One Step CLoser to One World Religion

One Step CLoser to One World Religion ‎26 ‎June, ‎2011 (Scott)

It is just amazing how close we are to the Tribulation. Just take a look at this:

Another Step Closer To A One World Religion: 50 U.S. Churches To Read From The Quran On Sunday

The three main pillars of the "New World Order" that the global elite want to bring about are a one world economy, a one world government and a one world religion.

A lot of attention gets paid to the development of the first two pillars, but the third pillar gets very little attention. But the truth is that a one world religion is getting closer than ever.

"Interfaith" conferences and meetings are being held with increasing frequency all over the globe. Major global religious leaders are urging all of us to focus on our "shared" religious traditions. The belief that all religions are equally valid paths to the same destination is being taught in houses of worship and at religious institutions all over the globe.

Now some U.S. churches are trying to take things to another level. On June 26th, the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and approximately 50 other churches in 26 U.S. states will publicly read from the Quran during their Sunday worship services.

Interestingly, it is typically the same churches who refuse to support Israel - ignoring the mandate as directed by the Holy Bible.

This is all part of an interfaith project being promoted by the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First. The theme of this Sunday is "Faith Shared: Uniting in Prayer and Understanding", and the goal is apparently to show how much Christian churches in the United States respect Islam.

The following are some of the other prominent U.S. churches that will be doing Quran readings this Sunday....

*Christ Church in New York City
*All Saints Church in Pasadena, California
*Park Hill Congregational in Denver
*Hillview United Methodist in Boise, Idaho
*First United Lutheran in San Francisco
*St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu

In all, churches in 26 U.S. states will be participating.

I have a feeling these same churches would refuse to take a literal view of the Bible, including prophecy.

But these Quran readings are just supposed to be the beginning of something bigger. The following is from a description of the Quran reading project on the website of Human Rights First....

At its core, this project will bring together Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy to read from and hear from each other’s sacred texts. In doing so, they will serve as a model for respect and cooperation and create a concrete opportunity to build and strengthen working ties between and among faith communities moving forward.

There are at least some strong rebuttals to this effort, thankfully:

Obviously, many Christian leaders are not pleased with this development. Worldview Weekend President Brannon Howse recently made the following comment regarding the reading of the Quran in U.S. churches....

"They have denied the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. They have denied the inerrancy of Scripture; they've denied the inspiration of Scripture."

But too few and far between. We already saw what happened to Jack Van Impe for his strong rebuke.

Many top U.S. Christian leaders have been very involved in the "interfaith movement" as well.

For example, Brian McLaren, one of the top leaders of the emerging church movement, actually celebrated Ramadan back in 2009.

Rick Warren, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has been a guest speaker at the national conference of the Islamic Society of North America.

Lets not forget what the Bible has to say:

In John 14:6, Jesus made the following statement.....

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

You would think that would be so clear that no Christian leader would ever be able to misunderstand it.

Let us also not forget that Jesus warned us of this day in His prophetic messages:

"At that time, many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." (Matthew 24:10-11)

"Jesus said to them: Watch out that no one deceives you."
(Mark 13:5)

And we also know from the book of Revelation, chapters 2-3, as we proceed through the history of the Church Age, that in these last days the predominate church on earth would be the Church of Laodicea.

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." (Revelation 3:15-17)

A one world religion is coming to the earth, and the ground work is being prepared. Like all of the other signs that we follow daily, we are watching this one shaping up exactly as we would expect based upon a literal view of prophecy.

We shouldn't be surprised.

See also:

Who will left behind?

Rapture Alert! Make Sure You don't Left Behind

What Will You Do If You Are Left Behind?

After the Rapture

The Tribulation

How the Peace of Jerusalem Will Be Established

How the Peace of Jerusalem Will Be Established

‎Today, ‎20 ‎June, ‎2011, ‏‎10 hours ago | (The Ignorant Fishermen)  

As of late, we have seen the world led by the United States seeking to strip Israel from it present day borders and bullying them into a forced agreement with those who absolutely abhor them and seek their utter destruction. Sadly, America (who is governed at the moment by the progress Left) has always been Israel’s strongest ally but at present has have forsaken Israel and have thrown them under the Middle East Islamic bus. With an anti-Israeli Europe and now a current anti-Israeli U.S. administration, Israel’s back is totally up against the wall and they know it.

"Sadly, America (who is governed at the moment by the progress Left) - has always been Israel’s strongest ally but at present has seem to have forsaken Israel and have thrown them under the Middle East Islamic bus"

When the present world in which we are living in has become hostel and aggressive towards Israel, do not expect to see them idly stand by and let the world decide their fate and eradicate them from off of the face of the earth. Israel is a military might in that region with nukes and is armed to the teeth. As the world continues its anti-Semitic agenda they will one day choose to look the other way and allow Israel’s enemies in that region to grossly cross the line with Israel. It will be then that Israel - in the reaction of self defense and national survival - will finally strike back with great fury and military might. Israel will totally institute the Limbaugh Doctrine and secure their borders. They will obliterate and wipe out their border enemies unto the point that they will achieve finally complete safety and security (Ezek 38:8, Ezek 38:11-12). Israel will bring about their “own” peace and the world at that time will be forced to recognize it. It will be after this time that a man from Europe will broker a deal and lend his might to a covenant (peace treaty) on behalf of Israel’s greatly defeated enemies. This European leader will enter into a seven year covenant with Israel not from a position of dominance but rather from a secondary position of weakness (Dan. 9:27, Rev. 6:2).

It will be just before these events transpire that the Rapture of the Church will takes place in which Almighty God the Son will call out His body (saints and ambassadors). This event (i.e., The Rapture) will be a wondrous sign unto the apostate western “post - Christian” world and have more of an impact on their culture and society than other regions the whole world. For it will be just after this event takes place that all had better be prepared, for Almighty God's "Day of Wrath" is now at hand (2 Thess. 2:3-12)!

"All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pangs) Matt. 24:8".

As we are leading up to that time we are ever seeing Israel’s border enemies being ever more embolden to stir up strife and lash out against Israel. Just in this last month alone we have seen Israel’s border enemies seeking to bait and provoke Israel to engage them and rally world opinion and its leaders against them. Israel’s border enemies - especially the Palestinian people - sadly are nothing but the pawns and victims of the anti Semetic Arab nations, Iran and Russia. These weaker Islamic nations are more than willing to heed to these voices and are rapidly chomping at the bit to destroy Israel and occupy Israel’s land.

Connecting the Dots

Now to put this all together with a last days biblical perspective. The official commencement of the horrific seven year period (i.e., The Day of the Lord) will begin with the breaking of the 1st seal (i.e., the "Confirming of the Covenant" - Dan. 9:27) by Almighty God’s Lamb (i.e., The Lord Jesus Christ) in Heaven (Rev. 6:1). It is at this precise moment that the man of lawlessness (i.e., the anti-Christ) will be revealed unto the entire world (2 Thess. 2: 3-12; Rev. 6:2). This revealing of the Anti-Christ and the commencement of this seven year tribulation period will begin (as was stated prior) when this man (i.e., the Anti-Christ) adding his position of great power and authority to a covenant with Israel on the behalf of Israel’s DEFEATED enemies (Ezek. 38:8,11-12, Dan. 9: 27). Israel will sign this covenant from a position of absolute strength, not weakness. This prophetic position is contrary to that to which many great biblical scholars have held through the years (Ezek 38: 8). When this position (position of strength) is received, all the prophetic pieces come together as we shall see.

"Israel will sign this covenant from a position of absolute strength, not weakness contrary to that which many biblical scholars have believed"

With the complete defeat of Israel's border enemies Israel will then have the rest and peace that they have so long have sought and dwell in their land in complete safety. One event Israel did not anticipate will be the Rapture of the Church of believers (Israel's strongest ally) and the arrival of Almighty God’s Two wondrous Messengers (Ezek. 38:8,11-12, Rev. 11:3-7). Sadly with this newly acquisition and position of power Israel's heart will NOT be right with Almighty God (Rev. 11:8). Tragically, for in Israel’s new found security and rest they will only seek to corrupt themselves and find themselves hard against the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Almighty God and His Two Messengers. It will be also during this time that Israel (like it or not) will have the super natural protection of Almighty God’s Two Witnesses who - just coming off of 3000 years in the presence of Almighty God in glory - will possess Almighty God's Divine authority. These Two Men will be extremely more powerful than Satan’s anti - Christ and his global confederacies (Rev. 11:3-6). These Two will be ABSOLUTELY INVINCIBLE during their 1260 days of ministry!

"This revealing of the Anti-Christ and the commencement of this seven year tribulation period will begin when this man (i.e., the Anti-Christ) adds his position of great power and authority to a covenant with Israel on the behalf of Israel’s defeated enemies"

During this time of ease for the nation Israel these Two Lamp Stands of Almighty God (Moses and Elijah) will preach salvation in Jesus Messiah, re- institute the temple, its sacrifices and its priesthood. They will preach repentance and testify to ALL in the earth that the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. These Two will then prepare the remnant of believing Jews and a chosen 144,000 Jewish men - from the 12 tribes of Israel - (Matt. 24:14, Rev. 7:4-8, 11:13) for their global ministry unto ALL nations of the earth and preach the Messiah’s glorious gospel and imminent return and Kingdom. It will be at this time -the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period - that the WORLD will seek every and any opportunity to root out and destroy these two Divinely appointed vessels of Almighty God... all to no avail (Mal. 4:4-6, Rev.14:1-4,11:3-8).

It will be at this time - at the beginning of this seven year period, while Israel dwells in their land in absolute safety - that the WHOLE GENTILE WORLD will be catastrophically trodden down by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Trumpet Judgments of Almighty God and the demonic host of destroyers (Rev. 6-9). These events along with their consequences - including the unopposed preaching of RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Two Witnesses of Almighty God (Mal. 4:4-6, John 3:19-21, Rev. 11:2-4,10) will only stir up the world’s exponential rage and hatred for Israel (Rev. 11:10).

"The Two Witnesses of Almighty God will only stir up the world’s exponential rage and hatred for Israel"

As these 3 ½ years go by, Israel and their hosts of unbelieving Jews will now begin to feel the chastening hand of Almighty God via Gog and Magog (Ezek. 38-39), the global ravishing of Satan’s hatred and the world’s wrath (Rev. 11:8) and the Abomination of Desolation (Matt. 24:15-17, 2 Thess. 2:8-13, Rev 13). As the Second Woe comes to a near completion, so also does the mighty Two Witnesses of Almighty God’s ministry and their protective hand over Israel. As their 1260 days are now fully accomplished, the Anti Christ will NOW own the next remaining 3 ½ years or 1260 days or 42 months of this tribulation period (Rev. 11:3; 13:1-5). As he breaks his covenant with Israel (Dan 9:27), he will violently murder Almighty God’s Two Witnesses. It will be this momentous event (the murder of Almighty God’s Two Witnesses) that a long awaited god hating, anti-Semitic ravished world will then with all their wretched being rejoice exceedingly at the Anti Christ’s victory and confess unto all, “Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him” (Rev. 11:8-10,13)? This one event will solidify the world's allegiance to the beast, to Lucifer and institute the 666 global state.

As the godless and lawless world celebrates with exceeding godless joy, this rejoicing will be short lived. For at the end of 3 ½ days Almighty God’s Two Witnesses will then be resuscitation and ascension into Heaven in front of the world's masses and their newly reigning “ savior” (i.e., Anti Christ) (Matt. 24:15, Rev. 13:1-5). It will be at this moment that all of the air in their lawless bag will be let out. The world’s short lived exceeding joy and rejoicing will be instantly turned into exceeding terror and fear. As REALITY now totally permeates ALL of the world's godless inhabitants, their fear and dread will now turn to uncontrollable rage and they will now seek to go after Israel with ALL of their being. Any who call on the name of the Messiah of Israel will now be in their sights (Rev. 12:6, 12-17, 13, 17:11-14). This "time" (i.e., 42 months ) under the anti Christ has now FULLY begun which is called, “Great Tribulation" or "Jacob’s Trouble”.

"The world’s short lived exceeding joy and rejoicing will be instantly turned into exceeding terror and fear"

It will be now - with the rise of the Anti Christ as chief global autocratic and the establishment and institution of the Abomination of Desolation (Dan. 12, Zech. 11. Matt. 24:15, Rev. 11:1-2, 12:9-17, 13) that Israel’s’ security and safety will now be a thing of the past. No more will they dwell in safety and have the luxury to do as "they" please. For they will now be persecuted to a level unparalleled in the annals of history and suffer greatly under the hand of Lucifer and the godless nations of the world under the anti Christ (Isa. 24:5-6, Zech. 13:8-9, 14:2, Matt. 24:15-51, Rev. 12:9-17).

"The Messiah of Israel will come from Heaven glory and destroy the armies of the anti Christ which have gathered against Israel and then establish His glorious Kingdom reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem"

It will be at the end of all of these events (seven years to the exact day from the stregnthing of the covant) that Almighty God’s Son, the Messiah of Israel will come from Heaven glory and destroy the armies of the anti Christ which have gathered against Israel and then establish His glorious Kingdom reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem (Isa. 11:1-10, Micah 4:1-3, Zech 12:8-14, 13:1, 14:1-4, Rev. 1:7, 20:6). In these brief seven years, Israel will have come full circle. Finally, it will be during this time of great testing and horrific persecution by the gentile nations under the Anti Christ (Isa. 24:5-6, Zech. 13:8-9,12:9-7,13) that Israel will turn from their godless ways and receive their Messiah and Savior, the Lord Yeshua Messiah (Deut. 4:30, Isa.25:9, 45:17, Jer. 33:16, Zech. 12:8-14,13:1,9, Rom. 11:26). It will take the Divine judgment and the natural and super natural ravishing of planet earth and her godless inhabitants (Isa. 24:5-6, Matt. 24, Rev. 13) - which concludes with the final blood bath of the Battle of Armageddon (Zech. 12:2-4, 14:1-4, Rev. 16:13-16, Rev. 19:11-21) - to bring Israel to the place of repentance and deliverance (Isa. 25:9, Zech. 12:8-14, 13:1,9).

 It will be the ravishing of Israel under the anti Christ,climaxing with the global bloodbath of Armageddon at Messiah's glorious return in which Jesus Messiah will obliterate the global armies of the Anti Christ which will finally bring about a TRUE and EVERLASTING PEACE to Jerusalem (the City of Peace), to the nation of Israel and to the world (Zech. 12:4,14:2-4, Rev. 19:11-21)!

"It will be the ravishing of Israel under the anti Christ, climaxing with the global bloodbath of Armageddon at Messiah's glorious return that will finally bring about a TRUE and EVERLASTING PEACE to Jerusalem (the City of Peace) and to the nation of Israel!"

 What Israel and the nations have attempted for centuries and could NEVER achieve will finally be accomplished at Almighty God the Son’s second coming to earth (Psalm 2, Psalm 24:7-10, 110, Isa. 2:3, 9:6-7, 33:22, 51:5,61:1-11, Dan. 2:34-35, 44-45, 7:13-14, Micah 4:1-3, Zech. 14:16-21, Rev. 19:11-21)...

The TRUE Peace Comes to Jerusalem!

It will be ONLY by the Prince of Peace that TRUE and EVERLASTING PEACE will come to the City of Jerusalem (Isa. 9:6-7, 33:5, 53:5, 62;1, Jer. 33:16, Zech 8:3, Matt. 5:35, Rom. 10:2-4, Eph. 2:12-19, Col. 1:20, Heb. 1:3, 10:7-14). How many in vain through out the ages have sought and prayed in sincerity for the peace of Jerusalem WITHOUT knowledge nor understanding (Isa. 29:13, 58:1-8, Matt. 7:21-23, 15:3, 7-9, Mark 12:24)? Throughout the last 2600 years, how many sons of Abraham have totally missed the reality and truth of the Holy Scriptures of just how this Divine peace MUST be established (Deut. 9:6, 28-30,31:27, Lev. 26, Psalm 78, Isa. 53:5, Ezek. 12:2, Dan 9:26, Matt. 15:3-7-9, Luke 13:34-35, Acts 7, Rom. 9-11, Rev. 1:7)?

"Through out the last 2600 years, how many sons of Abraham have totally missed the reality and truth of the Holy Scriptures of just how this Divine peace MUST be established"

My dear friend, please try to comprehend that ALL current global events are indeed heading to this destination and EXPONENTIALLY beyond (Rev. 19:11-21)! Remember the words of the Lord Jesus in which He specifically told His disciples to pray, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:9-10).” Oh my beloved! How many people pray this prayer day after day and are absolutely oblivious to what it is testifying to and stating! “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

It will indeed take the horrific seven year tribulation period to wake up the Jew and the gentile nations to this reality (Isa. 24:5-6, Rev. 6:14-17, 17:2).There is absolutely NO hope for Israel and the nations of the world apart for their Creator and Savior, Jesus Messiah (John 3:16-17, Eph. 2:12-16, Heb 1:2-3). It will NOT be until the Jew is reconciled with Jehovah God and receive their Messiah as their sacrificial lamb, propitiation and Savior that the nations WILL BE BLESSED (Isa. 2:1-4, 19:23-25, Micah 4:1-4, Zech. 8:23, Rom. 11:12) and TRUE DIVINE PEACE will go forth out of Jerusalem unto the entire world (Isa. 2:3-4,33:16, 62:1, Jer. 33:5)!

 "It will NOT be until the Jew is reconciled with Jehovah God and receive their Messiah as as their sacrificial lamb, propitiation and Savior that the nations WILL BE BLESSED and TRUE DIVINE PEACE will go forth out of Jerusalem unto the entire world"

My friend, do you have a saving relationship to Jesus Messiah the Savior of the world (Psalm 110:1, Isa. 43:11,52:13-15, 53)? All depends on this very union. His death, burial and resurrection to the Right Hand of Almighty God is the centre piece of all ETERNITY (Gen. 22:8, Psalm 110:1, Isa. 53, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Rev. 1:18,13:8, 22:1-5). He will indeed come back to establish His Kingdom on His earth and the gates of Hell shall not nor NEVER prevent this from happening (Dan. 2:44-45, 7:13-14, Rev. 1:7, 16:13-16, 19:11-21).

As the days grow nearer to the Day of the Lord be sure that you know the Savior and Messiah of Israel as dictated by the Holy Scriptures!

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

DJP I.F.

See also:

Who will left behind?

Rapture Alert! Make Sure You don't Left Behind

What Will You Do If You Are Left Behind?
After the Rapture

The Tribulation

A Wake Up Call for Israel and the Church Part III

A TRUMPET CALL FOR ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH: Understanding the Book of Joel — Part Three
‎Yesterday, ‎14 ‎June, ‎2011, ‏‎2:49:17 AM | joelcrosenberg  
Both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament teach that in the “last days,” severe military threats will mount against the State of Israel, yet the Jewish state will become more and more isolated internationally. Ultimately, the Bible indicates that no country will come to the defense of the Jewish people when the major prophetic battles unfold and Israel’s enemies attack. Rather, Israel will find herself all alone in the world. This makes recent headlines all the more troubling, for international pressure against — and isolation of — the modern State of Israel seems to be intensifying this year. Consider the latest key stories from the epicenter from just the past few days and weeks:

• The New York Times reports that an anti-Israel leader and his party have just won a big election in Turkey. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) have become serious problems for Israel and the U.S. in recent years. They are increasingly moving away from the West and towards the Radicals in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, as well as building closer ties to Moscow. A new Heritage Foundation analysis worth reading rightly notes: “With the second-largest military in NATO, Turkey has been a significant actor in many NATO operations and continues to stand alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan. However, Ankara’s burgeoning closeness to Tehran and the AKP’s hostility toward Israel undermine Turkey’s reliability as a regional partner for the U.S. and Europe….Turkey’s traditionally strong relationship with Israel has declined dramatically in recent years. The Turkish government-supported IHH Islamist organization is preparing to launch a second flotilla to Gaza despite the fact that the embargo is over, and this will only further inflame relations between the two countries. The AKP government has also continued to support Hamas, which Washington and Brussels classify as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).”
• Ynet News reports that Italy is turning against the Jews, citing a “murky wave of anti-Israel zeal, demonization of Jews growing at alarming rate in Italy“
• The Washington Post reports that the U.S. is bullying Israel to make deal with Palestinians
• The Washington Times reports that the U.S. is pressuring Israel to agree to accept the pre-1967 borders as a basis for peace talks
• An Associated Press headline reads: “Obama says Israel will face ‘growing isolation’ if there is no peace process”

In light of such disturbing trends, I am posting some of my notes covering chapter two of the “Book of Joel.” In his second chapter, the Hebrew prophet gives us so much vital information about the future of Israel and how to live in the last days that I won’t be able to cover it all in one posting. But I hope you will find these notes helpful as you study the writings of this important minor prophet and teach them to others.

Chapter Two: “A Trumpet Call for Israel and the Church”

1. As the “Day of the Lord” approaches in the last days, those who know the Lord, follow the Lord, listen to the Lord, study the Word of the Lord, and teach the Word of the Lord are supposed to do a series of things:
2. Understand that danger is coming and thus ”blow a trumpet in Zion” and ”sound an alarm” on God’s holy mountain — that is, call people to action ( Joel 2:1)
3. We are to alert “all” the inhabitants of the land of Israel that the “Day of the Lord is coming; surely it is near” ( Joel 2:1)
4. We are to let Israel know that the “Day of the Lord” will be a day of judgment, “a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness”
5. We are to let Israel know that that the Day of the Lord will be historic….”there has never been anything like it” – even the previous apocalyptic plagues of locusts described in Joel chapter one – “nor will there ever be again after it” ( Joel 2:2)
6. We are to explain that the Day of the Lord will come with devastating fire that consumes everything in its path ( Joel 2:3)
7. We are to explain that the run up to the Day of the Lord will be traumatic — the land of Israel will suffer an invasion unlike anything in its history….the text indicates that the land of Israel will be completely overrun and will suffer serious devastation, far beyond the locust invasion that described in chapter one.
8. What’s interesting is that in the first 24 verses of chapter two, the word “locust” is never mentioned. Rather, we have images that are similar to a classic locust invasion, but far more devastating.
9. The appearance of the invaders is “like” the appearance of horses ( Joel 2:4)
10. And “like” war horses ( Joel 2:4)
11. They run “like” mighty men ( Joel 2:5)
12. They climb the wall “like” soldiers ( Joel 2:7)
13. So the invaders aren’t exactly locusts – they’re “like” locusts
14. The invaders aren’t human soldiers – they’re “like” human soldiers
15. Over the years, some Bible expositors have suggested that what we are seeing play out in the Book of Joel is the “War of Gog and Magog,” as prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39. There are several reasons for teachers to suggest this:
16. The Hebrew Prophet Joel describes events that will happen in the last days, as does Ezekiel
17. Joel seems to describe a land of Israel that is fertile and fruitful, like a Garden of Eden (Joel 2:3), and Ezekiel describes a land that has essentially recovered from devastating wars and is secure and prosperous (Ezekiel 38:8, 12)
18. Joel describes a threat to Israel that is unprecedented in her history, as does Ezekiel
19. Joel describes the Lord saying, “I will remove the northern army far from you” (Joel 2:20), and Ezekiel 38-39 describes the main threat to Israel coming from the north but destroyed by the Lord
20. Joel describes the Lord pouring out His Spirit after defeat of the enemy (Joel 2:28-29), as does Ezekiel (Ezekiel 39:29)
21. I certainly believe that the”War of Gog and Magog” described in Ezekiel 38-39 is real, serious, and coming sooner that many people think. That said, despite some similarities, I do not see the primary prophetic events described in the Book of Joel as being focused on Ezekiel’s ”War of Gog and Magog.” I say this for several reasons:
22. The Hebrew Prophet Joel describes Israel as being fully invaded and completely overrun by enemy forces, like a locust invasion; this is not, however, what is described in Ezekiel 38-39 where the enemy comes against the mountains of Israel but is then supernaturally destroyed, unable to completely invade and overrun the land.
23. Joel describes the land of Israel being devastated by fire (from the enemies), whereas Ezekiel describes the enemies of Israel being devastated by fire (from heaven)
24. Joel describes the judgment of “all the nations” (Joel 3:2) occurring after the enemy is defeated, whereas Ezekiel describes a limited coalition of nations being judged during their defeat.
25. Joel singles out Egypt for such severe judgment that the text says “Egypt will become a waste” (Joel 3:19), whereas mention of Egypt is noticeably absent from Ezekiel 38-39.
26. Joel also singles out Edom for such severe judgment that the text says “Edom will become a desolate wilderness because of the violence done to the sons of Judah in whose land they have shed innocent blood” (Joel 3:19), whereas mention of Edom is noticeably absent from Ezekiel 38-39.
27. To understand the End Times events that the Hebrew Prophet Joel is foretelling, we need to study the prophecies of Revelation 9:1-12 and the events that occur after the 5^th of 7 trumpets are blown during the Great Tribulation. Consider the following points:
28. In the Book of Revelation,we read that out of Hell (“a bottomless pit filled with the smoke of a great furnace”) “came locusts upon the earth” (Revelation 9:2)
29. But the Bible indicates that these are not ordinary locusts — they have power like scorpions to injure with their tails (Revelation 9:2, 5,6,10)
30. These creatures are “told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree” (Revelation 9:4)
31. These creatures are designed to attack mankind “who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads,” that is, those who are not born again followers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 9:4)
32. These creatures cannot kill but rather torment men for five months (Revelation 9:5)
33. Their appearance is “like” horses (Revelation 9:7)
34. They have faces “like” men (Revelation 9:7)
35. They have hair “like” the hair of women (Revelation 9:8)
36. They have teeth “like” the teeth of lions (Revelation 9:8)
37. They have armor “like” soldiers who have breastplates of iron (Revelation 9:9)
38. They sound “like” many horses rushing to battle (Revelation 9:9)
39. They have a king over them, “the angel of the abyss” whose name in Hebrew is “Abaddon,” and in Greek is “Apollyon”
40. These are not really locusts, or human soldiers, though they are like both – these are demonic creatures ruled by a Satanic king
41. They will come “upon the earth” with “power” (Revelation 9:3)
42. The Book of Revelation does not say these creatures will exclusively attack those in Israel – their attack will be global
43. But the Book of Joel does indicate that such creatures will specifically invade Israel and bring great trauma and devastation — as Joel 2:11 says: “the Day of the Lord is indeed great and very terrible; who can endure it?”

The Tribulation

By Apostolic Lighthouse

I. The Tribulation

The endtime is portrayed in an awesome way in the Scripture. Paul said, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). The judgment of God is revealed in the closing lesson of our Home Bible Study. Daniel, the great prophet during the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews, records a period of seven years at the endtime. This period of time will bring terrible calamity on the earth. He describes 70 weeks (or 490 years) that would relate to Jewish history. Daniel in his prophecy did not see the church age. Thus his prophecy concerns the state of the Jews in God's plan.

A. Daniel's Seventieth Week

To understand the seventieth week of Daniel's prophecy, it is necessary to have an understanding of how the Scripture describes the seventy weeks. Daniel was told in Daniel 9:24, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city" Sixty-nine of these weeks were to take place between the decree to restore Jerusalem, and the crucifixion of the Messiah the Prince (Jesus Christ) (Daniel 9:25-26). Seven (7) weeks or (49 years) were used to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were sixty-two (62) weeks (or 434 years) from the rebuilding of the walls until the crucifixion of the Messiah. Using the scriptural year of 360 days each, there were exactly 69 weeks or 483 years between 445 B.C. and 32 A.D. This would leave one week remaining of the 70. Verse 27 tells of this week of years when the Antichrist system (the prince that shall come in verse 26) shall break the covenant with the Jewish nation and thus bring much havoc on the earth. There is an interval of time between the 69th week and the 70th week, during which time the church age exists. The church age will continue until the time of the rapture. The 70th week that follows is the Tribulation Period.

B. The Tribulation judgments

During the seven years of tribulation God will pour out severe and drastic judgment on the earth. These judgments are introduced by the Seals, the Trumpets, and the Vials (Revelation 6, 8, 9, 15, and 16). During this time, the people of the earth will go through a time of suffering and death such as the world has never known.

1. The Seals (Revelation 6, 8:1)

The Seals judgment will bring a promise of peace:

- The Anti-Christ will be able to win the world to himself.

- Terrible war shall follow death and famine.

- One fourth of the world's population will die.

- There shall be much persecution of believing Jews.

- Catastrophies will disturb the earth with earthquakes.

- The moon will become as blood and people will hide in the mountains for fear (Revelation 6).

2. The Trumpets (Revelation 8, 9)

- During these judgments hail will fall and fire will burn over a third of the earth.

- A falling meteor will destroy one third of the shipping.

- The fish of the sea will die.

- One third of the sea will become blood.

- Poisons will contaminate one third of the water supply and many will die.

- Great darkness will come over the earth.

- Five (5) months of scorpions stinging men on the earth.

- A 200,000 man army will kill one third of the population (Revelation 8, 9).

3. The Vials (Revelation 16) - The Vials are the final showdown of God's judgments for the tribulation:

a. Awful sores will afflict those with the mark of the beast.

b. Everything in the ocean will die.

c. All the water will turn to blood.

d. The sun will burn hotter than usual and will scorch men.

e. The earth will be thrown into darkness and great pain will come upon men.

f. The river Euphrates will be dried up so the armies of the east can come to Armageddon.

g. Hail, 100 Ibs. in weight will fall destroying whole cities (Revelation 16).

4. The Terrible Death

In the fourth (4th) Seal, one fourth of the earth's population will die. With over four (4) billion people living today, that would be over one billion people dying in a short time. In the sixth (6th) Trumpet, one third of the remaining population will die in the short period of the tribulation. The population of the U.S. is a little less than one fourth of a billion, and from this you can see that eight (8) times the U.S. population will die. Death brings misery and heartaches. All the world will feel this heartache over and over again.

The Reign of the Anti-Christ

II. The Reign of the Antichrist

A forceful political leader will come forth to dominate world leadership during the tribulation period. He will have much help in the person of the False Prophet, who will be the World Religious Leader. A world system of government, under one head, will envelop the political, religious and the economic areas of life.

A. The Antichrist

"The son of perdition, that man of sin will be revealed" (II Thessalonians 2:3).

* He will oppose God (II Thessalonians 2:4).

* He will exhalt himself above God (II Thessalonians 2:4).

* He will sit in the temple showing himself as God (II Thessalonians 2:4).

* He will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus at Armageddon (II Thessalonians 2:8).

* Satan will empower him with signs and lying wonders (II Thessalonians 2:9).

* He will deceive those that love not the truth (II Thessalonians 2:10).

* God will allow those who love not the truth, and are deceived by the Antichrist, to believe a lie and be damned (II Thessalonians 2:11,12).

* Revelation 13 describes the Anti-Christ as a beast rising up out of the sea.

* The dragon (or Satan, Revelation 12:9) will give him his power and authority (Revelation 13:2).

* The one world system of government is to be a revival of the old Roman Empire which has been dormant but will be restored (Revelation 13:3).

* The people will worship the beast (Revelation 13:4). "He will have total power the last 3 1/2 years of Tribulation (Revelation 13:5).

* He will blaspheme God; His name and the heavenly dwellers (Revelation 13:6).

* He will make war against the believing Jews (Revelation 13:7).

* He will cause all to receive a mark in the right hand or forehead, in order to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16,17).

* His number is 666 (Revelation 13:18).

B. The False Prophet (Religious Government)

Revelation 13 also describes the religious leader of this time of tribulation who works closely with the Antichrist. He will assist the Antichrist to attain world supremacy. The False Prophet is mentioned three times (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).

* He will exercise great power (Revelation 13:12).

* He will cause the people to worship the Antichrist and the world system (Revelation 13:12).

* He will perform miracles by the power of Satan (Revelation 13:14).

* He will be a deceiver (Revelation 13:14).

* He will have an image of the Antichrist made (Revelation 13:14).

* He will give life to the image and cause the image to speak (Revelation 13:15).

* He will put to death all that will not worship the image of the beast (Revelation 13:15).

C. The Anti-Christ System of Political Government

The ten toes of the image of Nebuchadnezzar and the ten horns of the beast of Revelation 13:1 and Revelation 17:12 and of Daniel 7:7,24, are a confederation of ten nations that will constitute a world power in the last days. These nations will help the Antichrist come to power and sustain that power for some years. Their authority will be lessened by the Antichrist after he has used them to gain world power. The strong Common Market Nations of Europe could possibly be the means of this support. The Common Market will probably develop into a very powerful economic block for the western world of nations. This economic block will give them great influence in the making of a world leader. This block will be highly dominated by the world religion. Revelation 17 introduces the great harlot, drunk with the saints and martyrs. This harlot will ride the beast until the beast kills her. This will be the end of the false world church, which will give its power and wealth to the beast.

The Battle of Armageddon

III. The Battle of Armageddon

The valley of Jezreel and the Plain of Esdraelon are located west of the Jordan River and east of the Mediterranean Sea. The battle of Armageddon will be fought in this area. The name Armageddon is taken from the strategic military city of Megiddo, which is the rebuilt and fortified chariot city of Solomon. Armageddon, it has been said, "will be the battle ground for the greatest blood bath the world has ever seen."

A. 144,000 Sealed

The Anti-Christ, (with the False Prophet) will rule the whole world with an iron hand for years. He will extend total control over the political, religious and economic life of all the world. One hundred forty four thousand (144,000) Jews will be miraculously preserved by the Lord Himself. The Lord will deliver this remnant which has been hidden from the destructive powers of the Anti-Christ. As in the days of sojourning (in the wilderness) God will again protect His people from being destroyed. These shall be the Jews which will fight against the Anti-Christ at the battle of Armageddon.

B. Preparation for Armageddon

The righteousness of the protected Jews will be a thorn in the flesh of this world leader. He will be able to break the will of all others except them. He will be determined to destroy them. He will gather his leaders and armies together for this purpose. "And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army" (Revelation 19:19). . .out of the mouth of the beast and the mouth of the false prophet, For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. . .and he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon" (Revelation 16:13, 14, 16).

C. Armageddon Closes Out the Tribulation

This battle will be the end of the tribulation period. It is the final attack of the Anti-Christ against God and His people. The cup of God's wrath will be full at this time, and He will personally come to end the wild and savage earthly reign of the beast and his system. After this battle Jesus will set up the Millennial (1000 years of peace) reign on earth.

D. The Rider on the White Horse (Revelation 19:11, 14, 16)

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war" (Revelation 19:11).

"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean" (Revelation 19:14).

"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16).

This is Jesus coming with His church (Revelation 19:8), to end the reign of the beast and destroy his world system.

E. The Judgment of the Beast and False Prophet

"And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet . . . These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:20).

The Return of Christ and the Millennium

IV. The Return of Christ and the Millennium

A. Mount of Olives Change

When Jesus Christ comes with His armies to Armageddon and destroys the Anti-Christ system. He will then stand on the Mount of Olives; "And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mt. of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mt. of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley. . ." (Zechariah 14:4). The landscape around Jerusalem will never be the same again after He comes in glory to set up His kingdom. The mount will be divided as a monument to the deliverance of the Lord.

B. Characteristics of the Kingdom Age

1. Jesus Christ will be King of the Earth

"And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one" (Zechariah 14:9).

2. He Will Rule on the Earth for 1,000 Years

For one thousand years Jesus will reign on the earth.

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:6).

3. Judgment of the Nations

The nations of the world that have blessed or persecuted the Jews over the centuries, (and especially during the tribulation) will then be judged at that time (Matthew 25:31-46).

4. The Predominance of the Jews

The Jews will be the ruling people of the millennium (Zechariah 9:11-17; 12:10-14; 13:1).

5. The Church will rule with Christ (Luke 19:19, Revelation 20:1-6).

6. The world capital will be Jerusalem

The nations will come to Jerusalem annually to worship the Lord (Zechariah 14:16, 17).

7. The Jews will do evangelistic work (Zechariah 8:14-23).

8. Satan will be bound during the 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2-3).

The Great White Throne Judgment

V. The Great White Throne Judgment

After one thousand years reign of Jesus Christ upon the earth, the Great White Throne Judgment will take place. This will be a judgment of all the dead from the beginning of man's existence on the earth. The only people who will not be there to be judged will be the redeemed church (both dead and the living) which arose to meet the Lord at the rapture.

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened" (Revelation 20:11-12).

A. Elements in this judgment

1. The Throne

John saw an impressive large white throne.

2. The Judge

Jesus Christ will sit upon the throne.

3. The Judged

The Dead from all walks of life.

"And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead that were in them" (Revelation 20:13).

4. The Evidence

"The books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works" (Revelation 20:12). Those books are:

- The Bible God's plan for mankind.

- The recorded history of mankind.

- The Book of Life, the book with the names of the righteous of all ages.

5. The Witnesses

The Saints of the church who will be there with Jesus judging the world (I Corinthians 6:2).

6. The Judged

Those whose names were not in the book of life were cast in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Time Ends—Then Eternity

VI. Time Ends—Then Eternity

The times after the White Throne Judgment are not described in detail but the Bible does give us some insights that are very interesting.

A. Earth Aflame

II Peter 3:10 tells us, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up." The whole earth and space around it will be aflame. Everything man has made on the earth will be burned and destroyed. Everything man has sent into space and outer space will be totally done away with! The earth and the heavens around it will be completely purged.

B. New Heaven and New Earth

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea" (Revelation 21:1).

This is what John saw after the White Throne Judgment. Peter said, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:13). Most scholars believe there will be a renovated heavens and earth because of what Peter said in verse 6 about Noah's world, "being overflowed with water, perished." The earth was totally changed by the water but was not destroyed.

C. The New Jerusalem

John saw a beautiful city coming down from God.

"And I, John, saw the holy city. New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2).

There will be a new heaven, a new earth, and a new city. Jesus said, "In my father's house are many mansions. . .I go to prepare a place for you. . .that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3). Revelation 21:16, John saw the angel measure the new city. It was 12,000 furlongs or 1,500 miles square. The Holy City could reach from the east coast to West Texas and from Canada to Florida. It would take in over half of the United States. The city was also 1,500 miles high. What a city! What a place to look forward to visiting. The city was made of pure gold like clear glass, (Revelation 21:18) with walls of jasper and gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21). It will not need any power plant, or sun, neither moon to shine for Jesus will be the light (Revelation 21:23). Here time and eternity meet. The temporal will cease forever and the dreams of the righteous from all ages shall be fulfilled.

 

See also:

Who will left behind?

Rapture Alert! Make Sure You don't Left Behind

What Will You Do If You Are Left Behind?

After the Rapture

The Tribulation