bread and drink the cup, if desired.
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The Current Communion versus the Coming Communion
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Happy One Year Anniversary
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One year ago, we launched this newsletter. We like to say a few things in connection with this “birthday”. First, if you enjoy what you read and receive, please, drop us a line and let us know stockholm@ggwo.se. We welcome any feedback.
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Second, if you think it can be improved in any way, or there is something you would like to see covered, please, inform us. Finally, please, pass it on to those you think would benefit from it.
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Once again, we are experiencing more Corona cases. Therefore, many things have been cancelled or are on hold. We still hope and pray that Eurocon will take place, though. So, for now, that is our only upcoming event.
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March 2021
9-13 Eurocon in Budapest, Hungary
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Sermons on Youtube and Facebook
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Please contact stockholm@ggwo.se for more information about meetings.
We try to publish a sermon in Swedish and English on Youtube and Facebook every Sunday. Our Youtubeaccount.
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