Exchanged News January 2015

January 2015

The Seven Year Celebration >>> It is with great honor and relief I present to our readers my seven year

project—The Book of Revelation, The Final Battle. May you be blessed half as much as I was blessed in writing this historical review of one of the greatest books of the Bible.—Dr. Stephen Phinney

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his 500 page study, known by some as a textbook, covers details that can be offensive to some readers. Due to the descriptive prophecies that relate directly to the Roman Catholic Church, it is impossible to unfold the necessary details contained within the book of Revelation without addressing this church. It needs to be noted that I am by no means attacking the “born-again” believers within the Roman Catholic Church. I offer full support and encouragement to each True believer attending this church.

There are prophecies directly related to so-called “Christians” who are lukewarm. They have lost their first love, are worldly-minded, and are false believers. They fake being Christians and are dead to Christ—all members/attendees of one or more of the Seven churches. As this study addresses each of these “types” of believers, it is not my intent to offend. As the book of Revelation addresses these “so-called believers,” I must as well. Please consider the Author of Revelation over any content contained within this book.

It is my desire that each reader study the Scriptures with a heart of worship and prayer. God has so much to say to each Believer regarding the book of Revelation. Much of the Old Testament is written to set the stage for the endtimes.

My love for the original Hebrew language, customs, culture, and manners is deeply imbedded in the works of God’s foretold prophecies. I request your prayers as I continue my studies for future writings of God’s perfect story! Read more inside this issue...

There are direct statements made about groups/religions that come against Christ in the final days, i.e. Muslims, globalists, Universalists, Socialists, Communists, Hindus, Satanists, Protestants, and Roman Catholics. I address these groups on the basis of history, continuous history, and future projections made by John (the writer of Revelation).

It is not my intent to put these groups on edge regarding these facts. I believe it is God’s loving desire to convert every individual within these groups to the one and only True Faith—that of Christianity.

The writing of this book is not for the purpose of reviewing continuous history—it is for the Divine purpose of assisting True Believers in understanding the book of Revelation. If the contents appear to be exclusive and biased toward Christianity, it’s because it is! Jesus Christ is the only Christ; any other leader or Christ figure will be and is classified as an antichrist.

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What Others Are Saying Dr. Phinney is gifted in his ability to see through the disguises the enemy puts before the believer. In Christ, he truly gets to the heart of the matter in people’s lives. A true prophet of the 21st century. Angie Brooks, Arizona Like Paul, who witnessed Christ to the world during Christianity’s formative years, Steve Phinney is gifted writer and a student of God’s Word. He presents Biblical Truth with a clarity and passion sculpted from his personal trials and the blessings born through those trials. Gale Ethridge, Kansas I am always amazed by Dr. Steve’s Biblical insights into the expanse of the Scriptures – by that I mean, he has dedicate his life to the written Word of God. Pastor Bruce Carter (DOS), Georgia I have the honor of being discipled under Dr. Phinney for approximately 5 years. His writings and sermons on Spiritual maturity, Biblical worldview and identity in Christ have deeply enriched my life. His submission to the Spirit regardless of the circumstance, is an inspiration to me and my family. Robert Cornelius, Florida Steve is the type of writer who is always consistent in what he does. Everything he says is directional and with purpose, to draw out Christ in the lives of the believer. Patrick William, Kansas With my Dad’s writings, you never have to fear lukewarm teachings. You will receive a bold message of your inadequacy apart from Christ. No matter the subject, he clearly spells out co-crucifixion is the pathway to freedom from living in bondage to our crucified old man. What blessed assurance that as an indwelt believer we don’t have to strive, but allow His Spirit to release His work in and through us. Jess Phinney, Kansas The Life of Christ in Steve's life is the real deal. I am so blessed to know him personally and learn from him. I can't count the number of times I mention my friend Steve Phinney, CEO, of IOM America, then proceed to explain the ministry, books, website, etc. & "how it can help you in your spiritual walk, my friend." Another great Christian teacher, Dr. Del Tackett, of whom I have great respect starts his class with, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" Dr. Steve Phinney BELIEVES IT and PRACTICES IT!! Wendell Smock, Arizona Steve provides profound insight into the historical perspective of our Lord’s Word and how it applies to the current and future times. His use of Hebrew imagery allows the reader to form a vivid and lasting image that is rarely seen in today’s writings. Jeff Brugman, Arizona Dr. Phinney is not just a gifted writer and teacher, he is my, and many others, spiritual father. My life has been altered by his willingness to write and live the Truth of the Scriptures – uncompromised. The Spirit breathed wisdom he shares has come through much pain and trial – as this book will unfold. I pray that his writing is used to bring you freedom and renewed understanding of how God views you, as it has me. Kris Cornelius, Florida Dr. Phinney’s writings are applicable, Biblical, and speaks powerfully to one who truly wants to live the indwelt Christian life in victory and freedom. Donna Kratz, Arizona Dr. Stephen Phinney clearly articulates the Life of Christ within the indwelt believer and keeps that focus in all of his teachings. He uses humor to engage his readers, while challenging them through Scriptures to consider a different perspective on living out the Life of Christ within. Loida Leone, Kansas Our relationship with Steve & Jane Phinney encompasses the deepest of friendships spanning almost 40 years. It certainly included our parallel patterns of marriage, raising our families, vacations together, & incredibly wonderful times of laughter & joy. For me, however, Steve was so much more. As an impactful role model, teacher & prayer warrior, I watched, listened & learned. I matured in my Christian walk. For Steve, every struggle or challenge would become an opportunity to pray for God’s Provision. As a strategic visionary, I saw God reflected thru him, as many Kingdom ventures took shape & developed as the years progressed. In the depth of his knowledge & instruction, I was never left confused or intimidated in my curiosity. In fact, I was lovingly introduced to Biblical truths much deeper than what I would have imagined. Steve’s ability to bring clarity to the Word, structuring his messages with testimony & instructional diagrams, left me longing for the next encounter. This pattern of discernment & unfolding revelation continued thru out the decades. I have been honored to walk alongside with him & am excited that he is now sharing his journey for us all. It is to God that I give all the praise, for this humble & faithful servant. Art Smit, Illinois

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Since Dr. Phinney is an astute student of the exchanged life and the importance of the current impetus in the developing Reformation, it is fitting that he be used of God to chronicle and interpret events of the past half century. God has been quietly bringing to pass, without fanfare, revival in individual lives.

As these events unfold, it is fitting that a servant of God interpret them to those not presently near the eye of the brewing storm! It is also noteworthy that Dr. Phinney is a product of the early waves of teaching, dating back to 1979 in Denver, Colorado, the site God chose to place the roots of the modern Reformation movement.

From that perspective, Dr. Phinney‘s involvement is not as a spectator, but is an involved participant in a significant movement of God in Church history. It is my prayer that the interpretation permitted by his being ‘on the ground’, as the events unfolded, will allow those in a spectator role to awaken to the significance of current events as they relate to Church history.

Dr. Charles R. Solomon

QUICK OVERVIEW The book of Revelation has an individualistic character. Therefore, the writing of John may be misunderstood by a reader who does not understand Hebrew history, culture, customs, and manners. God is consistent with revealing Himself in the very manner He did from the beginning of man’s time. Confusion oftentimes sets in when Christians attempt to unlock the mysteries hidden within these pages by their human skills alone. The symbolism and dramatic representations are impossible to understand without the supernatural insight offered by the Holy Spirit.

God is Hebrew and it takes the Holy Spirit to interpret the Hebrew foundation of the book of Revelation, by bringing the Truth to the surface.

Throughout the centuries, many different approaches and methodologies have been used to understand this book.

There are four primary methods of interpretation. The first is the futurist method. This group views the events stated in the book as immediately preceding the end of the world. The truth of the matter is the first four chapters are past and present events, while the remaining chapters are futuristic.

Next is the preterist (destructive) approach, which interprets the book in light of the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of the Roman Empire.

The third category is the continuous-historical method. This approach is much like the preterist view, but moves beyond the fall of Rome. It also considers a snapshot view of Revelation: the entire history of the body of Christ and the world, from the era of the writing of the book to the final closure of time itself, at least from man’s timeline. This perspective aligns the church and history according to what is written regarding the most literal tense.

The last and certainly not the least—the symbolical approach. This method is the most popular amongst theologians as a whole. Symbolical interpretation suggests that the eternal truths of the prophecies should be deduced and then applied to day-to-day living. An example would be personal sins. These interpreters read the book primarily to gain personal and/or church related spiritual encouragement, correction, and warnings. They carefully analyze the content in order to benefit themselves. These interpreters oftentimes have a struggle with the “prophetic” elements of John’s writings. This is the primary reason why this group tends to put this book on the bottom of the list when it comes to studying the Word of God. This process is what theologians call demythologizing (to reveal and understand the true character, nature, or meaning of something by ridding it of all mythical or mysterious aspects).

My approach will be to integrate all four types. In Revelation, we find God revealing the future, the destruction and fall of Jerusalem (preterist), His continuous-history, and His use of the symbols contained within the book--all to benEditorial Comments: Kathy Hill, CO editor@iomamerica.org Entire content of this publication is under © supervision of IOM America 2014 Reproduction permitted when entire publication remains intact.

Digital view or copies can be obtained online at: click here All Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963,1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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efit the Bride of His Son. For whatever the reason, people think they have the need to categorize fellow believers in order to secure their own personal beliefs. I reject such labeling. God wants us to see, hear, and embrace His truth. He doesn’t want Calvin, Luther, or any other categorical leader to “pigeonhole” His revelation.

One of the many eternal blessings connected with the Holy Scriptures is that even though each writing is timeless, it becomes timely, to us. You will not find any other book in the Bible truer of this than the book of Revelation. Consider this: a book written almost 2,000 years ago has hit its mark 100% of the time since the day it was written. Did you know that in order to become a CIA agent, the candidate must study the book of Revelation, as well as the major prophets of the Old Testament? Why, you might ask? It’s simple--even the secularist knows the book is accurate! The book of Revelation is relevant because God is relevant. For those of us who are Bridal members of Christ, the book is our road map—the BIG picture of where we came from, where we are, and where we are headed.

The eternal message of this book is that Christ, our Husband, is coming back for His Bride. After removing us from this mess, He will take matters into His own hands and destroy anyone (man and spirit) who has offended His woman—the Church. It won’t be pleasant to watch. It will be horrid to hear and grievous to be a part of—for many of them will be our family and friends.

This book was written for the Bride of Christ. It is used to give His Bride a “heads up” so that we can prepare ourselves for the coming of our Husband—Jesus. As you go through this study, please be in an attitude of prayer.

Ask the Lord to give the understanding you need to comprehend this knowledge. There is no better time to understand the power of Christ in you than now. But, if you have NOT had a born-again experience, it will be next to impossible for you to do this study. The Holy Spirit must be present in order to give insight.

Don’t be afraid of this book. Consider it a gift from God. It is to give us a snapshot into our future. God loves us so much. He wants you and me to see with our eyes the living proof that He is in charge and that we should not be frightened by sudden fear. He is the I Am.

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