EVENTS THAT WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE JESUS RETURNS

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“Now when they are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction comes on them, like labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.” 1 Thess 5:3–4

Paul’s reassurance to the Thessalonians implies that they were anxious that they might not escape the day of the Lord and therefore endure God’s wrath. Paul confirms Christians will be raptured before God’s wrath is poured out on an unbelieving world. It is at the end of the sixth seal being opened that His wrath commences: “For the great day of His wrath has come who can stand.” (Rev. 6:17) The seven trumpet and seven bowl judgements are the wrath of God.

Note, Paul contrasts the ungodly, who will not escape because Christ is coming back as a thief for them (as in the days of Noah) , with believers who are obedient-vigilant and “not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.” Incidentally, this reassuring promise undermines the pretribulational notion that Jesus is secretly coming back as a thief for his church.

During the Antichrist’s great tribulation, the world will experience peace and security for those who are loyal to him. Hence, Paul prophesies that the world will be saying, “There is peace and security” before Jesus returns to mete out His day of the Lord’s wrath upon the wicked.

The church will be here to witness the ungodly exclaiming that they are experiencing peace and safety. This prophecy that Paul mentions undermines imminence because it will happen before, not after, the rapture.

This is just another prophesied event in a long series of intervening events that will happen before the rapture—rendering the pretribulation teaching of imminence contradictory in light of this biblical evidence. [1]

The peace and safety will be illusory, a false security for unbelievers, because eventually unforeseen calamity will come upon them just as unexpected labour pains come upon a pregnant woman.

We should be careful not to confuse Paul’s use of the birth pangs analogy with Jesus’ purpose in using the same phrasing in the Olivet Discourse (“All these things are the beginning of birth pains,” Matt 24:8). Paul uses the phrase in a completely different application. Jesus applies the birth pangs metaphor to particular events before the .Antichrist’s great tribulation, while Paul applies it to the situation of the onset of the day of the Lord’s wrath  after the great tribulation.

For a more in depth coverage go to alankurschner.com – The Prophecy – “There is peace and security” contradicts Pretribulation Theology.

END TIMES SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HANUKKAH

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Another powerful insight on the “end times” delivered by Jonathan Cahn. Only a Messianic Jew would see this gem in the New Testament. Jesus celebrating the Feast of Dedication. It is not an Old Testament feast.

“At that time, the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” John 10:22

What was this Feast of Dedication? Today it is known as Hanukkah or Festival of Lights and it was once called the Feast of the Maccabees.

The history of the Feast of Dedication goes back to the intertestamental period and the Maccabean Revolt. After the Seleucid king Antiochus Ephiphanes (name means God Manifest) profaned the Jewish temple and forced the Jews to abandon their sacrifices and adopt pagan rituals, a group of Jewish freedom fighters rose up, defied the oppressive pagan regime, and overthrew the Seleucids. The temple in Jerusalem was re-dedicated to God; ever since then, the Feast of Dedication has been celebrated to commemorate this meaningful event in Jewish history.

We know from Daniel and Revelation that Antiochus Epiphanes provides us with a template/picture of the last days Antichrist. Jesus himself said that “when you see the ‘abomination of Desolation’ spoken by Daniel standing in the holy place then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15 

Jonathan reveals what we can learn from the Hanukkah, on how we need to face the Antichrist in our day. What did the Maccabees do to overcome the impossible odds in their day?

  1. Decided there could be no compromise with the world regardless of the impossible odds against them. Must trust God.
  2. Must obey His Word and stand on His Word. Even fight with the Word of God.
  3. Separate from the world, don’t try and fit in and bend the Word of God. Become radical and be the salt and light.
  4. Learn how to be warriors putting on the full armour daily – Belt of TRUTH first, breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, GOSPEL OF PEACE on our feet, take up the shield of FAITH, helmet of SALVATION to shield our mind and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT which is the Word of God. Maccabees were called the “hammers of God’
  5. The Maccabees carried on the war joyfully knowing God was with them giving them victory over impossible odds.

Paul told us to be joyful in all circumstances even in tribulation. We overcome by the blood of the lamb.

Let us live in the light of Jesus soon coming return, to rule and reign for a thousand years. We are on the winning side. Moreover, at the end of Jesus Millennial reign on this earth, eternal life awaits in the promised new heaven and new earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDENTITY OF THE ANTICHRIST REVEALED – MAHDI

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The following report by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, November 20, 2017 fits end times Biblical prophecy, in describing the Antichrist, and the possible lead up to the two Middle East wars described in Daniel 8; first Iran (Ram with two horns) seeking to establish Shiite dominance in the region. It will not be successful in its bid to destroy Israel. The first war precipitates the second with Sunni Turkey (Male Goat with a notable horn between his eyes))seeking to reestablish a revived Ottoman Empire. It’s conjecture on my part but the Antichrist may emerge from Turkey or one of the countries involved in this revived Muslim Empire.

“Iran is establishing bases in Syria, but according to some sources, their preparations to engage Israel are motivated far more by Messianic aspirations than military or political ones.

Iran has frequently stated its desire to destroy Israel, claiming the Jewish state as the focus of its nuclear and long-range missile program. Iran has also funnelled millions of dollars into proxy enemies of Israel, like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Islamic soldiers seek to conquer Jerusalem. (Screenshot)
According to a Middle East military analysis site, Iran is now stepping up its pace, having established 13 military installations in Syria. Some experts see behind this a sinister desire for the end of the world – Islam style.

Indeed, the escalation of Iranian military efforts in Syria are religiously motivated, Ryan Mauro, a political analyst for the Clarion Project, explained in a recent interview.

“This isn’t normal competition between hostile powers, this isn’t even the normal Iranian sponsorship of terrorism or attempts to expand their military presence,” Mauro said. “To the Iranian regime this is the fulfilment of prophecy.”

Mauro pointed out that new Iranian troops are called Ansar al-Mahdi (“Supporters of the Messiah”). It has also created a 313th brigade, into which it is is recruiting young Syrian Shiites. According to tradition in Shiite Islam, 313 is the number of fighters that will arrive with the Mahdi, the Islamic Messiah.

Islam’s tradition holds that Mahdi is the redeemer of Islam. The arrival of Mahdi will coincide with the arrival of the Christian messiah, who will be the Mahdi’s assistant in fighting the Masih ad-Dajjal, the false messiah, or anti-Christ.

According to the tradition, the Mahdi will reappear along with Jesus, who will declare himself a Muslim, and kill Christians who refuse to convert. Shia Islam holds that the end-of-days will be a bloody battle, killing off two-thirds of the world population and leaving the rest to convert to Islam.

The concept of Mahdi is explicit in Iranian politics. In a speech in front of the UN General Assembly in 2008, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left the gathered politicians aghast as he explicitly begged Allah to hasten the return of the Mahdi.

“You are not dealing with fully rational actors,” Mauro said. “You can be irrational and strategic and pragmatic at the same time, which is what Iran is doing. If you understand these prophecies, you can understand Iran.”

Mauro explained that according to Shiite theology, Iran believes they will lead the battle against Sunni adversaries, continue down into Israel, and eventually take over Jerusalem. He believes that the recent destabilization in Saudi Arabia is a direct result of Iran’s apocalyptic agenda.

Debka editor Giora Shamis agreed. “The basis of Iran’s policy is based on spreading Shiite Islam and making it the dominant religion in the world,” Shamis told Breaking Israel News.

Read more at https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/98132/iran-trying-bring-islamic-end-days-syria/#r4qo1L7JOc9DJkfv.99

 

WHERE ARE THE MODERATE MUSLIMS?

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After every terrorist attack, politicians and pundits reassure us that the atrocity does not represent the true beliefs of the “moderate Muslim majority.” But how many moderates are there? And what exactly does “moderate” mean?

Military instructor and researcher Hussein Aboubakr of Prager University grew up attending Muslim schools in Egypt. Looking back at his Muslim education, Aboubakr believes that Westerners simply do not understand the values that Islam actually promotes. When politicians reassure their citizenry, after terror attacks, that most Muslims are “moderate,” Aboubakr says that it all depends on what the definition of “moderate” is.

Watch as Aboubakr describes what most (though not all) so called ‘moderate Muslims’ think about imposing Sharia Law and supporting terror attacks on Israeli civilians.

al Mahdi

This religion is the most antichrist religion that has ever existed. Both Shia and Sunni Muslims believe the appearance of their Messiah – al Mahdi is imminent. Is this person the expected Christian Antichrist? I believe so. It fits the fourth empire of Daniel 2 being the Ottoman Empire (which crushed the first three Empires) and the final Empire being a revived but divided (Sunni/Shia) Muslim Caliphate. It fits with Rev. 12,13 & 17 history of the pagan Empires with 7th head – Ottoman Empire and the 8th head Divided Islamic Empire. Also, whether Daniel’s King of the North, Ezekiel’s Gog, or Isaiah’s and Micah’s “The Assyrian”, they are the same man the Antichrist, from the same region with the same motivation – The Antichrist.

THE TEMPLE NEEDS TO BE REBUILT BEFORE JESUS SECOND COMING

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When the third Jewish Temple is rebuilt it will be a definite end times sign. This video shows that the historical evidence supports the Jewish Temple was built in the old city of David above the Gihon Spring so that water could be drawn up for purification purposes. The Western wall therefore is not the wall of the Herodian Temple but part of Fort Antonio built by Herod to house the Roman soldiers.

Image result for picture of fort antonio and jerusalem temple

This picture shows that the Temple is connected to Fort of Antonio (it housed 10,000 soldiers) by a Causeway. The Fort is enormous whereas the Temple was by comparison small (600 ft square) The temple was built in the old city of David which is south of the so called Temple Mount.

The Dome of the Rock and the Aqsa Mosque sit on the site of the Fort Antonio not the Temple Mount.

Hence there is nothing stopping Israel rebuilding the Temple on its original site except tradition. Israeli Temple Institute has already made the altar, tools and clothing required. It also operates an educational centre and a preparatory training programme for members of the priestly family who want to be ready to serve as soon as the temple is rebuilt. Watch to see what triggers the rebuild for it will happen.

 

WILL THE CHURCH FACE THE ANTICHRIST?

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What an important question. Will the church face the Antichrist? What is your understanding of when the Rapture will take place, if at all? Listen to Joel Richardson interview Nelson Walters author of Rapture: Case closed.

I have read two of Nelson’s previous books: Are We Ready for Jesus – How to Prepare for His Return and Revelation Deciphered, both I can recommend. Nelson is on the Board of Power Point Sermons for the end times  (www.powerpointsermons.net) which I set up late last year and which is shortly to be launched. I look forward to meeting up with both Nelson and Joel at the Understanding the Times – Israel, Islam and the Gospel Conference in Tyler Texas next week. I will give you a report week after next. Be blessed.

PROPHESIED END TIMES EVENTS UNFOLDING

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In the days and years ahead we should see the emergence of a Northern leader (King of the North) from the general region of the former Seleucid Empire – Turkey, Syria, Iraq as outlined in Daniel 11. Whilst Iran was part of the Seleucid Empire, it is Shia, and it is likely the Antichrist, the Northern leader,  will be a Sunni.

The title King of the North is used seven times in Daniel 11 (v.v. 6, 7. 8, 11, 13, 15) The first six times it refers to the various kings of the Seleucid Empire but in verse 40, the Antichrist as the last days Antiochus 1V Epiphanes.

Image result for map of the final seleucid empire and ptolemaic empire

Turkey has thrown its weight behind the Syrian rebels which puts the Sunni Turkey at odds with the Shiite power of Iran, at a time of growing Sunni-Shiite tension in the Middle East.

The Bible also tells us that we should see a Southern leader of Egypt that will clash with the Northern leader in what will lead to a large scale military confrontation. Egypt will fall to the Northern leader, Libya and Sudan (Cush) will then submit to the northern leader/Antichrist and his emerging empire. After this seven other nations from the region will willingly throw their support behind the norther leader/Antichrist and his emerging empire.

This revived empire (Ottoman) is what is prophesied in Daniel 2 as the feet of iron and clay and in Daniel 7 as the ten horns. This will be the final Antchristic empire that will crush the people of God throughout the region and in much of the earth before being destroyed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The church is not prepared for Jesus second coming just as the religious leaders of Jesus day missed His first coming. They did not heed the Scriptures.

We need to get back to church as it was in the Book of Acts. Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love has got it right – see my recent post Church As God Intended.

For more get Joel Richardson’s book The Mid East Beast – The Case for an Islamic Antichrist.

IS THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANTICHRIST IMMINENT?

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In the Book of the Prophet Daniel 7:7, we read of the system of the Antichrist. It is described using the metaphor of a beast, “dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong.” After its initial assault on its enemies with its iron teeth, it continues to trample even the residual survivors. Its hard not to see this being fulfilled right now throughout the Middle East. After Muhammad died and his successors burst forth out of Arabia, they rapidly conquered the whole Middle East and North Africa. Within ten years the very heart of the ancient Christian Church was ripped out.

All of the great former missionary sending capitals were conquered: Ephesus, Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria. Yet while a smaller minority of Christians managed to hang on in those cities, they have forever since been a struggling minority among their Muslim neighbours. Now the residue is even being trampled, and we read of repeated reports that speak of Christianity virtually disappearing from Iraq and Syria.

Yet despite the gravity of what is unfolding before the eyes of the world and the global church, I genuinely don’t think that most Christians have truly put the prophetic pieces together.

Before ISIS came, the Yezidis in Iraq numbered around 400,000.  As the mass graves continue to be unearthed and the bodies counted, some estimates suggest that as many as one fifth of Iraqi’s Yezidis were massacred under the exceedingly cruel hand of the ISIS Caliphate.

I am still amazed when a village of Chaldean Catholic Christians is decimated because of the name of Jesus, simply because they are not Muslim, and some American prophecy teachers and watchmen continue to claim that it is the Catholics who are the real threat. Could it be that the eastern beast is now knocking at the gates of the city while far too many of the “watchmen” are either determinedly perched on the western wall looking in the wrong direction, or are asleep entirely?  The way things are moving, I truly believe we may be far closer than most think. Let us all repent, for the Day of the Lord is indeed at hand

 

ISLAM’S LINK TO ALL THE ANCIENT PAGAN RELIGIONS

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Paul clearly tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers , against the rulers of the darkness of this age. Therefore, we know that principalities and powers in the heavens control events here on earth. We can therefore expect that all the so called god’s in history are deceptions of Satan himself. The following presentation shows the underlying links between the God’s of earlier civilisations and the religion of Islam. It also clearly shows that we are in the Biblical prophesied “last days” and reveals the identity of Mystery Babylon – Mecca.

Christians await Jesus Christ, Muslims await the Mahdi

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Stunning research suggest the Mahdi and the Antichrist may actually be the same. 

  • Mahdi brings a seven year peace treaty.
  • Antichrist brings a seven year peace treaty.
  • Mahdi will rule from the Temple Mount.
  • Antichrist will rule from the Temple Mount
  • Mahdi honours Allah, a god of war and advances his cause through war.
  • Antichrist honours a god of fortresses (war) and advances his cause through war.
  • Mahdi demands a badge on the forehead.
  • Antichrist demands a mark on the forehead or back of the hand.
  • The Mahdi does not honour women’s rights
  • The Antichrist does not honour women’s rights.
  • The Mahdi honours Allah with gold and silver.
  • The Antichrist honours his god with gold and silver.
  • The Mahdi will change times and laws.
  • The Antichrist will change set times and laws.

Listen to Joel Richardson interview leading Muslim scholars. What they reveal about the goal of Islam, will forever change your mind, if you believed it to be a religion of peace.