Tuesday, December 29, 2015

TRENDING TOWARD THE RETURN OF JESUS


Hard to believe, but 2015 is almost in the past and a new year is upon us once again.  As I keep up with the news headlines, it is just amazing to me how quickly things seem to be falling into place according to bible prophecy in connection with the end times that precede the return of Jesus to establish His earthly kingdom.  Key to identifying that we are in that time is the prophesied rebirth of the nation of Israel.

Isaiah 66:8 “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”

The rebirth of the state of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948.

Ezekiel 37:11–14 “Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.”

The rebirth of the nation of Israel is key because other end time prophecies are predicated on its existence.

Scripture declares that Jerusalem will be a burden of concern to all nations that will eventually result in all the people of the earth gathered against it.

Zechariah 12:2–3 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.”

The news headlines consistently testify to the truth of that prophecy.  The control over the temple mount in Jerusalem, the determination of Jerusalem’s status as the capital city of Israel, and the continual disagreement over Israel’s borders are constants in the news.  The UN bias against Israel has resulted in a far greater number of resolutions against Israel than any other nation in the world.  Muslim countries in particular are loudly outspoken on their determination to destroy the nation of Israel.  Anti-Semitism is again on the rise throughout the world.  In April of last year USA Today recorded a 40% increase in anti-Semistism throughout the world in 2014.

Bible prophecy also predicts that a coalition of nations led by Russia and including Persia/Iran, Turkey and others will make a future attack on Israel motivated by the desire to “spoil” or make a profit.

Ezekiel 38:1–12 “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee….in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations….To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.”

For more detailed information concerning this scripture see my website.  The point is that current headlines in the news seem to show the foundations for this attack being laid.  Russia has aligned with Iran and joined the fight against ISIS in defense of Syria.  This has positioned the Russian military right on Israel’s northern border.  There is much that Israel possesses that would provide “spoil” to a conquering enemy.  Research indicates that the mineral content alone of the Dead Sea is worth over $14 trillion.  Add to that the recent gas and oil findings in Israel, and I think there is more than enough to provide incentive for this attack on the economic front.

I have to admit that the recent tension between Russia and Turkey doesn’t fit the biblical narrative.  I am confident, however, that future news headlines will show the prophetic scenario playing out as foretold.

Another prophecy that appears to be closely connected to the previous one concerns the destruction of Damascus in Syria.

Isaiah 17:1 “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”

Damascus is noted as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has never experienced the type of destruction prophesied by Isaiah.  I admit that this is the first prophecy that came to mind once I knew ISIS had set its sights on taking control of Syria.  I tend to think that this may be the next major headline we see in fulfillment of bible prophecy.

Much to the consternation of the Muslim world, the bible also foretells the rebuilding of the Jewish temple.  It is noted by Paul that the coming Antichrist, the man of sin, will actually establish himself in the temple of God claiming to be God.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

Obviously, a temple has to exist for this event to occur.

These verses in Thessalonians make reference to the rapture, the time when Jesus gathers His followers to Him, to deliver them from the coming wrath of God that has been designated for the years preceding the return of Jesus to establish His earthly kingdom.  There is coming a day when the news headlines will be dominated by an event in which millions of the true followers of Jesus will disappear “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

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

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

More detail concerning these prophecies can also be found on my website.  My purpose now is to identify future headlines that proclaim the soon return of Jesus as “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”  (Revelation 19:16) 

As reason would dictate, the future rebuilding of the temple would require some type of peace treaty with the Muslim world.  According to bible prophecy, just such a treaty will be announced in headlines across the world, marking the beginning of the last seven years preceding the return of Jesus.

Daniel 9:26–27 “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Once again, further explanation of this scripture can be found at my website.  I believe “the prince that shall come” is a reference to the Antichrist.  He will “confirm” (prevail and/or strengthen) a covenant between Israel and “the many,” possibly a reference to the Muslim world.  The covenant will be established for “one week,” a reference to seven years.  In the “midst of the week,” or 3.5 years into the covenant period, the headlines will declare that the Antichrist has broken the covenant and stopped Jewish sacrifices and offerings at the temple.  I believe it is then that he will establish his throne in the temple.  Jesus references this very prophecy as recorded in Matthew.

Matthew 24:15–16 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

By the way, in my study of Daniel 8, I conclude that it will take Israel just over seven months to build the temple after signing the peace treaty.  The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has already prepared all the necessary furnishings for the temple.  They have also identified men qualified to serve as priests and prepared their garments as well.  The temple could be up and running in well less than a year.  This would surely create more news headlines across the world.

There are and will continue to be many other headlines in the news related to bible prophecy—for example, increase in frequency and intensity of earthquakes, famines, diseases, and the continued decay of morals on a worldwide scale.  I have just chosen to highlight some of the more specific future headlines that will testify to any right thinking individual the truth of scripture. 

Personally, I am looking forward to the rapture at any time.  It could be today or still a few years away; I don’t know.  I do know that the prophecies of scripture will be fulfilled to the tiniest detail. 

If you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will not have to experience the horrors that those on earth will experience those last seven years before the return of Jesus.  Neither do we have to fear whatever we may have to face during whatever time remains before He comes to take us to the Father.

John 14:1–3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Jesus warned us that in this world we would experience tribulation and trouble.

John 16:33 “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

But the joy of heaven in the presence of the Savior will prove to be worth it all.  Paul stated it this way:  Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Keep looking up…….He’s coming soon!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

JESUS--THE REASON WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS


What comes to mind first when you think of Christmas?  If we are honest, I think most of us would have to admit that we get caught up in the preparation for the celebration.  Some of us look forward to this time of year with joy, while others not so much for different reasons—it’s associated with the loss of a loved one, the stress on finances, etc. 

The first thing we should think about is the true reason for the season.  The birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, the Son of God choosing to become human so that man could be redeemed and once again enjoy fellowship with his/her Creator.  That choice was made with full knowledge of the sacrifice that it would require of Him—the most important being that He would experience a time of broken fellowship with His Father, Almighty God, as He took upon Himself the judgment for our sin. 

I can read about it, tell you about it and tell the LORD over and over how thankful I am for that truth—still, I don’t believe I will truly understand the cost of that sacrifice until I get to heaven.  Even then, I may not fully grasp the truth; but I will know without a doubt how precious a relationship with Father God is and how the joys associated with that relationship are so worth any type of disappointment, sorrow or suffering we may endure in this lifetime as we wait to enjoy our inheritance in His presence for eternity.

I truly hope that you will take the time to thank God for the gift of His Son this Christmas.  The signs of the times foretold in scripture so long ago are so conspicuous, that I won’t be surprised if this is the last Christmas we experience before the LORD comes to take His family home.  Are you part of His family?  If not, all you have to do is accept God’s gift of salvation in the person of Jesus.  You just have to admit your sin and accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior.

Ephesians 2:8–9 “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.”

Romans 10:9 “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.”

You cannot earn your way to heaven.  The best that you have to offer—no matter how rich you are or how good you think you are—is not enough.  Nothing you have done will keep you out of heaven if you seek God’s forgiveness.  It’s not about who you are; it’s all about what He’s done.  The scripture record includes many people that did the most evil and wicked things who turned to the LORD in faith and repentance—men and women that I know I will see in heaven.  Don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing a lie.

If you are part of my spiritual family in Jesus, I pray that you will set some time aside in your celebration to worship our LORD and thank Him for the amazing gift of His Son.  Look for opportunities to share His love with others.  Sometimes it’s the little things we do that speak the loudest.

MERRY CHRISTMAS…..AND KEEP LOOKING UP…..HE’S COMING SOON!

















Thursday, December 3, 2015

Ezekiel 38 - The Battle of Gog & Current Events


I have to admit that I am a bit mystified at the current hostility between Russia and Turkey in light of Ezekiel’s prophecy.  Things seemed to be falling into place as expected until Turkish Air Force pilots shot down the Russian military jet last week.  I am very confident that the future will find Turkey and Russia as allies in an attack against Israel as foretold by Ezekiel, but something will obviously have to occur to bring that about.  This is what Ezekiel prophesied.

Ezekiel 38:1–12 “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

Research indicates that Magog is a reference to Russia.  Hesiod, the Greek poet who was a contemporary of Ezekiel, identified Magog with the Scythians.  Herodotus, a noted historian, recorded that the Scythians terrorized the southern steepes of Russia from the 10th century B.C. to the 3rd Century B.C.  Josephus also identified Magog with the Scythians:  “Magog founded the Magogians, thus named after him, but who were by the Greeks called Scythians."
Meshech and Tubal are references to people who lived in the land now known as Turkey.  In an appearance on the John Ankerberg show, Jimmy DeYoung said that he had found a map in Turkey that identified the land areas comprising ancient Turkey as Meshech, Tubal, Gomer and Togarmah.  Scholars differ on their identification of Gomer and Togarmah.  Research indicated possible connections with Gomer to Germany, Turkey and southern Russia.  Some identified Togarmah as connected with the Cossacks of southern Russia.  Josephus identified it with the Phrygians of what is now eastern Turkey.

Persia is now known as Iran.  Jimmy DeYoung also noted that biblical Persia included the areas today known as Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Ethiopia, also known as Cush in the scripture, refers to the area known today as the Sudan.

Research produced divided opinions on the identity of Libya; the Hebrew identifies these people as descendants of Put.  Josephus identifies the descendants of Put as the Libyans (including Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco).  Noted Hebrew scholar Arnold Fruchtenbaum makes the connection with Somalia.

The primary point I wanted to make was the fact that Russia and Turkey are identified as members of the alliance that will attack Israel as noted in the continuing narrative from the scripture that follows.

Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

This section of the prophecy identifies the timeframe of these events as occurring in the “latter years.”  The Hebrew for this term makes reference to the end times that will precede the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom, the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Note that the scripture references Israel as a place that had been wasteland, a land that had been brought back from the sword out of the nations.  History records that the Romans drove the people out of the land of Israel after they conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple in 70 A.D.  They became dispersed throughout the nations until the events of World War II resulted in the rebirth of the nation of Israel in May of 1948.  Since that time, the Jews have been returning to their homeland, and today there are about 6,300,000 Jews that call Israel home.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that the Jews are dwelling safely in their land.  However, I think they are confident in their military capabilities to defend themselves—even if they have to go it alone.  I hope I am wrong in thinking that the United States would not come to their defense.  When the time comes that this coalition led by Russia attacks, however, they will be standing alone.  It is the LORD God who will step in supernaturally to defend them.

Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.”

The Russian-led coalition will be motivated to attack because they plan to “spoil”—loot, rob—the wealth of the nation of Israel.  The recent discoveries of gas off the seacoast, oil in the Golan, and the mineral deposits of the Dead Sea are just a few of things that could prompt an attack. 
I think that the fact that Russia has established a presence in Syria to fight against ISIS is significant.  Is this the hook in the jaw that pulls them into a fight that will eventually lead to the attack on Israel?  They are firmly aligned with the Islamic nations that are determined to see the destruction of the nation of Israel.  I just don’t know.

All I know is that something will happen that will result in making allies of Russia and Turkey. 

Though not intended to be the subject of this blog post—I am also keeping my eyes on Damascus.  The prophet Isaiah foretold its complete destruction.  Certainly seems like the fulfillment of that prophecy looms on the horizon as well.

Isaiah 17:1 “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”

I pray that you are ready to meet your maker when this all starts going down.  Once this ball starts rolling, I think it will only pick up speed.  Please check out this gospel presentation if you want saving information.