Signs Of The End Times

JESUS’ SERMON
on the
SIGNS of the END TIMES


PEANUT GALLERY LINK

http://www.christianforums.com/t7828003/#post65827169


Matthew chapters 24-25

JESUS BEGINS TO EXPLAIN ABOUT THE END TIMES


Matthew 24:1-2 (KJV)
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to Him for to shew Him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you,
There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.


In 70 A.D., the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. Every stone of the Temple was thrown down. Some of these stones were 94 feet by 10 ½ feet, by 13 feet. There were 162 marble columns that were 52 feet high. These stones were thrown down, and the destruction was so complete that Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled, that the site would be plowed.


Micah 3:12 (KJV)
12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

The Temple was set afire, and the gold melted and went into the cracks of the stones. This required the soldiers to move and cast away all the stones in order to retrieve the gold.

In a few days, the nation of Israel would begin their rejection of the Messiah, Jesus, that had come to them. They would reject Him, crucify Him, and reject the idea that they had sinned in so doing. This would bring this swift judgment of God allowing the Romans to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple.

The Jewish nation had considered themselves the "chosen people." They had an exclusive claim to God, they thought. They have over the centuries come to believe that God preferred them over all other nations. This is not the true meaning and concept that was taught of God. God presented Himself to this world as One who "no respecter of persons." He is also presented as "the same yesterday, today, and forever." So He does not prefer one nation over another.

The idea of being a "chosen people" refers to Israel being chosen to perform a special ministry for God. The Jewish nation were chosen of God to be the vessel that He would use to evangelize the rest of the world. They not only failed in that mission, but many lost their own salvation and rejected the Messiah that was to come and to provide the salvation for all of mankind. God turned from this "chosen people", and chose the "church" to now be the ones given that special ministry to the world.

There is no distinction with God. He loves all. He has no preference in people. The church, however, has the same tendencies as the Jews. The church has tended to shut out certain people, races, etc. throughout its history. There have been cliques, denominational factionalism, bigotry, bias, and exclusivism in many church peoples.

The church is to be "one body in Christ." It is to have many members, but each are to be dependent upon the others. God does not give preeminence to any. He does not even want a priesthood in the church. All of the church are equal in God's eyes. He may give different gifts and offices to those in the church, but never makes any person, or persons, superior or more favored than another. Male or female; rich or poor; right-side-of-the-tracks or wrong-side-of-the-tracks; educated or uneducated; black, white, red, or yellow; are all loved and cherished by the same God -the Lord of Hosts.

I Corinthians 12:13-26
"For by one Spirit are ye all baptized into one body... one body is not one member, but many... if the foot shall say -Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body - is it therefore not of the body? ... God hath tempered the body together."

Galatians 3:28
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ."

Colossians 3:11
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian (strangers and foreigners), Scythian (lowest type of bond slaves), bond nor free, but Christ is all and in all."

There is universal salvation offered to everyone. He created many different races, two genders, and allowed many cultures, not to later choose to love only part of them, but to love all. He is desirous of having us, as He, to look beyond the outward to the inner person.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world."

I Timothy 2:4-5
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

II Peter 3:19
"not willing that any should perish."

Revelation 22:17
"And the Spirit and the bride say 'Come'. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely."

God intends for the church to carry on where Israel failed. We are to do now revival what the Jewish people failed to do then. We are to carry the gospel to all genders, all races, all economic levels, to everyone. God is the "Lord of Hosts."

Jesus, in this first part of His sermon, is beginning to explain what would cause the great judgments to come. Someday, as Jesus would teach the nation would be judged for its rejection of the true Messiah. Some of the church is also shown later to suffer judgment, for it failing to present Jesus as the Messiah. The world will be judged too, for its rejection of Jesus through the ages. These judgments are going to be explained by Jesus in this sermon.

The message of Jesus about this first event of judgment to come, with Jesus speaking so plainly, so confidently, so specifically, whetted the appetites of the disciples to know more about what was to come.

Jesus is going to, in this sermon, detail much of the coming judgments of the last days. This first event of judgment happened in 70 A.D., and the reminder that comes with it is that the rest of what Jesus predicted will be fulfilled, as was this first judgment, where the Temple and Jerusalem suffered great destruction.


THE DISCIPLES QUESTION JESUS


The disciples were leaving the Temple area when Jesus gave them that news of verses 1 and 2, and now they are reaching the nearby Mt of Olives. The walk was proving to be educational, and their curiosity was aroused.


3 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?



It is said that ‘you can’t make a horse to drink, but you can feed it salt.’ This is the tactic here of Jesus. He has fed them a truth about the future that makes them more curious, what is going to happen. There must have been many followers on this excursion from the Temple, but the next verses of this sermon was reserved for just the disciples.

We see in the trial of Jesus that some misquoted, misunderstood, and falsely accused Jesus using that first part of the sermon. They said Jesus had said that He would destroy the Temple. That would have been blasphemous, and evil for Jesus to destroy the house of God on this earth, where God had invited people to come and worship Him. Yet, Jesus did not say He would destroy the Temple, but Jesus was referring to what God was going to allow the Romans to do soon, in about 37 years.


Matthew 26:60-61 (KJV)
... At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God.

The Temple would be destroyed, but Jesus was not going to be the One to do it. His message was distorted, misused, and lies were added to the truth that Jesus had preached. The destruction was allowed by God, in that He was turning from them who had rejected by that time, the Messiah, and God would be turning to the church to fulfill the mission of sharing the Messiah to the world. Destruction, judgment, will come for failure to accept Jesus, the Messiah.

So, ‘privately’, Jesus shares much more of the coming judgments. The scoffers, hypocrites, pharisees were no longer in the crowd, and the one morsel they did hear of this sermon, they would greatly misuse. There are revelations of the Lord, in the Word, and spoken directly to our hearts, that we need to have ‘ears to hear’ and hearts to believe, if we want the Lord to share the deeper truths.

SIGN ONE
DECEPTION


Matthew 24

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them,
Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you,
Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,
and shall shew great signs and wonders;
insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you,
Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth:
behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.​

The last times will be, and already are, times of deception and false teachings. We are to ‘take heed’. The devil is working hard, and there are many who are knowingly, or unknowingly, spreading his lies to this world. There is the ‘new age’ deception, the witchcraft and sorcery deception, the guiltless deception, the universalism deception, and many others. Schools are teaching heresies, television and cartoons reinforce the deceptions, video games, books, and talk shows share heretical ideas.

The ‘false Christ’s’ began early after the rejection of Jesus. Simon bar Kochba led a revolt against the Romans. Rabbi Akiba called him the ‘Messiah’. Hadrian, on the 9th of Av, killed 580,000 Jewish people. For 1800 years there was no Jewish nation. The judgment time Jesus referred to had a bitter foretaste then. Now we are soon to see complete fulfillment of that time of horrific judgment.

We have seen other ‘messiahs’ in the latter times. Guru Maharajdi, Sun Myung Moon, Jim Jones are several of many who claimed to be the Messiah. We are currently seeing an emergence of Chrislam, a merging of Christian denominations with Islam. Therefore, we will be seeing more and more of these duped by that heresy, a belief in the Mahdi of Islam.

Religious teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam have references of a savior to come in the end times. Though those religions differ in interpretation, it is evident that they are all counterfeits of the devil to distract mankind from the True Messiah, Jesus.

Both the shiites and the sunni of Islam believe in a Mahdi, even though a Mahdi is not mentioned in the Quran. They believe that this Mahdi will precede the prophet Isa (Jesus) who comes at the end of the world.

Islam believes that ‘jesus’ will return to earth. This ‘jesus’ will come to kill all who do not accept Mohammed, and their ‘god’, Alah. All Christians will be killed who do not convert, and this ‘jesus’ will deny any atoning death that we know the true Jesus has done for us.

An ‘armageddon’ war will bring the Mahdi to be seen, and after that war, the remaining Jews will be killed. Then Islam will make war on Christians, a war they call the ‘Great slaughter of the intercessor (prophet). When Mahdi and jesus are both in power, according to their false heresy, no other religion than Islam will be allowed.

The Mahdi is supposed to be a descendant of Muhammad, from his daughter Fatimah. He was to have been born in 868 in Medina, Saudi Arabia. He is believed to be still alive, in hiding deep within a well, since he was five years old. He is supposed to be tall, with facial features like Muhammed, with fair complexion, broad forehead, and a prominent nose.


The Mahdi precedes the coming of their ‘Isa’ (jesus). A loud call from the heavens signals the Mahdi’s appearance. He then wins their ‘armageddon’ war, and then their ‘jesus’ returns. This is all false heresy, a lie the devil would like to believe himself. The ‘truth and justice’ that they say then entails amounts to an mass murder of all Jews and Christians. This is a pipe dream of the devil, believed by millions. There are some ‘so called Christians’ who are entering into this deception, and trying to make their Mahdi and jesus to be like unto our Elijah and the true Jesus. The two doctrines are incompatible, and Jesus warns in Matthew 24 of this and other deceptions to be prevalent in the last times.

This heresy is being propagated much, some still secret. Some so called Christian teachings are accepting parts or all of this heresy. They are looking for the ‘jesus’ of Islam, not the returning Savior and True Messiah, Jesus the Savior Who died for us on the cross of calvary. Jesus warns of the false prophets, the false messiahs. He tells the disciples then, and we, now, that if any try to point us to other messiah’s, we are not to go, not to believe.

The culmination of these false messiahs, will be after the church is gone, but the Jewish nation still here, in the tribulation. Many will believe the false prophet, and worship the antichrist. That is the final fulfilment of the warning of Jesus.

The antichrist is a man. Revelation 13:18 says that his number is "the number of a man". Paul in II Thessalonians calls the antichrist to be a "man of sin." Yet, this man is a man that is possessed of the one (Belial) that the devil prepared to be one who could possess a man, and make him very powerful, and intent on the evil plan of the devil. (Revelation 11:7, 17:8)

At present, the antichrist is unknown; he will not be recognized until after the rapture of the church. (II Thessalonians 2:7-8)

He will come from Syria-Iraq (Daniel 7:23-24, 8:9,20-25, 11:36-45). He will be 3 1/2 years getting power over the 10 kingdoms of his federation. He will rule from Babylon 3 1/2 years, and from Jerusalem 3 1/2 years (Dan. 7:23-24, 11:36-45).

The antichrist will be inhabited by a demon that will return from the abyss to inhabit him. Once, that demon lived out of the abyss (Rev. 17:8) In John's day the demon was in the abyss. This demon will drive the Antichrist to do his great conquests.

Ten kingdoms will let him rule them (Rev. 17:12-17), but he conquers only three of them (Rev.17:12-17, Dan. 7:23-24).

The antichrist will perform "lying wonders" and signs to confirm a lie (II Th.2:10). He will lead the world to temporary peace and prosperity following the terrible war that occurred at the beginning of the tribulation. However, his reign will bring spiritual darkness, famine, wars, death, violence, and sin.

He will not rule the whole world. Daniel 11:41 shows that he will not rule Edom, Ammon, and Moab. At the end of the tribulation, he is returning from conquering Russia and eastern Europe. The "ALL" of Rev. 13:7,8,16,17 is a SYNECDOCHE. (As one would say "everyone in town was there") The beast has 10 horns, not 100+, as he would need if he ruled the whole world. In Rev. 16:13-16, three demon spirits, as frogs, go from nation to nation to get the other rulers of the world to join the armies of the Antichrist at Armageddon. So the Antichrist must not rule these countries, or he could have simply ordered them to come.

Daniel 11:37 (KJV)
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.​

Some have felt that "the desire of women" meant that the Antichrist may be a homosexual. However, that may be in error--for "the desire of women" was a term of that day used to refer to the Messiah that they were expecting. In the context of the verse, the latter idea seems to have more validity. The terminology, "the God of his fathers" may indicate that he is of Jewish descent. Ezekiel 28 calls him the "Prince of Tyre" and indicates he is a world merchant.

This false messiah, the antichrist, is slain or thought to be slain "in the midst of the seas". Then he is resurrected by satanic power. This is Satan's attempt to counterfeit the resurrection of Jesus (Ezek. 28:8-10, Dan.11:30, Rev. 13:1-3).

This deceiving one will be temporarily accepted by the Jews as the Messiah (John 5:43). Many religions will receive him. Apostate Christians who did not go in the rapture will accept him a Christ. Moslems may accept him as their great prophet, and the New Age will accept him as their promised great leader.

"Gog" who leads the armies of Russia against Israel at the beginning of the tribulation, may be called the Antichrist--but his defeat will bring the emergence of the real Antichrist.

The deceptions are not only the ‘false christs’, for there are other deceptions being propagated into the church.

2 Peter 2:1-2 (KJV)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.


1 Timothy 4:1-3 (KJV)
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.​

SIGN 2
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS



Revelation 24:
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...


This prophecy has been fulfilled constantly throughout history. There was a great war in 70 A.D. that destroyed the city of Jerusalem. There have been many wars since. Since 1939 there has not been a day in which there was not some war in the world raging. Half of all scientists are working on new weapons of warfare.

Jesus speaks of the last days being times of great warfare. From that Bible time of swords, arrows, and catapults, we now have atomic bombs, jet fighters, tanks, and chemical weapons. Submarines, huge bombers, missiles, and satellites are available for warfare.

The wars of which Jesus preached are at least three-fold in number. There are three super wars yet to come. These are Bible predicted wars to come. Sometimes the Bible tells us more than we want to know. If it weren't for the rapture of the church, which is to occur before these wars, this lesson would be frightening. We will be caught out of harms way of these wars.

1. COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON

When Jesus explained in more detail which wars He was specifically concerned about, He told John, while John was on the isle of Patmos, about a war that would occur near the beginning of the tribulation period. A war will occur at the start of the tribulation. We see Jesus reveal to John about this war in Revelation chapter 6, where the "white horseman" is the Antichrist. He comes riding, carrying a bow which symbolizes -evil conquest. The "red horseman" that quickly follows represents -war. The "black horseman" represents the resulting famine caused by the war. The "pale horseman" (chlorous) symbolizes the many deaths caused by this war.

As Jesus is telling the disciples in the sermon recorded in Matthew 24, 25, He is speaking of events to precede the second coming, not the rapture. We tend to think that signs point to the rapture of the church, but all signs given are to come before the second coming of Jesus, which is at the end of the tribulation. The rapture precedes the tribulation, and so, some of these signs come after the rapture. This war comes after the rapture, but nearly seven years before the second coming of Jesus.

This war may be called the
COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON.

The real ARMAGEDDON will bring Jesus to rule at the end of the tribulation. The war at the beginning of the tribulation is the devil's substitute for that, for this war will usher in the situation that will allow the Antichrist to step in to rule. Therefore, it can be called COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON, for many will assume to have been the real battle of ARMAGEDDON.

Ezekiel 38-39 show the last battle of this first war of the tribulation. After Russia has defeated the only other superpower of the world (the United States), Russia will then come down to get Israel as the "spoil" of the war. God and Israel defeat Russia. This leaves the world open for the emergence of the federation of the Antichrist. For fear of the ARK OF THE COVENANT the Antichrist will sign a peace treaty with Israel that is supposed to last for 7 years. He will break this treaty before the time is up.

This war will kill a fourth of the world's population. Thus, we are talking of more than a billion people. The devastation of this war will leave the federation that the Antichrist heads as the only superpower. People will look to him as the man with the answers for this NEW WORLD ORDER.

TWO CONFLICTING SIDES
of the COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON

On one side are the nations of Magog, which is Russia; Meshech which is Southern Russia; Tubal which is an area now Eastern Turkey and part of Russia; Persia, which is now called Iran; Ethiopia; Libya; Gomer, which is now called Turkey; and Togarmah, which is now Eastern Europe, Armenia, and Yugoslavia.

These nations will war against a group of nations.

The opposing side includes Sheba, which is now Egypt; Dedan, which is now Saudia Arabia; the merchants of Tarshish, which refers to the nations of western Europe; and ‘all the young lions’ which includes the U.S.A., England, and Canada.

This will be a horrific war, and the description of it sounds much like it will involve nuclear weapons, and the devastation will be unlike any war previous to this war.

Jeremiah 25:32-33 (KJV)
32 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
33 And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.


The GREAT DESTRUCTIONS OF PAST WARS has been appalling.

WAR DATE KILLED
Russo-Japanese War 1904-05 130,000
Balkan wars 1912-13 162,500
W. W. I 1914-18 9,700,000
Spanish civil war 1937-39 650,000
W. W. II 1939-45 51,000,000
Korean War 1950-53 980,000
Vietnam War 1961-73 1,500,000

And yet, the COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON war will kill over a BILLION PEOPLE.

COUNTERFEIT ARMAGEDDON
AND
ARMAGEDDON COMPARED

The counterfeit armageddon war will occur at the beginning of the tribulation period. The real armageddon war will occur near the end of the tribulation.

Of the combatants, the counterfeit armageddon is fought with the main adversaries as the United States, versus Russia, with the nation of Israel entering after the defeat of the United States, and they defeat Russia. In the real armageddon war, it is the antichrist and his armies come back to annihilate Israel, but Christ and the saints return to defeat utterly that attacking force.

The place of these wars is Northern Israel, with the second war making its way down even to Jerusalem.

The victor of counterfeit armageddon is Israel, with God’s help; and the winner of the real armageddon is Christ and the saints.

At the end of counterfeit armageddon, the antichrist emerges and is accepted by many as the Messiah, and many think counterfeit armageddon is the real armageddon prophesied in the Bible.

At the end of real armageddon, Jesus is crowned King of kings, and a millennial rule is established with Jesus and the saints ruling this world.


The counterfeit armageddon is prophesied in Revelation 6, Ezekiel 38-39, Isaiah 13, 47, Jeremiah 50, 51.

Real armageddon is prophesied in Joel 3:9-12, Zechariah 14:1-4, Revelation 16:13-16, and 19:11-21.


2. REAL ARMAGEDDON

The second war of great importance is usually called "Armageddon." This war occurs at the end of the tribulation and coincides with the Second Coming of Jesus with His saints.

The land will be cleansed when the Lord returns, and when the people have repented. The worship of "idols" will cease, and they will not even remember the names of the idols. There will be no unclean spirits in the land, for they will be sent to the abyss with the devil. The false prophets will either become saved or perish in hell. If a child would start to issue a false prophecy, the parents will kill him. This time of cleansing will account for two-thirds of Jerusalem being killed. The third of them which are left, will be refined as silver and gold. God will claim them.

The ending of the false prophecies will be a notable event. There are many false prophets in these last days. The Bible spends much time warning us of the false prophets of the last days. Most Scriptures in the New Testament that speak of end time events contain a stern warning of false prophets. Yet, many today do not take those warnings to heart. they think that all in their church, or denomination, must be all right because they are:
ordained,
licensed,
on television,
head of some great religious group,
etc.

We are to test prophets of the last days by the Word of God. We cannot simply ASSUME that all the sermons that we hear are from the Lord.People who do not search the Scriptures to see if doctrines and teachings are Scriptural, will be easily led astray in these last days.

Zechariah 13:6
"And one shall say unto Him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then He shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends."

Christ Jesus will still have the nail prints in His hands when He returns to earth. The Jews will see these nail prints, and question Him. He will tell of His sacrifice, and the initial rejection of Him.

Zechariah 14:1
"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and the spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."

This verse tells the Jewish nation, that the day of the Lord will come... but when it does, the deliverance of the coming of the Lord will not come until the enemy is in their midst. The city of Jerusalem will be invaded, and a great part of it ravished and plundered before the Lord comes to save it. When He does arrive, they will not have to leave the city to take the "spoils" of the war.

Zechariah 14:2
"I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle."

This last attempt of the devil to destroy God's people before the Lord returns is one in which all the armies of the earth gather to destroy the little nation of Israel. Jerusalem would have no hope, outside the help of the Lord. The "city shall be taken", the "houses rifled", and the "women ravished." Half of the city will be taken captive. Then, and only then, will the Lord go forth to fight. Never a minute too late, but often He is not too early either.

The feet of the Lord shall first touch earth on the top of the mount of Olives. When they touch this earth, the earth will have the greatest earthquake that has ever occurred. The Mount of Olives shall cleave, and cause a great valley in the midst of the two parts of the Mount of Olives. The fear caused by the earthquake is compared to the fear caused by the earthquake that occurred in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. This is the earthquake that changed the length of the year from 360 days to a 365 and a fourth days. That earthquake changed and affected the whole earth. This one will also... for all the mountains of the earth will shake and be leveled by this quake. The tidal waves caused by this quake shall cause all islands of the earth to disappear under the flood of waters.

Zechariah 14:5
"...and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with Thee."

We shall, as the saints of the Lord, be returning with the Lord, and we will be His army that will defeat the armies of the world that have attacked. This day of the return, will be one of unnatural darkness. "At evening time it shall be light (14:7)." This would be consistent with the nature of the earthquake that occurs. The change in the orbit will also affect the rotation of the earth. The earth will be so shaken and even the revolution of the earth about the sun will be affected, so that the sun could suddenly rise, because of these changes.

Originally, according to the Book of Enoch, the earth had a year of 364 days. Then at the flood of Noah, the revolution of the earth of the earth changed to 360 days. Finally, the change in the days of King Uzziah changed the earth to a 365 1/4 day year.

SEE PART 2

SIGN 3
FAMINES, PESTILENCES,
EARTHQUAKES

Matthew 24:7-8 (KJV)
...there shall be famines, and pestilences,
and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Remember, Jesus is giving signs of the end times. The first sign was the destruction of the Temple, and that was in 70 A.D. The end times began then. Peter prophesied that the ‘day of Pentecost’ infilling of the Spirit was a prophecy from Joel, and Joel said it would happen in the ‘last days’. The ‘last days therefore began at the departure of Jesus into the clouds. He went away, and we entered the last days. The ‘wars and rumors of wars’, the deceptive false messiahs, and untruthful prophets have gradually increased over the years, so now, in the last days of the last days, they are more and more.

Too, in the last days, the earthquakes, pestilences, and famines are getting more and more frequent.

Jesus speaks that in these last days, there will be more and more frequent EARTHQUAKES.

Ezekiel 38:19
"SURELY IN THAT DAY, THERE SHALL BE A GREAT SHAKING IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL."

Matthew 24:7
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES AND PESTILENCES AND EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES..."

Luke 21:11
"AND GREAT EARTHQUAKES SHALL BE IN DIVERS PLACES AND FAMINES AND PESTILENCES AND FEARFUL SIGHTS, AND GREAT SIGNS SHALL THERE BE FROM HEAVEN."

There has been a steady increase in the number of major earthquakes through the centuries.

century earthquakes
13 84
14 115
15 137
16 174
17 258
18 378
19 640
20 Over 3000


Devastating earthquakes are to soon occur. Each great quake will be followed by an even greater quake. Soon there will be quakes that will shake the whole world, not just a small part of it. The world's worst quake will level every mountain, and cause the destruction of every island.

Jesus also alerted the disciples that in the last times, there would be horrible FAMINES.

Matthew 24:7-8
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES... ALL THESE ARE THE BEGINNINGS OF SORROWS."

While millions are starving in Ethiopia, their government is exporting food to Russia so it may buy weapons. The famine is great in this world. Over one third of the world goes to bed hungry. New deserts are growing at the rate of 14.8 million acres a year. 26 billion tons of topsoil are lost each year. Tropical forests shrink by 27 million acres a year.

The population of the world is growing at the rate of 220,000 a day. Ninety per cent of the growth is in the poorer countries. Of the increase of 79,000,000 a year, 55,000,000 are in the poor countries. Half the people who have ever lived since Adam, are alive much of the world's food supply - we face some hard times in the near future.

When America was discovered there was an average of 6 to 10 foot of topsoil. Now we are down to an average of 3 inches of topsoil. Even America is one harvest away from famine.

The world is also seeing PESTILENCES more and more.

Matthew 24:7
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES AND PESTILENCES..."

Continued use of pesticides has helped produce "superbugs" that pesticides can barely kill. Bed bugs now afflict one out of six homes in the United States. Many do not realize they have these in their home, for they blame the bites on a ‘rash’. The pesticide that once killed them, no longer kills the bed bugs. "Killer bees" have developed from crossbreeding. One third of all food produced in the world is destroyed by rats and other pests. AIDS has infected millions. In Uganda, one of five are infected with AIDS. New diseases will come that will make AIDS look like the flu.

The HEARTS of people are FAILING FOR FEAR of what is happening in this world.

Luke 21:25-28
"MEN'S HEARTS (MINDS) FAILING THEM FOR FEAR"

Revelation 9:6
"AND IN THOSE DAYS SHALL MEN SEEK DEATH, AND SHALL NOT FIND IT, AND SHALL DESIRE TO DIE, AND DEATH SHALL FLEE FROM THEM."

The reason that drugs, and alcohol are so prevalent now is for an escape. The world is trying to escape from FEAR. The only real escape is Jesus. Soon these signs of the second coming of Jesus will come in so great a rapidity that the world will tremble and seek death as an escape to their reality.

Jesus alerted the disciples to the nature of the world from that time forward would be greater and greater devastation. More and more famines, pestilences, and earthquakes would devastate this world. The Lord wanted the disciples, including us today, to be alert to what was happening, and not be desolated by these things, but to know that it meant the return of Jesus is getting nearer and nearer.

There is an accompanying of revelation from God as these signs come.

Habakkuk 2:14
"FOR THE EARTH SHALL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

The context shows that this verse is speaking of the last days. The Lord is awakening the minds of many. Fulfillment of some key prophecies have given key factors to help us interpret some other prophecies. There is a growing awareness of prophecy. Visions and dreams are confirming the prophecies of the Bible. There are modern day prophets speaking s Scriptural message that is undoing the misconceptions that have blinded many about what the Lord is doing. The knowledge of prophetic truth is growing rapidly.

We had better get ready.

Matthew 24:44
"THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY; FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT, THE SON OF MAN COMETH."

Matthew 25:13
"WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY, NOR THE HOUR, WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH."

We are to "LOOK UP" when we see these things "BEGIN" to happen. Since we are not of the night, that the day should take us as a thief, we are supposed to see these signs and know that the time is short.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 (KJV)
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 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.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Open your eyes, Christian, get ready! Keep the expectation of His arrival! The Lord is moving mightily in these last days. The weather has been churning in powerful, often destructive ways. This is not the 'judgment' of God. It is a response of the earth itself to changes coming upon the earth.

SEE PART 2 OF SIGN 3

SIGN 3 OF PART 2

REASONS FOR THE EARTHQUAKES, FAMINES,
PESTILENCES INCREASE
IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE LAST DAYS

The soon coming war that starts the tribulation period will include such devastating explosions, that it will change the orbit of the earth.

Isaiah 13:13
"I WILL SHAKE THE HEAVENS, AND THE EARTH SHALL REMOVE OUT OF HER PLACE..."

Jeremiah 51:46
"AT THE NOISE OF THE TAKING OF BABYLON, THE EARTH IS MOVED..."

The war of Revelation 6, the war of Ezekiel 38, 39, is a war that will have nuclear weapons causing a horrific shock to this earth. The orbit of the earth will be changed. This will allow the year to be the length that the Bible predicts it to be during the tribulation. For we are told that the tribulation is two periods of 1260 days. This is 2520 days and when divided by 7 years (which the Bible indicates the 2520 days to be) the year is then 360 days long. (This is the length of the year in the days preceding Isaiah's day. It was not until the days of Isaiah that the year lengthened to 365 1/4 days.)

The axis of the earth has slightly changed already. New gps changes have had to be made at airports, so pilots can land safely with their instruments. This orbit shift, is beginning, and this slight variation of axis shift is changing the weather patterns. This shift in the axis is making the earth more vulnerable to the orbit change soon to occur. The earth is 'groaning and travailing in pain', increasing in earthquakes, causing volcanoes to stir with activity, making the winds to shift, and the changing of the heating, cooling of waters. All this is due to the change of the axis shift, and the already beginning of the orbit change. Don't think this is God judging, but, God is allowing the earth to get into position for the events of judgment soon to come.

One of the causes of the horrible quake and tsunami in Japan was the axis change, the faster day, the shorter year. This change happened several days before the quake and tsunami. The shift in axis pulled the earth’s mantle, causing the shift that brought that devastation. The shifting axis, the beginning orbit change is not finished changing, and as it does, more and more will it pull on earth's plates, volcanic activity will greatly increase. This will first be seen in areas where earthquakes were often occurring, now, they will be greater, by far. The earth is changing, and we shall see what 'in divers places' really means.

These earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, storms and other crisis, are bringing down literal walls of buildings, and spiritual walls the devils tried to build around sinners. While the walls are down, witness. We must use this warning of the Lord in the sermon on the ‘signs’, to witness to the startled world in these coming events. As the earth is wobbling, moving a bit closer to the sun, as predicted in the Word, the earthquakes are 'in divers places', men's hearts are beginning to fail in fear for what is happening to the earth.

The disciples did not spend time predicting the earthquake that took place when Jesus was crucified, nor did they speak of 'great darkness' during the crucifixion. Rather, they spoke of the coming of Jesus. We too, are not here to predict earthquakes and volcanoes, we are here to prophesy Jesus is coming.

This change of orbit will allow the year to be the length that the Bible predicts it to be during the tribulation. For we are told that the tribulation is two periods of 1260 days. This is 2520 days and when divided by 7 years (which the Bible indicates the 2520 days to be) the year is then 360 days long. (This is the length of the year in the days preceding Isaiah's day. It was not until the days of Isaiah that the year lengthened to 365 1/4 days.)

This devastating atomic warfare of the war that begins the tribulation is so horrible that it is at this time the orbit of the earth finishes its change.

Jeremiah 50:46
"At the noise of the taking of Babylon, the earth is moved."

Mark 13:24-25 (KJV)
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

Psalm 82:5 (KJV)
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.


In the book of Enoch (the one quoted by Jude in the Bible [since he quotes from it, and God allowed the quote to be put into the Bible, I will refer to it]) we find that the year will become shorter for the tribulation period.

Enoch 80:2-7
80:2 In the last days, during the judgment time, the year will be shortened, and seasons will be affected, drought will afflict the earth.
80:3 The fruits of trees will not grow when men are accustomed to have them grow.
80:4 The moon will change its customary practice, it will not show its light as before.
80:5 In those days the moon will give off more than normal brightness for a time, because of a new heavenly object that shall appear below it as it sets one night.
80:6 Many stars shall seem to have altered their positions because of the change of the earth's orbit.
80:7 The whole change of regulation of the stars will not be understood by the sinners - but men will be so shaken by these things - some will even worship the stars and heavenly lights thinking them to be gods.

It is the war that starts the tribulation that is detailed in Revelation. The author of the book is Jesus, but the dictating of the book by Jesus to John has confused many. So, Jesus preached the sermon of Matthew 24 and 25, but the book of Revelation is far more specific of what He was speaking in this sermon.

Rev 6:
12. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair and the moon became as blood:
13. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.
16. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.
17. For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The sixth seal will include this worldwide earthquake. The sun will become "black" (probably from the pollution of the atomic blasts of the war). The moon will become "as blood". (Air pollution causes the moon to look red.)

The war that ends the tribulation, i.e. armageddon, has the greatest earthquake this world will ever know. Jesus, knew great earthquakes would come between His sermon and His revelation of this war. This earthquake will devastate the earth more than any other ever before.

Revelation 16:
17. And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air, and there came a great voice out of the Temple of heaven, from the throne, saying: It is done.
18. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
20. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent; and men blasphemed God, because of the plague of the hail; for the plagues thereof were exceeding great.

The seventh vial is the final judgment. It includes the Battle of Armageddon and a few details of what happens during this battle are included here. The greatest earthquake this earth has ever known takes place. Every island is destroyed, and every mountain is leveled by this earthquake. Jerusalem is divided into three parts. Babylon is destroyed. Hail stones fall upon the earth that weighs 114 pounds each.

People are so hardened to sin, and against God that they blaspheme God in anger as these events unfold. The phrase included in this part -"IT IS DONE !"- indicates that the tribulation ends during this vial. The Lord Jesus returns and the battle of Armageddon is fought.

Matthew 24:9-11, 22,
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you:
and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another,
and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.


There are many who will hate, abuse, betray, offend, and even kill. Most of the time in the United Nations General Assembly is spent on resolutions condemning Israel. Why would a small country like that engender hatred from so many?

Besides the antisemitism, we find great hatred in the world toward Christianity. It is the only religion that this nations allowed to be mocked, criticized, and mistreated. All other religions claim to have ‘religious freedom’ denied if they are criticized. Elsewhere, it is far more than mocking, and derision, it is outright hatred for Christians.

The antisemitism is a prejudice, bigotry, hatred, discrimination taken to the extreme. There are around 13 and a half million Jews in the world. Six million are in Israel, and 5.3 million are in the United States. The other 2.2 million are scattered around the world. Up to now, the antisemitism has been minimal in this country, accounting for the greater number here, than any other nation other than Israel. Soon, the antisemitism in this country will rise to a far greater level, and many will leave to go to Israel.

Antisemitism, though mild here compared to most of the world, is increasing daily here in this country. It creeps even into the churches of our time. It began nearly 2000 years ago, and some early Christians held the Jewish people responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. Later, pseudo-scientific theories tried to give acceptance to racial bigotry against them. The Nazis exploited that and the holocaust ensued, with millions exterminated during the war. Now, in this world, there is violence, denial of the holocaust, and calls for a new holocaust of the Jewish people.


What the Jewish nation was experiencing in the days that Jesus first preached this sermon was ‘the beginning of sorrows’ Matthew 24:8. In our day, we will see the beginning of the peak of these ‘sorrows’. In the tribulation, after we are gone to heaven via the rapture, the hatred of the Jewish nation will peak.

In our time, the hatred, the mockery, the violence against Christians increasing. The devil knows the rapture will be soon, and he is trying to hinder and trouble Christians as much as he can.


CHRISTIANS HATED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

Mark 13:9 (KJV)
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them.
Mark 13:13 (KJV)
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Hatred of Christians has continued through the centuries. From crucifixion, beheading, beatings, imprisonment, and lions of the forum, to the current martyrdoms and persecution of Christians, the fact of the hatred Jesus predicted is very evident.

Of the 70 million martyrs of Christ’s followers, a total of 45 and a half million have happened in the last century. Some read ‘Fox’s Book of Martyrs’ and think that the day of those happenings is over. Yet, there are multitudes daily dying for the Christian faith.

There are 85 million Christians in China. We are told, that despite great persecution, there are 35,000 more being added to that number every day. Yet, there is harassment, arrest, labor camp, and assaults happening regularly. The home churches in which these Christians worship are illegal, and when discovered, a year and a half sentence to labor camp is given. That is bad, but the more worse fact is, that mysteriously most all of them disappear before their release date. As the labor camps fill, more and more disappear earlier and earlier in their confinement.

Jesus warned the disciples, and us through the New Testament, that we should expect persecution and even death for our walk with Him.

Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Mark 10:21-22 (KJV)
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

It is quite a challenge to be a Christian and to choose suffering rather than to deny His name. Yet, it is a command to carry the cross, expecting what may never come, but if it does, be willing to die for our faith in Jesus. We do not bear these crosses to be defeated there, but we bear the cross to go to the victory Jesus has assured us by His cross.

Jesus was betrayed by a friend. This broke His heart, and the day that surpasses all previous days of history had begun. Jesus was led to Caiaphas’ house and was falsely accused. Then they took Him to Pilate, and there He was again falsely accused. Pilate questioned Him, and then Pilate sought a way to not have this obviously innocent man to be punished. He gave the people a choice between a feared and hated criminal, named Barabbas, and this Jesus, a healer and teacher of righteousness. The people chose to have Barabbas freed. Jesus was then beaten, spat upon, mocked, crowned with thorns.

Still, despite all that mistreatment and hurt, on the cross, giving His life for you and I, Jesus said:
‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’

While they were casting lots for His garment, these unwitting helpers of the crucifixion, found that Jesus had love and mercy for their part. Most, if not all of us, would have trouble speaking mercy to terrorists who were torturing us, due to orders from their superiors. Even when others unwittingly do less wrong to us, as braking their car on the freeway, unaware of how close we are behind them, or someone who steps out into our way in a supermarket aisle, often gets a dirty look, or cruel words. We find it hard to be merciful to even those who are unwitting accomplices to things that hurt us in even minor ways. Jesus was ‘nailed’ to that cross, and the cross He gives us holds us back too, with spiritual nails. We hang upon it, we cannot walk away and hide. It is real, and we must let it happen. We must speak forgiveness, and let them continue in their crucifixion of us.

Luke 9:23-26
"And He said to them all: If any man will come after Me, let Him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whomsoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it."

Galatians 5:11
"Then is the offense of the cross preached."

The offense of the cross has never ceased. To suppose that it would - is absurdity. The religion of Jesus is the most peaceful, mild, benevolent, and yet history has shown it to be the most attacked and hated.

Mankind has never liked to admit that he has sinned.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Mankind deserves death, but they are unwilling to admit it.
Romans 6:23
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."

Mankind is too proud, and wants to cover sin, and wants to call their sins to be mistakes. The cross humbles mankind. To defend against the humbling effect of the cross, mankind takes offense, and is angered by the cross. Many consider it to be foolishness.
I Corinthians 1:18-24
"preaching of the cross is foolishness to them that perish."

Therefore, any who preach Jesus, who glorify what He did for us on the cross, are hated, as was He.

People of the early church period wanted to think they could save themselves. People today think likewise. Government cannot save your soul. The United Nations cannot save your soul. No charity can save your soul. Turning over good leaves cannot save your soul.

Sinners of the early church period protested the faith in Jesus, Who died on the cross, and wanted to proclaim that they could be "all right" if they did their best. Any who believe otherwise, are persecuted. Believers are called "old fashioned", "fanatics". Believers in the cross are criticized, called 'weak minded'.

I John 3:13
"Marvel not if the world hate you."

Many in Christianity today have also been offended by the cross. Many have done away with songs and sermons on the blood, and on the cross. They reject doctrines on Christ's death and sacrifice for us. They do not want the cross, for they do not want to admit there is a real hell, or sin that could send them there. So many churches preach a bloodless, cross-less gospel. They substitute "social change", "riot", and "marches".

Those in the early church soon began to wear small crosses on a chain or ring about the neck. They loved the cross, they valued what it meant. They wanted to wear such a symbol. Yet, the Lord wants to have us to do so much more than wear just a symbol. The Lord has to us to "take up a cross, and follow Him."

Though the world hated the symbol, though the whole idea of a Savior, a Messiah Who would die such a horrible death was repugnant to mankind, still the saints of the early church proudly wore a small cross around their neck. It meant reproach in greater measure, for it identified them to the world as a believer in the Jesus Who died upon an old wooden cross as a horrible criminal would.

In the Psalm quoted by Jesus while He hung upon the cross, we see how He was feeling at that time.
Psalms 22:6
"But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of people."

We all must bear a cross for our Lord. This will involve suffering, agony, pain, sorrow, etc.

Psalms 31:11,13
"I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to mine acquaintance; they that did see me without fled from me. ...For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side; while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life."

Because of the cross, because of the life we must live for the Lord, and because of the message we must proclaim to this world, we find a cross that is difficult to bear. Our friends will reproach us, our friends will even lie against us, misunderstand what others tell them about us, will believe every lie told about us. They will take counsel against us, plot against us.

Psalms 41:5
"Mine enemies speak evil against me, When shall he die, and his name perish?"

PART 2 OF SIGN 4

VICTORY OVER THE PERSECUTION THAT WE SUFFER


2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (KJV)
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.


We can be successful over the attacks of those who hate us. We triumph in Christ Jesus. The gospel, if preached as it is written, if preached in an unadulterated manner, will accomplish great ends. If we are self-denying, laborious, and prayerful, the gospel would be as successful now as it was in the days of Jesus’ first coming.



Much of the work of the ministry is pleasant and delightful. We love to see sinners repent and become loving saints. We love to see miracles, healings, and people live in faith. There is no joy on earth greater, nor any work more pleasant than that of imparting through the Spirit healing, miracles, faith, joy, salvation. In seeing the power of God bestowed, we rejoice in our work. Those results of that ministry are observed in heaven. This work reaches beyond the grave, the results are eternal.

The sinners and the apostate church find those same bestowments of God’s power to be a ‘savor of death.’ They have an inner urge, encouraged by devils, to seek our demise. The gospel message, and those who preach it, are a savour of death unto death. We realize that many despise and disdain our message from God. They do not want the True Gospel preached, nor to see God’s power to flow in this world.


Success over the hindrances to God’s display of His power, will be in proportion to the pureness of the gospel that is presented. It may not be palatable to the carnal, fleshly mind of the lukewarm, but it will rejoice the saints who love the true gospel. The end of the devil and of sickness, death, the curse will soon come. The Redeemer is proving His victory, by pouring out His power in the church.

When Satan had Jesus crucified, the innocent and sinless Christ Jesus, rose again in power and victory. All of satan’s claims, rights, and pseudo-sovereignty over this world are now cancel-able. We have, in Jesus, the right to resist satan and all of his hindrances. All believers can now dispossess and cast out devils. All of us can have Jesus’ power of attorney.

Why do we have this power over the devil?


John 14:23
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him."

We have Jesus presence, whether we are being sworn in as President, or cast into a dungeon. The circumstances do not determine our success, for Jesus is our success, and even dying as a martyr does not remove His presence from us.

Part 3 SIGN 4
THE ARMOR FOR THIS VICTORIOUS BATTLE


Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We are at war with the devil, not with mankind. Our "wrestling" is a hand-to-hand struggle for mastery. We battle the real instigators of the persecution and hatred of the world. It is the “rulers of the darkness of this world” that we battle.

Satan is considered to be a ‘ruler’ of this world, but it is not because he has any legitimate claim. Jesus has claim as King of kings, and Creator and Possessor of all the universe. But, some have chosen, by the free will given them by God, to not be ruled by Jesus, and there is no other one to choose but the devil, so by default they are under his rule. The devil takes advantage of that. He encourages, and leads them to hatred and persecution of Christians.

We are to “take . . . of God” the spiritual armor that God has already made it for us. Then in the “evil day” (the day of attack from the devil and all his human helpers) we are to “stand”. “Standing” is not conceding or taking flight.

Our armor is available, and useful. We are to "girt about your loins with truth". We need the ‘truth’ all about us, knowing the truth about God’s power, God’s willingness to do what is best for us.

Then, we should have “the breastplate of righteousness” put on, which is Christ's righteousness in given us by the Spirit, upon repentance of sins, and cleansing by the blood of Jesus.

"Having shod your feet with the preparation” whic is "the preparedness," or "readiness of," the information given us in the Gospel. Many are prepared only to quote John 3:16. We need to study the Word of God, to ‘show ourselves approved by God’, and able to ‘rightly divide’ this Gospel.

Then the ‘shield of faith’ is given us to "quench, all the fiery darts of the wicked”. Faith conquers the devil and all of his attacks.

“The helmet” is to be received from the Lord, it is ‘salvation’, and is the ‘hope of salvation’, not an uncertain hope, but a hope that begins our faith. The hope is in the mind, therefore the helmet covers that part. The ‘faith’ protects the rest of the person, so, faith is engendered by the hope that first brings us to Jesus.

We are not defenseless, but we battle well armed with protection, and our offensive weapons are also given. We do not shoot guns, nor explode bombs, but we wield a “sword of the Spirit”. This is a short-bladed sword, as used by the Romans, with which one must walk up near to the enemy, it cannot be thrown, it is a brave soldier who chooses the sword over the spear to throw, or the bow and arrow to shoot.
We can be brave in this armor.

There is no armor for the back, indicating, by inference, that we never turn our back to the enemy.

We keep in constant communication with our King, and we are to be “praying always”. This means "in every season". We do not just pray when we feel it necessary. We pray in this warfare for those in need, against the devil who attacks, and to Jesus Who hears. It says “with all prayer” meaning “every kind of”. There are various kinds of prayer. We need to praise, thank, supplicate, intercede for, request, yield, repent, seek, etc.

Finally, we are to be “watching”. This means to not be sleeping. We need to stay awake, alert, on guard, ready for battle.

The rhema word Jesus uttered from the cross, was His greatest weapon against the devils’ attack. He uttered prayer, mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and those words have brought many to realize He is the Conqueror.

Part 4 of sign 4 We have all felt burdened, beaten down, done for.

Like Israel, when they looked back and saw the Egyptians pursuing, with a mountain on each side,
and the Red Sea in front of them, no where to go. Or, when later, they found themselves in the desert, with a couple days of food and water, and a two month trip to go.

Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael found themselves staring at a fiery furnace, and knew that was where they were to go.

Daniel looked down into the pit, seeing multiple hungry lions awaiting him.

Peter found himself on a ship, tossed to and fro in the storm, and Jesus beckoning him to come out of the ship and walk on the water.

Paul, on a business trip, is struck down from his horse, struck blind, hears a voice from heaven.

These kind of moments, where we are shocked, beaten, confused, scared,
and upset, come to most of us.

Psalm 34:19 (KJV)
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The word for ‘afflictions’ is the Hebrew word ‘ra’, meaning ‘bad, evil, adversity, calamity, grief, sorrow, wretchedness.’ We are told we will face these troubles. We prefer to read other passages in the Word, than those which tell us these kind of troubles come to all of us.

John 16:33 (KJV)
33 In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Acts 14:22 (KJV)
22 ... and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV)
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

2 Corinthians 11:30 (KJV)
30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Paul had just listed his problems. His list included prison, beaten, stoned,
shipwrecked, robbed, persecuted, betrayed, weariness, hunger, thirst, coldness, nakedness, etc. Few could make a list longer than his. How could Paul ‘glory’ in these? Have you gloried in your mistreatment from the world? Yet, Paul gloried in far, far worse mistreatment than we have. Paul not only gloried in the afflictions, he said he was ‘content’ in them.

Philippians 4:11 (KJV)
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Despite the troubles that Jesus predicted for us in His sermon of Matthew 24 and 25, we can have a ‘peace that passes all understanding’, but we may find that peace comes during, not after, the trials, troubles, griefs, losses, hurts, etc. that make ‘peace’ to seem impossible.

Psalm 119:71-75 (KJV)
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.
72 The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding,
that I may learn Thy commandments.
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Thy word.
I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

1 Peter 1:7 (KJV)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The trial of our faith is more precious than gold. Gold is very valuable. Currently, at this writing, it is worth $2000 per ounce. A pound of it is $32,000. So, that trial you have been complaining of, that allegation of mistreatment that you have given to God for it, is shocking to God. He sees, and explains it in the Word to be very valuable.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV)
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Take pleasure in ‘infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses. Wait! None of those things were on MY Christmas list. Were they on yours? Then how do we ‘take pleasure’ in them?

The church has too long been telling everyone that those things are horrible, fearful, unplanned by God ever, and we should not be tainted even a bit by them, or it proves we are not Christian. That was a lie from them. What did Paul know that made him ‘count is pleasure? Paul knew that when those things came to him, he was on the ‘brink’ of miracle power. Perhaps they were miracles and healings for others, and not for himself. Paul knew that when he was in weakness due to the trials of life, he was ready for the power of faith to flow through him. God’s power works best through a weak, a broken, a persecuted vessel.

2 Corinthians 12:9-12 (KJV)
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

That is why Paul had so many miracles, so many signs and wonders. He learned the value of the afflictions and persecution.

part 5 of sign 4 ABUSE WITHIN THE CONGREGATIONS

Jesus was not simply talking of abuse and mistreatment from the world in the sermon of Matthew 24. Jesus also knew that from within would come abuse. It is sad that those who call themselves ‘Christian’ will sometimes hurt other Christians.

Matthew 18:1-10 (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth Me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Dealing with church people on this earth is very difficult to do. If we can effectively deal with them, we would find the devil to be easy in comparison. We know he is out to harm us, and are not surprised by his attacks, and deceit. However, in the church, the behavior of "saints" toward one another is shocking and often unexpected. They can catch us off guard and do more harm than can be imagined.

In many homes there is child abuse, and in some, there is abuse of a mate. These ought not to be, yet they do happen. In most churches, there is SPIRITUAL ABUSE. Some "saints" are nit-pickers, some are quarrelers, gossips, complainers, fault-finders, scornful, bickerers, finger-pointers, judgmental persons, apostates, etc. These people can do much harm to the Christian witness. They can cause many to leave the church. Others who have left the church, may never return to it - because of these abusers.

The church is likened unto the "body of Christ." (I Cor. 12:13-27) All Christians are like parts of the body. Some are like the hand, others are like the foot, the heart, the eyes, etc. Together we are to be a functioning body, able to serve the Lord in a useful manner. The problem is that also on this body are parts the Lord did not put there. The "cancers" are deadly, and must be removed or the body will die. God wants a healthy "body" of believers. Yet, in most, if not all, churches - we find destructive, abusive, cancers. These abusive people will chase Christians from the church. They will hurt feelings, insult, berate, attempt to control, belittle, stir up dissension, etc.

For too long Christians have tried to ignore, and pretend that the abusers don't exist in our churches. These abusers have kept churches small, or split churches, or caused periodic and sudden drops in attendance. They have hindered revival. The Lord has been unable to give the type of revival and blessing that He has desired. The blessing has been sapped from churches by these offenders and abusers.

How do we know when we should flee such "saints", or should endure and pray for such "saints?" The Lord did not mean for us to simply endure such attacks. There are many scriptures that tell us how to deal effectively with abusive Christians.

First, we should examine ourselves. The Lord spoke of some who try to remove a splinter from another's eye, while they have a log in their own eye (Matthew 7:1-7). To avoid this mistake, we should do as we are instructed in the Word and "examine" ourselves (I Cor. 11:28). What are your motives, actions, and thoughts? Are they pure and righteous? Have you talked with the Lord about the situation, and your own behavior in this situation ? Have you been telling the truth ? Have you been interceding and loving those who are being used of the devil? Are you able to consider the problem from the viewpoint of the others?

Galatians 5:14-15 (KJV)
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Secondly, we should examine the others. (Matthew 7:16 "YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS.") What seems to be their motives? Are their motives right, and their actions wrong? Or are even their motives wrong? Are they carnal saints, or "tares" sown in the church by the devil? In Matthew 13, we are told that the devil sows evildoers amidst the saints. We confront these troublemakers often in the church, but it is their father, the devil, that is our real enemy. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. We have been divinely equipped to destroy the plans of the devil, and resist against the "tares" that he has sown amidst the "wheat." Often, the problem is some "carnal Christians" who want to play "Holy Spirit" and do the convicting, judging, ruling, etc. for Him. This is dangerous and sinful.

Romans 14:1-10 (KJV)
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Thirdly, we should examine the leadership of the church. Are they offering help, or part of the problem? Sometimes they are blinded to the evil and hurt being done. The abusers may be closely tied with the leadership, or long-time members, or even family of the leadership. This then poses a very serious addition to the problem.

If the leadership is sensitive to the Spirit and anxious to follow the Spirit's leading, the church will move forward. Often, this is the case. But, if the leadership has their ears to the troublemakers and abusers, then the possibility of changing things is remote. Often the best course of action involves praying for the leadership to have them awakened to see the problem as God does. The eyes of many in church leadership can be blinded by a group of abusers who lie, deceive, criticize, and seek power. Sometimes the leadership is convinced that to expose and remove the abusers from power is too difficult. They may seek to ignore the problem and hope it goes away. It doesn't. We need to expose the problem.

Fourthly, examine your ability to minister within the abusive system. Is it possible for you to minister in the system without it changing? If not, and if the system refuses to change, then one should probably leave the abusive system and find one where they can minister and be ministered unto. Often the Lord wants us to stay within the abusive system to effect a change. This means we must do much intercession, work, and loving. Moses found himself with several million people for 40 years that abused him and each other. Moses had to occasionally withdraw to a mountain top, or other retreat to be near to God. Christians are sheep that are sent out amidst wolves (Matthew 10:16). The only way we survive the wolves is to stay near the Good Shepherd.

Do not expect a "pat on the back" by many, if you stay inside an abusive system that does not want to be awakened to see the abuse. Even the non-abusers will come to the side of the abusers. They will perceive you as the one who is "rocking the boat." They have seen many who noticed the abusers, and then left the church. These who have already left, have been criticized as weak, etc. Those who notice the abuse and stay to confront it, will be called "rebels," and branded as "troublemakers." Jesus was a troublemaker when He chased out the abusers in the temple. He was hated when He confronted the Pharisees, who were the religious abusers of His day. It was those who saw Jesus as a troublemaker that determined to have Jesus crucified. We have been warned by Jesus that we will be also hated as was He.

In the abusive church, we cannot be silent. We must speak the truth, preach the whole gospel, teach the complete Word of God. When someone speaks out against a case of spiritual abuse, the people who calmly have watched the "abused" leave the church time after time, often get disturbed that the "abusers" might leave the church. Young Christians, youth, new attenders, are the most vulnerable victims of the abusers. We must stop the abusers from chasing them from the churches, and from God.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Do not counterattack. Revenge is not the answer. Often people feel the need to strike out and get revenge. Our pain and disappointment can make us feel justified in this course of action. Yet, it is never right. There is an appropriate way to confront and change abusive situations. God's way will result in your growth, be based on Biblical truth, and not make you apologize later. Don't get drawn into a course of action that will bring regret and necessitate an apology.

Galatians 5:9 (KJV)
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

We must seek out the leaven, and effect change. We cannot weed out all the "tares" ( Matt. 13). Some of the wheat would be weeded out along with the tares. So we effect change by changing the system whereby the abusers function. The message and emphasis of the church must be altered to put God back into control. When He sits upon the throne of the church, the abusers lose their power. Their power depends on the leadership being blind, unaware, or apathetic to what they do. When the Spirit reveals to the revived leadership the abuse that is occurring, the leadership will expose the abusers and remove their power to continue in positions of authority. A revival of love and worship to the Lord, Who is now back on the throne, will cause the abusers to either get revived too, or leave.

To effect this revival back to the Lord, requires much intercession. Many Christians are not up to it. Many will pack and run at the first sign of opposition. Others will fight for revival and wait long for it. Sometimes they too leave, but only after the people or leadership have thwarted the revival that God tries to give.

Some who enter our fellowship are saints who have been in an abusive situation elsewhere, and are now attending where we worship God to find a place of peace, love, and healing. We should love and attend to them. We must not let them be abused in our church. Others who may come to our church may be the abusers who left a church that exposed them for what they are. These ECCLESIASTICAL TRANSMANDICANT MENDICANTS (church bums), will go from church to church to find one who will tolerate them and allow them to rise to positions where they can abuse others. We cannot always know the "abusers" from the "abused". We need the guidance and the help of the Spirit. We need to examine our church fellowship and pray often for it and its leadership.


Matthew 13:41 (KJV)
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Matthew 7:16-20 (KJV)
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

PART 6 OF SIGN 4
FALSE PROPHETS ABUSE THE SAINTS


2 Timothy 3:1-9 (KJV)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.


Often in the ancient Near East, the rulers, leaders, prophets, priest, teaching scribes, were designated as "shepherds". Moses and David were called "shepherds" (Isaiah 63:11, Psalms 78:7). They were both called by God while shepherding. The term "shepherd" came to be used by those who were the spiritual guides of that day.

In these last days, there are many ministers, pastors, and evangelists who desire to be known as "shepherds". Every pastor, minister, prophet, apostle, and evangelist is a "shepherd." Unfortunately, many are "false shepherds" and many fit this description found in Ezekiel.

In Ezekiel, we find God has given a message both to the false "shepherds" of Ezekiel's day, and of the last days. We need to examine the message, and heed its warnings.

Ezekiel 34:2-6
"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd; and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them."



ABUSERS OF THE FLOCK ARE DESCRIBED

1. The false shepherds feed themselves without feeding the flock. The false shepherds do eat the fat, and clothe themselves with wool of the flock. Yet, they do not care for the flock. There are many false shepherds today who are in it for the money, the filthy lucre, they beg, borrow, and spiritually steal from the congregations. Many take offerings from the poor, needy, and hungry while they buy with it their new luxury car, their summer mansion, and their 1000 dollar suits. They care little if any for the hungry of their congregation.

2. The false shepherds have not strengthened the diseased, nor healed the sick, and have not bound the broken. Many in our day find fault with the diseased, ill, and hurt. They will preach that if the person had given more money, or lived more righteously, they would not be sick. The true shepherd should feed, strengthen, aid, love, care for, empathize with, and pray in faith for these same people. Our business in not to judge, but to aid. The person may be ill for some spiritual fault, or for a trial of faith, or as Job, a demonstration of faith.

3. The false shepherd does not bring back those who are driven away, and do not seek out the lost. Many will not even admit that church congregations of our day have driven away many, many souls. The sinner is right when he/she says that there are many hypocrites in the congregations. There are also false prophets, abusers, enablers to the abusers. There are false shepherds who sit there blindly, apathetically, or stupidly allowing such sins, and watching people being driven away from the Lord by these people. Their reasons usually are that the abusers of others are good givers, or family, or some other factor that makes them appear more valuable to the false shepherd.

It is time for true shepherds to see the hurt, the offended, the driven away, and to take action to bring them back to the fold. It is time to cease defending, coddling, and aiding those who have driven people from the Lord, and from the congregations. It is almost time that the Lord will send angels to judge those who have offended His little ones.

4. Some false shepherds have ruled the flock in their congregation with force and cruelty. Shepherds are to be an "ensample" to the flock, and not to try to be "lords" and rulers. To rule with "force and cruelty" will cause many of the flock to scatter, and the only ones that remain are those who are easily intimidated. Cattle are "driven," but sheep are "led", and the Lord wants "shepherds" to lead.

5. Some false shepherds have thus scattered the flock of their congregations. In some congregations, the false shepherd did not do any 'shepherding' work. The flock has scattered away from the fold of the Lord, where they have become prey to the beasts (demonic forces) of the world. Those who have left the congregations (folds) of such false shepherds are now wandering the mountains and dangerous places of the world. Their safety is in great jeopardy. Their souls are in danger of hell-fire. The false shepherds do not search for such lost ones, for they are the offending, sinning, and abusive ones who have chased such ones from the fold...

The True Shepherd

Jesus is the true and heavenly good Shepherd, and all other shepherds are to be doing His bidding. There is only one Shepherd and many "under-shepherds". The "under-shepherds" who are false, wayward, and sinful will soon be put out of their positions by the Lord.

Ezekiel 34:7-10
"Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not My flock. Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require My flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouth, that they may not b e meat for them."

God is saying that because:
My flock has become a prey...
My flock became meat to beasts...
There was no shepherd...
Shepherds did not seek out the strayed of the flock...
Shepherds fed themselves...
Shepherds fed not the flock...

Therefore:
I am against the false shepherds...
I will require (Heb. = darash = to make inquisition) My flock at their hand...
I will cause them to cease feeding the flock...
Neither will false shepherds feed themselves anymore...
I will deliver My flock from them...

Ezekiel 34:11-16
"For thus saith the Lord God, Behold I even I, will both search out My sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be; there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat, and the strong; I will feed them with judgment."

God says that He:

will "search... seek them out" (34:11)...

"will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered..." (34:12)

"will bring them to their own land..."
(34:13)

"will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the rivers, in all the inhabited places... in a good pasture... upon the mountains shall their fold be... a good fold... a fat pasture..."
(34:13-14)

"will cause them to lie down..."
(34:15)

"will seek the lost, driven away..."
(34:16)

"will bind up the broken..."
(34:16)

"will strengthen the sick..."
(34:16)

"will destroy the fat (ones) [i.e. the false shepherds]
(34:16)

The Lord is the good Shepherd and He will do what the false shepherds would not.

part 7 of sign 4
ANTICHRIST TO ABUSE ISRAEL and the WORLD

Daniel 8:23-25 (KJV)
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

This passage speaks of the antichrist of the tribulation period. Jesus, in His sermon in Matthew 24, spoke of the abuse of His people. We are His people, but so are the Jewish people. He is working upon them in the tribulation period. Jesus foreknew the abuse that would come upon the world, especially upon Israel from this ‘antichrist’.

The Antichrist will sign a treaty with Israel and allow them to proceed with their sacrifices to Jehovah. The attendance of the Antichrist at the temple site will defile the sanctuary. The temple site will remain defiled for 2300 days.

Daniel 8:13-14
"Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the translation of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said to me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

There are two periods of 1260 days in the tribulation. Then at the end of it will Jesus come. The battle, and the return of the Jews from Petra will take up thirty days (see Daniel 12:11, 1290 minus 1260 = 30 days). Then will Christ come to the temple to cleanse it. Thus if the time from the beginning of the tribulation until the cleansing of the temple is 1260 plus 1260 plus 30... then the time totals 2550 days. 2550 minus the 2300 days foretold here is 250 days. Thus, the Antichrist signs the treaty with Israel, and defiles the sanctuary on the 250th day of the tribulation.

At the end of this tribulation period, during the final thirty day period of Daniel 12:11, the Antichrist will be defeated "without hand" (Daniel 8:25). It is the "Prince of Princes", Jesus, Who will defeat him.

Note, that at the end of this vision, Daniel "fainted, and was sick certain days." The original Hebrew says that Daniel "became (hayah) and became (hayah) very sick." The emphasis is to show that he was extremely sick. He did not simply become emotionally upset, but terribly sick by reason of what he had seen and had been told. Many today want to know about the Antichrist, and details about him. Yet, the emphasis of all prophecy is to be - Jesus. When God reveals facts about the "man of sin", the horrible one called the Antichrist, it sickens the people of God. We, as saints, desire to see - Jesus, not - the main cohort of the devil. We should, in these last days, be looking up, as we see signs of the wicked, evil cohort of the devil.

The Jewish people of the tribulation will be greatly abused by this antichrist. We, the saints in heaven, will return with Jesus at the second coming, to battle this antichrist and his armies. They will be defeated, the Jewish people, who by that time have repented of their rejection of Jesus, will meet Jesus the Messiah. He will walk with them from Petra to Jerusalem, their victorious Savior.


TRIBULATION SAINTS TO BE ABUSED

Revelation 7:9-17 (KJV)
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.


This "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" are saints saved after the church is raptured. The seven seals shake the confidence of many rejecters of the message of the gospel. The 144,000 Jewish missionaries have done their work, and many converts will accept Jesus.

These who have been saved after the rapture of the church, are martyred. The Lord wants all saints in heaven to escape the wrath of God. The 144,000 Jews and the two witnesses are the only ones chosen to evangelize.
God does not want these newly saved saints on the earth, for He wants all saints, except the 144,000 and the two witnesses, to be in heaven. Therefore, the hedge that protects the saints before the rapture, is removed from these saints, and the devil can have them killed in a number of ways. They become martyrs because God wants them in heaven.

The Antichrist, and the demonic power possessing him, are able to overcome the saints.
Revelation 13:7
"And it was given unto him (Antichrist and Belial, who inhabits this Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

These saints give their lives and go to heaven a bit later than the raptured church. They still enjoy the benefits of their resurrection, and have "white robes" to wear, made white by the blood of the Lamb. These tribulation saints arrive about midway through the 7 year period to heaven. They are there sufficiently in time to be there before the marriage supper of the Lamb.

These are a separate company from the Old Testament saints, and the New Testament saints who have been already raptured/resurrected. In Revelation 4 and 5, that group are seen already in heaven.

These are ones saved after the rapture, as proved by: Revelation 7:9-17,
Revelation 14:13, Revelation 15:2-4, and Revelation 20:4. These verses, coupled along with Revelation 6:9-11 give a harmonious message about the many multitudes that will be saved during the tribulation.

Some have assumed that all will be damned that do not make it in the rapture. That is not Scriptural, for here in Revelation, we are told of an uncountable number that are saved. The Spirit will still convict, still draw mankind to Jesus. Many will respond, and be saved. God takes away the ‘hedge’ that is now about Christians, and allows the devil to have them killed, beheaded, etc. For God wants the saints in heaven, and they need not stay here to evangelize, for the 144,000 are the evangelists of the tribulation. So those who join God’s kingdom in response to the judgments, and the message of the 144,000 are desired by God in heaven.

The tribulation saints are promised ‘fountains of living water’, for they have overcome, and come to the heavens. Their spirit beings can partake of the waters of living water, and soon when resurrected, and in their glorified bodies, will partake of the trees of life, that grow along the rivers of living water.

God shall wipe away (exaleipo) all tears from their eyes. These are likely tears of joy, from being now in heaven, away from the hatred and persecution of the world, joy of being in heaven, and perhaps sorrow at the ones still down on earth suffering.

“Tears” is the word ‘dakrua’. We are pomised to have our tears wiped away from the Lord. Here they are wiped away, but tears do return in heaven, for the Lord must wipe them away again in Revelation 21:4. That time, when we are embarking on ruling and reigning on the new earth, the tears will be wiped away eternally, for then it says “there shall be no more... crying... for the old things are passed away.” That phrase is not in this verse here, for these tears are wiped away, but mankind can still again cry, and sorrow for sad things, even in heaven.

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.”

Psalms 116:8
“For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”

Tears do flow, even in heaven, and we shall likely have many times for them to be wiped away by our Lord. If there were no tears, there would be nothing to wipe away. There will come a day, when the sorrowful memories will be wiped away with them, but for some time, even in heaven, we will recall our lost loved ones, will view the judgments on sinners, and will see sorrowful things. But that day will come to an end, and someday the memories of the hurtful will be taken from us.

Part 8 of sign 4
THE TWO WITNESSES TO BE KILLED


Revelation 11:7-13 (KJV)
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

After the tribulation has been underway for almost three and one half years, two men appear to confront the Antichrist and False Prophet. The Antichrist has had free reign. Suddenly, he breaks his covenant with Israel. Israel is confused and defenseless. God sends two men back from heaven to encourage Israel, and to stand against the Antichrist.

The ministry of the 144,000 is over, and all who will receive glorified bodies have been taken to heaven. They will be raptured during the seventh trumpet. The "day of grace" is over, so a multitude of witnesses is unnecessary. These two can do the work God wants done.

Who are these two witnesses? They are men (Rev. 11:3, 7-12). They are Christ's witnesses (Rev. 11:3). They have special powers (Rev. 11:3). They are prophets (Rev. 11:3,10). They were already in heaven when Zechariah prophesied 500 years before Christ.

Zechariah 4:11-14 (KJV)
11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

Since it is appointed unto men "once to die" (Heb. 9:27), it is certain that these two have not died before. For they will die at the end of their 3 1/2 years of ministry. Only two men were taken to heaven without dying.

These two are Enoch, and Elijah.

They were raptured alive to heaven for a reason. God could have just as easily had them die and come to heaven, but God took them alive to heaven so they could return to complete their ministry during the tribulation.

One of them, Elijah, is clearly identified directly.

Malachi 4:5 (KJV)
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Elijah was a prophet of judgment (I Kings 17-18). He was a reformer, trying to turn Israel from Baal worship and back to God. He tried to get the people's hearts to unite, and serve one God, not be divided, even in one household, one for Baal and one for God. His ministry is not yet finished. He, at one point, prayed to die. God has not yet answered that prayer. He will return to finish his ministry. According to Malachi, he will finally achieve his task.

Malachi 4:6 (KJV)
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Elijah was a man of like nature to the rest of Christianity.

James 5:17 (KJV)
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

So Elijah was not a "super saint", or some fantastically spiritual person that the rest of us cannot hope to be like. He was human. What makes him different from some Christians is that he set himself apart to God. Yet, he still had the same temptations as you and I. If we, as Elijah, give ourselves to God, we may have what Elijah had.

Elijah was a man of faith. He walked by faith, not sight. Because of this faith, he could sit by the brook Cherith, even when it was drying up. He could go live with a widow, who never had more than a handful of meal in her kitchen. He could go to the top of Mt. Carmel against 850 false prophets. He could stand up against a wicked king. He could even believe God when he told him he was about to be raptured. These took great faith. Elijah, not only had faith, he acted on his faith.

Elijah was a man of separation. He walked in a separation from the evil around him. He never fraternized with sin. Probably, he was called unsocial, or "holier than thou." Though most of Israel had backslid from the true faith, Elijah went about the sinful nation without partaking in the vile sins of the others.

Elijah was a man of intercession. He was constantly burdened for the people of Israel. He was a prophet, not only because the call of God was on his life, but the call of God was on him, because he cared about the spiritual condition of the people.

This man, Elijah, had courage. This was not a normal boldness... for remember his flight from Jezebel. When God gave him a task, no matter how impossible, he did it unquestionably. The only time this courage failed, was when he took his eyes of the Lord, and looked at the natural circumstances.

Elijah was a man of obedience. He followed God's instructions, even when they were weird. God's instructions are usually weird. Remember when Peter asked Jesus for some money to pay his taxes? Peter was told to catch a fish and take the money out of its mouth. Jesus told the servants to fill the wine jars with water and serve it. Ezekiel was told to preach to the mountains. Elijah was told to challenge the 850 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, all alone. He was told to tell the king it wouldn't rain until Elijah said it would. He was told to sit by a brook and wait daily for ravens to bring him food. He was told to take a final walk and visit the sons of the prophets, because later that day, the Lord was going to rapture him. Almost always, the instructions of God seem strange to us. Elijah was able to do whatever God said to do.

How much reward does a man like Elijah deserve? The Bible tells us that we will be rewarded even if all we do is give a cup of cold water to one of His little ones. So how much reward does Elijah warrant?

Hebrews 11:38-39 (KJV)
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

No ! The world was not worthy of such a man as Elijah. Yet, he served God faithfully. He deserves great reward. He has been waiting for many centuries to be allowed to complete his ministry for the Lord. Soon, he will. He will suffer death, he will suffer willingly for the Lord.

Enoch is the only other one to be taken to heaven without dying. (Genesis 5:24. Hebrew 11:5).

Jude 1:14-15 (KJV)
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

These verses from Jude were a quote from a book that was well known to the early church, The Book of Enoch. In this book there is also the claim by Enoch that a prophet would be raptured alive (Elijah), and later return with Enoch to the last days to minister.

Enoch 89:52
"One of them was not killed-but the Lord of the sheep saved it, and brought it up to stay with me."

Enoch 105:2
"I and my son (descendant) will join ourselves with these of the last days, and peace will come."

Some suggested Moses or John as the second of the two witnesses instead of Enoch. However, John was not in heaven when Zechariah prophesied, and Moses and John both died. The early church clearly believed the two to be Enoch and Elijah.

When these two witnesses, Enoch and Elijah, have finished their testimony, the evil spirit that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit will war against them, overcome them, and kill them.

This evil spirit who is now in the abyss, but will be released, and war against the two witnesses, is named --BELIAL, He is the LEADER OF RULING POWERS OF DARKNESS, part ANGELIC, and part HUMAN SPIRITS, created when fallen angels co-habited with women of this earth, preceding and following the flood.

Belial is the one called "the ruler of this world". The Bible refers to him as "the prince of this world" (John 12:31, 16:11), and as "the god of this world" (II Cor. 4:4). He is the head of the "rulers of the darkness of this world".

Ephesians 6:12 shows different levels of evil spirits.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against:
1. principalities (fallen arch angels)
2. powers (fallen angels)
3. rulers of the darkness of this world (half-angelic, half human spirits)
4. wicked spirits in the heavenlies. (pre-adamite spirits of a creation before Adam)."

In the book of Genesis, and in other books, as Enoch, we see a story told of the fall of some evil angels who co-habited with women of this earth. This produced a race of giants, which were half-angelic, and half human. Their spirits are powerful evil spirits.

Genesis 6:1,2,4
"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God (angels) saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose... There were giants in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."

The evil angels, who created this attempt to corrupt the seed from which the Messiah would come, were later bound in the abyss.

II Peter 2:4-5
"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell (tartarus, a term used in Greek mythology for the place where Chronos and the rebel Titan (giants) were bound), and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, and spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly."

Jude 6-7
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of that great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."

The angels who "left their first estate" to commit this "fornication" were bound in the abyss. The giants born to them lived and died on this earth. Many died in the flood, but "after that" first sinful time, after the flood, some angels again co-habited with women, and more giants were born. Descendants of these giants were still in the land of Israel when Joshua led the children of Israel back to the promised land.

The dead bodies of Enoch and Elijah will be in the street of Jerusalem, and peoples of the earth will see their dead bodies three days and an half. They will rejoice over the deaths of these two witnesses, and not allow their bodies to be buried. After three days and an half, the Holy Spirit will resurrect them, and they will stand up, and great fear will come on all. They will hear a voice, like unto the One at the rapture of the church, saying ‘Come up hither’. They then ascend into the heavens, while be observed by their enemies. In heaven, the last two saints will arrive and the marriage supper of the Lamb may now proceed.

part 9 of sign 4
REMNANT FROM PETRA SHALL HAVE BEEN ABUSED



Revelation 15:2-4 (KJV)
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Petra was the capital of Edom. This city seemed to be the safest place in the world to live. It was almost impregnable. They were proud of their fortress. They boasted "Who shall bring me down?"

Obadiah vs. 3
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock (Petra), whose habitations is high; that saith in his heart, 'Who shall bring me down to the ground?'"

Obadiah's vision declared that someday the final fulfillment would bring a complete "wipe out" of the people of Edom.

Obadiah vss. 9, 10, 18
"to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off (Hebrew = damah = perish) by slaughter... thou shalt be cut off (perish) for ever...and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it."

David had earlier conquered Edom. Edom had been raiding Israel regularly. David exterminated two-thirds of the Edomites, and left Joab to exterminate every Edomite that he could find. The Edomites periodically regained their independence for short periods of time, and made raids against Israel during the next 150 to 200 years.

During the reign of Amaziah, a raiding party of Edomites frequently raided southern Judah. King Amaziah led an army against the Edomites and chased them back to their mountain fortress, Petra. The "man of God" (whom I believe to be the Obadiah who wrote this book) warned Amaziah not to take with him the 100,000 men of Israel whom he had already paid to help Judah defeat this Edomite people. Probably it was then that God gave Obadiah this prophecy of total defeat for the people of Petra.

The victory of King Amaziah's troops is recorded in II Kings 14:7, and II Chronicles 25:11-12. Many of the captive Edomites who survived the defeat were led to the top of the cliff of Petra and cast down from the top to their deaths.

This only partially fulfilled the prophecy of Obadiah. Some Edomites continued to exist. Later, in the days of Amos and Isaiah, a great astronomical catastrophe caused the burning of the city of Petra. This fire, and other crushing events soon brought about the extinction of the Edomite people. The length of the year changed as a result of this event. Whirlwind, fire, and earthquake accompanied the comet, asteroid, or meteorite which passed so close to this area that it scorched the city of Petra.

Obadiah vs.18
"And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them."

Petra was originally the home of a people called the Horites. These people were driven out by the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2:12). The Edomites ruled this city and area until their extinction by the judgments of God. Later, about 312 B.C., an Arab tribe called the Nabataeans came to this deserted city and began to dwell there.

The city of Petra flourished till about the seventh century A.D. when the Christians dwelling there were chased out by the Islamic invasion. In the 12th century, Christian crusaders took the city and built a castle there called "Sel".

This ancient city of Petra is situated about 16 miles northwest of Ma'an in the south of the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan. The terrace upon which the city is built is pierced by Wadi Musa (valley of Moses). This is one of the traditional places where Moses is said to have struck the rock, and the water gushed forth. This is why the area flourished in those days, despite the fact that it is located in a desert region. The valley is enclosed with sandstone cliffs.

To approach the city of Petra, one must pass through a narrow gorge called "Sik". This pass is one and a fourth miles long. It is bound by cliff walls over 150 feet high. At places this gorge is so narrow that only one may pass at a time. At the end of this pass, the gorge widens to varying widths of 750 to 1500 feet. The city was blessed by the water gushing from the rock struck by Moses. It was not until shortly before the time of Christ that the inhabitants (Nabataeans, at that time) needed to be concerned with even conserving the flow of water through the city.

The National Geographic says that the city could house 1 1/4 million. During the tribulation, many Jews will inhabit this city.

Obadiah vs. 19
"...they of the south shall possess the mountain of Esau..."

Many Jews will accept the Antichrist as the Messiah for the first half of the tribulation. At the midpoint of the tribulation, the Antichrist and the False Prophet will set up an idol in the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem. All will be commanded to worship it, and if they do not, the idol will cause their death miraculously. This is called the "ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION."

Many Jews will remember the many prophecies at that time, and flee to the wilderness city of Petra. The Antichrist will never control that area, so this is a safe-haven, prepared of God to protect His people.

Daniel 12:41
"...shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon..."

Jesus even warned the Jews of the last days to flee to Petra.

Matthew 24:16
"...let them that be in Judea flee into the mountains."

This is an oft predicted hiding place for Israel in the last days.

Isaiah 26:20-21
"Come, My people, enter thou into they chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity."

Isaiah 16:1-4
"Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela (Petra) to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. for it shall be, that as a wandering bird cast out of the nest... make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts... let Mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler (Antichrist); for the extortioner (Antichrist) is at an end."

Ezekiel 20:33-38
"As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you. And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with your face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of a covenant. And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against Me; I will bring forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord."

Revelation 12:6,14
"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (1260)... And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (3 1/2 years), from the face of the serpent."

The area of Petra is now uninhabitable. The area is a desert. The rock that once poured forth the water is now empty. Yet, there will again come water from the rock. In this desert region, God in the past caused great waters to flow from a Rock.

Isaiah 48:21
"And they thirsted not when He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; He clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out."

God has promised Israel to again make this area flourish and have abundant water.

Isaiah 41:17-18
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I am the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in the high places, and fountains in the midst of valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water."

Isaiah 43:20
...because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen."

Remember this is all going to occur at the same time that Enoch and Elijah have returned to prophesy in the land. They will call for it not to rain, as one of their plagues. The water in Petra will be abundant. The water in the land of Israel will be scarce because of the drought. God will supply water to His chosen ones in this desert area, and withhold rain from those who refused to flee as He instructed in the Word.

While the Jews hide in Petra for the 1260 days, the Lord will plead with them to accept Jesus as their Messiah. They will already have realized that the Antichrist was not the real Messiah. Finally, they will recognize that their ancestors had sinned when they refused to accept Jesus. As the Antichrist gathers his armies to come down and destroy Jerusalem and the Jews in Petra, the now-converted Jews will call out to Jesus in heaven to return and save them.

Obadiah prophesies that the deliverance that the Jews want will come to Mount Zion.

Obadiah vs. 17
"But upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness."

Jesus will return to Mount Zion with we, the saints, at the second coming. We will battle the Antichrist and His armies in the valley of Megiddo, and even in Jerusalem. This is called the battle of Armageddon. The Lord will return because His people have finally recognized Him as the Messiah. While we "mop up" the final days of this battle, Jesus will go to Petra to lead His people back to Jerusalem.

Obadiah vs. 21
"And saviours shall come up on Mt. Zion to judge the Mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord's."

Obadiah saw this vision shortly before King Amaziah went to conquer the Edomites in this fortress city of Petra. God assured the king through the revelation that this city was not impregnable from God. Yet, God also included in this revelation, the prophecy that at a later time, this city would be used to be a city of refuge and blessing for His people. The city still stands, and awaits the real purpose God had it built. Soon, it will see the revival that our Lord has long awaited. Many, many Jews will finally call Jesus to be their Lord and Messiah. They will do it within this city carved into the cliff walls of the mountains.

Jesus, when He preached the sermon of Matthew 24-25, had these ones of the last days, in Petra, in mind. They fled due to the hatred of the devil, the antichrist, and of all who will have accepted the antichrist.

Part 10.
THE RESURRECTED OF THE AGES,
RULE WITH JESUS
AFTER HAVING SUFFERED GREAT ABUSE



Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV)
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.


The one thousand year Millennium is the "Sabbath" of the earth. For 6000 years man has worked and struggled under the curse of sin. As there were six days of creation and then a sabbath day of rest for God, so there has been nearly 6000 years of God's creation of a family of believers to become God's children. Following those 6000 years, the Lord will rule with the saints for 1000 years. This 1000 year Sabbath is a rest for the earth.


II Peter 3:8
"...ONE DAY IS WITH THE LORD AS A THOUSAND YEARS, AND A THOUSAND YEARS AS ONE DAY."


During this Millennium, a groaning world will be delivered. The world will be evangelized as God has always intended. The theocracy (rule by God) will be totally established in the world. There will be universal prosperity, and universal peace. The curse of sin will be removed, wild animals will be tame, and sickness will be gone. The humans left will be ruled over by the saints, and these humans will not die, unless they sin. The few humans that enter the Millennium alive will raise families, and their children will raise families, etc. for 1000 years. We, the saints, will not only rule--but will also teach these people to worship, honor and love the Lord Jesus. Near the end of this 1000 year period, God will provide a final test for these humans. Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit, the abyss, and allowed to tempt people to sin, and to rebel. The saints do not get involved in this war, for God Himself will send down fire to destroy all who fall for the lies of Satan. This war sounds short and final. The Millennium is then ended---the humans who passed the test are sent to the New Earth to continue being ruled over by the saints. A White Throne judgment will then take place where all the wicked dead that have ever lived will be resurrected and given eternal bodies. These eternal bodies will be brought to the throne where they will all finally bow to God and His Son Jesus. They will have their fair trial, and then their eternal bodies will be put into the Lake of Fire for all eternity.


Belial will be utterly defeated during Armageddon, and the Millennial rule of Jesus will be void of this Belial.

Isaiah 14:4-6:
"...The Lord hath broken the staff of the 'wicked one' (Belial), ...he (Belial) that ruled the nations in anger is persecuted, and none hindereth."

"By faith" we, the saints, are to cast out these demonic powers.. In fact, the Antichrist cannot be revealed, and Belial cannot be released from the abyss, until we, the saints of the church age, are taken from this world, for we would hinder his power.

II Thessalonians 2:7-8
"...he who now letteth (hinders) will let (hinder) until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked One be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming..."

This kingdom follows the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven (Rev. 19:7-9), and after the tribulation on this earth (Rev. 19:11-16,20).

After the battle of Armageddon, Christ Jesus proceeds to the temple (Zechariah 14:4-5, Malachi 3:1).

The Jews accept Him (Zechariah 12:10). He then has a judgment of the people left alive after the tribulation, to determine who will enter the Millennial period. All the saints, of course, will enter the Millennium.

The saints, whether by the rapture of the church (I Thess. 4:17), or as one of the tribulation saints (Rev. 6:9-11), or as one of the 144,000 Jewish missionaries of the tribulation, will rule and reign over these humans allowed to enter the Millennium.

The judgment will show how they treated God's people. They will be separated as "sheep from goats," and the "goats" will be sent to hell (Matthew 25:31-46). This judgment will last 45 days (Daniel 12:11-12).

The term "Millennium" is not found in the Bible. It comes from two Latin words:
"MILLE" = 1000
"ANNUM" = years.
This period is referred to as being "1000 years" six times in Revelation 20:1-10.

There are many Biblical names to this "Millennium."



The purpose of this 1000 year period is to deliver this world from the curse it has suffered these many years since the fall of mankind.

Romans 8:19-23
"FOR THE EARNEST EXPECTATION OF THE CREATURE WAITS FOR THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD... BECAUSE THE CREATURE ITSELF SHALL BE DELIVERED FROM THE BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION INTO THE GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE SONS OF GOD... FOR WE KNOW THAT THE WHOLE CREATION GROANS AND TRAVAILS IN PAIN TOGETHER..."

In our present day, the righteous suffer. In the Millennium, the righteous will reign.

Another purpose of the Millennium, is to evangelize the people that we rule.

Isaiah 2:2-4
"LORD'S HOUSE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND...ALL NATIONS SHALL FLOW TO IT... OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW AND THE WORD OF THE LORD."

Zechariah 8:23
"IN THOSE DAYS... MEN SHALL TAKE HOLD OF HIM THAT IS A JEW AND SAY 'WE WILL GO WITH YOU, FOR WE HAVE HEARD THAT GOD IS AMONG YOU'"

A new order will be established. We have seen democracies, republics, socialistic governments, communistic governments, dictatorships, monarchies, etc., and yet--God will establish a THEOCRACY. A THEOCRACY is when God rules (Luke 1:32-33, Daniel 7:13-14). The seat of this government will be Jerusalem.

A Millennial temple will be built. It will take 2 years, 10 months, and 20 days to build (Daniel 8:13-14). The temple enclosure is about one mile square (Ezek. 48:1-35). A literal river will flow out of this temple and empty into the Dead Sea. This healing water will transform the Dead Sea from its present saltiness - so fish may live in it (Ezekiel 47:1-12).

The "shekinah glory" will overshadow Jerusalem again (Ezek. 43:1-5). Satan is bound in the abyss for most of this period, so his influence is not felt. People will see how the world may be blessed when they follow the guidance of the Lord of Hosts.

Universal prosperity will cover the earth. Politicians have promised prosperity over and over, but Christ Jesus will deliver true prosperity.

Isa. 65:21-23
"THEY SHALL BUILD HOUSES ...PLANT VINEYARDS ... EAT FRUIT ... THEY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN AND NOT BRING FORTH FOR TROUBLE."

No more will people spend most of their time, effort, and tax money for the preparation of war, or for the paying of past wars. There will be universal peace.

Micah 4:3-4
"THEY SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES, AND THEIR SPEARS INTO PRUNING HOOKS, NATION SHALL NOT LIFT UP SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANYMORE."

Wild animals will be tame during the Millennium. No longer will people have to fear wolves, lions, snakes, etc.

Isa. 11:6-8
"WOLF SHALL DWELL WITH THE LAMB, LEOPARD SHALL LIE DOWN WITH THE KID... LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM ... SUCKLING CHILD SHALL PLAY ON THE HOLE OF AN ASP..."

Sickness, pain, and death will be gone. All will be healed.

Isaiah 29:18
"DEAF SHALL HEAR... EYES OF THE BLIND SHALL SEE..."

The suffering of this world will cease.

NEXT sign 5

SIGN 5
LAWLESSNESS INCREASE
brings a
LOVE DECREASE to many.


Matthew 24:12-13
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.


Lawlessness dominates our world, even our supposedly ‘Christian nation’. There has been a steady decline in this process. Jesus preached here that ‘iniquity’ (lawlessness) would increase. The Word of God is in our homes, used to be in our schools, and is preached daily on radio and television. The love and respect for its message is deteriorating. The rejection of Jesus as “Lord’ and as “King” is more widespread than before.

The violence, bloodshed, racial bigotry, moral decay, drug abuse, etc are increasing in an alarming way.

The ‘reprobate mind’ that Paul spoke of, in Romans, comes in ‘degrees’. The epitome of that reprobate mind takes some, but smaller degrees of it have come to some even in Christian churches. Where most consider murder still evil, some are condoning the murder of the unborn, giving a right to a person to kill the unborn person in the womb. Whereas marriage is honorable, some are encouraging the marriage of two of the same gender. The reprobate mind of seeing evil as good, and good as evil is increasing its grip on even the church.

The teaching called ‘Antinomianism’ says that since ‘faith alone’ is all that is necessary for salvation, one is able to live free of moral laws, and do as one pleases without guilt. That false idea is WRONG. The reprobate mind comes on those who progress toward sin, away from God, until God finally gives them over to a mind that sees no wrong in horrible sins. The shameful sins and lusts make men abandon the Lord more and more, not caring what He thinks of their lives.

Homosexuality is an end result of the increasing reprobate thinking of the evil heart. Choosing not to retain God or His loving guidance in their minds, they receive perverted thinking, perverted lusts, and fill their minds with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed.

Depraved sinners envy, murder, strive, deceive, and hold malice toward all.
There are gossips, slanderers, God haters, boastful, inventors of new evils, ruthless people in this world. Though they often know God’s righteous decrees, they continue in the evils of sin.

Romans 1:24-32 (KJV)
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

THESE EVILS DO NOT BRING FREEDOM,
BUT BRING BONDAGE AND SLAVERY.

2 Peter 2:19 (KJV)
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The nations try bandages for gaping wounds. They build more prisons, hire more police, give tougher sentences, which are all band aids for a moral cancer. What is needed is a revival back to God, repentance to the cleansing of the soul in the cleansing blood of Jesus.

Perusal of the newspapers, watching a few television news programs, looking at the news on the internet, or listening to the sirens of police driving by, reveals there is a major lawlessness in our world. More and more people are increasing security on their homes, cars, etc. Security systems alarm when some one attempts to steal the car, they sound alarms and notify police if the doorway is entered without password. These have become more and more necessary. I used to leave doors unlocked on home and car, without concern, and without incident. Now, it would be unwise to do so.

Carjackings, drive-by shootings, gang violence, drug wars, and young people seeking notoriety amidst their peers by violence are daily events in many places. This was predicted by Jesus in this Olivet discourse on the signs of the end times.

Paul predicted it also:
2 Timothy 3:2-6 (KJV)
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,



We have witnessed those who ‘hate good, love evil.’ The untamed, savage, brutal, highminded people of this world are indicative of the refusal of Jesus our King, and His holy Word, our guide.

Our population has increased nearly 50 per cent since 1960, but our violent crime rate has increased 500 per cent.

Eight out of ten Americans will be a victim of a violent crime at least once in our lives.

These crimes disrupt, disturb, and perplex us. We need to realize that when we see these things, we are to ‘look up’ for our Redemption from this evil is soon to arrive.

Professional athletes used to be considered role models, and some still are. Yet, when a boxer bites off the ear of an opponent, when baseball players purposely slide with cleats up to injure the fielder, when bats are used for weapons, when a basketball players elbows are used to batter an opponent’s head, the ‘role model’ image is damaging to our youngsters who want to be like their hero.

The permissiveness and tolerance in today’s society allows our young people to grow up with excesses and failures, holding doctrines of belief that allow cultural relativity, evil intentions toward any who would ask for morality and decency.

Much perverted behavior is now categorized as ‘natural’, more and more wicked sins are considered normal. When the heros and heroines in movies, on television, are sexually deviant, or sexually loose, the youngsters see that as natural and normal. When crime is depicted as expressions of inner anger, and therefore justified, there is no moral principle shown to make their conscience uneasy when they express their anger criminally.

Isaiah 5:20-25 (KJV)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

THE EPITOME OF LAWLESSNESS HAS NOT YET ARRIVED, THE MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS, WILL ARRIVE AFTER WE CHRISTIANS ARE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY.


2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV)
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

The ‘mystery of iniquity’ refers to some hidden or concealed depravity, some form of sin working secretly or silently, not yet fully revealed. It is already at ‘work’. It is the epitome of the lawlessness and sin we see now. No, the sin and crime now witnessed is not yet at its peak. It will not be until we who ‘let’ (Old English word for ‘hinder’) will cease to be a hindrance to the coming of that mystery lawlessness.

The phrase ‘who now letteth’ is the Greek ‘o katechon ho katecho he’ meaning ‘who now hinders or restrains’. The hinderer of lawlessness is the church, which will be removed at the rapture, but until then there is a hinderer, restrainer of lawlessness. After such removal of the hindering force of the church, the ‘mystery of iniquity’ will be revealed.

The worst lawlessness possible is the acceptance of the antichrist as the true Messiah, and he will come when sin has risen more and more to a peak we have not yet seen. The word ‘iniquity’ is the Greek word nomias’ meaning ‘lawlessness’ and the one who comes after the church is gone is that mysterious lawlessness that has not yet been seen till then.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 (KJV)
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

This ‘mystery of iniquity’ is the one whom will come and the sinners of that time will be far more sinful, wicked, and evil than any ever before. They will believe the lies of this antichrist, they will submit to him, and enjoy the sinfulness and evil of that regime. Mankind will have reached the epitome of the sinfulness toward which they are now on a fast track.

BECAUSE OF THIS RACE
TOWARD THIS EPITOME OF EVIL,
THE LOVE OF MANY GROWS COLD.

Believers can lose their first love for Jesus, and Jesus was the first to proclaim that would happen.

Love for Jesus was lessening already in the city of Ephesus, when Jesus sent a message to them in Revelation 2.
Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

By the time we get to the last church of the ages, the last local church for Jesus to address, we see that the love had grown so cold, had so lessened that Jesus was outside the church, uninvited, un-missed, and probably not desired in that Laodicean church.

Revelation 3:19-20 (KJV)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

In this Olivet discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus speaks of the condition that lessens the love for the Lord, it is the increasing lawlessness of mankind. The hatred toward Christians, the concern of Christians over the crime and violence all about them, and often directed toward them, will make the ‘love’ of many to lessen, and grow cold.

Some have said foolish things like ‘Jesus was a sodomite’. That is utterly foolish, but the fact is, some who have said it are just foolish and sinful, some are actually so called ‘Christians’. How can a Christian, who has found Jesus to be the Savior of their sins, the Promise of their heavenly reward, to be a ‘sodomite’? The fact that a ‘Christian’ could say such a thing proves that their love for the Lord is far lacking. It should send a chill down one’s back to even hear such words, let alone for one to believe, or to say them.

When we see or hear our Lord Jesus denigrated, slandered, accused of sin, that should concern us. Our love for Him should be so great, so in awe of His holiness, majesty, and mercy, that we can think of no negative thing to say about Him.

The more love we have for Jesus, the more we will cringe at even hearing His name taken in vain. We will intercede for the loveless ones who besmirch or smear His name and being.

Has our love grown cold in this lawless world? Has the shameless sinning of so many made you feel that sin is not so bad? Have you seen so much violence on television that you feel that it is not so bad? Have the foul words gone into your ears so much that occasionally you even say some? Has the sex and degradation of the television shows made you lower your concept of the Biblical standard of right and wrong? Can you more easily walk by Victoria’s Secret without turning your head away in disgust at the lurid display? Does the attacks on Christianity on television, and in news formats, make you think that there is no reason to advertise your love for Jesus? Are you ashamed to wear a cross pin, or to carry your Bible anywhere other than to church? Are you ashamed to be seen praying for your dinner in a restaurant? Is the lawlessness making your love for Jesus grow cold? Are you ashamed of being a Christian?

Hebrews 11:13-16 (KJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

SIGN 7
NEW JEWISH NATION,
AND NEW TEMPLE


Matthew 24:9 (KJV)
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you:
and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake.

Matthew 24:15-26 (KJV)
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation,
spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,
(whoso readeth, let him understand
16 Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.


THERE HAS TO BE A TEMPLE IN THE LAST DAYS,
MEANING A RETURN TO THE LAND BY ISRAEL,
AND THE TEMPLE REBUILDING

Daniel prophesied of the abomination of desolation that is to occur in the tribulation time. In order for that to happen, since the Temple would have to be rebuilt for it to happen, means that there will be yet a Temple built in Jerusalem in the last days. Since, the Temple will be rebuilt, the Orthodox Jews pray three times a day this prayer: "May it be Thy will that the Temple be speedily rebuilt in our day."

The preparation of the ritual implements (ceremonial vessels, musical instruments, vestments to be worn by the priests, etc.) are prepared and ready. The building materials are prepared, and only await the site, and assemblers.

Perhaps it will be built on the Temple mount. This original site for the Temple consists of 35 acres. On this site now sits the Al Aqsa Mosque. Islamic people consider it the holiest site in the world after Mecca and Medina. No Jew will walk on any part of it, for fear of walking on the Holy of Holies site. The Islamic world is also anxious to keep all Jewish people off this mountain site. The thought of a Temple being rebuilt there, is the dream of the Jewish world, and the nightmare of the Islamic world.

To inspire the rebuilding of the Temple, there first must be something to put into the Holy of Holies. The ARK OF THE COVENANT is the first piece of furniture originally made for the Temple. There is no reason for the Temple, other than the ARK. The ARK represented God's effort to reach mankind.

The ARK was an oblong box, 3 3/4 feet by 2 1/4 feet by 2 1/4 feet. It was made of achaia wood, overlaid with gold. This ARK represents Christ as our security.

The lid upon the top was solid gold, and was called the "mercy seat." The crown around the top of the mercy seat, is a symbol of sovereignty of Jesus the King of Kings. Two golden cherubim, symbols of God's holiness, were atop the mercy seat. God's shekinah glory dwelt between these cherubim. Blood was sprinkled upon the mercy seat by the High Priest every Day of Atonement.

The ARK contained:

1. Manna
The pot of manna, from the 40 years that the Jewish people wandered the wilderness, represented Christ as our Bread of Life. He is the true food of the saints.
John 6:51
"I am the bread of life."

2. Budding Rod
The rod of Aaron budded and yielded almonds. The rod symbolized the resurrection power. Christ's resurrection guarantees ours.

3. Tables of law
God wants the law to be written on our hearts, and the tables of law symbolize that.

The ARK must be found in the last days. After the Lord Jesus returns, they shall cease visiting the ARK, and therefore it must be found, so that they can cease visiting it.

Jeremiah 3:16
"And it shall come to pass when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall no more say 'THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OF THE LORD" - neither shall it come to mind, neither shall they remember it, neither shall they visit it, neither shall that be done anymore."

Isaiah tells us much about the return of the ARK.
Isaiah 18 tells us much.

"WOE"
(this should be "Ho", a call to attention).

"TO THE LAND SHADOWING WITH WINGS"
(The angels have been given orders to watch over this land, to protect the descendants of the Levites who still reside there, and to protect the ARK now hidden in the land).

"WHICH IS BEYOND THE RIVERS OF ETHIOPIA"
(the Nile River begins in Ethiopia)

"THAT SENDETH AMBASSADORS BY THE SEA, EVEN IN VESSELS OF BULRUSHES UPON THE WATERS, SAYING, GO YE SWIFT MESSENGERS, TO A NATION SCATTERED AND PEELED"
("scattered" means "drawn, tall", and "peeled" means "glossy, polished skin")

"TO A PEOPLE TERRIBLE FROM THEIR BEGINNING HITHERTO"
(Ethiopia is one of the few ancient unconquered nations of the world)

"A NATION METED OUT AND TRODDEN DOWN"
(Although unconquered, the nation has been exploited at times)

"WHOSE LAND THE RIVERS HAVE SPOILED"
(the rivers cut up and divide the land of Ethiopia)

"ALL YE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD AND DWELLERS ON THE EARTH"
(this means that all the inhabitants of the world should take note)

"SEE YE"
(television will likely expose many of these events)

"WHEN HE LIFTETH UP AN ENSIGN ON THE MOUNTAINS"
(the "ensign" refers to Christ, or a symbol of Christ. Here it cannot refer to Christ, for this is an event that will occur before the second coming... the ARK is the only symbol that fits.)

"AND WHEN HE BLOWETH A TRUMPET, HEAR YE"
(the kind of trumpet here is the ram's horn, and the blowing of the ram's horn always preceded the ARK. I Chron. 15:24, Josh. 6:4,8)

"FOR SO THE LORD SAID TO ME, I WILL TAKE MY REST, AND I WILL CONSIDER MY DWELLING PLACE"
(this same phrase is used of the ARK in II Chron. 6:41 and Psalms 132:8)

"LIKE A CLEAR HEAT UPON HERBS AND LIKE A CLOUD OF DEW IN THE HEAT OF THE HARVEST"
(this tells us that this great event will occur after the rain, at the end of a rainy season, during the hot dry season of the year, or during a drought... which will make the invading force to have advantage here)

"FOR AFORE THE HARVEST"
(before the invaders can have total victory, or before the harvest of the believers at the rapture time)


"WHEN THE BUD IS PERFECT"
(plans are perfected, either of the enemy, or of God's plans to culminate events in that day)

"AND THE SOUR GRAPE IS RIPENING IN THE FLOWER"
(everything looks good for victory to the enemy)

"HE SHALL BOTH CUT OFF THE SPRIGS WITH PRUNING HOOKS"
(God will fight and destroy their plans, He will fight for the Ethiopians as He did for Israel)


"AND TAKE AWAY AND CUT DOWN THE BRANCHES"
(the armies of the enemy will be killed when the ARK is carried out from its hiding place)

"THEY SHALL BE LEFT TOGETHER UNTO THE FOWLS OF THE MOUNTAINS"
(the kites and vultures will eat the bodies of the slain)

"AND TO THE BEASTS OF THE EARTH"
(jackals and hyenas will feed upon the fallen bodies)

"AND THE FOWLS SHALL SUMMER UPON THEM"
(the bodies will be left alone for the feasting)

"AND ALL THE BEASTS OF THE EARTH SHALL WINTER UPON THEM"
(this indicates that for a whole year, will this army lay unburied, unmoved.)

"IN THAT TIME"
(this means that during that year, when this victory over the enemy, and the removal of the ARK from its hiding place, the ARK will be taken to its place of "rest")

"SHALL THE PRESENT BE BROUGHT TO THE LORD OF HOSTS"
(the ARK OF THE COVENANT will be returned to the city of the Lord)

"OF A PEOPLE TERRIBLE FROM THEIR BEGINNING HITHERTO"
(the unconquered Jews and Christians shall carry this ARK back to Israel)

"A NATION METED OUT AND TRODDEN DOWN, WHOSE LAND THE RIVERS HAVE SPOILED"
(again, we are reminded that this ARK is coming from Ethiopia)

"TO THE PLACE OF THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE MT. ZION"
(Mt. Zion is where the ARK will be taken)


see part 2