I am convinced that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. I have taken at least one bet about this... payable in push-ups at the winner's discretion in the New Jerusalem. I recently came across an argument from Ray Gano that reinforces my position on a Lamb & Lion Ministry TV program; see the Part 2 video.
You can also see text for the Ray Gano argument addressing the “people of the prince to come” of Daniel 9:26 here; scroll down to the heading for Ray Gano. The key point he makes is that the Tenth Legion of Rome under Titus was made up of mercenaries from surrounding countries that historically were enemies of Israel.
The other prophecy experts on the Lamb & Lion TV show that argued against the Antichrist being a Muslim generally dismiss the idea because no Muslim will worship a person who would declare himself to be god. But since Muslims don’t really believe truth to begin with, they are susceptible to being swayed be a charismatic leader that is one of their own. Indeed, all who don’t know the truth are able to be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Islam is essentially a huge cult and given the right leader, they will accept what he teaches hook, line, and sinker. That is the nature of cults; look at their history.
Also the idea that Muslims will be removed from the world scene since they will lose the Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 wars does not hold water in my mind either. The history of the Muslims has been one of losing wars over and over… but they don’t give up; they just reorganize and try again with new tactics at a later time. This has been the strategy of liberals who have sought to impose socialism in this country; they have never given up despite their set backs and you can see where that has gotten us today. Come to think of it, losing over and over has been Satan’s record as well. Fortunately the Lord will put an end to these cycles.
The Book of Revelation makes it clear that a strong religion is used by the Antichrist to unite the world. I just don’t see some new age paganism, apostate Christianity or the secular humanism of Europe being that strong of a galvanizing force. If they were, why hasn’t Satan used them more effectively on this side of the Tribulation? After the true Christians are removed in the Rapture, Islam will be the dominate religion on the planet by a huge margin. And we already know its capacity to enlist followers; its growth trend this side of the Tribulation foreshadows its growth during the Tribulation.
I do have to admit that Dave Regan gives an excellent argument that the Antichrist will not be a Muslim but I’m still convinced he will be. There are just too many of the puzzle pieces that fit together nicely with that perspective. Ultimately however, we will have to see. Indications are we will not have too long to wait.
Consider yourself invited to my push-up party in the New Jerusalem. Whether I have won or lost the bet, God will be glorified and it will be a great celebration.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Meanwhile in the Mideast
It seems like everyone is distracted by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant disaster in Japan. This is an event certainly worthy of distraction; we are right to be shaken-up by it. One of the messages we should see in this disaster is that our fallen world sorely needs Jesus Christ to come back and the increasing frequency of earthquakes is a sign that we don't have long to wait.
But another news story caught my attention that should shake us up even more... Iran claims to have put a spacecraft into orbit. If this is true, it means that they can build an intercontinental ballistic missile that could certainly hit Israel and even the United States with a nuclear weapon when they get one. And we all know they are working very hard to acquire nuclear weapons. This coupled with the hate of their leaders for both Israel and the United States along with their belief that instigating world conflict is necessary for the Islamic messiah, al Mahdi, to rise to power makes this a very threatening development.
I was pretty young at the time but understand that when the Soviets put Sputnik into orbit we went into such a panic that the U.S. space program finally got off the ground in a serious way. The amazing thing is that I have not even heard this Iranian claim reported in the mainstream press. Maybe it is just too amazing to be believed. It certainly is not politically correct in this day and age to consider that there is a nation out there doing their level best to bring an end to our way of life. It looks like we need to continue to read the Isreali press to stay up on the most important developments in the world.
Iran is ancient Persia and they play a key role in events during the Tribulation when they conspire with other Islamic nations in an attack against Israel. God delivers Israel which many believe is what gets Israel to collectively turn back to the true God of the Bible, Jesus Christ; see Ezekiel 38-39 for details. We can see the stage being set for this with all the posturing going on in the Mideast.
In light of all these developments, the best thing I can recommend is to keep listening for that Trumpet. Jesus is coming back and all indications are that we don't have long to wait.
But another news story caught my attention that should shake us up even more... Iran claims to have put a spacecraft into orbit. If this is true, it means that they can build an intercontinental ballistic missile that could certainly hit Israel and even the United States with a nuclear weapon when they get one. And we all know they are working very hard to acquire nuclear weapons. This coupled with the hate of their leaders for both Israel and the United States along with their belief that instigating world conflict is necessary for the Islamic messiah, al Mahdi, to rise to power makes this a very threatening development.
I was pretty young at the time but understand that when the Soviets put Sputnik into orbit we went into such a panic that the U.S. space program finally got off the ground in a serious way. The amazing thing is that I have not even heard this Iranian claim reported in the mainstream press. Maybe it is just too amazing to be believed. It certainly is not politically correct in this day and age to consider that there is a nation out there doing their level best to bring an end to our way of life. It looks like we need to continue to read the Isreali press to stay up on the most important developments in the world.
Iran is ancient Persia and they play a key role in events during the Tribulation when they conspire with other Islamic nations in an attack against Israel. God delivers Israel which many believe is what gets Israel to collectively turn back to the true God of the Bible, Jesus Christ; see Ezekiel 38-39 for details. We can see the stage being set for this with all the posturing going on in the Mideast.
In light of all these developments, the best thing I can recommend is to keep listening for that Trumpet. Jesus is coming back and all indications are that we don't have long to wait.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bad Luck
Well it was inevitable. Scientists are being called on to reassure the public that the obvious increase in earthquakes is not a sign of the Apocalypse. Dr. Daniel McNamara, a research seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey said, “We’ve just had bad luck, they’ve occurred in places near to centers of population and then it becomes news.”
I’m sure that it will come as a surprise to Dr. McNamara that there is no such thing as luck, bad or otherwise. Trusting in luck is a sure sign of a materialistic worldview. Even claiming to believe in the Creator-God but having a deistic view of Him thinking He doesn’t intervene in the affairs of mankind reveals a lack of knowledge about the God of the Bible.
When the Bible uses the term Almighty, this means that God is in absolute control. Nothing happens outside His permissive will, “for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Revelation 19:6, NKJ). God is in such control that even the atoms that make up all matter are being held together by Him; “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). God is actively sustaining His creation, “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3).
God is allowing record-setting earthquakes to shake up mankind for a purpose. (Pardon the pun but I couldn’t resist especially since God Himself uses this word-picture, see Haggai 2:6-1.) Everything God does is intended to draw people to Him before time runs out. Sure there will be hardcore materialists who refuse to believe the evidence of the signs that Jesus told us to watch for. But there will be some with a mustard seed of faith who will respond to these events and turn to Jesus for salvation.
Indeed God used a shake-up in world politics to bring me to Him to make sense of what was happening. It made no sense to me that the Cold war superpower stand-off between the U.S. and Soviet Union could be resolved over night. But this made perfect sense in light of Bible prophecy to move the world closer to a one-world government (see my testimony).
The message in the increase in frequency and intensity of these devastating earthquakes is clear… get ready for Jesus is coming soon. If it were just the earthquakes, it might be easier to dismiss this sign but the developments in geopolitics are even clearer that we are getting close to the 70th week of Daniel. Just look at Israel and the nations that are most threatening to Israel. The emergence of Islam as the chief protagonist to Israel is amazing; the Tribulation stage is now effectively set.
Given the many worldwide trends indicating that the Tribulation has to be near, I can confidently predict that the “bad luck” with earthquakes will continue and even get worse. Of course the devout materialists will continue to dismiss these even more urgent signs. The time will come when it will be too late to make a decision for Christ. If you have not yet taken that step of faith, I pray that you’d give Jesus a try before it is too late…
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).
I’m sure that it will come as a surprise to Dr. McNamara that there is no such thing as luck, bad or otherwise. Trusting in luck is a sure sign of a materialistic worldview. Even claiming to believe in the Creator-God but having a deistic view of Him thinking He doesn’t intervene in the affairs of mankind reveals a lack of knowledge about the God of the Bible.
When the Bible uses the term Almighty, this means that God is in absolute control. Nothing happens outside His permissive will, “for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Revelation 19:6, NKJ). God is in such control that even the atoms that make up all matter are being held together by Him; “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). God is actively sustaining His creation, “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3).
God is allowing record-setting earthquakes to shake up mankind for a purpose. (Pardon the pun but I couldn’t resist especially since God Himself uses this word-picture, see Haggai 2:6-1.) Everything God does is intended to draw people to Him before time runs out. Sure there will be hardcore materialists who refuse to believe the evidence of the signs that Jesus told us to watch for. But there will be some with a mustard seed of faith who will respond to these events and turn to Jesus for salvation.
Indeed God used a shake-up in world politics to bring me to Him to make sense of what was happening. It made no sense to me that the Cold war superpower stand-off between the U.S. and Soviet Union could be resolved over night. But this made perfect sense in light of Bible prophecy to move the world closer to a one-world government (see my testimony).
The message in the increase in frequency and intensity of these devastating earthquakes is clear… get ready for Jesus is coming soon. If it were just the earthquakes, it might be easier to dismiss this sign but the developments in geopolitics are even clearer that we are getting close to the 70th week of Daniel. Just look at Israel and the nations that are most threatening to Israel. The emergence of Islam as the chief protagonist to Israel is amazing; the Tribulation stage is now effectively set.
Given the many worldwide trends indicating that the Tribulation has to be near, I can confidently predict that the “bad luck” with earthquakes will continue and even get worse. Of course the devout materialists will continue to dismiss these even more urgent signs. The time will come when it will be too late to make a decision for Christ. If you have not yet taken that step of faith, I pray that you’d give Jesus a try before it is too late…
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Last Trump
All who love the prophetic Scriptures are familiar with the Rapture passage in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (NKJ).
I was reading an article in the March issue of Midnight Call magazine which pointed out that people in Paul’s day would have recognized the implications of the term “last trumpet” from observing the Roman army. When the Roman army broke camp to move on, a trumpet would sound three times. The first trumpet blast signaled a command to take their tents down and prepare to depart. The second trumpet was a command to assemble into their regiments in preparation to leave. The third trumpet was the signal to move out.
This historical context intrigued me as I considered how it might apply to the Rapture of the Church. It occurred to me that perhaps the Rapture will not be the event that by itself launches the world into chaos. Indeed, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33, NIV). So instead of the Rapture causing a bunch of accidents with suddenly driverless cars crashing into things, perhaps our departure will be more orderly.
On another occasion Paul addressed the Rapture, he said, “but you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief” (1Thessalonians 5:4, NKJ). I had always taken this passage to mean that we can know the season of the Lord’s return for us by the signs indicating the Tribulation is near. But a literal interpretation of this would be that the Lord will tell us when we need to prepare to leave earth. God certainly revealed to His followers that He would be taking Elijah to heaven, see 2 Kings 2:1-11. God taking Elijah to heaven has often been seen as one of the Old Testament types of the Rapture.
Given that God will announce to His followers that they need to get ready to be taken to heaven, I doubt we’ll be given much warning. There will not be time to complete any unfinished business that God has called us to. How long did it take for a Roman soldier to pack up their gear? I experienced a similar thing in the U.S. Army Field Artillery when a battery got the command to “march order.” Things generally happened pretty fast because the better soldiers anticipated that command and were ready which we certainly should be ourselves as good soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
If the three trumpets associated with the Roman army breaking camp apply to the Rapture, then the first one might be an audible command from Jesus to His followers that we should immediately stop what we are doing and go to a place He specifies. This, for example could keep a Christian pilot from taking a planned flight so that there would be no pilot-less aircraft falling from the sky. Jesus might call His followers to assemble at various places like a particular home, some church campus or to meet other West Texas Christian travelers at a near-by rest stop (since I'm on the road a lot).
The second trump might be a call for the various assemblies of Christians to pray in preparation to leave the planet. This would be a good last opportunity for followers of Jesus to ask forgiveness for anything that has hindered our fellowship with the Lord before we meet Him face-to-face. It is actually a good practice to stay “prayed-up” in this regard because having a last opportunity to ask for forgiveness is still speculation on my part. And there will certainly be other things on our minds that deserve prayer the last minutes before we know we are about to leave earth. Like for loved ones we fear are about to be left behind. God is sovereign and He answers prayer; no telling how many people might be saved by God’s grace just prior to the Rapture.
I imagine the third (last) trump to be like what the Apostle John experienced: “after these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here’” (Revelation 4:1). This passage is widely accepted by Bible scholars to be a type of the Rapture so I fully expect to hear God’s voice clear as a trumpet calling me to join Him in heaven.
The Church Age began with an assembly of believers in Jerusalem at Pentecost; I wouldn’t be surprised if it is concluded similarly but with many multitudes of assemblies everywhere on earth… “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). At Pentecost, Peter explained the supernatural events by quoting prophecy in Joel 2:28, “it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). It will not surprise me if all true followers of Christ receive some sort of direct revelation such as where to assemble just prior to the conclusion of the Church Age.
How the Lord will conduct the Rapture is what I consider “somewhat educated” speculation on my part. I’m sure I’ll be surprised by how it actually takes place. But this analysis makes sense given the historical context and I believe God is revealing more things about end times events than any generation has ever experienced… “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4).
If God does call us to immediately cease our activities in preparation for the Rapture, I’d expect only true followers of Jesus to hear that command. As God called Paul on the Damascus road, those with him knew that something supernatural was occurring, but only Paul heard what Jesus said (Acts 9:3-7). Only those prepared to meet Jesus will be invited to “come up here.” Those who love their life in this world will miss the Rapture; “remember Lot's wife” (Luke 17:32). And as Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Given everything going on in this world today, it behooves us to be ready to leave here by making sure we are in a healthy relationship with Jesus. “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
As I heard a man who loved the prophetic Scriptures once say, “there are so many signs of the Lord’s soon return that I’m no longer watching so much as I’m listening.” In this day, all followers of Jesus need to stay ready to say, “speak, LORD, for Your servant hears!” (1 Samuel 3:9).
I was reading an article in the March issue of Midnight Call magazine which pointed out that people in Paul’s day would have recognized the implications of the term “last trumpet” from observing the Roman army. When the Roman army broke camp to move on, a trumpet would sound three times. The first trumpet blast signaled a command to take their tents down and prepare to depart. The second trumpet was a command to assemble into their regiments in preparation to leave. The third trumpet was the signal to move out.
This historical context intrigued me as I considered how it might apply to the Rapture of the Church. It occurred to me that perhaps the Rapture will not be the event that by itself launches the world into chaos. Indeed, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33, NIV). So instead of the Rapture causing a bunch of accidents with suddenly driverless cars crashing into things, perhaps our departure will be more orderly.
On another occasion Paul addressed the Rapture, he said, “but you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief” (1Thessalonians 5:4, NKJ). I had always taken this passage to mean that we can know the season of the Lord’s return for us by the signs indicating the Tribulation is near. But a literal interpretation of this would be that the Lord will tell us when we need to prepare to leave earth. God certainly revealed to His followers that He would be taking Elijah to heaven, see 2 Kings 2:1-11. God taking Elijah to heaven has often been seen as one of the Old Testament types of the Rapture.
Given that God will announce to His followers that they need to get ready to be taken to heaven, I doubt we’ll be given much warning. There will not be time to complete any unfinished business that God has called us to. How long did it take for a Roman soldier to pack up their gear? I experienced a similar thing in the U.S. Army Field Artillery when a battery got the command to “march order.” Things generally happened pretty fast because the better soldiers anticipated that command and were ready which we certainly should be ourselves as good soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
If the three trumpets associated with the Roman army breaking camp apply to the Rapture, then the first one might be an audible command from Jesus to His followers that we should immediately stop what we are doing and go to a place He specifies. This, for example could keep a Christian pilot from taking a planned flight so that there would be no pilot-less aircraft falling from the sky. Jesus might call His followers to assemble at various places like a particular home, some church campus or to meet other West Texas Christian travelers at a near-by rest stop (since I'm on the road a lot).
The second trump might be a call for the various assemblies of Christians to pray in preparation to leave the planet. This would be a good last opportunity for followers of Jesus to ask forgiveness for anything that has hindered our fellowship with the Lord before we meet Him face-to-face. It is actually a good practice to stay “prayed-up” in this regard because having a last opportunity to ask for forgiveness is still speculation on my part. And there will certainly be other things on our minds that deserve prayer the last minutes before we know we are about to leave earth. Like for loved ones we fear are about to be left behind. God is sovereign and He answers prayer; no telling how many people might be saved by God’s grace just prior to the Rapture.
I imagine the third (last) trump to be like what the Apostle John experienced: “after these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here’” (Revelation 4:1). This passage is widely accepted by Bible scholars to be a type of the Rapture so I fully expect to hear God’s voice clear as a trumpet calling me to join Him in heaven.
The Church Age began with an assembly of believers in Jerusalem at Pentecost; I wouldn’t be surprised if it is concluded similarly but with many multitudes of assemblies everywhere on earth… “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). At Pentecost, Peter explained the supernatural events by quoting prophecy in Joel 2:28, “it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). It will not surprise me if all true followers of Christ receive some sort of direct revelation such as where to assemble just prior to the conclusion of the Church Age.
How the Lord will conduct the Rapture is what I consider “somewhat educated” speculation on my part. I’m sure I’ll be surprised by how it actually takes place. But this analysis makes sense given the historical context and I believe God is revealing more things about end times events than any generation has ever experienced… “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4).
If God does call us to immediately cease our activities in preparation for the Rapture, I’d expect only true followers of Jesus to hear that command. As God called Paul on the Damascus road, those with him knew that something supernatural was occurring, but only Paul heard what Jesus said (Acts 9:3-7). Only those prepared to meet Jesus will be invited to “come up here.” Those who love their life in this world will miss the Rapture; “remember Lot's wife” (Luke 17:32). And as Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Given everything going on in this world today, it behooves us to be ready to leave here by making sure we are in a healthy relationship with Jesus. “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
As I heard a man who loved the prophetic Scriptures once say, “there are so many signs of the Lord’s soon return that I’m no longer watching so much as I’m listening.” In this day, all followers of Jesus need to stay ready to say, “speak, LORD, for Your servant hears!” (1 Samuel 3:9).
Friday, March 11, 2011
Earthquakes and Anarchy
Japan has just had the largest earthquake in their history. If we are indeed in the last days before Jesus comes for His Church, Matthew 24:7 tells us we can expect more such record-breaking earthquakes. Most people will dismiss this trend as coincidence, but Christians know that God is in control and He allows such developments to serve a purpose. To those who know and love the prophetic Scriptures, the message is clear: “Surely I am coming quickly” (Revelation 22:20, NKJ).
There is much more than earthquakes speaking this message today. One story caught my eye that reinforces an end-times trend that was the subject of my last blog post, increasing persecution of those who follow Jesus…
More than 50 churches, nearly 30 houses, a school and an orphanage along with other Christian-owned buildings have been destroyed by rampaging Muslims in Ethiopia.
This is pretty amazing because Ethiopia is considered a majority-Christian nation. The rampaging Muslims must feel empowered by the anarchy sweeping through North Africa and the Mideast. It is not hard to extrapolate where such anarchy will lead; a strong-man leader who appeases the people by imposing Shariah Law will need to be installed. Such Islamic theocracies formalize the persecution of Christians because “infidels” are not tolerated in societies under Shariah.
What is interesting is that Mideast Muslims appear to be on fire to see Islamic governments installed and the end of all other power structures. I see a parallel between the popular demonstrations in the Mideast and the union thug-perpetrated demonstrations in Wisconsin. Anarchists hate due process and the rule of law making death threats to those they oppose.
It is interesting to note that anarchists are almost always on the left of the political spectrum. They hate authority and see their power in the chaos they can perpetrate. Do you see the parallel with the radical Islamists who seek the turmoil they believe is necessary for their world leader al Mahdi to emerge?
The Leftists and Islamists have many things in common and they are becoming emboldened in our day. Those with Leftist worldviews open themselves up to being influenced by demons. The fallen angels inspiring anarchy are organized and seek to install their proxies on earth. This current growing rejection of the “old order” is a foreshadowing of when Satan and his minions are kicked out of the spiritual realm during the Tribulation… "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time" (Revelation 12:12).
God is removing His restraint on evil in this world and evidence of this along with the record-breaking earthquakes tell us that time is short. Be ready; we don’t have long to suffer in this increasingly fallen world!
There is much more than earthquakes speaking this message today. One story caught my eye that reinforces an end-times trend that was the subject of my last blog post, increasing persecution of those who follow Jesus…
More than 50 churches, nearly 30 houses, a school and an orphanage along with other Christian-owned buildings have been destroyed by rampaging Muslims in Ethiopia.
This is pretty amazing because Ethiopia is considered a majority-Christian nation. The rampaging Muslims must feel empowered by the anarchy sweeping through North Africa and the Mideast. It is not hard to extrapolate where such anarchy will lead; a strong-man leader who appeases the people by imposing Shariah Law will need to be installed. Such Islamic theocracies formalize the persecution of Christians because “infidels” are not tolerated in societies under Shariah.
What is interesting is that Mideast Muslims appear to be on fire to see Islamic governments installed and the end of all other power structures. I see a parallel between the popular demonstrations in the Mideast and the union thug-perpetrated demonstrations in Wisconsin. Anarchists hate due process and the rule of law making death threats to those they oppose.
It is interesting to note that anarchists are almost always on the left of the political spectrum. They hate authority and see their power in the chaos they can perpetrate. Do you see the parallel with the radical Islamists who seek the turmoil they believe is necessary for their world leader al Mahdi to emerge?
The Leftists and Islamists have many things in common and they are becoming emboldened in our day. Those with Leftist worldviews open themselves up to being influenced by demons. The fallen angels inspiring anarchy are organized and seek to install their proxies on earth. This current growing rejection of the “old order” is a foreshadowing of when Satan and his minions are kicked out of the spiritual realm during the Tribulation… "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time" (Revelation 12:12).
God is removing His restraint on evil in this world and evidence of this along with the record-breaking earthquakes tell us that time is short. Be ready; we don’t have long to suffer in this increasingly fallen world!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Islamic Freedom Lovers
If there is any doubt about what the change in Egypt means, this article about a mob of nearly four thousand Muslims attacking Coptic Christian homes and Churches should be revealing. Don't expect to hear this story in the mainstream media because it doesn't fit with the pervasive worldview that radical Islam has nothing to do with the unrest in the Mideast. No one in the media wants to admit that there is a spiritual component to what is going on there.
I've observed a pattern, when people get a little taste of political power, their true nature becomes manifest. That is why the Muslims in Egypt feel free to now attack Christians. Most people just don't want to face the fact that Islam is the doctrine of demons Satan will use to subjugate the world under his representative. One thing I look forward to when the Lord returns is an end of political correctness; only the truth will be tolerated.
The Egyptian mobs seeking to rid themselves of Christians is a mild foreshadowing of what it will be like for followers of Jesus during the Tribulation. Jesus said His followers can expect persecution... "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20, NKJ). Christians have always experienced some degree of persecution but it will be hell on earth when Satan and his minions are given free-reign during the time following the rapture of the Church.
I wouldn't want to put off following Jesus until the rapture occurred which some think they need to prove that the Bible is true. Besides the severe persecution, there will be a "strong delusion" that will cause people to believe the rapture to be something other than what it really is (2 Thessalonians 2:11). It will be a lot harder to be a follower of Jesus after the rapture than it is now.
The spirit of Antichrist is rapidly growing in the world; now is not the time to equivocate about Jesus Christ.
I've observed a pattern, when people get a little taste of political power, their true nature becomes manifest. That is why the Muslims in Egypt feel free to now attack Christians. Most people just don't want to face the fact that Islam is the doctrine of demons Satan will use to subjugate the world under his representative. One thing I look forward to when the Lord returns is an end of political correctness; only the truth will be tolerated.
The Egyptian mobs seeking to rid themselves of Christians is a mild foreshadowing of what it will be like for followers of Jesus during the Tribulation. Jesus said His followers can expect persecution... "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20, NKJ). Christians have always experienced some degree of persecution but it will be hell on earth when Satan and his minions are given free-reign during the time following the rapture of the Church.
I wouldn't want to put off following Jesus until the rapture occurred which some think they need to prove that the Bible is true. Besides the severe persecution, there will be a "strong delusion" that will cause people to believe the rapture to be something other than what it really is (2 Thessalonians 2:11). It will be a lot harder to be a follower of Jesus after the rapture than it is now.
The spirit of Antichrist is rapidly growing in the world; now is not the time to equivocate about Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
End Times Islamic Trend
One of the most significant trends that indicates we are in the end times before Jesus returns is the growth of Islam. I believe the Antichrist will be Islamic and news developments certainly reinforce this idea. As our government wrings its hands over what to do about Libya, it doesn't much matter; the Islamic leaders will blame the U.S. and Israel no matter what we do. For example, the Yemeni president believes the U.S. and Israel is behind the unrest among Arabs.
The Islamic world hates Israel because they hate the God of the Bible and Israel is the Apple of God's Eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). They hate the U.S. because we support Israel and the reason we support Israel is because of the strong Christian influence that still exists in this country despite the best efforts of the Secular Humanists.
It is fascinating to me that Islam wasn't even on the radar screen in this country until 9/11/2001 and it has sure been very active since then. Despite all that, I don't believe our country's leaders really understand the nature of the threat. Israel National News recently reported that the Obama administration has granted a visa to Professor Tariq Ramadan, a leading member of Europe's Muslim Brotherhood. It is not clear to me whether our government really doesn't know what the Muslim Brotherhood is all about or they are willfully trying to appease those in geopolitical ascendancy. Either way, the trend to boost the influence of Islam is undeniable.
Every day the news cries out for the Lord to return; and one day very soon He will. I look forward to that Day.
The Islamic world hates Israel because they hate the God of the Bible and Israel is the Apple of God's Eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). They hate the U.S. because we support Israel and the reason we support Israel is because of the strong Christian influence that still exists in this country despite the best efforts of the Secular Humanists.
It is fascinating to me that Islam wasn't even on the radar screen in this country until 9/11/2001 and it has sure been very active since then. Despite all that, I don't believe our country's leaders really understand the nature of the threat. Israel National News recently reported that the Obama administration has granted a visa to Professor Tariq Ramadan, a leading member of Europe's Muslim Brotherhood. It is not clear to me whether our government really doesn't know what the Muslim Brotherhood is all about or they are willfully trying to appease those in geopolitical ascendancy. Either way, the trend to boost the influence of Islam is undeniable.
Every day the news cries out for the Lord to return; and one day very soon He will. I look forward to that Day.
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