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Biblical prophecy fulfilled 2000 years ago

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Bethlehem from Shepherd's FieldBethlehem from Shepherd's Field

Bethlehem from Shepherd's Field


(December 25, 2009)  In the Book of Isaiah God declared, “9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” (Isaiah 46:9-10)  Throughout the Bible God laid out His plans for the human race. Two thousand years ago He initiated the fulfillment of this plan by sending His Son to earth in the form of a divinely human child in Bethlehem. God stated through His prophet Micah that the Messiah would be born in the little town of Bethlehem, “2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)  Micah uttered this prophecy more than 700 years before God fulfilled it through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem. God used the most politically and militarily powerful man on earth at the time, the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, to fulfill this prophecy, “1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7) 

 The next stage in God’s plan was that He would redeem humankind from its sins by sending His Messiah to die a sacrificial death for it, “10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:10-11) God spoke this prophecy through Isaiah 700 years before the world crucified Jesus because of its sinfulness.

The final stage in God’s plan calls for the return of the triumphant Messiah to judge and rule over the earth. There are many prophecies that speak of His return. Just as God fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the coming of the suffering Messiah, you may be assured that Jesus will return to fulfill all the prophecies of the victorious Messiah, “19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:19-21)

May you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

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This Generation: Womb to the Zoom (Rapture) or Tomb?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009
The Rapture

The Rapture

(November 26, 2009) The most controversial End-Times event is the Rapture. The controversy involves two main issues. The first is when will the Rapture take place in relation to other prophesied End-Times events.

The Tribulation Period

Both Jesus and and the prophet Daniel spoke of a future time of horror coming upon the earth and its inhabitants:

“21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” - Matthew 24:21-22

“1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” – Daniel 12:1

Some have stated that these two prophecies refer to the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. However, if the Holy Spirit was referring to that event then both prophecies would have been rendered inaccurate. The key phrases in these two passages speak of this future trouble as having never occurred at any time in history. That is not true for the Roman destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. Six hundred years earlier the Babylonians destroyed the first Jewish Temple and took the Jewish nation captive. One could probably make a case for the two World Wars in the Twentieth Century as being the worst destruction and devastation in human history (aside from the Flood). Thus the time of trouble or Tribulation Period as Christians refer to it is yet future and will be unlike and other time in history.

The timing of the Rapture revolves around the Tribulation Period which will last seven years. It will occur just prior to the Tribulation or sometime during the seven years or at the end of the Tribulation when Jesus returns to the earth to judge the nations and set up His Millennial kingdom. Those who hold to a particular viewpoint on this issue usually are very passionate for their position and can quote scripture to support their belief. Because of this I don’t know when the Rapture will occur, only that it will occur because the apostle Paul prophesied it would in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. If it was clear when the Rapture would take place there wouldn’t be the divisiveness among Christians concerning this issue. These same Christians would agree that a person is saved only through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ. They would agree that Jesus was born of a virgin. They would agree that Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins. They would agree that God raised Jesus from the dead. They would agree that Jesus ascended back into heaven. Why would they agree? Because God’s word is absolutely clear on these issues. Why don’t they agree on the timing of the Rapture? Because the Bible is not clear when it will take place. The fact that there is disagreement on this issue is proof that the Bible is not clear on the subject. (For further discussion on the timing of the Rapture please see Ch. 8 – The Rapture Mystery from my book Even at the Doors: Jesus, Israel, and the End-Times )

Here is a video from a church that believes in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture:

The Rapture, this Generation?

The second issue concerns when will the Rapture take place in God’s plan for humanity (and thereby all the End-Times prophesied events). There have been attempts by people in recent history to specify a date for the Rapture (contrary to Jesus’ statement that “of that day and hour knoweth no man” - Matthew 24:36). I remember one example that occurred in 1988. Edgar C. Whisenant published a booklet titled 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. Obviously the Rapture did not occur that year or any other year in history. One day the Rapture will occur. The apostle Paul declared in his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Greece:

“13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

He elaborated on the Rapture teaching in his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Greece:

“51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” - 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

In the first passage Paul was answering the Thessalonian Christians’ fear that they had missed the return of Jesus. He goes on to tell them that Jesus will descend from heaven and call His children to come up to Him in the air. The words “caught up” are translated from the Greek verb harpazo which means to seize suddenly or snatch away. The implication (as alluded to in the Corinthian passage which states this will occur in the twinkling of an eye) is that believers will be snatched up to Jesus (as in zoom up) in the air. When a Latin version of the Bible was created the word harpazo was translated into the Latin word from which we get the English word rapture.

Jesus’ disciples asked Him what would be the signs of His coming and the end of the age. He responded by giving them signs to look for in Matthew ch. 24 and said, “33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” – Matthew 24:33-34 Thus, the generation that see the prophetic signs that Jesus gave will be the generation that experiences the Rapture.

Is the current generation the one that will see the End-Times come to pass? The Bible gives other prophecies concerning the End-Times. One of them declares that God will return the Jews to the land of Israel (Ezekiel ch. 37-39; Amos 9 – For further discussion on this subject please see ch. 18 – God’s Timepiece:Israel from my book Even at the Doors: Jesus, Israel, and the End-Times). Another one states that the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Daniel 9; Matthew 24; 2 Thessalonians 2 – For further discussion on this subject please see my article 2 Thessalonians 2:4 – A Literal Third Temple). Both of these prophecies involve End-Times events. The fact that God returned the Jews (see my article Does the land of Israel belong to the Jews) in 1948 and that they have recreated the utensils and priestly garments that are to be used in Temple worship services indicate that God is not far off from implementing His End-Times plans. Globalization of economies and communications further suggest that the eschatological prophecies could be fulfilled in this current generation. However, only God knows when it will happen and wants His followers to keep living their lives for Him and watching for the signs that He said would occur at the end of the age. Whether we see the tomb or experience the zoom we are to keep our eyes on the Lord and keep “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.” (Titus 2:13-15)

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Biblical prophecy will be fulfilled and the Third Jewish Temple will be built in Jerusalem

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

westernwallangle(November 1, 2009) I received the following article in an email newsletter that I subscribe to from a Jewish organization based in Jerusalem:

1) Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem by Moshe Kempinski

“Ever since the Day of Atonement the Temple Mount has again become a flashpoint of contention between Israel and the world. The Muslims have raised frantic calls throughout the Islamic world for them to come and protect their mosques from the Jewish heinous attempts to make Jerusalem Jewish. The Aqsa Foundation warned of new attempts by ‘extremist Jews’ to desecrate the Aqsa Mosque this week to commemorate what the Jews call the ‘Rambam ascent to the temple mount.’ The Foundation said that it views with concern calls by extremist Jewish organizations to desecrate the Aqsa Mosque under various pretexts. These calls come according to the agency after Muslim worshipers foiled attempts in the past by ‘extremist Jewish groups’ to desecrate the Aqsa mosque during Jewish holidays by praying on the mount (Heaven forefend).

The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called on the Security Council to condemn Israel for its ‘aggressive actions’ at Temple Mount. In a letter to the assembly Mansour writes, ‘Israel engaged in violence, provocation, and incitement which threaten to increase mounting tension and harm regional stability.’ Jewish groups walking on the Temple Mount and some even mouthing silent prayers, it seems, constituted ‘violence provocation and incitement.’

If it wasn’t so ominous it would be humorous.

The Temple Mount is the holiest location in the universe according to Jewish understanding. It was from there that the world expanded into its present form, and it was there where Hashem gathered the earth used to create man. The Torah tells us that HaShem chose to rest His Divine Presence, in that location and two Jewish Temples, called the House of G-d, were built there . According to the prophecies of the Bible, the Third Temple will also be located here, and will eventually be the eternal House of Prayer for all nations. (Isaiah 1:2-3; Ezekiel . 37:26-28; 40-48;Micah . 4:1-2; Haggai. 2:7-9;and Zechariah 6:12-15; 14:20)

The world, though, and especially the Muslim world have yet to learn to digest, cope and accept that reality.”

As the above excerpt states the modern Jews have every intention of rebuilding the Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The first Jewish Temple was built by King Solomon in 960 B.C. on the area now known as the Temple Mount. The Babylonians destroyed it in 586 B.C. A second Temple was built in 515 B.C. and renovated by King Herod beginning circa 20 B.C. The Romans destroyed this Temple in 70 A.D. during the Jewish revolt. There are several prophecies in the Bible that indicate a third Jewish Temple will be built in Jerusalem. Please see my article 2 Thessalonians 2:4 – A Literal Third Temple for a discussion of the relevant prophetic passages. What is astonishing is that the Jews as a nation ceased to exist after a second Jewish revolt in 135 A.D. yet 1800 years later they once again reside in Israel as a Jewish nation. Until 1948 there was no reason for a Jewish temple to be built. Neither Christians nor Muslims needed a temple to worship. The Jews however do need a Temple in order to reinstate the sacrificial system God ordained in the Law. Now that the Jews have returned to the land they are in a position to build the Temple. As you can see from the following CBN (Christian Broacasting Network) video the Jews have completed their preparations for the Third Temple:

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The major obstacle for the Jews rebuilding their Temple is the presence of the Muslim shrine The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. Recent events illustrate the volatile nature of the situation between the Jews and Arabs and the Temple Mount (Violent clashes erupt at Jerusalem’s holiest site). Some have stated that violence is the only answer in settling this issue (Mashaal: Fate of Jerusalem will be determined by confrontation, not talks). From a biblical viewpoint, how this situation is resolved is a matter of some prophetic speculation. Some believe the Antichrist will be able to persuade the Muslims to allow the Jews to build their Temple. Others think that somehow the Temple will be built alongside the Dome of the Rock. Another prophetic possibility revolves around the future invasion of Israel by the surrounding Muslim nations and their alliances (see my article The Coming Invasion of Israel). The Book of Ezekiel declares that God will destroy the invading armies. This could leave Muslims demoralized with Allah or totally defeated so they could not resist the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.

However this event comes about it will happen at some point in the future. The fact that the Jews are ready for the Temple to be erected and that they are back in the land for the first time in nearly two millennia is prophetically illuminating. Only God knows when all these things will take place.

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World ending in 2012 according to ancient Mayans and others?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

2012(October 13, 2009)  Between the History Channel, Jack Van Impe, Hollywood, and the Media one could get the idea that something cataclysmic is going to occur in December of 2012. Two days ago the Drudge Report linked to an article titled “2012 isn’t the end of the world, Mayans insist”. The article states,

 “Apolinario Chile Pixtun is tired of being bombarded with frantic questions about the Mayan calendar supposedly “running out” on Dec. 21, 2012. After all, it’s not the end of the world.

Or is it?

Definitely not, the Mayan Indian elder insists. “I came back from England last year and, man, they had me fed up with this stuff.”

It can only get worse for him. Next month Hollywood’s “2012″ opens in cinemas, featuring earthquakes, meteor showers and a tsunami dumping an aircraft carrier on the White House.

At Cornell University, Ann Martin, who runs the “Curious? Ask an Astronomer” Web site, says people are scared.

“It’s too bad that we’re getting e-mails from fourth-graders who are saying that they’re too young to die,” Martin said. “We had a mother of two young children who was afraid she wouldn’t live to see them grow up.”

Chile Pixtun, a Guatemalan, says the doomsday theories spring from Western, not Mayan ideas.

A significant time period for the Mayas does end on the date, and enthusiasts have found a series of astronomical alignments they say coincide in 2012, including one that happens roughly only once every 25,800 years.

But most archaeologists, astronomers and Maya say the only thing likely to hit Earth is a meteor shower of New Age philosophy, pop astronomy, Internet doomsday rumors and TV specials such as one on the History Channel which mixes “predictions” from Nostradamus and the Mayas and asks: “Is 2012 the year the cosmic clock finally winds down to zero days, zero hope?”

Hollywood has a movie coming out in November of this year called 2012. The trailer reveals all types of catastrophes that might take place in that year:

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The God who created the world has revealed His plans for the End-Times in His word, the Bible. He states, “9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” (Isaiah 46:9-10)  Only God can say when future events will take place. Jesus said concerning His return, “36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)  Jesus said this after giving signs to His followers to watch for so that they would “know that [the end] is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:33)  But of the day and hour (and therefore the year) no one knows. Not the Mayans nor Nostradamus nor astrologers nor cult leaders nor any human being or angel knows the exact time of Jesus’ return.

Even End-Times evangelist Jack Van Impe seems to be caught up in the hype surrounding this Mayan “prophecy”:

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One of the points of contention I have with Dr. Van Impe is that he declares the Bible says the world is never going to end. To support this he references Isaiah 45:17, “17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end” and Ephesians 3:21, “21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”  These two passages are from the King James Version of the Bible. However, the other major translations render the phrase “world without end” as “to ages everlasting” (NIV), “to all eternity” (NASB), “to all eternity” (ESV), “forever and ever” (New King James) etc. The Bible makes it clear that there is going to be a new earth and that the old earth is going to pass away, “10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” (II Peter 3:10-11)  In the Book of Revelation John says, “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1)

The world is going to end one day but that is at least seven years away because of the biblical prophecies which  declare seven years of trouble are coming upon the earth in the form of God’s judgments. In describing this future time of apocalyptic events Jesus said, “21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22) 

The world will not end in 2012 but the time of tribulation could start at any time from here on out.

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“And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies” – Revelation 11:9

Monday, April 6th, 2009
Western Wall in Jerusalem

Western Wall in Jerusalem

(April 6, 2009 ) Today I visited a website that I had not been to in more than a year. As soon as I saw how dramatically their technology had improved I immediately thought of a prophecy in the Book of Revelation: “1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedethout of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earthwith all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.” (Revelation 11:1-14) God was showing His servant John what was going to take place in the future. In this passage John sees the third Jewish Temple standing in Jerusalem. He then sees two witnesses for God preaching near the Temple. These two witnesses have some sort of supernatural power which they use if someone tries to interfere with their prophesying. After 3 and 1/2 years the Antichrist or Satan through him is allowed to kill these two prophets of God. Their bodies are left in the street in Jerusalem. John says that the whole world will see them lying there dead. How could the whole world see them in Jerusalem?

This wasn’t possible until the last half of the 20th century. With the advent of television it is now possible for the entire earth to see a particular event or location anywhere in the world. The Internet adds another dimension to this phenomenon. The website that I visited used to have a camera focused on the Western Wall which is located at the base of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. You could see a relatively live camera shot of the wall and the people visiting it. The last time I saw this site the picture had to reload every few seconds and so the people’s movements were choppy. Today I saw the improvement they had made and now you can see and hear in actual real time the Wall and those visiting it. It is truly like looking out a window and seeing the wall as if you were standing there in person. You can see this site at:  The Kotel.org

All John states is that the whole world sees this event take place. He does not describe how they can see it. Outside of God supernaturally flashing these scenes on the sky, this is the first time in history that such an event can take place and fulfill this prophecy. This prophetic passage along with others were not able to take place before now. The global economic system John sees in Revelation 13 is only possible in the modern electronic age with digital transactions. Most important of all, there would be no Jewish Temple in Jerusalem if the Jews never returned to Israel. The year 1948 changed that when God miraculously brought the Jews back to their land. The Jews have made all the utensils and priestly garments that they will use in the Temple services (see The Temple Institute website). All they are waiting for is someone who can help them rebuild it. We are truly living in a remarkable time.

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Is the way being prepared for the “kings of the east”?

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
China's army

China's army

(March 26, 2009)  China disputed a new U.S. report that assessed its increasing military power “as a ‘gross distortion’ and interference in its affairs.” (China criticizes new U.S. report on its military)  The most revealing statement the report made was “that China is developing longer-range capabilities that could have an effect beyond the Asia-Pacific region.”  In the Book of Revelation there are three sets of seven judgments that occur during the seven-year Tribulation Period that is coming upon the whole world. Concerning this time Jesus declared, “21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22). The first set is the opening of the seven seals, the second is the sounding of the seven trumpets, and the third set is the pouring out of the seven bowls (vials in the King James English). In the second set of judgments, John the servant of God to whom God revealed the future, describes the sounding of the sixth trumpet, “13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. 18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.” (Revelation 9:13-19)  John hears the command for the four angels who are apparently guarding the Euphrates River to prepare to  release an army of 200 million soldiers so that they can cross the river and slay a third of the humans still living on the earth at that time. Some scholars believe this means that the Euphrates River will dry up so that a large army can pass through it. John describes what seems to be an army of 200 million supernatural beings on horses. However, he was using his First Century experiences to describe something that happens in at least the 21st Century so the language he uses could be referring to a modern mechanized army. The actual crossing of the river doesn’t take place until the sixth bowl judgment (which is the second to the last judgment of the earth during the Tribulation Period) as John states, “12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty…16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:12-14,16) Who are these “kings of the east” (literally in the original Greek: “kings of the rising [sun]“)? Among some prophecy students the belief is that these kings are leaders of an Asian confederation. It is obvious that China alone could field a 200 million soldier army. This army will cross the Euphrates River on its way to Israel where it will fight against the armies of the Antichrist on the plains of Israel in a final battle known as Armageddon. This war will be interrupted by the second coming of Jesus Christ who will destroy the armies of the world and set up His kingdom on earth (Revelation ch.19). As I said at the beginning, the U.S. report on the strength of the Chinese military made a revealing statement when it said that “China is developing longer-range capabilities that could have an effect beyond the Asia-Pacific region.” 

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Doomsday machine to cause the end of the world?

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

(January 28, 2009)  Last year there was a “scare” over physicists who were planning to perform an experiment with atomic particles in the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. The question was whether such an experiment would lead to the creation of black holes and therefore possibly destroy the earth. It seems that this issue has returned, (Scientists Not So Sure ‘Doomsday Machine’ Won’t Destroy World) This article has a facetious aspect to it and one that I agree with. If the world was going to end like this it would happen so quick that we wouldn’t even know it happened. However, God laid out a plan for the End-Times and they don’t include the complete destruction of the earth, at least not for a thousand years after He begins His plan. The exact order of these events may be open to interpretation but they will last just over seven years. A world leader will come on the scene and the world will worship him. During the next seven years trouble will come upon the earth, “21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Jesus as quoted in Matthew 24:21-22) So take comfort in the fact that nothing globally catastrophic will happen unless it is part of God’s plan.

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Laying the Groundwork for a one-world religion?

Friday, November 14th, 2008

(November 14, 2008)  In the book of Revelation, John describes seeing a unified global religion on the earth in the last days. He says, “3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast [i.e. Antichrist]. 4 And they worshipped the dragon [i.e. the Devil; see Revelation 12:9] which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear…11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” (Revelation 13:3-9,11-15) Those who reject the truth of Jesus Christ will worship the Devil and his pawn, the Antichrist. John also mentions a third personage he describes as a two-horned lamb that speaks like a dragon. The implication here is that this lamb is a religious leader who speaks the words of the Devil and not the truth of God. Revelation calls him as the “false prophet”: “13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13-14) The three beings form a “satanic trinity” with the Devil being the leader. The False Prophet will use his powers to promote the Antichrist to the world. Those who reject the God of the Bible will willingly worship the Antichrist. The Antichrist will blame the followers of God for the world’s problems (cf. Hitler and the Jews). They will follow after him and “make war” with the saints of God. As the second passage above declares, this unholy trinity will take the world’s leaders and their followers to the battle of Armageddon where they will suffer complete destruction by Jesus Christ.

At this time it is hard to see how the disparate religions of the world could ever become unified. John states that these unholy men will have power and oratory skills that will cause the world to “wonder” after them. They will be able to persuade the world that they are representatives of the “true” power in the universe. There is one exception to this though. Most religions believe there are many ways to God. Christianity believes there is only one way to God because Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6) This means that when the world religion spoken of in Revelation occurs orthodox Christianity will not be a part of it.

There is a call by some of the leaders in the technology field and Hollywood industry for “people worldwide to help craft a framework for harmony between all religions.” (World asked to help craft online charter for religious harmony) The article quotes religious scholar Karen Armstrong, “The chief task of our time is to build a global society where people of all persuasions can live together in peace and harmony. If we do not achieve this, it seems unlikely that we will have a viable world to hand on to the next generation.” Though their stated goal of peace and harmony is a noble one it will never be realized in the fallen world that we currently exist. It is indicative though that there are numerous people in the world who would love to see unity in religion. It will happen twice in the future. The first is the evil global religion mentioned above. The second time will be when Jesus Christ sets up His kingdom after Armageddon. Then the Bible says that the Arabs, Jews and Christians will all worship God together: “19 In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. 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 Saviour, and a great one, and He shall deliver them. 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. 22 And the LORD shall smite Egypt: He shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and He shall be entreated 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.” (Isaiah 19:19-25)

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The Election of Barack Obama as President

Sunday, November 9th, 2008
President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama

(November 9, 2008)  Someone recently asked me if Barack Obama would become a player in End-Times events. My overriding concern for whoever becomes President of the United States is what is God’s will for this country. The Bible makes it clear that it is God who raises up rulers and causes them to fall: “20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21) With this in mind there are two things that stand out to me about 2008 election.

The first is the fact that people worldwide were so taken with an unknown quantity illustrates that people are looking for someone to solve their problems. This is indicative to me that one day the world will also be taken with a charismatic leader who will speak of peace and tell the people what they want to hear. With global communications through the Internet, Satellite TV, etc it will take no time at all for the Antichrist to come on the scene and rise to prominence.

The other issue concerns the future of America. The prophet Ezekiel declared that in the latter days there will be a war between the countries surrounding Israel (Russia, Iran formerly Persia etc) and Israel itself. I don’t believe this war can occur as long as the United States is the protector of Israel. On my web site I wrote an article in 2007 about the fall of America. (The Decline & Fall of America) In this article I point out that I believe America has to become either economically or militarily impotent or both. As a result of this decline the U.S. will become either unwilling or unable to protect Israel. When this occurs the countries will feel that they have a free hand to attack Israel. Obama’s intentions towards the state of Israel are unclear. He made conflicting statements concerning Jerusalem. It could be that his economic policies might further erode the economic power of America. If that does happen on his watch then I believe it would only be a matter of time before this prophetic war would take place. Russia has become more aggressive recently and of course Iran is trying to increase it military strength and making threatening statements towards Israel. It seems events were already set in motion before Barack Obama becomes President. The economy of America is in jeopardy and the military has been stretched numerically. Even if the issues recover to some extent it illustrates that a future fall of America’s economy and possibly military can happen in a very short time. Only time will tell and it will only occur in God’s timing.

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Peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians in 2008?

Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Jerusalem

Jerusalem

(June 23, 2008)  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared that a temporary peace document will be signed by the Israelis and the Palestinians before 2008 is over. (‘Olmert says peace document likely this year’) Whether or not this becomes a reality the Bible indicates that some sort of covenant or agreement involving Israel is going to be reached at the beginning of the End-Times. The prophet Daniel spoke of a future leader whom Christians call the Antichrist. In chapter 9 of Daniel it states that a ruler or prince will confirm a covenant with many for one week of years or seven years which is called the Tribulation Period. Many believe this covenant will be a peace treaty of some kind. Daniel speaks of this ruler or Antichrist and what he will do during this period:

“24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:24-27)

That this covenant seems to be a peace treaty [which may include the rebuilding of the Third Temple (i.e. the holy place) since the Antichrist enters it and causes sacrifices to cease] is indicated in another passage in Daniel and in the writings of Paul:

“23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” (Daniel 8:23-25)

It states here that this ruler will destroy many through his policy of peace. The apostle Paul in writing about the End-Times also mentions a false sense of peace in the world just prior to the apocalypse:

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-9)

Paul declares that the world will finally think it has achieved peace (probably through the charismatic efforts of the Antichrist). That is when sudden destruction comes in the form of God’s judgment upon a rebellious earth. Thus, anytime a peace agreement is discussed concerning Israel it is worth keeping an eye on developments that surround it. Notice in the last verse Paul wrote above he declared that the only way to avoid the judgment of God is to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ. If you want to read what it means to be saved you can go here (What must I do to be saved)

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