"Are We Living In The End Times?"

It doesn't' take a rocket scientist to recognize our world is in big trouble. Sometimes, the sheer magnitude of the trajectory we're on is overwhelming.

Why? Because it's becoming more and more clear to us that there will be no turning back. The world has fundamentally changed.

According to Got Questions.org:

"The Bible prophesies of many events that will occur in the end times. These events can be categorized as natural signs, spiritual signs, sociological signs, technological signs, and political signs. We can look to what the Bible says about these things, and if the signs are present in abundance, we can be certain that we are, in fact, living in the end times."

We interpret the Bible literally. We believe God's Word is divinely inspired and that every word of it is true. Therefore, we believe the Bible can be trusted to accurately foretell coming end-time events. 

For instance, the Bible predicts the end times will be characterized by:

• Deception--when evil will be called good and good will be called evil. When truth will be hard to find and the masses will believe in lies. (see Isaiah 5:20;   2 Timothy 3:13).
• Lawlessness--when even the governing authorities refuse to obey the law. (Matthew 24:12; 1 John 2:18).
• Heresy--when people will stop believing in the God of the Bible and put their faith in the "doctrine of demons", reincarnation, and occultism. (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:1-17).
• Natural disasters--when earthquakes, drought, wildfires, floods and even pandemics come like "birth pangs" upon the earth.

Other signs include increased hostility toward Israel, a world in turmoil (especially the Middle East), a worldwide leadership vacuum, increasing globalism and a move toward a cashless digital currency. 

But the single most definitive sign proving that we are living in the end times is the restoration of Israel to her land in 1948 (Ez.37). Without that fulfilled prophecy, all the other signs are rendered meaningless.

Got Questions.org contends that "these are just a few of the signs. There are many more. God gave us these prophecies because He doesn't want anyone to perish, and He always gives ample warning before pouring out His Wrath" (see 2 Peter 3:9).

So, are we living in the end times? Every warning sign is flashing "Yes". But these are all Tribulation signs. Before the Tribulation comes the rapture of the Church and there are no signs for that. When a nation pulls its ambassador out, it's a sign war is coming. When God pulls His ambassadors out (in the Rapture of the Church), it's a sign judgment is coming. You don't want to see that sign.

A wise man once said: "The good news is that it's not too late to choose eternal life." -- Got Questions.org

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's Wrath remains on them (JOHN 3:36).

👉👉👉"HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!" ☝

News:

• Newsweek: Israel "Ready To Attack Iran", warns Israeli Defense Minister to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear bomb
• World: Russia and China conduct joint wargames to "Bring Down American Arrogance"
• Yahoo!: China first nation to implement digital currency

 

  

"Russia Viewed As Rising Star"

According to The Jerusalem Post: "Russia is viewed as the rising military star in the region while the U.S. is perceived as a falling star."

The news that Russia and Iran had a "secret" deal to place Russia's strategic bombers and strike fighters on an airbase in Western Iran is seen as proof.

"Although Israeli and American intelligence communities knew in advance that Iran agreed to host Russian bombers on its soil, the two countries are puzzled by the development, but understand its strategic importance--not only to the Middle East, but globally."

Aimed at boosting their military cooperation, the secret deal marks a much larger strategy: to increase Russia's influence in the Middle East.

The Post article continues: "In that sense, Putin is taking advantage of the incoherent and hesitant U.S. foreign policy of President Barack Obama. It seems the U.S. is trying to detach itself from world conflicts, which may well result in a new version of isolationism."

With what other countries is Russia "enhancing its military cooperation?"

• China
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• (and just last week)--Turkey

Israeli military officials believe it is clear "that Moscow is trying to create a wedge between the U.S. and its traditional allies."

"American allies--including Israel--understand the new Russian game and its true motives, but still feel they have no choice but to tacitly support it."

Why? Because they believe Russia has a future with up-side potential and the U.S. does not.

A wise woman once said: "God reveals a fascinating and detailed prophecy about a future war campaign against Israel in the book of Ezekiel. The war is known as the "Gog and Magog War" because the people of Magog and their leader, Gog, will lead the attack against Israel. Scripture clearly teaches that this war will be a turning point for Israel with regard to their relationship with God. The sobering, yet exciting aspect of this study is that for the first time since Ezekiel penned these prophecies, the countries that will gather against Israel have built an alliance in recent years. The prophetic puzzle pieces are now in place. It is just a matter of time, that is, God's timing before these prophecies find fulfillment." -- Amy Van Gerpen, Tracking Bible Prophecy

"Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets." -- Amos 3:7

News:

• NBC News: Moscow & U.S. State Dept. exchange "withering" remarks over Russia's use of Iranian facilities.
• EurActiv.com: U.S. moves nuclear weapons form Turkey to Romania, according to two independent sources; Romanian Foreign Ministry denied the reports.
• The Sun: Putin masses 40,000 troops, armoured vehicles along Ukraine border as fears of military invasion mount. 

"ISIS: Big Plans for 2016"

Journalist Jurgen Todenhofer, a former member of the German Parliament, says ISIS is "preparing the largest religious cleansing in history."

Todenhofer, author of My Journey Into The Heart of Terror, is the only Western journalist to spend 10 days behind-the-scenes with ISIS.

According to Todenhofer, ISIS considers all other religions except for their own to be "The Enemy".

"I asked them if they were prepared to kill every Shia Muslim, and they scoffed. "150 million or 500 million, we don't care, it's only a technical problem for us. We are ready to do that."

Why? Because Western Muslims who are part of democracies, vote to give people, not Allah, the power to make laws.

Earlier this month, ISIS issued a warning to Israel: "Not one Jew will be left in Jerusalem or around it. We will continue until we eradicate this disease from the world."

Todenhofer said, "They told me they know the Israeli army is too strong for them. They are scared of the Israelis and told me the Israeli army is the real danger. 'We can't defeat them with our current strategy. These people [the IDF] can fight a guerrilla war.'"

"ISIS thinks they can defeat U.S. and U.K. ground troops, who they say have no experience in city guerrilla or terrorist strategies." he said. "But they know the Israelis are very tough as far as fighting against guerrillas and terrorists."

ISIS' goal? To take over the Middle East, except Israel, in its first stage, and then move on to the West while subjecting us to "big acts of terrorism".

Bible prophecy makes it clear God isn't finished with the nation of Israel. And while their understanding is "veiled" when it comes to their Messiah (see Romans 11), it is temporary. The nation of Israel, chosen by God to receive salvation, will ultimately believe in Christ, resulting in great blessings for everyone. In the meantime, though they will suffer untold misery, God's hand is on them.

A wise man once said: "In the book of Joshua, God's speech encouraging Joshua (Joshua 1:2-9) is a warmhearted, tender speech, assuring Joshua of His care, protection, and presence, and urging him to obey His law. It is a model of God graciously encouraging His servants, and its exhortations are still of value today; true success in life cannot occur apart from knowing and doing the will of God." -- Andrew Hill, Ph.D.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

News:

• The Washington Post: N.Korea claims test of hydrogen bomb; UN Security Council gathered in emergency session says test "a clear threat to international peace and security".
• CNBC: Billionaire George Soros warns of impending financial markets crisis; "It's the 2008 crisis all over again."
• The Telegraph: Red wine is bad for you after all, say experts; set to rewrite the rule book on alcohol consumption. 

"Israel Warns of Pre-emptive Strike?"

The Iranian Nuke Deal collapsed on Monday, so world leaders gave the regime another 7 months to run out the clock.

Meanwhile, our old pal Khomeini vowed (yet again) to wipe Israel off the map.Israel, not one to take threats lying down, is hinting at a pre-emptive strike. For instance, The Jerusalem Post ran a provocative headline in Tuesday's edition:

"Cornered, but unbound by nuclear pact, Israel reconsiders military action against Iran."

 And then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview on ABC's This Week:

"Israel will always reserve the right to defend itself against any threat with its own power."

And in regards to the failed nuclear agreement? Netanyahu said that "no nuclear deal with Iran is preferable to a bad deal that will endanger Israel, the Middle East and the entire world." Link to Reuters News article.

Beginning with the restoration of the nation of Israel in 1948 (prophesied in Ez. 37:21), a chain of events has been set in motion in the Middle East. Since that time, with little or no fanfare, the world has been quietly lining-up to fulfill the rest of Bible prophecy through:

• technological advances
• the Arab Spring/ Middle East power re-alignment
• a weakening US
• resuscitation of  Russia / Cold War
• increased global anti-Semitism
• renewed fervor to build a 3rd Jewish temple on the Temple Mount (which the Bible clearly indicates will be standing during the Tribulation period: 2nd Thess. 2:1-17, Matt. 24:15, Dan. 9:27, Rev. 11:1-2).

The Bible makes it clear that Iran will join forces with Russia and attack Israel (Ez. 38 & 39). Keep in mind that up until recently, a military alliance between Iran and Russia seemed impossible because they've been enemies for 2,500 years. 

What the Bible doesn't say is what triggers the attack. 

Could the threat of a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran boomerang?

"A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be lying in peace after her recovery from war and after the return of her people from many lands. You and all your allies--a vast and awesome horde--will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud" --Ez. 38:8-9.

A wise man once said: "There are few countries which have played so central a role in world history as the Land of Israel" -- David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of the Jewish State

News:

• Reuters: Russia's "militarization" of Crimea means Moscow exerts influence over entire Black Sea region says USAF general
• Bloomberg News: Jobless claims in US increase; sign labor market has cooled.
• The Washington Post: Millions of illegal aliens now eligible for Social Security / Medicare

"Pope Francis & Revelation 17"

What do Jews, Muslims, Mormons and Catholics all have in common?

Not much, unless of course you happen to be the new Pope. Then they are all one big happy family, with invites to the Vatican to pray.

During his recent visit to the Middle East, Pope Francis made an historic call for unity: He invited Israeli Jewish and Muslim leaders to join him at the Vatican, which they did on June 8th, Pentecost Sunday.

An impressive delegation of rabbis, Islamic imams and Catholic Cardinals, met with the Pontiff for an inter-religious gathering to pray for peace in the Middle East.

Not to rain on the Pope's parade, but is he oblivious to the Bible's predictions of a one-world religious system?

And is he unaware of the fact that most interpreters understand the seven mountains of Revelation 17 to be a reference to the seven hills along the Tiber River, a well-known designation of the city of Rome?

Last October Pope Francis went out of his way to call the Vatican system "a woman" and "a mother".

Is he completely out of the loop? Google Pope Francis and the false prophet to see what Revelation 17, which is famously connected in the minds of most biblically-literate people with the Vatican says:

"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. And upon her forehead a name (was) written , Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth" (Revelation 17:4-5 emphasis added).

With the pedophile priest debacle still fresh in the public mind, the Vatican makes a popular target in regards to the above scripture.

Sometimes, it seems like Pope Francis is unwittingly (?) adding fuel to the fire.

A wise man once said:

"It is the bouden duty of every Christian to pray against Antichrist, and as to what Antichrist is no sane man ought to raise a question. If it be not the Popery of the Church of Rome there is nothing in the world that can be called by that name." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

News:

• FNC: Iraqi spirals into chaos, falling into the hands of al Qaeda-inspired militants; the government asks US for air strikes.
• The Washington Free Beacon: Russian bombers fly within 50 miles of California coast; US fighter jets intercept.
• Financial Times: IMF sounds global housing alarm; high risk of devastating housing crash