Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced that he will resign from office, and a successor will be named by September.
The Jerusalem Post reports that this change will trigger political change in Israel. One never knows how things will develop politically in Israel, but any significant change such as this, with new leadership at the top position, can lead to many scenarios:
1. Will the neighboring terrorists states see this an an opportunity to attack Israel?
2. How will the next leader handle the peace talks between Israel and the "Quartet" (US, Russia, EU and UN), which have been
ongoing for years? Will the next leader complete the "peace process" and create a Palestinean State? If so, what will the
borders look like?
3. Will the next leader decide to attack the nuclear facilities in Iran?
4. What will the next leader do with regard to Jerusalem? The Temple mount? The Golan Heights?
All of these big questions will have to be addressed by the next Prime Minister. All of these questions contain implications for prophecy fulfillment.
The situation in the Middle East seems to be progressing at a very rapid pace. It is hard to envision a scenario in which the next Israeli leader will not play a prominent role in prophecy. The next three months will be very interesting as political alliances in Israel will change, and power will shift.
We need to keep a very close eye on the Middle East right now. Any significant development seems to move us one step closer to the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39, which describe the invasion of Israel from an alliance consisting of Russia and Iran, along with a consolidation of other surrounding Islamic countries. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, we may also see the political changes in Israeli leadership which would permit fulfillment of Daniel 9:27. This is felt to be the covenant which creates "peace" in the Middle-East. The same covenant that will serve as a signal that the Tribulation, as described in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6-18, has offically started - That same period of time that the Church will have entered the gates of Heaven.
Keep watching. The vast majority of remaining biblical prophecy will center in and around Israel. Any significant change politically, in the Nation of Israel, has the potential for prophetic significance. The next few months could be very interesting indeed.
Rabu, 30 Juli 2008
Rabu, 16 Juli 2008
Daniel's Prophecy: The Last Empire
The Prophet Daniel was given visions of the future of the nation of Israel, as it was ruled by four "gentile kingdoms". These prophetic scriptures are found in Daniel 2 and 7. History has shown that these empires, in successive order, included the Babylonian Empire (626 BC-539BC), followed by the Medo-Persian Empire (539 BC-330 BC), which was followed by the Greecian Empire (330 BC-63 BC) and then the Roman Empire which was in existence at the time of Christ and remained so for approximately 300 years.
Daniel also saw that the same basic Roman Empire (geographically) would also exist at the time of the Second Coming of Christ, only Daniel saw a different type of government structure in place. In Daniel 2:40, he described the first Roman Empire as being like "iron", and indeed thats exactly how the Roman Empire governed at the time of Christ; they occupied towns and cities and ruled them, forcing the occupied people to obey their every rule and law. In Daniel 2:41, Daniel saw a Roman Empire in existance at the time of the Second Coming, only this version of the Roman Empire would be more like "baked clay and partly of iron" (Daniel 2:41). He elaborated in the next two verses: "...so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay."
Daniel saw an end times Roman Empire which would grow (Daniel 7:23) and ultimately give birth to a figure known as the Antichrist (Daniel 9:26-27). Daniel 7:19-23 and Revelation 17 give a full description of how this "revived" Roman Empire will grow into a world empire, which also rules over Israel.
Prophecy scholars who take a literal view of prophetic scriptures, particularly John Walvoord and Dwight Pentecost, and later Hal Lindsey have all been predicting, since the 1960's, that we'd see a peaceful union of European States form, which would later grow into a union of countries which would look like the Roman Empire which existed over 1,700 years ago. Such predictions were based on a literal view of the passages above. When this concept was introduced, not long after World War II, it was considered ridiculous - just the idea of a union including countries such as France and Germany was unthinkable. As a result, these literal authors faced ridicule, but they stood firm and continued writing and teaching prophecy in a literal way, based on how prophetic fulfillment has been recorded throughout history.
We watched as the European Union (EU) gathered strength while it grew into a collection of 27 countries, representing well over 500 million people. We also watched as their partner group, the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) joined the union through a staggering array of policies which united each member state with the EU. By combining the map of the EU and the ENP, one can easily see how it is almost identical with maps of the first Roman Empire, which existed at the time of Christ. Additionally, unlike the "original" Roman Empire, which was described in Daniel 2 as "iron", the revival of the Roman Empire, as expected at the time of the Second Coming, is described by Daniel as a "mixture" - something like a confederation described as "iron and clay" - a mixture that is difficult to unite.
Just this week, we have now witnessed a formalized union combining the EU and these Mediterranean countries, now totaling 43 countries and over 750 million people - in the form of a Mediterranean Union which looks exactly like what Daniel predicted. The countries surrounding the southern Mediterranean are predominately Muslim, and the traditional EU countries are predominately Roman Catholic. Iron and clay indeed; just like Daniel's description.
Joel Rosenberg has a fascinating commentary on this union, including pertinent maps.
We inch closer day by day to the tribulation period described in the book of Revelation, chapters 6-19. The same literal scholars who have been amazingly accurate for the last 50-60 years, based on a literal view of biblical prophecy, also point to a Rapture of the Church, or the "catching up" as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, which we believe will occur prior to this tribulation period. This is the hope and encouragement that was given by the apostle Paul in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, as we face a seemingly ominous world. The beginning of the tribulation period is coming into focus. Revelation 17 tells us that once this revived Roman Empire is formed, it wouldn't last long. The Second Coming of Christ will end this last human empire. Daniel 2:44-45 and 7:26-27 inform us that this last empire, the "revived" Roman Empire will end at the time of Christ's return.
We see the signs every day - warning us that the Tribulation is approaching.
As they say around Thanksgiving: "When you start seeing Christmas decorations, you know that Thanksgiving is near."
We can say the same about the Rapture of the Church: "When you see the signs of the Tribulation, you know the Rapture is near."
Maranatha! Our Lord Come!
Daniel also saw that the same basic Roman Empire (geographically) would also exist at the time of the Second Coming of Christ, only Daniel saw a different type of government structure in place. In Daniel 2:40, he described the first Roman Empire as being like "iron", and indeed thats exactly how the Roman Empire governed at the time of Christ; they occupied towns and cities and ruled them, forcing the occupied people to obey their every rule and law. In Daniel 2:41, Daniel saw a Roman Empire in existance at the time of the Second Coming, only this version of the Roman Empire would be more like "baked clay and partly of iron" (Daniel 2:41). He elaborated in the next two verses: "...so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay."
Daniel saw an end times Roman Empire which would grow (Daniel 7:23) and ultimately give birth to a figure known as the Antichrist (Daniel 9:26-27). Daniel 7:19-23 and Revelation 17 give a full description of how this "revived" Roman Empire will grow into a world empire, which also rules over Israel.
Prophecy scholars who take a literal view of prophetic scriptures, particularly John Walvoord and Dwight Pentecost, and later Hal Lindsey have all been predicting, since the 1960's, that we'd see a peaceful union of European States form, which would later grow into a union of countries which would look like the Roman Empire which existed over 1,700 years ago. Such predictions were based on a literal view of the passages above. When this concept was introduced, not long after World War II, it was considered ridiculous - just the idea of a union including countries such as France and Germany was unthinkable. As a result, these literal authors faced ridicule, but they stood firm and continued writing and teaching prophecy in a literal way, based on how prophetic fulfillment has been recorded throughout history.
We watched as the European Union (EU) gathered strength while it grew into a collection of 27 countries, representing well over 500 million people. We also watched as their partner group, the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) joined the union through a staggering array of policies which united each member state with the EU. By combining the map of the EU and the ENP, one can easily see how it is almost identical with maps of the first Roman Empire, which existed at the time of Christ. Additionally, unlike the "original" Roman Empire, which was described in Daniel 2 as "iron", the revival of the Roman Empire, as expected at the time of the Second Coming, is described by Daniel as a "mixture" - something like a confederation described as "iron and clay" - a mixture that is difficult to unite.
Just this week, we have now witnessed a formalized union combining the EU and these Mediterranean countries, now totaling 43 countries and over 750 million people - in the form of a Mediterranean Union which looks exactly like what Daniel predicted. The countries surrounding the southern Mediterranean are predominately Muslim, and the traditional EU countries are predominately Roman Catholic. Iron and clay indeed; just like Daniel's description.
Joel Rosenberg has a fascinating commentary on this union, including pertinent maps.
We inch closer day by day to the tribulation period described in the book of Revelation, chapters 6-19. The same literal scholars who have been amazingly accurate for the last 50-60 years, based on a literal view of biblical prophecy, also point to a Rapture of the Church, or the "catching up" as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, which we believe will occur prior to this tribulation period. This is the hope and encouragement that was given by the apostle Paul in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, as we face a seemingly ominous world. The beginning of the tribulation period is coming into focus. Revelation 17 tells us that once this revived Roman Empire is formed, it wouldn't last long. The Second Coming of Christ will end this last human empire. Daniel 2:44-45 and 7:26-27 inform us that this last empire, the "revived" Roman Empire will end at the time of Christ's return.
We see the signs every day - warning us that the Tribulation is approaching.
As they say around Thanksgiving: "When you start seeing Christmas decorations, you know that Thanksgiving is near."
We can say the same about the Rapture of the Church: "When you see the signs of the Tribulation, you know the Rapture is near."
Maranatha! Our Lord Come!
Rabu, 09 Juli 2008
War and Rumors of War: Part II
The rhetoric in the Middle East is heating up at an alarming pace. Just this week, several significant developments have been observed. Joel Rosenberg has summarized several developments in a recent commentary. Once again, the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has repeated his inflammatory claims by stating that the U.S. and Israel are soon to be "annihilated". At the same time, Iran just conducted dramatic missile tests which officially confirm that they now possess the capability to deliver a nuclear warhead which can reach anywhere in Israel. According to abc news, Iran's new Shahab 3 missile travels 1,250 miles and can obviously reach any location within that radius.
At the same time, as reported in The Times, Russia issues their strongest threat to date, by declaring that they will respond by military means if the U.S. places any missile defense systems in the Czech Republic. An agreement doing just this was announced this week, as Condoleezza Rice signed a formal agreement between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. This type of rhetoric between the U.S. and Russia hasn't been observed since the peak of the cold war.
This situation is clearly beginning to reach a criitical point.
The prophet Zechariah informed us of this evolving situation. He was given prophecy which revealed that Israel would be surrounded by her enemies in the latter days. He saw Jerusalem as a "burdensome stone" for the "surrounding peoples", and he informed us that any people who try to lay seige against Israel will be "cut into pieces" (Zechariah 12).
Israel's enemies have obviously neglected to recognize this strong warning from God, through his prophet Zechariah. The prophet Ezekiel gave us more detail in chapters 38 and 39 of these prophetic warnings. Isaiah did the same in chapter 17.
Israel will not be destroyed. We know that both Israel and the Temple will be in existance during the Tribulation period. There will be warfare in and around Israel, but Israel will stand. According to Ezekiel, God will directly intervene, according to His perfect timing - and prevent Israel's destruction.
Israel will stand strong. Those countries involved in the planning of Israel's destruction have ignored the warnings: God's warnings, as written in the Bible. God's warnings are not ambiguous, nor difficult to understand, In fact, the warnings are quite straightforward: "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment, which I have executed" (Ezekiel 39:21) and "Thus, I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:23)
Warnings. Is anyone listening?
At the same time, as reported in The Times, Russia issues their strongest threat to date, by declaring that they will respond by military means if the U.S. places any missile defense systems in the Czech Republic. An agreement doing just this was announced this week, as Condoleezza Rice signed a formal agreement between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. This type of rhetoric between the U.S. and Russia hasn't been observed since the peak of the cold war.
This situation is clearly beginning to reach a criitical point.
The prophet Zechariah informed us of this evolving situation. He was given prophecy which revealed that Israel would be surrounded by her enemies in the latter days. He saw Jerusalem as a "burdensome stone" for the "surrounding peoples", and he informed us that any people who try to lay seige against Israel will be "cut into pieces" (Zechariah 12).
Israel's enemies have obviously neglected to recognize this strong warning from God, through his prophet Zechariah. The prophet Ezekiel gave us more detail in chapters 38 and 39 of these prophetic warnings. Isaiah did the same in chapter 17.
Israel will not be destroyed. We know that both Israel and the Temple will be in existance during the Tribulation period. There will be warfare in and around Israel, but Israel will stand. According to Ezekiel, God will directly intervene, according to His perfect timing - and prevent Israel's destruction.
Israel will stand strong. Those countries involved in the planning of Israel's destruction have ignored the warnings: God's warnings, as written in the Bible. God's warnings are not ambiguous, nor difficult to understand, In fact, the warnings are quite straightforward: "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment, which I have executed" (Ezekiel 39:21) and "Thus, I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:23)
Warnings. Is anyone listening?
Selasa, 01 Juli 2008
War and Rumors of War
As we watch the Middle East situation, with Israel and Iran on the brink of war, it is almost difficult to distinguish the actual news from the prophetic scriptures. The news is remarkably consistent with the information provided by biblical prophecy. We know from Ezekiel 38 and 39 that an alliance of nations, as led by Russia and Iran will launch a massive invasion of Israel. Isaiah 17 informs the reader that Damascus, Syria will be destroyed completely, never to exist again as a city. It is often speculated that somehow these two events are related. Syria is currently aligned with both Russia and Iran in mutual defense agreements; if one of these countries is attacked, the others will become involved in their defense.
Just this week, several ominous developments have received much public attention.
ABC news is reporting that Israel is planning an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and it could occur by the end of the year. Such an attack, which is said to have "enormous security and economic repercussions for the United States and the rest of the world", would result in retaliation against Israel and the U.S. Because of the mutual defense agreements, one would assume that Russia and Syria would also become involved.
Iran responded to this threat by a declaration that they would also close off the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major shipping route for our oil. The Jerusalem Post quoted Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet, with the following statement "any attempt to close off the Strait of Hormuz is an act of war" and said that the U.S. simply would not allow this.
So, in one week, we have another prediction that Israel will launch a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. We have Iran threatening to retaliate in a number of ways, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. We have an American officer stating that such actions will be a declaration of war against the U.S. We have tangible, well known alliances between Russia, Iran and Syria and many other alignments of Islamic states in the region. All of this occuring while Iran races to develop nuclear missiles at a time when their president promises to destroy Israel.
According to Ezekiel's prophecies, we would expect to see these alliances formed and this invasion launched, "in the latter days", after Israel had been regathered as a nation. Israel became a nation again in 1948. Since that time we have witnessed these military alliances - alliances that would ultimately come together for the sole purpose of destroying Israel - come together in a dramatic manner. Just as the Bible predicted.
Keep watching. The Middle East is a powder keg at the moment. We know what will happen - the only question is when it will happen. Several experts have now declared that they believe Israel will take action before the end of the year.
We are to watch, but we are not to be alarmed. As Jesus stated in Matthew 24 "You will hear of war and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen."
Wars and rumors of war indeed. Just a matter of time.
Just this week, several ominous developments have received much public attention.
ABC news is reporting that Israel is planning an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and it could occur by the end of the year. Such an attack, which is said to have "enormous security and economic repercussions for the United States and the rest of the world", would result in retaliation against Israel and the U.S. Because of the mutual defense agreements, one would assume that Russia and Syria would also become involved.
Iran responded to this threat by a declaration that they would also close off the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major shipping route for our oil. The Jerusalem Post quoted Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet, with the following statement "any attempt to close off the Strait of Hormuz is an act of war" and said that the U.S. simply would not allow this.
So, in one week, we have another prediction that Israel will launch a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. We have Iran threatening to retaliate in a number of ways, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. We have an American officer stating that such actions will be a declaration of war against the U.S. We have tangible, well known alliances between Russia, Iran and Syria and many other alignments of Islamic states in the region. All of this occuring while Iran races to develop nuclear missiles at a time when their president promises to destroy Israel.
According to Ezekiel's prophecies, we would expect to see these alliances formed and this invasion launched, "in the latter days", after Israel had been regathered as a nation. Israel became a nation again in 1948. Since that time we have witnessed these military alliances - alliances that would ultimately come together for the sole purpose of destroying Israel - come together in a dramatic manner. Just as the Bible predicted.
Keep watching. The Middle East is a powder keg at the moment. We know what will happen - the only question is when it will happen. Several experts have now declared that they believe Israel will take action before the end of the year.
We are to watch, but we are not to be alarmed. As Jesus stated in Matthew 24 "You will hear of war and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen."
Wars and rumors of war indeed. Just a matter of time.
Minggu, 29 Juni 2008
Miracles, Signs and Wonders
Prophetic scriptures, as directed to the last days and that generation, contain a variety of warnings. We were informed of what this era would look like in almost every detail imaginable. One of the most consistent and frequent warnings, in the context of "end-times" scriptures is directed towards false teachings and false prophets. Just to name a few of these warnings:
- "At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other, and many false teachers will appear and deceive many" (Matt. 24:10-11)
- "Watch out that you are not deceived" (Luke 21:8)
- "Watch out that no one deceives you" (Matt. 24:4)
- "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies...Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into dispute. In their greed the teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up" (2 Peter 2:1-3)
- "But these men blaspheme in matters they don't understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed" (2 Peter 2:12)
- "For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error" (2 Peter 2:18)
- "I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray" (1 John 2:26)
- "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray" (1 John 3:7)
- "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They refused to love the truth and so be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
- "For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Obviously, false teachings were of great concern in these prophetic writings from Jesus, and the apostles Peter, John and Paul. In fact, these particular warnings are usually included in almost any passage relating to prophecy for our age.
Recently, we have seen an array of claims made by various public figures - such as the ability to make frequent trips back and forth to heaven, visitations and personal messages from angels, "special communications" from God (only given to them) and even the ability to perform resurrections of the dead. Most of these so-called pastors spend very little time in the scriptures, but prefer to rely on their so-called "special communications" with angels and/or God Himself.
The only way to determine if someone is teaching a false message, is to know and understand the scriptures. Many of these false teachers will (occasionally) reference the bible and often make loose associations between their "teachings" and random, unrelated scriptures. In my experience, even a basic understanding of the referenced passages reveals either their lack of understanding, or perhaps an intentional misuse of scriptures. Yet thousands seem to embrace "what their itching ears want to hear" as they observe such false teachings and as they seemingly witness "counterfeit signs and wonders".
False teachings and false teachers. We have an abundance of scriptures which inform us to be aware of this prophetic scenario - a scenario which would only increase as we approach the end of the age. The clear intent of these multiple warnings, as contained in the prophetic scriptures, is to prevent us from being deceived and from being subsequently "led astray". The same scriptures tell us that even though we may see what appear to be "signs and wonders", are in fact "counterfeit" and not from God, but "in accordance with the work of satan".
We have an abundance of warnings. At the same time, there are many claims being made by individuals - claims that range from receiving personal messages from heaven - to the ability to resurrect the dead.
For me - I'll trust the scriptures.
- "At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other, and many false teachers will appear and deceive many" (Matt. 24:10-11)
- "Watch out that you are not deceived" (Luke 21:8)
- "Watch out that no one deceives you" (Matt. 24:4)
- "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies...Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into dispute. In their greed the teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up" (2 Peter 2:1-3)
- "But these men blaspheme in matters they don't understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed" (2 Peter 2:12)
- "For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error" (2 Peter 2:18)
- "I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray" (1 John 2:26)
- "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray" (1 John 3:7)
- "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They refused to love the truth and so be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
- "For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Obviously, false teachings were of great concern in these prophetic writings from Jesus, and the apostles Peter, John and Paul. In fact, these particular warnings are usually included in almost any passage relating to prophecy for our age.
Recently, we have seen an array of claims made by various public figures - such as the ability to make frequent trips back and forth to heaven, visitations and personal messages from angels, "special communications" from God (only given to them) and even the ability to perform resurrections of the dead. Most of these so-called pastors spend very little time in the scriptures, but prefer to rely on their so-called "special communications" with angels and/or God Himself.
The only way to determine if someone is teaching a false message, is to know and understand the scriptures. Many of these false teachers will (occasionally) reference the bible and often make loose associations between their "teachings" and random, unrelated scriptures. In my experience, even a basic understanding of the referenced passages reveals either their lack of understanding, or perhaps an intentional misuse of scriptures. Yet thousands seem to embrace "what their itching ears want to hear" as they observe such false teachings and as they seemingly witness "counterfeit signs and wonders".
False teachings and false teachers. We have an abundance of scriptures which inform us to be aware of this prophetic scenario - a scenario which would only increase as we approach the end of the age. The clear intent of these multiple warnings, as contained in the prophetic scriptures, is to prevent us from being deceived and from being subsequently "led astray". The same scriptures tell us that even though we may see what appear to be "signs and wonders", are in fact "counterfeit" and not from God, but "in accordance with the work of satan".
We have an abundance of warnings. At the same time, there are many claims being made by individuals - claims that range from receiving personal messages from heaven - to the ability to resurrect the dead.
For me - I'll trust the scriptures.
Minggu, 22 Juni 2008
Everything Spinning Out of Control?
As we approach the end of this age, it is striking how many good people in the Church refuse to seriously consider prophecy as a viable explanation for the otherwise inexplicable events we see occuring throughout the world. We hear daily reports of world-wide food shortages, energy shortages, floods, famine, earthquakes, war, ethnic cleansing, disease epidemics, and terrorist threats, just to name a few. The "secular world", interestingly, seems more aware of the significance of these events than the Church. An Associated Press (AP) article with a title of "Everything seemingly is spinning out of control" underscores this general sense of unease based on these world events.
This article describes a sense of helplessness that people feel, because of constant news relating to things such as skyrocketing gas prices, wars, terrorism, natural disasters, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, drought and food shortages - concluding that the world has "gone haywire". If you causually scan TV channels, its very common to see a program devoted to questioning the uncertian times we are living in, and why things seem so ominous and threatening on the planet. The secular world is paying close attention to these world events while recognizing that "something" is going on. Certianly, biblical answers are not sought, but explanations typically include global warming or the abuse of industrialized countries' energy consumption. Often, there is no explanation offered, just a serious concern of where the world seems to be heading.
Meanwhile, the Christian community as a whole seems uninterested in these events, and many refuse to accept that biblical prophecy could explain these world events. The secular world seems to have a great awareness of these current events, however without a plausable explanation, we see the term "helplessness" and "hopelessness" used to describe people's reactions. So, while the people watching (secular world) have no viable explanation, those folks who have a scriptural explanation (the Church) seem uninterested and for the most part are not watching.
The apostle Peter warned of this.
"First of all, you must understand that in the last days, scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.They will say 'Where is this coming He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginnning of creation.' But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word, the heavens existed and the earth was formed by water. By those waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed." (2 Peter 3:3-6)
What exactly is the apostle Peter telling us?
First of all - he gives us a time reference, which he defined as "in the last days". Then he tells us that people would "scoff" at news that the Second Coming could be soon, based on these prophetic signs. According to Webster's Dictionary, one can define a scoffer as someone who shows contempt or mockery of a topic, along with sarcasm, and disrespect. This description is very familiar to prophecy watchers as we attempt to warn the Church of Jesus' return and of the events preceeding this epic event. Scoffers remind us that there is nothing special about our current events because "everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." Nothing could be further from the truth.
Because of His indescribable and inexplicable love for us, God has given us a full description of this age in the prophetic scriptures. The apostle Paul informed us that the prophetic scriptures should serve as a source of hope and encouragement for believers. On the surface it seems confusing - we should have hope and encouragement during such perilous times? In Paul's closing comments, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, he stated that we should encourage and build each other up as we approach these times, because "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." Earlier in the same letter, Paul stated that we should wait for Jesus, who "rescues us from the coming wrath."
So, we can scoff at the prophetic scriptures, or we can familiarize ourselves with prophecy and seek the hope and encouragement that it brings to our lives. As the world goes through "birth pangs", we know that we get closer and closer the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing could be more exciting.
Is everything spinning out of control?
Yes and no.
Yes - because all of these described events are indeed occurring more frequently and more dramatically as this age progresses - and certianly noticed by those, who unfortunately offer no explanation. As a result, such people find themselves living in fear during these days.
No - because things are very much in control. The future has already been described in great detail through God's prophets. Unlike "the world", we, as the body of Christ should live with the hope and encouragement that prophecy should bring to our lives.
Spinning out of control?
Bring it on. Christ will be here soon. As written by the apostle Luke:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28)
This article describes a sense of helplessness that people feel, because of constant news relating to things such as skyrocketing gas prices, wars, terrorism, natural disasters, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, drought and food shortages - concluding that the world has "gone haywire". If you causually scan TV channels, its very common to see a program devoted to questioning the uncertian times we are living in, and why things seem so ominous and threatening on the planet. The secular world is paying close attention to these world events while recognizing that "something" is going on. Certianly, biblical answers are not sought, but explanations typically include global warming or the abuse of industrialized countries' energy consumption. Often, there is no explanation offered, just a serious concern of where the world seems to be heading.
Meanwhile, the Christian community as a whole seems uninterested in these events, and many refuse to accept that biblical prophecy could explain these world events. The secular world seems to have a great awareness of these current events, however without a plausable explanation, we see the term "helplessness" and "hopelessness" used to describe people's reactions. So, while the people watching (secular world) have no viable explanation, those folks who have a scriptural explanation (the Church) seem uninterested and for the most part are not watching.
The apostle Peter warned of this.
"First of all, you must understand that in the last days, scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.They will say 'Where is this coming He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginnning of creation.' But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word, the heavens existed and the earth was formed by water. By those waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed." (2 Peter 3:3-6)
What exactly is the apostle Peter telling us?
First of all - he gives us a time reference, which he defined as "in the last days". Then he tells us that people would "scoff" at news that the Second Coming could be soon, based on these prophetic signs. According to Webster's Dictionary, one can define a scoffer as someone who shows contempt or mockery of a topic, along with sarcasm, and disrespect. This description is very familiar to prophecy watchers as we attempt to warn the Church of Jesus' return and of the events preceeding this epic event. Scoffers remind us that there is nothing special about our current events because "everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." Nothing could be further from the truth.
Because of His indescribable and inexplicable love for us, God has given us a full description of this age in the prophetic scriptures. The apostle Paul informed us that the prophetic scriptures should serve as a source of hope and encouragement for believers. On the surface it seems confusing - we should have hope and encouragement during such perilous times? In Paul's closing comments, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, he stated that we should encourage and build each other up as we approach these times, because "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." Earlier in the same letter, Paul stated that we should wait for Jesus, who "rescues us from the coming wrath."
So, we can scoff at the prophetic scriptures, or we can familiarize ourselves with prophecy and seek the hope and encouragement that it brings to our lives. As the world goes through "birth pangs", we know that we get closer and closer the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing could be more exciting.
Is everything spinning out of control?
Yes and no.
Yes - because all of these described events are indeed occurring more frequently and more dramatically as this age progresses - and certianly noticed by those, who unfortunately offer no explanation. As a result, such people find themselves living in fear during these days.
No - because things are very much in control. The future has already been described in great detail through God's prophets. Unlike "the world", we, as the body of Christ should live with the hope and encouragement that prophecy should bring to our lives.
Spinning out of control?
Bring it on. Christ will be here soon. As written by the apostle Luke:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28)
Sabtu, 21 Juni 2008
What About UFOs?
I have tried to avoid the topic of UFOs, for a number of reasons. However, I am often asked about UFOs, and how they may have a prophetic role. Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage of "sightings" of UFOs, and its hard to ignore. My good friend Mike Mickey, on his website "RaptureAlert.com" has provided a nice review of the topic with an attached video.
My random thoughts:
1. UFOs really became a "story" in 1947 with the infamous "Roswell" story. Interestingly, this is just at the time that many significant "signs" of the last generation also appeared (formation of Israel, genesis of the EU and the WEU, etc). Coincidence?
2. With reports of so-called "alien abductions", the description of the "aliens" is strikingly similar to ancient, historical accounts of demons. Coincidence?
3. Also, with reports of "alien abductions", in every instance, the abduction is a horrifying scenario described, and quite often there is physical/sexual abuse occuring. Additionally, the "messages" received from these "aliens" is typically a "non-Christian" message. Coincidence?
4. Several articles recently written by physicists, suggests that because these UFOs appear to defy known laws of physics, many physicists are stating that perhaps these "sightings" are actually of some kind glimpse into another "spiritual dimension". Coincidence?
Its hard to imagine that UFOs will NOT have some, yet undefined role in end times. This is mainly due to the number of sightings recently and the fact that the whole UFO phenomenon apppeared at the same time that major signs of the end of the generation have appeared.
So, what is the role?
Its hard to know for sure, but many of us focus on 2 Thessalonians 2, which is basically a brief description of the antichrist, as provided by the apostle Paul. In this description we read about the antichrist, and in particular, his deceptions, his opposition to anything related to God and how his work will be in accordance with Satan.
But interestingly, Paul added something that receives much discussion in prophecy circles:
"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan, displayed in all kinds of counterfiet miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a POWERFUL DELUSION so that they will believe the lie and so that they will be condemned who have not believed the truth..." (2 Thess. 2:9)
So what is this delusion?
Its hard to say, but is it possible that the UFO phenomenon is demonic and will be used, somehow by the antichrist to deceive the population, as he rises to power? If you dig into the topic, it doesn't take long to see how many people in the so-called "new age movement" have embraced the possibility that we are reaching a point in history when the earth will be "purged" of the "bad people" (aka "Christians"), and the earth will enter a new age... Is it possible that just prior to, or just after the rapture of the Church that UFOs will be highly visible, and offer an explanation of the rapture? Could this be the great deception mentioned in 2 Thessalonians?
To take it a step further, many "evolutionists", who can't explain the early origins of life, often propose that the earth was "seeded" for life by aliens. This topic is often discussed in this context. So the antichrist, in attempts to discredit the biblical story of life, as created by God, would certianly embrace an alternative explanation such as aliens bringing life to earth. It would also explain the Rapture of the Church. UFOs could offer an explanation of both items (original life and the Rapture), and after the Rapture of the Church, its not hard to imagine much of the remaining population embracing such an explanation, or, according to 2 Thessalonians, a "deception".
I assume that this story will not conclude until after the Rapture of the Church, and sometime during the tribulation period. However we may see more and more stories of UFOs as we approach the end of the age. I believe it will have a role in end-times prophecy; its hard to imagine otherwise.
The apostle Paul gave us further instruction in this same passage - words that we should cling to as we approach the end of our generation. According to 2 Thess. 2:3 we see the following: "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way". Deception has already started, as we march rapidly towards the tribulation period, and it will continue to do so.
Our job is to read the scriptures and avoid deception. Deception, lies and false teachings - three redundant warnings that we see over and over in prophetic scriptures.
There must be a reason that God sent us these warnings.
My random thoughts:
1. UFOs really became a "story" in 1947 with the infamous "Roswell" story. Interestingly, this is just at the time that many significant "signs" of the last generation also appeared (formation of Israel, genesis of the EU and the WEU, etc). Coincidence?
2. With reports of so-called "alien abductions", the description of the "aliens" is strikingly similar to ancient, historical accounts of demons. Coincidence?
3. Also, with reports of "alien abductions", in every instance, the abduction is a horrifying scenario described, and quite often there is physical/sexual abuse occuring. Additionally, the "messages" received from these "aliens" is typically a "non-Christian" message. Coincidence?
4. Several articles recently written by physicists, suggests that because these UFOs appear to defy known laws of physics, many physicists are stating that perhaps these "sightings" are actually of some kind glimpse into another "spiritual dimension". Coincidence?
Its hard to imagine that UFOs will NOT have some, yet undefined role in end times. This is mainly due to the number of sightings recently and the fact that the whole UFO phenomenon apppeared at the same time that major signs of the end of the generation have appeared.
So, what is the role?
Its hard to know for sure, but many of us focus on 2 Thessalonians 2, which is basically a brief description of the antichrist, as provided by the apostle Paul. In this description we read about the antichrist, and in particular, his deceptions, his opposition to anything related to God and how his work will be in accordance with Satan.
But interestingly, Paul added something that receives much discussion in prophecy circles:
"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan, displayed in all kinds of counterfiet miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a POWERFUL DELUSION so that they will believe the lie and so that they will be condemned who have not believed the truth..." (2 Thess. 2:9)
So what is this delusion?
Its hard to say, but is it possible that the UFO phenomenon is demonic and will be used, somehow by the antichrist to deceive the population, as he rises to power? If you dig into the topic, it doesn't take long to see how many people in the so-called "new age movement" have embraced the possibility that we are reaching a point in history when the earth will be "purged" of the "bad people" (aka "Christians"), and the earth will enter a new age... Is it possible that just prior to, or just after the rapture of the Church that UFOs will be highly visible, and offer an explanation of the rapture? Could this be the great deception mentioned in 2 Thessalonians?
To take it a step further, many "evolutionists", who can't explain the early origins of life, often propose that the earth was "seeded" for life by aliens. This topic is often discussed in this context. So the antichrist, in attempts to discredit the biblical story of life, as created by God, would certianly embrace an alternative explanation such as aliens bringing life to earth. It would also explain the Rapture of the Church. UFOs could offer an explanation of both items (original life and the Rapture), and after the Rapture of the Church, its not hard to imagine much of the remaining population embracing such an explanation, or, according to 2 Thessalonians, a "deception".
I assume that this story will not conclude until after the Rapture of the Church, and sometime during the tribulation period. However we may see more and more stories of UFOs as we approach the end of the age. I believe it will have a role in end-times prophecy; its hard to imagine otherwise.
The apostle Paul gave us further instruction in this same passage - words that we should cling to as we approach the end of our generation. According to 2 Thess. 2:3 we see the following: "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way". Deception has already started, as we march rapidly towards the tribulation period, and it will continue to do so.
Our job is to read the scriptures and avoid deception. Deception, lies and false teachings - three redundant warnings that we see over and over in prophetic scriptures.
There must be a reason that God sent us these warnings.
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