THE GOAT OF DANIEL 8: TURKEY’S ROLE IN THE END TIMES

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Turkey’s Foreign Minister H. E. Ahmet Davutoğlu’s work, Strategic Depth: Turkey’s International Position, outlined the country’s aspiration to be the strategic nation of the twenty-first century. (http://www.amazon.com/Stratejik-Derinlik-T%C3%BCrkiyenin-Uluslararasi-Konumu/dp/B004LYNDEQ/)

Davutoğlu asserted this Turkish pride and confidence in his address to the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. in 2010. He said that if Turkey had been allowed to join the European Union in 2003, “I am sure today we would have a new Europe, a much more creative, dynamic Europe, even responding to the economic crisis in a much better way.”

Erdogan turning Hagia Sophia once again into a mosque is seen by a substantial segment of the Turkish population as part of the effort to reclaim their country’s history.

The joke in Turkey now is they are very glad that the EU did not allow them to join their club, because the economic crises of Greece, Spain, Portugal, and others would have simply dragged down Turkey’s explosive growth. Can you see the chutzpah of Davutoğlu’s statement, that Europe would be “much more dynamic” with Turkey included? Again, whether you consider him delusional or insightful, you need to notice the pride in his outlook. Regardless of what we think in the Western world about Turkey, Turks believe their country to be primed for world leadership, whether or not it is allowed into the good ol’ boys club of the G8 or EU, or any other group you want to pick. Turks are well aware of why Europe does not like them, but it will not let a barricade in Brussels stop them from finding what they believe to be their rightful place in the world. Turkey is determined to find its way in a new global order that is being shaken every day. Do not be at all surprised if Turkey leads an Islamic federation one day and says, “We tried to join with you in the West, but you ungraciously snubbed us. We have joined a new club now and demand an equal say in how the world will proceed.” Davutoğlu added that Turkey had representation in 221 nations, making it the seventh most widespread country in terms of foreign missions in the world, and of course, the only Islamic one in the top ten! “We will continue these openings because we want Turkey to be not only a regional power influential in surrounding regions but a global player everywhere in the world.” He wrapped up the final portion of his speech with these memorable lines:

“Therefore, we will be everywhere, whenever we are needed. We will be active everywhere. Some people may think – they may try to imagine or force us to be busy only with Syria, but in the morning we wake up with Syria, and before noon our mind is in the Balkans, in the afternoon, in Africa, in the evening in UN or in Latin America. Nobody will or can limit our vision.” (Ibid)

Is there any question as to how Mr. Davutoğlu and other Turkish leaders see their role? “We will be everywhere.” “Nobody will or can limit our vision.”

Perhaps Davutoğlu was so bold because he was speaking just a few miles from the construction site of what will be the largest Islamic complex in the Western hemisphere, the $100 million mega-mosque being erected in nearby Lanham, Maryland. The Turkish American Community Center will feature an exhibition hall, amphitheater, library, cultural center, athletic fields, and a stunning mosque, among other structures.[229] Erdoğan has visited the construction zone and sees it as a bulwark to fight “Islamophobia” in the U.S.A

God tells us with the prophecy given to Daniel (Daniel 8) over 500 years before Jesus Christ that in the end times, Turkey (Goat) would establish a revived Ottoman Empire by crushing Iran (Ram) but it will be broken up into four nations and out of one of those the Antichrist will arise. We are already seeing Iran doing what the Bible said it would in the end times pushing westward, northward, and southward with its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Iraq, Gaza and Yemen. It is only a matter of time before Sunni Turkey takes on Shia Iran for dominance of the Muslim Caliph.

Get Ralph Stice’s book for the full story on Islam’s role in the end times and the coming Antichrist’s rule. Also, check out my earlier post, Turkey’s Erdogan is intent on becoming Global Caliph.

WHO IS THE AL-MAHDI, THE RIGHTLY GUIDED ONE?

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Following on from my recent post “AL MAHDI BEST CANDIDATE FOR ANTICHRIST”

“Forty-two percent of Muslims in a recent survey believe the Islamic Superman will appear in their lifetime (www.mahdi-watch.org). His name is al-Mahdi, the “Rightly Guided One,” who has been discussed since the earliest days of Islam. This Islamic messiah was referred to by Muhammad’s grandson, Ali, who said that Islam would “prevail over all religions when the Messiah of this ummah (Islamic nation) makes his appearance.” (Ed Hotaling, Islam without Illusions: Its Past, Its Present, and Its Challenges for the Future (Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2003), 102).

In Daniel 8 we are told that Antichrist will arise when a revived Ottoman Empire is broken up into four and out of one of these four the Little Horn, the Antichrist will arise. I can only surmise about who will break the revived Ottoman Empire into four nations. Candidates, U.N., Russia, USA, or a composite of these three. Certainly, most of the European nations would not want to see a powerful revived Ottoman Empire that wants to dominate the entire world.

“Then the goat (Turkey) became exceedingly great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven. 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. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host.” Daniel 8:8-11

“As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power. And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their limit, a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. His power shall be great—but not by his own power, and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.” Daniel 8:22-24

Old Testament scholar Michael Heiser: “Gog (Numbers 23 and Ezekiel 38) would have been perceived as either a figure empowered by supernatural evil or an evil quasi-divine figure from the supernatural world bent on the destruction of God’s people. For this reason, Gog is regarded by many biblical scholars as a template for the New Testament, Antichrist.”

In both Numbers 24 and Ezekiel 38 Gog leads a coalition of Middle Eastern and North African nations, which confirms a Middle Eastern, not a Roman, Antichrist.

“I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.” Ezekiel 38:3-6

All of the nations Gog (Antichrist) leads are Muslim nations. Which makes the alMahdi the most likely candidate for the Antichrist.

DEMONIC ACTIVITY ON THE INCREASE AND WHY

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Jonathan Cahn has been given great insight into what God is doing and allowing in our day and how it relates to end-times Biblical prophecy.

Spiritual warfare is already intense and Biblical prophecy informs us that it will increase as we approach the time of Jesus’ return. The information Jonathan discloses in this video is mind-blowing. The detail he gives concerning the transgender person that killed six people at a Christian school in Nashville U.S.A. shows how demonic spirits are manifesting as the nation turns away from God.

Jonathan’s book The Return of the Gods is a book for our time. I encourage you to buy it and put it into the hands of your pastor.

Is it possible that behind what is taking place in America and the world lies a mystery that goes back to the gods of the ancient world…and that they now have returned? This is an urgent prophetic word for the coming years from Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.

Chapters: Introduction/Jonathan’s testimony. What does the book “Return of the Gods” (The Dark Trinity) reveal? The same three spirits that attacked Israel have now attacked America and other nations. When nations turn against God, they open themselves up to these spirits 1. The god Baal, the Possessor – 2. The god Ashtoreth, the Enchantress, the wife of Baal. 3. The god Molech, the Destroyer-Transformer. Their agenda is not tolerance, it is dominion.

These spirits are warring against the Gospel, against Jesus, against Christians. This is our hour. We have the greatest power, the power of God. The power that overcomes the world. We need to be the light in a dark place, shining bright. God will empower you but you need to make sure that you have cast all idols out of your life. Whatever it might be, technology is a major one, and for men, pornography, sport, cars, etc. Repent and get the help you need to address these issues now so that we can be the warriors we are meant to be.

Jonathan’s video needs to be distributed widely to your Christian friends.

JORDAN PETERSON ON DEMONS

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In this video, Jordan Peterson talks about demons on the Daily Wire. If you’re familiar with Jordan Peterson’s work, you might be surprised by some of the things he says about demons. If you’re not familiar with Jordan Peterson’s work, then this video is a great place to start. In this video, Jordan Peterson discusses the dynamics of demons and how they influence our lives. He offers explanatory insights into the origins of demons, as well as their effects on our souls.

I have been a fan of Jordan Peterson for years. God has gifted this man with an intellect of the highest order. When I first watched him he was not a Christian so it has been wonderful to watch his journey to faith in the one true God.

The people around the table are all intellectuals but their understanding of demons differs widely; from the Jew who does not believe they exist at all to Jordan Peterson who to my surprise truly understands the dynamics of demons and how they influence our lives.

This video deserves wide distribution, make sure you send it on.

END TIMES FAMINES AND PESTILENCES

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Right now, farmers across the world can’t get enough fertilizer for their crops…

According to Bloomberg:

“Expensive fertilizers are just one of many factors that have driven food prices to a record. In response, rice farmers across Asia are scaling back usage of the nutrients, threatening harvests of a staple that feeds half the world. The repercussions could be huge: The International Rice Research Institute predicts that yields could drop 10% in the next season, causing a loss of 36 million tons of rice, or the equivalent of feeding 500 million people.”

In the Olivet Discourse Jesus gave us many signs that would precede His second coming and famines were a significant sign mentioned in the three gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Mark 13:8 & Matthew 24:7

“Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you,” Luke 21:10-12

Famine knocking at the door of 41 million worldwide, World Food Programme (WFP) warns

WFP said 584,000 people are already experiencing famine-like conditions in Ethiopia, Madagascar, South Sudan and Yemen.   

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are also of particular concern as they have pockets where famine-like conditions are present. 

“In Somalia in 2011, 260,000 people died of hunger – and by the time the famine was actually declared – half of that number had already died,” Mr. Beasley of WFP recalled. “We can’t debate the numbers to death when people need our help now.” 

Yemen, South Sudan and northern Nigeria top the list of the 20 countries, and are facing catastrophic levels of acute hunger.  Some families in areas in South Sudan and Yemen are already experiencing starvation and death, or are at risk of starvation. 

While most of the affected countries are in Africa, the report said hunger is set to rise steeply in most regions of the world. 

MORE EVIDENCE FOR NOAH’S FLOOD

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The notion of a ‘wet Sahara’ in the recent past is controversial among secular researchers since they struggle to adduce a mechanism to explain it. However, much evidence exists for it and has recently been bolstered through the discovery of ancient shorelines. And unlike the conditions proposed by secular researchers, the conditions produced by a post-Flood Ice Age in the biblical perspective provide mechanisms for explaining the existence of a ‘wet Sahara’.

Paleolake Chad covered an area of 340,000 km. much larger than the current Lake Chad

The Ice Age solution

The biblical rapid Ice Age model can explain the existence of the large and small lakes in the Sahara and the population of animals and people by a northward displacement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In the same way as were the lakes in the southwestern U.S., and other lakes generally around the 30th parallel of the Northern Hemisphere, the Saharan lakes were first filled during Flood runoff. Residual floodwater would have been left in enclosed basins. Evidence for this could be the marine foraminifera fossils found in the Sahara Desert. Then much more rain in the Sahara during the Ice Age would have either maintained the lakes or filled them up to overflowing, resulting in rivers and streams. Dried-up rivers and streams with amphibian fossils are found below the sand. Such a wet environment was caused by much greater evaporation from the Ice Age warm ocean and a different general circulation from that evident today. But the wet Sahara continued after the Ice Age into the mid-Holocene, likely because the ITCZ was displaced much farther north.

There was only ever one ice age, it followed the worldwide flood and lasted about 700 years.

The Ice Age lasted longer in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) than the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Glacial maximum was reached about 500 years after the Flood with deglaciation taking another 200 years, lasting a total of 700 years. However, the SH would not reach glacial maximum until perhaps 300 years later, because of the time needed for the build-up of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The atmosphere and oceans of the two hemispheres have only a minimal exchange of water and air between them, so each generally acts independently. And because the SH has much more ocean than the NH, it would take longer for the Southern Hemisphere oceans to cool (cooling is 75% by evaporation and 25% by cool airflow off the continents).

How does this explain the green Sahara in the African Humid Period? It is known that today, the ITCZ migrates seasonally away from the winter hemisphere, within a range of about 10° latitude.8 Therefore, after the Ice Age ended in the Northern Hemisphere, the Ice Age in the Southern Hemisphere would have pushed the ITCZ even farther north than it shifts today as the seasons change. The SH Ice Age could easily push the ITCZ 600 km (375 mi) north into the Sahara Desert and cause the green Sahara to persist for centuries after the ice sheets had disappeared from northern regions.

Both creation and secular geologists agree that the earth’s deserts and semi-arid areas were once well-watered. Creation scientists largely attribute this to the warmer ocean water just after the Flood, warmed by the enormous volcanic eruptions that took place during the Flood. Warmer oceans generated huge amounts of evaporation, which caused the great ice sheets to build up rapidly over many parts of the world, leading to the Ice Age. At the same time, the extra water vapour in the atmosphere caused high rainfall at lower latitudes where it was not cold enough to form snow and ice. Thus, the post-Flood Ice Age explains why the earth’s deserts and semi-arid areas were once well-watered.

This high-rainfall condition would have lasted for several centuries until the sea had cooled off and reached equilibrium with the atmosphere, as it is today. In the runoff stage in the last part of the Flood, many lakes would have formed from the ponding of water in enclosed basins on an already waterlogged Earth. After the Flood during the Ice Age, high rainfall would have caused these lakes to grow and be sustained, along with a network of rivers and streams.

Taken from the article “Ice Age megalakes did exist in the Sahara” by Micheal Oard in the Journal of Creation/2023, volume 37, in the section Perspectives

END TIMES FALSE TEACHERS

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Andy Stanley compromises Genesis and certainly teaches that those of us who insist all the Bible (including OT) is true are putting a stumbling block in people’s way to hearing the gospel. But it’s Stanley who is undermining God’s Word — yes, a false teacher.”

“Many have lost faith because of something about the Bible or in the Bible – the Old Testament in particular,” Stanley says in a recent sermon. “Once they can no longer accept all the historicity of the Old Testament, once they couldn’t go along with all the miracles, once somebody poked a hole in the Genesis creation, you know, myth – once all that went away suddenly their house-of-cards faith came tumbling down because they were taught it’s all true, it’s all God’s Word and if you find one part that’s not true [then] uh-oh the whole thing comes tumbling down.

Stanley says, “The Bible did not create Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus created Christianity and launched Christianity. Your whole house of Old Testament cards can come tumbling down [but] the question is: Did Jesus rise from the dead? And the eyewitnesses said He did. I know that’s a little disturbing for some of us. I know for many of you, this is liberating. As one close friend of mine said who was in her 60s, said, ‘I finally understand.’”

What does Stanley do with Jesus’ statement: “He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” Luke 16:31

At least 33,000 people attend one of Andy’s seven churches each Sunday. Fans watch him on television or flock to his leadership seminars; pastors study his DVDs for preaching tips; his ministries’ website gets at least a million downloads per month.

We are told false prophets will be a feature of the last days prior to Jesus’ return and sadly we are seeing that all too often. Andy Stanley is only one of many. In Australia, Brian Houston of Hillsong, a mammoth money-making organisation comes to mind.

“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand... Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:24-25, 29-31

GOD IS SOVEREIGN

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We know as Christians that God places rulers in power to accomplish His purposes, as difficult as that might seem for us.

“He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1

These verses and others like them are great reminders of God’s sovereignty in history. These are the kind of bedrock verses to meditate on when a new government arises headed by an Islamic leader, who seemingly will be big trouble for Christ-followers.

Our faith cannot be shaken by whoever is in the driver’s seat of any given government. God is in control and often we get the leader we deserve. In Australia, the Victorian people voted in the ungodly Daniel Andrews and they are now getting the anti-God legisation they deserve.

It is useful to reflect on how God uses kings for His purposes. For example, Divine judgment came against the Lord’s people by means of King Nebuchadnezzar and the nation of Babylon. God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as His servant, meaning that the king was doing the work of God in punishing the people of Judah.

The fact that Nebuchadnezzar was referred to as the Lord’s servant should not be interpreted to mean that he was a righteous king. It is also not an indication that Babylon was replacing Judah as God’s special people. This is made clear as God’s judgment would later be pronounced against Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon.

“‘Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,’ declares the Lord, ‘for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. I will bring upon that land My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations.’” Jeremiah 25:12-13

We must drill down into the Rock. Jesus and cling to Him as world events continue to mold a godless future at a faster rate than ever seen before. We must also use the many prophecies of these future events for what I call apocalyptic evangelism. They prove the inerrancy of the Bible and the fact God is in control of History. The Bible clearly indicates the world gets darker as the world comes under greater control of Satan and his demonic powers. God even allows Satan to install his Antichrist and prophet to rule for three and a half years prior to Jesus’ return to earth with the glorified Saints to rule and reign for 1000 years.

“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:5-6

HOW TO USE THE RAY COMFORT CORONATION TRACTS

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The Coronation tract developed by Ray Comfort’s organization Living Waters is based on the 50-pound English Bank Note so it will be considered a memorial of King Charles’s coronation. Have you ordered your free tracts for use in your area of influence?

If not go to http://www.livingwaters.org to do so.

The following short video talks about the development of the tracts but also how to use them wisely to promote the Kingdom of God.

If you live in the Sutherland Shire, NSW Australia, and want to use the Coronation tracts contact me: ron@bakb.com.au

HOSTILITY AGAINST CHURCHES

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In December 2022, Family Research Council (FRC) released an extensive publication documenting a sharp rise in acts of hostility against churches in the United States. Analyzing publicly available data from the past five years, FRC found a total of 420 documented acts of hostility that occurred between January 2018 and September 2022.

The types of acts identified include vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, bomb threats, and more. There also appeared to be an increase in frequency over the course of the reporting period. FRC’s report identified 137 acts of hostility against churches between January and September 2022. By comparison, there were 96 incidents in all 12 months of 2021. FRC also identified 54 incidents against churches in 2020, 83 in 2019, and 50 in 2018. Since the launch of that report, FRC has continued to track acts of hostility against churches. The fourth quarter of 2022 saw an additional 54 incidents, for a total of 191 in 2022. That number is nearly double the previous year’s total of 96. In the first quarter of 2023, 69 incidents have already occurred. If this rate continues, 2023 will have the highest number of incidents of the six years FRC has tracked, continuing the upward trend. Most of the 2023 incidents occurred in January (43); 14 occurred in February, and 12 occurred in March 2023.

Criminal acts of vandalism and destruction of church property are symptomatic of a collapse in societal reverence and respect for houses of worship and religion—in this case, churches and Christianity. Some people appear increasingly comfortable lashing out against church buildings, pointing to a larger societal problem of marginalizing core Christian beliefs, including those that touch
on hot-button political issues related to human dignity and sexuality. The anger and division that increasingly characterize American society are endangering churches and eroding religious freedom. When congregants feel targeted by members of their communities or church buildings bear the brunt of outrage over political events, the very ability to live out one’s faith safely is
under attack. Violent or destructive incidents that interfere with an individual’s lawful free exercise of religion at their house of worship present a significant nationwide challenge.

The above report is to be expected as we fast approach the Biblical prophesied time before Jesus returns to restore righteousness to the world. Lawlessness, deception, many abandoning the faith, apostasy, Antichrist, and the Mark of the Beast are all prophesied to take place before His return. Christians need to prepare for these coming events and be faithful to proclaim the GOOD NEWS, the “gospel of the kingdom” until Jesus returns to rapture faithful believers and pour out His wrath upon an unbelieving world.

“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:12-14

“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

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him … For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God … 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 2:1,3-4,9-12