Rise of Anti-Semitism, Anti-Christian Hate: Are These Signs of the Lord’s Coming?

Posted on August 8, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

I believe Satan knows the return of Jesus Christ is drawing near! A growing number of people are equating world peace with the elimination of Israel. Many also are explaining the troubles in the world by blaming the presence of Christians on earth. Many people who are naturally inclined to seek easy liberal solutions to social issues are succumbing to the evil rancor of Muslims who are settling in numerous European countries and American states who have an engrained hatred toward Jews and any who support them.  Rising pro-Nazi movements that also feed this general spirit of anti-Semitic, and Anti-Christian fervor.

Many of these countries have abandoned the Bible for past decades in favor of a more humanistic and globalistic outlook.  To the maximum extent, they  have abandoned the idea of supernatural revelation through the Bible.  For these and other reasons, many have become intellectually and morally lazy. The result is a general disinterest in the problems in the middle east and a growing desire to take a hands-off approach to resolving these issues. “If Islam is interested in getting rid of the Jews and the Christians,” some might reason, “well then, maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.” This kind of lazy thinking can even occur, and sometimes does occur,  below the level of conscious awareness.  I think this may influence the great delays in both action and follow through from our leadership in America.

Yet the problems are real, and avoiding or ignoring them will only allow those who seek the obliteration of the Jew and the people of the cross to have a freer hand to kill, steal and destroy.  This is Satan’s three-fold strategy to bring about his ideal world order. (John 10:10) Yet Jesus’ purpose is stated in the second part of that verse and in stark contrast to Satan: “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly!”

Satan’s goal of destroying Israel and marginalizing the Christian Church is what is being pushed and accepted today with growing regard and even respectability among many movie stars and others of notoriety.

Anti-Semitism and Christian bashing has become trendy! It escapes the typical European and American that the Islamic takeover and murder of those in “far away” countries today, also can mean the destruction of America and those same European societies tomorrow! Radical Islam will not stop so long as there are vulnerable people to subjugate or destroy, property and equipment to steal, or caliphates to establish. Erasing Israel or the churches will  not satisfy them.  All along, seeming by-standers, Like America, and leaders, like President Obama (and there are others) often give the appearance that they are more interested in being entertained or noticed then in actually working to resolve problems by addressing them boldly and honestly!  This is a part of the spiritual blindness that Satan brings and which will worsen as the Lord’s coming draws nearer (2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:1f)

The disregard for God, the Bible, and biblical morality even in small measure here in America and other nations that serve as Israel’s allies does a great deal to induce a vile murder rampage in other parts of the world, say, in Gaza, or in Iraq.  It is an inviolable principle of Scripture:  “Be not deceived, God is not (will not be) mocked, for whatsoever a man (or a nation) soweth, that shall he also reap!” (Galatians 6:7) Sin in a person’s life, or family, or nation, gives opportunity, also called, “permission,” or “ground” to Satan to effect others both within our sphear of influence and out side of it, as God gives permission for the Devil and His demons to do so. (See Daniel 10:12-14; Ephesians 4:27; 6:10-18)

As Satan and his demons are given opportunity through sin, missiles are fired unprovoked, by Hamas into Israel.

Churches are burned and murdered in Iraq. Even the members of the Yazidis sect are targeted by ISIS because they claim to be a mix of Christian, Zoroastrian and Islamic religions.

Remember that because of Satanic hatred, radical Islam is an equal opportunity murderer!

Our willful spiritual blindness here in America, through blasphemous support of abortion, pornography, abandonment of the biblical definition of marriage, etc. will be magnified, through demonic influence wherever Satan is most desiring to advance his evil!   Lack of real prayer, and proclamation of biblical truth which is lived out consistently, will, through direct and indirect means, foster greater advances of evil.  So, our own sins and disregard for God, gives opportunity for Satan to work more evil in the world!

Isaiah predicted that God would one day “go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy as a man of war, He shall cry, yes, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:13) This was written in the context of prophecies of both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ.

First Jesus was to come as a suffering servant (Isaiah  42:1-4; see also this fulfillment in Matthew 12:18-21). Then, Jesus was to come back to the earth, specifically, the middleast, and Israel, to completely overthrow and destroy His enemies.(Isaiah 42:8-25; 63:1-4).

This is why present events in Iraq, with the burning of churches and destruction of anything Christian, or Jewish, and all that is non-Islamic is being carried out with such zeal. It is perhaps because the devil knows that he has only a short time. (Revelation 12:12)

There is little or no prophecy in the books of other religions besides that of the Bible.  This is what really distinguishes the Bible from religious books, like, the Quran.  In Isaiah 41:20-22 the challenge is given that for one to authoritatively speak for God he must be able to write what God intends to do in the future.  Prophecy is a distinguishing mark of Divine revelation and authority. The many

biblical Prophecies that have already come true add credibility to those prophecies which have yet to be fulfilled.  Yet for centuries, as well as today, millions have followed religious teachers and founders who’s writings contain no prophecy.  The Apostle Peter assures us that we have a “more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place (like the evil world we live in). (2 Peter 1:19)

In the Bible there are many prophecies yet to come to pass.  The Bible shows itself to be the world’s only valid and historically verifiable book of God’s revelation of Himself and of His truth for all mankind. The clear prophecies of Scripture are one key reason why this is true.  Only the One true God can declare the future before it happens!  Only the Bible contains these prophetic Divine declarations!  Isaiah records the very words of God as he writes:  “Behold, the former things are come to pass (which God foretold through His biblical prophets) and new things do I declare: Before they spring forth I tell you of them!” (Isaiah 42:9)

Jesus, and the New Testament writers prophetically warned of rising persecution against Israel and the Church in the latter days. (Read Matthew, chapters 24-25, and, 1 Peter 4:7-14) This is why, while we are greatly concerned about the rise of hatred today, we do not need to be fearful, but prayerful.  For, as Christians, knowing the prophecies of the Lord’s coming, we can be hopeful and even joyful in the midst of these trials while we watch for Him!  The Bible assures us that Jesus will return to catch us away to heaven at the rapture. (John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)  All of  these events serve as markers for us that the Bible is true and that Jesus Christ is coming soon!  (Luke 21:28)

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Threatened People of Ancient Nineveh, Modern Destruction by ISIS is Looming

Posted on August 7, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Several minorities living in the area of the ancient land of Nineveh are now being threatened by the ISIS Islamic radicals which have swept into Iraq from Syria like a swarm of Old Testament locusts! These minorities now in need of food and rescue are made up of Christians, Zoroastrians, Sunni and Shiite Muslims, all desperately calling for some nation to come and help them. Some 40,000 of them are hold up on Mount Sinjar

ISIS has already destroyed Jonah’s Tomb, as well as many other ancient monuments, buildings and churches. They have murdered thousands of Iraqis! The demonic spirit of the Nazis is very much alive and active in this wicked group. They have also taken over a dam in Mosel from where ISIS is able to flood millions in Bagdad if they choose to. I believe that this group represents the growing evil that the world can expect to see as Islam advances un-challenged by once great powers like the United States, Great Britain and others.  In these latter days foretold by the ancient biblical prophets, the wicked grow more bold to do evil and the good grow more fearful to stand against the wicked!

Will America intervene and help these poor people on the brink of destruction? It is absolutely astounding that President Obama has done nothing thus far. What an opportunity for a world leader to demonstrate resolve.  Will the president stand up against this obvious evil in Iraq as well as offer help to people who are crying out to the world as they are about to be slaughtered if they do not convert to Islam? Could it be that Mr Obama has a difficult time standing opposed to Islam! Is it difficult for him even if it takes such an evil form as ISIS, even to protect other Muslims from senseless destruction?

In the book of Jonah, when the people of Nineveh cried out in a humble and desperate appeal to God, He heard them. It looks like we need to call out to God in their behalf again today, for God, once again to supernaturally intervene. God does not care about political ramifications for political parties like Mr. Obama plainly does. Be sure that if God calls us to help and we turn a deaf ear, the Lord of the earth will not forget. It is not just the People of modern Nineveh who might be destroyed by our disregard for their cries, but America as well. As ISIS is transforming Iraq, we are undergoing a transformation of our own in America. While the people of Nineveh cry out, America needs to realize that we need to call out to God as well!   The same satanic power energizing ISIS to destroy Iraq and Nineveh, is also using other means to achieve the destruction of America.  How long, if our leadership stays un-convicted and passive in the face of rising evil, will it take before the churches and synagogues in America are burning too?

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Ebola, The United States, and the Outbreak of Plagues in the Latter Days

Posted on August 3, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Jesus predicted that in the latter days : “great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:11) “They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8b)
All indications are that these prophetic markers truly designate our present days as likely being the latter days predicted in the Bible. We are witnessing the arising of new and devastating types of plagues and diseases. When Jesus predicted these times to His disciples, He fully expected and warned them to be aware that these trials will affect them as well. (Luke 21:11-13) But the Lord will victoriously use the suffering believers of the last days who are touched by these future trials which are to come upon the wicked, “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” (Luke 21:13)   As I will show later in this article, I also believe God is speaking to America and sending a warning through the arrival of the Ebola virus on our soil for the first time in history.

An example of how Christians can suffer from trials that God may send upon others as judgments of the end times is found today in Christians who truly love God such as the two Samaritans Purse missionaries, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nurse Nancy Writebol. Who, because they too have contracted the Ebola virus, show us how these plagues can certainly affect Christians as well. However, believers who get these diseases or who are affected by the ravages of God’s judgment, whether through pestilence, war or natural disasters do not indicate that God is judging the innocent. These missionaries show that bad things do not hinder those sold out for God and who love people in the name of Jesus Christ. While seeking to render aid to them in the name of Christ, they also run the risk of suffering with them. This is exactly what Jesus did when he came to earth and walked among sinners and healed the sick, and even died for the world of sinners. He died for us because of the punishment for the sins that we deserved! But He also rose again! The following article from The Huffington Post, a decidedly liberal publication, shows the amazing testimony of how the pestilence of Ebola can be used by God through surrendered servants of Christ as a powerful testimony to the lost of the unconquerable love of God through Jesus Christ!

Doctor Infected With Ebola Makes Selfless Gesture To Fellow Patient
The Huffington Post | By Amanda L. Chan
An experimental serum against Ebola virus —- enough for one patient —- arrived in Liberia yesterday. The problem: There are two U.S. aid workers who are in grave condition after they contracted the virus.

There had to be a choice made about which aid worker would receive the serum — Dr. Kent Brantly, a doctor who was helping patients in the country through the U.S. organization Samaritan’s Purse, or Nancy Writebol, who was working through the organization SIM as a hygienist to help decontaminate people entering and leaving the isolation ward at ELWA Hospital.

“Dr. Brantly asked that it be given to Nancy Writebol,” Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, said in a statement. “However, Dr. Brantly received a unit of blood from a 14-year-old boy who had survived Ebola because of Dr. Brantly’s care. The young boy and his family wanted to be able to help the doctor that saved his life.”
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa — the worst Ebola outbreak in history — has now killed 729 people, according to figures released on July 31. Deaths were reported in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Liberia has shut down schools and put out an order for public servants to stay home in efforts to curb spread of the virus, and Sierra Leone is working to place sick patients under quarantine, CBS News reported.–

What Are the Implications for Christians, America and All Nations?
Christians should keep Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol in their prayers for the days ahead as one or both of them are airlifted to Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. We need to keep the United States in prayer as well as it would seem that God is bringing Ebola to America.  The scientists say that there is always a chance that this virus can spread in this country.  Although, they try to assure us that the chances of this happening are small.  As Christians, we are grateful to these two dedicated missionaries for their selfless sacrifice.  But I believe that almighty God, who will not be mocked will hold America accountable for the disease of  sin that is being advanced by many today.  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”  (Galatians 6:7-8) President Obama and Secretary Kerry have, up to this time, shown, at best, only a confused approach to defending Israel’s right to defend themselves and even their right to exist as a sovereign nation.  This is why we must take the arrival of Ebola onto American soil as a definitive sign that God is trying, once again, to get our attention!

I and, I am sure, many thousands of Christians will continue to ask the Lord to heal these missionaries.  I believe the Lord will turn their sacrificial suffering for the Lord and for others into a dynamic and life changing testimony to a world that desperately needs to notice the mighty power of God that is always at work in the world through Jesus Christ. The pestilences of the latter days that the Lord predicted would come upon the earth are not beyond His sovereign ability to use  for advancing His redemptive purpose, and even for our good. Paul said in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

The Lord has a calling for each of us who are born-again Christians to fulfill His will as we courageously witness for Jesus Christ and even suffer for His name. Still, it is vitally important for us to be aware that the Lord is active even today in preparing the earth and the nations for certain and thorough judgment. This is as Romans 1:18 states, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

If indeed God is bringing a new pestilence into the United States to warn us of a much-needed moral and spiritual correction regarding God and our defense of Israel, then He can and will bring similar pestilences upon other nations as well.  Primarily, I believe that God will focus these types of warnings especially upon nations that once were supporters of Israel and the Jew, but now are turning away from God and Israel. (Psalm 2)  Many nations are therefore succumbing to the spirit of Antichrist (1 John 4:3b) through a highly infectious moral and spiritual virus called anti-Semitism. These nations have been in spiritual decline for decades. This spiritual decline has produced a vacuum that Marxism, New Age, and especially, Islam are filling rapidly. Many of these nations, including the United States, thus are admitting vast numbers of Peoples who are largely without God and who are, to a great extent, anti-Semitic. Or, they are at least vulnerable to the infection of the politically powerful contagion of demonic anti-Semitism.

Remember that as we wait for the Lord from heaven, (Philippians 3:20) we need to stay faithful in our defense of God and His people Israel.  God will hold us accountable for this, both as Christians and as a nation!  This is true for America, but it is also true for any nation! As we do this we can walk and work for Him in victory, no matter the threat or trial, for He has already overcome the world, and He promises never to leave or forsake us and to return for us at any moment!

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Vladimir Putin, The Vain Thoughts of Man, And the Victory of God

Posted on July 28, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

We have recently seen that the Russians are firing artillery across the border from Russia into Ukraine. It looks like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is no longer being hidden.  Mr. Putin plainly has great, and I believe, global ambitions. Today, Ukraine, tomorrow, Israel and the world.

God knows the future. This is why Bible prophecy needs to be considered when evaluating current world issues and events.  In recent articles I have explained how Russia will have Israel in their sights for conquest. Israel is the prize! But God will see to it that His people, the Jews, and His nation, Israel will never be destroyed. For over a century, and especially since the re-establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, God has been restoring the Jews to their land.  God has been calling the Jews back from foreign countries where they have been scattered for centuries. This is definitely a sign that the end times are upon us!

Vladimir Putin does not realize that he is being directed by demonic forces! He will never stop his advance into Ukraine. From there he (or a future Russian leader) will eventually head south, along with Iran and other Islamic nations who are hateful toward Israel with the hopes of destroying God’s covenant people. This is all part of the behind the scenes planning on the part of nations that plot against Israel! In the public eye, they may seem cordial or helpful toward the Jews, yet covertly, they have other designs for God’s covenant nation. (See Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39)

Psalm 2 is a prophecy as to the continual plotting of Israel’s enemies for their destruction.  It shows that they themselves will be destroyed by God’s judgment because, as they fight against Israel and God’s people, they fight against God and His Son, Jesus Christ as well.  Jesus Christ, will return and establish His throne in Zion.  That is:  Jerusalem!  He will rule the entire earth from there after He returns visibly to the earth.  Read what Psalm 2 says:

Why are the nations in an uproar
            And the peoples devising a vain thing?

      The kings of the earth take their stand
            And the rulers take counsel together
            Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,

      “Let us tear their fetters apart
            And cast away their cords from us!”

      He who sits in the heavens laughs,
            The Lord scoffs at them.

      Then He will speak to them in His anger
            And terrify them in His fury, saying,

      “But as for Me, I have installed My King
            Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

      “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
            He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
            Today I have begotten You.

      ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
            And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.

      ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
            You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

      Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
            Take warning, O judges of the earth.

      Worship the LORD with reverence
            And rejoice with trembling.

      Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
            For His wrath may soon be kindled. (NASB)

As Putin’s  forces fire upon military positions within Ukraine from Russia, and as persecution of Jews continues in Ukraine, God sees this and God will act! Psalm 94:9-11 says:

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

He that chastiseth (disciplines) the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, THAT THEY ARE VANITY. (NASB)

Growing numbers of Jews are seeking to flee Ukraine and fly to Israel.  We see, however, that through this very persecution and threatening of the Jews will come a real strengthening of Israel!  In fact, the more rockets Hamas fires into Israel, the greater their resolve and desire to defend themselves at any cost.  The demonic spirit of Adolf Hitler, and the Nazis is very much alive through organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah today.  But the Holy Spirit of the God of Israel is far greater, and He will not be defeated!

 Putin’s persecution of Jews in Ukraine, and those of the followers of Muhammad in lands that have declared themselves to be the enemies of the Jews,  have actually declared war against the God of the Bible!  But the Lord has declared His verdict: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity!”  (Psalm 98:11)

I believe that we are right at the time when the world will witness the sudden disappearance of millions who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their crucified and resurrected Savior.  The Bible does not tells us the day this will occur, but it is clear that Jesus Christ will return in the air to snatch away all believers off of the earth suddenly and to the surprise of the entire world!  The Bible clearly predicts this magnificent and epochal  event of the rapture:

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. 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.

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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1Thessalonians 4;13-18)

No wonder so many religions and religious leaders fear the Bible!  It is no surprise that ISIS wants to get rid of churches and Christians in Iraq.  They, and leaders of other false religions and cults, fear the truth of the God of the Bible who loves the world and sent His only Son to die on the cross for us. (John 3:16)  They know that to simply and thoroughly read and study the Bible will result in people placing their faith in Jesus Christ and hurriedly departing their old false religions.  They are afraid that they will find new life and new hope by the millions from among those who are now in bondage to false gods and false works for salvation.

Yet the Bible clearly shows that God is righteous and He will strike at any nation that strikes against, or plots against His people, whether Israel or the Church.  The ISIS terrorists in Iraq, who now purpose to bring more horrors upon the poor women of that desecrated and neglected country, are so blinded with hatred and lust for blood and power that they do not even know that their activities will bring horrible future and eternal judgment upon them. The God of the Bible does see and He does know, and He will judge.

But God, through Jesus Christ, His Son still wants to save!  God says through the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1)  Paul said in Romans 12:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Vain leaders like Putin, Hamas, ISIS, al-Qaeda and others today, should not distract us from the truth that the God of the Bible will win the victory!  He will completely rout the enemies of His people! Rest assured,  Second Coming of Jesus Christ is at hand! (Read Matthew 24-25)

 

 

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Is Russia behind Hamas’ Assault on Israel?

Posted on July 24, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

The simple answer, based on what the Bible indicates about Russia’s plans against Israel is: Yes! Former UN Ambassador, John Bolton has stated that Hamas is firing so many rockets into Israel from Gaza to provoke them into a confrontation with Hamas in order to distract Israel from Iran’s nuclear weapons development. This makes perfect sense!

Russia and Iran are allies! I do not believe Iran will make any moves toward Israel however, without Russia’s ok. The nations around Israel have a dark history of extreme anti-Semitism. Israel will never have real and lasting peace until the return of the Prince of Peace: the Lord Jesus Christ!

But we are seeing much today that lead us to believe that His return is certainly drawing near. The nations, growing more anti-Christ each day,  are determined to hinder Israel in every way possible.

Isaiah predicts the end of those nations that will come against Israel in the latter days! America, through the Obama Administration, is certainly not working for Israel’s protection.  They do not take the rocket (or missile) attacks on Israel as a serious provocation and reason for Israel’s move now to destroy Hamas.  America is now under judgment for this! But God will destroy those nations that seek to hurt Israel.  Unfortunately, the U.S. is now in that category!

An example of God’s judgment on anti-Israel nations:  In Isaiah 17:1, the Lord clearly predicts the utter destruction of the city of Damascus, the capital of Syria: “The oracle concerning Damascus. ‘Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city And will become a fallen ruin.'” (Isaiah 17:1, NASB) This prediction may indicate that Israel will retaliate against Syria for a future attack against them, perhaps through a nuclear strike. The prophecy shows a sudden, even over-night, obliteration of this large and ancient city which has never before been completely destroyed.

Isaiah, and many other Old Testament prophets clearly predict how God will treat the nations that seek Israel’s detriment and destruction.  Isaiah stated in 741 B.C. how God would respond to the enemy nations of Israel in the latter days:

Alas, the uproar of many peoples
Who roar like the roaring of the seas,
And the rumbling of nations
Who rush on like the rumbling of mighty waters!
The nations rumble on like the rumbling of many waters,
But He will rebuke them and they will flee far away,
And be chased like chaff in the mountains before the wind,
Or like whirling dust before a gale.

At evening time, behold, there is terror!
Before morning they are no more.
Such will be the portion of those who plunder us
And the lot of those who pillage (rob) us. (Isaiah 17:12-14, NIV)

Jesus Christ dearly loved, and loves, the nation of Israel.  God will not allow His covenant people to be destroyed.  Russia will one day make its move against Israel!  It is moving in that direction today! (Ezekiel 38:7-8)  Putin is certainly working closely with Iran and other Islamic  countries that hate the Jewish people!

It is a fundamental doctrine of Islam to hate Israel and the Jews!  The Christians in Iraq are now being robbed and exiled with their property being confiscated by the Islamic ISIS!  God sees this and will not allow this to go unanswered!  This is why the Bible is so clear that it would be during just such times as these that the Lord Jesus Christ would return.  He will come in the clouds to rapture His church to heaven. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)  There will follow, seven years of great tribulation upon the earth for their abuse of God and His people.  Then, Jesus will return with His church to the earth at least seven years after the rapture to establish His Millennial Kingdom, with Jerusalem as His capital. (Zechariah 14:16).   It is time to stop living as an enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His people Israel and the Church!  Judgment is coming! Time is rapidly running out!

The Lord will return!  But He has also already come to die on the cross for the sins of the world; that is, for you!  He died for all! (1 Timothy 2:4-6) He died and rose again so that the Moslem, the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Mormon, the Jehovah’s Witness, the Atheist, the selfish, and the sorrowful, and all who are lost and in sin can come out of their false and unbiblical beliefs and come to faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  “But as many as received Him (Jesus Christ), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name!” (John 1:12, KJV) 

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Update on the Israeli-Gaza War: Hamas Following Prophetic Principles of Self Destruction

Posted on July 19, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

The battle in Gaza for Israel’s right to exist continues!  Now two American born Israeli soldiers have died in the ongoing battles against Islamic hatred toward Israel through Hamas.  We should now realize how America is going to be very much a part of the end time scenario, especially as we relate to Israel!  This shows how true it is that we can, through the unfolding of events, certainly see America in prophecy.

As for how things are shaping up in the Israeli-Gaza War, we may view Hamas, and aggressive anti-Semitic Palestinians of today as representing the evil spirit and intent of the ancient Philistines.

The ancient land of the Philistines (KJV, “Palestina”), were enemies of Israel. They had five kingdoms along the coastal plain which stretched from the Gaza on the South to Joppa in the North. One of these kingdoms was in Gaza. God predicted the ultimate destruction of the Philistines! But their descendants are fighting Israel’s descendants from ancient times still today! The Philistines, or present day “Palestinians,” now no longer worship the “grain” god. The particular god they now worship, Allah, is, according to the Quran, an adversary of the Jews. This is completely different from the God of the Bible, that loves Israel and purposes to protect them from destruction. (Genesis 12:1-3)

This is one important thing that the ancient Philistines had in common with those of the present day: A common and theologically based anti-Semitism. Bible prophecy abounds promising the destruction of any nation that seeks Israel’s destruction, like, present day Philistines of Hamas. The prophetic principles are clearly laid out in Isaiah 14:28-32.

“Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you,
            Because the rod that struck you is broken;
            For from the serpent’s root a viper will come out,
            And its fruit will be a flying serpent. (29)

      Israel’s ancient King Ahaz, who had just died, struck harsh blows against the Philistines! Now they thought they could at last destroy Israel now that they were vulnerable. So, today, the descendants of the Philistines seek to take any advantage of Israel’s vulnerability to terrorize and to destroy them.  This is why they are firing Iranian missiles into Israel by the hundreds! And this also explains why Palestinian rooted and Iran backed Hamas has dug over thirty extensive and elaborate tunnels into Israeli territory.

But there is a perennial principle in this prophecy that should be remembered.  It is a promise that the descendants of the Philistines will be destroyed by the descendants of the ancient Jews who are restored to and occupying the ancient land of Israel.  Notice how the statement even qualifies the type of attack that Israel will have at its disposal.  In the King James Version we find that an attack against Israel will be met with a “fiery flying serpent.”  This can certainly be seen to manifest today as Israel’s sudden and devastating strikes through their jet fighters.

This prophecy  was fulfilled with the coming of the Assyrian army to destroy the ancient Philistine kingdoms. But it also shows a future application to their descendants who will occupy that territory, Palestina, and who also will desire the destruction of the Jews and Israel. Isaiah further details the result of the self-destructive attitude and activity of Hamas, when he writes:

“Those who are most helpless will eat,
            And the needy will lie down in security;
            I will destroy your root with famine,
            And it will kill off your survivors. (30, NASB)

God is always desirous to be merciful to the “most helpless,” and here especially with His covenant people, Israel, He assures them that “the needy will lie down in security.”  But God assures and warns the Philistines of the future times, “I will destroy your root with famine, and it will kill off your survivors.”

Bible prophecy shows that God has established Israel and He intends to protect  them against Philistines, or Palestinians.  God promised to protect Israel from their enemies, past, present and future!

…That the LORD has founded Zion,
            And the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it.” (32)

Even in the Great Tribulation Period God will see to the protection and preservation of Israel.  The future Antichrist will overflow with hate for the Jews.  He will, like Hitler in the past, and  the Nazi-like Islamists of today, attempt to systematically murder all the Jews. (Revelation 12:13-17) Yet God will provide hiding places for them, and even cause earthquakes to protect the Jews! (Revelation 12:14-16)  There are three places that Daniel predicts will not be accessible to the Antichrist.  These will be places accessible by many Jews during the Tribulation Period: “But these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” (Daniel 11:41).  22)  And added to all of this will be the sealing of 144,000 mighty Jewish witnesses for Jesus Christ who will win countless multitudes to faith in Jesus Christ during that time. (Revelation 7) And, for a time, the Antichrist will not be able to stop them!

As the recent shoot down, by Russian forces, of the Malaysian airliner over Ukraine indicates, Russia is very much a powerful influence behind current situations in the Middle-East.  Russia has been an enemy of the Jews and of Israel for centuries.  Ezekiel 38 predicts that they are preparing, in the “latter years,” to attack Israel with the assistance of many Islamic nations as strong allies, especially Iran. (Ezekiel 38:1,7-8, Gog and Magog, “Prince of Rosh [Russia],” NASB).  A great deal more than most realize is going on today with Russia’s distinct ok through Vladimir Putin’s authority and direction behind the scenes.

Yet, God the Father, in spite of, and even through the wicked plans of man, is also preparing for the return of His Son.  Through His prophetic Word in the Bible, He lovingly promises that any people, Palestinian, Arab, Lebanese, Syrian, Russian, Iranian, American, etc., can find refuge in “Zion,” through faith in the one true God of the Bible and the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who is coming again! (Isaiah 14:32; Zachariah 2:11, 14:16-21)

 

 

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Indifference, A Mark of End Times Advancement of Evil!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

The fulfillment of Bible prophecy in these days is absolutely astounding!  Russia, in a terroristic act of war, in shooting down the Malaysian airliner with an advanced surface to air missile, is asserting their authority over Ukraine.  They are asserting a stand against any who would dare contest their desire to take over any country they choose.  While our diplomats weave together verbal responses that the news media will spend days endlessly analyzing for microscopic signs of strength, President Obama’s remarks will likely be tepid at best.

The southern border of the United States is flooded with child illegals, at the President’s invitation, and confusion in our federal government, in our States and communities reign.

Israel is attacked relentlessly, yet, our President has little to say as Israel, on their own, seeks to root out evil Hamas and their tunnels in Gaza!

Islam is marching toward conquest in Iraq through ISIS, and ultimately for global conquest through the destruction of Israel and downfall of America.

But, most remarkable of all is the indifference we see with President Obama.  Amos spoke to this attitude of indifference of a once mighty and godly nation when he said:

How horrible it will be for those who are at ease in Zion, for those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, and for the heads of the leading nations, to whom the nation of Israel comes. (Amos 6:1, HCSB)

America has been led into a distracting celebrity and entertainment mentality in recent years.  This was the situation in ancient Rome in the times leading up to its downfall. The focus of our president and his wife have been to keep America, and themselves, entertained and dependent on big godless government.

Our President and his wife further desire Gay rights and “same-sex marriage” to advance. They want abortions to continue. They desire conservatives and Christians to be silenced.  They are zealous for the military to be weakened.  Mr. Obama’s focus is to put aside every earth shaking, world and national concern. He does this to keep his schedule focused on going to the democratic fundraisers. This is to keep the big bucks coming in to support the perennial reign of the “blame America First,” Democratic Party which has officially rejected God from their “platform.”

Israel is threatened with destruction. Again, Russia’s defiantly shooting down of a civilian airliner, I believe, is for Putin to see what he can get away with.  He wants to see what America will do.  This is because he understands that President Obama is indifferent to these things.

The latter days, just prior to the rapture of the Church, and immediately after, will be marked by the indifference of key world leaders toward the enemies of Israel.  Russia and Iran will plot the destruction of Israel in the battle of Gog and Magog. I believe that these present events are deliberate efforts to calibrate President Obama’s response.  If there is not real condemnation and actual effort on the part of the United States to stand with Israel and to establish a strong and practical response to Russia’s aggression, then Putin and Iran will proceed with their plans:  Israel’s destruction!

The Scriptures predict the indifferent response by key nations toward Russia in the latter days as they move down upon Israel to take it over:

Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villagese will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?” ’ (Ezekiel 38:13)

These nations, “merchants of Tarshish and all her villages,” likely being an oblique reference to the powers of the West including America, which will not interfere with Russia’s or Iran’s plans.

Right now, Putin is gaging to see just what he can get away with.  He is seeing that he has free reign because President Obama is willfully indifferent!

Unfortunately, and as I will show in future blog entries, Christian leaders in America are helping to promote spiritual indifference in issues concerning sound doctrine, and Bible prophecy.  Hundreds of Christian leaders have signed a “covenant with death,” by signing onto a pro-Islamic document called “A Common Word.”  (Google, “A Common Word,” and  “Response to A Common Word, Yale Divinity School of Religion,” and note the Signatories!)

We need Christians in these latter days who have decided to stand with God and His Word and not to fall in with the spiritual compromisers of our day.

Do not expect an effective response from President Obama You will hear only vague words of empty rhetoric, geared to lull the masses into a false sense of security.  It is just such times and seasons as these that the Bible predicts would prevail at the time of the Rapture:

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 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. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4, read also 4:13-18 which indicates the Rapture of the Church will occur at time of Luke-warmness and indifference!)

Keep praying, witnessing for Christ, and watching for His return, while standing for truth and walking in holiness before Lord!

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil…And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:3,5)

 

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Islam: Always Fighting, Never Truly Winning

Posted on June 27, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Because you have had everlasting enmity and have delivered the sons of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of the punishment of the end, therefore as I live,” declares the Lord God, “I will give you over to bloodshed, and bloodshed will pursue you; since you have not hated bloodshed, therefore bloodshed will pursue you. (Ezekiel 35:5-6)

The Bible clearly indicates that the ultimate goal of any Islamic uprising and organizing for war and destruction is the destruction of Israel. The ancient people of Edom, who despised the existence of Israel had a “perpetual hatred” (Ezekiel 36:5, KJV) for the Jews. According to Bible prophecy, the latter days would be filled with “wars and rumors of wars,” (Matthew 24:6) and this would be especially true regarding Israel. The Arab-Islamic nations, both of the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam, cultivate a simmering and cruel hatred for the Jews and Israel as well as any nation that supports them, as in America.

The present fighting in Iraq by the cruel ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) fighters is an effort by Sunni Moslems to establish a Caliphate, or Islamic transnational kingdom including both Syria and Iraq, and extending as far as they can into Iran and other Islamic countries.

The Sunnis believe that the spiritual descendants of Mohammed  represents genuine Islamic leadership. The Shia believe that the family descendants of Mohammed are the legitimate inheritors of Moslem leadership. Neither one of them regard the other as  truly Islamic. Because of their perpetual hatred for each other, if there is no common enemy to fight, we can be sure that they will be seeking one another’s destruction! This is basically what is happening in Iraq today.

For Islam, therefore, there will never be an end to war! Only a “perpetual hatred.” In Genesis we read how among the millions of descendants of Ismael, who was the son of Abraham and Hagar the Egyptian, that there will always be conflict between them, and if not between themselves, then against Israel, America, or any peoples that they choose to target as being against their religious or political interests:

“He will be a wild donkey of a man (untamable, rugged, determined); his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12)

It is unfortunate that American leadership does not understand the true nature of Islam as a distinctly Arabic, and anti-Israel and anti-Christian religion. This is because of our leaders’ complete rejection of the Bible! But the God of the Bible (not the same as Allah of the Koran) has told us of the true nature and goals of the people of Islam and of the reality of the wars that would involve them in the latter days. (Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 83) The God of the Bible, as entirely distinct from the Koran’s, Allah,  is Triune. He is set forth in Scripture as three co-equal, co-eternal persons, who are One in Essence: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4). The God of the Bible, because He loves the whole world (John 3:16), sent His Son to die for all sinners! (1 Timothy 2:4-5) Jesus Christ, who is God, came to reveal the love of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit to the Moslem, the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Atheist, and desires any and all of them to come to a saving knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ by receiving Him as their personal Savior!  (Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4-5)

The greatest favor that Americans can offer in these days for Israel, for America, and for the Moslem is first turn back to the one true God of the Bible and then to elect men and women into political office that truly believe in the Bible! Only they will have the wisdom to understand the times we are living in and not stumble into corruption. Nor will they be prone to fall into scandal and carry out foolish and destructive decisions. This is what we are seeing today under the failed and misguided leadership of Barack Obama and the ignorant anti-Israel and anti-Christian leadership and interests that are supporting him today in his leftist folly.

For any who desire to find peace in their lives, they will have to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20) He alone is the Prince of Peace and will bring forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation for all who trust in Him. (Isaiah 9:6) He will bring love and joy into any hateful and bitter heart.

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An 1888 novel by Rudyard Kipling tells the ironic story of two con-men who conned a small town in India/Afghanistan into believing that they were gods.  The story predictably ends in tragedy, however, when their true identity is finally revealed.  This story, which was a parody about eighteenth century England in India has remarkable similarities to the story of the sudden rise and acceptance of an unknown present day, as some would say, “messianic figure,” named Barak Hussein Obama.  Over time, however, the thin veneer of “godlikeness” has been stripped away to expose a mere fallible man.  Indeed, not a man who should be prayed to, but one, as with all fallible men, to be prayed for!

Recently, the news has been overwhelmingly focused on President Obama’s decision to trade a suspected deserter, Bowe Bergdahl, held for five years by the Afghan Taliban, for five very dangerous Afghan Taliban leaders held at Guantanamo prison.  As Obama spoke during a news conference at the G7 summit in Brussels on Thursday (June 5) he stated to reporters there that he makes ‘no apologies’ for the swap.  Soldiers who served with Bergdahl state unequivocally that he was a deserter.  There is growing evidence that Bergdahl actually joined the Taliban and became a Muslim.

The President’s decision has brought a virtual firestorm of controversy!  Soldiers who served with Private Bergdahl have not only affirmed that he was a deserter but they have good reasons to believe that at least six soldiers have died in the many efforts to find him.

In perhaps one of the most brazen acts of disregard for the security of the United States and completely without any communication with Congress, Mr. Obama made the decision to release these five high level Taliban Islamic terrorists who are responsible for thousands of deaths. While the Republicans are certainly and predictably upset over the whole deal, many Democrats are also uncomfortable with yet another scandalous decision by the President.  After the many scandals that have plagued our country because of Mr. Obama’s administration, many on both sides of the aisle are at a loss as to what he is actually trying to do.

Almost certainly, these five Taliban leaders, who have already killed thousands, will begin soon to plot attacks against America and Israel.  While many soft-pedal politically-correct theories and excuses as to what is on the mind of President Obama when he makes decisions such as these, I believe prophecy students need to seriously consider whether he is perhaps preparing for global leadership after he leaves the Whitehouse in two years.

Much of what Mr. Obama has done has indicated to many who are discerning about such matters, that he is sympathetic to Islam.  I personally believe that Mr. Obama has given much evidence that he may in fact be a Muslim!  I further believe that he views himself as a “messianic figure” who has arrived on the world scene in the nick-of-time to straighten out America’s bloated sense of self and to help establish an inevitable New World Order.

I know that most Christian leaders seem to state that they take Mr. Obama at his word that he is a Christian.  I have determined however, that as history has shown, there is very little that we can take Mr. Obama for at his word.  I believe that Mr. Obama is highly sympathetic to and affectionate toward Islam.  This swap of Bowe Bergdahl for these five top Taliban leaders and Islamic terror strategists, along with the antics of Bowe’s father who oddly gave praise to Allah in the Whitehouse Rose Garden next to a smiling Obama, speak volumes about Mr. Obama’s convictions and ultimate purpose.  I believe his purpose is to position himself in the eyes of the Muslim world to be deemed a potential leader in a future global Caliphate.

Taking over nations for “Allah” to eventually achieve global supremacy and ownership is the goal of Islam.  We would be completely and willfully naive to exclude this reality from our consideration of what President Obama is up to in making decisions such as this.  This action actually continues in a practical way the watering down of American resolve to fight for freedom against Islamic Terrorism.  This American resolve, which is based upon a Judeo-Christian understanding of freedom, has been systematically deconstructed through deliberate actions such as the “Apology Tour,” “Fast and Furious,” “The IRS Scandal,”  “Obama Care,” (remember, “If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor?”), the “VA Scandal”  “Benghazi,” etc.  Observed objectively from a pro-Islamic point of view, these could indicate, especially in view of the release of the Taliban “Fab Five,” that Obama is preparing for the kind of future that he may believe will inevitably come:  A global government, which one might even call a Caliphate.   Could Mr. Obama actually be:  “The Man Who Would be King?”

These present day events are very sobering for the student of prophecy who has perhaps gotten a little battle-weary in waiting and watching for the Lord’s return.  Yet, the Word of God is just as fresh and new as the days in which it was written for us.  The bad news of the days we are living in are actually predicted signals that our waiting and watching for the Lord is not in vain!  The appearance of men who are suddenly accepted as national and global deliverers are foretold for the last days!  We see them in cults, in the Church, and especially in America today!  I believe the unclean spirits that will accompany the sudden arising of the future Antichrist are increasingly coming upon the world in these days in which we live. (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:7)

The Rapture of the Church might well happen before Obama’s term of office is over.  Joyfully, Bible prophecy does not allow for any future Islamic Caliphate.  The future Antichrist will not be Muslim.  Prophecy predicts an almost total destruction of Islam along with the destruction of the power of Russia as a global concern at the time of the War of Gog and Magog.  This is all  predicted in Ezekiel 38-39 and Psalm 83.   God purposes to annihilate any nation or religion that tries to destroy Israel and that opposes Jesus Christ, His true Church and His Gospel.  Wonderfully, however, the Bible indicates that there will be an amazing openness and acceptance of the Lord by many of the presently Islamic nations.  Thousands in Islam are already coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but this is nothing compared to the millions that will trust in Him as the Son of God during the Great Tribulation period.  I have reason to believe that those who will be most receptive to the preaching of the gospel by the 144,000 sealed Jews in the Tribulation Period (Revelation 7) will be from among the formally Muslim millions who will be left after the rapture and who will have never heard the Gospel in this dispensation.  With the radical elements of Islam decimated because of their defeat at the  battle of Gog and Magog, millions of former Muslims having seen the power of God to deliver Israel from attack, will come to faith in Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 19:19-25; 21:13-17; 29:17-21; Jeremiah 49:34-39; Isaiah 19:23-25; Isaiah 60:5-7)

Further, even today, all political leaders who collaborate with evil anti-Semitic powers are set for God’s judgment.  (Psalm 2)  The Antichrist will be just such a leader.  He will arise to world domination after the Rapture and after the Battle of Gog and Magog, after the destruction of Russia and Islam, and will assert himself as the world’s leader for seven years. Ultimately he will seek to destroy Israel, but he will fail and the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth with His Church and will judge the nations and rule as the earth’s true King from Jerusalem for a thousand years! (Ezekiel 39-39; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:1-15; Revelation 13) Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  And if you have, are you obeying Him, witnessing for Him and watching for His coming?

 

Posted on June 7, 2014 by prophecyinperspective | Leave a comment

Anti-Semitic Demands in Ukraine: Jews Register or Leave!

Posted on April 18, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

About 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the ancient empire of Persia extended from India in the east down to Ethiopia, or, Northern Sudan in the south.   Persia’s northern border extended well into present day Turkey.  Persia was a vast empire.  Wicked Haman, a descendant of the anti-Semitic nation of the Amalekites, who had become a high official in Persia, developed an evil scheme to destroy all of the Jews under the rule of that empire.  Esther, the Jewish queen of the Persian king, Ahasuerus was used by God to intercede with the King for her people and, through her courage and God’s providential working,  God delivered millions of Jews from certain destruction.

This supernatural deliverance of Israel from their enemies has been repeated many times over the centuries. While many cruelties have been perpetrated upon the Jews throughout history, as for example through the Nazis of World War II, yet God has preserved His people supernaturally.  Remember how, out of  the atrocities of the German death camps, God re-established Israel once again as a Nation in 1948.  The Jews are back in their land, once again speaking Hebrew, and many of them are watching for the Messiah!

As the latter days unfold, we are to expect a rise in global anti-Semitism.  This is because Satan hates the Jews.  He will one day raise up his special man, the Antichrist, to seek the total annihilation of the Jews and of Israel from the face of the earth.

In preparation for this attempt by the future Antichrist in the Great Tribulation Period the world now witnesses Israel’s Islamic enemies seeking to kill as many Jews as possible through terrorist activities against Israel and the United States.  Just this past Monday we began hearing of the latest effort to scare Jews in Ukraine into registering with the Russian controlled government or face the confiscation of their property.  Ynetnews.com reported as follows:

“A leaflet distributed in Donetsk, Ukraine calling for all Jews over 16 years old to register as Jews marred the Jewish community’s Passover festivities Monday (Passover eve), replacing them with feelings of concern.

The leaflet demanded the city’s Jews supply a detailed list of all the property they own, or else have their citizenship revoked, face deportation and see their assets confiscated.

Donetsk, a Ukraine province with 4.3 million people – 10 percent of Ukraine’s population – and 17,000 Jews, is home to much of the country’s heavy industry, and is thus the biggest prize of the eastern regions where pro-Russian separatists have captured government buildings in the past week.

The leaflet, signed by Chairman of Donetsk’s temporary government Denis Pushilin, was distributed to Jews near the Donetsk synagogue and later in other areas of the city where pro-Russians activists have declared Donetsk as an independent “people’s republic”, defying an ultimatum from Kiev to surrender. “

There is some question as to the source of these leaflets, but, there is little doubt that Russian President Putin is well aware of this situation and has approved of it.

It is interesting to note that these leaflets were distributed on the eve of Passover.  Passover, next to Creation itself, is the most significant celebration for Israel.  It is the very heart of who they are in their relation to their Almighty Covenant God.  Passover commemorates the God of Israel in His covenant and redemptive love for His people when they were captives in Egypt.  He instructed them to place the blood of a sacrificial and unblemished lamb on the door posts of their houses.  The death angel whom God sent to destroy the first-born in Egypt was going to pass over all the houses where he saw the blood.  God kept Israel from death.  Then God brought Israel out of Egypt by dividing the  Red Sea so the Jews could walk across on the dry sea bed in mighty victory.  The same Red Sea that divided for the Jews to escape Egypt was also used by God to destroy the Egyptian army who pursued them!  The Jews have celebrated this miraculous event ever since!

The devil despises this celebration of Passover.  He also hates that which the Passover points to, which is the cross where the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God, died for the sins of the entire world!  Three days later Jesus rose from the dead! Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as their crucified and resurrected Savior will have their sins passed over!  They will not come into judgment, but will have everlasting life! This is the Passover that both Jewish and Gentile Christians celebrate now in the Lord’s Supper!

Satan is seeking to intimidate all the Jews and all those who seek to support Israel such as Bible believing Christians and the nations of the United States and Great Britain. Revelation 12 speaks of a coming time when Satan will go out in great wrath on the earth in the latter days to destroy Israel and the Jews with one last diabolical pogrom.  But he will fail again because of God’s supernatural intervention!

As a further indication of the Lord’s imminent return, it is intriguing how many earthquakes there have been around the word in recent days.  Today alone, April 18, there have been reports of a 7.2 earthquake in Mexico City, also this morning, there was a quake in Los Angeles California; Tokyo experienced a 4.7 earthquake today; a 5.1 quake hit southern Iran yesterday; and a small quake, a 2.7, hit Mount Vernon Ill; still, another, “a strong earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands Thursday evening. The 6.0-magnitude quake was recorded at 6:13 p.m. Hawaii time 76 miles west-southwest of Lata, Solomon Islands at a depth of 6.2 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.” (Rapture Ready News)   Reports of new diseases are also on the rise. For example, a new strain of the Ebola virus has been reported and is already taking lives.

The Lord Jesus Christ predicted that there would come an obvious time in the world when “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:7)  People who glibly respond that these things have always happened do not understand the movement of history and are showing their willful ignorance of Biblical and prophetic history.

What we see now in Ukraine, in Crimea, and what is going to happen in other countries that Russia sets its sights on, is very likely all a part of  Russia’s future attack on Israel. This attack will happen along with the help of Iran and other Muslim nations.  The prophecies of Ezekiel predicts this attack.

Ezekiel begins his prophecy with an incredible vision of the power, presence and providence of God over His people Israel as well as over all the nations. (Ezekiel 1)  The central chapters of Ezekiel deal with the horrible love affair that the world has with the occult and false religions.  The latter part of Ezekiel describes the latter days when Russia and the Islamic nations will attack Israel, while some countries, like the U.S., will passively look on.  Ezekiel shows how God will intervene at the right time and destroy these attacking armies. (Ezekiel 38-39)  Additionally, the book of Daniel (9-12), gives great insight as to how the Antichrist will rise to power after this Russian attack and supernatural defeat!  Ezekiel, in the closing chapters of his book of prophecies, describes the amazing beauty and proportions of the Millennial Temple and the new expanded boarders of Israel at the return of Jesus Christ to the earth! (Ezekiel 40-48)

Many mock at the teaching that Jesus is coming back! Peter predicted this mocking attitude in his second letter.  He said that this mocking attitude will be the result of “scoffers who will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?'”(2 Peter 3:3-4) Especially disturbing to me, even more unsettling than these anti-Semitic measures in the Ukraine, is the reality that current well-known preachers are deliberately avoiding the subject of Bible prophecy and of coming judgment!  Yet the fervent preaching of the Lord’s coming will always result in believers who are strong in faith and who will be active witnesses for Jesus.  Preaching on the coming of the Lord will produce Christians who are actively walking in truth and holiness until the Lord comes to rapture the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:14-18).

This recent outbreak of anti-Semitism in Ukraine is an encouragement for us to be all the more prepared for the Lord’s soon return.  The rise of global anti-Semitism is why we should take seriously the Bible’s command to watch for the Lord’s coming.  Jesus said that we do not know when He will return, that is, as far as the day or the hour.  Jesus said:  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:13) This keeps the devil in the dark where he belongs.  But all Christians are to watch for Him!  As we watch Israel and how the world grows in its hatred for the Jew, we can be all the more assured that we are in the last days!

Jesus will return first to rapture His Church suddenly and without warning to heaven.  Then the Great Tribulation will come upon the earth!  This will be a horrible time that you can escape if you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior.  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44)

 

 

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