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The Well-Planned Effort To Pass Antisemitism On To The Next Generation – By Amir Tsarfati - https://harbingersdaily.com/amir-tsarfati-the-well-planned-effort-to-pass-antisemitism-on-to-the-next-generation/
(Galilee, Israel) — Shalom from Israel! When I wrote my column last week, Israel was on the brink of a major retaliation against Iran for the historically large UAV, cruise missile, and ballistic missile attack of April 13. But just as the finishing touches were being put on the article, I heard rumors of an alternative option. In return for the US imposing strong sanctions on Iran, approving military actions against Rafah, and transferring financial aid to Israel, the Israeli government would hold off on its intended attack. I made it clear that I was not a fan of that course of action but said that it might be slightly more palatable if a fourth item was added to that list – some sort of military retaliation, even if it is minor, must be taken by Israel against Iran. In the early hours of the next morning, Israel struck. But instead of the massive retaliation expected, it was a tempered strike. Small quadcopter drones were sent into Iran to confuse the air defenses. These were followed by Israeli Air Force (IAF) jet fighters that fired missiles at the Shikari base in Isfahan destroying the air defense systems deployed to protect the Natanz nuclear facility 150 km away. Compared to what was originally discussed, it was certainly a minor strike. Why didn’t Israel exploit this perfect opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear sites? There are two primary factors that led to them holding back. First, the US administration was dead set against it. If the previous president was still in office, this last week would have been very different. Actually, under the previous administration, Iran never would have had the chutzpah to launch their attack to begin with. But we must work with what is, rather than with what might have been. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration are dealing with an extremely complex international situation. While it is easy to say, as I have often done, just go in and blow Iran’s nuclear capabilities to pieces, there would be huge ramifications for Israel doing so. I still believe that there will come a time when we will be forced to act alone in this realm, but I understand the PM’s need to keep relations with the US strong. This is primarily true due to the second factor below. Israel is already fighting a war, and that war is only going to get bigger. If you think that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are nearing the end because they’ve already worked their way through northern and central Gaza and are now ramping up to move into Rafah (southern Gaza), you are missing the bigger picture. Once we are done with Gaza in the south, that is when we will need to turn our full focus onto Lebanon and Syria in the north and the West Bank. What we will find awaiting us there is a much better funded, much better trained, and much better weaponed terrorist military in Hezbollah. We will also be facing multiple Iranian proxy militias in Syria. This is not the time we can say to our allies who are helping supply us with munitions, “Forget what you say, we’re going off on our own.” Again, that day will come, but it is not today. What benefits came from Israel tempering its response? The US House approved a foreign aid package on Saturday night that included $26 billion in wartime aid to Israel. On Tuesday night, the senate approved that bill. Second, the US has signed off on Israel moving into Rafah to finish the work against Hamas. Finally, Iran has received the message from Israel, “Now you know that we have the capability to destroy your nuclear facilities any time we choose.” Again, am I fully satisfied with Israel’s retaliation against Iran? No. But I understand it, and I respect the incredibly difficult waters through which Netanyahu and his cabinet must navigate. Israel Sunday saw two terrorists, one armed with a gun and another with a knife, attack IDF soldiers near Hebron. Both were killed. Later, a woman with a knife tried to stab soldiers at a West Bank checkpoint, and she too was killed. The next day, two Palestinians drove their car into a group of Israelis in Jerusalem, sending three pedestrians flying into the air. The terrorists then exited the car with a rifle, but, before they could fire, the gun jammed. Unable to hurt more people, the two assailants fled, only to be captured later. The three pedestrians received minor injuries. It is not just the steady barrage of rockets fired over the northern border that keeps tension high in Israel, but these ongoing terrorist attacks. Gaza The concentration of military forces east of Rafah has begun. This is a strong signal that ground maneuvers will be beginning soon. Egyptian officials read in on the plan report that Israel has a 2–3-week plan to move civilians out of the area north toward Khan Yunis before moving in. They will be prevented from going further north by the Netzarim Corridor. This is a buffer zone cutting Gaza in two. The IDF is expanding and modernizing this area in order to keep a strong military presence separating Gaza City from Khan Yunis and below. One cry from the antisemitic left is that Israel is starving Gazans. But is that the truth? A news anchor for the ruling Palestinian faction, Fatah, has accused Hamas on air of killing aid workers and stealing food in order to manufacture a food crisis in Gaza. The terrorists accumulated the aid into warehouses leading to “these crazy and unreal prices that no one can pay”, said the anchor. In the same way that Hamas shows its disregard for the Palestinian people by using them as human shields, it deliberately starves Gazans for political talking points. Warnings are flying that Qatar is preparing to evict senior members of the Hamas political bureau from their cushy hotel rooms and from the entire country due to the terrorist group not negotiating in good faith for a return of the Israeli hostages. But these multi-millionaire terrorists need not worry about being forced to live on the streets. Turkey is waiting with arms wide open to welcome them in. Following Turkish President Erdogan’s asinine comment last week equating Hamas fighters with Turkish freedom fighters, he enjoyed quality time with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul Saturday. Turkey is looking for influence in the Muslim world after many years spent outside of radical Islam. This is completely expected for all who know their Bibles. When the Ezekiel 38 war launches, Turkey will be there with Iran and Russia aiming all their weapons at Israel. Northern Battle Israel continues to hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in preparation for a likely war in the near future. Just yesterday, the IDF claimed to have hit approximately 40 targets in southern Lebanon, targeting storage facilities, weapons, and terrorist infrastructure. The day before, two Hezbollah leaders were killed in air strikes. Muhammad Khalil Atiya, a commander in the aerial unit of the group’s elite Radwan force, was assassinated in Azron. That same day near Tyre, Hussein Azqul, a major figure in Hezbollah’s air defense unit, met his end. In response to the elimination of the two key Hezbollah figures, the terrorist group launched three drones toward Acre and Krayot in Israel. All three UAVs were intercepted by fighter jets. Along with the occasional drone attack, Hezbollah continues its steady dose of rockets flying over the border from Lebanon. Not to be outdone, the Iranian-backed proxy militias make their regular contribution of rockets fired from Syria. University Protests We all know that the one activity university students enjoy more than a raging frat party is a good old-fashioned protest. Unfortunately, what is taking place in colleges across the United States and into Europe is not your parents’ march for equal rights or an end to the Vietnam War. Today we have the element of Antifa and professional protesters, and they are incredibly skilled at ratcheting up the violent tension of these crowds of ignorant, impressionable teens and young adults. Now we see that pressure beginning to burst. Whether it is at Columbia, Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, USC, or any of the other universities where the mobs are taking over, the police are facing overwhelming numbers of frenzied students. Many think they are doing a good thing, but they’ve been duped by those who know better and are masters at using lies and passion to create chaos. I don’t know what this is going to look like in the days ahead, but I am very concerned. I don’t see this just breaking up, because the provocateurs know that they have strong foothold. I also recognize that this is a spiritual battle. Satan hates what God loves. This is a direct assault by the enemy against the people that God has chosen to be His own. He is using his minions – the provocateurs – to do his bidding, whipping up vitriol against Israel. It is very important to recognize that this is bigger than just these protests. This is a well-planned effort to pass antisemitism on to the next generation. The anti-Israel rhetoric that these students have been hearing in their classrooms is being driven deep into their hearts through these protests. Sadly, for many, if not most, it will remain there for the rest of their lives. One last comment about these protests. Whenever you are looking for root causes of nefarious activities, it is always good to follow the money. In the last twelve years, Israel-hating Qatar has given over $3 billion to American universities. China has given more than $1.7 billion; Saudi Arabia, $1.4 billion; Russia, $141 million; Turkey, $81 million; Lebanon, $21 million; and the Palestinian Authority, $1 million. When you look at the anti-American, leftist drivel being taught in US universities these days, all you need to do is – what? Follow the money! 7 Reasons You Should Study Bible Prophecy – Britt Gillette - [email protected] Why does bible prophecy matter? As a Christian, why should you spend any time studying it? It’s sad to say, but many Christians (including countless “church leaders”) say bible prophecy doesn’t matter. Many of them say you shouldn’t study it at all. Why? Among the stated reasons are these: "Studying bible prophecy is a waste of time." or “Bible prophecy is a distraction.” Or how about this one? "Bible prophecy so negative!" That last one is truly ridiculous. Negative? How is the return of Jesus to establish everlasting peace on earth with no more death, crying, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4) negative? It’s not. In fact, it’s our blessed hope (Titus 2:13)! No. There’s something else going on here, and I think I know what it is. The real reason so many church leaders ignore bible prophecy is because they care more about what the world thinks than what God thinks. The forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12) love to divert people from the truth. In doing so, they’ve managed to associate the study of bible prophecy with date setters and “kooks.” Many pastors and church leaders who ignore bible prophecy don’t want others to think they’re one of the “kooks.” That would make them uncomfortable. It’s much easier (and a lot less controversial) to cover topics like “7 Ways to a Better Marriage” or “5 Ways to Live a Better Life Today” or “How to be Happy All the Time.” Now, I’m not saying these topics don’t matter. They definitely do. God wants us all to live a full and blessed life here on earth. But to ignore bible prophecy is to ignore anywhere from one-fourth to one-third of the Bible. If God didn’t want us to study it, why would He reveal it? The Bible says all of God’s Word is useful for teaching and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and that includes prophecy. The Power of Bible Prophecy The prophetic passages in the Bible are just as important as all the others. God promises wherever He sends His Word, it will prosper (Isaiah 55:11). This includes all of His Word, not just those verses self-appointed Christian leaders deem “okay.” If you have any doubt, here’s what the Bible itself says about the importance of bible prophecy: 1) Prophecy Points to Jesus The Book of Revelation says all prophecy points to Jesus (Revelation 19:10). In fact, Jesus Himself said He came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). What if the magi (Matthew 2:1-2) had ignored bible prophecy? What if they thought the study of prophecy was “a waste of time?” Then they would have missed out on one of the greatest honors of all time – seeing the baby Jesus. What if Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) had the attitude bible prophecy is irrelevant? Then he would have missed out on the greatest blessing of his life. What if Anna (Luke 2:36-40) had ignored bible prophecy? Then she too would have missed out on Jesus. 2) Jesus Demands We Watch If the study of bible prophecy is “a distraction from God’s work,” then why does Jesus demand it? That’s right. Jesus doesn’t simply suggest we study bible prophecy. He commands us to study it. After all, He commands us to “stay alert” and to “keep watch” (Mark 13:33,35). That begs the question – watch for what? The answer is clear. Watch for His return. Otherwise, He’ll find us sleeping when He arrives without warning (Mark 13:36). If you don’t study bible prophecy and the signs of His coming, how will you ever know what to watch for? And if you don’t know what to watch for, how can you obey Jesus? 3) Prophecy Proves the Bible is God’s Word Long ago, God issued a challenge. He said, “Who else can tell the beginning from the end” (Isaiah 41:21-24)? God proclaims He alone can do so. Only God can reveal what is going to happen before it happens (Isaiah 46:10). The hundreds and hundreds of specific and detailed prophecies found in the Bible prove its divine authority. What other book on earth can match the Bible in predictive power? None. But if you fail to study bible prophecy, that fact will pass you by. 4) Prophecy is a Powerful Evangelistic Tool In the first century, bible prophecy was the primary tool for spreading the Gospel. As an example, Peter cited the Messianic prophecies as clear proof Jesus was the long awaited Messiah (Acts 2:14-42). His speech led three thousand people to give their lives to Jesus. He also said the life of Jesus fulfilled what the prophets had written about the Messiah (Acts 3:18-24). Philip used a fulfilled prophecy to explain the Gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). And Paul's primary method of spreading the Gospel was to reason from the scriptures (Acts 17:2-3). He explained how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah, and he explained all that the prophets said about Him (Acts 13:27-31). If you don’t study bible prophecy, you’re missing one of the greatest tools for spreading the Gospel. What better way to respond to those who demand evidence Jesus is the Messiah than to tell them about the numerous prophecies He fulfilled? 5) Prophecy Encourages Holy Living If you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, you know He could return at any moment. And if you know He can return at any moment, it encourages holy living. In the story of the evil servant, Jesus warned us about a danger. What danger? The danger of thinking He’ll delay His return. Jesus said the evil servant thinks, “My master won’t be back for a while,” and he goes on sinning (Matthew 24:48-49). Instead, you should live your life as if He could come at any moment. This mindset leads to patience (James 5:8), disciplined prayers (1 Peter 4:7), love (1 Peter 4:8), and an eagerness to use your gifts for the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10-11). While we wait for the return of Jesus, we should make every effort to live peaceful, pure, and blameless lives (2 Peter 3:11-14). 6) Prophecy Gives Specific Blessings Some Christians avoid reading the Book of Revelation. They might find it frightening or difficult to understand. But remember, it’s the revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). It’s not the revelation of John. It’s not the creation of ancient men. It’s a message from Jesus. It’s so important, God says He’ll bless anyone who reads it to the church! And He’ll bless anyone who listens to it and obeys what it says (Revelation 1:3). In heaven, some will wear “a crown of righteousness.” Who are the people who get this crown? All who eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:8). 7) Prophecy Reveals the Season of the Lord's Return Jesus says the world will be caught unaware when He suddenly returns (Luke 12:40). It will be like in the days of Noah and Lot. People will go on living their daily lives as normal right up until the moment of their destruction (Luke 17:30). But those who study bible prophecy won’t be surprised by His return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). Why? Because they’ll understand the signs. While we can’t know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), we can know the season of His return. Jesus, Moses, and the prophets told us what signs to look for. And Jesus says when you see all those signs converging you can know His return is very near (Matthew 24:33). Bible Prophecy Should Provide You with Hope and Encouragement Don’t ignore bible prophecy. Don’t poke fun of it or laugh at it (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Instead, study bible prophecy. Doing so will fill you with hope and encouragement. This is especially true in our day and time because our generation is witness to the converging signs Jesus and the prophets said to look for. For over 94% of Christian history, the state of Israel did not exist. Today, it does. For over 95% of Christian history, the Jewish people did not control Jerusalem. Today, they do. These signs and others point to the nearness of the Lord’s return. They indicate we live in the season of His return. Jesus is coming, and that should fill you with hope for the future. Prophecy is behind this hope and almost every promise Christians hold near and dear. The promise of heaven… The hope of salvation… The joy of eternity with Jesus. Each one of these is a promise from God guaranteeing our future. And what is bible prophecy if not a guarantee of future events? So don't let what others think discourage you from studying bible prophecy. Remember, the world mocked and ridiculed Jesus. If you follow Him, He says you will be mocked and ridiculed as well (Matthew 10:22-25). Bible prophecy is the message of Jesus. And if you’re a Christian, you must be willing to endure persecution for it. Jesus said if anyone is ashamed of Him and His message, He will be ashamed of that person when He returns (Luke 9:23-26). Don’t be ashamed. Study bible prophecy. Let it enrich your life. For the whole purpose of prophecy is to glorify Jesus (Revelation 19:10). If you liked reading this, please click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack 🙏 or share it with your loved ones and spread the Good News that Jesus is coming! DOWNLOAD THE PROPHECY UPDATE APP Prophecy Update Videos Must Watch Videos! Videos You Can Trust
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DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 The Best Way to Contain This Global Threat Is For America To Stand With Israel – By Tony Perkins - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-best-way-to-contain-this-global-threat-is-for-america-to-stand-with-israel/ Monday night in Israel, as Jewish families gathered around the Passover table for their first Seder since the tragedy of October 7, there were too many empty chairs. Some held hands, still hoping for the release of their hostage loved ones. Thousands of others tasted the meal’s bitter herbs with a fresh wave of grief for the ones who will never return. Across the country, Jews and non-Jews hold their breath, wondering what next year’s holiday will look like. More than that, wondering whether the world, a place rocked by hatred, conflict, and chaos, can survive it. “Why is this night different?” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked poignantly as dusk fell. “On this night, 133 of our dear brothers and sisters are not around the Seder table, and they are still held hostage by Hamas in hellish conditions,” he said somberly. “… And why is this night not different?” he prompted. Because Passover, of all holidays, recognizes that the Jewish people have been oppressed and hunted throughout history. “In every generation they rise up to destroy us,” Netanyahu reminded his people, “and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from them. This time as well,” he insisted, “we will overcome those who seek our lives.” But it will not be because Israel’s friends have stood strong in their defense. Here at home, the Biden administration has all but abandoned America’s strongest, most significant Middle Eastern ally. As the Jewish state stands on the brink of war with the entire Islamic world, this president and his party seem more intent on placating his radical, anti-Semitic base than supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. After Iran fired more than 300 drones and ballistic missiles at the tiny nation in an unprecedented attack, what did the president demand? Restraint — not from the ayatollah, but from the country the religious dictator sought to destroy. Even as President Biden declared his “ironclad” support of Israel Monday, the world knows he’s simultaneously tied Netanyahu’s hands and made the Jewish state vulnerable to greater hostilities. As Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and I talked about last week on “Washington Watch,” the best way to contain this global threat is for America to stand with Israel. “The only thing the ayatollah and the thugs of the world appreciate is strength,” Graham emphasized. “They’re not normal people. Quit treating the ayatollah and his regime as normal. The whole reason they live is to … destroy the Jews and Christians.” But, he pointed out, if they believed America would truly support Israel, “they would think twice [about trying to] wipe them off the map.” Instead, what every evil opportunistic leader in the world sees is an America whose president is vacillating in his support of Israel. Joe Biden is so afraid of the young pro-Hamas, extremist protestors in his party that he refuses to send a message of resolve to Iran — and anyone who would prey on the Jewish state. And frankly, that’s what got Israel into this mess in the first place. The White House invited this aggression and emboldened Israel’s enemies by projecting weakness and uncertainty. And what this administration fails to recognize — to our great detriment — is that America’s security is intertwined with our support of Israel. Yes, this president’s foreign policy has been a disaster from China to Afghanistan, but his indifference toward Israel’s enemies may be the most dangerous decision he’s made for the future United States. “The ayatollah and his henchmen talk every day about the destruction of the Jewish state,” Graham warned. “So to those Americans who believe this doesn’t matter to you, I promise you, if Israel is destroyed … you’re next on their list. This idea of sitting on the sidelines and watching the only democracy that practices religious tolerance to be wiped out by a theocracy, who has as its goal to purify the world’s religion, is insane. Have you learned nothing from the ’30s?” This is not just another skirmish. This is a very, very serious moment for our nation. The world as we know it is at a tipping point. What America does in our foreign policy toward Israel and the Middle East has greater significance now than ever before, because if we get this wrong, we will embolden the enemies of Israel and watch the entire region unravel into one massive conflict. From a biblical perspective, Jesus warned us that these days were coming. In John 15:11, He says, “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” So how should Christians approach this moment? I believe with great prayer and supplication, understanding that God doesn’t want us to be anxious or worried. “Peace I leave with you,” Jesus told His followers in John 14:27. “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God intends for us to walk in peace and joy, even when it seems the world is spinning out of control. In reality, everything is falling into place. The timeline, we may not know. But what we do know is this: as believers, we’re called to do everything we can to spread the gospel, to work for the wellbeing of people, and to bless the Jewish people. You cannot separate the hatred of the Jewish state from the rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the globe. Now, more than ever, we need to stand with Israel. That means we must pray for Israel, and we must also vote for those who are willing to stand with the Jewish people. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu during a meeting in Israel just a few weeks ago, “We stand with you because we’re people of the book.” Genesis 12:3 tells us, “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and I will curse those who curse you.” This is an opportunity to witness to the world that we believe God’s promises. As former Knesset member Ohad Tal warned, “Those who take a pass on standing with Israel, their future is in question as well.” Jesus is Coming Soon! - By David R. Reagan - https://www.raptureready.com/2024/04/20/jesus-is-coming-soon-by-david-r-reagan/ We are living on borrowed time. Many people believe there is nothing that can be known about the timing of the Lord’s return because Jesus said He would return like a “thief in the night” (Matthew 24:42-44). But Paul makes it clear in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 that Jesus’ statement does not apply to believers: “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief…” He then proceeds to explain why: “for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” Paul is referring, of course, to the light of the Holy Spirit who indwells all true believers and who can enlighten us through our study of Scripture to know the season of the Lord’s return (1 John 2:27). God’s Attitude As a matter of fact, God is obligated by His character to warn the world of the imminent return of His Son. The reason is that Jesus is returning in great wrath to “judge and wage war” (Revelation 19:11), and God never pours out His wrath without warning. God does not wish that any should perish but that all should be brought to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, God always warns before He executes His wrath. He warned the world through Noah for 120 years. He warned Sodom and Gomorrah through Abraham. He sent Jonah to warn the pagan city of Nineveh, and He sent Nahum to the same city 150 years later. Likewise, God is warning the world today that His Son is about to return. He is calling the world to repentance. The message of the hour to unbelievers can be summed up in these words: “Flee from the wrath that is to come by fleeing into the loving arms of Jesus now.” Jesus came the first time as an expression of God’s love; He came to die for the sins of Mankind. But when He returns, He will come in vengeance to pour out the wrath of God on those who have rejected God’s love and grace. The soon return of Jesus also carries with it a message for believers. Lukewarm Christians and carnal Christians are being called to commit their lives to holiness: “The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:12-14). God’s Method of Warning God is alerting believers of the soon return of His Son through what are called “signs of the times.” These are prophecies concerning world events that we are told to watch for, prophecies that will identify the season of the Lord’s return. The Bible is full of these signs. There are about 500 prophecies in the Old Testament that relate to the Second Coming of the Messiah. In the New Testament, one out of every 25 verses is concerned with the return of Jesus. In fact, there are so many signs that it is difficult to grasp all of them. The best way I have found to do this is to put them in categories: 1) The Signs of Nature — We are told to watch for earthquakes, famine, pestilence, and signs in the heavens (see Matthew 24:7 and Luke 21:11). This is the least respected category of signs for several reasons. For one thing, many people simply shrug their shoulders and say, “There have always been natural calamities, so what else is new?” Note that Jesus says these signs will be like “birth pangs” (Matthew 24:8) — that is, they will increase in frequency and intensity as the time draws near for His return. In other words, there will be more intense earthquakes and more frequent ones. That is exactly what is happening today. Another reason these signs are given little respect is because most Christians are so rationalistic that they do not really believe in the supernatural, and they, therefore, find it difficult to believe that God speaks to the world through signs of nature. Yet, the Bible teaches this principle from start to finish. God dealt with the world’s sin through a great flood in the days of Noah (Genesis 6). He called the nation of Judah to repentance through a terrible locust invasion (Joel 1). In like manner, He called for the nation of Israel to repent by sending drought, wind storms, mildew, locusts, famine and pestilence (Amos 4:6-10). The prophet Haggai pointed to a drought as evidence that God was calling the people to get their priorities in order (Haggai 1:10-11). The New Testament begins with a special light in the heavens marking the birth of the Messiah (Matthew 2:2). On the day that Jesus was crucified, there were three hours of darkness and an earthquake (Matthew 27:45-51). And when Jesus returns, the earth will experience the greatest earthquake in its history as every mountain is lowered, every valley is raised, and every island is moved (Revelation 16:17-21). God has always spoken through signs of nature, and He continues to do so today. We had better pay close attention to them. 2) The Signs of Society — Jesus said that society will become increasingly lawless and immoral as the time approaches for His return. In fact, He said it would become as evil as it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:12,37-39). Paul paints a chilling picture of end-time society in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. He says it will be characterized by three loves — the love of self (Humanism), the love of money (Materialism), and the love of pleasure (Hedonism). He then points out that the payoff of this carnal lifestyle will be what the philosophers call Nihilism — that is, a society wallowing in despair. Men’s minds will become depraved (Romans 1:28), and people will call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). We are seeing these prophecies fulfilled before our eyes today as we watch our society reject its Christian heritage and descend into a hellish pit of lawlessness, immorality, and despair. Even worse, we are exporting our nihilism around the world through our immoral and violent movies and television programs. 3) The Spiritual Signs — There are both positive and negative spiritual signs that we are to watch for. The negative ones include the appearance of false christs and their cults (Matthew 24:5,11,24), the apostasy of the professing church (2 Thessalonians 2:3), an outbreak of Satanism (1 Timothy 4:1), and the persecution of faithful Christians (Matthew 24:9). These negative spiritual signs began to appear in the mid-19th Century when Christian cults started forming. First came the Mormons, then the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and then a great variety of spiritualist groups like the Church of Christ Scientists and the Unity Church. The apostasy of the mainline Christian denominations began in the 1920s when the German school of higher criticism invaded American seminaries and undermined the authority of the Scriptures, teaching that the Bible is Man’s search for God rather than God’s revelation to Man. During the 1960s, Satanism exploded on the American scene and has since been exported worldwide through American movies, books, and television programs. Dabbling in the occult has become commonplace in the form of astrology, numerology, crystal gazing, transcendental meditation, and channeling. The whole trend has consummated in the appearance of the New Age Movement with its teaching that Man is God. As society has secularized, true Christianity has come under increasing attack. Judeo-Christian values, once the foundation of Western Civilization, are now openly mocked, and those who still adhere to them are castigated as “intolerant fundamentalists” by the media. The positive spiritual signs include the proclamation of the Gospel to the whole world (Matthew 24:14), a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32), and spiritual illumination to understand prophecies that have been “sealed up” until the end times (Daniel 12:4, 9). As with the negative signs, we are seeing these positive signs fulfilled in our day and time. Through the use of modern technology, the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the world in this Century, and the Bible has been translated into all major languages. The great end-time pouring out of the Holy Spirit that was prophesied by the prophet Joel has also begun. Joel called it “the latter rain” (Joel 2:23), and he said it would occur after the Jews had returned to their land. The state of Israel was re-established in 1948. In 1949, God anointed two ministries that would have a worldwide impact — the ministries of Billy Graham and Oral Roberts. Then, in the 60s came the Charismatic Movement, which prompted renewal in worship and gave emphasis to the continuing validity of the gifts of the Spirit. The acceleration in the understanding of Bible prophecy began in 1970 with the publication of Hal Lindsey’s book, The Late Great Planet Earth. It seemed to open up to popular understanding many prophecies that had been “sealed up” until the end times (Daniel 12:4, 9). Remarkably, it became the number one best seller in the world — with the sole exception of the Bible — for the next ten years! 4) The Signs of Technology — The book of Daniel says that there will be an explosion of knowledge in the end times and that people will move about quickly (Daniel 12:4). There are many Bible prophecies that cannot be understood apart from modern technology. For example, how can the whole world look upon two bodies lying in the streets of Jerusalem (Revelation 11:8-9)? Modern television satellite technology makes it easy. How can the False Prophet build an image of the Anti-Christ that appears to be alive (Revelation 13:15)? The answer, of course, is the science of robotics. How can the False Prophet require all people on earth to take the mark of the Anti-Christ in order to buy and sell (Revelation 13:16-17)? It would not be possible apart from computers and lasers. Jesus said that the Tribulation will be so terrible that all life on earth would cease to exist if He did not cut the period short (Matthew 24:21-22). How could all life be threatened prior to the advent of nuclear weapons? Another reference to nuclear power is likely contained in Luke’s statement that men in the end times will “faint from fear” because “the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26). That certainly sounds like a reference to the splitting of the atom. 5) The Signs of World Politics — The Bible prophesies that there will be a certain pattern of world politics that will characterize the end-time geopolitical map. The focus will be the re-established state of Israel (Zechariah 12:2-3). It will be besieged by a menacing nation from the “remote parts of the north,” the nation of “Rosh” — or modern-day Russia (Ezekiel 38:2, 6). There will also be a threatening nation to the East that will be capable of sending an army of 200 million — namely, China (Revelation 9:13-16 and Revelation 16:12-13). A third source of danger to Israel will be the Arab nations that immediately surround it. They will covet the land and will try to take it from the Jews (Ezekiel 35:10 and 36:2). Another key player on the world political scene in the end times will be a coalition of European nations that will form a confederation centered in the area of the old Roman empire (Daniel 2:41-44, Daniel 7:7, 23-24, and Revelation 17:12-13). This confederation will serve as the political base for the rise of the Anti-Christ and the creation of his worldwide kingdom (Daniel 7:8). Other international political signs include wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6), civil wars (Matthew 24:7), and general international terrorism and lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). 6) The Signs of Israel — The signs related to the state of Israel are prolific and very important. The most frequently repeated prophecy in the Old Testament is the prediction that the Jewish people will be regathered from the “four corners of the earth” in the end times (Isaiah 11:10-12). The Bible states that a consequence of this regathering will be the re-establishment of the state of Israel (Isaiah 66:7-8). The Scriptures say that once the Jews are back in their land, the land itself will experience a miracle of reclamation (Isaiah 35). The desert will bloom, and people will exclaim, “This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden” (Ezekiel 36:35). Another end-time miracle will be the revival of the Hebrew language (Zephaniah 3:9). Most people are not aware of the fact that when the Jews were dispersed from their land in 70 A.D., they ceased to speak the Hebrew language. The Jews who settled in Europe developed a new language called Yiddish — a combination of German and Hebrew. The Jews who migrated to the Mediterranean basin created a language called Ladino — a combination of Hebrew and Spanish. Other significant signs of Israel that we are told to watch for in the end times include the re-occupation of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24), the resurgence of Israeli military strength (Zechariah 12:6), and the re-focusing of world politics on Israel (Zechariah 12:3). All these signs have been fulfilled in this century. The nation has been re-established, the land has been reclaimed, the ancient language has been revived, the Jews are back in Jerusalem, and Israel is the focal point of world politics. Jesus says in Luke 21:28 that when these signs begin to happen, we should “straighten up and lift up our heads” because “our redemption is drawing near.” The Key Signs The most important signs are the ones that relate to Israel because God uses the Jews throughout the Scriptures as His prophetic time clock. By this I mean that very often when the Lord is revealing an important event that will take place in the future, He will point to the Jewish people and state that when a certain thing happens to them, the important event will also occur. A good example of this principle can be found in Daniel 9 in the famous “Seventy Weeks of Years” prophecy. The prophet said to watch for a decree to be issued that would authorize the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He then said that the Messiah would come sixty-nine weeks of years (483 years) after that decree was issued to the Jewish people. There are two key prophecies which relate the return of Jesus to events that have occurred in Jewish history since 1948. These two events clearly established the period in which we are now living as the season of the Lord’s return. The State of Israel The first is the re-establishment of the state of Israel which occurred on May 14, 1948. Jesus singled out this event as the one that would signal His soon return. His prophecy is contained in the fig tree parable (Matthew 24:32-35), which He presented in His Olivet Discourse. The day before He delivered this speech, He had put a curse on a barren fig tree, causing it to wither (Matthew 21:18-19). This was a symbolic prophecy that God would soon pour out His wrath upon the Jewish people because of their spiritual barrenness in rejecting His Son. The next day, Jesus reminded His disciples of the fig tree. He said to watch for it to bloom again. In other words, He said watch for the rebirth of Israel. He indicated that when the fig tree blooms again, He would be at the gates of Heaven, ready to return (Matthew 24:33). Equally significant, He added an interesting observation: “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). What generation? The generation that sees the fig tree blossom. We are that generation. The fig tree has blossomed. Jesus is at the gates. The City of Jerusalem The second key event was prophesied by Jesus in the same speech, as recorded by Luke: “[The Jews] will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). The first half of this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D., forty years after Jesus spoke the words. In that year, the Romans under Titus conquered Jerusalem and dispersed the Jews among the nations. Jerusalem remained under Gentile occupation for 1,897 years — until June 7, 1967, when Israel won the city back during the Six-Day War. The Jewish re-occupation of the city of Jerusalem is proof positive that we are living in the season of the Lord’s return. Jesus said it would mark the end of the Gentile Age. A Call to Action There is no way to escape the conclusion that we are living on borrowed time. The signs of the times are upon us, and they are shouting for our attention. Are you ready? If Jesus were to return today, would He be your “Blessed Hope” (Titus 2:11-14), or would He be your “Holy Terror” (Revelation 6:12-17)? If you have never received Him as your Lord and Savior, now is the time to act. Repent of your sins, and call upon the name of the Lord that you might be saved (Acts 2:14-39). And if you are a Christian, are you living as if Jesus might return any minute? Have you committed your life to holiness? Are you praying for the lost and witnessing for the Lord when you have an opportunity? Are you yearning for the Lord’s return? Can you say with Paul that you are a candidate for a “crown of righteousness” because you have lived your life “in the love of His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)? Daily Jot: Uncle Lew and the rodeo – Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com The 1963 Great Western Tour took my Mom, Dad and me on many great adventures. One of the best legs of the trip was my Dad retracing part of a journey he took with his best buddies Earl and Al 24 years earlier to Ellensburg, Washington. It was there that I was introduced for the first time to Uncle Lew and Aunt Bertha Richards. In 1939, Dad, Earl and Al had drove from Ohio in time for the famous Ellensburg Rodeo, of which Uncle Lew was the head honcho. Now, Uncle Lew was a big deal. He was a true cowboy, local cattleman, and helped start that Rodeo when the West was still pretty much unsettled in 1923. He was a strong character, a showman, and the closest thing I ever saw to Buffalo Bill Cody in real life. Uncle Lew was a no-nonsense man. You could sense that he was the type that meant what he said and said what he meant. In 1923, Uncle Lew organized hundreds of volunteers to build the Kittitas County Fair and Rodeo grounds that included an exhibit hall and a 5,000-seat grandstand, and a race track. The Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame says he “helped to plan and coordinate the array of fast-moving and entertaining rodeo events, races, and contract acts that characterize the Ellensburg Rodeo to this day. In 1937, Richards led the Ellensburg Rodeo across the “picket line” of the Cowboy Turtles’ (precursor to today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), when the professional cowboys went out on strike. In ’38, he agreed to some of the Turtles’ demands and welcomed them, noting “It’s like a homecoming to see all the boys back.” Uncle Lew didn’t say a lot. But he did have some stories about the rodeo and some of the famous cowboys that competed. We have many pictures of the rodeo, and the rodeo parade, which included some fierce-looking Native Americans in full regalia. The Ellensburg Daily Record says that Uncle Lew was involved with negotiations to have them participate in the rodeo festivities: “After attending treaty celebrations at White Swan, Lew Richards, arena director, for the Ellensburg Rodeo, was assured that there will be plenty of Indians attending the rodeo. Over 100 Indians in elaborate costumes and 100 horses will be involved in parades, opening ceremonies, dances, and other events.” In my Dad’s August 21, 1939 letter to my Mom (they were not yet married), he wrote: “I haven’t made up my mind yet if I will ride at the rodeo on not. I think I will ride in the parade that will be three or four times, so that will be a lot of fun.” By 1963, the wild West in Ellensburg had tamed down quite a bit. Gone were the six guns and war chiefs. It was civilized compared to those days. But, for me, I was fascinated to sit at Uncle Lew’s feet and just listen to the stories of a time that I had only seen portrayed in the movies. Hearing it first hand from a living pioneer of the West was extra special. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.” But they were pretty good, and I would sure have a lot more questions for Uncle Lew today from what I know now than I did then. Daily Devotion: After We Die - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. —2 Corinthians 5:8 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/after-we-die/ - Listen According to the Bible, there are two forms of existence beyond the grave. There are two resurrections. First, there is the resurrection of the just and the unjust. We want to be a part of the first resurrection. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, the first resurrection is the one that we’ll experience. It means that when we die, we immediately will go to Heaven. When Christians die, they go directly into God’s presence. They don’t go to a fictitious place called Purgatory. We don’t find that word or concept in the pages of the Bible. The moment believers die, they go into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote, “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). Paul was saying the moment Christians leave their bodies, they go to be with the Lord. In fact, on one occasion, Paul spoke about a personal dilemma. He said, “I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:23–24 NLT). Notice that Paul didn’t say that he wanted to depart for a few thousand years in a state of suspended animation. Rather, he said that he wanted to depart and “be with Christ.” The moment believers die, they go to Heaven. And then, at the Rapture of the church, the remaining believers join them in Heaven. But what about those who become Christians after the Rapture? A great revival will break out during that time, and millions of people will believe. They won’t take the mark of the Beast because God has told them not to. As a result, many of them will die the death of martyrs during the Tribulation (see Revelation 20:4). On the other hand, when nonbelievers die, they go to a place of torment called Hades. There is no escape. And ultimately, Hades will empty itself of its occupants at the Great White Throne Judgment, where they’ll go from misery to greater misery. For those who wait until this time, it will be too late. The nail-scarred hand will scroll down the Book of Life, but their names won’t be found. They might say, “Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name! We did this or that in Your name!” (see Matthew 7:22). And Jesus will sadly but firmly say, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws” (Matthew 7:23 NLT). Some people have a hard time with this. They think it’s unfair. But it isn’t. God gives us so many chances to believe. And those who end up in Hell will have no one to blame on that final day but themselves. Death is coming. Everyone will face it. There’s no getting around it. The question is whether you will face it as a believer or as a nonbeliever. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 4/26/24 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
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