Let’s dig a little deeper into the spirit or spirits at work on this mountain in Arabia. And, if you’ll indulge us, we’ll get a little speculative. As we’ve noted, there is only so much we can know for sure about the spirits opposed to God. They lie, and our perception into that realm is limited. But let’s look at what’s available to us and see if we can draw some tentative conclusions.

Most Bible scholars who trace the movement of the nations that dispersed from Babel in Genesis 10 place two nations that are mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecy of the Gog-Magog war, Sheba and Dedan, in Arabia. Sheba was the father of the Sabeans, who founded a kingdom in southwest Arabia, modern-day Yemen.

Dedan settled along the coast of the Red Sea in western Arabia, in the area called the Hejaz. Dedan was an important oasis along the caravan route between Sheba and Babylon. Because of the brutal desert that covers the interior of Arabia, the route traveled north along the Red Sea coastline, and then through Edom, southeast of Judah. Dedan grew into an independent kingdom around the time of the prophets Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel, in the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. The last king of Babylon, Nabonidus, spent most of his reign at the important Dedanite oasis of Tayma while entrusting Babylon to his son, Belshazzar—he of the mene, mene, tekel, upharsin incident.

Sheba and Dedan were sons of Raamah, a son of Cush, the son of Ham. This makes Sheba and Dedan nephews of Nimrod, who we believe was the Sumerian king Enmerkar, would-be builder of the abode of the gods, the tower of Babel at Eridu. (Sheba and Dedan are also mentioned in Genesis 25 as grandsons of Abraham and his concubine Keturah, through their son Jokshan. Geographically, though, it still places them among the tribes of Arabia.)

Nobody is sure why Nabonidus spent a decade living in the desert. It may have been to consolidate his control over the profitable spice and incense trade, but he was seeking prophecy and guidance from his preferred deity, the moon-god Sîn, who the king apparently tried to elevate to the top spot in the pantheon in Babylon. Needless to say, this wasn’t popular with the priesthood of Marduk which stood to lose prestige and power if he’d succeeded.

I accomplished the command of Sîn, king of the gods, lord of lords, dwelling in the heavens, who, in comparison of the gods in heaven, his name is surpassing: (also) of Šamaš [sun-god], who is his brightest (peer), of Nusku [fire-god], Ištar [Ishtar/Inanna, goddess of sex and war], Adda [Hadad, the storm-god Ba`al], Nergal [Resheph/Apollo, god of war and plague, and gatekeeper to the underworld], (those) who accomplish the command of Nannar [Sumerian name for Sîn] their surpasser. (Text in brackets added.)

Note that Marduk is missing from that list of deities. Nabonidus probably made an enemy of the established Marduk priesthood in Babylon, possibly creating a religious fifth column that contributed to the ease with which Babylon fell to the Persians.

It’s believed that Nabonidus’ mother Addagoppe was a priestess of Sîn from Harran in northern Mesopotamia. Harran was an important cult center of the moon-god as far back as Abraham’s day, 1,400 years earlier. So Nabonidus may have been of old Aramean/Amorite stock, and for some reason—call it infernal revelation, if you will—he was compelled to revive the flagging cult of Sîn and transplant it to the Arabian desert.

Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon, shown worshipping the moon-god Sîn, the sun-god Šamaš, and Ishtar, represented by Venus. Credit: Jona lendering (own work), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2629946.

The moon-god has a long history in that part of the world. Not only do we have the evidence of the cult centers of Ur, Harran, and Jericho that date back to the 3rd millennium B.C., but in the Bible’s account of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites, another people who lived in northwestern Arabia, we’re told that his haul of gold included crescent ornaments from the Midianites’ camels, which presumably honored the moon-god. Symbols depicting a heavenly triad of Sîn, Šamaš, and Ishtar—moon, sun, and Venus—are common from the mid 2nd millennium B.C. at least through the time of Nabonidus, who is depicted on a number of surviving stelae venerating the three deities.

The star and crescent symbol prominent in the Islamic world today only came into use after the Ottomans took Constantinople in 1453. However, it’s not too much of a reach to suggest that the ancient cult of the moon-god in the Near East and Arabia was carried forward into the modern era by the descendants of the Amorites, Arameans, and their Arab neighbors to the south, especially with the boost given to the moon-god’s cult in Arabia by the king of Babylon during the last days of that empire.

Why is this of interest? While Sheba (Yemen) seems almost geographically irrelevant to end times prophecy (except maybe as a flashpoint for a wider Sunni-Shia war), Dedan, as we showed earlier, bears the same name as the ancient Amorite tribe Didanu/Tidanu, from which the Greeks derived the name of the Titans. And the area settled by the Dedanites, the Hejaz, includes the two holiest sites of Islam, Mecca and Medina.

While Muslim scholars would argue the connection, the symbolic link, at least, is obvious. Joel Richardson does an excellent job of establishing the pagan roots of Allah in his new book, Mystery Babylon. The historical link between Nabonidus, the moon-worshiping king of Babylon, and the region of Islam’s holiest sites may be coincidental, but you know how we feel about coincidence theories.

Now, please understand: I’m not suggesting a physical connection between the Watchers/Titans and the Arab tribes that spread Islam across the world. In other words (and I truly hope this doesn’t disappoint you), I do not see a role in the end times for ISIS Nephilim.

Nevertheless, it’s fascinating that history has once again provided a spiritual link between the past and the future where we never expected to find one.

Thank you goes to Abundant Life Church of God in Lakeland for hosting the 2011 Pastors Summit and Expo. It was by far the best we have seen. The Mission Possible team were truly amazing. The Planning team headed up by Travis and Rob were nothing short of remarkable. While we are giving out compliments we must identify Chuck, “H”, Lew, Everette, Tony, Marie, Ed, Dudley, Jessie, Rhonda, Curt, Pierre, and many others for all their time effort and prayers. A BIG Thank you goes to Pastor Ron for allowing us to use the event center. (We Highly Recommend This To Anyone For Their Next Event!)

The Pastor and Wives luncheon was far more inspiring than anyone expected. The atmosphere was created to bring our pastors and wives the feeling of true elegance! All of the beautiful decor and arrangements were done by “Zorita” and Marie!!! The food presentation from chef Ed demonstrated his artistic gift. Tony Ponceti was the perfect Host and the words of encouragement from Nolan and Kathy moved the hearts of all of us.

The EXPO brought many visitors from the community and a lot of introductions were made. The vendors met many potential customers because of the hard work and team work of the planning team. Having the EXPO this year for the first time on Saturday allowed many more people to attend. The Kids Midway offered lots of fun including free face painting and cotton candy. It was lots of fun. Thank you again to Mission Possible!!(This is a special group of young adults from Abundant Life who are committed to serving others, and they did a super job!)

It was a real community effort with churches joining together to promote this as a community event. Having Mayor Gow Fields Speak during the Expo and at the Pastors and Wives Luncheon was a great highlight and tribute!

We thank God for His provision and bringing this event together. Thank you for coming to all the guests, vendors, pastors and volunteers. Praise God!!! Next year will be even bigger and better. Thank You Again!

The Pastors Summit, Saturday November 5th will include a RSVP only Luncheon/Dinner from 11:30-1:30 that will be exclusive for Pastors and their wife. This is going to be a very fine “Chef” prepared full course meal. There will be special guests and music. This is limited because of seating and it is Primarily for Senior Pastors. (Associates may get on the waiting list.) Again, this complimentary, but we need to have your RSVP to assure your seating.

The Pastors Summit will have other luncheon options for anyone who does not RSVP. Please share this with all Pastors.

Blessings

Mark November 5th on your calendar as a special day. That Saturday will be our first Pastors Summit. It will be in Lakeland Florida at the Abundant Life Church of God from 9:00AM – 3:00PM. We have scheduled guests to come and teach on a variety of topics and a Pastors and Wives luncheon as well. This is a FREE event and everyone is invited to attend.

We also will be having our 4th Annual Christian Community Expo  that day as well. This huge event brings Christian Businesses together for the surrounding area to meet and have a lot of fun too. Children are welcome. Please make plans to attend.

In July we were blessed to be a part of the first All Pro Pastors luncheon in Raleigh NC. Three pastors agreed to start the founding North Carolina Champions Table. Dr Eric, Dr Steve and author/pastor George are now meeting every Thursday and committed to finding a 4th pastor to join them. Many Blessings on this great new start.

Our brother Sam from Winter Haven Florida has been a big help in getting this started. He will be in NC again soon to check on their progress and offer assistance. Linda and I look forward to going back for another luncheon! Please pray for this new Table!

 

Florida could be Champion for hosting the most APP Champion Pastors luncheons in August. but we have not heard the final results from Africa. Ambassador Rogatien has not given us the tally yet. Will Africa edge out Florida and the USA? We will let you know ASAP. More important is, who starts the most Pastor Champion Tables. Not matter who is crowned Champion we will give honor to our Lord Jesus!!

Many Blessings, we are praying for you!

Special Announcement: Reverend Rogatien Q Nze is headed to Libreville Gabon Africa and has scheduled an All Pro Pastors meeting for August 24th at 10:00AM. Pastor Nze is our Ambassador to Gabon. We want to thank him in advance for his commitment to this ministry and for his passion to encourage Pastors worldwide.

We look forward to having Pastor Nze with Apostle Mathew Kalu who is the Vice President of the Libreville Missionary Pastors Association, work together to introduce All Pro Pastors and Champion Tables to the many great Pastors in Gabon.  We believe that every Pastor should be a part of a Champions Table and the meeting on the 24th will give everyone that is able to attend the opportunity to hear how Champion Tables are strengthening and encouraging Pastors and their families.

Please be in prayer for them.

Blessings

Pastor Darrick Fulwood of New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church hosted a great luncheon today. It was a packed house! Praise God! Three Champion Tables got started!!!

The luncheon was sponsored by Pastor Tim Wilson with Road to Damascus. Thank you Tim and Darrick for your commitment to help APP reach out to the Tampa community.

Next week we will be in Winter Haven Florida and on the 25th in Lakeland. We expect to have news regarding an APP luncheon in Africa within the next couple of weeks.

Pastor Derrick Fulwood

New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church

Tampa, Florida

Pastors Encouragement” Luncheon

When: Thursday, August 11, 2010  11:30-1:00

Where: 1725 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, Florida 33612

(Behind Party City) 813-972-0101

Who:  Pastors, Wives and Pastoral Staff

Why:  Encouragement, Challenge, and Becoming Champions!

Pastor Dennis Gipson

New Hope Church

Pastors “Encouragement” Luncheon

When: Thursday August 18, 2011 (11:30-1:00)

Where: New Hope Church

651 Carl Floyd Rd

Winter Haven, Florida 33884

863-326-9110

Who:  Pastors and Wives

Why:  Encouragement, Challenge, Appreciation

“Pastor Ron Stewart”

Abundant Life Church of God

Pastors Appreciation” Luncheon

When: August 25, 2011  (11:30-1:00PM)

Where: Abundant Life Church of God

6780 Socrum Loop Rd

Lakeland, Florida 33809

Who:  Pastors and Wives

Why:  Encouragement, Challenge, and Appreciation

 

Last month we were blessed to be a part of the first All Pro Pastors luncheon in Raleigh NC. Three pastors agreed to start the founding North Carolina Champions Table. Dr Eric, Dr Steve and author/pastor George are now meeting every Thursday and committed to finding a 4th pastor to join them. Many Blessings on this great new start.

Our brother Sam from Winter Haven Florida has been a big help in getting this started. he will be in NC again on August 11, 2011. We look forward to coming back for another luncheon! Please pray for this new Table!

Around 100 pastors and wives and others in ministry took part in the ‘All Pro Pastors “Day of Play” last Saturday June 18th! It was a true day of play and relaxation. Praise God !!!! We pray that everyone had a fun filled day with lots of laughs. The Golf tournament was full of excitment and many new friendships. One pastor tried for a Million Dollars hole in one. The ladies had a fabulous time getting acquainted while playing games and building houses. (See Facebook)

We want to thank all our friends who helped to make this a great event. Pastors are often left behind but Saturday they were not forgotten!!!!

We want to thank our many event sponsors who made this a tremendous day!!! We especially thank Randy Knapp who started this event last year by offering Schalamar Creek in Lakeland to All Pro Pastors as a place to host and treat our Pastors! We want to extend a special thankyou to Paul Frantzis of Merrill Lynch for being our Platinum Sponsor Plus this year!!! Also, Thank you Tom Wheary PGA Pro and extraordinary host who has a crew second to none!

The planning commitee was a gift from God. Travis, Sam, “H”, and Terry led a super group of Christian  business leaders and others who want to see Pastors encouraged and strengthened. Linda and I are so very blessed by these faithful men and women who love Pastors! Thank you again, we love you!!!

Thank you Pastors for coming out. We love you and pray that you will continue to be blessed, and please make it a point to take time to laugh every day and have a little fun. You will live longer and better!

On June 18,2011 starting at 7:00AM we are having an event for pastors, wives and women in ministry called the “Day of Play“. It is a golf tournament at Schalamar Creek Golf club in Lakeland Florida and a day of other fun activities for wives and women who are non-golfers.

This event is primarily for Pastors and their wives (if married) to have a day of fun and relaxation. In fact many pastors last year who played said that it was their first time ever playing GOLF. The women who came were treated like royalty!

Please Note: It is not for Church Staff, it is for Pastors and for their spouse who need a day away of fun and relaxation. 

To register please send to: register@allpropastors.org                           Include  Names, Church, Address, E-MAIL and Phone Number, specific pastoral position and name of spouses if attending.