WOKE OR AWAKE?

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It seems as though “wokeness” ideology is taking over our society with everyone from churches, to schools, to giant corporations seeing who can be the most “woke.”

“Woke” ideas emphasize feelings over facts, pretend that individuals determine reality for themselves (i.e. your “truth”), put a priority on affirming feelings, ideas, or behaviors rather than considering the good of others, and often deny even the ability to know objective truth, certainly not Biblical truth. Being “woke” means you have become enlightened to the alleged systemic oppression of various groups and you vow to fight for “social justice” which usually means working for equal economic and social outcomes in a given context. One example of bowing to woke culture is the increased popularity of Critical Race Theory, even in the Church. The theory utilizes race as the lens through which every area of life is examined, categorizing everyone into oppressor and oppressed groups. “This is a religious movement,” Christian pastor and apologist Voddie Baucham (dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia) said. “It has all the trappings of a religion. It has its own cosmology, it has its own saints, it has its own liturgy, its own law. It has all of those elements. And a lot of those things are very subtle, which makes them rather attractive to religious people.” He explained that, because Christians are rightly concerned with fighting injustice, condemning racism, and promoting equality of opportunities, philosophies like CRT are appealing, even when their underpinnings are “absolutely” in contradiction to Scripture.

Historic Christianity, and even things like logic and science, are seen as oppressive, racist, bigoted, etc. Today’s “woke” culture is tearing our society apart and erecting barriers to people considering the true Gospel and the freedom it provides. In reality, the current popular understanding of “social justice” that undergirds the “woke” movement is the opposite of the good all humans should pursue and is anything but just (i.e. giving someone else their due).

We cannot love our neighbors well and lead them to the feet of Jesus if we sacrifice truth and goodness on the false altar of “wokeness” ideology. It’s time to wake up as we are fast approaching the last days when the Antichrist (The Lawless One) will be revealed. We need to be saying to the next generation, “Expect to be aliens and sojourners. This is not our home. Jesus places us here to be a light to this dark world, not to be part of the darkness”0 .

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11
Stand Firm

Southern Evangelical Seminary and Bible College (SES) produced the following video to promote their resources to help young people to disciple the “woke” society.

END TIMES ANTICHRIST

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What authenticated Jesus Christ claims to be God’s Son was His resurrection from the dead. Likewise the Master Deceiver will authenticate the Antichrist’s claims by seemingly raising him from the dead.

Let us look at the significance that the Bible puts on the seeming resurrection of the Antichrist from the dead. In the relatively short chapter of Revelation 13, it mentions the Antichrist’s fatal wound that was healed three times. The first instance is in verse 3: “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” – Revelation13:3-4

Here it seems to imply that the world’s worship of the beast is directly connected to his deadly wound being healed. It says that they “wondered after him saying “Who can make war with him?” This is the exact same word used in our current verse: “wondered.” It is also in the exact same context, i.e., wonder from the earth dwellers, associated with worship, and the antichrist’s apparent resurrection from the dead.

This is one of the first descriptions of the antichrist we are given in Revelation 13, right after the symbolic imagery of verses 1 and 2. This is the first thing that we are told about the beast – that he has a deadly wound that is healed. The Bible, as we will see, considers this event very important. By the second reference to this event in verse 12, the idea of a healed deadly wound has become a title or an identifying description of the beast. Here it distinguishes the first beast from the second by adding the clarification: “whose deadly wound was healed.”

“And he [false prophet] exerciseth all the power of the first beast [Antichrist] before him and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” – Revelation 13:12

And in the third reference in Rev: 13:14, we see that the healed deadly wound is used again as a title or distinguishing characteristic of the antichrist beast. Here it says:

“And [the false prophet] deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had the power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” – Revelation 13:14

So we see again this idea of a resurrection being used as a type of title and to distinguish which beast is in view. Therefore, this phrase “was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit” is basically just another way of saying the same thing. It is an identifier as to which beast we are talking about, the one that was (lived), is not (died), and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit (come back from the dead).

Arthur Pink, an early English Bible scholar who wrote extensively on the Antichrist, agrees. He said the following: “A further reference to the resurrection of the Antichrist, his coming forth from the Bottomless Pit, is found in Rev. 17:8…. It is to be noted that the earth-dwellers wonder when they behold the Beast that was (alive), and is not (now alive), and yet is (raised again). The world will then be presented with the spectacle of a man raised from the dead.”

Is it any wonder then that the Bible says the world will follow after him even the False Prophet, leader of the world’s religions. Check out my last post – “Proposed visit to Iraq by Pope Francis”.

Pope Francis claims that Islam and Christianity are equal in the eyes of God

THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS IS NOT A FRINGE BIBLICAL ISSUE

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Dalton Thomas does a creditable job of unpacking Daniel 11. The exegesis is sound and will help us all understand the events that will lead up to the emergence of the Antichrist on the world stage. Sadly, the church which increasingly is departing from belief in the inerrancy of Scripture stays away from these important Scriptures. Unfortunately, we also have those people who are bound up in “end times” conspiracies and predictions that throws it all into confusion and disrepute. However, the Antichrist is part of God’s plan that will test the body of Christ in the “last days” so we need to know these important Scriptures.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:21-22

UNDERSTANDING THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST

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This is a study from the Book of Daniel 11:21-31 with Dalton Thomas of FAI and Marantha Bible Studies. In large part, the study is about the entry of the Antichrist onto the world scene. As well, Dalton gives us a lot of valuable information from Revelation 13 about the Antichrist. Be blessed, it will prepare you for the end times so you will be ready for Jesus’ return.

‘Also, it (Antichrist) was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:7-10

ANTICHRIST – A FASE JEWISH MESSIAH?

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This is a debate on the doctrine of the Antichrist moderated by Derek Gilbert of Skywatch TV

The topic is “Will the Antichrist be a False Jewish Messiah” Chris White takes the affirmative position and Joel Richardson takes the negative. Chris’s website is http: http://www.BibleProphecytalk.com and Joel Richardson’s is http://www.JoelsTrumpet.com.

Most of you, that have followed my journey on this website know that I have favoured the position taken by Joel Richardson on the identity of the Antichrist. He proffers the Mahdi (long-awaited Muslim Messiah) as the likely candidate for the Antichrist. However, as a result of watching this video, I decided to devote time to looking at the arguments Chris makes for Jerusalem being Mystery Babylon and the Antichrist the long awaited Jewish Messiah. I have even purchased his book “Mystery Babylon – When Jerusalem Embraces the Antichrist” I will possibly do a post on it when I have read it. Let me know who you think presented his case most convincingly.

Mystery Babylon - When Jerusalem Embraces The Antichrist by [Chris White]

“And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” – Revelation 17:18

Which city is this that reigns over all the kings of the earth? Rome? New York? Mecca?

There are over 90 characteristics given in the book of Revelation about the city of Mystery Babylon, and none of these three cities meets all of the criteria.

But there is one city that does…or should I say will.

Too often people look for the city of Mystery Babylon in history, or in their present day, as opposed to what the scriptures say we will see in the future.

The Bible tells us exactly which city will be the capital city of the Antichrist in the last days, it tells us the city that will promote the Antichrist’s worship to the rest of the world, and the city in which the Antichrist will institute the greatest persecution of all time.

That city is Jerusalem.

The city of Mystery Babylon will be Jerusalem when it embraces the Antichrist as if he was their long-awaited Messiah. The reason that she is referred to as a “harlot” is the same reason she was referred to as a harlot hundreds of times in scripture because she is committing spiritual adultery.

END TIMES ANTICHRIST

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The Antichrist explained in detail by Scripture, not just a few facts, but his nature, how he arises, where he comes from, who the ten horns are, and who the 3 horns are that he uproots. Who is the demon who possesses him? All of these details are provided in this comprehensive movie-length video.

Once again Nelson does an excellent job of taking us through the Scriptures, mainly Daniel 7 & 8 and related chapters in Revelation, to give us understanding of the Antichrist and how his ten-nation Kingdom is formed and how it will eventually impact the world.

PROPHESIED EVENTS UNFOLDING AS BIBLE PREDICTS

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Palestinian historian Ghassan Weshah claimed in an interview on Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV that America is on the verge of collapse and will be replaced by Islamic regimes, not China. Listen to the why he believes this will happen.

European countries like Holland are becoming Islamic purely by Muslim immigrants producing many children and the locals not even at replacement numbers.

The anarchy we see happening in America and other countries is emboldening Muslims once again as we saw for a brief time with Isis.

The Bible tells us that in the last days before Jesus returns there will be wars and rumours of wars. I believe the next major war we will see in the Middle East is the battle outlined in the prophecy from Daniel 8. It is a battle between Iran, the ram (Shia) and Turkey, the male goat (Sunni) to establish who will lead the final Muslim Empire (Erdogan outspoken about a Revived Ottoman Empire). Turkey, the male goat crushes Iran, the ram. Then we learn it is broken up into four nations (perhaps the West or Russia or both will not countenance another Ottoman Empire) and out of one of them the prophesied Antichrist will arise to power.

Turkish President Erdogan poses with Ottoman era soldiers in front of monument dedicated to a revived Ottoman Empire

“Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up towards the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came a little horn (Antichrist) which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east , and toward the glorious land (Israel).” Daniel 8:8-9

BOTH ISLAM AND ORTHODOX JEWISH LEADERS BELIEVE THEIR MESSIAHS COMING IS IMMINENT

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These two recent articles, one on Islam’s Messiah and the other on the Orthodox Jewish Messiah is further evidence the end times Antichrist figure spoken about in the Bible is soon to appear on the scene. 

1. THE MAHDI ISLAM’S MESSIAH FIGURE

Shia’s (15%) Mahdi vs. Sunni’s (85%) Al-Mahdi (pop. %)

Mahdi is the title of the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will rule for seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement literally, the Day of Resurrection and rid the world of evil. According to Islamic traditions, the Mahdi’s tenure will coincide with the Second Coming of Jesus (Isa), who will assist the Mahdi against the Masih ad-Dajjal (literally, the “false Messiah” or Antichrist).

Differences exist in the concept of the Mahdi between Sunni Muslims and adherents of the Shia tradition; for Sunnis, the Mahdi is Muhammad’s successor who is yet to come, while for most Shia Muslims, the Mahdi was born but disappeared and will remain hidden from humanity until he reappears to bring justice to the world.

The belief by Muslims in the Mahdi as the end -time redeemer and the one to usher in an age of global peace makes him a strong candidate for the Biblical Antichrist.

There are Shia Muslim leaders in Iran today who claim to have met the Mahdi numerous times.  Writing in the Jerusalem Post on January 20, Brian Schrauger explained: “Crazy to Western ears, this messianic creed of the Mahdi is the raison d’être for the Islamic Republic of Iran according to its founders and leaders. It is also the basis of Tehran’s foreign and military policies; and it is impossible to overemphasise the Iran regime’s visceral commitment to it. The Imam Mahdi is invoked in every public gathering, both civil and military; he is the singular inspiration for every policy, every tactic, every mission; indeed, he is nothing less than the regime’s reason for its existence and, as such, its singular and unwavering motivation for the future.” And Schrauger can provide documentation for every single claim he has made.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Is One Despot Trump Might Not ...

In the words of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamanei, “The Iranian nation, enjoys a great privilege today: the atmosphere of the country is an atmosphere of Imam Mahdi. . . .”  And, Khamanei states, “many of our great scholars have personally met with this beloved [Imam] of hearts of the admirers during his occultation; many have made a pledge to him in person; many have heard from him some heartwarming words; many have been caressed by him and many others have received his kindness, care, and love.”

So, the Islamic Mahdi is here according Ayatollah Khamanei, he is known to many insiders, and he is about to be revealed. And remember: this article was written before Iran was smitten with COVID-19. What are the leaders thinking today?

2. THE ORTHODOX JEWISH MESSIAH

A February 20 headline in Israel Today stated that, “Israeli Rabbi says he’s already holding meetings with Messiah.” And, “Israel’s biggest rabbis are all afraid to leave the country lest they miss Messiah’s coming.”

The article, by Ryan Jones, cited a three-hour radio interview in which Rabbi Yaakov Zisholtz “told religious broadcaster Radio 2000 that Kanievsky recently told him that he (Kanievsky) is already in direct contact with the Messiah.”

Rabbi Kanievsky, now in his early 90s, is considered to be the leading authority in the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community in Israel, and he has often spoken of the nearness of the Messiah’s coming. But it seems he is saying even more today.

According to Rabbi Zisholtz, “…the process of redemption is about to start happening very quickly and at a fast pace. It is important that people remain calm and steady to act properly in the right time. “Getting the word out now that the Messiah is closer than ever is a matter of life and death. Haven’t you heard of Gog and Magog? That is what is going to happen very soon. Right now, the situation is explosive more than you can possibly imagine. Everyone needs to know whether they are on the inside or if they are going to be left out.”

Yes, these are the words of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi in Israel, not those of an evangelical Christian, Bible in hand, with end-time prophecies heavily underlined.

While Rabbi Zisholtz was careful to say he couldn’t promise anything, he was certainly raising the bar with specific predictions and events. And again, he claimed that certain religious Jews knew exactly who the Messiah was and have even met with him.

Adding to all this was the statement of Israel’s Health Minister, Yaakov Litzman, himself ultra-Orthodox, as reported in HaAretz  on March 26 and with reference to COVID-19: “We are praying and hoping that the Messiah will arrive before Passover, the time of our redemption. I am sure that the Messiah will come and bring us out as [God] brought us out of Egypt. Soon we will go out in freedom and the Messiah will come and redeem us from all the troubles of the world.”

Well, Passover ended on April 16. And, in case you missed the news, the expected Jewish Messiah did not come. Ironically, Litzman himself contracted the virus, although he has since recovered. And for a number of reasons, including heavy criticism of his handling of the crisis, he is reportedly  considering quitting.

But all this talk about the Mahdi being here, ready to be revealed, along with the traditional Jewish Messiah being here, ready to be revealed, underscores what Jesus said about false Messiahs and false prophets in the last days.

Let us, then, keep our focus on the Second Coming of the true Christ. But let us not forget the warnings about the false Messiah (Antichrist) and his False Prophet who will come first.

BIBLE REVEALS ANTICHRIST ORIGIN AND TIMING

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Nelson does a great job of unpacking Scripture to reveal what the Bible shows us about end times events and what we are seeing and reading in the media of current events in the Middle East.

I doubt you will hear this message in your local church and the Bible tells us that much of the church will be asleep and even more tragic much of it will fall away and compromise with the world and its values. Hence, God brings on catastrophes to refine/test His church.

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested,” Revelation 2:10 (Church at Smyrna – persecuted church)

‘” I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:1-3 (Church at Sardis- dead church)

ANTICHRIST EXPLAINED IN SCRIPTURE

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Nelson Walters does another great video for us on the Antichrist. You will learn much. The many names of the Antichrist in the Bible and their meaning based on Scripture alone e.g. – Little Horn , “And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous word” Daniel 7:9, “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgement was made in favour of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Daniel 7:21, The Beast, The Assyrian, Gog of Magog, Son of Perdition, King of Assyria, Man of Lawlessness and others.

You will need 1 & 1/2 hours so plan it ahead of time and have your note pad handy.