Bible prophecy is definitive about one central point in the "end times", and that point is that Israel will stand alone in the world, with no "earthly" support. I say no "earthly" support, because God will certianly stand with Israel during the last days, as shown dramatically in the passages of Ezekiel 38-39. When the epic invasion of Israel takes place, as described by Ezekiel, there are no nations standing with Israel. Only God. Zachariah 12:3 also makes the same point:
"On that day, when ALL the nations of earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for ALL the nations."
It is clear that the Obama administration sees no urgency in dealing with Iran, rather, preferring "talks" with Iran. This is despite the fact that a decade of "talks" has produced nothing - not a shred of progress has been made. Iran has made a mockery of so-called "talks", while they race towards nuclear arms. Even today we see Iran boasting of their missile capability:
"Ahmadinejah claims Iran's new missile capable of hitting Israel". Now thats a call for peace isn't it? It is painfully obvious that Iran has NO designs on peace. Yet, the U.S. administration pretends that "talks" can be effective.
At the same time we see Leon Panetta, representing the U.S. (as head of the CIA), literally threatening Israel, that if they attempt to deal with Iran, alone, then they will be in "big trouble" (read here). In other words, it has become clear this week, that the U.S. is unwilling to take the Iranian threat seriously. Period. Israel must take the situation seriously, as their very existence is in question.
America, the last country left on this planet who support(ed) Israel is now abandoning that support, during this most critical time, while Israel's very existence is being threatened by a radical Islamic nation - a nation on the verge of nuclear weapons.
It is painfully clear (unless something changes - and with God involved, anything is possible) that Israel now stands alone in this world. America has made it clear that Israel must patiently "wait" while pretending that "talks" with Iran will be effective, all the while knowing that is impossible. All the while, watching Iran race towards completion of nuclear warheads.
Mr. Netanyahu knows that talks will be ineffective. He knows Israel's existence is at stake. Israel knows that she can accomplish this mission against Iran "alone".
Its all shaping up exactly as described in the bible. Everything we see today - almost every pertinent headline - can be found in the prophetic scriptures.
Israel stands alone. But God is patiently watching and waiting for His time. That time will be soon. As stated by God Himself, in terms of dealing with Israel's enemies in the last days (Ezekiel 39:21):
"I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them..."
"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations." (Ezekiel 38:23)
God has made it abundantly clear that HE still stands with Israel. He also issued a warning (Zechariah 12:3) to those countries attempting to divide Jerusalem, which is called for in the current peace plans that the U.S. fully supports:
"I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for ALL the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves ("cut into pieces")."
The U.S. administration is pushing the plan with great enthusiasm - a plan which will divide Jerusalem, giving its most essential land to Israel's enemies.
God is watching this situation. He is watching the countries align themselves against Israel. He is watching all of the attempts to divide Jerusalem, and give away the very land that He granted to Abraham, in His everlasting covenant. He has also issued warnings to those countries involved.
Is anyone listening to God's word?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
More News:
More news articles are coming out regarding President Obama's Middle-East plan.
"Obama to Propose New Peace Plan for Middle East
"Peres welcomes new US peace push"
What we have thus far from the articles above:
- President Obama will propose a new peace plan for the Middle East that will "emphasize the whole region".
- The plan will insist on "moves by Arab states as well as [Israel]".
- Obama will unveil his plan when he visits Cairo next month (June).
- Jordan's King Abdullah II stated the following "We expect an announcement from the US administration" and it is expected that the United States is expected to unveil a plan to relaunch Arab-Israeli peace negotiations.
President Obama is scheduled to travel to the Middle-East next month and there, he will roll out a new peace plan for Israel and the surrounding region. This should be interesting and definitely worth watching.
"Obama to Propose New Peace Plan for Middle East
"Peres welcomes new US peace push"
What we have thus far from the articles above:
- President Obama will propose a new peace plan for the Middle East that will "emphasize the whole region".
- The plan will insist on "moves by Arab states as well as [Israel]".
- Obama will unveil his plan when he visits Cairo next month (June).
- Jordan's King Abdullah II stated the following "We expect an announcement from the US administration" and it is expected that the United States is expected to unveil a plan to relaunch Arab-Israeli peace negotiations.
President Obama is scheduled to travel to the Middle-East next month and there, he will roll out a new peace plan for Israel and the surrounding region. This should be interesting and definitely worth watching.
Obama meets Netanyahu
The first meeting finally took place yesterday, concluding with the usual "political speech" and rhetoric. We are left to attempt to read between the lines and ponder what was stated behind closed doors. There will be additional meetings this week, which could reveal more information - we'll be watching closely. We are also led by biblical prophecy, which tells us that all nations will turn against Israel in the last days.
The best and most complete review of the meeting is found on Joel Rosenberg's website (see here). To me, the most revealing quote, as given by Mr. Rosenberg is quoted below:
"Yes, it appears a diplomatic train wreck is coming between the U.S. and Israel in the not-too-distant future given that Netanyahu understand Iran's leaders are part of an apocalyptic, genocidal death cult and believe it is their God-given mission to annihilate Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it, and the American President and his team clearly do not."
President Obama, consistent with his earlier rhetoric believes diplomacy will work in this situation and stated that he wants to see a "positive response from Iran by the end of the year."
The problem is, waiting until the end of the year may give Iran enough time to develop their enriched uranium into a nuclear warhead. The clock is ticking, and Israel's future is dependent upon stopping Iran's nuclear development. Obama seems to be in no hurry.
Perhaps more interesting is a quote from this meeting, as reported in the Jerusalem Post (read here), which referred to President Obama planning "to formulate a new Middle-East peace initiative which would be presented soon.".....A new peace plan? I'm surprised this isn't receiving more media attention. A new peace plan? This hasn't been mentioned before. We'll be watching for this "new" plan VERY closely as it develops.
One quote which would actually be funny, if it weren't so sad and true. Mr. Netanyahu stated the obvious:
"The prime minister said he is ready to resume peace talks immediately, but that progress is contingent on the Palestinians acceptance of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state." In other words, Israel is being forced to negotiate with groups/nations/states who REFUSE TO ACCEPT ISRAEL's RIGHT TO EXIST.
At the risk of stating the obvious:
How can you negotiate peace with groups who are committed to your complete destruction?
How can you negotiate peace with groups who refuse to admit that you even have a right to exist?
The basic premise of demanding that Israel seriously "negotiate" under such a scenario is so ridiculous, its hard to believe, yet we all pretend that "real peace" can be brokered under such a bizarre setting.
More importantly - what is really going on between Obama and Netanyahu, behind closed doors.
Thus far the picture that is emerging (and this could rapidly change depending upon circumstances):
- President Obama still believes that you can negotiate with Iran, apparently not understanding or simply not caring about their religious, apocalyptic view of destroying Israel in order for their (Islamic) Mahdi to return.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu did not even utter the words "two-state solution", and has probably realized that he will not receive help from the U.S. in terms of seriously dealing with Iran. Apparently Obama was unable to convince Netanyahu to buy-in to the U.S. view. That is comforting for anyone who is concerned for Israel's future.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu may be seeing these meetings as one last chance to obtain U.S. "buy-in" for launching a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. Israel CAN do this on their own, without U.S. approval, but it will be more difficult. I believe Israel is prepared to complete this mission even if the U.S. strongly disapproves. Their survival as a nation may depend on it.
- It is clear that the U.S. feels no urgency in dealing with Iran, despite their race to complete the final stages of nuclear development.
- President Obama has a "new plan" being developed? THAT could prove to be very interesting, yet interestingly, isn't receiving much attention.
There should be more information leaking out this week, as further meetings take place, between Israel and the U.S.
For a prophecy watcher - this is fascinating because we are seeing a push for a comprehensive, Middle-East peace plan, like we haven't seen before. Things are moving rapidly, and any new development is potentially significant.
We're watching this situation closely for any significant developments. Meanwhile, be listening for the Trumpet to call us home - it may not be long now.
The best and most complete review of the meeting is found on Joel Rosenberg's website (see here). To me, the most revealing quote, as given by Mr. Rosenberg is quoted below:
"Yes, it appears a diplomatic train wreck is coming between the U.S. and Israel in the not-too-distant future given that Netanyahu understand Iran's leaders are part of an apocalyptic, genocidal death cult and believe it is their God-given mission to annihilate Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it, and the American President and his team clearly do not."
President Obama, consistent with his earlier rhetoric believes diplomacy will work in this situation and stated that he wants to see a "positive response from Iran by the end of the year."
The problem is, waiting until the end of the year may give Iran enough time to develop their enriched uranium into a nuclear warhead. The clock is ticking, and Israel's future is dependent upon stopping Iran's nuclear development. Obama seems to be in no hurry.
Perhaps more interesting is a quote from this meeting, as reported in the Jerusalem Post (read here), which referred to President Obama planning "to formulate a new Middle-East peace initiative which would be presented soon.".....A new peace plan? I'm surprised this isn't receiving more media attention. A new peace plan? This hasn't been mentioned before. We'll be watching for this "new" plan VERY closely as it develops.
One quote which would actually be funny, if it weren't so sad and true. Mr. Netanyahu stated the obvious:
"The prime minister said he is ready to resume peace talks immediately, but that progress is contingent on the Palestinians acceptance of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state." In other words, Israel is being forced to negotiate with groups/nations/states who REFUSE TO ACCEPT ISRAEL's RIGHT TO EXIST.
At the risk of stating the obvious:
How can you negotiate peace with groups who are committed to your complete destruction?
How can you negotiate peace with groups who refuse to admit that you even have a right to exist?
The basic premise of demanding that Israel seriously "negotiate" under such a scenario is so ridiculous, its hard to believe, yet we all pretend that "real peace" can be brokered under such a bizarre setting.
More importantly - what is really going on between Obama and Netanyahu, behind closed doors.
Thus far the picture that is emerging (and this could rapidly change depending upon circumstances):
- President Obama still believes that you can negotiate with Iran, apparently not understanding or simply not caring about their religious, apocalyptic view of destroying Israel in order for their (Islamic) Mahdi to return.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu did not even utter the words "two-state solution", and has probably realized that he will not receive help from the U.S. in terms of seriously dealing with Iran. Apparently Obama was unable to convince Netanyahu to buy-in to the U.S. view. That is comforting for anyone who is concerned for Israel's future.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu may be seeing these meetings as one last chance to obtain U.S. "buy-in" for launching a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. Israel CAN do this on their own, without U.S. approval, but it will be more difficult. I believe Israel is prepared to complete this mission even if the U.S. strongly disapproves. Their survival as a nation may depend on it.
- It is clear that the U.S. feels no urgency in dealing with Iran, despite their race to complete the final stages of nuclear development.
- President Obama has a "new plan" being developed? THAT could prove to be very interesting, yet interestingly, isn't receiving much attention.
There should be more information leaking out this week, as further meetings take place, between Israel and the U.S.
For a prophecy watcher - this is fascinating because we are seeing a push for a comprehensive, Middle-East peace plan, like we haven't seen before. Things are moving rapidly, and any new development is potentially significant.
We're watching this situation closely for any significant developments. Meanwhile, be listening for the Trumpet to call us home - it may not be long now.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
How close are we?
Often, its easy to get caught up in the daily prophetic events and watching the various signs, and as a result, its easy to forget the bottom-line on prophecy. To me, that "bottom-line" refers to the grand finale: The Rapture of the Chuch, followed by the Tribulation which concludes with the Second Coming of Christ Jesus.
We watch the various signs that have been given; those signs that indicate that we're in the last days. These get discussed daily, and most of us are well familiar with them. But occasionally its best to go back to the basics and a couple of key "events" which warrant close observation.
We ("we" being the group of prophecy watchers who take a highly literal view of biblical prophecy) believe the bible speaks to prophecy in a specific, detailed, literal way. We take such a view, because ALL prophecy which has already been fulfilled, going back several thousand years, has ALL been fulfilled in a literal manner. There is no reason to believe that future prophecy will be any different.
As far as the sequence of events, we believe that there is overwhelming biblical evidence that the Rapture of the Church takes place prior to the Tribulation. The bible gives us one important "date" for a clear and distinctive event that indicates that the Tribulation has "officially" started, and that is the verse given in Daniel 9:27. That verse tells us that the Tribulation begins when the "covenant" is confirmed between the antichrist and "the many": a comprehensive peace deal that finally gives the world "peace and safety" for Israel and her surrounding neighbors.
Another key "date" is given by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24. In this discourse, Jesus said that only one generation would witness ALL of the events (aka "signs") that He had just given, including the signs of the generation, the Tribulation and the Second Coming.
So we have two key dates that seem highly significant:
- The "confirmation" of the peace covenant (which marks the beginning of the Tribulation), and
- The length of a generation - which tells us how long these signs will last before the Tribulation and Second Coming.
Regarding the peace covenant, it appears that we are finally at the threshold of confirming such a covenant. As stated in earlier posts, the Obama administration is putting on the "full-court press" towards a peace plan in the Middle-East. The international community, as led by the "Quartet" (Russia, U.S., UN and the EU), and its special envoy, Tony Blair (who is also speculated to become the "permanent" President of the EU, interestingly), and the surrounding muslim countries, who are all pressing for a "final solution" to the ongoing Middle-East conflicts.
Almost everything being discussed now, in terms of a peace plan, is based on the "Oslo Accords" of 1993, which was intended to be a 7 year plan - which involved progressive independence of a separate "Palestinian State". The plan involved a 5 year period, followed by a 2 year period (its complicated), before the final Palestinian State would be recognized. The plan was agreed, but never "confirmed" in 1993 due to the violence which erupted shortly after the plan was signed. We are now watching the process of having this plan "confirmed".
In 25 years of watching prophecy I have never seen the world SO lined up and ready to confirm such a covenant. I believe we're VERY close to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.
So the question becomes - what does it mean to "confirm" a covenant? This idea receives a lot of attention in prophecy circles. I believe (and this is just my opinion) the "confirmation" aspect involves sending in peace-keeping military forces into the region (mainly Israel), in order to ensure that the plan is enforced (aka "confirmed"). I believe this for one simple reason: in the past, any such agreements immediately dissolved because of violence in the region. The only way to prevent such violence is to have a strong military presence in the area.
Therefore, I believe (again, my speculation only) that the antichrist could be the individual who arranges for, and agrees to sending in the peace-keeping forces. In the past, the EU has offered such "assistance", and those plans have been offered in the past. The reason is obvious: the U.S. cannot send in troops to maintain the peace, as they are not trusted by the Islamic groups in the area. The UN could, theoretically, but they are stretched to the max currently and its hard to imagine the UN having a potent force in the Middle-East. However, the EU would be a desirable candidate for many reasons.
We also know that the antichrist will come from the "revived Roman Empire", and the EU certianly fits that bill. So, as the month of May progresses and meetings between parties in the region are progressing in a fast and furious way - one thing I am paying CLOSE attention to, is any offer to "confirm" the treaty via peace-keeeping forces, during these negotiations.
The second "key date" is the length of a generation - as Jesus said only one generation will witness ALL such end-times events, including the Tribulation period and the Second Coming.
So what is a generation?
Biblically, there are many references. This receives a lot of discussion, and it would take too long to dissect each view. Some folks want to say it must be 70 years. Some folks believe its 40 years. I am part of the group who believes a "generation" (given the context of Matt. 24) represents the length of a life-span, during THAT era being discussed - in this case, as directed to the people living during the end times events.
Currently people are living to 110-120 years and there are many people alive today who are between 110-120 years of age.
(see here). Additionally, we were told, by Jesus, that these end times would be like the days of Noah:
"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man" (Matt. 24:37)
We can then read those specific scriptures regarding the "time of Noah" (Genesis 6:3):
"Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years".
Interestingly, from the linked article above, we can see that the longest life-span in this generation has been 122 years, and we can also see that there are many people alive today who are 110-120 years of age. Interesting correlation.
Combine that fact - with the beginning of the generation - and we have something to work with.
According to Jesus' very words, He clearly identified the beginning of "birth pains" (aka the "generation"), and we believe that the WWI era fit Jesus' description perfectly. Each of the beginning signs, as given by Jesus, appeared in that era around 1918. World war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences, ALL spiked dramatically, together, for the first time in human history during that era. There was never before such a time, when ALL of these signs spiked, in concert, at the same time.
So. Putting two and two together becomes quite revealing. If the "last generation" began during the WWI era, and I believe the evidence is overwhelming that it indeed began at that time (1914-1920 period), and given that a generation today is approximately 120 years, that places us at the very very end of "the generation". Further confirmation of this idea is revealed because ALL signs which have been given for us to watch - have ALL occured during this generation.
Then, on top of these ideas - we see the "final peace" settlement for Israel and her neighbors coming together in a fast and furious way, right here at the end of the generation. All we need is for a "great leader" to step forward and come up with a plan to "confirm" the peace deal. I believe we are right at this threshold.
Two last points:
1. Jesus did not say that the generation would be "completed" when we see the conclusion of end times events. He merely said that not one generation would pass before these events conclude with His Second Coming. In other words, the conclusion of stated events will come at some time before the generation ends. How close these very last events occur in relation to the very end of the 110-120 year period is anyone's guess.
2. We know that the Tribulation will have to reach its conclusion before the Second Coming. The Tribulation is a 7 year period, so that time period must be factored in as well. So a prophecy watcher, who is waiting for a pre-tribulational Rapture of the Church, must subtract 7 years from this generational period.
All of these factors give strong indication that we are very very close to the last days of this generation. The push for this so-called "final peace solution" screams to the believer that the time is upon us. The antichrist is alive today and waiting for his opportunity to come to power; that much seems clear. He'll make his initial "splash" on the world-wide scene by confirming this covenant.
But we won't be here for that. We have a destination that awaits us, a destination far better than anything on earth. Its our heavenly destination. Jesus will take us there, as He has promised:
"I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3).
That glorious place awaits us now. The signs tell us that we will be there soon.
Maranatha! Our Lord Comes!
We watch the various signs that have been given; those signs that indicate that we're in the last days. These get discussed daily, and most of us are well familiar with them. But occasionally its best to go back to the basics and a couple of key "events" which warrant close observation.
We ("we" being the group of prophecy watchers who take a highly literal view of biblical prophecy) believe the bible speaks to prophecy in a specific, detailed, literal way. We take such a view, because ALL prophecy which has already been fulfilled, going back several thousand years, has ALL been fulfilled in a literal manner. There is no reason to believe that future prophecy will be any different.
As far as the sequence of events, we believe that there is overwhelming biblical evidence that the Rapture of the Church takes place prior to the Tribulation. The bible gives us one important "date" for a clear and distinctive event that indicates that the Tribulation has "officially" started, and that is the verse given in Daniel 9:27. That verse tells us that the Tribulation begins when the "covenant" is confirmed between the antichrist and "the many": a comprehensive peace deal that finally gives the world "peace and safety" for Israel and her surrounding neighbors.
Another key "date" is given by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24. In this discourse, Jesus said that only one generation would witness ALL of the events (aka "signs") that He had just given, including the signs of the generation, the Tribulation and the Second Coming.
So we have two key dates that seem highly significant:
- The "confirmation" of the peace covenant (which marks the beginning of the Tribulation), and
- The length of a generation - which tells us how long these signs will last before the Tribulation and Second Coming.
Regarding the peace covenant, it appears that we are finally at the threshold of confirming such a covenant. As stated in earlier posts, the Obama administration is putting on the "full-court press" towards a peace plan in the Middle-East. The international community, as led by the "Quartet" (Russia, U.S., UN and the EU), and its special envoy, Tony Blair (who is also speculated to become the "permanent" President of the EU, interestingly), and the surrounding muslim countries, who are all pressing for a "final solution" to the ongoing Middle-East conflicts.
Almost everything being discussed now, in terms of a peace plan, is based on the "Oslo Accords" of 1993, which was intended to be a 7 year plan - which involved progressive independence of a separate "Palestinian State". The plan involved a 5 year period, followed by a 2 year period (its complicated), before the final Palestinian State would be recognized. The plan was agreed, but never "confirmed" in 1993 due to the violence which erupted shortly after the plan was signed. We are now watching the process of having this plan "confirmed".
In 25 years of watching prophecy I have never seen the world SO lined up and ready to confirm such a covenant. I believe we're VERY close to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.
So the question becomes - what does it mean to "confirm" a covenant? This idea receives a lot of attention in prophecy circles. I believe (and this is just my opinion) the "confirmation" aspect involves sending in peace-keeping military forces into the region (mainly Israel), in order to ensure that the plan is enforced (aka "confirmed"). I believe this for one simple reason: in the past, any such agreements immediately dissolved because of violence in the region. The only way to prevent such violence is to have a strong military presence in the area.
Therefore, I believe (again, my speculation only) that the antichrist could be the individual who arranges for, and agrees to sending in the peace-keeping forces. In the past, the EU has offered such "assistance", and those plans have been offered in the past. The reason is obvious: the U.S. cannot send in troops to maintain the peace, as they are not trusted by the Islamic groups in the area. The UN could, theoretically, but they are stretched to the max currently and its hard to imagine the UN having a potent force in the Middle-East. However, the EU would be a desirable candidate for many reasons.
We also know that the antichrist will come from the "revived Roman Empire", and the EU certianly fits that bill. So, as the month of May progresses and meetings between parties in the region are progressing in a fast and furious way - one thing I am paying CLOSE attention to, is any offer to "confirm" the treaty via peace-keeeping forces, during these negotiations.
The second "key date" is the length of a generation - as Jesus said only one generation will witness ALL such end-times events, including the Tribulation period and the Second Coming.
So what is a generation?
Biblically, there are many references. This receives a lot of discussion, and it would take too long to dissect each view. Some folks want to say it must be 70 years. Some folks believe its 40 years. I am part of the group who believes a "generation" (given the context of Matt. 24) represents the length of a life-span, during THAT era being discussed - in this case, as directed to the people living during the end times events.
Currently people are living to 110-120 years and there are many people alive today who are between 110-120 years of age.
(see here). Additionally, we were told, by Jesus, that these end times would be like the days of Noah:
"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man" (Matt. 24:37)
We can then read those specific scriptures regarding the "time of Noah" (Genesis 6:3):
"Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years".
Interestingly, from the linked article above, we can see that the longest life-span in this generation has been 122 years, and we can also see that there are many people alive today who are 110-120 years of age. Interesting correlation.
Combine that fact - with the beginning of the generation - and we have something to work with.
According to Jesus' very words, He clearly identified the beginning of "birth pains" (aka the "generation"), and we believe that the WWI era fit Jesus' description perfectly. Each of the beginning signs, as given by Jesus, appeared in that era around 1918. World war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences, ALL spiked dramatically, together, for the first time in human history during that era. There was never before such a time, when ALL of these signs spiked, in concert, at the same time.
So. Putting two and two together becomes quite revealing. If the "last generation" began during the WWI era, and I believe the evidence is overwhelming that it indeed began at that time (1914-1920 period), and given that a generation today is approximately 120 years, that places us at the very very end of "the generation". Further confirmation of this idea is revealed because ALL signs which have been given for us to watch - have ALL occured during this generation.
Then, on top of these ideas - we see the "final peace" settlement for Israel and her neighbors coming together in a fast and furious way, right here at the end of the generation. All we need is for a "great leader" to step forward and come up with a plan to "confirm" the peace deal. I believe we are right at this threshold.
Two last points:
1. Jesus did not say that the generation would be "completed" when we see the conclusion of end times events. He merely said that not one generation would pass before these events conclude with His Second Coming. In other words, the conclusion of stated events will come at some time before the generation ends. How close these very last events occur in relation to the very end of the 110-120 year period is anyone's guess.
2. We know that the Tribulation will have to reach its conclusion before the Second Coming. The Tribulation is a 7 year period, so that time period must be factored in as well. So a prophecy watcher, who is waiting for a pre-tribulational Rapture of the Church, must subtract 7 years from this generational period.
All of these factors give strong indication that we are very very close to the last days of this generation. The push for this so-called "final peace solution" screams to the believer that the time is upon us. The antichrist is alive today and waiting for his opportunity to come to power; that much seems clear. He'll make his initial "splash" on the world-wide scene by confirming this covenant.
But we won't be here for that. We have a destination that awaits us, a destination far better than anything on earth. Its our heavenly destination. Jesus will take us there, as He has promised:
"I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3).
That glorious place awaits us now. The signs tell us that we will be there soon.
Maranatha! Our Lord Comes!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
When They Say Peace....
Below is a commentary as found on the "Rapture Ready" website (here), as written by Terry James. It is worth repeating here, as I believe it applies to the age we are living in, particularly concerning the rapidly changing situation in the Middle-East as it applies to biblical prophecy. The scriptural reference at the very end of the commentary (1 Thessalonians 4-5) is one of the many references pointing to a pre-tribulation rapture. The body of believers are in the "light" not in darkness, and not appointed to experience the "Day or the Lord", aka the Tribulation. We do have an appointment however - and that appointment is to meet Jesus "in the air", followed by an immediate escort to heaven. It is clear from these scriptures (and many many more) that we are not destined to encounter the Tribulation.
When They Say Peace…
The drumbeat for peace can be heard within the rumblings of strange changes that inflict convulsive crisis after crisis upon this troubled planet. Israel, just as Old and New Testament prophets foretold, is at the heart of the birth-like contractions that have to be deliberately ignored to be missed. Paul the apostle and prophet wrote under inspiration, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1Thessalonians 5:3).
This prophecy, I’m convinced, is most relevant to this particular hour in these waning days of human history. I believe, as a matter of fact, that this and surrounding Scripture relates directly to the rapture of all believers in Jesus Christ. I will attempt to explain a bit further into this commentary. First, I want us to try to understand exactly where this generation is presently positioned on God’s prophetic timeline.
Israel, which Zechariah the prophet said would become a burdensome stone and cup of trembling to the whole world, is already, in this pre-tribulation era, exactly that at this juncture in the geopolitical scope of things. The Jewish state is at the center of a call for peace that is unlike any such call in history.
Potential for nuclear conflict has diplomats—particularly of the western world--on edge, to put it mildly. Pakistan is in danger of falling to Taliban marauders, such prospects causing great consternation. The thought of Pakistan’s nuclear weaponry in the hands of those who have thrown in their lot with the likes of Osama bin Laden are disconcerting. That Iran is on the precipice of having such weaponry is even more disturbing, and a thing those who cry peace and safety simply cannot and will not tolerate.
Fears of the growing Iranian threat have to some extent brought even the Israelis and the Arabs to the point of talking things over. Jordan's King Abdullah told a news conference in Berlin, "What we are discussing today is a combined approach of bringing together Arabs, Europeans, and the United States as a team to create the circumstances over the next several months that allow Israelis and Palestinians to sit at the table, but also with Lebanese, Syrians and Arab nations” (“Jordan says new approach to Mideast peace emerging,” by Salah Nasrawi, Associated Press,5/6/09).
So, international negotiators led by the Obama administration are putting unprecedented efforts into coming up with a strategy for peacemaking. Those calling for peace will have to convince the Israeli government and the Arab Islamic nations of the Mideast to agree to do the give-and-take compromises essential to formulating a peace that will defuse war seen as inevitably on the horizon.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, now international Mideast envoy, announced that the Obama administration and others are working on the strategy for peace talks that he expects to be unveiled within six weeks. “ ‘We're about to get a new framework,’ Blair said late Tuesday. ‘I can only speculate right now about what that framework is going to be. The reason I say people should be more hopeful is that this is a framework that is being worked on at the highest level in the American administration, (and) in the rest of the international community’" (“Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks,” Newsmax.com, 5/6/09).
Paul’s words of end-times prophecy resound within current headlines. The world’s call for peace and safety just happens to be focused on the one city about which God told Zechariah to issue the Lord’s proclamation: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zechariah 12:3).
The fascinating thing to consider here is that in Bible prophecy the focus of nations on end-times Jerusalem and the call for peace are connected in a way that cannot be denied. Neither can it be realistically denied that the focus on the exigencies of the present, with the international community trying to divide Jerusalem for the sake of “peace,” causes words of concern to leap from hourly news headlines.
Now for something of truly astounding importance to be considered. Please weigh carefully what follows.
The Apostle Paul is the prophet given the duty of laying out the coming of Jesus Christ for believers. The prophecy likens that coming as “a thief in the night” breaking in upon an unsuspecting household. This cannot be the second advent of Revelation 19:11 because the entire world of earth-dwellers who are still alive after the seven years of tribulation will see the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It will not be a stealthy coming, but a glorious re-entry (with the saints accompanying their Lord) into a world about to be destroyed by incorrigibly wicked humanity.
To make the point of the astounding importance of the current cry for peace surrounding Jerusalem and Israel, let’s consider the Scriptures immediately surrounding Paul’s prophecy about “peace and safety”—i.e., let’s look at this block of Scripture in context:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:4).
Even so, come, Lord Jesus
When They Say Peace…
The drumbeat for peace can be heard within the rumblings of strange changes that inflict convulsive crisis after crisis upon this troubled planet. Israel, just as Old and New Testament prophets foretold, is at the heart of the birth-like contractions that have to be deliberately ignored to be missed. Paul the apostle and prophet wrote under inspiration, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1Thessalonians 5:3).
This prophecy, I’m convinced, is most relevant to this particular hour in these waning days of human history. I believe, as a matter of fact, that this and surrounding Scripture relates directly to the rapture of all believers in Jesus Christ. I will attempt to explain a bit further into this commentary. First, I want us to try to understand exactly where this generation is presently positioned on God’s prophetic timeline.
Israel, which Zechariah the prophet said would become a burdensome stone and cup of trembling to the whole world, is already, in this pre-tribulation era, exactly that at this juncture in the geopolitical scope of things. The Jewish state is at the center of a call for peace that is unlike any such call in history.
Potential for nuclear conflict has diplomats—particularly of the western world--on edge, to put it mildly. Pakistan is in danger of falling to Taliban marauders, such prospects causing great consternation. The thought of Pakistan’s nuclear weaponry in the hands of those who have thrown in their lot with the likes of Osama bin Laden are disconcerting. That Iran is on the precipice of having such weaponry is even more disturbing, and a thing those who cry peace and safety simply cannot and will not tolerate.
Fears of the growing Iranian threat have to some extent brought even the Israelis and the Arabs to the point of talking things over. Jordan's King Abdullah told a news conference in Berlin, "What we are discussing today is a combined approach of bringing together Arabs, Europeans, and the United States as a team to create the circumstances over the next several months that allow Israelis and Palestinians to sit at the table, but also with Lebanese, Syrians and Arab nations” (“Jordan says new approach to Mideast peace emerging,” by Salah Nasrawi, Associated Press,5/6/09).
So, international negotiators led by the Obama administration are putting unprecedented efforts into coming up with a strategy for peacemaking. Those calling for peace will have to convince the Israeli government and the Arab Islamic nations of the Mideast to agree to do the give-and-take compromises essential to formulating a peace that will defuse war seen as inevitably on the horizon.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, now international Mideast envoy, announced that the Obama administration and others are working on the strategy for peace talks that he expects to be unveiled within six weeks. “ ‘We're about to get a new framework,’ Blair said late Tuesday. ‘I can only speculate right now about what that framework is going to be. The reason I say people should be more hopeful is that this is a framework that is being worked on at the highest level in the American administration, (and) in the rest of the international community’" (“Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks,” Newsmax.com, 5/6/09).
Paul’s words of end-times prophecy resound within current headlines. The world’s call for peace and safety just happens to be focused on the one city about which God told Zechariah to issue the Lord’s proclamation: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zechariah 12:3).
The fascinating thing to consider here is that in Bible prophecy the focus of nations on end-times Jerusalem and the call for peace are connected in a way that cannot be denied. Neither can it be realistically denied that the focus on the exigencies of the present, with the international community trying to divide Jerusalem for the sake of “peace,” causes words of concern to leap from hourly news headlines.
Now for something of truly astounding importance to be considered. Please weigh carefully what follows.
The Apostle Paul is the prophet given the duty of laying out the coming of Jesus Christ for believers. The prophecy likens that coming as “a thief in the night” breaking in upon an unsuspecting household. This cannot be the second advent of Revelation 19:11 because the entire world of earth-dwellers who are still alive after the seven years of tribulation will see the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It will not be a stealthy coming, but a glorious re-entry (with the saints accompanying their Lord) into a world about to be destroyed by incorrigibly wicked humanity.
To make the point of the astounding importance of the current cry for peace surrounding Jerusalem and Israel, let’s consider the Scriptures immediately surrounding Paul’s prophecy about “peace and safety”—i.e., let’s look at this block of Scripture in context:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:4).
Even so, come, Lord Jesus
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