Everyone knows that eventually Israel will have to do something about Iran's serious desire to wipe them off the map. No other country is going to do anything about Iran other than pay lip service to ineffective economic sanctions. The only question is when this attack will happen.
It looks like Iran is doing everything they can to provoke Israel into attacking them sooner rather than later. Their latest provocation is an announcement to build two new uranium enrichment facilities protected inside mountains. And recently Iranian president Ahmadinejad made a public statement that, "If the Zionist regime should repeat its mistakes and initiate a military operation, then it must be resisted with full force to put an end to it once and for all."
It is interesting to note that it is also generally recognized that when Israel attacks Iran, it will spark a serious regional conflict. Indeed this is what the leaders of Iran want to do; the President of Iran thinks it is his purpose in life to start a conflict between nations that is serious enough for the Muslim messiah, al Mahdi, to come on the scene and unite the world under Islam.
Israel has been at war before and we have not seen the al Mahdi (aka the Antichrist) emerge before; so what will be different about this next time? This time Turkey is aligned with the Islamic enemies of Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and the Islamic world has tasted how effective a disruption of Mid East oil supply can be to crash the world economy. And this is not to mention all the other signs we are seeing in nature, technology, society, and world politics.
The Lord said in Zechariah 12:3, "it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it" (NKJ). There are many God-haters who seek to challenge this promise; we are fast approaching the day the Lord will show them who He is.
Come soon Lord Jesus!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ideologues
I often cite aspects of President Obama's administration to show how close we are to the Lord's return. I've been accused of doing this too much but I just can't help it. We are living in amazing times and it is breathtaking that this country could put into power someone who is an ideologue like President Obama. And Obama is simply the most visible representative of the majority party leaders in Congress. While they disagree on the details, they all agree that more spending, more taxes, and more government is the solution to our problems.
President Obama proudly proclaimed before an assembly of Republicans that he was not an ideologue. The definition of ideologue is "an impractical idealist, theorist; an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology." Obama is a liar; he is an ideologue. What else could it be when he presses forward with his Leftist Liberal ideas for health care reform when the public is clearly opposed to what is sure to drive costs up, reduce options and eventually result in rationing. He is doing this at a time when his priority should be to grow jobs. Indeed didn't he said his priority was jobs, jobs, jobs during his state of the union speech? Maybe I heard him wrong because I tend to take what he says with with a grain of salt anyway.
The Leftist ideology that Obama is pursuing with religious fervor is the belief that the government can solve all our problems. Thus more government is better than letting people make their own decisions. Stalin put this ideology to the test following WWII in Russia. He centralized all agricultural production in Soviet Russia putting family farms out of business rationalizing that large-scale operations are more efficient. But what he did away with was personal motivation to do well and the result was severe food shortages that caused millions to die of starvation. Don't think that couldn't happen here. Socialism is looming large today.
What is astonishing to me is that so few Americans even today recognize Obama for what he is. We are in denial that we could put such a radical ideologue into power. Some will scoff that Obama would ever rise to be like Stalin. But we are one serious crisis away from Obama and his comrades seizing even more power from the people. Remember the revealing comment not to let a good crisis go to waste? The White House is doing their best to bring on a crisis so that they can grab even more power.
Jesus said the Tribulation would be characterized by "false christs and false prophets [who] will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24, NKJ). When Obama represents himself as the one who knows best for the American people, this usurps the purview of God and makes him a false christ. Certainly the Tribulation will be a time of great deception but we are seeing a foreshadowing of that in our day. And we know, "evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim 3:13). Many people are already deceived by our government and the consequences of that are rapidly approaching.
Thank God today's followers of Jesus will not have to go through the Tribulation; the foreshadowing of the Tribulation will be bad enough.
President Obama proudly proclaimed before an assembly of Republicans that he was not an ideologue. The definition of ideologue is "an impractical idealist, theorist; an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology." Obama is a liar; he is an ideologue. What else could it be when he presses forward with his Leftist Liberal ideas for health care reform when the public is clearly opposed to what is sure to drive costs up, reduce options and eventually result in rationing. He is doing this at a time when his priority should be to grow jobs. Indeed didn't he said his priority was jobs, jobs, jobs during his state of the union speech? Maybe I heard him wrong because I tend to take what he says with with a grain of salt anyway.
The Leftist ideology that Obama is pursuing with religious fervor is the belief that the government can solve all our problems. Thus more government is better than letting people make their own decisions. Stalin put this ideology to the test following WWII in Russia. He centralized all agricultural production in Soviet Russia putting family farms out of business rationalizing that large-scale operations are more efficient. But what he did away with was personal motivation to do well and the result was severe food shortages that caused millions to die of starvation. Don't think that couldn't happen here. Socialism is looming large today.
What is astonishing to me is that so few Americans even today recognize Obama for what he is. We are in denial that we could put such a radical ideologue into power. Some will scoff that Obama would ever rise to be like Stalin. But we are one serious crisis away from Obama and his comrades seizing even more power from the people. Remember the revealing comment not to let a good crisis go to waste? The White House is doing their best to bring on a crisis so that they can grab even more power.
Jesus said the Tribulation would be characterized by "false christs and false prophets [who] will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24, NKJ). When Obama represents himself as the one who knows best for the American people, this usurps the purview of God and makes him a false christ. Certainly the Tribulation will be a time of great deception but we are seeing a foreshadowing of that in our day. And we know, "evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim 3:13). Many people are already deceived by our government and the consequences of that are rapidly approaching.
Thank God today's followers of Jesus will not have to go through the Tribulation; the foreshadowing of the Tribulation will be bad enough.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Evaporating Property Rights
It looks like international property rights are under assault. Leftist Liberal ideology makes no room for personal property. They have this Utopian vision that all property belongs to all people and that the wealth should be spread around. It was very revealing when Obama expressed these sentiments during his campaign. He does not believe in the concept of private property and a key part of the fundamental change he is working to bring to America is to transfer as much wealth as he can to the government so that they can redistribute it.
Opposition to private property is opposition to the order God has established. Spreading the wealth around seeks to usurp God's authority to bless those who He wills. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus told a story of a nobleman giving resources to his servants "according to his own ability" (Matthew 25:15, NKJ). To the spiritually discerning, it is clear that the nobleman was Jesus and the servants were His followers. God makes us stewards over resources to serve His purposes and He allocates these resources according to a person's abilities. These abilities are revealed in how productive people are at in the work God has equipped them to do.
Thus the free market is the best arbiter of who gets how many resources, not some bureaucrat who seeks to act in the place of God or the free market which is directed by God. Spreading the wealth around is what the Antichrist will do. Daniel 11:24 says, “he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches.” Seeing the desire of so many key government officials to spread the wealth around today shows that the spirit of the Antichrist is stronger than it has ever been.
It is amazing to me that most people don't see the flood of tyranny that is about to hit this world. All it will take is another more serious economic disaster. Our government is working hard to bring this greater economic disaster about if a serious oil supply disrupting war in the Middle East doesn't trigger it first. Thank God for the Rapture... His promise to come for us helps me get past the bad news about what the government wants to do to us that we hear every day.
Opposition to private property is opposition to the order God has established. Spreading the wealth around seeks to usurp God's authority to bless those who He wills. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus told a story of a nobleman giving resources to his servants "according to his own ability" (Matthew 25:15, NKJ). To the spiritually discerning, it is clear that the nobleman was Jesus and the servants were His followers. God makes us stewards over resources to serve His purposes and He allocates these resources according to a person's abilities. These abilities are revealed in how productive people are at in the work God has equipped them to do.
Thus the free market is the best arbiter of who gets how many resources, not some bureaucrat who seeks to act in the place of God or the free market which is directed by God. Spreading the wealth around is what the Antichrist will do. Daniel 11:24 says, “he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches.” Seeing the desire of so many key government officials to spread the wealth around today shows that the spirit of the Antichrist is stronger than it has ever been.
It is amazing to me that most people don't see the flood of tyranny that is about to hit this world. All it will take is another more serious economic disaster. Our government is working hard to bring this greater economic disaster about if a serious oil supply disrupting war in the Middle East doesn't trigger it first. Thank God for the Rapture... His promise to come for us helps me get past the bad news about what the government wants to do to us that we hear every day.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Regulations
I only listened to a little talk radio yesterday on my drive home but both Michael Medved and Hugh Hewett addressed separate topics that were related in that the threat of lawsuits are beginning to strangle us.
Hugh Hewett focused on how the Senate was attacking the big pharmaceutical companies blaming them for causing heart attacks in diabetes patients. Hugh pointed out that this issue reveals that either the FDA was hopelessly incompetent or that the Senate was made up of fear mongering ideologues. Either way, it reveals that we are headed for a disaster if the government starts running health care. Previously Hugh has dealt with regulatory issues that have imposed onerous restrictions on any product that a child could potentially touch that have driven some companies out of business.
I certainly think our government's vision of imposing more and more laws on us is intended to stifle the growth of our economy and bring the United States down as an economic superpower. Our government leaders will not admit that but it is certainly part of Obama's vision to make the United States a good citizen of the world community of nations which will go along with the will of the larger global collective. This is necessary for there to be a one world government as the Bible tells us is coming.
We certainly see the spirit of the Antichrist in all these additional new laws, regulations and thousand-plus page bills that Congress does not read before they vote on them. Daniel 7:25 says the Antichrist, "shall intend to change times and law" (NKJ). We are certainly getting the change that Obama promised when he ran; but more and more people are figuring out that it is not quite the change that they had in mind. I expect people will have much the same experience when the Antichrist comes to power. All this foreshadows what will be much worse during the Tribulation. I'm glad I will not be here for that.
Hugh Hewett focused on how the Senate was attacking the big pharmaceutical companies blaming them for causing heart attacks in diabetes patients. Hugh pointed out that this issue reveals that either the FDA was hopelessly incompetent or that the Senate was made up of fear mongering ideologues. Either way, it reveals that we are headed for a disaster if the government starts running health care. Previously Hugh has dealt with regulatory issues that have imposed onerous restrictions on any product that a child could potentially touch that have driven some companies out of business.
Michael Medved's guest was Philip K. Howard who wrote a book titled "Life Without Lawyers." A lot of the discussion centered about how the activity of the Obama administration promises to be a boon for trial lawyers. And how the uncertain regulatory atmosphere has contributed to slowing the recovery from the recession. It is interesting to note that Congress is mostly made up of lawyers and Obama himself is a former Law Professor. So don't expect tort reform to happen any time soon.
I certainly think our government's vision of imposing more and more laws on us is intended to stifle the growth of our economy and bring the United States down as an economic superpower. Our government leaders will not admit that but it is certainly part of Obama's vision to make the United States a good citizen of the world community of nations which will go along with the will of the larger global collective. This is necessary for there to be a one world government as the Bible tells us is coming.
We certainly see the spirit of the Antichrist in all these additional new laws, regulations and thousand-plus page bills that Congress does not read before they vote on them. Daniel 7:25 says the Antichrist, "shall intend to change times and law" (NKJ). We are certainly getting the change that Obama promised when he ran; but more and more people are figuring out that it is not quite the change that they had in mind. I expect people will have much the same experience when the Antichrist comes to power. All this foreshadows what will be much worse during the Tribulation. I'm glad I will not be here for that.
Monday, February 22, 2010
House of Cards
It looks like Japan has passed China as the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries financing our debt.
China and been warning about the growing U.S. debt and promised to back off from continuing to fund it. This development is no-doubt a direct result of China’s concern for the scope of the U.S. debt.
It is a bit concerning to think that Japan is funding our debt. They have more debt as a percentage of GDP than the U.S. has. Japan has been pouring money into their economy (aka stimulus money) for more than a decade and it has not helped their economy. They still have rampant unemployment and inflation is looming.
One day it will all come crashing down. It will not take much. “For in one hour your judgment has come. And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore” (Revelation 18:10-11, NKJ).
As Jesus said…
China and been warning about the growing U.S. debt and promised to back off from continuing to fund it. This development is no-doubt a direct result of China’s concern for the scope of the U.S. debt.
It is a bit concerning to think that Japan is funding our debt. They have more debt as a percentage of GDP than the U.S. has. Japan has been pouring money into their economy (aka stimulus money) for more than a decade and it has not helped their economy. They still have rampant unemployment and inflation is looming.
One day it will all come crashing down. It will not take much. “For in one hour your judgment has come. And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore” (Revelation 18:10-11, NKJ).
As Jesus said…
Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. (Matthew 7:24-27)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Media Deception
My favorite News Channel is Fox News because of their conservative commentators. It is such a breath of breath air to hear a more reasoned analysis than the usual politically correct perspective. Apparently I’m not alone in this view because Fox News has a huge viewer base, larger than all the other news networks combined. We need more media networks that make prudent business decisions to give people what they want rather than ideologues.
Here is the but… apparent conservatives can be corrupted as well so we should not let our guard down just because Fox News is generally more “fair and balanced.” And it looks like Fox News has succumbed to pressure from a special interest group… ever since Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal became a major stockholder in Fox's parent company, he has influenced news content such as not using the word Muslim in reporting on the rioting in France.
As I observe how people are reacting to the radical liberal agenda of the Left, it seems very likely that the political power pendulum will sing well to the Right if the Lord tarries in His return. But this will not change the rise of the Antichrist and the coming of the Tribulation. Indeed, such a sequence of events will catch many people in this country off guard more so than with a Leftist government like we currently have. Because we know, “the end of it shall be with a flood” (Daniel 9:26).
This news about Fox News reinforces what I have come to believe about Islam. It is the religion that will unite the world under Antichrist. “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?'” (Revelation 13:4, NKJ). When conservative bulwarks like Fox News must yield to the religion that inspired 9-11, who can stop it from sweeping the planet?
Deception is growing in the world. The only way to avoid being trapped by it is to be well grounded in the truth. Thank God for His Word.
Here is the but… apparent conservatives can be corrupted as well so we should not let our guard down just because Fox News is generally more “fair and balanced.” And it looks like Fox News has succumbed to pressure from a special interest group… ever since Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal became a major stockholder in Fox's parent company, he has influenced news content such as not using the word Muslim in reporting on the rioting in France.
As I observe how people are reacting to the radical liberal agenda of the Left, it seems very likely that the political power pendulum will sing well to the Right if the Lord tarries in His return. But this will not change the rise of the Antichrist and the coming of the Tribulation. Indeed, such a sequence of events will catch many people in this country off guard more so than with a Leftist government like we currently have. Because we know, “the end of it shall be with a flood” (Daniel 9:26).
This news about Fox News reinforces what I have come to believe about Islam. It is the religion that will unite the world under Antichrist. “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?'” (Revelation 13:4, NKJ). When conservative bulwarks like Fox News must yield to the religion that inspired 9-11, who can stop it from sweeping the planet?
Deception is growing in the world. The only way to avoid being trapped by it is to be well grounded in the truth. Thank God for His Word.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Signs in the Stars
An unusual space body with parameters similar to a man-made object will approach Earth at an unusually low velocity on an orbit that doesn't resemble any useful spacecraft trajectory. We are fascinated with objects approaching earth from space and there are plenty of people watching the heavens for something out of the ordinary.
What this space object is we may never know but it is interesting that such an extraordinary heavenly body appears now with so many things foreshadowing the return of Jesus. It makes me think of another object that will soon appear in outer space… “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, NKJ).
What is the sign of the Son of Man? There was a star in the East which confirmed the first advent of the Messiah to wise men from Persia (Matthew 2:1-2). Likewise, there will be an unusual heavenly object that heralds His return… "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars" (Luke 21:25).
I think it likely that the sign of the Son of Man which everyone sees prior to Jesus again setting foot on earth is the New Jerusalem. Jesus told us, “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” (John 14:2). Among the many things Jesus has been doing since He ascended to the Father is preparing an eternal home for us. This home is in the form of a huge city called the New Jerusalem. Along with the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is its size, a footprint of 1,500 miles by 1,500 miles and 1,500 miles high. Whether it is a cube, pyramid, or some other shape remains to be seen.
I’m sure the New Jerusalem is just about completed. It will certainly be finished when Jesus raptures His followers from the planet prior to the Great Tribulation. The New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven at the end of the Millennial reign of Jesus after He recreates heaven and earth (Revelation 21:2). Could it be that the New Jerusalem is in orbit around earth during the Millennial Kingdom? If so, Jesus must bring it with Him when He approaches earth from heaven and it could well be the sign of the Son of Man.
Could you imagine what people of earth will think when they see such a large supernatural object approach earth from space? It will be distressing to say the least. Many will think that earth is being attacked by the Borg. In fact that is not far from the truth. Extraterrestrials will indeed invade earth to put a stop to the War of Armageddon and resistance will be futile. There will be a lot of deception during the Great Tribulation; I think it likely that demons will masquerade as friendly aliens promising their help but intending to lead people away from God. Certainly fallen angels have mixed it up with mankind before, see Jude 1:6.
I look forward to being among the extraterrestrials that return to earth with the Lord. It will be glorious. Anyone who doubts that followers of Jesus will invade earth with Jesus should carefully study John 14:3 harmonized with Revelation 19:8 and Revelation 19:14. Airborne!
What this space object is we may never know but it is interesting that such an extraordinary heavenly body appears now with so many things foreshadowing the return of Jesus. It makes me think of another object that will soon appear in outer space… “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, NKJ).
What is the sign of the Son of Man? There was a star in the East which confirmed the first advent of the Messiah to wise men from Persia (Matthew 2:1-2). Likewise, there will be an unusual heavenly object that heralds His return… "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars" (Luke 21:25).
I think it likely that the sign of the Son of Man which everyone sees prior to Jesus again setting foot on earth is the New Jerusalem. Jesus told us, “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” (John 14:2). Among the many things Jesus has been doing since He ascended to the Father is preparing an eternal home for us. This home is in the form of a huge city called the New Jerusalem. Along with the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is its size, a footprint of 1,500 miles by 1,500 miles and 1,500 miles high. Whether it is a cube, pyramid, or some other shape remains to be seen.
I’m sure the New Jerusalem is just about completed. It will certainly be finished when Jesus raptures His followers from the planet prior to the Great Tribulation. The New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven at the end of the Millennial reign of Jesus after He recreates heaven and earth (Revelation 21:2). Could it be that the New Jerusalem is in orbit around earth during the Millennial Kingdom? If so, Jesus must bring it with Him when He approaches earth from heaven and it could well be the sign of the Son of Man.
Could you imagine what people of earth will think when they see such a large supernatural object approach earth from space? It will be distressing to say the least. Many will think that earth is being attacked by the Borg. In fact that is not far from the truth. Extraterrestrials will indeed invade earth to put a stop to the War of Armageddon and resistance will be futile. There will be a lot of deception during the Great Tribulation; I think it likely that demons will masquerade as friendly aliens promising their help but intending to lead people away from God. Certainly fallen angels have mixed it up with mankind before, see Jude 1:6.
I look forward to being among the extraterrestrials that return to earth with the Lord. It will be glorious. Anyone who doubts that followers of Jesus will invade earth with Jesus should carefully study John 14:3 harmonized with Revelation 19:8 and Revelation 19:14. Airborne!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Financial Armageddon
The U.S. dollar isn't the only currency that is in danger of melting down over excessive debt. Recent revelation about several EU nations and especially Greece has prompted at least one banker in France to predict the demise of the Euro.
We already knew that the recession was worldwide in scope, but it is a surprise to discover that another major world currency is in trouble. Recall that world-wide trends are noteworthy from a prophetic standpoint. We know that a major economic collapse is coming just prior to the return of Jesus, see Revelation 18. So today's troubles for the important currencies in the world should serve as a wake-up call foreshadowing the ultimate economic failure that is coming.
Failure of a currency or simply its devaluation and risk of failure is also a reminder not to trust in the world's riches which is idolatry but to seek our salvation in He who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10, NKJ). The Apostle Paul admonished us to, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).
When I consider the potential for economic collapse, a promise that God gave us comes to mind: "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22). As there have always been agricultural cycles, there will be economic cycles as well. We will recover from what we are currently going through.
There will even be a recovery from the ultimate financial collapse of Revelation 18 for those who have put their trust in Jesus. The return of Jesus will put an end to the Great Tribulation and usher in prosperity during His Millennial Kingdom unlike the world has ever seen. The problem is this: very few people will live through the Great Tribulation to see the Millennial Kingdom. As Jesus said, "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:14). The only sure way to see the Millennial Kingdom is to enter in the gate of Jesus now before this present Age of Grace comes to an end and the way gets exponentially more difficult during the Great Tribulation.
We already knew that the recession was worldwide in scope, but it is a surprise to discover that another major world currency is in trouble. Recall that world-wide trends are noteworthy from a prophetic standpoint. We know that a major economic collapse is coming just prior to the return of Jesus, see Revelation 18. So today's troubles for the important currencies in the world should serve as a wake-up call foreshadowing the ultimate economic failure that is coming.
Failure of a currency or simply its devaluation and risk of failure is also a reminder not to trust in the world's riches which is idolatry but to seek our salvation in He who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10, NKJ). The Apostle Paul admonished us to, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).
When I consider the potential for economic collapse, a promise that God gave us comes to mind: "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22). As there have always been agricultural cycles, there will be economic cycles as well. We will recover from what we are currently going through.
There will even be a recovery from the ultimate financial collapse of Revelation 18 for those who have put their trust in Jesus. The return of Jesus will put an end to the Great Tribulation and usher in prosperity during His Millennial Kingdom unlike the world has ever seen. The problem is this: very few people will live through the Great Tribulation to see the Millennial Kingdom. As Jesus said, "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:14). The only sure way to see the Millennial Kingdom is to enter in the gate of Jesus now before this present Age of Grace comes to an end and the way gets exponentially more difficult during the Great Tribulation.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Russia Factor
There have been a couple seemingly unrelated news threads about Russia lately that would certainly catch the attention of anyone familiar with the traditional interpretation of Ezekiel 38 equating Russia with Magog... Russia has changed their military doctrine to permit preemptive limited use of nuclear weapons and Russia is moving closer to delivering an advanced air defense missile system to Iran.
I do think these developments tie into Ezekiel 38 but not in the way most prophecy watchers would look at them. I regard the Ezekiel term "Gog" to be a reference to the Antichrist due to its use in Revelation 20:8. Then since the Antichrist must come from either the Revived Roman Empire or, more likely, the Revived Ottoman Empire, Magog can not be Russia (see Daniel 9:26). A careful study of the Ezekiel terms "Rosh" and "Magog" reinforce that interpretation.
Russia is certainly feeling threatened by the expansion of NATO to include their former satellite nations and the deployment of anti-missile systems in Romania. They must be desperate to counter this perceived threat against them and that is why they are changing their nuclear weapons doctrine as well as becoming more aligned with Iran. Considering the Ezekiel 38 nations, Russia is the principal weapons supplier to all of them except for Turkey which is a member of NATO. But Turkey has been actively pursuing closer alignment with the Islamic nations that are supplied by Russia so it'll be interesting to see if the if they will be looking to Russia for more of their military hardware as time goes on.
Based on these factors, I expect Russia will participate in Ezekiel 38 by encouraging the nations mentioned in this passage to use their weapons against Israel. Indeed, moving forward with supplying Iran with an advanced air defense system may be the trigger that sets off the chain of events that puts the hooks in the jaws of Gog (Ezekiel 38:4).
Russia does bear watching because they are poised to aid and abet the next large-scale attack on Israel. Of course since the Antichrist is involved, I don't expect to be on the planet at the time. Given the nearness of these likely events, this is not a time to be without Jesus in your life.
I do think these developments tie into Ezekiel 38 but not in the way most prophecy watchers would look at them. I regard the Ezekiel term "Gog" to be a reference to the Antichrist due to its use in Revelation 20:8. Then since the Antichrist must come from either the Revived Roman Empire or, more likely, the Revived Ottoman Empire, Magog can not be Russia (see Daniel 9:26). A careful study of the Ezekiel terms "Rosh" and "Magog" reinforce that interpretation.
Russia is certainly feeling threatened by the expansion of NATO to include their former satellite nations and the deployment of anti-missile systems in Romania. They must be desperate to counter this perceived threat against them and that is why they are changing their nuclear weapons doctrine as well as becoming more aligned with Iran. Considering the Ezekiel 38 nations, Russia is the principal weapons supplier to all of them except for Turkey which is a member of NATO. But Turkey has been actively pursuing closer alignment with the Islamic nations that are supplied by Russia so it'll be interesting to see if the if they will be looking to Russia for more of their military hardware as time goes on.
Based on these factors, I expect Russia will participate in Ezekiel 38 by encouraging the nations mentioned in this passage to use their weapons against Israel. Indeed, moving forward with supplying Iran with an advanced air defense system may be the trigger that sets off the chain of events that puts the hooks in the jaws of Gog (Ezekiel 38:4).
Russia does bear watching because they are poised to aid and abet the next large-scale attack on Israel. Of course since the Antichrist is involved, I don't expect to be on the planet at the time. Given the nearness of these likely events, this is not a time to be without Jesus in your life.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Worldwide Phenomenon
There has been a terrorist bombing in India. It was not immediate that the perpetrators were radicalized Islamic terrorists but trends in the world point to that being the most likely scenario especially since India and Pakistan have just begun peace talks. The followers of Apollyon can't stand peace (see Revelation 9:11).
Have you noticed that Islamic terrorism is not just directed at Israel and the United States? Any time you see a world wide trend, it should be noted as having prophetic significance. Many will dismiss this thinking that global communications facilitate worldwide trends but this too is a sign of the times. Revelation 11:9 says the whole world will see the two prophets God sends to Jerusalem during the Tribulation; this does not have to be fulfilled supernaturally now that we have world-wide communications systems. The God of nature prefers to work through natural means; the fact that this event was foretold in the Bible makes it supernatural to the spiritually discerning.
The rise of terrorism as a worldwide trend is prophesied in Joel 3:10-11 where it says, "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong.' Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD" (NKJ). In context this passage is talking about gathering the nations of the world to the Valley of Jehoshaphat which is also known as Armageddon. Taking tools of productivity and transforming them into weapons is what terrorists do. Terrorists also think their acts of terror make them strong despite their weakness as a traditional fighting force.
God is doing incredible things in the world today to shake us awake. It is amazing to me that people just fail to see the significance of trends that are so obvious...
Have you noticed that Islamic terrorism is not just directed at Israel and the United States? Any time you see a world wide trend, it should be noted as having prophetic significance. Many will dismiss this thinking that global communications facilitate worldwide trends but this too is a sign of the times. Revelation 11:9 says the whole world will see the two prophets God sends to Jerusalem during the Tribulation; this does not have to be fulfilled supernaturally now that we have world-wide communications systems. The God of nature prefers to work through natural means; the fact that this event was foretold in the Bible makes it supernatural to the spiritually discerning.
The rise of terrorism as a worldwide trend is prophesied in Joel 3:10-11 where it says, "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong.' Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O LORD" (NKJ). In context this passage is talking about gathering the nations of the world to the Valley of Jehoshaphat which is also known as Armageddon. Taking tools of productivity and transforming them into weapons is what terrorists do. Terrorists also think their acts of terror make them strong despite their weakness as a traditional fighting force.
God is doing incredible things in the world today to shake us awake. It is amazing to me that people just fail to see the significance of trends that are so obvious...
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him [Jesus] asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." (Matthew 16:1-31, NKJ)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Yielding Sovereignty
The United States is not the only country that is driven to yield national sovereignty to the community of nations. The European Union is apparently facing a choice between dismantling the Euro, or ceding all national sovereignty to Brussels. As the White House is determined not to let a good crisis go to waste in growing the federal government, likewise, the EU appears to be using the financial crisis sweeping the eurozone to launch an audacious grab for power over national budgets.
Europe is very important in reading the signs of the times because the government there is a direct extension of the Roman Empire. Daniel 9:26 says, "the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary" (NKJ). In context, the "prince who is to come" is a reference to the Antichrist. The sanctuary in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. So we would expect the Antichrist to come from an extension of the Roman Empire. Since the time of Christ, the Roman Empire, or what became of the Roman Empire, has traded off ruling over Jerusalem with the Ottoman Empire which superseded the Roman Empire in the East.
One could argue that the rule over Jerusalem changed in 1967 when Israel took the city as part of the Six-Day War but the temple mount itself is still in the hands of Gentiles. "Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). I take it that the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled at the end of the church age when the Lord raptures the church out of this world. This will be followed by the Antichrist coming to power who will confirm a seven year treaty with Israel enabling them to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27).
The governmental model of the European Union is also an important indicator of the times. The EU is the prototype for how the world will be united under one government ruled by the Antichrist. If the diverse nations of Europe can come together as one, the whole world can. The EU is showing the world how it is possible to reverse the division between nations that God initiated at Babel (see Genesis 11). It is interesting to note that depictions of the Tower of Babel is a is an important symbol of the EU.
Based on what the Bible says will happen, I can with certainty predict that Europe will not let the Euro fail... they will march forward toward increasing centralized power yielding their national sovereignty. Indeed that is what enables the Antichrist to have power over the world... "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (Revelation 17:12-13).
It is such a pleasure to know what God's Word says will happen and why. The Bible has been a great source of peace for me in the midst of the wild developments we have been seeing in this world.
Europe is very important in reading the signs of the times because the government there is a direct extension of the Roman Empire. Daniel 9:26 says, "the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary" (NKJ). In context, the "prince who is to come" is a reference to the Antichrist. The sanctuary in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. So we would expect the Antichrist to come from an extension of the Roman Empire. Since the time of Christ, the Roman Empire, or what became of the Roman Empire, has traded off ruling over Jerusalem with the Ottoman Empire which superseded the Roman Empire in the East.
One could argue that the rule over Jerusalem changed in 1967 when Israel took the city as part of the Six-Day War but the temple mount itself is still in the hands of Gentiles. "Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). I take it that the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled at the end of the church age when the Lord raptures the church out of this world. This will be followed by the Antichrist coming to power who will confirm a seven year treaty with Israel enabling them to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27).
The governmental model of the European Union is also an important indicator of the times. The EU is the prototype for how the world will be united under one government ruled by the Antichrist. If the diverse nations of Europe can come together as one, the whole world can. The EU is showing the world how it is possible to reverse the division between nations that God initiated at Babel (see Genesis 11). It is interesting to note that depictions of the Tower of Babel is a is an important symbol of the EU.
Based on what the Bible says will happen, I can with certainty predict that Europe will not let the Euro fail... they will march forward toward increasing centralized power yielding their national sovereignty. Indeed that is what enables the Antichrist to have power over the world... "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (Revelation 17:12-13).
It is such a pleasure to know what God's Word says will happen and why. The Bible has been a great source of peace for me in the midst of the wild developments we have been seeing in this world.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Flashpoint Syria
The war of words between Syria and Israel is heating up. It is just a matter of time before something happens to set off an escalating conflict that will result in the destruction of Damascus. Isaiah 17:1 says, "Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap" (NKJ).
Meanwhile our government is consumed with domestic issues like health care reform, child obesity, and waiting for the record snow to melt so they can get back to dealing with global warming. Not that they could do anything to prevent the destruction of Damascus anyway...
We live in amazing times.
Meanwhile our government is consumed with domestic issues like health care reform, child obesity, and waiting for the record snow to melt so they can get back to dealing with global warming. Not that they could do anything to prevent the destruction of Damascus anyway...
We live in amazing times.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
More Climate Change Religion
I saw a bumper sticker the other day which essentially asked the question, “how is Obama's promise of hope and change working for you?” Now that people are discovering what Obama really meant by hope and change, there is an increasing level of buyer’s remorse in this country. He has managed to alienate an increasing number of people from both the left and the independents along with the right in record time. Team Obama will no-doubt spin this as proof of his success in governing as a centrist (they are in denial about the independents).
When Obama was elected I knew I'd be telling people, "I told you so." Most people with a biblical world view were not deceived by him. Watching people be blown about by every wind of doctrine is an amazing thing. It is much harder to be deceived when you are grounded in the truth of God’s Word. When someone promises change, you better know what kind of change he is talking about because not all change is a good thing.
It is becoming clearer that Obama and his ideologues in Congress are determined to ram through their Leftist agenda items contrary to the will of the people. The climate change effort is flying under the radar but it is on their list of things to change despite the revelations about fabricated data. Team Obama is a devout sect of the global warming church. Despite their public rhetoric, their blind fear will drive them to impose draconian measures that devastates our economy (i.e. way of life) and erodes away any remaining hope for a better life in this world. Thank God I have a hope for a better life in the next world that global warming zealots can't touch.
My equating a belief in man-caused climate change with a religion in a derogatory way is deliberate. If I ever represent religion in a positive way, please slap me. It is important to recognize that ALL RELIGIONS ARE EVIL. Religions have led more people away from Christ than anything else in the world. Unbelievers consider faith in Christ to be just another religion but that is because they do not understand how Christ has blessed those who trust in Him.
A biblical faith in Christ is so far removed from all religions of the world that it is actually deceptive to characterize it as a religion. All religions have this one thing in common, that salvation is achieved through human efforts. This is not so with salvation in Christ which is better described as a relationship with the Savior. The fact that God hates religion becomes clear when you study the various exchanges Jesus had with the Pharisees.
A hope in a worldly savior will always be met with frustration at a minimum and eternal separation from God at worst. Messiah Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJ).
When Obama was elected I knew I'd be telling people, "I told you so." Most people with a biblical world view were not deceived by him. Watching people be blown about by every wind of doctrine is an amazing thing. It is much harder to be deceived when you are grounded in the truth of God’s Word. When someone promises change, you better know what kind of change he is talking about because not all change is a good thing.
It is becoming clearer that Obama and his ideologues in Congress are determined to ram through their Leftist agenda items contrary to the will of the people. The climate change effort is flying under the radar but it is on their list of things to change despite the revelations about fabricated data. Team Obama is a devout sect of the global warming church. Despite their public rhetoric, their blind fear will drive them to impose draconian measures that devastates our economy (i.e. way of life) and erodes away any remaining hope for a better life in this world. Thank God I have a hope for a better life in the next world that global warming zealots can't touch.
My equating a belief in man-caused climate change with a religion in a derogatory way is deliberate. If I ever represent religion in a positive way, please slap me. It is important to recognize that ALL RELIGIONS ARE EVIL. Religions have led more people away from Christ than anything else in the world. Unbelievers consider faith in Christ to be just another religion but that is because they do not understand how Christ has blessed those who trust in Him.
A biblical faith in Christ is so far removed from all religions of the world that it is actually deceptive to characterize it as a religion. All religions have this one thing in common, that salvation is achieved through human efforts. This is not so with salvation in Christ which is better described as a relationship with the Savior. The fact that God hates religion becomes clear when you study the various exchanges Jesus had with the Pharisees.
A hope in a worldly savior will always be met with frustration at a minimum and eternal separation from God at worst. Messiah Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJ).
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Climate Change Religion
Columnist Michael Barone points out that climate-change scientists are now among the most distrusted occupations and makes a pretty good case for why climate change is a religion in his article titled "How Climate-Change Fanatics Corrupted Science..."
Michael Barone goes on to say that the climate change agenda is all but dead due to the recent revelations of scientists fabricating data to support the dogma. But I disagree. The very fact that climate change is really a religion indicates to me that it will persist despite evidence to the contrary. This is because that religions do indeed persist alongside a biblical view of God. Satan is a master at deceiving people by imitating the truth... "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14, NKJ).
The secular religion of global warming has all the elements of a religious faith: original sin (we are polluting the planet), ritual (separate your waste for recycling), redemption (renounce economic growth) and the sale of indulgences (carbon offsets). We are told that we must have faith (all argument must end, as Al Gore likes to say) and must persecute heretics (global warming skeptics are like Holocaust deniers, we are told).
Michael Barone goes on to say that the climate change agenda is all but dead due to the recent revelations of scientists fabricating data to support the dogma. But I disagree. The very fact that climate change is really a religion indicates to me that it will persist despite evidence to the contrary. This is because that religions do indeed persist alongside a biblical view of God. Satan is a master at deceiving people by imitating the truth... "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14, NKJ).
Monday, February 8, 2010
Blaming Bush
I’m getting real weary of the Liberal Left excusing our government’s ineptitude by saying our problems are due to President Bush. Sure we were in debt under Bush but that does not excuse a dramatic 10x growth in our nation’s debt. Yes, the recession started at the end of the Bush Presidency but that does not excuse bail-outs and government take-over of businesses. And raising taxes to pay for a bloated government is no way to grow jobs.
People lament the loss of manufacturing jobs that go off shore but one of the major factors causing this to happen is a growing tax burden on corporations. And perhaps worse than the actual taxes is the uncertainty over regulations that make a big difference on the profitability of a business. Companies are just not taking risks because of this and that means there are fewer jobs created as a result.
The Whitehouse and Congress is now working on a “jobs bill” that is really just another stimulus spending bill which we know is really just more pork barrel hand-outs to favored special interest groups. The strategy of trying to spend our way out of a recession will cause our recession to get worse. I know that is the case because Japan has been doing that for the past decade and all they have to show for it is mounting debt that is 190 percent of their GDP.
I know that some will look at Japan and say the U.S. debt at 70 percent of GDP is not as bad off as Japan and they have not melted down yet so we have room to spend more. But, the U.S. is not Japan because the personal saving rate is way lower here than in Japan. And our ability to spend more is only propped up by China and others being willing to fund our debt which may be reaching a tipping point.
I’d like to think that Obama and his ideological compatriots will realize that their policies are damaging our economy and change their ways. But Nancy Pelosi promised to ram through the government take over of health care against the will of the people. And I expect Obama and his defenders will go on blaming Bush for what ails us so that they don’t have to worry about the consequences of their actions. While all this sounds distressing, I am encouraged when I remember that God is in control even when we are ruled over by evil people.
God is allowing our government to damage our economy for a reason. I’m convinced that the demise of the United States as an economic super power is necessary to make way for a world-wide government. There may well be other reasons that I am not aware of. But, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NKJ).
People lament the loss of manufacturing jobs that go off shore but one of the major factors causing this to happen is a growing tax burden on corporations. And perhaps worse than the actual taxes is the uncertainty over regulations that make a big difference on the profitability of a business. Companies are just not taking risks because of this and that means there are fewer jobs created as a result.
The Whitehouse and Congress is now working on a “jobs bill” that is really just another stimulus spending bill which we know is really just more pork barrel hand-outs to favored special interest groups. The strategy of trying to spend our way out of a recession will cause our recession to get worse. I know that is the case because Japan has been doing that for the past decade and all they have to show for it is mounting debt that is 190 percent of their GDP.
I know that some will look at Japan and say the U.S. debt at 70 percent of GDP is not as bad off as Japan and they have not melted down yet so we have room to spend more. But, the U.S. is not Japan because the personal saving rate is way lower here than in Japan. And our ability to spend more is only propped up by China and others being willing to fund our debt which may be reaching a tipping point.
I’d like to think that Obama and his ideological compatriots will realize that their policies are damaging our economy and change their ways. But Nancy Pelosi promised to ram through the government take over of health care against the will of the people. And I expect Obama and his defenders will go on blaming Bush for what ails us so that they don’t have to worry about the consequences of their actions. While all this sounds distressing, I am encouraged when I remember that God is in control even when we are ruled over by evil people.
God is allowing our government to damage our economy for a reason. I’m convinced that the demise of the United States as an economic super power is necessary to make way for a world-wide government. There may well be other reasons that I am not aware of. But, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NKJ).
Friday, February 5, 2010
US Bullying Toyota
The US transportation chief's public rebukes of Toyota's handling of a massive safety recall have raised eyebrows, given the US government's major stake in rivals General Motors and Chrysler.
This is what happens when the government takes over businesses; fair competition suffers. Our corrupt government is not attacking Toyota because they are a foreign car company but because they are a non-union car company in competition with GM and Chrysler. Most of the Toyotas sold in the US are assembled here. So U.S. jobs are at stake. But since these are non union jobs, they are considered expendable by the government.
Such activities of the Government foreshadows what the government of the Antichrist will be like. Daniel 7:7-8 says, "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words" (NKJ).
As our government seeks to destroy unapproved enterprises, the government of the Antichrist will destroy all who don't get on board with his agenda. Since President Obama was elected, I've really been amazed by the growth of the spirit of the Antichrist in the world. This development is just one more thing that reinforces that observation.
I have been accused of all but calling Obama the Antichrist. I do believe that he may well be one of the ten kings that yields sovereignty to the Antichrist but he does not meet all the criteria to be the Antichrist. Despite his messianic aura, I find it hard to believe that the Muslim world would accept Obama as al-Mahdi. And I heard a segment of one of his speeches last night where he pronounced the "p" and "s" in the word "corpsman" as he spoke to a military audience. He didn't do this miss-pronunciation just once but three or four times in less than a minute. What a buffoon. People made fun of G.W. Bush for scrambling words but he never depended so much on the teleprompter that he didn't even think about what he was saying. I would expect the Antichrist to be a consummate communicator even when off the teleprompter.
Every day something comes up which makes me glad to remember that one day soon Jesus will remove us from this corrupt world. I'm ready!
This is what happens when the government takes over businesses; fair competition suffers. Our corrupt government is not attacking Toyota because they are a foreign car company but because they are a non-union car company in competition with GM and Chrysler. Most of the Toyotas sold in the US are assembled here. So U.S. jobs are at stake. But since these are non union jobs, they are considered expendable by the government.
Such activities of the Government foreshadows what the government of the Antichrist will be like. Daniel 7:7-8 says, "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words" (NKJ).
As our government seeks to destroy unapproved enterprises, the government of the Antichrist will destroy all who don't get on board with his agenda. Since President Obama was elected, I've really been amazed by the growth of the spirit of the Antichrist in the world. This development is just one more thing that reinforces that observation.
I have been accused of all but calling Obama the Antichrist. I do believe that he may well be one of the ten kings that yields sovereignty to the Antichrist but he does not meet all the criteria to be the Antichrist. Despite his messianic aura, I find it hard to believe that the Muslim world would accept Obama as al-Mahdi. And I heard a segment of one of his speeches last night where he pronounced the "p" and "s" in the word "corpsman" as he spoke to a military audience. He didn't do this miss-pronunciation just once but three or four times in less than a minute. What a buffoon. People made fun of G.W. Bush for scrambling words but he never depended so much on the teleprompter that he didn't even think about what he was saying. I would expect the Antichrist to be a consummate communicator even when off the teleprompter.
Every day something comes up which makes me glad to remember that one day soon Jesus will remove us from this corrupt world. I'm ready!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rumors of Wars
Millions of people have been killed during the 12-year war in the Congo. But we don't hear much about this. Columnist Nicholas Kristof wishes eastern Congo could suffer an earthquake or a tsunami so that it might finally get the attention it needs. I guess man-made tragedies do not garner as much sympathy as acts of God.
Among the signs Jesus gave indicating His soon return was "rumors of wars" in Matthew 24:6. I'd say the war in Congo satisfies that description.
As the United States becomes more engrossed in our domestic issues, we can expect there to be more rumors of wars as time goes on. God is removing His restraining hand on evil in this world. This is not a time to be without eternal security.
Among the signs Jesus gave indicating His soon return was "rumors of wars" in Matthew 24:6. I'd say the war in Congo satisfies that description.
As the United States becomes more engrossed in our domestic issues, we can expect there to be more rumors of wars as time goes on. God is removing His restraining hand on evil in this world. This is not a time to be without eternal security.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his nation will deliver a harsh blow to "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Ahmadinejad is a religious zealot who believes that the Muslim messiah, al-Mahdi will come on the world scene in the midst of a worldwide conflict between nations. He has made it clear that he believes his calling from Allah is to stir up the conflagration between nations which brings forth al-Mahdi. This makes Ahmadinejad very dangerous.
I have found it fascinating that Liberals expressed such strong hatred for President George W. Bush. Certainly he got us into a war that was very unpopular but as I drilled down to the root reason they hated Bush so much, it was because he was an Evangelical Christian. A major reason unbelievers fear having a Bible-believing Christian in power is that decisions would be made that brings on Armageddon so that Christ would return. The Iraq war was seen as such a decision.
Liberals fear self-fulfilling prophecy. This fear comes from not understanding the nature of God. Liberals who don’t know God dismiss the idea that there is a Sovereign Creator who is in control of His creation. Yes, people are free to make choices, but God is Almighty enough for His will to be done despite the free will decisions of individuals.
What unbelievers have a hard time getting their arms around is that Bible-believing Christians know that God has a purpose for us here in this world. We are here to prepare for eternity and to take any action that would cut that time short would be a sin against God. The Apostle Paul expressed it this way… “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24, NKJ).
Yes, we look forward to Christ’s return because it will be our transition to an even better life in the presence of our Savior. But we will have all eternity for that better life, we should take full advantage of the prep-time we have in this world because it is limited. As Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
It is interesting to note that the very thing Liberals fear is what Ahmadinejad seeks to do. Yet Liberals don’t hate Ahmadinejad like they do Bush, they think we can appease him with kind words and reason. Spiritual warfare is real and has violent manifestations in this world. I can’t imagine facing the dangers of this world without the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
We don’t know what will happen on February 11th but the best way to be ready is… “draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
I have found it fascinating that Liberals expressed such strong hatred for President George W. Bush. Certainly he got us into a war that was very unpopular but as I drilled down to the root reason they hated Bush so much, it was because he was an Evangelical Christian. A major reason unbelievers fear having a Bible-believing Christian in power is that decisions would be made that brings on Armageddon so that Christ would return. The Iraq war was seen as such a decision.
Liberals fear self-fulfilling prophecy. This fear comes from not understanding the nature of God. Liberals who don’t know God dismiss the idea that there is a Sovereign Creator who is in control of His creation. Yes, people are free to make choices, but God is Almighty enough for His will to be done despite the free will decisions of individuals.
What unbelievers have a hard time getting their arms around is that Bible-believing Christians know that God has a purpose for us here in this world. We are here to prepare for eternity and to take any action that would cut that time short would be a sin against God. The Apostle Paul expressed it this way… “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24, NKJ).
Yes, we look forward to Christ’s return because it will be our transition to an even better life in the presence of our Savior. But we will have all eternity for that better life, we should take full advantage of the prep-time we have in this world because it is limited. As Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
It is interesting to note that the very thing Liberals fear is what Ahmadinejad seeks to do. Yet Liberals don’t hate Ahmadinejad like they do Bush, they think we can appease him with kind words and reason. Spiritual warfare is real and has violent manifestations in this world. I can’t imagine facing the dangers of this world without the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
We don’t know what will happen on February 11th but the best way to be ready is… “draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
Monday, February 1, 2010
False Messiahs
I read an article by Newsweek’s editor Jon Meacham which made the case that the reason President Obama has such low approval ratings was because he was governing from the center. Apparently Centrists are unable to please either the Left or the Right.
I find it quite amazing that someone could think that President Obama has been acting as a Centrist. But then this morning I ran across an article about some folks in Vermont that were seriously advocating succession from the Union because President Obama did not bring the change they expected in pulling the U.S. out of Iran and Afghanistan. Apparently Obama is not Left enough for these folks in Vermont.
It looks like since Obama has been more or less continuing much of the Bush foreign policy despite his rhetoric. The thing is, it is pretty obvious that Obama does not give a lot of thought to foreign policy since he is so focused on his domestic agenda. And this is very Leftist despite his Centrist-sounding flowery speeches. From a foreign policy perspective, Obama has pretty much continued the Bush initiatives as the path of least resistance. Obama’s heart is certainly in his Leftist domestic policy; remember how long it took him to make a decision about sending more troops to Afghanistan. And recall how little time he spent on talking about foreign policy in his record-long State of the Union speech.
The calculus that considers Obama to be a Centrist is not rational. We can expect to see more of this kind of irrational thinking as more people collectively move away from God… “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Romans 1:28, NKJ)
People who are not grounded in the truth are easily deceived being “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). As we get closer to Jesus returning, we can expect debased thinking and deception to grow because, “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Indeed, Jesus warned us that deception would grow to the point where it is rampant during the Tribulation… “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).
It is interesting to see President Obama often referred to in messianic terms. Certainly a lot of this is by conservative columnists and talk radio hosts but they are only putting in to clarifying words what is on the hearts of his adoring followers. The many people who placed their hopes in Obama for the change they wanted are now beginning to learn that he was a false savior. People who have placed their hope in Obama have made government into an idol. They see their salvation coming from the government and not from God. They don't know that “the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
If you think the growth of debased minds are making things pretty crazy in this world, stay tuned, there will be even more craziness to come.
I find it quite amazing that someone could think that President Obama has been acting as a Centrist. But then this morning I ran across an article about some folks in Vermont that were seriously advocating succession from the Union because President Obama did not bring the change they expected in pulling the U.S. out of Iran and Afghanistan. Apparently Obama is not Left enough for these folks in Vermont.
It looks like since Obama has been more or less continuing much of the Bush foreign policy despite his rhetoric. The thing is, it is pretty obvious that Obama does not give a lot of thought to foreign policy since he is so focused on his domestic agenda. And this is very Leftist despite his Centrist-sounding flowery speeches. From a foreign policy perspective, Obama has pretty much continued the Bush initiatives as the path of least resistance. Obama’s heart is certainly in his Leftist domestic policy; remember how long it took him to make a decision about sending more troops to Afghanistan. And recall how little time he spent on talking about foreign policy in his record-long State of the Union speech.
The calculus that considers Obama to be a Centrist is not rational. We can expect to see more of this kind of irrational thinking as more people collectively move away from God… “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Romans 1:28, NKJ)
People who are not grounded in the truth are easily deceived being “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). As we get closer to Jesus returning, we can expect debased thinking and deception to grow because, “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Indeed, Jesus warned us that deception would grow to the point where it is rampant during the Tribulation… “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).
It is interesting to see President Obama often referred to in messianic terms. Certainly a lot of this is by conservative columnists and talk radio hosts but they are only putting in to clarifying words what is on the hearts of his adoring followers. The many people who placed their hopes in Obama for the change they wanted are now beginning to learn that he was a false savior. People who have placed their hope in Obama have made government into an idol. They see their salvation coming from the government and not from God. They don't know that “the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
If you think the growth of debased minds are making things pretty crazy in this world, stay tuned, there will be even more craziness to come.
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