Regathering of Israel, Foretold Centuries Before Christ

Posted on March 22, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

While the world focuses upon a piece of debris floating somewhere in the distant and obscure South Indian Ocean, World War III is likely beginning among the nations of the earth.  Russia’s troops are now preparing for a very possible and imminent invasion of Ukraine. News reports show that Russia is firming up relations and plans with Iran and China for economic espionage and sabotage against the United States. Their hope is to isolate the U.S. and make it more irrelevant than it has already become under the distracted and ideologically confused leadership of Barak Obama.

Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Venezuela and more than a few Islamic countries like Syria and Iran, are “cooking up” some surprises for the West.  Analysts who write on geopolitical matters are aware of this as their articles show. (see, for example, Kevin Freeman, http://globaleconomicwarfare.com/) But the nations of the West, having abandoned God and the Bible, being focused on equal incomes, equal rights for homosexuals, equal regard for all religions except genuine Judaism and Christianity are blind and willfully oblivious to the affairs of nations that are screaming for attention, like Malaysia.

Well, in spite of this neglect, Malaysia is now in the global focus, as well it should be!  This is because, as I have pointed out in previous articles, missing Flight 370 is much more than a simple aviation tragedy, it is a symptomatic geopolitical statement!   I believe Israel understands this much more than the other nations of the West are willing to, because their very existence is at stake.  They are a primary target to the countries that represent the global revolution that, under Russia’s leadership, is now under way.

This is why missing Malaysian Flight 370, which has probably simply made its way quietly into Pakistan or Iran at their invitation, is actually key to global events that are unfolding before our eyes!  Israel’s heightened alert of approaching unidentified aircraft is precisely the result of the reality that they do not allow the distracted focus of the Western nations to affect their readiness to defend themselves.

The Bible actually predicted centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ that God would re-establish and re-populate Israel in the latter days.  This was hundreds of years before the beginning of many of the world’s competing and non-biblical religions. One passage in Ezekiel is a prime example of how God intends to make Israel the key to latter-day world issues and events.

For the Lord God says: “I will search and find my sheep.  I will be like a shepherd looking for his flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places they were scattered in that dark and cloudy day.  And I will bring them back from among the people and nations where they were, back home to their own land of Israel, and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel and by the rivers where the land is fertile and good.  Yes, I will give them good pasture on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in peace and feed in luscious mountain pastures.  I myself will be the Shepherd of my sheep and cause them to lie down in peace,” the Lord God says. “I will seek my lost ones, those who strayed away, and bring them safely home again. I will put splints and bandages upon their broken limbs and heal the sick. And I will destroy the powerful, fat shepherds; I will feed them, yes—feed them punishment! (Ezekiel 34:11-16, TLB, 1971)

This prophecy was given in 587 B.C.!  God has great plans for Israel!  Yet, as things stand presently, the Western nations often want to diffuse the importance of Israel in the world’s affairs, the Middle-Eastern, and Eastern nations seek to dismiss and even desire the destruction of Israel!  But, as the above prophecy shows, God intends to establish Israel and to judge the nations that neglect and who seek the destruction of this tiny land and people.

Is World War III beginning?  It seems so!  Russia is certainly on the march and is aligning with other anti-Western, anti-Israel and especially anti-American countries.  Putin is out maneuvering and out smarting President Obama.  Obama seems to see the world as he wants it to be, but Putin sees the world as it is!  And for now, Putin sees the world as his for the taking!  And in reality, who will stop him?

It may be some time before we know what happened to Malaysia Flight 370, but mark well that its sudden and mysterious disappearance has great significance in the days in which we live.  Yet believers in Jesus Christ should take heart that all of these things signal that the prophecies of the Bible are unfolding.  They signal that God has great plans for those who place their faith in Him and in His Son Jesus Christ! He is the One and Only coming King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

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The Mystery of Missing Flight 370, Is God Trying to Get Our Attention?

Posted on March 21, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

The Mystery of Malaysia Flight 370 continues to get the world’s attention. I believe that this is because God desires the world to notice what He is doing in these days.

Having studied the Bible for forty plus years I am more convinced than ever that world events are shaping up for the biblical End-Times scenario to unfold. This is based upon what the Bible plainly says that we are to look for in the End Times and upon what is actually happening in the world today.

Many have said that people have thought the Lord was going to return soon for many years. They use this as pretext to distract from the reality that judgment is coming upon the world, and that all must give an account to God. Yet it is truly only in recent history, the last one hundred and fifty or so years that biblical prophecy has been a real focus of study!

Many born-again Bible students began to rediscover the biblical view of the early church believers who had no doubt about, and taught, the imminence of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  However, after the first two to three hundred years of church history, after church fathers like Origen and Augustine began to spiritualize prophecy into meaninglessness and to assert that the Church replaced Israel,  then prophecy fell into pervasive neglect in general preaching and Christian life!  God’s intention for the future of the world, the Church and for Israel was obscured.  As we near the time of the Lord’s return, prophecy has been the interest of many born-again Christians who are taking the Bible and the unfolding of current world events seriously.

Yet, today, the world is intrigued by these events we are seeing and are asking: “Is there something more about life, its meaning, purpose and destiny that I need to know?” I believe this and similar life questions are latent in the curiosity and passionate interest in the reason and outcome of the mystery of Malaysian Flight 370. I believe almighty God wants us to know that in His Son, Jesus Christ, there are answers that will not only satisfy our minds, but will also satisfy and bring joy to our souls. This is because God, “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (to die upon the cross for our sins and to rise from the dead) that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but should have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Any one can be saved, no matter the mysteries in your life, your sins, your regrets, your doubts or your losses.  Just realize and accept that God loves you!  And realize that you need to pray: “God, I believe You sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins and that He rose again from the dead for me.  I ask that You forgive all my sins.  I do now receive by faith Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Thank You for saving me and help me now to read your Word,  to trust all my concerns to You through prayer, to fellowship with other Christians, and obey You in my new life in Christ. Through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:20)

I believe that God is trying to get the world’s attention, not to confuse the world with these events, but to invite the world to trust in Jesus Christ Who knows all things and Who can reveal this and all mysteries and solve all problems in His own time and for His glorious purpose.

I trust that we will soon know the reason Flight 370 disappeared and its whereabouts!  God’s timing and purpose is perfect!  Hopefully, many people, as they seek to know what happened will first seek to know the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way and to take His prophetic Word seriously when He said:  “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Matthew 13:33-37)

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Why Is Russia Suddenly Bringing Up Iran?

Posted on March 20, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Putin initially seemed to be un-moved over America’s sanctions against Russia, for their blatant takeover of Crimea. But now Russia is using our sanctions, as useless as they are, as a pretext to help Iran develop nuclear weapons. Russia is now threatening to change its stance on Iran’s nuclear program. Arutz Sheva, Israel National News.com, is reporting this with an article entitled: “Russia Warns the West it May Side with Iran”
‘Russia says it may revise its stance in the Iranian nuclear talks in retaliation for the West’s sanctions.’ (By Elad Benari, 3/20/2014, 3:20 AM)

We know Putin is very crafty and thinks ahead of  U.S. President, Barack Obama, and the European nations by many steps. He has had a plan going into Crimea and Ukraine all along. I believe it is possible that this plan may be connected to the timing of missing Malaysian Flight 370. If indeed, as retired Lt. Col. Thomas McInerney, has stated he believes, this plane landed somewhere in Western Pakistan or Eastern Iran, then we can perhaps understand why Russia is suddenly bringing up Iran.

I pointed out yesterday how Israel has stepped up its Air Force alert status. They are requiring all approaching airliners identity to be confirmed from a far greater distance from their country than normal. They suspect that Flight 370 may indeed be used as a weapon against them. Could it be fitted with a prototype nuclear weapon from Iran?

Russia has been helping Iran right along, but now they are seeking a pretext to help them openly, but to make America guilty for it.  Once again, Putin,  former KGB, is out-smarting and out-pacing President Obama.  There is evidence that Russia has, through subtle connections, offered assistance to Iran’s development of nuclear detonating devices. It is well-known that they also helped in the construction of nuclear installations and technology  over recent years. I have no doubt that Iran possesses a nuclear weapons device, and perhaps more than one now and is preparing to use it against Israel. Could Flight 370 be the means they will use? Are the passengers that were on that plane still alive, and to be used as hostages?

As long as the plane is not known to have crashed then we can at least hold out hope that these individuals are living.  We should pray for them until we know,  and also pray for their families!  Meanwhile man’s evil heart continues to show itself deceptive and defiant in Russia and Iran’s increasing movement toward Israel’s destruction and world dominance.

This is why Bible prophecy students like myself, and there are many of us, believe that Gog (Russian leader), Magog (Moscow), and Rosh (Russia) described in Ezekiel 38 and 39, along with Persia (Iran) are on the move with the ultimate goal of the total destruction of Israel and the apprehension of their land and resources.

This is why it important to trust Jesus Christ as personal Savior as soon as possible and to begin to study the Word of God, the Bible! Jesus said that when the nations begin to stir in these ways, then the day of His Second Coming is nearing! (Matthew 24:1-14)  Continue to watch Russia, Iran and Israel.  And, most of all, watch for continued signs of the soon coming of Jesus Christ!

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Israeli Air Force is on Alert because of Malaysian Flight 370

Posted on March 18, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Reports are that the Israeli Air Force is heightening its alert status because of the possibility that Malaysian Flight 777 might have landed to be re-purposed as a flying bomb to be used against Israel.  Breitbart reports in part:

“As the possibility–however remote–grows that Malaysia Airlines flight 370 may have been hijacked and taken to a hidden location, Israeli authorities are preparing for the possibility that the hijackers might attempt to use the Boeing 777 to mount an attack.

“According to the Times of Israel, Israel’s Channel 2 has revealed that Israeli air defenses have been boosted, and approaching civilian aircraft will be asked to identify themselves far earlier.  Though the flight was presumed at first to have crashed, whole or in pieces, into the ocean, passive satellite transmissions from the aircraft suggest that it made a deliberate course change and may have headed north into central Asia.  (by  Joel B. Pollak, 16 March, 2014)

The prophecies of the Bible have foretold a future attack on Israel by Islamic nations as well as by Russia. Many of these nations are mentioned in Psalm 83 which will likely attack Israel in some manner in a  attempt to destroy the tiny Jewish nation. But the Bible assures us that they will fail!  Then, Russia with additional Islamic nations, one of which is specifically named as Persia (Iran) in Ezekiel 38:5, will come down from the north to take over Israel’s wealth and destroy the nation.

The present day evil regime of Iran is Shiite Muslim. Their particular belief system involves the hope of a coming “12th Imam,” called the Mahdi.  It is very interesting that the descriptions of this Mahdi fit the Bible’s characteristics of the coming Antichrist.  The Antichrist will be anti-Semitic through and through and will do all he can to destroy Israel as well as all of the Jews world-wide.

Israel has a deep and highly accurate sense about possible threats! They are well aware that they have many enemies in the mid-east who desire their complete destruction.  Israel is a high value target to the devil.  Much of the world, having rejected God and the Bible, believe Israel and the Jews are the root of the world’s problems.  Many believe that the only way for there to be world peace is to get rid of Israel.

No wonder!  God has chosen Israel to bring the Messiah into the world to die for the sins of the world and to one day return to rule and reign on the earth for a thousand years with Israel as the world capital.  Of course, the devil is opposed to this idea. He wants his own chosen one to rule the earth.  He will attempt to take over the world through the Antichrist and the false prophet. (Revelation 13) He will require all to worship him and to take his evil mark, 666,  depicted in Revelation 13:16-18.

This is why I believe that these strange events and circumstances surrounding flight 370 have captured the world’s attention. I believe God is telling the world to pay close attention to the prophecies of the Bible concerning Israel and watch how many nations in the latter days will attempt to set up scenarios by which they might attack and destroy the nation of the Jews.  If the plane turns up as having simply malfunctioned and crashed, then the world’s attention will still have been stirred for a divine purpose!

We should continue to watch Iran, especially, the south-east of that country, where  the plane might have landed (or perhaps, in south-western Pakistan).  As reports are indicating, Israel is taking very seriously the possibility that this Boeing 777 airliner might be used as a flying bomb to attack them.  It is also very possible to conceive of this long rang air craft being used to attack the United States!

While many are confused and unsure as to what has happened, I am very pleased to see that Israel is not as unsure nor as confused as to what preparations they need to make for the very real possibility that this airliner might suddenly appear somewhere near, likely, their north eastern boarder.  The leadership of the United States needs to learn from our Israeli allies in this regard.

As I suggested yesterday, also keep your eyes on what Putin and Russia are up to.  I believe Bible prophecy is coming to pass in the strange and fast changing situations that we face today!  The good news is, Jesus Christ will return, and these events signal that His coming may not be far off!

I still hold out hope that if Malaysia Flight 370 did land safely somewhere, then there is a good chance that the passengers and crew, or most of them, are alive and well. Whatever country would have allowed them to land within their jurisdiction is well aware of the incredible international scandal that would result if they became a part of the mass murder of hundreds of innocent men, women and children.

If they are still alive, it is so good to know that almighty God is aware of where they are and exactly what is happening!  God allows man to make wrong decisions!  But, He is able to overrule those decisions and to forward His amazing prophetic plan in spite of, or even through the sinful actions of the wicked!

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If Wreckage Not Found, May Be Years To Know Whereabouts of Malaysian Flt 370

Posted on March 17, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

If Iran, or some obscure landing strip under Iran’s auspices is where Malaysia Flight 37o ended up, it may be some time before the world will know. Perhaps it is better news for the passengers if we do not know because we can continue to hold out hope that they are still alive. Also, we should not forget that Iran is well-practiced on keeping hostages over long periods of time as we saw in the Iran hostage crises back in 1979.

All of these recent events could well be in preparation for an attack on Israel, and even on the United States!

This is, of course, very speculative, and there is no shortage of guessing on different aspects of this missing airliner. But, again, the longer that there is no wreckage discovered, the more I hold out hope that the plane landed with all passengers somehow still alive, and prayerfully, being well treated! But this pushes Iran to the top of my suspect list still more.

I suggested yesterday that the lead pilot, Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, was an avid supporter of a Malaysian Muslim radical and political opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim.  Ibrahim is associated with the Muslim brotherhood.  He has caused no end of problems for the established Malaysian government.  He is apparently a charismatic personality and has a growing following.

According to my research, when the Malaysian government wanted to cut off gasoline shipments to Iran because of that Shiite regime’s development of nuclear weapons technology, Ibrahim denounced this effort as hypocritical because it would not also address what he thought to be the problem of Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons.  This, I believe, more than intimates Mr. Ibrahim’s support for Iran.  Since Malaysia is majority Sunni Muslim with restrictions in federal law toward the growth of the minority Shiite form of Islam, Mr. Ibrahim, for this and other reasons, is viewed as more than a serious problem to the established government of Malaysia.  Ibrahim also visited the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran in the 1970’s.  This was just prior to the Islamic revolution that ousted the Shah of Iran and ushered Khomeini into power. Many remember how our Embassy in Iran was taken over in 1979 and 52 American hostages (a total of 90 hostages overall) were taken captive and held for 444 days.

But returning to the subject of Anwar Ibrahim:  Mr. Ibrahim was on his final day of trial in Malaysia the same day Flight 370 took off.  Captain Shah, an avid devotee of Mr. Ibrahim attended his trial, saw him declared guilty of the no doubt politically motivated charges of homosexuality, and jailed.  All of this just seven hours before Captain Shah boarded his flight.

While there is no end to the guessing of many experts, there is only one reality!  While the pilot or others could have simply caused the airliner to crash,  I believe if no wreckage is discovered the probabilities grow that the airliner was deliberately landed somewhere.  If so, this landing came after a reported eight hours of flying time, apparently much of which was at a very low terrain hugging level to possibly avoid radar detection.  Again, I believe, that the longer  no wreckage is found the greater the possibly that Malaysia Flight 370 landed, if so, it will likely be a long time, before the world finds out!  Meanwhile, do not take your eyes off of Russia!

All of this is surly a distraction from Russia.  Could it be possible that this missing Flight 370’s timing was planned to give the world something with which to occupy its attention while Russia gains a stronghold in Crimea and Ukraine?  And aren’t we being distracted from the atrocities continuing in Syria under the wicked dictatorship of Assad?  All of this, I believe is part of Satan’s preparation for an attack on Israel as predicted in the Bible (Ezekiel 38-39, Psalm 83)

There is a definite rise in supernatural evil in the world as clearly predicted in the Bible.  Demonic, spiritual darkness is generally enveloping the world at this time through the simultaneous occurrence of these violent, traumatic and mysterious events.  The rapture of the Church may well be soon at hand!

But, for born-again Christians who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their crucified and resurrected Savior, things are shaping up just as He predicted.  In Luke 21:10-11: “Then said he unto them, ‘Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.'”  Meanwhile, rejoice, pray, witness and watch, for the Lord is coming soon!

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Missing Malaysia Flight 370, The Bible Calls for Confidence!

Posted on March 16, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

There are many accounts in the Bible of persons, families, even entire peoples suddenly disappearing because of massive kidnappings, dispersions and exiles. But there is the very peculiar case of the disappearance of Enoch. Genesis 5:22,24 and Hebrews 11:5 speak of Enoch as a man who “pleased God.” The Bible says that Enoch “was not found, because God had translated him.” This means that God had taken him directly to heaven!

A similar thing happened to the prophet Elijah who “went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”  (2 Kings 2:11) The other prophets in Elijah’s day were very disturbed over his sudden and unexplained disappearance.  While Elisha, Elijah’s successor, knew Elijah was in heaven, they would not believe him.  So Elisha let the other prophets search for Elijah for several days.  Again, Elisha had tried to assure them that the missing prophet could not be found, knowing that God had taken him to heaven without his dying first. But they searched for him anyway for three days!  Enoch and Elijah were two men that God took to heaven without dying. Their “translation” was a mystery to the world.  One day, millions of born-again Christians will suddenly disappear!

Revelation 11 predicts that there will be two witnesses who will appear at the height of the rise of the Antichrist during the future Tribulation Period. Many believe that these two witnesses will be Enoch and Elijah back on earth to witness for Jesus Christ and against the Antichrist.  The Lord predicts: “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”  (Revelation 11:3)  They will perform supernatural deeds to strike against Antichrist’s wicked kingdom. These two witnesses will finally be killed and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days. All the world will see them on their televisions and computer screens and send presents in celebration because the witnesses will have been silenced. After three days these witnesses will rise again before the eyes of all the world, and then they will be taken up to heaven again.  Revelation 11:12 says: “And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.”

The Bible also predicts that born-again Christians who are alive today may not have to die at all, but will be taken up to heaven at the Rapture. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52;                          1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)  I do not believe that the Great Tribulation can begin as long as the Church is on the earth. After the removal of the Church to heaven, then the Seventieth Week prophesied by Daniel (9:24-27) will commence, and the Antichrist will manifest on the Earth because the restraining ministry of  the Holy Spirit will cease. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12)

Today, the unexplained disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370, along with its crew and over 230 passengers, is a tragic and astounding surprise to most of the world! Reports are, pilot of flight 370, Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah was an avid supporter of Malaysian Muslim radical Anwar Ibrahim.  Ibrahim is associated with the Muslim brotherhood.  He was highly resistant to the Malaysian government’s proposal to cut off gasoline supplies to Iran  thus indicating his support for Iran.  Ibrahim also visited the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran in the 1970’s.  Captain Shah attended Ibrahim’s trial in Malaysia just seven hours before boarding his flight.  Late reports state that the Captain had already turned off one of the plane’s transponder units before he said ‘goodnight’ on his last communication on the radio.  Thus, authorities believe this shows that Captain Shah is probably responsible for deliberately pirating the airliner.

This kind of criminal act of man can cause great fear and even despondency not only on the part of the families involved, but on the part of many millions of people today!  The supernatural evil of Satan is certainly behind this missing flight.  It is not unreasonable to consider the real possibility that this was well planned as a part of a greater terrorist exploit.  I believe that it will be some time before answers are forthcoming as Russia completes its takeover of Crimea and even all of Ukraine.  Iran, along with Russia will continue biding its time in their promised plans to destroy Israel.  Russian ships have made their way to Havana Harbor just one hundred miles off the Florida coast.  One of them is a Russian spy ship!  Rosh (“Chief Prince”), or Russia (Ezekiel 38:2-3 NKJB), has big plans and I believe they may have something to do with today’s issues surrounding missing Flight 370, but time will tell.

Many earthquakes, unusual weather, strange occurrences, along with willfully weak and morally arbitrary American leadership all speak of preparations for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.  We could well be seeing signals of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:1-14)

Born-again Christians who have trusted in Jesus Christ and who look for His return can pray for and encourage those who are hurting, confused and fearful over today’s events.  Mysteries to man are clearly known to God who knows all things.  Jesus Christ is never taken by surprise! Neither should we be!  We can place our confidence in the Lord as our soon coming King who will one day make all things clear.

Meanwhile, we can trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to know what He is doing in spite of man’s best efforts, under the influence of false beliefs and evil spirits, to do his worst!  There is no doubt that a false idea about a false and cruel god motivated the criminal stealing of Malaysia Flight 370 with all on board!  Therefore, what one believes about God and the Bible DOES make a difference!  So today, trust in the one true God of the Bible, in His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Prophet, Priest, and soon coming King!  Many today are trying to scare and intimidate people into bowing to a false god and submitting  to a false kingdom.

Preparations are already being made globally for the appearance of the false messiah. The mysterious and planned disappearance of Malaysia Flight 370, I believe, are a part of these nefarious preparations.  Meanwhile, remember how  Hebrews 10:35-37 tells us in these times of great confusion:  “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.   For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:  ‘For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.”

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Did Malaysian Flight 370 Land in Iran?

Posted on March 15, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Most reports now are supporting the likelihood that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was actually pirated away either by one or both pilots or by others who gained access to the cockpit. The Boeing 777 airliner is a very large, powerful and long distance jet that can fly for up to 7,000 miles.

Some believe that as the plane was flown up to 45,000 feet, above its designed ceiling of about 42,000 feet, there is a likelihood that the cabin could have been depressurized in order to render the passengers unconscious or even to kill them outright. Horrible thought!

It is well within range for this aircraft to have been taken to Iran.  Iran has plenty of coastal area to its south along the northern Arabian sea, the Gulf of Oman. It is not a stretch to conjecture about a highly secretive and well planned Iranian exploit that would involve the commandeering of a heavy lift and long-range aircraft, which could easily slip into Iranian air space with all radars turned off and other radar detection in the Arabian Sea and even into the Gulf of Oman, systematically evaded.

Landing anywhere in southern Iran on an exposed runway with a large hanger, or a landing strip especially designed with an underground hanger would not be beyond reason. The Iranians are very adept at designing and covertly constructing elaborate underground complexes.

The maps of the region show how relatively simple it would be to fly from there to northern Iran and to cross through northern Iraq into Syria, also, as is Iran, a Shiite led stronghold.  Syria is under the murderous president, and Russian ally, Assad. Thus, freely flying through to southern Syria into Northern Israel, this aircraft, fitted with some type of high explosives or even an Iranian prototype nuclear weapon, could deliver great destruction to that tiny Jewish nation.

We should keep our eyes on both Iran and Russia. As things develop in Russia’s unfolding occupation of the Crimea and eastern Ukraine,  an attack on Israel could well be in the planning.  I do not believe the timing of Russia’s invasion of Crimea and Ukraine and the sudden and mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Flight 370 are merely coincidental.  Ezekiel 38 and 39 is clear as to how future Russia, along with many Islamic nations, especially Iran, will move from the north down into Israel while the western nations, likely, the United States and Great Britain, as well as other European countries, stand by and simply watch!

While we do not know what will unfold in the days ahead, we are encouraged by the Bible to “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” (Mark 13:33) This refers to the time of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He predicted through the entire Word of the Old Testament Scriptures as well as through the writers of the New Testament of the days of threatening and uncertainty that would develop as the days just prior to the Lord’s return would unfold.

Therefore, these days should not take us by surprise but bring us to pray all the more fervently for those who are hurt, used and abused by such things as airliner hijackings, bombings, terrorism, persecution, crises and confusion.  Jesus was very clear that such things would mark the times of the end.  We are certainly seeing such times today!  This is why He said for people to trust in Him as their Savior for the forgiveness of their sins by receiving Him as personal Savior! (John 1:11-13; 3:16)  Jesus Christ knows the entire future!  It is predicted in the pages of the Bible!  Today you can trust in Jesus Christ, and watch for Him because He is coming back soon!

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Is Iran behind the missing Malaysian Flight 370?

Posted on March 14, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

Since the disappearance of Malaysian Flight 370, some questions have surrounded the two Iranian men who were known to be aboard the fateful flight who had actually used stolen passports. But not much has been said about them for the past few days.

It is now reported and widely believed that this flight was deliberately commandeered. It is believed to have been taken off course and possibly flown for up to five hours well into the direction of the Indian Ocean. Now, the American destroyer, USS Kidd, is rushing into that region to search for the missing airliner.

I would hope that officials are still tracking down possible leads on the two Iranian young men who were on board this flight. They have so far determined that there is no “terror links” connected with them. But, in terms of probabilities, Iran may be behind these strange events!

There are many islands in the Indian Ocean. Therefore it is not too much of a stretch, and one does not need to be a “certifiable conspiratorial nut” to theorize on the possibility that this plane has landed undetected in some remote location, possibly an island,  in the Indian Ocean.

My prayers are with the many people of that part of the world who have been relatively unknown to the world since the horrible tsunamis devastated many islands of the region over ten years ago. They are very focused on what is potentially and actually happening in their region today. Many Christians there are praying that the passengers aboard Malaysian Flight 370 will soon be found safe.

Reports are that two-thirds of the passengers are Chinese citizens. It would be awful to think that Iran would have the audacity to seek to do them harm, but, with all of Iran’s blatant and Satanically influenced threats to destroy Israel, speculation that they are planning something big against them or their allies by use of this jet are not beyond reason.

Remember that Satan is a deceiver and thrives on the uncertainty and fear of the masses. Now is a good time for born-again Christians who have trusted in Jesus Christ Who died for their sins, Who rose again, and Who is coming again at any moment, to pray fervently for this flight, its passengers and all the peoples of the nations that are involved. Pray that what Satan has intended for evil, God will use for good, “to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

In this strange situation, God has chosen, for a time, to keep the intentions of man hidden from the world, I believe He wants us to focus on Him.  But one day He will make all things clear:  “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29) 

Meanwhile, we should faithfully trust that God, Who sent the Son of God, Jesus Christ to die on the cross and to rise again, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Who loves us, also loves those people on board Malaysian Flight 390.  He knows all of their names.  We can pray for them that God will protect them.  Also we can pray for Him to reveal His love and prophetic plan to the world, even through these strange events,  so we can still have hope in Jesus Christ in these uncertain and suspenseful times.  Jesus promised:  “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)

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Who Are The 144,000 of Revelation Seven?

Posted on March 13, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

There are tens of thousands of Jews alive today who may well be among the 144,000 Jewish witnesses to the Lord Jesus Christ in the seven year Great Tribulation Period!

Some religious groups, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses Watch Tower Organization, believe that the Prophecy of Revelation 7:4-8 refer to them, but this cannot be!  It is important to use the Bible and to be discerning on our times in order to separate fact from fiction.

The passage in Revelation clearly refers to members of the twelve tribes of Israel. All of Revelation after chapter 3 through to chapter 19 refers to the happenings on the earth and in heaven during the seven-year Great Tribulation period. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, like so many other religious groups, believe in the false teaching of Replacement Theology, where they make Israel to be a reference to their group. Some denominations believe in Replacement theology and thus say that Israel is a reference to the Church. But the Bible never says this and always keeps Israel and the Church distinct in God’s unfolding plan.

God made an unconditional covenant with Israel to Abraham back in Genesis 12:1-3 and never rescinded it. Revelation 4:1-3 indicates that the Church will be raptured to heaven after the conclusion of the Church Age. We are likely near the end of the Church Age now since all indications are that we are living in the era of the apostate, “luke-warm,” Church of Laodicea. (Revelation 3:1-21)

After the Church is taken to heaven then there will be only two main groups left on the earth: the Jews and the Gentiles. With the witnessing Church gone, and the great confusion that will result from the sudden disappearance of perhaps millions of born-again Christians, the Antichrist will arise and will tell a big lie. He will explain why “the hateful” Christians are gone. Many will believe his lie and worship him!

It will be a fearful and confusing time, but he will seem to bring peace.  He will have the authority to confirm a seven year covenant with Israel. (Daniel 9:27)  God’s heavy judgments will also have commenced on the earth as a warning to the earth not to follow the Antichrist (I believe we are seeing the beginnings of this even today [Romans 8:22]).

During the first half of this seven year period, God will seal a special number of Jews, 12,ooo from each tribe of Israel.  The text is very clear about this numbering and sealing of these 144,000 Jewish preachers!  The results of their ministry will be the salvation of an innumerable multitude. (Revelation 7:9-17)  The Tribulation will bring a great revival!  Perhaps millions will be saved, and the Antichrist will not be able to stop them from preaching for a time.  He will kill many who do come to believe in Jesus Christ, but not all!

Indeed unusual things are happening today perhaps as warnings as to what is about to come upon the earth.  There are reports from different countries of unexplained noises of soldiers moving!  There is the present situation of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 which is presently a puzzlement to the entire world!  Jesus did say that the End Times would involve “fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11)  Of course, there are the ever-present reports of UFOs, which involve many hoaxes, yet still it would seem, as the Bible indicates will happen,  the skies are portending events to come.

What a joy to born-again Christians who believe their Bibles!  The Church will be taken up at any time our Lord returns.  Then, the 144,000 Jewish preachers will proclaim the gospel on earth, along with the two witnesses of Revelation 11.   There are many cults and even Christian groups who are misinterpreting the clear teachings of the Bible on the coming again of the Lord.  Yet, even this environment is predicted by the prophetic Scriptures!  I believe we are right near the time of the coming of the Lord. Are you watching?  “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:13)

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The Great Invisible War on the Saints, Part 2

Posted on March 12, 2014 by prophecyinperspective

The suspense continues!  The very mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has brought much speculation as to what happened to it and the passengers on board, or as to where it actually flew. There are official military reports that state the airliner made a U-turn. The theories of what occurred range from pilot error, to alien abduction. Recent reports state that there is evidence that the jet’s Rolls Royce engines continued to transmit data every 30 minutes, for as long as they were running.  And that the engines continued to run for up to four hours after the aircraft’s transmitters were turned off.   Some are wondering if this flight has been blown up by Islamic Terrorists, or hijacked to North Korea, or to some other location with all the passengers aboard to be held as hostages. Especially puzzling is the fact that the family members have reported calling their loved ones and finding their phones apparently still connected and ringing with no one picking up. Strange indeed!

Christians should diligently pray for these passengers and crew to be found and even that they be found alive and safe. These are indeed strange times that we are living in today! We should be aware that strange and highly publicized incidents such as this might well become more commonplace as these latter days unfold. We would do well to understand that Satan advances much of his evil power and influence through generating fear and confusion. And the more fear, confusion, conflict and anxiety that he can generate in individuals, families and even in the societal masses, the more influence he can have over the decisions of the times.  This is why it is so important for Christians to have an understanding of the times that we are living in, especially from a biblical and prophetic perspective.

In my last entry I discussed how the devil uses the “powers and principalities” over nations and Peoples to carry out his plans which predominantly involve somehow hindering or even thwarting God’s plan; a thing which Satan will never actually succeed in doing. Yet he is active as a literal and malevolent being whose influence to bring fear and confusion is rapidly on the increase today.  The Bible tells us that,  “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.   And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” (2Thessalonians 2:7-8)  This is telling us that the devil is already working his confusion and wickedness into the affairs of the earth and among nations today.  But Satan is being restrained by the Holy Spirit until the time of the rapture when the Church.  This is when all born-again Christians will be taken up to heaven.  Then the Holy Spirit, the restrainer, will be removed from hindering the rising of the man of sin, the Antichrist.  There are preparations for his appearance even today!

It should not come as a surprise that the “mystery of lawlessness” is already working even in the air ways, or atmosphere over the earth.  It is obvious that he will even use wicked men and aircraft to terrorize mankind.  Satan is accustomed to using the atmosphere to transmit his wickedness upon the earth and among nations.  The Bible refers to Satan as the “Prince of the power of the air,” (Ephesians 2:2) which means the atmosphere of the earth is his and his demons’ primary abode in these days preceding the coming of the Lord.  The worse times of Satan’s attack on the earth  from the heavens are yet to be realized in the Great Tribulation Period. We read that there will be a war in heaven in the latter days when “Michael and his angels will fight against the devil and the devil will fight against Michael and his angels,” but Satan will lose and will be cast to the earth where we will attack Israel with great wrath, but God will deliver Israel. (Revelation 12:7-17)

We read in Ephesians 2:2 that the “Prince of the power of the air,” Satan, is “the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.” There are many ways that man has conceived, with the influence of evil spirits, to terrorize and otherwise bring fear and confusion into people’s lives.  But I do not know of a more effective way to bring fear and confusion to the masses than by the use and misuse of air planes, or the threat of delivering death and destruction from the air.

Believers in Jesus Christ who have trusted in Him as their Savior watch for His coming from heaven. The Bible predicts that He will descend from heaven and raise the dead in Christ first and then catch us up, as His living saints “to gather with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (2 Thessalonians 4:16-17)  Today our greatest warnings seem to focus on threats that come from the skies. Yet the Bible tells us that that is where our Blessed Hope is coming from as well!  Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone as your Savior?  If your have received Him personally as having died on the cross for your sins, risen again, and coming again, then you do not need to fear the threats that come from the skies.  But you can look to the heavens as the place from which will come your Blessed Hope, Jesus Christ to rapture you to heaven! (Titus 2:11-14)

Little wonder why the devil tries to cause us to get distracted from this glorious truth of our Blessed Hope of the coming of the Lord in the air. For now, Satan is the “Prince of the power of the air.” But not for long! The Lord will return and seal away the devil for a thousand years “that he should deceive the nations no more.” (Revelation 20:3)

Today, the devil in his invisible war on the saints, is plotting to stir fear and hopelessness, as well as to distract the masses from seeking the one true Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Church’s soon coming Bridegroom. One day millions of Christians will mysteriously disappear from planet earth having been suddenly taken to the Father’s House in heaven. (John 14:1-4) Many will wonder where their loved ones have gone, but then many might pick up the marked Bibles that they left behind and read, and remembering their testimony, they will come to understand that they were raptured away. The current uncertainty regarding Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 and its mysterious disappearance, should get our attention as believers as a reminder that our confidence is in the Lord Jesus Christ. While Satan works to bring fear and confusion, the Lord Jesus Christ alone offers courage, certainty and victory!

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