Seven Major Prophetic Signs Of The Second Coming
Ikvot ha'Mashiach

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Sixth Annual Year End Update 12-30-06



There are seven major prophetic signs of the Second Coming, and for the first time in history all seven are in some stage of fulfillment. As in years past, I'll list the seven with their primary biblical references and offer commentary from current events.



1. Israel Will Be In The Land... Ezekiel 38:8
After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.



In 1948, when Israel took its place among the nations of the world again for the first time in nearly 2000 years, students of prophecy recognized the fulfillment of the primary sign that the end of the age was upon us. Jesus had said that the generation being born when that happened would still be alive when He returned (Matt. 24:34).



The fulfillment of this prophecy caused another reaction as well. Satan reads prophecy too, and began exerting his influence on world leaders in his continuing effort to thwart the plan of God. As a result, Israel has fought six major wars in the last 58 years, each of them an attempt to erase the Jewish Homeland from the face of the Earth. And it's clear that this effort will continue, with the biggest battle of all looming on the horizon, foretold by Ezekiel in chapters 38-39. Israel's enemies, both physical and spiritual, won't let up until they've either succeeded (their view) or been destroyed (God's view).

But in abandoning their Gaza settlements last year, and with their inconclusive performance against Hezbollah this summer, it seems to many as if the Israelis have become their own worst enemy. In Gaza, the plan was to free the military from having to protect the settlements (a major commitment) while maintaining control of their borders. But turning part of their border security over to Egypt has been a disaster, permitting the Palestinians to smuggle in tons of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the Sinai (courtesy of Syria and Iran) and fire more mortars and missiles into Israel than ever before.



Although US and Israeli leaders promised that abandoning Gaza would improve the nation's security, the opposite has happened. And as those opposed to the abandonment predicted, Gaza has become a major center for terrorist activity. When Hamas won the Palestinian elections they quickly turned Gaza into an armed camp. Now Hamas appears to be just as dangerous a threat as Hezbollah and Israel seems to be caught between two forces powerful enough to make defeat a distinct possibility.

But the God of Israel sees a different outcome. "I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the LORD your God. (Amos 9:14-15)

2. Jerusalem Will Be In Jewish Hands... Luke 21:24
They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.



The Lord prophesied that the reunification of Jerusalem as a Jewish City would be a sign that foreign (gentile) influence over His land, and indeed the world, was about to end. When this happened in 1967, prophecy experts saw it as another major sign fulfilled. The almost world wide effort to take the city apart again is in essence a battle of wills; the Will of God vs. the will of man. Until recently every Israeli politician has stood firmly on a pledge to keep Jerusalem united forever as Israel's capital.

But then former Prime Minister Sharon said that if re-elected he'd consider abandoning parts of the suburbs to achieve peace. His stroke-induced coma ended his political career, but his hand picked successor, Ehud Olmert, has hinted at following through on Sharon's proposals. Olmert's poor performance in the war against Hezbollah has robbed him of the political strength to follow through for now. And God said that when He re-gathered His people in the land for the 2nd time (the first was after Babylon) they'd never be dispersed again, and so far it looks like He meant it. (Amos 9:15)

The fulfillment of these two major prophecies concerning Israel has caused confusion in the minds of some commentators. It centers around an incorrect interpretation of Matt. 24:34, that all end times prophecies are to be fulfilled within a generation, nominally 40 years, of Israel's re-gathering in 1948. That error made 1988 seem like the likely time for the End. But when 1988 came and went scholars focused on the Jerusalem date, 1967, and began adding 40 years to that, advancing their predictions to 2007. The rationale for this is that the timing of the First Coming prophecies in Daniel 9:24-27 keyed off the rebuilt city, not off the return to the Land.

But the Lord didn't promise that all end times prophecies would be fulfilled within a generation of their beginning, only that the generation being born at the time of the first of the signs would still be alive to see their completion. According to Psalm 90:10 a Biblical life span is 70 years, so predicting the approximate time of the End requires the addition of 70 years to either 1948 or 1967, not 40.



There are good arguments in favor of either date, so the safest bet is to construct a window of time opening in 2018 and extending to 2037 for the fulfillment of all End Time Prophecies. And remember, the culmination of End Times prophecies is the Second Coming, not the Rapture of the Church, which precedes it by at least 7 years.

As the time draws nearer, the timing of the 2nd Coming will become more and more obvious. Those people around when a treaty is enforced permitting the Jews to build their Temple in Israel will know that it's seven years away. Those who witness the anti Christ standing in that Temple proclaiming himself to be God will know there are only 1260 days left until the end of the Great Tribulation, and the 2nd Coming happens right after that. As Paul so clearly put it, only those in darkness will be taken by surprise. But at this point in time, the 19-year range I've given above offers a minimally speculative period within which it could all come to pass.



3. A Moslem Coalition Armed And Led By Russia Will Attack The Holy Land... Ezek. 38:2-6
"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army--your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops--the many nations with you."



(For a more detailed explanation of the modern equivalents to these biblical names, read "An In Depth Look At The Modern Equivalent To Biblical Names in Ezek.38)



Over 130 historical references make it plain that Magog stands for modern Russia, and the other countries named here form a coalition based on their common religion, Islam. (Today Russia is 30% Moslem and growing.) Among them are Iran, several North African countries, Eastern European countries along the Danube, and the Turkic nations of Asia Minor. A quick look at a world map will reveal that these areas are home to some of the most violent Islamic terrorist groups.

The Russians are already a major supplier of arms for the Moslem coalition, just as Ezekiel prophesied, and will be drawn into joining in this battle by God Himself. Russia's barely disguised policy of becoming the major outside force in the Middle East is playing right into the Lord's hands. Iran and Russia are well into the implementation of a $50 billion deal to provide Iran with nuclear power. The 10 reactors called for in the deal are supposedly for electrical power generation, but most western leaders suspect they'll be used to build bombs, too. Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad says he'll proclaim Iran to be a nuclear power right after the New Year, but most experts think a bomb is still a ways off. Israel has again vowed to prevent that ever happening, but the US seems to be backing off its similar promise.

Recently, to offset the loss of Iraq as their primary mid-east asset, Russia has formed commercial and military alliances with Turkey and Syria, becoming Turkey's 2nd largest trading partner after Germany. Turkey's inability to resolve the issue they have with Greece over Cypress will likely torpedo their attempt to join the EU. Recent polls also show a dramatic decrease in public support among Turks for EU membership. From an initial high of nearly 90%, less than half of all Turks now favor joining. Russia is quickly moving to bring Turkey under its influence, a shift that could cause Turkey to abandon the West and line up with the Moslem coalition as Ezekiel foretold.

Russia has also sold Damascus a state of the art anti-air defense system along with their latest generation missiles and anti-tank rockets and plan to construct a major military seaport in northern Syria, moving components of their Black Sea fleet there. As this is being written Syrian Pres. Assad is in Russia with $500 million Iranian dollars shopping for more weapons. In Lebanon, Russian Military Intelligence has just about taken over the town of Sidon, spying on Israel for Iran and Syria. Iran has taken delivery of a Russian air defense system too, to protect its Bushier reactor site.

Iran seems to be preparing its people for war with Israel and even the US, making the most outlandish claims in an effort to whip their people into a frenzy not seen since the days of the US embassy kidnapping of the 70's. This inflammatory ranting has included a Holocaust denial seminar attended by 30 countries, and a promise to wipe Israel off the face of the map. Former Israeli PM Netanyahu has said that it's like 1938 all over again. (He has also said that Iran is only 1000 days from achieving its goal of nuclear weaponry.)

The major obstacle to an early fulfillment of this prophecy is the reference to its occurrence at a time when Israel is "peaceful and unsuspecting" (Ezekiel 38:11). I believe that the removal of the US as Israel's powerful ally is necessary to create this condition. I don't think the Moslem coalition will attack until they're sure the US won't retaliate. It's no accident that Iran has led a charge against the US dollar, causing a major weakening in world markets and setting the stage for an end to the monopoly the dollar has enjoyed in international oil markets. Iran is also the primary force behind the instability in Iraq. The cost of this war is creating unsustainable deficits for the US, and with the dollar weakening, the US may be forced to vacate the Middle East soon. The coming change in government will be an interesting addition to this mix, but the bottom line is that either the US or some other entity (the UN?) has to make a toothless agreement to protect Israel to set them up for this battle.

As we begin 2007, the Middle East is in the most volatile situation of our generation. The Palestinian Territories, Iraq and Lebanon could all erupt into civil war this year. Syria and Israel are at each other's throats with some predicting a spring war, and both Hamas and Hezbollah are itching to jump into the fray. The US is building up forces off the coast of Iran, and Israel has said it will not allow Iran to go nuclear. Surely one of these powder kegs will explode and could even start a chain reaction.

I believe that once these issues are resolved, either by warfare or negotiation or both, a false peace will come to Israel very suddenly and unexpectedly, like the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Israel will be set up for Ezekiel 38 by its supposed peace partners.

When the time is right, having recently taken His church to Heaven, the Lord will use this battle to orchestrate His reconciliation with Israel, and on its heels the anti Christ will emerge with a peace plan that includes a Jewish Temple. So once this battle takes place, end times prophecy will go on fast forward.

4. The Ancient Roman Empire Will Re-Emerge As A Political Force... Rev 17:9-10
"This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while." (This one is a little obscure if you don't know your history. When John was writing this, about 95AD, there had been five great world powers; Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece. All were conquered and absorbed. The current power was Rome, which was never really conquered and will re-emerge at the end of the age, according to Daniel 9:26.)



Daniel 2:36-45 describes Gentile Dominion from Daniel's time forward (Egypt and Assyria had already fallen) in the form of a giant statue. Read it carefully and you'll find some interesting things in the description of the feet of iron mixed with clay, representing the revived Roman Empire of our time. In the first place the two don't mix. We can imagine sticky clay serving as glue sticking pieces of iron together, but the language describes a clay that's made of dust and already baked... hard and brittle like shards of pottery. You can't make random pieces of iron and pottery adhere. They'll keep falling apart.



In 2005 the EU constitution vote was defeated as one more example of how the EU has had trouble sticking together just as Daniel prophesied. Half-hearted efforts to revive it in 2006 bore no fruit. When Germany takes over the EU Presidency in 2007, look for another, more serious attempt to get the constitution passed. Remember the common currency issue a few years ago? Each one of these controversial steps has nearly driven the EU to its knees, but each time it has recovered. One day soon the EU will assume its destiny as the leading world power for the End of the Age.



In the mean time the Western European Union (WEU) a 10 nation confederacy of the only permanent and fully vested members of the EU has assumed responsibility for creating its military arm, based on its Recommendation 666, passed earlier. And in January 2007 the EU's European Neighborhood Plan (ENP) takes effect. It's a seven-year treaty that brings 12 Middle Eastern countries including Israel and the Palestinian Authority into economic cooperation with the EU. The EU's Javier Solana has been fighting to get this program off the ground for years, and its coming implementation has made him the current favorite among those looking for the anti-Christ.



5. The World Will Embrace A Single Religion... Rev 13:8
All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.



The one world religion idea has been around for most of our generation, often under the guise of ecumenism. As the liberal denominations continue watering down their theology there are fewer things keeping them apart. Now some Evangelical leaders are questioning whether Jesus is really the only way to salvation. The flirtation between certain Evangelical groups and the Catholic Church is interesting, as is the dialog between the Pope and Leaders of Islam, and their common devotion to Mary. The Catholic Church is one of the richest organizations on the planet with over 1 billion members on 6 continents, and clearly thinks of itself as the world's dominant religious group. It's no secret that the Catholic church is posturing itself to be a major player in End times events.



But make no mistake about it. The rise of radical Islam is the chief threat to world peace today and their goal is nothing less than world domination. Their god is not the God of the Bible, and their fight with Jews and Christians actually began in the 7th Century AD when the Jews rejected Mohammed's offer of consolidation. Prior to that time he had counseled his followers to respect and befriend the Jewish people, but when they refused to join his religion, he declared jihad (holy war) against them. Christians were included 400 years later as a result of the Crusades.

Currently nearly one out of five inhabitants of the world is Moslem, and like most Christians and Jews don't really know what they believe or why. Ignorance and misinformation are primary tools of the devil so I would urge all thinking people to really study the origin and goals of Islam. It will soon be the world's most popular religion, and after the removal of Evangelical Christians in the Rapture could easily be the foundation on which the one world religion is built.



In 2 Thes. 2:7 Paul wrote that the secret power of lawlessness was already at work in the world but that the One who holds it back would continue to do so until He is taken out of the way (out of the midst). Understand that Paul wasn't referring to man's disregard for the law here, but rather to his refusal to accept the truth. In New Testament Greek the word for unbelief is also translated disobedience. God's view is that there's just too much clear evidence of His existence for anyone not to believe in Him. Therefore so-called unbelievers are really disobeying by refusing to believe.



In 1 Tim 4:1 Paul warned us of the doctrines of demons and in 2 Tim 4:3-4 of the growing popularity of mythology as being part and parcel of this end times religion. This is the lawlessness Paul was writing about. Having rejected the truth, those left after the Rapture will be ripe for the Great Lie of 2 Thes 2:9 to fill the need every man has to believe in something greater than himself. All it will take is for a charismatic religious leader to emerge, a leader powerful enough to bring all those who are left behind into one counterfeit religion.

Much has been written this year about al Mahdi, a manifestation of Moslem prophecy that is strikingly similar to Christian prophecies of the anti-Christ. Both come on the scene during a time of great turmoil on Earth, both come claiming a desire to restore peace, both have a seven year reign, both head a one world religion and one world government, both claim supernatural origins, and both reigns end in a battle between good and evil that brings about Earth's final judgment. Some students of prophecy remind us that the Roman Empire had an Eastern component composed of the very countries whose people are the most militant advocates of Islam today, and that the anti-Christ could easily come from there.

Islam is the world's fastest growing religion and is second only to Christianity in number of adherents. But the true Church will soon be gone in the Rapture. The remnant, with its celebration of pluralism and its inclusive view of the way to salvation will be ripe for conversion. Add the widely held but incorrect beliefs that God and Allah are the same, and that Islam is a religion of peace, and you can see how Islam could be the straw that a world on the verge of chaos grasps for survival.

6. The World Will Accept A Single Government... Rev 13:3
The whole world was astonished and followed the beast.



Earlier, I stated my view that a decline in US strength would be necessary to permit the Battle of Ezekiel to take place. This is also a necessary precursor to the emergence of a one world government.

Last year I said that unless something happened to fracture us again, Evangelicals would become an increasingly powerful voting block as viewpoints become more polarized over conflicting moral values. I also said that the voting power of Evangelicals would, more than any other factor, keep America strong and independent.



Well, something did happen. Partly because of media distortion, and partly because of the constant meddling by Iran and Syria, the war in Iraq has become so unpopular that it's driven public opinion to devastating levels of dissatisfaction with the way the current administration is running it. As a result both houses of Congress have changed hands and 2007 could very well see the beginning of our departure from the Middle East entirely.

And a successful attack on the strength of the dollar could eventually sideline us from world affairs entirely. This year the five year old Euro became the most popular currency in circulation, surpassing the dollar for the first time. It still has a long way to go before it takes the lead as a reserve currency, but breaking the dollar's monopoly on oil transactions will provide a substantial boost. Iran, China, Russia, and Venezuela have teamed up with the intention of doing just that.

The Rapture of the Church would be the final and fatal blow to US supremacy, paving the way for the 10 Nation Confederacy of Bible prophecy to consolidate its hold on world affairs.



7. Babylon Will Re-Emerge As A Prominent City In World Affairs... Rev 18:2-3
With a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries."



Babylon is still a ways away from accepting its destiny as a city of power in the end times. It's just a ceremonial city right now, but 15 years ago nobody even knew it existed at all. One of the shocks of Gulf War 1 was the discovery of Babylon standing there on the banks of the Euphrates again.


You may think that being little more than a giant museum is a far cry from being a center of world power, but some of Iraq's new political leaders are calling for their nation's capital to be moved to Babylon. The logic behind this is that Baghdad was Saddam's capital, and the new Iraq needs a new capital, more consistent with its heritage. Babylon fills the bill, and becoming the capital of Iraq would be a giant first step toward achieving its transformation into a center of power.

Because of Babylon's current lack of importance in the world, some students of prophecy search for an allegorical fulfillment of Rev. 18, and of course many see the USA or some city therein as a logical candidate.

But remember, even though in Revelation 17:9 John describes "mystery Babylon" as seated on seven hills (meaning Rome), a prophecy in Zechariah 5:5-11 shows it being moved "to the plains of Shinar" a reference to ancient Mesopotamia called Iraq today. We can't switch from literal to allegorical interpretations of Scripture without clear direction, and where Babylon is concerned no such direction exists. In fact the opposite is true.

Other Signs
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 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. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matt. 24:6-14)



Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:10-11)



"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:25-28)

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS ... Depending upon whose intelligence reports you read somewhere between 30 and 50 wars are currently being fought around the world, with a substantial number of additional disputes threatening to erupt into war at any time.

THE INCREASE OF NATURAL DISASTERS ... More frequent and more severe hurricanes, more frequent and more intense earthquakes. Killer storms and quakes continue to dot the news, although 2006 didn't achieve the record levels of devastation caused in 2005

SIGNS IN THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS ... The magnetic polar reversal, predicted by computer model for 2012 is gaining more attention since its likelihood was first announced. Having moved several hundred miles across Canada the Magnetic North Pole is currently headed for Siberia. While the effects of a Magnetic Polar Reversal have never been observed by mankind, it has apparently happened in the distant past. What's unique this time is that the Sun is due for a polar reversal at the same time. I've speculated that the effects of the polar reversal could fulfill Revelation 6 and if the projected time of 2012 is correct, it fits nicely into the End Times prophecy window we opened above.

PESTILENCE... Not only new diseases like HIV and SARS but also the return of old ones like Whooping cough. But the big news again this year is the likely spread of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). A few cases among humans have lead to fears that the virus has mutated to thrive in a human host. Dire predictions are placing possible deaths from this pandemic in the millions

THE LOVE OF MOST WILL GROW COLD ... 3500 people die every day in defense of the Christian faith. Run away crime, children being abused and murdered by their parents, children killing children. Murder trials as public entertainment soon to be followed by televised executions. Ethnic cleansing, rape and forced pregnancy, pedophilia, random shootings, the incidence of disrespect is enough to make you sick.



THIS GOSPEL WILL BE PREACHED IN ALL NATIONS ... Looking at the state of the world, it's hard to be encouraged. But as world news gets worse and worse, more people are turning to the Lord for solace. According to some reports as many as 175,000 new believers are born again every day, mostly in Africa, China, and India. Reports of these conversions are accompanied by accounts of miracles, people receiving supernatural healings and even being raised from the dead. Just as He did at the beginning of the church Age the Holy Spirit is moving mightily at its End. I believe the Lord is issuing a giant "last call" before He suddenly takes the church out of here to begin the End Times judgments.

The above are given as indicators in the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) and we'll continue to bring you periodic information on these as well.



As you know most of the signs in the Olivet Discourse are progressive and all are described as happening well before the end. Their main interest to us is found in the phrase "beginning of birth pangs." Natural disasters, the tendency toward war as a tool of diplomacy, famine amidst plenty (35,000 children die each day of starvation and related diseases) and pestilence are described as being common to the era but increasing in frequency and intensity as the end approaches. This was certainly the case in 2005 and is an indicator of how close we are to the end.

It's true that for over 100 years folks have been saying, "how much worse can it get?" Sadly, the answer now as it was then is, "Much!" It seems man's depravity knows no limits. But take heart. Though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We don't belong here, being citizens of heaven. And one day soon our long awaited King will return to take us there. Maranatha!
.................................................benny

Didnt you say in your recent posts that this gathering occurred AFTER the tribulation ala

Matt 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with [1] a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

I think you are confused. Or perhaps you think there were two gatherings of jews. A gathering of unremnant jews and a seperate gathering of remnant jews, not to mention your belief in several secret gatherings of elect christians.



Why would students of prophecy think that Israel taking its place amongst the nations is the primary sign of the end of the age when Jesus Christ himself said that the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place is the primary sign.

Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)


Any bible prophecy student worth his salt will understand that Ezek 38 is talking about events in the millenial reign of Christ.

Ezek 37 The valley of dry bones has not happened yet.
Ezek 37 The reunion of Judah with the diaspora has not happened yet.

So what makes you think that the events of Ezek 38 are even close to happening.
Also your author says that Gog and Magog is going to attack with nuclear weapons whereas Ezek 39 makes it plain that they will attack with weapons made of wood.
Ezek 39: 8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken. 9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, [4] and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years: 10 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire:

The only thing we know about Gog and Magog is that no such nations currently exists. My belief is that these are post apocalyptic nations that rises out of the rubble of the day of the Lord, living on the edge of survival they accuse the Lord Christ for their demise and come to attack him with the few pitiful weapons they can scratch together. I don't believe that this is the battle of armageddon but another battle sometime into the millenium. You will notice in Zechariah further descriptions of nations which resist the Lord during the millenium AFTER Jesus has returned.

Zech 14:17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment [5] of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles

I recommend all bible prophecy students to read the chapters in Ezek 36-48 as millenial events. Especially the descriptions of Ezekiels temple with its healing waters which replenish the earth. The whole passage will reveal the millenial as a period which has many exciting events prophecied during it instead of the black box of utopia that many of us have traditionally thought of it as.



I heard all of this from Chuck Misler before Sadam got overthrown and Iraq got sent through the meatgrinder and polluted with American nuclear waste (depleted uranium). Well it didnt work out then and its not going to work out now because the Babylon of Revelation is simply not the Babylon of old. How do I know this? Because Babylon in Revelation is described as a powerhouse of the world economy and as a great mercantile city. It is also a major port city.

Rev 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Babylon in Iraq cannot therefore be the babylon or Rev 18 as it is more than 200 miles from the sea. Even if it had a major sea port it would take it a hundred years to become a huge trading power. Certainly more time than is allowed in the time left in the generation allowed in your authors major point 1.


This sign in Matt 24 is a supernatural event caused by the direct hand of God. This will be an event so shocking that it will make this authors polar reveral look like a firecracker. It says that the stars will fall from heaven. God will literally be packing up the universe, all of the constellations will change. This event will affect the entire configuration of the universe.
Matt 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

CONCLUSION
I too agree that conditions in the world are worsening and that we are approaching the end times. Christians must be warned and prepared as never before. There is no time for sleep or slumber. Part of preparing is getting our heads around the prophecies and getting things correct. We need to divide the words of scripture correctly. Alarming people needlessly with incorrect information is the worst thing we can do because when the events we prognosticate upon do not occur it results in complacency and cynicism when it comes to the prophecies. Much of this article correctly described the worsening of world conditions as the end approaches. However "the end is not yet" Matt 24:6 and the article presented a lot of incorrect information.

As I keep telling you benny. Stop cutting and pasting other peoples work into these posts and start writing your own material gleaned from your own Bible study.

We will Never know the Hour (till it comes), but we Can know the season of Our Lords return!!!
Now im no Einstein, but It looks like were Smack Dab in the Season Now!!!
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!
We are so Truely a Blessed generation!!!!
How many Millions throughout the ages Prayed to be where we are today!!!!
The Lord Lifts Us Up!!!!!
Let Us pray and Lift Him Up as Well!!!!

"THE MOUNTAINS AND THE HILLS WILL BREAK OUT BEFORE YOU INTO SHOUTS OF JOY & THE TREES WILL CLAP THEIR HANDS!!!"
PRAISE YOU PRAISE YOU PRAISE YOU OUR LORD AND KING!!

Thanks, Benny.

Psalm 90;10 amplified bible

the footnote in my bible says:

Moses wrote this psalm.
Moses is interceding with God for the Israelites, to lift the curse, which is causing every Israelite to die within 40 years.
(Numbers 14;26-35)
Moses said that most are dying at age 70 years.
This "70 years" was not set to be a set life-span for all humanity, in all times.
It applies only to this group of people (Israelites) during this certain time (this 40 years).

Others lived different life-spans:
Jacob 130 years (Gen 47;9)
Moses 120
Aaron 123
Miriam several years older
Joshua 110
in the millenium, a person dying at 100 will still be a child (Isa 65;20)

Good eye Dennis!

-----------------------------------------------



Speculating....

2018 minus 7 = 2011 minus 3 1/2 =

I believe the rapture won't take place until after the initial darkness that begins the day of the Lord. (Is it approximately a 3 1/2 year period?) We won't be taken out until just before the revealing of the darkened sun. (son) This is as per my understanding of the symbolism of a day that begins in darkness(1) veiled sun(2) darkness(3 parts).

The sun will be veiled like sack cloth...Three sons veiled...1.) Jesus 2.) the Sun and 3.) the son of darkness.

God will be doing his work.....all that call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Then...in a twinkling....

Blind leading the Blind. Does anyone live in safety?
These people have gotten rich off of this mumbojumbo.
For sure they don't know how to blush, but they will learn.
Here is the Israel that lives in safety after they are brought out from the nations to posses the Land.

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
14 "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

This is living in Safety.

This is a general statement. No one is denying the rest of the scriptures. There is no true peace until the True Prince of Peace comes. God will protect his remnant...



This statement betrays your heart as does your picture.

The Lord is my Heart and I have betrayed you into His hands.
Would you say the same to Jeremiah?

13 "Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone is given to covetousness; And from the prophet even to the priest, Everyone deals falsely.
14 They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the Lord.
16 Thus says the Lord: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

Or Isaiah?

Isaiah 29
9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink.
10 For the Lord has poured out on you The spirit of deep sleep, And has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, namely, the seers.
11 The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I cannot, for it is sealed."
12 Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I am not literate."
13 Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,
14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden." 15 Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, And their works are in the dark; They say, "Who sees us?" and, "Who knows us?"

Isa 29;1-4
amplified bible

God will attack Jerusalem (fulfilled in the Babylonian attack and captivity)

verse 5
But, later, God will blow away (dis-appear) the babylonians , like the wind blowing away dust

verse 6-8.......God will deliver Israel from ALL THE NATIONS that fight against Jerusalem, at the end-of-trib

verse 9-16.........When this chapter 29 was written, , Israel didn't deserve to understand this prophecy (she was so wicked and un-believing), so God has closed Israel's eyes (the prohets and seers)

verse 17-24.........the Millenial Reign!..........
verse 17 the forest of Lebanon will be as a fruit-ful field,........and the fruit-ful field will be so thick with abundant crops that it seems like a forest (the plowman will overtake the reaper, in the Mill reign).

verse 18........the blind shall see
verse 19.......the meek shall have Joy, and the poor will rejoice in God
verse 20.......the enemies and scoffers have dis-appeared, the wicked are killed
verse 22.......God brought Abraham out of Ur and idolatry
verse 23,24........Jacob's children (descendants) will walk in (True) piety, virtue, worship, understanding, instruction!

***
I've read that it's il-legal to proseletyze/preach for Christianity in Israel, today. So, they are far from "righteous", today.

But, God favors Israel "for the fathers' sake (for Abraham, Issac, and Jacob's sake).

The OT says that Israel is God's peculiar treasure FOREVER!

This is true. But the “Israel that He has chosen”. Not the Israel of the Flesh but the Israel that He will assemble and bring into the land during the great tribulation. Those brought out of every nation tribe and tongue assembled by the end time saints. This group here in this scripture who will be before the throne of the Lamb when He returns. These are the ones who will be on the verge of being attacked by the devil and his messengers when the Son of Man Splits the sky Like the lightning that shines from east to west and comes riding on the clouds of glory. This is after close to four billion people world wide have already been slaughtered by each other.

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
14 "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."


The promise is fulfilled by the descendants of faith.

You said:

This is true. But the “Israel that He has chosen”. Not the Israel of the Flesh but the Israel that He will assemble and bring into the land during the great tribulation. Those brought out of every nation tribe and tongue assembled by the end time saints. This group here in this scripture who will be before the throne of the Lamb when He returns.

My thoughts:

God has chosen the "Israel of the Flesh".
But , in a special way.
God used the nation Israel to bring the Scriptures (OT and NT) into the world. And to bring in the Savior! Wow!
Why did God choose Israel? Not because they were more righteous than others........It was for the fathers' sake (Abe, issac, Jacob)
Why did God love the fathers (Abe, Issca, Jacopb)?
They BELIEVED GOD!

Many jews from Jacob to 70AD,,,,,,were un-believing and wicked and were NOT OT Saints. A Few belived God and were OT Saints.

So, God used that nation to bring in Salvation and Light into the world. Thank you , Lord!

But, many jews rejected the Savior, and God used the roman army to destroy the Temple, City, stop the animal sacrifices, etc
Why?
God "made an example" of the Jews. (This is what happens when you reject God........horrific Judgement and ruin)
It's a lesson to Gentiles and Jews alike.
Anytime that any Jew wants to,........they can accept Christ and get saved.
The non-Messianic jews in Israel , today, are NOT saved from their sins.

At the end-of-trib, When the surviving Jews see Jesus Return, with Physical vision, they will believe in jesus, anfd they will enter the Mill reign as mortals, with Physical salvation.

Anyone who believes in jesus BEFORE THE PHYSICAL RETURN of jesus will getr a Spiritual salvation, and will enter the Mill Reign as im-mortals.

So, since I beleived without seeing Jesus (I saw Jesus with Spiritual, not physical, vision) , then I have Spiritual salvation. If I "keep the faith" unto the end, then, I will enter the Mill Reign as an im-mortal.

From the time that the daily sacrefice is taken away by the Hosts of the Lord until the setting up of the abomination of desolation will be 1290 days. The Lord comes at the 1335 days.
Every one on earth will either be in the camps of the Lord or in the devils camp. They will be sealed for salvation or sealed for destruction at the return of our Lord and Savior. No one will be able to change camps after the 1290 days.