God's plan for man is written in The Holy Bible, and this plan is drawing to its conclusion as proven by daily news reports.

PROPHECY E-NEWSLETTER NUMBER 2
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Wars, Rumors of Wars, Terrorism


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INTRODUCTION: Jesus and Bible prophets warned of catastrophic end-time wars. I believe these wars have begun, and will continue and intensify until Jesus stops the last war (Armageddon) at His Second Coming. Christians will be spared the worst of these wars, because Rapture removes us from the seven-year Tribulation. As we see these wars being fought and preparations for other wars being made, we can better understand the season in which we live. The fig tree surely has budded. (See Jesus' Parable of the Fig Tree, Matthew 24:32-35.)

WHEN WILL YOU RETURN, JESUS? Jesus' disciples asked Him two questions of immense interest to us (Matthew 24:31): Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things2 be? And what will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age3?"
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NOTES:

1See similar verses in Mark 13:3 and Luke 21:7.

2"These things" refers to the previous verse (the destruction of the Second Temple).

3Understand the proper translation of "age." The Greek word is aion, which means "age" or "a period of time." Here it means the end of the Age (the Dispensation) of Grace. A poor translation, as in the King James Version, is "world." "World" would translate another Greek word. We are told the world will never end (Isaiah 45:17; Ephesians 3:21). New Jerusalem (Heaven) is not in the sky or in space. Rather, our eternal home descends to Earth (Revelation 21:2), where it rests for eternity for our enjoyment and as a reward for our being overcomers of sin.

JESUS' ANSWER: Jesus taught an important prophecy in the Olivet Discourse (the Conversation on the Mount of Olives), which is recorded in the 24th chapter of Matthew, 13th chapter of Mark, and 21st chapter of Luke.

He gave several signs of His return, including Matthew 24:6-7a: [Jesus said] "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom."
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NOTES:

(1) The end of the age will be punctuated by many wars and anxiety-producing rumors of wars. In Newsletter No. 1, I explained that the countdown toward the end of the age surely began in 1948, when the Covenant People (the Jews) returned the final time to the Covenant Land (Israel). Since 1948, there has not been one day without a war somewhere in the world (international war, civil war, or other period of unrest). Rumors of war have been especially rampant during the Cold War and Middle East conflicts. "You will hear" reminds us that instantaneous, worldwide comunication (radio, satellite television) has never been as rapid and thorough as at the present time. We are literally eyewitnesses to worldwide history, immediately as it happens.

(2) Jesus' choice of words aptly describes recent times. "Wars" translates the Greek polemus, and means "war, battle, dispute, strife, or quarrel." "Rumors" translates the Greek akoe, and means "a hearing of, rumor, or report." "Nation" translates the Greek ethnos, and means "a multitude of people, nation, or group of people." "Kingdom" translates the Greek basileia, and means "kingship, kingdom, or territory ruled by a king." We not only have traditional conflicts (nation against nation), but we have conflicts between groups of people (terrorist cell groups) against nations.

(3) Jesus reassures us that we should not worry about these wars. God has known about the wars since the creation of the Universe. Jesus tells us the wars must come. God is still in control, though. For the Christian, the future is all good-- it really is!-- no matter what evil men and Satan may try to bring upon us.

(4) Jesus explained that "the end is not yet." Since this part of prophecy began in 1948, we surely have had-- and will continue to have-- a lengthy period of turmoil before Jesus' return.

What can we learn about end-time wars? God gives us a general outline of wars, but not a specific timetable. I am putting the order of these wars, as I understand that order, but others might rearrange the order a little.

I believe we presently are witnesing the first three phases of end-time wars-- persecution and martyrdom of Christians, rumors of wars, and terrorists' wars.

PRESENTDAY WARS:

PERSECUTION AND MARTYRDOM OF CHRISTIANS: The first recorded Christian martyr is Stephen, stoned in AD 34 because of his faith (Acts 7:54-60). Oxford University history professor John Foxe (1516-1587) wrote a well-known book, Christian Martyrs of the World, in which he recounted martyrdom of the apostles and early Christians. Early martyrs remarkably went to their horrendous deaths joyfully, testifying about Jesus to their captors, and singing hymns of praise. Their unshakable faith confounded all persons around them. Some of these martyrs were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. They could have been spared death, if they had only recanted their testimony, but none did! This faithfulness until death is powerful evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, as recorded in the New Testament. People will die for the Messiah, but not for a charlatan.

Why mention this "war," which has lasted nearly two millennia? Italian journalist Antonio Socci estimates that 70-million Christian believers have been martyred since Stephen. Of these, 45.5-million Christians-- two-thirds of the total number of martyrs-- were martyred in the Twentieth Century. The Bible tells followers that we may be hated, as Jesus was hated (Matthew 10:16ff). Paul warned of perilous times in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1ff). We are told that any follower who holds onto faith, even though persecuted or martyred, will be eternally rewarded by receiving the Crown of Life for Christian Martyrs (Revelation 2:10).

Presently, God's Covenant People-- Jews and "engrafted Jews," Christians-- are being harrassed, persecuted, and martyred throughout the world simply because of their faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His Son, Jesus. Most of this hatred comes at the hands of Hindus, Muslims, and Communist governments.

Even in the United States where freedom to worship is presumably guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, Christians are riduculed, harassed, and persecuted by government officials (including arrogant federal judges in their extraconstitutional decrees), businesses, news media, and entertainers. The recently released 2009 Barna Update confirms what many have suspected for years: The United States is no longer a Christian nation, but a post-Christian nation, following in the apostasy of Europe and other nations. As Christians become apostate, as Christianity becomes more unpopular in a worldview citizenry, and as Christianity's enemies grow and are encouraged by the falling tides of public favor, Christians will be even more harassed, persecuted, and martyred. Verses about end-time apostasy (apostasy from the Greek means "a standing away from" or "a falling away") include: Matthew 24:10, 12; Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 18:8b; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 2 Peter 3:3-9; and Revelation 3:14-16. Verses about persecution and martyrdom include: Genesis 3:15; parts of Matthew 10:16-39; and 24:21 (a Tribulation passage); 2 Timothy 3:1; Revelation 6:9, 12:12, and 13:15-17 (Tribulation passages).

RUMORS OF WARS: Jesus said, "... you will hear of rumors of wars." Our lives have been filled with rumors and threats of wars, as nations and groups of people have risen up or threatened to rise up against others. Consider North Korea against South Korea; China against Taiwan, Tibet, and (soon?) India; Muslim nations against Israel; Pakistan against India; Russia against Georgia and former USSR states; and so forth. We hear of these rumors so readily because of enhanced coverage through satellite-fed, around-the-clock news reports. Verses include: Matthew 24:6-7; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9-10; and Revelation 6:3-4 (a Tribulation passage).

TERRORISTS' WARS: The United States, Israel, the European Union, India, and other countries have recently faced terrorists' attacks. These real and threatened attacks have come at the hand of Muslims. Attacks will undoubtedly intensify, as we progress toward the end of the age.

Paul warned of evil-hearted people at the end (2 Timothy 3:1-5a): But know this, that in the last last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money... unholy, unloving, unforgiving,... without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty,... having a form of godliness but denying its power. Israel has shouldered the brunt of terrorists' wars (jihad) from Muslim extremists coming across her borders. Any attempt by Israel to protect her sovereingty and her people is widely criticized by anti-Semites in Arab countries, Europe, the United States, and the United Nations.
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NOTES: Before studying this war, understand three important aspects:

Note 1. Intractable warring between the sons and daughters of Abraham: I will soon present a newsletter on this important topic. If you do not understand that enmity between the Jews (and engrafted Jews-- the Christians) extends back thousands of years, you cannot understand the Middle East conflict. Politicians and news reporters and editors are mostly clueless in this regard.
All of the present combatants can trace their heritage back to Abraham or his kin. I will explain this interrelationship in a future newsletter.

Note 2. Apocalyptic Muslims-- a most dangerous enemy: There are more than one-billion Muslims. Many Muslims are nominal (in name only), as many Christians are nominal (in name only). A minority of Muslims (ten per cent, more or less) are "apocalyptic." Pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli news media gloss over this concept by calling them "fundamentalists" or "extremists." Some news reports have equated "fundamentalist Muslims" with "fundamentalist Christians," without pointing out that fundamentalist (usually evangelical) Christians do not engage in homicide bombing of their "enemies."

In purest form, Islamists wish to return to the faith and practices of Muhammad (return to the Middle Ages). Such faith demands conversion of the world to the House of Islam. Islam means "submission and obedience" [to Allah, either by conversion or by death]. Westerners object to problematic practices, e.g., second-class treatment of women. Westerners also cannot accept sharia (sharia law). Sharia, translating to "the way" or "the path to the water source," is a code of law derived from the Koran, originally intended to apply only to Muslims. For ten examples of Shariacontrary to Western jurisprudence, see Top Ten Reasons Why Sharia Is Bad for All Societies.

Both Sunni and Shiite Islamic tenets include end-time events (Arabic: aher alzaman). The Shiite version teaches that the Twelfth Imam has been hidden for centuries. This "messiah"-like person is called Imam Mahdi. It is said that Imam Mahdi will appear in Mecca and lead Mahdi's army throuhout the world, completely defeating infidels (unbelievers). The "Prophet Isa" (Jesus) is promised to return with Imam Mahdi, but His status is said to be inferior to the Mahdi and the Prophet Muhammad.

It is believed that the Mahdi will not appear until there is worldwide chaos and war. Famous apocalyptic Muslims include terrorist Bin Laden and Iranian president Ahmadinezhad. Ahmadinezhad is especially dangerous because he is developing (has developed?) nuclear weapons; harbors zealous hatred for Israel and the United States; and would consider it an honor to attack Israel with nuclear weapons to begin a worldwide war, bringing forth the appearance of Imam Mahdi.

The threat of Apocalyptic Islam to world peace cannot be nderstated. I will have more to say about this movement in a future newsletter.

Note 3. Hudna as a war tactic: Hudna, an Arabic word for "calm," is often translated as and implies a temporary "truce, armistice, calm, quiet." In AD 628, 1,400 Muslims marched with Muhammad to Mecca to worship Allah. The Quraish tribe intercepted this party outside of Mecca. Realizing he was at a significant military disadvantage, Muhammad sued for peace. The Quraish and Muslims agreed to negotiate their differences and sign a peace truce. During the truce, Muhammad strengthened his army, both in the number of men and cache of weapons. In AD 629, Muhammad attacked from a position of military superiority, and defeated the Quraish.

Hudna has been a respected Muslim war tactic since that time. Since 1948, several wars and skirmishes between Israel and her Muslim enemy-neighbors have occurred. Israel, always seeking shalom (peace), has embraced peace overtures from her enemies. After every period of peace (after hudna), Israel has again been attacked.

Outside interference (the Quartet of Nations and former President Jimmy Carter and others) have achieved no peace. This failure is in itself a manifestation of prophecy of "that day"-- the end of the age (Zechariah 12:3): [Says the LORD] "And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it." This prophecy continues to show that God's strength will be poured out on Israel to protect her.

Israel recently stood down from her attack on the Palestinians in Gaza, negotiaing a truce. The Palestinians immediately began re-arming their combatants, obviously using this truce as hudna. I previously cited 2 Timothy 3:1ff as an end-time prophecy. Note the second translated word in the third verse. It is translated "unforgiving" in the version I am using. The Greek word is aspondos. A better translation is "implacable (enemy)" or "trucebreaker." Israel certainly is dealing with implacable enemies who think nothing of breakig a truce. After all, a broken truce is just hudna as usual.

Read Psalm 83. In another newsletter, I will address this psalm and other Scriptures which speak of Israel's enemies.

FUTURE WARS:

Two wars are probably just before or after the Rapture. The Bible again suggests the order of these wars, but does not give a definite timetable. I believe the destruction of Damascus will occur first, because Syria is not listed in the nations of Muslim nations invading Israel in the Battle of Gog and Magog. I believe the Battle of Gog and Magog will occur immediately before the Rapture, because it takes Israel seven years (the duration of the Tribulation) to clease the land after this battle. These are only clues gained from close reading of the Scriptures, but I could be misinterpreting Scriptures.

AN ORACLE AGAINST DAMASCUS: Damascus, Syria is an ancient city which has never been destroyed. There are two prophecies about Damascus' destruction:

  • Isaiah, chapter 17: The LORD declares that Damascus will no longer be a city but will be a ruinous heap; Syria's strong cities will be abandoned and made desolate; and in the evening, there will be sudden terror.
  • Jeremiah 49:23-27: The LORD says Damascus will be in terror and abandoned; her young men will fall in the streets, and her soldiers will be silenced; and the city's walls will be set on fire.

Consider this:

  • Syria is an implacable enemy of Israel. There is dispute about Syrian territory, the Golan Heights, which was annexed by Israel in 1967 (following the Six Day War) and declared to be under Israeli territorial jurisdiction. Syria harbors intense hatred for Israel, and demands return of the Golan Heights.
  • Although political disagreement exists, persons in authority agreed that Saddam Hussein (Iraq) had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and had actually used them in Iraq's wars against her neighbors. A trilateral association of Russia, Iraq, and Syria existed for the purpose of supplying arms and promoting anti-Israel terrorism. As President Bush proposed to attack Iraq and sought support of allies, truck convoys traveled from Iraq to Syria, presumably transporting WMDs and evidence of WMD production out of Iraq. Delay in the invasion of Iraq was secured by debate on inane resolutions in the United Nations, led by Russia and some European nations. This delay provided the opportunity for Iraq to remove all traces of WMDs. When the allies attacked Iraq, no WMDs were found, because the weapons were stored in Syria, not Iraq. Recently reported intelligence satellite photography and analysis have confirmed this interpretation.

THE BATTLE OF GOG AND MAGOG: The Bible tells of a great future war to be fought between Israel and her enemies. This battle is described in Ezekiel, Chapters 38 and 39. These two chapters in Ezekiel may be briefly summarized, as follows:

  • Ez. 38:1-3. Gog is the leader of Magog. Magog is clearly Russia.
  • Ez. 38:4. God puts "hooks in Gog's jaws" to turn him toward Israel, as a farmer might turn an animal by a hook or bit in the animal's mouth. These hooks are "thoughts in Gog's mind" to invade Israel. What might be these thoughts? Recent discovery of huge petroleum deposits off Israel's shore? Need for a more direct shipping route to transport petroleum from the Arabian Peninsula to worldwide markets? Retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran or Syria? Other?
  • Ez. 38:5-6. Gog/ Magog joins a confederacy of Israel's eastern and southern enemies. Listed by name, these nations comprise a list of Israel's present enemies, including Persia (Iran).
  • Ez. 38:8-9. This battle occurs after "many days." Since Ezekiel wrote this prophecy nearly 2,600 years ago, an attack during our time would be after "many days."
  • Ez. 38:10-12. Israel is attacked as "unwalled villages," her people feeling that they are at peace and are safe. This passage may indicate: either Israel is lulled into a false peace and does not expect attack; or is a commentary on the state of society in modern times, when nations no longer build walls around cities, as did ancient peoples, because modern weapons of war (missile and airplanes) are not impeded by walls.
  • Ez. 38:13-14. The nations of the world stand by, debating this attack and show of overwhelming strength, but offer no assistance. To me, this sounds like a perfect description of the anti-Israeli, inept United Nations. Why do the nations not come to Israel's assistance? Two reasons may be suggested: (1) There now exists deep, intense hatred for Israel (Jews) in many nations. More anti-Semitism exists in parts of Europe now than existed in Nazi Germany before World War II. (2) God rescues Israel against overwhelming, crushing military might to show that He is Israel's Savior and Protector. By His actions, He shows that Israeli military power, the European Union, the United Nations, and the United States are not needed to protect Israel.
  • Ez. 38:18-22. God's "hot anger" is aroused against Gog. Massive death and destruction of Israel's enemies occur. This response, disproportionate for any ability of Israel to fight, is of Divine origin.
  • Ez. 38:23, 39:7. Israel and "many nations" know that God is LORD.
  • Ez. 39:9-20: Ezekiel sees mass casualties; mass burials in the Valley of Hamon Gog, with seven months to bury the dead; and seven years to destroy the weapons of war.
  • Ez. 39:21. God says, "I will set My glory among the nations." Is this an indication that the long-lost Ark of the Covenant will be displayed at this time to encourage and rally Israel? The Ark once preceded Israel in battles. It is believed that the Ark has been safely, secretly stored for millennia, and now is in Israel's possession awaiting the building of the Third Temple. For a fascinating study, see numerous Internet sources of the supposed whereabouts of the Ark (use Google or another search engine). You may want to begin with www.levitt.com and The Temple Institute.
  • Ez. 39:22-29. God promises to restore Israel. This promise is echoed in Paul's magnificent, foundational teaching about the relationship of Jews and "engrafted Jews" (Christians) in God's olive tree of Israel (Romans, chapter 11), the purpose of which he concludes (Romans 11:26) is, And so all Israel will be saved....

When will the War of Gog and Magog occur? God provides a general guideline to end-time was, but not a specific timetable. Most students of prophecy believe this war will occur either immediately before the Rapture (pre-Rapture) or immediately afterward (post-Rapture). Borrowing from scientific terminology, I believe we could call this war "para-Rapture"-- that is, around the time of the Rapture. I suspect this war may occur immediately before the Rapture and its aftereffects may usher in the seven-year Tribulation. I believe this timing may be appropriate for these reasons: (1) The most prominent world leader during the Tribulation, the Antichrist, is not mentioned. (2) Ezekiel did not mention a seven-year peace pact endorsed and championed by the Antichrist, a plan which will propel him to worldwide acclaim and recognition as the world's leader. (3) Israel will destroy Magog's weapons for seven years-- the duration of the Tribulation. If the war occurred during the Tribulation, Israel would not have a full seven years for this activity. (4) The peace pact offered by the Antchrist will likely promote a workable plan for Jews and Muslims with regard to shared use of the Temple Mount. I suspect this plan will permit Muslims to retain important Islamic shrines (the Dome of the Rock, for example), but will grant a portion for Jews to build the Third Temple ("Ezekiel's Temple") immediately adjacent to the Dome. I suspect this land will be insufficient for Jews to build the entire Temple, and this is the reason part of the Third Temple will be omitted.

TRIBULATION WARS: For seven years during the Tribulation, all Hell will be unleashed throughout the world. The completely evil Unholy Trinity-- Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet-- will dominate the world.

To break evil men and bring them to repentance, God will unleash twenty-one judgments-- seven seal, seven trumpet, and seven bowl judgments. These judgments are described in the Book of Revelation (chapters 6:1 - 8:6; 8.7 - 11:19; and 15:1 - 16:21). Space in this newsletter does not permit exhaustive discussion of the judgments, but consider those related to war:

  • First Seal Judgment (Rev. 6:1-2): The rider on the white horse, a man of false peace mimicking Jesus, is the totally evil, Satan-worshiping pawn of Satan, the Antichrist.
  • Second Seal Judgment (Rev 6:3-4): The rider on the fiery red horse, who takes peace from the world and who carries a great sword (nuclear weaponry), is global warfare with nuclear strikes.
  • Third Seal Judgment (Rev. 6:5-6): The rider on the black horse, who weighs out food at a price poor people cannot afford, is deadly famine, a common consequence of war.
  • Fourth Seal Judgment (Rev. 6:7-8): The rider on the pale, greenish horse kills one-fourth of the world by the sword (war) and hunger and diseases (consequences of the privation of war).
  • Sixth Trumpet Judgment (Rev. 9:13-21): An army of unprecedented strength-- 200,000,000 men-- is prepared. Armed forces in the East (China and other nations) presently has such manpower on active duty or trained in reserve. The Euphrates River, mentioned here, has been a difficult barrier for armies to cross between the West and the East. The Ataturk Dam in Turkey can now stop the river's flow long enough for armies from the East to reach the Mideast (Israel).

THE SECOND COMING (ADVENT) OF JESUS THE MESSIAH: A most important prophetic chapter is the Suffering Servant chapter of Isaiah 53. Read and re-read this great prophecy. Many lessons are contained in this chapter, but God clearly announces the coming of Messiah (Hebrew: HaMashiach; Greek: Christos: English: Christ; translation: "the Anointed One [of God]").

Careful reading implies there are "two Messiahs" with three separate missions.

Jewish rabbis have problems interpreting this chapter. Some rabbis have proposed there are two Messiahs, who will bring Jews from galut (exile) and will usher in the Messianic era. One of these is HaMashiach ben Yosef-- Messiah the descendant of Joseph (Joseph, here, is the patriarch, not Mary's husband). The other is HaMashiach ben David-- Messiah the descendant of David. Each Messiah has different characteristics and roles.

Christians believe there is one Messiah-- Jesus the Christ-- who came two millennia ago (First Coming) and who will return at the end of the Age of Grace (Second Coming).

In His first coming, Jesus was the Suffering Servant, meek, lowly, who came as Prophet, Prince, and Priest, but whose ultimate role was to usher in God's final covenant with man, the New Covenant. Jesus established the New Covenant by being our Passover Lamb. By shedding His blood, He secured the means by which all sins can be forgiven by the Grace of God and through simple, childlike love and faith.

The understanding of Jesus for many Christians is arrested at the Messiah of the first coming. It is sweet and comforting to think of Jesus as kind and gentle-- and He is-- but there is more to Him than this view.

Jesus is depicted in a different light at His second coming. John the Revelator sees Jesus as a mighty warrior, who returns to end evil and punish evildoers, before He establishes His Millennial Kingdom. Excerpts from John's account (Revelation 19:11 - 20:3) include such descriptions of Jesus as: [Jesus] who sat on [a white horse]... judges and makes war... His eyes were like a flame of fire... He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood... armies in Heaven followed Him on white horses... out of His mouth [was] a sharp sword, that it should strike the nations... He will rule [the nations] with a rod of iron... He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God... On His robe is written 'King of kings and Lord of lords'... He causes birds to eat the flesh of men, great and small, who oppose Him, as they are all killed... the Antichrist and False Prophet are thrown alive into the Lake of Burning Fire [Hell] and Satan is chained for one-thousand years in the bottomless pit.

The description of Jesus at His second coming is anything but mild and meek. Many pastors candy coat a relationship with God, something like "'God is love.' Just love Him. Be good to each other. And, Jesus will love you." They are partly correct, but there is a strong Biblical message that God loves sinners, while hating their sins, and there is strict accountability for those sins. We are called to do more than sing hymns and tell Sunday School stories. John the Revelator tells of a returning Messiah, who will completely destroy evil persons. Paul tells us to wear the armor and use weapons provided by God, as we combat evil (Ephesians 6:10-20). The author of Jude tells us to earnestly contend for our faith (Jude 1:3). And so forth.

The point is this: God still loves us, and Jesus is still gentle. Those who disobey and disrespect God, though, will be be treated by God in an indescribably harsh manner. We should be preparing Christians for the reality of accountability and the need to overcome sin.

THE FINAL TRIBULATION BATTLE: To me, the exact sequence of the last battle in the Tribulation is not clear-cut. Such battle is often called "Armageddon" (from the Hebrew: Har-Magedon, "hill of Megiddo"), a place in northern Israel.

Although not everyone will agree with every part of the following interpretation, Dr. Arnold Fructenbaum, after a study of Scriptures related to Armageddon, arranged the final events, as follows (Bible Prophecy 101: A Guide to the End Times in Plain Language, 1999):

  1. The Antichrist's allies-- the ten-nation confederacy mentioned as the toes of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel, chapter 2)-- arrive with the intent of abolishing the Jews as a people and nation (Revelation 16:12-16).
  2. Babylon the Great, which is present in Iran, is destroyed by invading forces from the East, as the Antichrist's forces are present in Israel (Jeremiah 50:31; Revelation, chapter 18).
  3. Jerusalem falls. Rather than move eastward to protect Babylon, the Antichrist moves southward to Jerusalem, engaging resisting Jews with great loss of life (Zechariah 12:1-3; 14:1-2).
  4. The Antichrist continues to move farther to the south. After capturing Jerusalem, the Antichrist's forces move against the Jews-- "the remnant"-- who are hiding in the outlying countryside (Jeremiah 49:13-14).
  5. Salvation (regeneration) of the Jewish remnant occurs. As the Antichrist pursues the Jews in the wilderness, the Jews turn to God. Only one-third of the original Jewish population has survived, but they acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah (Jeremiah 3:11-18).
  6. The Second Coming (Advent) of Jesus the Christ occurs. The Jews plead for Messiah to preserve them from the Antichrist's forces. Their prayers are answered, when Jesus return to earth with His army of angels and Christian saints to defeat evil men, including the Unholy Trinity (Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 19:11-16). If you are a Christian, you will witness this momentous occasion, as foretold by John the Revelator (John 19:19-21a): And I saw the beast [the Antichrist], the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered to make war against Him who sat on the white horse and against His army [Jesus and the host of angels and saints]. Then the beast [Antichrist] was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence.... These two were cast alive in the lake of fire burning with brimstone [Hell]. And the rest [the Antichrist's army] were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him [Jesus]....

THE FINAL REBELLION OF ALL TIME: John the Revelator reveals that there will be one final rebellion (Revelation 19:7-9). After being chained in the Bottomless Pit for one-thousand years, he is loosed for a short time. Satan tries once again to deceive "the nations of earth." Get this picture in your mind and try to understand it: After people have lived in peace and joy in fellowhip with Jesus, Satan will still be able to deceive many ("whose number is as the sand of the sea") and to lead them in a rebellion against God. This rebellion is called "Gog and Magog," but it is not the same as the Battle of Gog and Magog described in Ezekiel. God sends fire from heaven and devours them. Why would there be this final rebellion? These people are born in the Millennial Kingdom, and have never been tempted by Satan. That is, they have never been required to overcome sin. If tempted by Satan and they overcome sin, they are admitted to New Jerusalem. If tempted by Satan and they rebel against God, they are not admitted to New Jerusalem.

THE GOOD NEWS: As Jesus commanded, do not worry about these wars. He told us that these wars MUST happen. For the Christian, the news is STILL ALL GOOD. Jesus is our Savior. I believe He is about ready to come at any moment. Let Satan and evil men have this world. This world is not our home. Rather, our home is with Jesus in New Jersalem (Heaven). You and I only have a few items left on our "checklists," including:

  • You and I need to serve as "watchmen on the wall" to warn others of the coming danger, that they may be saved from their sins. We need to take as many souls with us to Heaven as we can.
  • You and I need to be "overcomers" of sin. We need to ready ourselves to appear as Jesus' brides-- worthy; holy; and free of spot, wrinkle, or blemish. We cannot accompish this, without acceptance of the cleansing blood of our Passover Lamb, Jesus the Christ.

Other prophecy projects of mine include:

  • Please read my Website, Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy in Today's News,, www.prophecyfulfillment.com, which is a correlation of end-time prophetic Scriptures and recent news stories.
  • Please hear my weekly, one-hour audio recordings, sent by Internet audio streaming at WPFR990. Schedule should be posted on this Website. (Eastern Standard Time, EST, is Greenwich Mean Time minus 5.0 hours.) Programs can be accessed at any time through WPFR990's Archives.
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If you have questions, comments, or especially if you need to know how to become a Christian, please contact me. I will be honored to help you in any way possible.

Maranatha!

Raymond Finney
Maryville, Tennessee U.S.A.

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