Prophecy Update Newsletter
March 14, 2017
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Israel's Tribulation Covenant that Ends this World! - by Bill Salus - http://www.prophecydepotministries.net/2017/israels-tribulation-covenant-that-ends-this-world/
Ancient biblical prophecies reveal that in the last days, Israel will make a peace-pact that is so problematic that the world as we know it ends seven years later. In prophetic circles this treaty is commonly called the "FALSE COVENANT," the covenant that leads to the "7-YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD!" What is the true content and who are the signatories of this lethal covenant? There are different theories about this agreement. Many Bible prophecy teachers today believe that its content is involved with bringing about Mideast peace between Israel and the Arabs in general, and the Palestinians more specifically, perhaps, a 2-state or 1-state solution. However, there appears to be no scriptural support for this geo-political scenario. In fact, the Bible predicts the illusive peace that Israel desperately seeks will be achieved militarily, rather than diplomatically. This article, which is taken from my book entitled, Apocalypse Road, Revelation for the Final Generation, explores the intricacies of the false covenant. This article provides a cursory explanation of what is thoroughly expounded upon within the book. THE 7-YEAR COVENANT (Daniel 9:27 and Isaiah 28:15, 18) There are at least two major prophets that prophesy about this covenant. They are Isaiah and Daniel. Daniel's predictions are the ones most familiar to prophecy pundits. Daniel says; "Then he (the Antichrist (A.C.)) shall confirm a covenant with many (Israel and another party) for one week; (of 7 years) But in the middle of the week He (A.C.) shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate." (Daniel 9:27) Daniel provides the following important information about the covenant: 1. The Antichrist confirms it. 2. Israel is a signatory of it. 3. The seven-year term of it. 4. The breach of it after three and one-half years by the Antichrist. Unfortunately, Daniel does not provide some of the significant details about this world changing covenant. Fortunately, Isaiah does! Over 100 years before Daniel penned is prophetic foretellings, Isaiah authored his. WHO ARE THE SIGNATORIES OF THE 7-YEAR FALSE COVENANT? Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scornful men, Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, And with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, It will not come to us, For we have made lies our refuge, And under falsehood we have hidden ourselves." (Isaiah 28:14-15) Isaiah provides the following pertinent details concerning the false covenant: 1. The identity of the other signatories called Death and Sheol. 2. Israel becomes a signatory to avoid, "the overflowing scourge." 3. The contemptuous political mindset of the leaders of Israel when the covenant is confirmed. 4. The deceitful nature of the covenant. It is a covenant comprised of lies and falsehood. Isaiah 28:15 beckons at least three important questions. 1. Who are Death and Sheol? 2. What is the Overflowing Scourge? 3. Who is committing the Overflowing Scourge? 1. Who are Death and Sheol? (4th Horsemen of the Apocalypse) When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades (Greek for Sheol in Hebrew) followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Rev. 6:7-8) In Apocalypse Road, I explain the probable connection between Death and Sheol and the fourth horsemen, Death and Hades, in the book of Revelation. Death and Hades, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Sheol, appears to represent a global church and state alliance that is put in place to restore order amidst the backdrop of world chaos, which will have been previously brought about by the first three horsemen of the Apocalypse. The system of the fourth horsemen has control over a quarter of the world's population, which it employs to kill dissidents of the global order mandates. As you are about to discover, this includes people who become Christian believers after the Rapture. DETAILS ABOUT DEATH AND HADES Death deals with the material departure of a being from its body and Hades is concerned with the immaterial aspect of a person after death, which is their soul. Heaven and Hades are polar opposites of each other in the New Testament. When a believer dies, their soul goes to heaven, but when an unbeliever dies, their soul departs for Hades. The traditional teaching is that Death and Hades kill a fourth of mankind, but that's not necessarily what's being said in Revelation 6:8. Compare the differences in language between the fourth seal and the sixth trumpet in the book of Revelation. "By these three plagues, (of the sixth trumpet), a third of mankind was killed - by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone... (Rev. 9:18) This above verse clearly states that a third of mankind was killed by the three plagues that followed the sounding of the sixth trumpet. However, Revelation 6:8 says that, "And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth." It may mean that Death and Hades kill a fourth of the earth's population, but more than likely it implies that a quarter of the world's population are faithful followers of Death and Hades. These are devotees so committed to their cause that they are willing to kill their opposition. The fact that Hades takes a lead role in this massive operation infers that this involves a global religious crusade. This future scenario appears to be reminiscent of the historical inquisition periods when Roman Catholicism was martyring the so-called Protestant heretics centuries ago. 2. What is the Overflowing Scourge? When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:9-10) According to Isaiah 28:15-18, the overflowing scourge occurs in two stages. The first phase likely represents the discriminate killings taking place worldwide by Death and Hades. Among the unfortunate victims of this global system are the fifth seal saints. These are people likely alive today that become believers of Christ after the Rapture. They disagree with the religious ways and political means of the global order and as a result they are slain for their faith. They may not be the only victims of the overflowing scourge being perpetrated by Death and Hades, but they are definitely one of them. 3. Who is committing the Overflowing Scourge? And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I (John the apostle) saw the woman, (the Harlot World Religion) drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (the 5th Seal Saints and their fellow servants) And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (Rev. 17:5-6) When it comes to the martyrdom of believers after the Rapture, there are only two primary perpetrators of these targeted killings. The first culprit is the Harlot World Religion of Revelation 17 and the second is the Antichrist in Revelation 13. These both represent religiously charged global killing crusades. These two murderous campaigns are responsible for the slayings of 3 groups of Post-Rapture Christian Martyrs. WHO ARE THE 3 GROUPS OF POST-RAPTURE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS? Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their (the 5th Seal Saints) fellow servants (of the 5th Seal Saints) and their brethren, (of the fellow servants) who would be killed as they were, was completed. (Rev. 6:11) The Lord's response to the pleadings of the 5th Seal Saints identifies the three groups of Post-Rapture Christian Martyrs. The timeline image identifies them along with their associated periods of martyrdom. The image displays the time periods of the two killing campaigns. THE 2 KILLING CRUSADES OF THE POST-RAPTURE MARTYRS 1. The first period is the Harlot of Rev. 17:6, which was previously quoted, who is drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus. Rev. 17:16-17 informs that the Harlot eventually gets desolated to make way for the global establishment of the Antichrist's kingdom. 2. The Second period is involved with the Antichrist in the book of Revelation. He (the False Prophet) was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, (the Antichrist) that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:5) Then I saw the souls of those (their brethren) who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4) WHAT IS THE TRUE CONTENT OF THE FALSE COVENANT? With the understandings above, it is time to explore the true content of the false covenant. There are some scriptural hints that shed some light on what motivates Israel to become a signatory of the false covenant. Understanding these clues provides insights as to what some of the content of the covenant might be. Before identifying the clues, it is important to understand the political mindset of Israel at the time that the overflowing scourge is taking place. Israel agrees to the false covenant in order to avoid this scourge. Isaiah 18:14 says that the political leaders are scornful rulers. As deniers of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, they are leading the nation in the wrong direction at a time when Israel is greatly empowered from its major war victories in Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39. These wars appear to find fulfillment prior to the commencement of the 7-year Tribulation Period. In the aftermath of these impressive victories, the leaders of Israel will be inclined to reinstate the historic Mosaic Law, build their third temple and make the sacrifices and offerings spoken of in Daniel 9:27 above. They will not believe in the gospel being preached by the three groups of martyred believers, nor will they believe in the counterfeit gospel being promoted by the Harlot world religion. The scornful Israeli leaders will be of the mindset that once the Jewish Temple is constructed, the Jewish Messiah will come. Moreover, once the Messiah comes, he will eradicate the false teachings of the Harlot and usher the nation of Israel into the Messianic Kingdom, which is the highpoint of all Old Testament prophecies. THE JEWISH TEMPLE CLAUSE CONTAINED WITHIN THE FALSE COVENANT Identified below are some hints that suggest the false covenant has something to do with the construction of the Third Temple. The first clues are contained in Isaiah 28:16-17. These two verses are sandwiched in between Isaiah 28:15 and 18, which are the verses referring to the false covenant. These passages use terms like a "tried stone," a "precious cornerstone," a "sure foundation," a "measuring line" and a "plummet." These are terms that can find association with constructing a Jewish Temple. To build the Temple, you start with a tried stone that becomes the precious cornerstone. This cornerstone has a sure foundation built around it. The length and width dimensions of a building needs to be calculated with a measuring line, and the vertical accuracy of a structure is determined with a plummet, (plumb-line). I interpret Isaiah 28:16-17 as a warning to the scornful rulers that drag Israel into being a signatory of this dreadful covenant. These leaders seem to think that they are going to build a Temple and hasten the coming of the Messiah, but Isaiah cautions them not to hastily enter this covenant, because the Messiah has already come as the, tried stone, precious cornerstone and sure foundation.' A second clue is found in Daniel 9:27, which also is a proof text verse regarded with the false covenant. "Then he, (the Antichrist), shall confirm a covenant with many, (Israel and Death and Sheol/Hades), for one week; (of seven years), But in the middle of the week, He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering, (taking place in the Temple)..." (Daniel 9:27; emphasis added) Jesus Christ foretells that this event predicted by Daniel happens in the holy place, which represents the Third Jewish Temple at the time. "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." (Matthew 24:15-16) The intimations in these related verses above are that by the middle of the Tribulation Period the Third Jewish Temple will exist. The Antichrist will make a bold statement by entering this Temple and stopping the priestly sacrifice and offering occurring therein. This is in fulfillment of Isaiah 28:18, which says the false covenant will be annulled. Your covenant with death will be annulled, And your agreement with Sheol will not stand; When the overflowing scourge passes through, Then you will be trampled down by it. (Isaiah 28:18) What better way to dissolve a covenant than to void out its terms? If the true content of the false covenant allowed the Jews to build their Temple and perform sacrifices and offerings inside of it, then the action taken by the Antichrist to go into the Temple and stop the sacrifice and offering terminates the contract. A third clue is in the book of Revelation. Several important details are provided in these passages below concerning the benefits to both parties of the covenant. These verses describe what happens in the immediate aftermath of the ratification of the false covenant. "Then there was given me (John the apostle) a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, 'Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.'" (Rev. 11:1-3, NASB) The time frame of "forty-two months" and "twelve hundred and sixty days" are commonly taught to allude to the first half of the Tribulation Period. Thus, the very first thing that appears to happen as part of the implementation of the covenant is that the Temple gets measured for its construction. The apostle John is given a measuring rod and instructed to measure the temple of God, alluding to the Third Temple. If the covenant called for the construction of the Temple, then this would be one of the first order of events. Measure it so that it can be built. CONCLUSION This article has provided a brief overview of the events that I believe prompts Israel to become a signatory of the false covenant. The Apocalypse Road book explains the above in far greater detail. If you have questions or concerns about the content of this article, I strongly recommend that you read the thorough explanations provided within the book. Israel's motivation to sign on to the false covenant is to avoid an overflowing scourge sweeping through the earth in the last days. The benefits for Israel are to build their Temple, hasten the coming of their Messiah and ultimately enter into the Messianic Kingdom period. They do not want to be the next victim of Death and Hades, which is also the Harlot world religion of Revelation 17. In Apocalypse Road, I clearly identify this idolatrous religion as Roman Catholicism. The Harlot is drunk with the blood of the saints, (in the past Catholic inquisitions), and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, (in the future). The Jews don't want the Harlot's hands also stained with their blood, (in the future). Thus, they covenant with the Harlot. The Jews get to build their Temple and the Catholic Church gets to trample upon the streets of Jerusalem and control the outer court associated with the Temple. The Jews reason that the means of signing this deceitful covenant, which according to Isaiah 28:15 is based upon lies and falsehood, justifies the ends of invoking the coming of the Messiah. In their estimation, once the Messiah comes, He eliminates the pagan Harlot system. They believe that in the end, it's the Harlot and not them, who gets the short end of the stick in this seven-year covenant. Russia digs its tentacles further into the Middle East - By Seth J. Frantzman - http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Russia-digs-its-tentacles-further-into-the-Middle-East-484148
Russian President Vladimir Putin is especially keen on exerting his country's influence on conflict-worn Libya. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been busy in the Middle East this month. On March 9 he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The next day he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and on March 14 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met Libyan general Khalifa Haftar's envoy in Moscow. Since Libya fell into civil conflict after 2011, Haftar has emerged as the most powerful leader in eastern Libya. Reports have emerged that Russia has sent special forces to Egypt, eyeing a Libya role. The decisions by Russia represent an increase of its influence in the region. The Kremlin is already the key powerbroker in Syria, so what is Moscow up to in Libya? The Russian Foreign Minister, according to an article published by RIA Novosti, says it is only supporting an "inclusive dialogue" in Libya that will lead to a "stable arrangement, designed to bring the country out of a prolonged political crisis." Russia recently hosted a delegation from the Government of National Accord (GNA), the UN recognized government of Libya that is stronger in the west of the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also met the Chairman of the Presidential Council of the GNA Fayez al-Sarraj in September of last year. At the time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored "its commitment to Libya's independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as the need to involve representatives of the major political groups, tribes and country's regions in the formation of the national unity government." Translation: Include General Haftar and his supporters in Benghazi and Tobruk. In February the Guardian reported that "European diplomats fear that [Haftar] could join what has been described as Vladimir Putin's axis of secular authoritarians in the Middle East alongside Syrian president Bashar Assad and Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi." The EU diplomats supposedly worried that Haftar, with Russian backing, could take over much of Libya. A map of Libya's various armed groups shows why that's not realistic. Like Syria, the country has been driven by six years of conflict that has devolved into regional power-centers. In December Libyan GNA re-took Sirte from Islamic State after the extremists held it for a year and a half. Similarly Haftar is bogged down in a battle with Islamist Benghazi Defense Brigades (BDB). Alex Grinberg, a Research Associate at the Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs at IDC Herzliya, says Russia's recent moves are a "preventive measure to help out Haftar and also prop-up Sisi." Grinberg argues it is wrong to see Haftar as a "real ally" like Assad has been to the Kremlin. The reason Haftar has appeal is because of his relations with Egypt's Sisi and his hostility toward Islamists, a loathing Russia shares. "Do the Russians support Haftar because they want him to be the strongman and power broker, or he is the strongman and powerbroker and that's why they support him," asks Grinberg. Since Russia's declared goal is stability, Grinberg says the real calculus may be ensuring Haftar moral support. "They can help here and there, but to remove the BDB from the oil crescent [oil ports along the coast] would require serious massing of forces." On March 3 the BDB rolled into oil ports Ras Lanuf and Es Sidr on the coast, undermining Haftar. In Haftar's favor is the fact that he is a trained military officer and that although the GNA is internationally recognized, "it is completely impotent and incapable of reining in the anarchy of militias in Tripoli," says Grinberg. But he cautions that we should not see the conflict as solely between secular generals and Islamists, but rather as a series of tribal feuds and "horrendous crime rates" making Libya unstable. There is no simple story in Libya. Some see oil as being a principle driver of relations and conflict. Others point out that EU hands in Libya are trying to forestall a migration wave of African migrants, who have attempted to take advantage of the chaos there as a jumping-off point for a sea voyage that has killed thousands in past years. If the Russians had wanted to intervene more, they could have done so in January when their aircraft carrier the Admiral Kuznetsov was off the Libyan coast and Haftar paid a visit, speaking via phone with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Russia is officially devoted to international law, and through that lens it will not intervene except with a veneer of legality. Putin condemned the US-led intervention in 2011 as a "crusade." In Syria, Russia was invited by Assad to assist in the war. In Libya, the UN stands by the GNA and Haftar is seen as a renegade. Thus arms cannot flow and neither can warplanes support him. The US is paying close attention. Africa Command Marine General Thomas Waldhauser told Senators on March 10 that the situation was concerning. "Russia is trying to exert influence on the ultimate decision of who becomes and what entity becomes, in charge of the government inside Libya." It was comparable to Syria. Support for Haftar dovetails with Russia's cultivating closer ties in Cairo. Sisi has expressed concern over the 1,000 km. Libyan border with Egypt since he became head of the armed forces in 2012. In the long-term Haftar, who is 73 years old, is not a solution to Libya and Russian interests there may only serve to prod the EU and US to take a new interest in Libya's problems. Iran gets a Stranglehold on the Middle East - by Gerald Flurry - https://www.thetrumpet.com/12459-iran-gets-a-stranglehold-on-the-middle-east
This terrorist nation has become the gatekeeper of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Yemen is one of the most strategically important countries in the world. Recent developments there have shocked many people and will have dramatic effects that extend far beyond the Middle East. In January, the Houthis, a rebel group sponsored and directed by Iran, overthrew the pro-American Yemeni government. After they conquered the capital city of Sanaa, throngs of Houthis began chanting "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!" These are exactly the same battle cries that Iran uses. This stunned many people in Europe and terrified many of the more moderate Arab states, especially those that rely on unlimited access to the Red Sea. The Houthi takeover in Yemen proves that Iran is implementing a bold strategy to control the vital sea lane from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. We need to understand the gravity of this new situation in Yemen! In order to reach the Mediterranean Sea from the Indian Ocean, a lot of seafaring trade-including 3.8 million barrels of oil per day-passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern gate of the Red Sea. Measuring just 18 miles across, this channel is the closest point between the two landmasses of central Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The northeast edge of the strait is in Yemeni territory. The strategic importance of controlling this passage is equal to controlling the Suez Canal, since both are part of the same thoroughfare. Consider the global ramifications: Nearly 10 percent of global seaborne oil supplies pass through the gates of the Red Sea. Roughly 20,000 ships pass through the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb each year-an average of 55 per day. About 15 percent of global maritime trade travels through the Red Sea. Now that Iran controls Yemen, it can virtually close or open this spigot on Middle East oil bound for Europe. And Europe is taking notice! Historical Role of the Red Sea By linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea has always played a key role in world affairs. From antiquity until the 15th century, the Red Sea acted as the main thoroughfare for east-west seafaring trade. Goods from the east were transported by ship through the Gulf of Aden, through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and into the Red Sea, continuing north toward the Gulf of Suez. Once these convoys made land, they transported the cargo north and west toward Mediterranean ports, where goods were again loaded onto ships for transport to southern Europe. However, when the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa was discovered the 15th century, the Red Sea's importance as a global trade route waned. Now that Africa could be circumnavigated, Portuguese and then Dutch sailors used powerful westerly winds to cut down on sailing time by taking the southern route toward Asia. With the invention of steam-powered ships, ocean traffic around the southern cape increased even more dramatically in the 19th century, and Red Sea ports lost much of their strategic value. But then in 1869, the Suez Canal opened. Suddenly, the distance between European and Asian ports was slashed by half to two thirds. The distance between Kuwait and Liverpool was reduced from 13,500 miles around the Cape of Good Hope to about 7,000 miles via the Red Sea. The route from Singapore to Liverpool was also nearly cut in half. This reinvigorated the use of the Red Sea passage, causing a huge surge in shipping and trade. The strategic value of the Red Sea increased further in the 1930s, when oil began to flow from the Persian Gulf to Europe and the United States. Since then, oil has become a chief commodity driving economic growth and military preparedness around the world. Thus, ensuring stability in the Red Sea and its two gates-the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait-became critical to global trade and economic activity-and for maintaining the peace of the world. Yemeni Col. Hussain al-Yadoomi wrote for the usa War College in 1991, "One of the primary duties of the international community is to act as an alert guardian to ensure that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is available to all navigation and at all times" (emphasis mine throughout). Now, rather suddenly, Iran-the world's greatest state sponsor of terrorism-has basically become the gatekeeper to this strategic asset. This really does threaten the peace of the world! Western nations, led by Britain and the U.S., have tried to ensure that the Red Sea remained open by supporting relatively Western-friendly regimes in the Middle East such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Of course, the drawback to such a policy is that in the volatile Middle East, governments can change as fast as the shifting sands. But for many decades, this policy of supporting certain Middle Eastern regimes-together with a strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea-worked. It kept the Red Sea open most of the time. Today, the situation has changed radically. Britain is nowhere to be seen. And to its great shame, the United States is actually supporting the Iranian takeover of Yemen! Iran's Red Sea Strategy The Houthis' takeover of Yemen was not just a grassroots revolution. It was a part of a deliberate and calculated Iranian strategy to conquer the Red Sea. This strategy is revealed in a powerful prophecy in the biblical book of Daniel. As astounding as it may sound, the Prophet Daniel foretold what just happened in Yemen! He even mentions names of individual nations along the Red Sea corridor that will be aligned with Iran. Notice it: "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over" (Daniel 11:40). This is an end-time prophecy. It concerns the time we are living in right now, and it directly concerns these Middle Eastern nations. For almost 25 years we have identified the king of the south as a radical Islamist power led by Iran, and the king of the north as a German-led European power. This prophecy reveals that the Iranian-led power will push at Europe. It may be that this push could take place in the very area of Yemen or the Gulf of Aden. Notice what Michael Segall wrote for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs: "If the Shia rebels gain control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Iran can attain a foothold in this sensitive region, giving access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, a cause of concern not only for its sworn rivals Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Gulf states, but also for Israel and European countries along the Mediterranean. Arab commentators in the Gulf have warned in recent years about this Iranian push" (Nov. 3, 2014). While Arab commentators may have speculated about this Iranian push in recent years, we have warned about this push for almost a quarter century! Taking over Yemen puts Iran in an even stronger position to make this push. The following verses in Daniel reveal other nations that will align with Iran, the king of the south. Those mentioned include Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya (verses 42-43). These nations are all situated next to the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea. In April 2011, I wrote that these nations are "the key that unlocks the strategy of radical Islam. ... They are on the two seas that comprise the most important trade route in the world! Whoever heavily influences or controls Ethiopia will undoubtedly also control the small areas of Eritrea and Djibouti on the Red Sea coastline. These areas only recently became independent of Ethiopia. Also, I believe the Bible view is that these small areas are included as a part of Ethiopia." Recent reports also indicate that Iran has established itself in Eritrea. A January 27 Breitbart News report said Egyptian intelligence has found a secret Iranian base built "at the port of Assab in Eritrea on the Red Sea." Look at a map. Yemen is just a short 18 miles across the water to Eritrea, which was a part of Ethiopia until as recently as 1994. Controlling these nations could give Iran virtual control of the trade through these seas! As I wrote in 2011, "Radical Islam could stop the flow of essential oil to the U.S. and Europe." It is not far-fetched to envision Iran using its power to control the flow of oil out of the Middle East. The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, has threatened as much. And on January 17, the Iranian state-sponsored Tasnim News Agency published an article that said boldly: "Today, all the arteries of oil transport-from Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz-are under Iranian control, by means of Syria, Yemen and Bahrain, and within range of Iranian missiles" (translation memri). Iran is aggressively securing its foreign holdings along the Red Sea-and boasting about how it could use them! Yet the United States is apparently allowing Iran free course in an effort to win it over in nuclear negotiations. Many commentators recognize what this takeover in Yemen reveals about Iran's overarching strategy in the Middle East. Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer said this in an interview with Fox News: "Now, it's true that the Houthis are against al Qaeda, but the real issue is that the Houthis are a client of, supported by, and in some ways advised by Iran. And as you saw on the map, the Saudis are looking at the Iranians in the north, the Iranian allies-which is essentially Iraq, Syria and Lebanon on one side and Yemen now-to the south and west under Iranian dominance, and they are scared to death. That's why this is a double attack on us. It's the loss of an ally against al Qaeda, and it's a huge geopolitical gain for Iran, extending its influence over Arab states." He and others are sounding the alarm about Iran's growing hegemony in the Middle East. But what these analysts and commentators do not see is where this situation is ultimately leading. We need Bible prophecy for that. How It Will End Daniel 11:40 shows that as these events play out with Iran, the United States won't be a factor! It is Europe that Iran is going to push against. And it is Europe that will respond. A European superpower is rising on the scene that will have the boldness and the power to deal with Iran's pushing. Europe is very worried about what Iran just did in Yemen. And unlike America, this European power will act! Daniel 11:40 says Europe will come at Iran like a whirlwind. Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon says the Hebrew word for whirlwind is "used of the commotion of a storm or a tempest; to sweep away in a storm." Europe is going to throw everything it has at the Iranian-led radical Muslims and utterly defeat them! That drama all starts with a push from Iran. This is the same nation that is about to get the nuclear bomb. Iranian leaders and many of their people believe the 12th imam-their version of the Messiah-is about to return. They think his return can be hastened by creating violence and chaos. Several nations in this world have nuclear weapons-but only Iran has leaders who harbor such dangerous religious thinking! What will happen when they get nuclear weapons? What sort of nuclear chaos would they stir up if they thought it would cause their messiah to return? In the thrall of religious zealotry, they would not even care about their own destruction if they use a nuclear weapon! But who is going to stand up to Iran? If no one will stand up to it today, when it does not yet have nuclear bombs, who will stand up to it when it actually has the bomb? The Bible does reveal that finally, after being pushed too far, the European power will stand up to the king of the south. However, this prophecy about Yemen, the king of the north and the king of the south has a wonderful conclusion. Reading into chapter 12 of Daniel, which is still part of this prophetic vision, we see that this clash will lead to catastrophic world war-"a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time" (verse 1). Many other Bible prophecies talk about this period. Jesus Christ described it as "great tribulation" (Matthew 24:21). This is the dramatic climax of this age of man-and once it is over, God will begin to intervene in world affairs in a powerful way. Daniel 12:11 mentions an event toward the beginning of that "great tribulation," when "the abomination that maketh desolate [is] set up." Christ referred to this statement from Daniel in His famous Olivet prophecy (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). He revealed that this "abomination" is actually "Jerusalem compassed with armies"-armies that are about to destroy the Holy City! (Luke 21:20). Putting all the prophecies together shows that these are the European armies of the king of the north after they have conquered the king of the south. And notice the conclusion to Daniel 12:11: From the time that these armies are set up, "there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." Think about that! This prophecy reveals we are getting to a time where you can actually start counting days until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! These events in Yemen show that we are almost able to begin to count the days. It was all prophesied thousands of years ago, and now every bit of it is being fulfilled before your eyes. These events are going to end with Jesus Christ's return to Earth! Revolutionary Guard commander: Hezbollah more prepared than ever to attack Israel - Yasser Okbi & Maariv Hashavua - http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Revolutionary-Guard-commander-Hezbollah-more-prepared-than-ever-to-attack-Israel-484128
In an interview to a Kuwaiti newspaper, the Iranian official revealed that Hezbollah has recently inherited new missile factories from Iran and is training intensely to prepare for an attack. As US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both continue to apply pressure on Iran regarding its controversial, often-discussed nuclear capabilities, an assistant to a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed to Kuwaiti daily publication Al-Jarida that Hezbollah has raised its level of preparedness and is ready to launch a massive attack against Israel with lethal results. The Iranian commander explained that Iran has opened factories in Lebanon for the purpose of manufacturing long-range missiles as well as other munitions and has recently passed ownership of the factories to Hezbollah. Speaking exclusively to Al-Jarida, the Iranian official, who opted to remain anonymous, said that the decision to set up the factories in Lebanon was made due to "Israel's [alleged destruction] of munition factories in Sudan, as well as the damage caused to munition sources from Syria." Addressing the Shi'ite terror organization's repeated threat to launch rockets that could reach every part of the Jewish state, the official quoted Iranian Defense Minister Hoseein Dehghan who has recently heeded that Hezbollah was now capable of manufacturing rockets that could target every spot in Israel, from the very north to the southern border with Egypt. The official also revealed that a special faculty was opened at Imam Hossein University, which is owned by the Revolutionary Guard, where hundreds of Lebanese as well as foreign students are trained to manufacture rockets. Speaking about the new missile-manufacturing facilities, the Iranian source explained that the facilities were built some 50 meters deep and protected by several defense systems to fend off Israel's fighter jets in case of attack. The Iranian official added that the factories are able to manufacture rockets whose range reaches over 500 km. Among the new munitions already manufactured are surface-to-surface missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and drones carrying anti-tank missiles. The source also said that Hezbollah has already tested the new missiles successfully in the on-going front the Shi'ite terror organization is leading alongside President Bashar Assad in Syria. The Kuwaiti newspaper emphasized that by boasting its activity and development, Hezbollah is issuing yet again another threat against Israel, conveying the underlying message that even if Israel were to interfere with Iranian activity in Syria, Iran would still continue arming and aiding its Lebanese ally. This is not the first time the Kuwaiti newspaper discussed the Iranian and Lebanese threat looming over Israel. As recently as March 7, the newspaper wrote on its front page the American-Israeli joint plan to deal with the Iranian presence in Syria. And while Israeli officials do not seem to be deterred by the piling threats as well the news of the organization's ameliorated military capabilities, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nassrallah remains steadfast in his declarations that Hezbollah is ready to launch an attack against Israel. "I call on Israel not only to empty the ammonia tank in Haifa, but also to dismantle the nuclear reactor in Dimona. Our military capabilities will strike Israel and its settlements," he threatened as recently as February 2017. Nearing Midnight: Prophetic Movement - Terry James - http://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/
Bible prophecy is in motion with stage-setting for the wind-up of this present dispensation clearly in view. Manifestation of issues and events pointing to the end of the age isn't merely a sense among prophecy watchers that things are shaping for fulfillment. Hard news attests that Christ's return in the Rapture must be very near indeed. Israel is again moving to the center of the spotlight on the world stage. In a strange twist of geopolitical interaction, the Jewish state is reaching out to do diplomatic business with one of the chief antagonists Ezekiel the prophet foretold will lead an attack on God's chosen people. Not only is Russia being consulted in an effort to improve Israel's security, but another key enemy that will join Russia in the Gog-Magog assault is involved in the attempt at negotiation. Iran (Persia) is the primary antagonist of contention that Israel is asking Russia to influence so that the Israeli people will achieve an added degree of peace and safety. Israel hopes to reach "specific understandings" with Russia to prevent Iran from permanently setting up a base of operations in Syria against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet on Sunday. At the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu announced that he will be traveling to Moscow on Thursday for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the focus of the discussions will be on current efforts to put together new arrangements in Syria. Those efforts have taken place in recent weeks in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and Geneva. "With the framework of these arrangements, and even without them, there is an Iranian effort to become firmly established on a permanent basis, either through Syria, the presence of ground forces, or naval forces," Netanyahu said. He also said the Syrians are involved in a "gradual attempt to open up a front against us on the Golan Heights." The prime minister said that he will express Israel's fierce opposition to this in his discussions with Putin. "I hope that we can reach specific understandings in order to decrease possible friction between our forces and theirs, as we did successfully until now," Netanyahu said. (Source: "Benjamin Netanyahu to Urge Russia to say 'nyet' to Iranian Ops Near Israel Border," Israel News, Jerusalem Post, March 5, 2017) At the same time Israel is dealing with an enemy it apparently can't fully recognize, there is movement afoot to bring the Middle East to a potentially explosive point-even though well-meaning, potentially conflict-producing plans are going ahead to at some point soon move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. An official United States delegation led by Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is briefly visiting Israel on Saturday and Sunday to study the possibility of relocating the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The delegation is in Jerusalem to learn first hand what it will mean to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," said Ruth Lieberman, a friend of DeSantis and a political advisor in Israel. (Source: US delegation in Israel to study relocation of embassy to Jerusalem , Rapture Ready News March 5, 2017) The move, promised by Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, would almost certainly help bring to the forefront the "cup of trembling" prophetic scenario of Zechariah 12: 1-3. All the while things are setting up for Israel to play its phenomenal end-times role on the global stage, we get a glimpse here in our own nation of the coming time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). Headstones were found toppled in Brooklyn's Washington Cemetery on Sunday morning. It is the fourth in a rash of vandalism at US Jewish burial grounds. The cemetery is located in the Mapleton neighborhood, located between Borough Park and Bensonhurst... New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind tweeted photos of some of the downed headstones on Saturday night. He said he was alerted to the vandalism by the Boro Park Shomrim organization, a Jewish security patrol. It is not known who toppled the headstones or why. In 2010, some 200 headstones were toppled in the same cemetery, also over a Friday night and Saturday, when it is closed. (Source: Jerusalem Post, Reuters March 5, 2017) Antichrist will be the most virulent Jew-hater of all time, his rage against God's chosen people far surpassing that of Adolf Hitler and his murderous regime. Anti-Semitism is on the rise in America as well as in Europe and other places. Antichrist's platform of genocidal rage is being constructed! There is tremendous prophetic shifting taking place in every direction at this moment. We, as ambassadors for Christ, have been put here at this time and in our specific places in order to witness the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must make the greatest use of the time to present Christ to the world during this prophetic movement.
My Review of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Over the last 35 years, I have literally read hundreds of books on Bible Prophecy and End Time signs. I especially enjoy books on the Rapture, and I have read almost every Rapture-related book published. In all those years, devouring thousands of pages, and millions of words, I have not read a better book on the Rapture than, Rapture Ready...Or Not? Terry James might be physically blind, but he is spiritually sharp and well discerning beyond most authors. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Terry has nailed the pre-trib Rapture, and removed any doubt what so ever about the Church going through the Tribulation. With great insight and Godly discernment, Terry explains with simple, yet profound words, why and how that he has come to believe the ways he does about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the End Times scenario. I think after reading "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" you too will believe as Terry does, and be Ready for the Rapture like never before! - Randy Thomas - Publisher / Editor - Prophecy Update For more information and or to get your copy of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" use this link: http://www.raptureready.com/terry/book35.html As Jerusalem Jubilee Approaches, Knesset Seeks to 'Reclaim' Temple Mount - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/85006/time-jerusalem-jubilee-knesset-strengthens-state-connection-temple-mount/#JUR8FsDcK7d7dtHQ.99
"A Song of Ascents. They that trust in Hashem are as mount Tzion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever." Psalms 125:1 (The Israel Bible™) As Jerusalem's Jubilee celebration approaches, the Israeli parliament has, for the first time, proposed establishing a government body focused on strengthening the connection between the Jewish State and its holiest site: The Temple Mount. This move has generated anger among Palestinian politicians, who believed recent efforts by the UN to erase this Jewish connection were successful. In a move that has attracted the ire of the Palestinians, Culture Minister Miri Regev and Jerusalem Minister Ze'ev Elkin proposed a new foundation to promote the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount. A $550,00 yearly budget will be added to the already existing Western Wall Heritage Fund, establishing the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation. It will be responsible for "research, information and advocacy" about the Jewish connection to the site. Arab MKs attacked the proposal in the Knesset, claiming the site is holy exclusively to Islam. Ahmad Tibi of the Joint Arab List decried the foundation in the Knesset hearing, declaring, "The Al Aqsa Mosque and the Holy Sanctuary (The Dome of the Rock), and all of its surrounding land, are holy to Islam and they are all an Islamic Mosque. "That is how it has always been, and that is how it will remain, despite the conquest, and despite this new funding." MK Yehudah Glick (Likud), who has been advocating universal prayer at the site for many years, was enthusiastic. "After many long months, I am pleased that our efforts have finally produced fruit. This is a good time, and thank God it has finally arrived, albeit fifty years late (actually 2,000 years late). The Israeli government has recognized that the Temple Mount is our national site." The move comes as Israel is about to celebrate Jerusalem's Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of the IDF conquering the city in its entirety in the 1967 six day war. At a cabinet meeting last week, Regev unveiled the logo for the occasion, explaining its significance. "It tells the true story of Jerusalem," she said."The base of the digit 5 is a harp, reminiscent of David, King of Israel, who founded Jerusalem as our eternal capital 3,000 years ago. The head of the 5 is a lion - the symbol of the modern city of Jerusalem." She noted that some had criticized the logo's wording describing the event as the "liberation" of Jerusalem rather than its unification. "The fact that Jerusalem was liberated should be above all political dispute," Regev said to the ministers. "I am saddened that any Israeli, whether right or left, is bothered by this. "The Jewish nation's bonds to Jerusalem are perhaps the deepest there have ever been in history between a people and a city. If we are unable to tell ourselves that we have liberated Jerusalem from generations of foreign conquest, how can we complain against the rest of the world for not recognizing our intrinsic connections to the city?" Regev was referring to a series of UNESCO resolutions last summer which tried to erase any connection between Judaism and its most holy sites, renaming them in Arabic, while blaming Israel entirely for the conflict in the region. The Israeli government has not allowed Jews to pray on the Temple Mount since shortly after the Six Day War, when it gave control of access to the site to the Waqf (Muslim authority). According to the agreement between the government and the Waqf, Jews were permitted to visit the site for the first time since the destruction of the Temple, but were prohibited from praying. Daily Jot: Paul Ryan may have hoodwinked the wrong guy - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
There is a lot being written about how conservative support for the socialist healthcare replacement is falling apart. And well it should. The Congressional Budget Office has issued an analysis that 24 million people would be uninsured because they would drop out of healthcare. That, however, is not the reason House Speaker Paul Ryan's bill should be abandoned. Forced government healthcare is expensive, it doesn't provide good care, and it's socialism in a free market country. If it did pass, Americans should do what they are doing with the current fiasco-do not participate-and the result would be the same. It would die a slow death. Ryan may have guaranteed that anyway by hoodwinking the wrong guy. Breitbart News Network has published a fascinating exclusive story with Ryan saying in October that he will never defend Donald Trump, "not now or in the future." Ryan goes on a diatribe on a conference call with House Republican members about how he disinvited Trump from his district and would not be campaigning with him during the last 28 days of the campaign. This is significant because Ryan appeared to shift his allegiances after the election to become a Trump supporter. The first major legislative item up is repealing socialist healthcare and Ryan, according to Breitbart, misled President Trump into believing that the healthcare bill repealing the current system and that it would pass both Houses. Now Ryan is hustling conservative votes for a bill that essentially lies to the American people about repealing the ex "president's" socialist healthcare failure. He is using scare tactics saying that if this bill is not passed, the healthcare system will collapse. Well, isn't that what most of us want? We want free market healthcare for a free market nation. We don't want the government cyphering off valuable funds for big government waste that could be reducing healthcare costs in the free market. It seems that President Trump feels the same way, but he is now recognizing that Ryan tried to hoodwink him on both the bill's content and its ability to pass. Breitbart reported, "The President gave Ryan a chance," one source close to the President said. "If he doesn't get his act together soon, the President will have no choice but to step in and fix this on his own. He's the best negotiator on the planet, and if this were his bill not Ryan's it would not be this much of a mess." Trump is seeing how the "swamp" works. And Ryan is one of the clogs in the swamp's drain who tried to pull a fast one on the President. The Ryan healthcare bill needs to die a quick death and the President needs to get rid of socialist healthcare as promised. Proverbs 12:22 says, "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." Ryan's a liar and Trump's a dealer. Let's see how it plays out. Daily Devotion: Trust God's Timing - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9 Conversion can happen instantaneously. Some have a hard time believing that, especially when they hear of someone coming to faith who has committed a terrible crime. They may say, "Well, isn't that convenient? I doubt that person really has become a Christian." Maybe not. But then again, maybe so. Conversion can take place instantaneously in any life. It's worth noting that both criminals who were crucified with Jesus heard Him say, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). Yet one believed and one did not. That is the mystery of the gospel. One can hear the gospel proclaimed and say, "Yes, I believe that" and give his or her life to Christ. Another, hearing the same message, can be absolutely unmoved and continue in his or her sin. Interestingly, one criminal started correcting the other, who had said to Jesus, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us" (verse 39). The Bible says he "rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong'" (verses 40-41). Then he turned to Jesus and said, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (verse 42). Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Here was this man facing eternal separation from God, and he was crucified next to God incarnate, who pardoned him on the spot, absolved him of all sin, and was ready to take him into paradise with Him. God desires for people to come to faith, but He also has His timing. I don't know when that time is. But we have to leave it in the hands of God. FROM THE HEART
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