Home » 2022 (Page 3)
Yearly Archives: 2022
Messiah Deja Vu
Most of us have had the sensation. It’s the strange feeling that the exact same moment has been experienced before. The experience is brief and, to me at least, almost entertaining. And, at my age, I’ve lived long enough to have had a number of these “brain slippages back in time,” or whatever they are.
One recognized dictionary defines the term: “Déjà vu is a French loanword expressing the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. It is an anomaly of memory whereby, despite the strong sense of recollection, the time, place, and practical context of the ‘previous’ experience are uncertain or believed to be impossible.”
A most pointed malapropism (unintentional, often humorous, misuse) of the term was issued by one of Major League Baseball’s most famous malapropists, Yogi Berra. (The other is Casey Stengel.)
Yogi, Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees, made the hilarious and now-famous quip using the term during the 1961 baseball season. When Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle were batting third and fourth in the Yankee lineup, many times Roger would hit a home run on his way to eclipsing Babe Ruth’s record that year. Mickey, batting right behind him, would also hit a home run. They combined that year for a record of such follow-up home runs.
Yogi, observing from the bench as his teammates homered, turned to somebody and said, right after Mickey followed up Roger’s home run with one of his own: “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
Well, the way I intend to present the word and its meaning will, I hope, come across somewhat less obliquely than Yogi’s observation on that day. As a matter of fact, the things involved are most serious. The Lord Himself seemed righteously angry at the religionists of His day and the way they ignored their duty to observe and report on the times of their watch.
Here is a description of the incident that stirred the Lord to chastise the Jewish teachers. I wrote the following for our book, Discerners: Analyzing Converging Prophetic Signs for the End of Days.
“Jesus looked directly and deeply into the eyes of the pious religionists and elitist-legalists (the Pharisees and Sadducees). His omniscient, penetrating, piercing, eyes saw into their very souls. These religious zealots and lawyers sought to disprove the claims by His followers that He was sent from God. They wanted Him to immediately perform a private miracle for them, thinking, no doubt, that He would fail, giving them fodder for their attacks against Him.
“In answer to their probing demands that He show them a sign to prove His commission from Heaven, Jesus said: ‘When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?’ (Matthew 16: 2–3).
“Jesus was chastising these zealots because they deliberately refused to accept that He fulfilled every prophecy that pointed to Him as Israel’s Messiah. He later said about these and the Jewish people, who were misled by them, thus rejected Him as Israel’s Mashiach.
“ ‘I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.’ (John 5: 43)
“Jesus was referring to a time in the Israel of the future that would set in motion the most terrible period of all of human history. It will initiate Daniel’s Seventieth Week—the last seven years before Christ’s return at Armageddon.
“We find the prophecy about this one Israel will accept in Daniel 9:26–27. Israel will make a covenant with this ‘prince that shall come,’ which this son of perdition will confirm for that week of years.”
The Jewish nation is scheduled, according to Jesus’ foreknowledge, to experience “déjà vu all over again,” as Yogi would put it. They will again be led astray in their spiritual blindness to Christ’s true messiahship. They will instead fall for the False Messiah, who, really, will come on the scene in a dual configuration: The Antichrist and the False Prophet—the two beasts of Revelation chapter 13.
An interesting young man, whom some of Israel’s foremost religious leaders look to in an almost worshipful way, has stepped upon the stage of end-times history. His name is Rav Shlomo Yehuda.
The following article explains the Orthodox Jewish leaders’ looking for a Messiah, while continuing to turn a blind eye to the real Messiah:
A recent interview on Israeli radio featured prominent rabbis explaining that the Messiah is just about to reveal himself.
Rabbi Yaakov Zisholtz told religious broadcaster Radio 2000 that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky (who passed away earlier this year) had told him that he (Kanievsky) was already in direct contact with the Messiah.
To understand why religious Jews are taking this seriously, it’s important to know that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky was considered one of the two or three top rabbis of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel.
And Rabbi Zisholtz says that Kanievsky and others of the mystical “concealed” rabbis had tasked him with informing the public of the Messiah’s imminent arrival.
Rabbi Zisholtz began his explosive three-hour interview with a warning:
“…the process of redemption is about to start happening very quickly and at a fast pace. It is important that people remain calm and steady to act properly in the right time.
“There is a potential Messiah in every generation and there are righteous men who know precisely who it is. This is, of course, true in this generation.
“Getting the word out now that the Messiah is closer than ever is a matter of life and death. Haven’t you heard of Gog and Magog? That is what is going to happen very soon. Right now, the situation is explosive more than you can possibly imagine. (“Israeli Rabbi Says He’s Already Holding Meetings with Messiah, A snapshot of Israel’s spiritual hunger as biggest rabbis are afraid to leave the country lest they miss Messiah’s coming,” by Ryan Jones, 9/29/22)
Many among the rabbinical high clergy apparently believe that Rav Shlomo Yehudah is that long-awaited savior of Israel.
The following gives a glimpse of this man of mystery who has suddenly appeared on the scene at the same time so many signs of the Tribulation are converging. There are reports that he performs miracles and heals terminal diseases, among other wonders.
We’re outside, waiting for the Yanuka.
It’s silent in the deserted courtyard of the little shul, for even though coronavirus restrictions have been eased and the streets have again come to life, most people are in bed at this hour. But we’re waiting — and then we see him. Soon we’re face to face with this bashful young man who’s taken the Torah world by storm — self-effacing, unremarkable in appearance, but so remarkable in the impact he’s had on the lives of the thousands who flock to him, hanging on his every word…
Rav Shlomo Yehudah was born in Eretz Yisrael in 1988, an only child born after many years. His paternal grandfather, Rav Shlomo, was a scion of the sages of Yemen and learned with the great mekubalim of Jerusalem after he arrived in the Holy Land. His maternal grandfather, Rav Yehudah, made aliyah from Aleppo, Syria…
The family returned to Israel shortly before Shlomo Yehudah’s bar mitzvah. At the time, there was a memorial event for a relative, and the family was looking for someone to say words of Torah in honor of the deceased. His father asked him to speak before the assembled, and he agreed, out of respect — but even his father had no idea of the depth of Torah that would pour forth from his young illui. As Shlomo Yehudah lowered his head and sought the right words, the thin stream quickly grew into a powerful waterfall. People were astonished.
It was as if they were watching a child possessed. The voice was small and innocent, but the words were those of an accomplished talmid chacham — a tapestry of Chumash and Navi, Gemara and Aggadah, every source accurately cited…
When Rav Shlomo Yehudah was 18, he began giving regular shiurim in different communities around the country, and it didn’t matter if you were litvish, yeshivish, or chassidish — people from all sectors began to flock to him. He married at age 20 and settled in Rishon L’Tzion, where he lives today, and where for the last ten years he’s been giving a regular shiur and trying to avoid publicity. But two years ago, in response to the directive of gedolei hador (some of whom come to his shiurim), his shiurim have gone public, in halls and auditoriums, sometimes drawing over a thousand people at an event. And there are a lot of surprises too. He often asks the crowd to pick a subject they want him to speak about — and he’s off and running, pulling together sources from all over, creating a tapestry of light and wisdom for a spellbound audience. (“Perfect Harmony,” by Aharon Kliger and Aryeh Ehrlich, Mishpacha Magazine, 5/26/20)
Israel will again make the mistake of failing to discern the time of their Messiah’s appearance. The Jewish religionists are again leading the people astray as they look to another rather than to the True Messiah—Jesus Christ. The result will be much worse than a 2,000-plus-year diaspora. The rebellious action will bring the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).
You don’t want to make the same devastating mistake that Israel once made and is about to make yet again. Accept today Israel’s Messiah, the Savior of the world (John 3:16).
Here again is how to make sure you will go to Him when He calls all believers in the Rapture.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Prophetically Appointed Day and Hour
Each passing second, advancing history goes deeper into the unknown for much—maybe for most—of the world’s population. From that unknown boils fear. The fear Is steeped in self-conjured premonition that the evilest things imaginable will soon engulf life, bringing devastation and even death.
It is the feeling of impending doom, of something dreadful lurking just ahead. In terms of Greek mythology, it’s the sword of Damocles hanging overhead threatening to decapitate the fearful.
Probably you’ve had that feeling, but maybe not as intensely as described above. I’ve certainly had moments when I had a sense that something bad is about to happen.
For me, the dread, thankfully, has never played out. The anxiety soon passes, and sometimes even a sense of joyful anticipation resides where the fear sat just a short time before.
For others, the premonitions have seemed to play out in worst-case scenario.
At this moment, even for those who are Bible-believing, born again people of God, the times are producing such fear. I know this because I get emails in which people share their worries about what’s on the horizon that will affect their lives and the lives of those they love.
Usually the alarm is expressed through questions such as: Do you think there will be a time of martyrdom for Christians before the Rapture?
Of course, what most writers really mean by that question, I suppose, is: Do you think Christians in America will face martyrdom before the Rapture?
Another question I often get is: Do you think there will be a World War III before we are raptured?
With all the reports of some of America’s powerful enemies preparing for war, we’ll think about that last question in particular a bit more deeply.
As we’ve looked at more than once in this column, it looks like the current American government and the so-called Western allies are doing much to provoke such a nuclear conflict. Rather than looking to ask Mr. Putin to sit down with the Ukrainian leadership—which itself seems to be a complicit partner in poking the nuclear bear—the United States is sending elite forces such as the 101st Airborne into places near the bear’s cave.
And, while that once-unthinkable move—provoking toward war rather than toward peace—brings the world closer to unleashing the nuclear genie, China leers Westward.
As amazing as this administration’s actions are in seeming to make Russia do something Putin obviously doesn’t want to do at this time, even more amazingly, the entire US diplomatic machinery all but totally ignores the threat China poses.
The US Navy has a presence in the South China Sea and purports to be a buffer against China invading Taiwan. But, in reality, with Taiwan being just miles from the Chinese mainland, it would take nothing short of nuclear weapons to offer any hope of dealing with such an assault. And, in that regard, China is as equipped as American forces. So it is feared that the US couldn’t win such a conflict due to having to confront China in its own backyard.
There’s good reason for many of us to be anxious, as that deadly sword is indeed hanging over our heads, based upon just these geopolitical realities. It seems as if everything is out of control—as if even the top leaders on both sides of the nuclear threat have little interest in a peaceful resolution to prevent WWIII.
But for those who know what God’s Word has to say about how things end up, the fears of nuclear holocaust this side of the Rapture don’t need to reach the level of trepidation I described earlier. That’s because of the thought wrapped up in the title: “Prophetically Appointed Day and Hour.”
We’ve incessantly gone over the Gog-Magog war prophesied by Ezekiel and how Russia is destined to lead that assault. There has even been speculation that Putin might be the one who will be indwelt by the Gog spirit at the time of that invasion against Israel. Although I have to say here that while he is a known dictator and a KGB operative from the Soviet days, Putin seems in many ways more honorable than a number of the Western leaders who foment globalist surreptition.
If there is all-out nuclear war, neither Putin nor Russia would be available to take part in that Gog-Magog attack—that is, not if the assault is scheduled to take place soon. God, Himself, is going to take care of that invasion force. And, while He could use nuclear force to take care of business, the description given by Ezekiel seems to be that God has scheduled a supernatural fire from Heaven, like in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah.
God’s schedule is key in considering why believers don’t need to sense that dreaded sword of destructiveness.
We see this by looking at the great book of prophecy that God has given us so we can know how things play out.
China is at the heart of God’s final dealing with humankind’s rebellion, I’m convinced. We can see clearly that the massive nation continues to build in every way toward becoming the head of the hegemonic force that will kill a third of the world’s population during the Tribulation. John, the prophet chosen to present the Revelation, terms this force “the kings of the East.”
I call China the “king of the kings of the East.” That nation is, I believe, scheduled to gather all others within its Oriental orbit for the movement to the Euphrates—the apparent barrier separating the Oriental and Occidental worlds.
Their 200-million-man army will, John said, be possessed by demons that have been kept beneath that area for a certain prophetic moment. It will be the time appointed by God, who knows and controls all things from beginning to end. Here is what He says about that horrendous army from the East:
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. (Revelation 9:13–16)
John also said:
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (Revelation 16:12)
The reason believers shouldn’t fear all-out nuclear war is tied up in John’s statement in Revelation 9:15:
And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year.
Just as Russia is scheduled to come against Israel, the kings of the East have been scheduled by God Himself to cause—because of His righteous judgment—massive deaths across the world. He has appointed the “hour,” “day,” “month,” and “year” when it will happen. It is the God of all there is, not human warmongers, who will control when death and destruction on a massive scale will occur.
Meantime, we have been promised that we’ll be kept from that appointed time:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10)
It becomes more evident by the hour that the world is quickly headed toward the Tribulation storm. That’s what our new book, TRAJECTORY: Tracking the Approaching Tribulation Storm, is all about HERE
You don’t want to be left on this judgment-bound planet when that storm begins. Here’s how to go to Jesus Christ and heavenly shelter before that judgment falls.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Mystery Babylon Machinations
Geopolitical warmongering intrigues are in full bloom for those who watch for end of the age signals. Societal and cultural, Sodom-like reprobate madness are on display and growing in ways prophesied by Paul in Romans chapter 1. National and global economic scheming and profligate spending treachery by governments have the seas of humanity roaring.
And now, as if to fully round out the picture of end times developments, the religious harlot system is in dynamic agitation, shaping dramatically for all who are truly watching to see.
John, given the vision while on Patmos, describes that wicked religious entity that will ride the back of the Antichrist’s regime.
“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” (Rev 17: 1-6)
It is an amazing thing to observe, even for those who are alert to things that must come to pass according to God’s Holy Word. And the story developing is nothing short of prophetic in consideration of the above prophecy given John to Forewarn those who will have the ability to discern the signs of the times.
The picture of the coming harlot that rides the beast has been in the last days developing process for some time. We have gone over how the global warming matter has morphed into the climate change mantra. The earth is being destroyed by mankind is the incessant hue and cry. there is a religious-like fervor to “save the planet”. The basic color scheme for the developing secular-humanistic system –the hue of the robes worn by the priests of climate change– is, of course, green.
Also, in order to save the earth there must be a drastic depopulation of the planet. The Georgia Guide stones told us so. The population must be pared down to a maximum of 500 million inhabitants. –Else all of mankind will face the fate of extinction.
That message and doctrine has at its heart, although the priests of green have never said so publically—the elimination of humanity through the process of murder of children while in their mothers’ wombs. This doctrinal matter within the climate change religion serves, in my view, as a sacrificial presentation upon the white hot Moloch-like altar of the self-appointed gods of this world. Thus their Utopian world can, they seem to be convinced, be brought to perfection.
The following information was recently brought to my attention. To me, the information seems to bring into focus the formation quickly taking place. –The symbolic religious harlot of Revelation 17.
Between November 6th and 18th, 2022, the UN climate conference COP 27 will take place on the Sinai Peninsula, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Religious communities and religious leaders have a key role to play in addressing climate change and climate justice, which requires deep transformation within society. The knowledge of what changes are critically needed to diminish long-term harm to the planet is readily available. However, bringing about change in action demands deeper changes in attitude, a change of heart. This has been the domain of religions for millennia. Religions are sources of inspiration for the transformation of heart and the ensuing changes of attitude.
Over the weekend of November 12th-13th, few official discussions or activities are planned at COP 27. This provides a major moment when the attention of media and participants can be turned to interreligious climate messaging and a transformative vision. On Sunday, November 13th, religious leaders will ‘return’ on Mount Sinai, a mountain whose memory and meaning loom large as a place of revelation in the collective consciousness of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and others. As an ancient sacred space, it was the site of prophetic experience, and receiving God’s message, for the prophets Moses and Elijah in all three Abrahamic traditions, and the prophet Muhammed in the Muslim tradition. It therefore serves as an ideal location to remind humanity of our sacred responsibility to care for God’s creation. (Returning to Mt. Sinai” — A Prophetic Call for Climate Justice and Ceremony of Repentance, The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, https://interfaithsustain.com/returning-to-mt-sinai/%5D***
So we get insight at this late, prophetic hour, into the religious system John forewarned of and which the false prophet of Revelation chapter 13 will no doubt, greatly expand.
The following is the statement of commitment by the leaders of this developing Mystery Babylon system.
“We come to Sinai in a movement of repentance and quest. We seek a new vision for humanity and its endangered existence, and we seek to receive and amplify a message of life-sustaining living and habits that humanity needs to hear today. In this spirit, the project partners will bring together premier religious leaders from the world’s major religions to gather upon Mount Sinai to engage in a first ever Climate Repentance Ceremony, and to put forth a prophetic interreligious call to action: ‘climate Justice: Ten Universal Commandments.’”
Goals of the Event
-
-
- Inspire and unleash the power of religions, religious leaders and faith communities as change agents for climate action and as sources for inspiring and motivating discussions among politicians and civil bodies.
- Motivate action among religious communities and the wider public to curb climate change.
- Invite media to cover religious leaders’ advocacy in combating climate change.
- Promote a coalition of religious leaders to work together for climate action.
- Generate new faith-inspired climate education materials for broad use.
- With the Harlot getting ready to ride the Satanic beast Daniel and John saw –the last world empire that Antichrist will rule—Observers of the times from the preTrib view can do none other than believe the Rapture is very near.
- Here again is how to be part of that Blessed Call to believers when the Lord Jesus Christ’s Voice sounds as a Trumpet.
-
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9–10)
Endure Unto the End
Author’s note: This article, written some years earlier, perhaps more than when written puts focus on the times God’s Word speaks to in regard to being faithful to completing the mission and the assignments the Lord has placed us here to accomplish.
Vince Lombardi, the famous Green Bay Packer coach of the 1960s, known for his draconian training regimen in preparing his players, said: “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” He put his observation to practical use against his opponents by making sure it was the opponents, not his team members, who were fatigued by game’s end. Each Packer player was totally spent at the end of each practice session; the coach and the players left all they had on the field of preparation.
When strength was returned and fully pumped up on game day, there was more than enough to overpower those not as intensively conditioned. The result was a championship team that continues to be memorialized in sports lore all of these years later. There was no team that could match Lombardi’s Packers when the fatigue set in during the later stages of the games they played during the height of their power. There were teams that could match their natural athletic abilities, but none could match their endurance.
The game was won by the intensive time of preparation as much as it was won on the actual field of play.
The use of the above sports analogy is not far-fetched. Paul, the great champion for taking the gospel of Christ forth, used just such an analogy to describe his life, death, and glorious future in God’s kingdom:
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6–8).
Paul, it is obvious by studying his writings, was a sports fan. He used things like running a race, beating the air, finishing the course, and other terms that give us insight to the fact that he at least took interest in the society of his day. That society was one filled with sports activities, and would have been a natural area of subject matter for the great teacher to interject as he presented the gospel and matters of Bible doctrine.
The games of the day included Olympic-type events. The races in particular turned on the cheers of fans of the day. Crowns of laurels (formed from leaves) were placed upon the victors’ heads by the judges.
Paul made the linkage of the races of his time to the bema (judgment seat of Christ), at which children of God will receive crowns of victory based upon how they ran the race in Christ’s cause during their lifetimes. The very nature of such a race indicates the necessity of enduring–of persevering—through the long, sometimes uphill miles of living a life of righteousness.
Most often, Paul used such analogy to indicate, as in the verses above, the fact that the Christian should be willing to endure. In many places, he taught how to build endurance. That preparation most often was wrapped around prayer, Scripture study, and practical action–witnessing and teaching truth to others.
God’s Word telling us to endure is one topical area of Bible prophecy that has caused anxiety-ridden questions among some. It seems to those who question that the command to endure, according to the language used, is a requirement in order to assure that salvation is achieved. One must “endure unto the end” to be saved–to win in the game of life, thus to secure one’s place in heaven for eternity.
Endurance is one of the things God requires of His children. As a matter of fact, He demands it. But, what does the term “endurance” used in the scriptures, causing anxieties among some believers, mean, exactly?
A close examination of the key verses involved is necessary to understand the term “endurance” in God’s prophetic lexicon. One such reference is found in the Apostle Paul’s foretelling about departure from Bible doctrine in the end of the Church Age:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:3–5).
Paul was prophesying a time—indeed, I am convinced we are in that time—when many within the very heart of the Christian church will move away from preaching and teaching that man is lost and needs the Savior, who is Jesus Christ, alone (John 14: 6). This failure to endure the sound doctrine taught by Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles would, Paul indicated, be a fatigue that would make cowards of many, causing them and those they teach to turn to lies.
We see today this very thing. The gospel that man is lost in sin, thus must turn to the shed blood of Jesus Christ for remission of that deadly sin, has been changed to give the feel-good message that God is love and would never condemn those He knows to be less than perfect. The fable makers teach and preach the do-good message that we must go along with the world of philanthropists who preach a social gospel to feed, clothe, and, in general, show the have-nots that humanism is their savior.
Much of the Church today thus has failed to “endure until the end.”
Jesus pronounced, in strong language, the role “endurance” will play in the days leading up to His second advent:
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:11-13)
Jesus even asks in one instance whether He will find any faith on earth when He returns. And, this is where the anxiety comes in for some. Is Jesus saying that those who do not hold to absolute Bible truth until the very end won’t be “saved”? Must we—and those of the Tribulation era—never slip up and sin, thus departing from truth, or else suffer the eternal damnation of hellfire?
The answer is found within the character of the One who issued the solemn statement. Jesus, who said “It is finished” when He completed the redemption plan of God on the cross at Calvary, also said:
My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29)
Saints “endure” through Christ. We haven’t the ability to resist this fallen world apart from the strength found only in our Savior. The supernatural endurance required to “endure unto the end” is not in us, but in Jesus, who paid the full price for our eternal souls:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)
When we are “in” Christ, we will “endure,” because Christ “endures.” He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Now, this does not excuse the Christian from remaining faithful to God. In that sense, “endurance” is our responsibility. It is our responsibility to the very end—of our lives, or until the Rapture of Christ’s body, the Church. We are to strengthen ourselves for spiritual battle in order to not become fatigued through prayer, Bible study, and exercising our witness before our fellow man. We put on the whole armor of God as we are directed to do in Ephesians, chapter 6.
God equips us. He doesn’t demand such a hard thing without providing the ability—even the absolute guarantee—of that sort of “endurance” that takes His child “unto the end.”
Those who fail to exercise their witness, in whatever way God directs, become flabby, ineffective ambassadors in Christ’s royal service. There is always a heavy price to pay for such sloth. Not loss of salvation for those who are truly in Christ’s grip, but a loss of position within the kingdom of God.
Those who fail to endure in the center of God’s will suffer loss of rewards when kneeling before their Savior at the judgment seat of Christ.
That is one primary reason we at Rapture Ready and this blog exhort Christians to join in our efforts in these closing days of the Age of Grace—the Church Age. There are many, many opportunities to labor, to “endure,” during these trying times that are presented by the dynamic Rapture Ready website and this blog’s efforts to reach the lost world for Christ.
Many are writing articles, many are writing encouraging emails, and some are giving in other ways to God’s work on raptureready.com.
One area we very much need help in is finances. Donations have dwindled, yet the ministry-associated needs of Christ in these closing days of the age have never been more pronounced. Enduring to the end also means supporting Christ-centered ministries with our financial offerings. If hundreds of millions can be contributed to the prosperity ministries who teach that false message of giving to get, why do not those who hold to Bible truth not support faithful ministries with greatly abundant offerings?
Jesus said: ”For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
These Lot-like Days
It seems I just can’t turn loose of the prophecy I believe to be perhaps the most immediately pertinent to Christ calling His Church to be with Him. And, at any rate, I wouldn’t want to turn loose of it if I could bring myself about to do so.
The words are from the very mouth of God, and they speak directly to the most desired prophecy for our day from the standpoint of what we ,as pre-Trib believers, look to be imminently fulfilled. I believe He is talking about the Rapture.
Jesus, while teaching about the same time frame He spoke of during the Matthew 24:36–42 Olivet Discourse prophecy, said the following.
Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. (Luke 17:28–30)
He was foretelling the characteristics that would be starkly observable before and during His next intervention into this earthly wickedness. That time will, as I study things surrounding the Rapture in context, look much like the very times we’re enduring now.
We have, of course, considered this many times before. However, there is one specific angle that might pull into a little sharper focus just how much our darkening moments of history might be likened to Lot’s time in Sodom.
To begin, we must first consider God’s words to Lot’s uncle, Abraham.
The Lord said He would tell Abraham things to come, because He knew Abraham would do righteously. God wanted him to know His plan to deal with Sodom’s wickedness, once He determined that it was necessary. The Lord, Himself, stood with Lot, then, and discussed Sodom’s fate, while the Lord’s angel-representatives headed down toward Sodom and Gomorrah.
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Genesis 18:20–23)
We remember that there was then a profound back-and-forth discussion between the Lord God and a lowly human being—Abraham. God answered each of Abraham’s questions as the old man asked them. Abraham was appealing to God to have those in the wicked cities spared from destruction. He asked if God would relent if 50 were found to be righteous—then 40, then 30, then 20.
Finally, after Abraham asked if God would spare the cities if the Lord could find even 10 righteous, and 10 couldn’t be found, Sodom and Gomorrah’s fate was sealed.
God had said to Abraham before the countdown began—following Abraham’s initial question about the possibility of the cities being spared:
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25)
It was almost as if the Lord was mildly indignant to have it thought of Himself as so unjust as to condemn the righteous with the unrighteous.
Alas, there were not 10 righteous left in the city of Sodom. There were only Lot and his small family. God’s Word calls Lot “righteous,” even though Lot dwelt among perhaps the worst culture and society biblically recorded in such detail. The detail was so graphic as to make the fact of the level of unrighteousness unmistakable.
While it was business as usual during daylight hours, with the cities being apparently prosperous, buying, selling, building, planting, etc., when the sun went down it became a habitation of every sort of evil—particularly of debauchery, with homosexual rapaciousness leading the wickedness. The lustful males came even against the angels who visited Lot.
The raging men of the city threatened Lot with the worst possible attack if he didn’t go along with them and send out his visitors. They were just on the verge of tearing down the door to get at their would-be victims. The only ones God considered righteous in the city at that moment were hated and threatened by the rest, who were the unrighteous in God’s holy view.
And this is the angle I would like us to consider for now.
Jesus foretold in Luke 17:28–30 that it will be for those alive at His next revealing or intervention like it was at that time for Lot when he was hated and threatened by the wickedness of that society and culture.
We have covered many times the God-rejecting, hate-filled actions and activities of our own troubled times. Is there any question of how the evil and wickedness have increased exponentially?
The following brief excerpt tells of one pastor’s story who has endured such assaults by the unrighteous against the righteous. He was imprisoned in Turkey for preaching of Jesus as the only way of salvation. He was finally released after the Trump administration and others pressured Turkey to release him after that government had sentenced him for the crime of preaching the gospel.
He tells that he sees in the United States the same sort of Sodom-like actions coming against believers.
Andrew Brunson’s message is straightforward, but it is far from simple: The Church needs to brace for a dark wave of persecution that is coming…
“Most of the institutions of society are supporting things that a faithful follower of Jesus cannot embrace… and that’s how they will justify persecuting us,” Brunson said.
Believers who stand for this truth will be marginalized in schools, jobs, banks and more, he added. Testing believers’ resolve, the pressure to conform will manifest socially and eventually financially.
“What has emerged as the main flashpoint is gender identity and LGBT. And wherever that is intersecting with religious freedom, LGBT is winning,” he said. “Now there is a requirement that people not only tolerate, but that we embrace and celebrate this ideology. And if you don’t, you are seen as someone who is hateful.” (“American pastor delivers sobering message of coming ‘dark wave’ of persecution, All Israel News, October 19, 2022)
The days (and nights) of Lot are gathering around those who hold to biblical Christianity. At the center of the threats is the same spirit of Antichrist that infected the rapacious hordes of ancient Sodom.
Jesus promised He will catastrophically intervene and execute judgment and wrath against the unrighteous when these conditions become undeniably evident at the end of the Age of Grace (Church Age).
You want to escape with those God considers righteous. You want to be removed from the gathering wickedness and the judgment that must destroy it the same as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
Here, again, is how to escape the coming judgment and wrath—through the Rapture promised by our Blessed Hope, the Lord Jesus Christ.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
The United States and God’s Judgment
By Michael Hile
Is the United States mentioned in Bible prophecy
Perhaps the two most frequently asked questions when Bible prophecy is brought up involves the role of the United States in the end times. Specifically, people want to know if the United States is mentioned in Bible prophecy, and when will God judge America? The United States is the dominant superpower in the world today; however, the United States appears to be mysteriously absent from the scene when the final, end time prophecies in the Bible begin making their appearance.
Since the United States is arguably the most prosperous and powerful nation that has ever existed on earth, why is there no mention of the United States in the book of Revelation, especially since the end time apocalypse appears to be on the horizon? One should not automatically assume that the United States will play a major role in the end time scenario simply because of its current superpower status. On the other hand, we should be careful to not automatically exclude the United States from all the prophetic scriptures due to historic, traditional interpretations of certain prophetic, scripture passages.
The sobering conclusion one must come to, due to lack of Biblical evidence, is that the United States will not have a major role in the end time events that take place during the final 7-year period of this age that is called Daniel’s 70th week. If that is true, then the role of the United States will have to greatly diminish in the future, if we are living in the “end times,” as many experts in Bible prophecy believe.
Where is the United States found in the Scriptures?
Although the United States is not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, some believe the presence of the United States is inferred in the prophetic scriptures, due to the major political, economic, military, and technological roles exercised by the United States in the world today.
There are many scriptures in the Bible that have been linked to the United States by Bible teachers. Some of the Scriptures that have been used include: Isaiah chapters 13; 14; 18:1, 2; 21, 24; 47:5, 6, 8, 10-13; 48; Jeremiah chapters 50: 12, 16, 23; 51:13, 44, 53; Ezekiel chapters 38:13, 39:6; Daniel 7:4, and Revelation chapters 12:14; 13:11-17; 17; 18 and 19.
Although God is the only One who knows what the future holds for the United States and the rest of the nations of the world, there are some intriguing prophetic scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that may provide clues concerning specific nations or kingdoms that will arise on the scene before Christ returns to set up His kingdom. These “end time” nations and kingdoms may already be active in the world today helping establish a global government that will eventually give rise to the “Antichrist.”
The tendency to link the United States with some of the prophetic Scriptures is perhaps due to the many converging “signs of the times” that have been developing in the world today; specifically, the return of Israel back to their land during our generation (Matt. 24:32-34, Mark 13:28-30, Luke 21:28-32). Whether present or absent from the world scene, the United States appears to be playing a major role in helping set the stage for several end time prophecies in the Bible that are in the process of development.
Will God judge America?
The wife of a well known evangelist once said: “If God doesn’t punish America, He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” (1) This famous quote might be true if God was not a holy and just God and righteous in all His deliberations, actions and judgments. God; however, will not need to apologize to anyone.
“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
When God allowed Assyria and Babylon to conquer the kingdoms of Israel (Northern Kingdom—c.722 B.C.) and Judah (Southern Kingdom—c. 586 B.C.) due to their idolatrous worship of false gods and other sinful behaviors, God later brought judgment upon both Assyria (c. 612 B.C.) and Babylon (c. 539 B.C.) for their evil behavior and for invading God’s chosen nation (a divided kingdom at this time).
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25b).
God may delay his judgment upon a city, a nation or even the whole world because of His great mercy; however, His judgment of sinful behavior will never be ignored or forgotten. As someone once remarked; “The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”
Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied…“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” (Jude 1:14-15).
The God of all Creation will not only judge the United States and Sodom and Gomorrah in righteousness, but He will also judge all the other cities and nations in the world; especially, in regard to how they have treated the Jewish people and His chosen nation of Israel (Matthew 25:31-46, Rev. 20:11-15).
The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Eccl. 12:13-14). NASB
God’s Sovereignty over all of Creation
God’s sovereignty means He is supreme and superior in power and authority over all of Heaven and earth. Since God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (present everywhere), there is nothing that escapes His knowledge, understanding or purview.
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you (Jeremiah 32:17).
Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it… (Isaiah 42:5).
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength (Isaiah 40:28-29).
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” (Dan. 4:35).
For by Him (Jesus Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist (Col. 1:16-17).
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:7-8).
The Sovereignty of God and Responsibility of Man
There are many quotations by the “Founding Fathers” of our nation which show that many of the founders were God loving, God fearing, and God worshiping people who understood the importance of religious liberty and the price many paid to acquire and help preserve the many freedoms we have today. A few of these are reproduced below.(2)
While the People are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their Virtue they will be ready to surrender their Liberties to the first external or internal Invader. – Samuel Adams, (1722-1803) an early American governor, lawyer and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Adams was the second cousin of John Adams, the second President of the United States from 1797 to 1801. (3)
Posterity—you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. – John Quincy Adams, an American statesman and the sixth President of the United States from 1825 to 1829 (4)
If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen. (5) – Samuel Adams. Adams was known for his great animosity toward England’s presence in the colonial affairs.
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. (6) – Thomas Jefferson, (1743–1826) was an American Founding Father who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and later served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809.
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! (7)– Thomas Jefferson
The generation of people living today is far removed from the trials and difficulties that the “Founding Fathers” of our country had to endure in order to secure the liberties that we enjoy. There are many threats to the freedoms provided to us that are enshrined in the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Those freedoms are in jeopardy of being taken away.
We should not assume someone else will protect the freedoms we enjoy, because someone else always believes someone else will protect their freedoms. A quote sometimes attributed or misattributed to Edmund Burke (1729-1797), who was an Irish-born British statesman, economist and philosopher, was summarized in the statement:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Why will God judge America?
The United States has been in a moral freefall that accelerated in the decade of the 60s with restrictions on prayer (1962) and Bible reading in the public schools (1963). The U.S. Supreme Court has systematically helped destroy religious liberty in America with the following 12 court cases:
1925—The Scopes “Monkey” Trial—Tennessee v. Scopes— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopes_Trial
1940—The Free Exercise Clause is created—Cantwell v. Connecticut—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantwell_v._Connecticut
1947—The Establishment Clause is Created—Everson v. Board of Education—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everson_v._Board_of_Education
1962—Prayer is removed from the Schools—Engel v. Vitale—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engel_v._Vitale
1963—Bible reading is removed from the Schools—Abington School District v. Schempp—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abington_School_District_v._Schempp
1973—The Murder of unborn babies is Legalized—Roe v. Wade— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_v._Wade
1980—The Ten Commandments are removed from School Classrooms—Stone v. Graham— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_v._Graham
1992— Invocations/Benedictions are Banned from School Activities—Lee v. Weisman— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_v._Weisman
2003— Sodomy is legalized by the Supreme Court—Lawrence v. Texas— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_v._Texas
2005—Display of the Ten Commandments is Ruled Unconstitutional—McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCreary_County_v._American_Civil_Liberties_Union
2013—Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is Declared Unconstitutional—United States v. Windsor— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Windsor
2015—Same Sex Marriage is approved by the Supreme Court—Obergefell v. Hodges— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obergefell_v._Hodges
We are Becoming a Dystopian Society
When the novel “1984” was published in 1949 about a dystopian society (opposite of utopia) called “Oceania,” the author, George Orwell, made up a fictional political group called the “Party.” The “Party” developed a new language of words that they called “Newspeak,” which was used to influence and control the residents in Oceania.
The clearest example of using “Newspeak” was in the “Party’s” slogan: “WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” The “Party” was not content with just monitoring their citizens. They desired total control of the citizens’ thoughts, feelings, and actions, which the politicians used to manipulate and control the people.
What is going on today in society is similar in some ways to what the famous “1984” novel described, where the definitions of words have been changing in order to disguise, mislead and twist the meaning of words so that they actually represent the opposite or a distorted version of words that previously had clear and distinct meanings.
Words such as love, hate, hater, marriage, family, gay, tolerant, boy, girl, sex, gender, husband, wife, man and woman have been redefined by the media and society in a way that is abhorrent to God. What used to be wrong in God’s model of behavior in the Old and New Testaments, is now called right, and what used to be considered evil, according to the Scriptures, has been twisted and redefined to be considered wholesome (good and healthy) (2 Peter 3:16-17).
Woe (judgment is coming) to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever and shrewd in their own sight! 22 Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are heroes at drinking wine and men of strength in mixing intoxicating drinks, 23 Who justify the wicked and acquit the guilty for a bribe, and take away the rights of those who are in the right! (Isaiah 5:20-21). AMP
The Absence of God in American Society
God, metaphorically, has been kicked out of the courts; the schools; professional, college and high school sporting events; the public square; the market place; many churches and most homes. Subsequently, the culture has declined, family values have been disintegrating, and we are entering a time where “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 2:7-11, 21:25).
When God is kicked out of society and is not welcome within our homes, we should not expect God to show up when He has been disinvited (or ignored) by most Americans. Before trouble comes our way and our lives begin falling apart, we should heed the story of the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Contrary to what some may think; “He who dies with the most toys (does not) win” (Eccl. 5:10).
And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’
18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15-21).
The Deception of Prosperity
Prosperity has blinded many to their spiritual need, and most Americans have been deceived by their wealth and comfortable lifestyle. The natural man (not saved) and immature believers can be deceived by their wealth, position in a corporation, political power, education or social standing, pride and self-confidence so that they think they don’t need God or want Him interfering in their lives (1 Cor. 2:14-3:3, Heb. 5:12-14). On the other hand, poor and/or ignorant people can be deceived just as easily when they disregard their spiritual condition (John 3:14-21, Eph. 2:1-12).
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13-14).
The life that consists of getting more cars, houses, furniture, clothes, electronics and other gadgets (your best life now) may temporarily satisfy the “lusts of the flesh” but will leave the soul and spirit in poverty at the day of judgment (Matt. 6:19-21, Rom. 2:5-6, Jer.17:9-11, 1 John 2:15-17, Rom. 8:1-8, Gal. 5:16-21).
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
The Deception of Pride
Pride, which leaves God out of our thoughts and actions, was the primary reason for Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12-15), and is the number one enemy on God’s list in the book of Proverbs (6:16-19). It is perhaps the most deceptive of all sins, because it is very subtle and, if ignored, excludes God in the salvation process, and subsequently, any interaction in your daily life.
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:5-7).
Whether rich or poor, mighty or weak, wise or foolish or you have been deceived by your own stubborn pride, your relationship with the God of Heaven, who created you and the whole universe, is of utmost importance, and pursuing God’s will for your life should be the number one priority of your existence.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; Let not the mighty man glory in his might;
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories, glory in this; That he understands and knows Me; That I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
God’s delayed Judgment of Nineveh
Is the United States headed towards judgment like the city of Nineveh, when God told Jonah to go and warn the people of Nineveh that judgment was heading their way? The Lord is patient towards us (2 Peter 3:9): however, rebellion against God eventually leads to certain judgment. The evil which Assyria had perpetrated against the northern kingdom of Israel and other nations had reached its fullness during the time of Jonah (Jonah 1:1-2, 3:1-4).
When Jonah proclaimed his message of judgment, which God was going to carry out against the Ninevites, they quickly did an “about-face,” repented and took Jonah’s message seriously. The whole city of Nineveh (kingdom of Assyria) dressed in sack cloth and ashes after Jonah confronted them, and even their king joined the people of Nineveh in repentance concerning their wickedness.
So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. 6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so 10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it (Jonah 3:5-10).
For whatever reason, the people and king of Nineveh took God’s message from Jonah personally. Ironically, the Ninevites turned from their evil ways and God chose not to bring judgment against the city of Nineveh. Because the people of Nineveh lacked spiritual discernment, God decided to spare the great city of Nineveh, due to His great mercy and their repentant attitude (Jonah 4:11). Will the United States repent of its sin and rebellion against God, like Nineveh did, or has our country become so arrogant and prideful that it believes it is invincible and does not think it needs to change or reverse course?
How will God judge America?
God can remove his hand of protection overnight, and take away the blessings He has given to a city or nation and its people. An example of God’s wrath being poured out on several wicked and sinful cities is the judgment God declared on Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities of the plain (Genesis 18:1-19:38). Lot and his two daughters were the only ones that escaped the fire and brimstone that rained down on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Before “the blessed hope” and the great “escape” takes place, conditions in the world will be “as the days of Noah” and “the days of Lot” (Titus 2:13, Luke 17:26-30, 21:34-36).
Contrary to what some may think, the “days of Noah and Lot” have already arrived in America and around the world with violence, sexual perversion and gender dysphoria dominating the social and media culture. The Lord’s return will catch many unsuspecting people off guard and will be “a time that you think not” (Matthew 24:36-51, Revelation 3:2-3). It will also be a time when people will be eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting and building. That same day, “it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” The immorality and decline of culture in the world will be the same way (business as usual) when the “the Son of man is revealed” (2 Tim. 3:1-7).
Although it may be at odds with what many people in the United States assume, the freedoms and blessings this nation enjoys are direct gifts from God, rather than just the creative ingenuity of its citizens. Those who have followed the Judeo/Christian work ethic and those who have benefitted from the freedoms afforded by the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the rule of law, have helped build the most prosperous and powerful nation in the history of the world.
What happens to the United States economically, militarily, technologically, religiously and morally affects the whole world more than any other nation. If and when the United States is destroyed from within or from outside forces, which many believe is an organized effort by the global elite, the whole world will feel its effect. A world wide paradigm shift will take place, events will begin to unfold in the Middle East, Europe and Asia and the Apocalyptic events prophesied in the book of Revelation will take center stage around the world.
Will the United States collapse from economic problems, an immigration invasion, rampant moral decay, a series of national disasters, pandemics, an EMP attack, nuclear war, or some other unforeseen catastrophe? Some think God’s judgment upon the United States has already begun, as evidenced by the many natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, droughts, forest fires, mud slides, and environmental disasters that have been occurring throughout the country and offshore. More recently, food shortages, high food and gasoline prices, illegal immigration, increasing lawlessness and the Ukraine/Russia debacle, threatens the very existence of this nation.
It has been said by many Bible prophecy experts that the nation of Israel represents God’s prophetic time clock, with Israel as the “hour” hand, Jerusalem, the “minute” hand and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem representing the “second” hand (Jeremiah 31:35-37, Psalms 137:5-6, Luke 21:28-36, Rev. 11:1-3).
If Israel represents God’s “thermostat” (the timing of God’s prophetic plan for the “end times”), perhaps the United States, due to God’s blessings and its superpower status represents God’s “thermometer,” at least for a temporary period of time.
The United States (through the Holy Spirit’s preservation) may be acting as “God’s prophetic linchpin” that holds things together from a geopolitical perspective “as we see the day approaching,” but before the “Day of the Lord” begins and God’s wrath descends upon the world (Heb. 10:24-25, 2 Thess. 2:6-8, 1 Thess. 5:1-3, 2 Peter 3:3-12).
When will God judge America?
The breakdown of society both in the United States and around the world accelerated with release of the Covid-19 virus during the early months of 2020.
The global elites, which many believe have a well-organized plan of subversive action, took advantage of the pandemic and accelerated their march towards a global, totalitarian government. Ironically, many of the global elites, who have nefarious designs for the United States, reside within this country.
The World Economic Forum (WEF), along with other globalist groups, corporations, most governments and help from the leftist, global media, took advantage of the Covid crisis. Their coordinated effort was used to promote fear and intimidation by using lock downs, masks, vaccination passports, social distancing and other restrictions in order to condition the world for a series of future, ongoing crises and pandemics. The end goals for the globalist elites will be restrictions on freedoms, compliance with global rules, electronic surveillance of financial transactions and social credit scores.
Since the whole world is their target, the globalists will use the environment as their primary tool for enforcement (global cooling, global warming, climate change, etc.) along with man-made pandemics in order to create fear, intimidation and civil unrest. Deception, intrigue and disinformation (lying) will be commonplace in order to promote their world-wide agenda, which will be contrary and directly opposed to God’s sovereign plan (Matt. 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8, 2 Thess. 2:3-12, Rev. 18:23-19:2).
This diabolical plan will ultimately lead to world-wide chaos in which a future world leader will emerge on the stage (the man of sin), who will attempt to solve many of the global problems (Rev. 13:4-18, Psalms 2:1-12). This world leader, often referred to as the “antichrist,” will take control of many of the political, economic, religious and military institutions of the world through peace, deception, flatteries, intrigue and military conquest (Dan. 11:21-43, 2 Thess. 2:1-12). A growing number of followers of the prophetic Scriptures in the Bible believe global government is approaching quickly, and the season of the coming “antichrist” is very near.
In November of 2016, the World Economic Forum WEF, with the blessing of the United Nations (UN), made 8 predictions they hope to accomplish by the year 2030, if not sooner. Two of the eight WEF goals are listed below.
- All products will have become services. “I don’t own anything. I don’t own a car. I don’t own a house. I don’t own any appliances or any clothes,” writes Danish MP Ida Auken. Shopping is a distant memory in the city of 2030, whose inhabitants have cracked clean energy and borrow what they need on demand. It sounds utopian, until she mentions that her every move is tracked and outside the city live swathes of discontents, the ultimate depiction of a society split in two.
- 3. US dominance is over. We have a handful of global powers. Nation states will have staged a comeback, writes Robert Muggah, Research Director at the Igarapé Institute. Instead of a single force, a handful of countries – the U.S., Russia, China, Germany, India and Japan chief among them – show semi-imperial tendencies. However, at the same time, the role of the state is threatened by trends including the rise of cities and the spread of online identities… (8)
What does the Lord expect of America?
The Lord appeared to Solomon by night when the Temple in Israel was being dedicated and told him there were consequences for not following the Lord (2 Chron. 7:11-22). It can be argued that these same principles that applied to Israel, also apply to the United States and other countries as well. The Lord is no respecter of persons, the cities they live in or any nations and kingdoms on the earth (Romans 2:5-11).
Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:12-14).
Due to the failure of leadership from many of our elected and appointed government officials, the United States is in a precarious position that will be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome.
What may appear to be a visible battle between opposing political parties to the natural person (unsaved); behind the scenes, we are engaged in an intense, ongoing spiritual battle (1 Cor. 2:14-15). This battle is part of a larger, world-wide conflict involving spiritual warfare, which is coordinated by Satan, the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:1-3).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:10-13) (also Eph. 6:14-20, 1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7-8).
- Be Salt and Light
While there is still an opportunity to make a difference, we should get on our knees and pray for God’s protection (put on the whole armor of God), get off our knees and take a stand for Biblical values in our community, vote for Biblical candidates when possible and be “salt” and “light” to those we come in contact with.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:13-16).
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matt. 25:1-13).
Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Luke 12:35-40).
- Be Diligent in your Service to the Lord
One of the biggest mistakes an immature believer makes is to assume they only need to make it to Heaven and nothing else. Remember; the rewards God gives us in Heaven are eternal, and your position of service is determined down here on earth. The Apostle Paul understood this principle of service and strived to reach spiritual perfection while he was still on the earth (Matt. 5:48).
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may]obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Philippians 3:13-15).
3) Don’t be Blindsided and Shocked at the Judgment Seat of Christ
All Christian believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and will give an account of all their actions (good and bad works) while on earth (Romans 14:10-12, 1 Cor. 3:9-17, 2 Cor. 5:9-11, Rev. 3:11, John 19:13). The rewards and crowns you receive will determine your level of glory and position of honor and service in the kingdom of Heaven. The rewards God gives are permanent; not temporary. That principle is illustrated below.
There are celestial bodies that exist in outer space like the sun, moon and stars, and each one has a different “glory.” Man still does not know how many stars there are, and the number increases as new galaxies are discovered. God; however, knows the number of all the stars and calls them by their name (Psalms 147:4-5).
There are terrestrial bodies that exist on earth like man, animals, fish and birds, and each one has a different “glory.” All celestial bodies have a different appearance, structure and characteristics just like all terrestrial bodies on earth have a special appearance, structure and characteristics.
Man; however, was created in God’s “image” with a body, soul and spirit and differs from all other creatures that God made (Gen. 1:26-28, 1 Thess. 5:23). Man has a unique appearance, body, cellular structure and genetic makeup (DNA), and he has also been given the option and special privilege of going to Heaven to serve, worship and glorify God.
All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:39-42).
Contrary to what many people think about Heaven, every person that makes it to Heaven by trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, will “differ” in “glory” and appearance, just as every star in the universe differs in appearance, size and brilliance according to its “glory” (1 Cor. 15:41-42).
When the “resurrection” and “catching up” of the saints takes place (1 Thess. 4:13-18, 1 Cor. 15:51-57), every believer will receive a “glorified body” like the one Jesus had after He was resurrected from the grave. Everyone’s body will be unique in appearance and “glory,” just as the sun, moon and stars differ in “glory” (Phil. 3:20-21, Rom. 8:28-30).
Those who are wise in the Lord will have a special “glory,” which is compared to the brightness of the sky, and those who dedicate themselves to help others find the Lord and pursue “holy” living will have a special “glory” that will shine like the stars forever.
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness
like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3).
“…behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work (Rev. 22:12).
- The Time to Prepare is Now
“As Christians, we are responsible to the Lord for how we are presently living, and one day we will also stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of ourselves to the Lord (Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10).
The time to prepare for this encounter is right now.”— Dr. Charles Stanley
“The believer’s appearance before Christ does not affect his personal salvation, but it does greatly affect his life in the coming kingdom of Christ.”—Dr. Paul Benware
“When we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our faithful service to Him will be evaluated and rewarded. With perfect knowledge, He will assess our every thought, motive, and action. Erwin W. Lutzer has said, ‘We do not desire rewards for the reward itself, but because rewards are a reflection of Christ’s approval of us.’ The prospect of this coming judgment should motivate us to please the Lord in our daily life, running our spiritual race toward His heavenly rewards.”—Dr. David Jeremiah
“It’s a hard but inescapable truth: heaven will not be the same for every Christian. When “we…all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom. 14:10), some will receive great rewards and others will not…Making it to heaven is the goal, but making it there to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” is the key to ultimate victory.”—Dr. Robert Jeffress
When asked the question, “What is the greatest thought that ever passed through your mind?” Daniel Webster responded: “My accountability to God.”
- The Importance of Taking God Seriously
The Lord does not reward laziness, but expects all believers that stand before Him to be spiritually clothed, receive a full measure of reward and not be ashamed at His coming (Matt. 25:14-30; Isaiah 61:10; 2 John 1:8; 1 John 2:28; Rev. 3:11, 16:15, 22:12).
Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. 17 “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18 Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him (Malachi 3:16-18).
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries… 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:26-27, 30-31).
Have we reached the Point of No Return?
The accelerating deterioration of the U.S. economy, open borders and lack of military preparedness, which appears to be a planned destruction of our country designed to move us towards global government, is a cause for great concern and is quite alarming. The current White House staff of the US government has perhaps the most wicked and ungodly policies of any administration in the history of the nation.
Abortion, sexual immorality, disregard for law and order, corruption in the educational system (teaching socialism) and support for the enemies of Israel are just a few of the many evil policies that this administration has endorsed. The moral decay has greatly accelerated in recent years with sexual promiscuity and gender dysphoria taking center stage in our culture. The proliferation of sinful behavior has increased with the use of social media.
The increase in lawlessness, disregard for the police, civil unrest, theft, rioting, gambling, corrupt mayors and government officials, and the failure to punish criminals by prosecuting attorneys and judges, has led to a rapid breakdown in law and order in society. Equal justice under the law no longer exists at the highest level in the government of the United States.
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths (Prov. 5:21).
There has been no shortage of Biblical teaching, preaching and evangelizing that has taken place in the United States, which was not the case when God sent Jonah to warn the Ninevites of impending judgment.
Consequently, there is little evidence the United States will reverse course in the coming months outside of God’s intervention.
For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). ESV
Sometimes God refuses to listen and answer the prayers of those who are in rebellion against Him, as was the case with the southern kingdom of Judah. That is why it is very important not to ignore or postpone your relationship with the Lord, because He might not be available when you get in trouble and need Him.
“Come now, and let us reason together, “Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 1:18-20).
Because the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem had made altars and burned incense to Ba-al, the Lord told them that they had reached the point of no return, and the Lord would not hear their prayers. God’s patience with Judah and Jerusalem had come to an end because of their refusal to repent (change their evil ways). When that happens, all hope is lost, and there is no escape from God’s certain judgment.
Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. 12 Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble… 14 “So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble (Jeremiah 11:11-12, 14).
God is merciful; however, His patience will not last forever; especially when cities and nations harden their heart and will not turn from their evil ways. The prophet Jeremiah reveals God’s course of action when a nation decides to forsake God, go in the wrong direction and embrace cultural decadence.
“At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them” (Jeremiah 18:7, 8).
Are the days of dominance by the United States of America coming to an end? The incremental takeover of the world economies by global fiat does not bode well for the United States or the rest of the nations in the world, if significant pushback is not orchestrated soon. If the United States continues its downward spiral and does not begin turning back to the Biblical principles that made this country great, God will judge our nation, like he did Babylon over 2500 years ago, when the mysterious handwriting appeared on the wall of the King’s palace:
And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26 This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28).
♦♦♦
Endnotes:
1) Quote by Ruth Bell Graham, Posted by Mark Driscoll on Twitter, July 25, 2013,
https://beyondprojectgideon.blogspot.com/2013/07/quote-by-ruth-graham.html
2) Founding Fathers Quotations, Paul Mitchell, “WERE THE UNITED STATES FOUNDED AS A
‘CHRISTIAN’ NATION?” https://famguardian.org/Subjects/ChristianHeritage/Articles/FfQuotesChrNation.pdf
3) Samuel Adams, http://www.conservapedia.com/Samuel_Adams
4) John Quincy Adams, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quincy_Adams
5) Samuel Adams, http://www.conservapedia.com/Samuel_Adams
6) Thomas Jefferson, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
7) The Rebirth of America, Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, copyright 1986, page 24
8) 8 predictions for the world in 2030, Ceri Parker Commissioning Editor, Agenda, World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/11/8-predictions-for-the-world-in-2030/
Unless specified, all Scriptures are from the New Kings James Version of the Bible (NKJV).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Holding Back Iniquity
Incessant assaults against all that used to be considered saneness and biblical holiness brings into focus a particular end-times Scripture.
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:12–13)
The word “iniquity” is defined as “lawlessness” in scriptural terms. Jesus Christ was saying in His Olivet Discourse that one of the primary markers of the very end of the age would be an increase in lawlessness.
Because of this, He said, the love of many inhabitants of earth would grow cold. But those who will endure to the end will be saved.
Now we have some serious dissecting to do to “rightfully divide” this truth, as God’s Word directs us to do.
We don’t have to go too much in-depth to understand the kind of lawlessness the Lord was warning about. We see it abounding within activity and actions no matter which direction we look.
However, the term “lawlessness” can, I believe, be broken down into both the physical realm and the spiritual. And the two often overlap. I will try to make clear my meaning.
A number of my great friends in prophecy ministry and I wrote a book in recent years that had at its heart the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 24:12–13. The book, perhaps you will remember, had the title LAWLESS: The End Times War Against the Spirit of Antichrist.
I can do no better than to recount what I wrote about the book effort those few years ago:
Today, chaos and turmoil inflame daily life within the fever of uncertainty. Geopolitical, cultural, and societal upheaval rip at the heart of America and the world.
Much of humanity is in a state of uncontrollable anger, while an infinitesimally small enemy—visible only under powerful microscopes—holds populations in its fear-paralyzing, pandemic grip.
LAWLESS: The End-Times War Against the Spirit of Antichrist is an intensely focused volume that answers questions about what’s really going on in these volatile, inexplicably strange times.
What does it all mean? Why such a divide? Why such anger and hatred? People want to know answers, and the answer is spiritual. It’s all there in Bible prophecy. The tumult altogether constitutes a major indicator of how near we are to the end of this age—the Age of Grace.
I said above that the term “lawlessness” can be broken down into both the physical realm and the spiritual. And the two often overlap. Again, as promised, I will try to make clear my meaning.
The iniquity–the lawlessness—abounding in every direction is physical. By that, I mean our very way of life is more and more affected by the insidious and more overt assaults.
For example, within cities governed by leftist officials, Christian groups have, while peacefully and legally protesting in authorized areas outside abortion clinics, been physically attacked by thugs–some paid by anti-God forces bent on changing America to fit their Marxist blueprint. Law enforcement and judicial offices have allowed these attacks in a growing number of cases –without action being taken against the attackers.
Additionally, the peaceful Right to Life protesters have themselves been prosecuted by the so-called justice system. This sort of lawlessness is taking place in an increasing number of instances, while violent protests by the likes of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa, as well as other lawless groups, perpetrate anarchic destruction without suffering consequences of their iniquitous actions.
On the spiritual side of the lawless equation, school boards in these leftist-run districts, for example, institute rules that go against biblical commands. These declare Christian values to have no place within today’s culture and society. They stack the school board panels with those who champion the LGTBQ+, etc., agenda. They even have managed to get the FBI involved in charging parents who oppose such anti-God activity with being domestic terrorists worthy of fines and even incarceration.
And this is where the physical and spiritual iniquity–the lawlessness—overlap. We see this in story after story of how not only older children, but very young ones as well, are affected and infected by the spirit of lawlessness –the Antichrist spirit, as John the apostle said was prevalent even in his time.
Iniquity is indeed abounding, and wickedness is bleeding from the governing authority into the religious entities that purport to represent Christianity. The following gives a clue as to what all this has wrought.
Pastor Andy OIiver…in a children’s sermon Oct. 2, 2022, with drag queen “Ms. Penny Cost” at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida…
“We have a special guest,” Oliver told the children.
“Are you always dressed up like this?” the pastor asked.
“I wish!” replied the drag queen, Isaac Simmons, who is undergoing the process to become ordained in the United Methodist Church. (Art Moore, “Renewal of our minds: Church features drag queen in kids’ sermon; Pastor applies Romans 12:2 to approval of transvestism,” WND, October 12, 2022)
One can only imagine the lawlessness that will abound in the nation and world beginning the second after believers leave the planet when Christ calls (1 Corinthians 15: 51–55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 4:1–2).
The Holy Spirit’s restraining influence is the glue holding together any civility and order the Lord is seeing fit to continue in this quickly darkening moment in human history. Can there be any doubt that love is disappearing as these wicked times continue to allow hatred for God and fellow man to intensify?
About the prophetic statement within Matthew 24:12–13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”: I believe it might have dual meaning. First, that those alive at the end of the Age of Grace (Church Age) who are believers will be saved (physically) from entering the Tribulation to come. Second, those who accept Christ during the Tribulation and live to the end of that seven years of horror will be brought safely (physically) into the Millennium at Christ’s return.
You don’t want to be on this judgment-bound sphere when the Restrainer (the Holy Spirit) –and all Christians He indwells—departs the earth in that spectacular event called the Rapture.
Here is how to avoid being left behind.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9–10)
All These Things…
The entire Bible is Jesus speaking.
He is the Word (John 1: 1). Each of the writers was inspired by Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, to speak and or pen what is written in God’s love letter to mankind.
However, the words spoken directly by the Lord Jesus while He was here on earth penetrate even more deeply into our spiritual hearts. This is especially the case, for me at least, when He talks about prophecy to be fulfilled as the time of His Return nears.
When considering the Olivet Discourse given by Christ, laid out in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, I believe everything wrapped up within His words comes into phenomenal focus in the following:
“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).
Seminaries most often hold that the Olivet Discourse is almost exclusively for the House of Israel–for the Jews. It is said to have nothing to do with prophecy for our time that is leading to the Rapture. As a matter of fact, those within seminary academia generally pooh-pooh the notion of the Rapture being in view within Jesus’ message on the Mount of Olives.
Dave Hunt, one of the great prophecy teachers, I remember vividly, spoke about the topic of the Olivet Discourse and the Rapture of the Church.
It was in 1998 early one morning in Dallas at the annual Pre-Trib meetings. Dave was assigned the topic: Is the Rapture in the Olivet Discourse?
I know the title of his presentation and his precise words not because I was there that morning (I was), but because I have a full audio and transcript of that lecture.
Dave said: “Well, I’d like to talk on the topic ‘The pre-Trib Rapture in the Olivet Discourse.’ I couldn’t quite handle that question. I couldn’t justify why there ought to be any question at all…why the pre-Trib Rapture, or the Rapture, or the Church, or anything else was in the Olivet Discourse.”
Dave proceeded, then, to lay out as well as anyone ever has done, that the Rapture is indeed spoken of in the Olivet Discourse.
I could only say “Amen!” that morning. And I still say “Amen!” today. There is just no question to my understanding that Jesus had the Rapture and the Church in mind that day on the Mount of Olives when he dealt with the end of the age and His return in the clouds of glory some seven years later.
When Jesus instructed us (believers) to “look up” and “lift up our heads” when we see “all these things,” for our “redemption is drawing near,” He was talking about the Rapture. “All these things” will, then, obviously be in view—that is, they will have begun to come to pass—at some future time. Those alive at that future time, it is also obvious, will be given the ability to recognize the apocalyptic signals when they begin appearing.
It is more than obvious to those who look at the issues and events boiling to the surface of these strange times that “all these things” spoken of by Jesus are coming into focus in a truly profound way.
The so-called two-state solution as part of the increasingly demanded nucleus of a peace process speaks directly to the forewarning given in Joel 3:2. It is just such dividing of God’s chosen land that will cause Him, in his wrath, to bring all nations to the killing fields of Megiddo. We watch daily, even hourly, while the pressures build on Israel to relent and give land for peace.
It is not the leadership of Israel who has authority to acquiesce to the anti-God world of diplomacy. The land upon which the present-day Israel sits–and much, much more surrounding land—is God’s alone to do with as He determines. And He determines that it will not be divided–not without the most serious consequences ever to be meted out by heavenly judgment.
Yet Israeli interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid, on September 22, 2022 informed the UN General Assembly that he endorses a two-state solution. This is a stark development with regard to bringing to pass Joel 3:2. It seems an opening that will ultimately bring the Antichrist covenant confirmation of Daniel 9: 26-27.
And, as part of that beast regime we see in development, “all these things” are moving with amazing swiftness.
The onslaught of Klaus Schwab’s World Economic Forum and the entire globalists-elite cabal to bring the world’s populations under their despotic thumb are nothing short of astonishing. The words, spewed freely by Schwab’s right hand man Yuval Noah Harari, mock the very name of Jesus Christ while he declares there is no God, and that man is his own god-creator. He declares that the computer and all other technologies from the creative brains of mankind will be melded soon with artificial intelligence—and all that is being developed renders any deity as myth and legend.
Spinning from “all these things” is the demanded new economic order that will be based on no telling what. Certainly, it will entail–as Harari and others proclaim—the merging of the very cellular makeup of human genetics with nano bio-engineering elements to bring about the complete control system of Revelation 13:16–18—the 666 marks-and-numbering system.
We won’t even go for now into the matters involving Russia and the coalition of nation-states north of Israel that are shaping for fulfillment of Ezekiel’s Gog-Magog assault.
“All these things” that are deluging our lives at this very moment have at their center the almost incomprehensible evil and wickedness of the Genesis 6 account of the antediluvians. The corruption Satan and his minions are overtly attempting through pharmaceutical-DNA manipulation and through the transhuman, gender-morphing madness can bring no other bottom-line conclusion to the prophecy watcher of the pre-Trib view.
Jesus was speaking to our time…to this moment in history.
Now a late breaking matter has come to our attention. Although the things involved would in normal times smack of conspiracy, we should rule nothing out in this, one of the most critical elections in U.S. history. The powers of evil directly confront the Power of God on most every level at this crucial moment.
Sources that have credibility in the thinking of a number of those in the intelligence community (former and even present U.S. government officials) believe that there is evidence to suggest Former President Donald Trump might be arrested just prior to the mid-term elections of November 8. –Thus, to prevent that election process from taking place. Such would be the ultimate October surprise, as the now traditional political wickedness terms it. Certainly, we must pray this isn’t allowed to happen.
Of course, the truly Ultimate Surprise will be when Christ Calls His Bride, the Church, from this Judgment-bound planet.
Therefore, it is time, as never before, to be “looking up”–because, observably, all these things are right in our faces. Our redemption is drawing near!
On Poking a Nuclear Bear
For those believers who understand that the PreTrib view of eschatology (study of end things) is truth presented by God’s word, seeing movement toward initiation of World War III should be especially pertinent. Not only is evidence of such movement front and center at the moment, but astoundingly dramatic movement it indeed is, by my way of analysis, at least.
The prophetic heart of the matters involved revolves around the Gog-Magog prophecy of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39.
We have looked at Gog-Magog numerous times from most every angle. And many top prophecy ministries have done the same. So, it isn’t necessary, I sense, to delve again here into the nuts and bolts of Ezekiel’s greatly detailed foretelling of that assault that will come against God’s chosen nation, Israel. Rather, let’s take a look at most recent developments that, collectively, almost certainly are precursor issues that seem to be late-date stage-setting for that devastating invasion.
Most who are of the PreTrib view believe there are two prophecies leading to the Tribulation (some believe these might be fulfilled perhaps in the early days of the Tribulation). That is, there are likely, we consider, two prophecies in the immediate future that could happen soon following the Rapture of the Church, which ends the Age of Grace.
One of those prophesied events, I believe, might even precede the Rapture of the church. But I think it not likely. That is the foretold destruction of Damascus, Syria.
“The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” (Isa 17: 1)
The other prophecy that most PreTrib students believe is probably next for fulfillment on God’s prophetic timeline is the Gog-Magog attack on Israel found in Ezekiel chapters 38-39.
What I hope we will look at with intention to gain insight is the reality that the Gog-Magog primary actors are in the headlines each and every news cycle. The nation prophetically scheduled, according to God’s Word, to bring Ezekiel 38-39 to fulfillment –the nation Rosh (Russia) has been dominating the news for some time now. Not only has it been dominating the news, but it is at present feared to at any moment bring man’s worst nightmare to fruition. Russia and its nuclear capability –either ranked 1 or 2 so far as numbers of stockpiled nuclear weapons— is positioned to initiate World War III at any moment.
This is the nation, according to most who study the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy that will lead the coalition over the mountains of Israel to take great spoil, as the scripture says.
Russia has at present, as its leader, a man that fits the profile of Ezekiel’s description of Gog. Gog, as we have seen, is the demon-spirit from the abyss that will indwell an end times leader of Rosh.
Therefore, with these facts in mind, it is more than prudent to look at the man Vladimir Putin, president of Russia. It is important to think on the profound threats and other relevant statements surrounding Mr. Putin and his actions of late while his forces zero in on his objective –taking over at least part of Ukraine.
Whether Putin is in fact the one who will become Gog is beyond our knowing for certain. But he, as stated before, seems to fit the profile Ezekiel provided for us to consider. And issues and events surrounding Russia and this leader point to dangers that portend perhaps war that could engulf the world in nuclear holocaust.
Russia, as configured as the Soviet Union, was often characterized as a bear. Soviet dictator Leonid Brezhnev, as some will remember, seemed to personify that bear, so intimidating was his appearance with the bushy eyebrows and his frowning, hulking figure.
The Russian bear still, I think, is a proper caricature of present-day Russia. And this American presidential administration –and the military-industrial complex controlled by the globalist powers-that-be are poking that bear. It is as if they are wanting Vladimir Putin to unleash the bear’s destructive power from its nuclear cave.
Although a smaller figure of a man and not as physically intimidating as Brezhnev, Putin none-the-less is possessor of a nuclear arsenal more powerful than his Soviet predecessor commanded. And it is the Putin version of the bear that is being gouged in ways not done in any era of the cold war.
There are so many examples of this poking going on that there isn’t room to begin writing them here. So, I will just give the most recent as of this writing. It is a profound indicator of the globalist war mongers’ trying to goad, thus provoke an “evil thought” from the Russian bear.
Former White House national security adviser John Bolton is now taking to the networks to call for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assassination. “I think we should make it clear publicly so that not just Putin but that all the top Russian leadership… that if Putin authorizes the use of a nuclear weapon, he’s signing his own suicide note,” the well-known neocon hawk said to CBS in a Friday appearance.
Describing that Putin is head of command and control for all Russian – including nuclear – forces, Bolton continued by stating what he says should be official US policy: “He’s a legitimate military target… he needs to know that he’s on our target list at this point.” Bolton essentially called for the US to assassinate the Russian leader if the opportunity ever arises. Bolton went on the discuss an op-ed he penned days prior in the online military journal 1945 wherein effecting regime change in Russia was the focus.
“There is no long-term prospect for peace and security in Europe without regime change in Russia. Russians are already discussing it, quietly, for obvious reasons. For the United States and others pretending that the issue is not before will do far more harm than good,” Bolton spelled out in that op-ed. (Watch: John Bolton Calls For Putin Assassination, Regime Change, by: Tyler Durden, ZeroHedge)
Why the insanity –to call for an already angry bear’s assassination? Many observers of the globalists –like those within the World Economic Forum (WEF)– believe the new world order minions are willing to bring on nuclear conflict and World War III in order to accomplish the Great Reset those such as Karl Schwab and George Soros desire.
Other than that explanation, one can properly conclude that it’s all part of the reprobate mind-set of Romans 1: 28. It is because of the Ephesians 6: 12 human minions’ turning of their collective back on God. They are sin-infected with satanic insanity.
All this said, the Russian bear and his hordes as foretold in Ezekiel 38-39 will have the hooks in the jaws only when God does the hooking.
Before that time, when the nukes, I believe, will be unleashed, Jesus Christ will Call His Bride to Himself. That very day of Rapture, Jesus said Judgment will begin to fall like it did on the wickedness and evil of Sodom and Gomorrah of Lot’s day (Luke 17: 28-30).
Don’t be left on this Judgment-appointed earth when God’s Wrath must do its Righteously destructive work. Here is how to avoid that time of Tribulation.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9–10)
Terry James Prophecy Line 