#I. IMAGINE with me, if you will, standing in the community square, talking with neighbors on just another ordinary, sunny day, when suddenly there is a rumbling beneath your feet. Then, without warning, the skies turn dark. You are blinded by a flash of light in the heavens. Then a deafening sound cracks above you, and thunder continues as a roar with an intensity that shakes you and your surroundings.
But this is only the beginning of this living terror. Drops of water, the size of which you have never experienced, slowly begin to crash into and all around you. Water begins to rise on your feet and within minutes you are knee deep in angry swirling flood waters.
A fierce wind begins to blow and spray the surging waters. Your mind is in a panic. You search frantically for your family and look about for high ground. The waters are now shoulder-deep and lifting you off the ground.
Your mind flashes back to a warning you had heard, but had ignored: “A flood is coming”. No one had ever heard of such a thing. It was as ridiculous as it was fantastic.
All the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. The rain is falling upon the earth. You scan the horizon for Noah’s Ark.
You think, with deep sorrow and panic, “If I had just believed, I could have been saved”. It’s too late, the waters overcome you. You are lost.
Then God said, (Genesis 9:11). “I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; 13I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14“It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, 15and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh”
The date is now sometime after Sunday, December 6, 2020.
#II. IMAGINE with me if you will, that you are talking with a neighbor on what appears to be just another ordinary, sunny day, when suddenly, there is a great earthquake; and the sun becomes black, and the whole moon became like blood; and asteroids and meteorites fall to the earth, like a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky appears to split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island are moved out of their places. (Revelation 6:12-14)
Then, hail and fire, mixed with blood fall to the earth; and a third of the earth is burned with fire, and a third of the trees are being burned, and all the green grass is burned.
Something which looks like a mountain, burning with fire falls into the sea; and a third of the sea becomes blood, and a third of the creatures in the sea, die; and a third of all the world’s ships are destroyed.
A great meteor falls from heaven, burning like a torch, and it falls on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters become wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
A third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars are struck, so that a third of them would are darkened and the day does not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.
Then you look, and hear a loud voice in the heavens saying, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth”. (Revelation 8:7-12)
Your mind flashes back to a warning you had heard, but had ignored: “A Great Tribulation and the ‘End of Days’ is coming”. No one had ever heard of such a thing. It was as ridiculous as it was fantastic.
You think, with deep sorrow and panic, “If I had just believed, I could have been saved”. But, it’s too late, the terror overcomes you. You are lost.
Are the examples ridiculous and too fantastic to believe?
Please consider this: The odds against – yes, AGAINST – Jesus Christ having fulfilled just 48 of the over 450 prophecies written about Him, is a ratio of 1 to 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. (This is 1 to 10 to the 157th power)
To give you a perspective, electrons are very small objects. They are smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES 10 to the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make a strand one inch long.
Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long. 19 MILLION YEARS!
These “IMAGINE” stories are not just ‘stories’. These are real events which have been proven by the incredible accuracy of God’s Prophetic Word.
IMAGINE #1 has already come to pass. IMAGINE #2 is at our doorstep.
I pray that you take them as seriously as they are given.
I have been writing on this matter for about 13 years. I am amazed at how times have ‘suddenly changed’ from speculative to appearing alarmingly realistic as the LAST DAYS.
I have been saying, for over 13 years now, that scriptures clearly tell us that the LAST DAYS began in or around AD 1, and that the DAYS OF DISTRESS, also known by names such as the tribulation, end of days, times of trouble. I have been saying, for 13 years now, that over these past 2,000 years we have seen and are seeing the progressive opening / breaking of the first 5 Tribulation Seals.
There are others saying these things, but they are the minority – until now. Now we are seeing more clearly. One substantial example of this ‘awakening’ can be found on a video sermon / teaching by pastor John Piper.
(John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He has served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, for more than thirty years. He is author of more than fifty books, and his sermons, articles, books, and more are available free of charge at desiringGod.org.)
Piper begins his teaching on the subject of “How to Live in History’s Last Days” taken from 1 Peter 4:7 – 9, Reading verse, 1 Peter4:7 “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”,Piper asks, “What does that mean? “The end of all things is at hand.” That was 2,000 years ago.
“The end of all things, (as found) in the New Testament, (is) the period of time that begins with the coming of the Messiah (His birth) and ends at the second coming (Matthew 24:29-31) .”
(John Piper video sermon on: “How We Should Live In These Last Days”: Below)
1 Peter 1:20 “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you.”
Acts 2:16-17. “but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.
Hebrews 1:1-2. “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, v2 in these last days has spoken to us [b]in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Hebrews 9:26, “Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
2 Peter 3:3, “Know this, first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:11, tells us, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”
2. How Should We Live in These Last Days?
Should we hunker down? Dig in? Hide away? Run to a mountain retreat with stockpile of food, water and weapons?
1 Peter 4:7-9“The end of all things is near; therefore,
be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [b]prayer.
Verse 8. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Verse 10. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Verse 11. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;
whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
3. What should we expect in these Last Days?
1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled or the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Verse 15. “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
Verse 17. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;”
The LAST DAYS began with the birth of Christ. The 5th Seal is being broken / has been broken. The final Seal (The 6th Seal, The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord) will happen next.
In order to ‘be saved’, you and I must “endure to the end” and we shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony! So, fear not! It is written in His Blood and by His Breath and cannot be amended. Now, let’s get this thing finished and be ready to meet Him in the air!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
Other important pre-tribulation Pre-Wrath sources:
Step back from the chaos of the 2020 election news. Step back from the chaos of the so-called CORONA virus pandemic, and realize, we are in an historic time in world history – in fact, an historic time in cosmic terms. Don’t miss or ignore what is actually taking place. We will never pass this way again.
Are we in the “Last Days”, as spoke of in the Bible? And, in case you are wondering, “what exactly are these ‘Last Days’?” Then, read further.
The Bible describes events and conditions that would mark “the conclusion of the current system of things,” or “the end of the world.”(Matthew 24:3; NASB) The Bible calls this time period, variously,
The following are some outstanding features of last-days, or end-times, prophecies:
1. Wars and rumors of wars – Just to name three wars of the thousands which have occurred: The religious crusades 1095 – 1291, 2 million dead; WW I, 1914-1918, 17 million dead; WW II, 1939-1945, 70 million dead.
2. Famines. There is no way to accurately calculate the numbers of famiines and deaths since AD 1, but, the best records show at least 246 major famines and over 316 million dead. (See Famines – Wikipedia) .
3. Pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.”
4. Increase of crime.
5. Ruining of the earth by mankind. —Revelation 11:18.
6. Deterioration of people’s attitudes, as shown by many who are “unthankful, disloyal, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.” —2 Timothy 3: 1-4.
7. Breakdown of the family, with people who have “no natural affection” and children who are “disobedient to parents.” —2 Timothy 3: 2, 3.
8. Love of God growing cold in most people. —Matthew 24:12.
9. Noteworthy displays of religious hypocrisy.
10. Increased understanding of Bible prophecies, including those related to the last days. —Daniel 12:4.
11. Global preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. —Matthew 24:14.
12. Widespread apathy and even ridicule toward the evidence of the approaching end. —Matthew 24:37- 39; 2 Peter 3: 3, 4.
13. The concurrent fulfillment of all these prophecies, not just a few or even most of them. —Matthew 24:33.
SO – WHEN DID THE “END OF DAYS” BEGIN?
I. Matthew 24:3-14, verse 3 says, “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Verse 10. “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Verse 11. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Verse 12. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
Verse 13. “But the one who enduresto the end, he will be saved.
Verse 14. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”
*When was Matthew written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?
II. Hebrews 1:2“In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
*When was Hebrews written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?
III. Acts 2:14 “But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15“For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:
17‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;”
*When was Acts written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?
IV. 2 Timothy 3:1 “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. verse 2. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, verse 3, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, verse 4, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, verse 5, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.“
*When was Matthew written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?
V. 2 Peter 3:3 “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”
*When was 2 Timothy written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” cluesdo you see?
VI. Daniel 12:1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”
Verse 5. “Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. Verse 6. And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; (note: 3.5 years), and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. 8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9. He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. Verse 10. “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. Verse 11. “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12. “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
*What “timeline” clues do you see?
These “timeline clues” tell us that the LAST DAYS, (THE END OF TIMES, THE END TIME, THE END OF THE AGE), began sometime between AD 1 and AD 69.
We have, in fact, been in the tribulation period known as the “times of distress”, that is Tribulation Seals 1 through Seal 4 since AD 1 and the effects of these broken Seals are working concurrently and have been intensifying.
We are have now entered the 5th tribulation Seal and are awaiting the revealing of the anti-christ.
Identifying the timeline and what may have already occurred, we can identify the “season” we are now in and the urgency of this time.
OUTLINE OF THE TRIBULATION SEALS
Here is a Short outline comparing Jesus’ account of the Tribulation period both in the Book of Revelation and in the Book of Matthew:
During the 6th Tribulation Seal, these events occur:
Sealing of the 144,000
The Rapture
Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God
The breaking of The 6th Tribulation Seal is the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel which are the final 7 years of the great Tribulation. (The 7th Trumpet is the mid-point or 3.5 years)
The 7th Tribulation Seal – The announcement of the 7 Trumpet Judgments
Here is a detailed comparison of the The Tribulation Seals between the Book of Matthew chapter 24 and the Book of The Revelation chapters 6 & 7
Seal 1 —Rider on White Horse – Revelation 6:1,2 –
1Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Matthew 24:6 – Wars and rumors of war,
6“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end
*Seal 1 has been ongoing since between AD 1 -AD 69 and has been intensifying.
Seal 2 – The Red Horse —Peace is taken from the earth, War – Revelation 6:3
When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” verse 4, And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
Matthew 24:7 – Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
*This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – 69 and has been intensifying.
Seal 3 – The Black Horse —Famine – Revelation 6:5
“When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. verse 6, And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”
Matthew 24:7 – Famines
Verse 7. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
*This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – AD 69 and has been intensifying.
Seal 4 – Ashen Horse – Death and Hades – Revelation 6:7
“When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” verse 8. I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Matthew 24:21 – Death
“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. verse 22. “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – AD 69 and is intensifying.
“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” verse 11. And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.
Matthew 24:9 – Persectuion, Martyrs, Deception, Apostsay
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. verse 10. “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. verse 11. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. verse 12. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. verse 13. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. verse 14. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
*Except for the revealing of the “man of perdition”, this has begun or been ongoing since around AD 60 and is intensifying.
IMPORTANT NOTE: from 2 Thessalonians2:1
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
((which is seen inMatthew 24:31 “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” An IMPORTANT TIME MARKER in MATTHEW))
2 Thessalonians 2:2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
Verse 3. “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the *apostasy comes first, and *the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, verse 4, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
*BEFORE The Day of the Lord, the Great Apostasy will come. This is the 5th Seal
Seal 6 – Cosmic Disturbances, Great Day of the Wrath of the Lamb has come. This has not occured.
Revelation 6:12 “I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;
Verse13. and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.
Verse 14. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Verse 15. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains;
Verse 16. and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;
Verse 17. for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Matthew 24:29 “But 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 the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Verse 30. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.
Verse 31. “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
INTERLUDE: Revelation 7:1 through 17 – Winds stopped, Sealing of the 144,000 of Israel, The Multitude Raptured from the Tribulation
Seal 7 – Silence and Preparation for – THE WRATH OF THE LAMB
Revelation 8:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 – Silence in heaven for half an hour, Seven Judgment Trumpets prepared, smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, go up before God, the fire of the altar is thrown to the earth; and there follows peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
The pre-wrath-rapture
These are exciting and dangerous times. We can be ready. Contact me if you have questions!
Peace in the Middle East? Could world peace start with a peace agreement in the Middle East? There are some who think that if this area can find a solution, there may be real hope for the rest of the world.
Any prospect for a Peace Treaty for the Middle East garners great worldwide attention, as has the recent announcement of a Middle East peace initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
“My vision presents a win-win situation for both sides,” Trump said. “Today, Israel has taken a giant step toward peace.” President Donald Trump, January 2020
“White House officials described President Trump’s Middle East peace plan as realistic and said Israel is prepared to act. According to White House officials, the plan calls for a two-state solution, including the state of Israel and the “future” State of Palestine. Under the plan, the Palestinians would have to reach certain benchmarks to achieve a state. Those benchmarks include rooting out terrorism, stopping what they call “pay to slay,” implementing steps toward free speech, and other political reforms.
“The plan is a basis for negotiations with Israel, Trump officials said, claiming many of the Palestinians’ red lines are met, including their calls for a Palestinian state and a capital in parts of East Jerusalem.
“The vision calls for more than doubling the amount of territory the Palestinians control.
“This plan will double Palestinian territory and set the capital of the Palestinian state in eastern Jerusalem, where the United States will happily open an embassy,” Trump said. “Our vision will end the cycle of Palestinian dependence on charity and foreign aid.”
“The plan also includes a map of a contiguous Palestinian state in the West Bank, with a proposed tunnel to connect the West Bank and Gaza Strip. There would also be land swaps south of Gaza to give the Palestinians more territory.
“This is the first time Israel has agreed to a Palestinian state with defined borders.
“A small strip of land between the Egyptian border and the proposed land swap areas south of Gaza would remain Israeli territory and be subject to Israeli security control. This was requested by Egypt as a buffer against cross-border terrorism.
“As part of the plan, Israel has agreed to halt settlement construction for four years. But in one detail sure to provoke Palestinian objections, the plan recognizes Israeli sovereignty over major settlement blocs in the West Bank.
“The plan calls for a demilitarized Palestinian state. Israel would maintain overall security, though it does create programs for the Palestinians to show the capability to secure their areas, including a local police force. The more the Palestinians show they can secure their areas and cooperate with Israel, the less Israel will have to do in terms of maintaining security, officials said.
“Israel would maintain sovereignty of the Jordan Valley east of the West Bank, according to the proposal. Israel would also maintain the security of the area.
“There is a plan that over time, Palestinians would be able to achieve some civil sovereignty in the Jordan Valley, like farming, officials said.” Excerpts from a Fox News article, January 29, 2020
BUT, WILL THERE BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
Searching for a peace plane for the Middle East is nothing new. The Messianic Prophecy Bible Project website, explains how this has been an ongoing idea for centuries.
“It is vital to understand what the Prophet Daniel and Jesus told us about a peace plan for Israel and the Middle East and the last days, so we can recognize the times and warn others also.
A Middle East peace plan will begin the final countdown to the return of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
“The ninth chapter of the Book of Daniel, tells us that Daniel, who was in exile in Babylon with the Jewish People, was studying the Book of Jeremiah looking for answers.
“As he read, he understood that Jeremiah foretold a 70-year period of Babylonian captivity before the restoration of Israel would come to pass (Jeremiah 29:10).
“Daniel’s heartfelt, moving response was to pray, confessing his sin and the sin of the entire nation of Israel.
“As he prayed, the angel Gabriel came to him, telling him of an additional time period, this time of shevuim shevim (seventy sevens) or 490 years. This was the time that would elapse before sin would end and everlasting righteousness would be established:
“Seventy [shevim] ‘sevens’ [shevuim] are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.” (Daniel 9:24)
End-Time Prophecy: What Are the “Seventy Sevens”?
“Shevuim (sevens) is similar to the concept of a decade (10 years), but refers to a seven-year period.
“Seventy sevens (70 X 7), therefore, represents a period of 490 years before the prophecy would be fulfilled.
“Of these 490 years, 483 have been fulfilled with remarkable precision; they represent the time between the decree by the Persian king Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1–8) and the cutting off of Yeshua HaMashiach:
“From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven [sheva] ‘sevens’ [Shevuim] and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One [Mashiach / Messiah] will be put to death and will have nothing. (Daniel 9:25–26)
“From Artaxerxes’ decree (Ezra 7:13–28) to Yeshua’s death on the Roman execution cross, was 483 years.
This leaves a seven-year span that has yet to be completed
and will be fulfilled
in the “Last Days” during the Tribulation Period.
“Daniel describes that time in Daniel 9:27: “He [the ruler at that time] will confirm a covenant [peace treaty] with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation.”
“When Jesus was asked about His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3–15), He referred to the above verse. Jesus’ end-time explanation, confirms that there will be a third Jewish Temple in the last days and a seven-year peace covenant, which likely will be brought about by the anti-Christ.
“Just as the Hebrew Prophet Daniel searched the Scriptures for clues to understand the time in which he lived, we also should be diligently searching the Scriptures.
“Indeed, when we examine current events in the light of Bible prophecy, there can be no doubt that we are living at the end of the age.
“The necessity remains to scrutinize world happenings so we may be prepared for whatever is coming, especially since recent attempts at peace in the Middle East may be a precursor for the fulfillment of Daniel’s final seven-year period.
“This peace covenant will begin the 70th week in Daniel’s prophecy, the final seven-year stretch before the return of Jesus.
“Daniel also highlights the halfway point in the seven-year covenant, this leader will set up an abomination in the Temple, perhaps an image of himself to be worshiped. (The Book of Revelation also mentions a three and a half year period in Revelation 11:2–3; 12:6; and 13:5).” END OF EXCERPT
As I have said before and have written in numerous articles, we are now, undoubtedly, seeing the breaking of the 5th Seal of the tribulation period. https://www.whitestone2014.com/is-this-the-end
As stated in the Messianic Prophecy Bible Project article, This peace covenant will begin the 70th week in Daniel’s prophecy, the final seven-year stretch before the return of Jesus.
Additionally 2 Thessalonians 2:1tells us, “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”
The Day of the Lord will not come unless
The apostasy comes first, and
The man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”
The final seven-years of Daniel’s 70th week, also known as the period of the Great Tribulation begins with this peace covenant and will quickly be followed by the breaking of the 6th Seal, and thus, the beginning of the GREAT AND TERRIBLE DAY OF THE LORD.
The Bible tells us – Jesus tells us – no man know the day or the hour, but, we can know the season.
THE TIME TO PREPARE IS NOW
The Day of the Lord will come upon us like a thief in the night, and will overtake all who are not prepared.
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Another sign of THE LAST DAYS is found in Matthew24:12,13, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”
We, the Church, The Body of Christ, have been moved so far from the love of Christ, that we cannot even imagine what this verse is actually saying and what it means.
The love between the Saved and the Lost seems to be practically irreconcilable in this age.
While the love between members of the Body of Christ can be cordial, it is often lukewarm at best, strained and competitive in many instances and openly hostile, abusive and predatory at it worst.
This can be seen in church business meetings, counseling sessions, pastor-congregant relationships and in hushed whispers in the hallways of churches.
We have no concept of how the early church, under great ridicule, humiliation and persecution could grow at such an astounding rate. But, it was the love of the Church for one another and compassion for the world around them which drew people, from all walks of life, to Christ.
This ‘growing cold’ is what is spoken of during the breaking of the 5th Seal of the tribulation (the BIRTH PAINS).
Jesus says, in Matthew 24:9-12
You will be killed
You will be hated because of Jesus
Many will fall away from the faith
Many will betray one another and hate one another
False prophets will arise and mislead many
People’s love will grow cold
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”
These can be viewed a desperate times. But, in reality, the Bible has warned us ahead of time and provided us with the means to overcome the evil that is in the world and to endure, successfully, to the end!
OUR BATTLE CRY
Ephesians 8:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Verse 11. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Verse 12. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Verse 13. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
STAND FIRM
Verse 14. “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, verse 15, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; verse 16, in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17, And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Verse 18. “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”
These are historic times. A great shift in the history of the world in underway. One could even accurately say, this is a shift of cosmic proportions. It is time to prepare and to act.
It will no longer suffice to continue with “business as usual”. It is time to take up our cross and truly follow close to Him!
First, it means that, over the last 2,000 plus years, the first five seals of the tribulation have been broken. This is referred to as the TIMES OF SORROWS or the BIRTH PAINS.
There are clear signs and evidence that the fifth tribulation seal is now in the process of being opened, or broken!
Secondly, it means that, according to the signs given in scriptures, that the Great Tribulation begins with the breaking or opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal. Which, incidentally, marks the beginning of Daniel’s Seventieth Week, a.k.a., the “7 Year Tribulation period” and the “Time, Times and a Half Time” (three and one half years).
It is importantbecause, if you, as a Christian, think that you will be raptured off this planet and into heaven before the End of Days and before the “BIRTH PAINS” of the early tribulation period begins, you are holding on to a false hope.
You are now experiencing the breaking first five tribulation seals known as the “BIRTH PAINS”, and Jesus clearly says that you must “endure to the end” in the face of these disasters, calamities, famines, earthquakes and wars.
I believe our theologians, once again, have miscalculated the timing and urgency of this prophecy based on denominational bias and have left us pre-tribulation adherents vulnerable.
It is important because, Jesus is very clear about what we are to be doing in preparation for these horrendous events. And, very few are even aware of this assignment and fewer yet are doing them.
It is important because the context with which we see the uses and meanings of these words and the timing of these events affect our attitudes and our motivation for GETTING and STAYING READY for His return.
It is important that we see and understand what Jesus is TEACHING corresponds with the unfolding of the Tribulation period as recorded in Revelation. It will give us clear instruction, not only of what is coming, but HOW TO PREPARE for these days.
WHY DOES IT MATTER
Why does it matter “when” the tribulation starts or “when” Christians are to be raptured into the heavens?
It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of True Christianity, and only a True Believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His return
It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun, and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger
It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness, and it is our job and calling, as Christians, to tell them. It is our responsibility to “sound the Shofar“.
The Bible warns that in THESE LAST DAYS, “lawlessness is increased”. Never, in our history, have we seen such a striking call for the abolition of “Law and Order”, the permissiveness of anarchy and lawlessness. We are, indeed, in a time when “Good is called evil and evil is called good”.
Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Verse 15. “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
Verse 16. “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Verse 17. “Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.
Verse 18. “Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.
Verse 19, “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
Verse 20. “But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.
FOR THEN, A GREAT TRIBULATION
Verse 21. “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.
Verse 22 “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Verse 23. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.
Verse 24. “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Verse 25. “Behold, I have told you in advance.
Verse 26. “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.
Verse 27. “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
THESE LAST DAYS
Hebrews 1:1-2, says, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
THE LAST DAYS
Acts 2:17 ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
THESE LAST TIMES
1 Peter 1:18 “…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, (v19) but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (v20) For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you (v21) who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
These words by Jesus, the Apostles Paul and Peter were spoken (and written) in the 1st century, AD. So, it is easy to see, by these scriptural references, that The Last Daysbegan in the 1st Century AD – and this is earth-shaking news.
“THE LAST DAYS“ – Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYSor theLAST TIMES.
The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean
“an age” or
“last in a series of places” and
“last in a temporal succession of time”.
It is important to know that these LAST DAYS are not a sudden cessation of time. Instead, they are an age or an era leading to and END OF TIME and ultimately to the end of the heavens and the earth.
It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can go on for an indeterminate time
It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can overlap with other tribulation seal judgments
It is important to know that the intensity of God’s judgments increase in intensity and ferocity.
The initial tribulation seals 1 through 5 are referred to as “BIRTH PAINS” or the “tribulation” (small “t’ with the absence of the adjective “great”)
Seals 6 and following are referred to as the “GREAT Tribulation” and “A time of Great Tribulation such as the world has never seen and will never see again”.
What The New Testament Says About
THE END OF THE AGE
Matthew 24:3 As He (Jesus) was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
NOT YET THE END
4 “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.
5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.
6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
MERELY THE BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS
7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
ENDURE TO THE END
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
10 “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.
11 “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
12 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
THEN THE END WILL COME
14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
2 Timothy3:1 “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. Verse 2, For men will be
lovers of self,
lovers of money,
boastful, arrogant, revilers,
disobedient to parents, ungrateful,
unholy, unloving, irreconcilable,
malicious gossips, without self-control,
brutal, haters of good,
treacherous, reckless,
conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;
Avoid such men as these.”
You don’t have to look very hard or very far to see that these verses from 2 Timothy describe much of society today. But, it is nothing new. Since these verses were written in the first century AD, these problems of character and behavior existed then as well as now.
Sadly, many of the people “in church” can be described this very way. But, again, this was written to the people in the church in the first century AD, so again, the problem has been ongoing.
People who hold these view and demonstrate these character qualities always have reasons for their behavior, and they truly don’t see a problem, so they rarely see the need to correct their thinking or behavior. This is why we see Jesus and the Apostles teaching on these matters – to correct people’s thinking, attitudes and behaviors.
More to the point, however, this is a description of “THE LAST DAYS”, and it has been ongoing since around AD 1. Jesus and His disciples taught that “THE LAST DAYS” were underway in as early as AD 1.
Now, disturbingly, in 2020, even some of our medical professionals are advocating for a more progressive or liberal and accepting view of these behaviors.
THE LAST DAYS
Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYS or the LAST TIMES.
The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean
“an age” or
“last in a series of places” and
“last in a temporal succession of time”.
It is important to know that these LAST DAYS are not a sudden cessation of time. Instead, they are an age or an era leading to and END OF TIME and ultimately to the end of the heavens and the earth.
This image is the image of Theosophic occultism. It is part of the occultist stream of Western esotericism, it draws both upon older European philosophies like Neoplatonism and upon Asian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and is being quietly practiced in many ‘mainline protestant and Wesleyan-Nazarene churches.
“As politicians and parliaments struggle with the economic catastrophe brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, central banks have reached for the playbook of the 2008 global financial crisis. They are pumping liquidity into the banking system and trying to prop up key asset markets with large-scale purchases. This is helping to staunch the panic, but the shock is a global one — and it needs a global response.
“For the second time this century, the world is facing an acute shortage of dollar funding. This is a big problem: An enormous amount of global financial activity depends on the use of the dollar. If we are to contain the fallout from the crisis, America’s central bank must act as a lender of last resort not just to America’s financial system but also to the entire world’s.
“The good news is that the Federal Reserve is taking its responsibility seriously: It is funneling dollars to central banks around the world. But is the Fed fighting the last war?” (end of excerpt)
Main points of this article:
America’s central bank must act as a lender of last resort not just to America’s financial system but also to the entire world’s financial systems.
And it needs a Global response.
The governments and politicians are pumping liquidity into the banking system and trying to prop up key asset markets with large-scale purchases.
This is helping to staunch the panic, but the shock is a Global one.
The Federal Reserve is taking its responsibility seriously: It is funneling dollars to banks around the world.
“But, is the Fed fighting the last war?”
This is the specter of a Socialist Globalist power grab.A Globalist lunge for their dream of a long-awaited One World Government – their “Utopia”.
Proponents of Globalism believe in a global citizenship; that is, the problems of humanity can be resolved with ‘Democratic’ Globalism. ‘Democratic’ Globalism purports that all people matter, no matter where they live, and that universal freedom and human rights can be fostered for all mankind. World citizens believe in ‘civic globalism, and that by thinking globally and acting locally, they can effect positive change across all barriers.
It is the same ideology of Communism. In fact, the Communist manifesto claims that Socialism is just a necessary step to Communism and then must be done away with.
It is the same ideology which murdered over 110,286,000 people worldwide since 1900.
Socialists and communists say Globalism is the key to worldwide prosperity. But, the truth is that Globalists say it is a key to worldwide prosperity, but they know it is the key to controlling people under the dictatorial rule of godless communism.
“The task before the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)”, said its first Director-General Julian Huxley in 1946, is “the emergence of a single world culture by transferring full sovereignty from separate nations to a world organization.”
The “new world order” will be a socialist, authoritarian global government and court with “global rule of law” and a “one-world economy,” according to the Commission for Global Governance.
The recommendations of the Commission on Global Governance, if implemented, will bring all the people of the world into a global neighborhood managed by a world-wide bureaucracy, under the direct authority of a minute handful of appointed individuals, and policed by thousands of individuals, paid by accredited NGOs, certified to support a belief system which contains ideas that are foreign to the American experience, and ignores other values and ideas that are precious to the American experience.
All of this thanks to a manipulated worldwide pandemic.
So, what can we, who recognize the threat posed by this ‘pandemic inspired power grab’, do to protect ourselves and preserve our way of life?
Read about what we can do and what we must do in response: Globalism-and-the-tower-of-babel. And please, take this seriously and literally.
But this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:
“AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,”
THE NARRATIVE
Acts 2:5-21Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? “ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.”
But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:
AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
‘AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.
‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’
THE CLUES
1. When was the book of Act written? (click this link for The answer).
2. What is the context of Peter’s assertions? (click this link for The answer).
3. What is meant by THE LAST DAYS? (click this link for The answer).
4. Who was Joel? (click this link for The answer).
5. Where else in the Bible can we find these images of “BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD” and what do they mean? (click this link for The answer).
And It Shall Be in The Last DaysWe are living in those days, as testified to by scriptures. Our response is to pray, stay steady, be ready and fear not! The LORD our GOD is with us, wherever we go, and He will give us the words to speak at the right time!
EARTH SHAKING NEWS
TO KNOW
