Prophecy Update Newsletter
June 6, 2017
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Beasts of Revelation 13 - by Pastor Mike Taylor - http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-beasts-of-revelation-13.html
1"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." (Revelation 13:1-2) For centuries what comprise the True Church of the Living God, mankind has wondered who and what would be the beast found in Revelation chapter 13. Many have hypothesized the identity of the dreadful beast that rises out of the sea. I have myself, explored possible scenarios and possible candidates apart from the popular views of evangelical Christianity, as it is shrouded in mystery, but as we draw closer to the time of the end of days of man's rule upon this earth, the details draw more and more clear. In the past, I have made references to three possible candidates, that being the pope in Rome, the 12th Imam of Islam, and the President of the USA, as we just got through with the apostate Obama and replaced him with someone, (we pray) will bring us out of the debauchery that this country is drowning in right now. But let us take a journey in exploring this chapter and make some statements that may come to pass, or may not, as only God knows the end result. We just stay focused on God's Word and keep our hearts and minds in tune with His Holy Spirit. In the first verses, noted above we see a beast rise out of the sea. This beast is similar to the dragon that was mentioned in Revelation chapter 12. They both have "seven heads and ten horns" as noted again in Revelation chapter 17. The bible identifies seven consecutive world powers, or earthly governments that Satan used to persecute God's Church, His faithful church not necessarily the ruling church of the Middle Ages. The dragon is Satan working through pagan religions, the occult and spiritualism, while the beast symbolizes Satan working in disguise, using the corrupted Christian church to do his work. In verse 5 we see that the beast continues "forty and two months" . This is the exact number of years if you convert those months into years of 1260 years that Papal Rome had dominion over the whole known world. In verse 7, it makes "war with the saints" persecuting Christ's true followers who struggled to maintain the truth of God's Word. This beast is none other than the Papal Church system that ruled with terror for all those years. It arose as predicted amongst the populated European nations, symbolized by "the sea" and the "ten horns". But note that Papal authority has since diminished from the time of her dominance, but she will rise again. Prophecy has an inerrant ability to repeat itself in a duality of events during these last days. Papal Rome ruled with an iron fist from 538 AD-1798 as noted in Verse 2 of this chapter. WHO IS THE BEAST? This beast has the characteristics of a leopard, a bear and a lion, the same beast powers mentioned in Daniel chp. 7 being the leopard of Greece, the bear of Medo-Persia and the lion for Babylon. This beast represents the Papacy, the same religious-political power portrayed by the little horn of Daniel 7. The dragon gave the beast "his power, and his seats, and great authority". Pagan Rome gave all these things to Papal Rome, and a pagan "christian" institution of the time, had the means to persecute and destroy God's faithful people for hundreds of years to over a thousand years. 3 "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 17:3-4) In 1798, the French General Berthier under the commands of Napoleon took the Pope prisoner and attempted to completely eliminate the Papacy as an institution. It seems to the world that the Papacy was "wounded to death." However, the prophecy says that the wound "was healed." In 1929 the Papacy regained its civil power with the creation of the Vatican State, and the wound began to heal. At some point in the near future the Roman Catholic Church system will completely recover her former glory and will have more power and prominence than ever before. "And the entire world wondered after the beast." See also vs. 8. Note that even as I type this message, the Roman Pope Francis wields much political power, that even leaders, prime ministers, and presidents give this man great audience to influence their decisions on what we call the "New World Order" He started it in the United Nations with Sustainable Development and Agenda 2030, which will govern and control every man, woman and child on this planet to do their bidding. It will be total control and even population management that will be genocide of useless people who do not contribute in their mind to the New World Order. That is the focus of the NWO, to depopulate the earth to a "sustainable level" and if millions, or even billions die, then it for the "good of the planet". Only recently, has our USA President had the courage to go against this nefarious scheme to the outrage of the NWO proponents. For how long will it last? It seems the world is against putting America first, but our POTUS is trying to change what was nearly destroyed by the last Dictator in Chief, who can't stand that his legacy is in peril. The liberal "lame stream media" and the liberal democrats in Washington DC are in survival mode and may resort to acts of treason and violence to preserve their dream of a One World Government. 5"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Revelation 13:5-7) Note that the characteristics of this beast parallel very closely the ones in Daniel 7:20-21, 25 and 8:10-12. Have we ever seen a time in our recent history where a leader of a religious-political institution has been blatant with changing or contradicting the clear Words found in our Bibles. Pope "Francis" has been about political shenanigans and using his office to draw all religions into a One World Religion and changing even the moral and spiritual definitions of being a Christian as has never been done before in our modern era. Clearly his goal is a New World Order with the RCC at its center for power and control. Pope Francis is actively courting all religions of Protestantism, Islam, or any other "-ism" and trying to bring them "Home to the Mother Church". 8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear." (Revelation 13:8-9) In the last days, nearly the whole world, those "whose names are not written in the book of life," with "worship" this beast. The day is coming soon when the majority of humankind will obey a few supporting the authority of the Papacy above the commands of God, and will thus worship the beast. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's "Book of Life" will stay true to God. This book records the names of all the saved from every generation of Earth's history. Revelation 20:12, 15. It will be a daily test of their faith and endurance to stay true to their calling by God's Holy Spirit. It will not be like it was in the Church Age, when those who embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior were given a deposit, a sealing of God's Holy Spirit of their future glorification. No, they must guard it daily and not be deceived, as the delusions that God will send them to cause them to be damned will be strong because of their lust of the flesh and demonic powers will have full sway over most of humanity left after the Church is "snatched" from this earth. 10 "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." (Revelation 13:10) This verse prophecy was fulfilled when the Pope was taken into captivity and received a deadly wound, as Napoleon sought to destroy the Papacy. How did this happen? If you look at history and note what I just told you that in 1929, the deadly wound that was inflicted by Napoleon's army in 1798 began to heal. The Roman Catholic Church has had to change her image from a wolf, to a a lamb that wouldn't hurt anyone. But I submit, she is a wolf in sheep's clothing and when the time is right, she will expose herself and reveal her true nature. THE POSSIBLE IDENTITY OF THE SECOND BEAST. 11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."(Revelation 13:11-15) Thus begins the part of the chapter that gives me the most distress, as this describes another beast coming up out of the earth. She begins as a lamb, but is transformed into speaking as a dragon. The identity of this beast, could be, and I emphasize, COULD BE, the United States of America. Are you shocked? I know I am, but let us talk about the reasons that I say that the USA COULD BE this second beast. REASONS TO BELIEVE SHE IS THE USA First off, the USA came to power about 1798, just as the Papacy is going into captivity and receives her deadly wound. The USA declared her independence in July 4th, 1776, and by 1790 has ratified her Constitution, with it's Bill of Rights, and was coming up as a "youthful nation" and was quickly drawn into the political arena and today is the lone Superpower on earth. Many are challenging her, and the forces to depose her are all around, but she remains a power to be reckoned with. Second, The "sea" represents "multitudes and nations." Revelation 17:15. The beasts that arise from the sea usually do so amid the strife of war. By contrast, this one comes "out of the earth," representing a relatively peaceful emergence in a comparatively unpopulated area. This is exactly the manner in which The United States came to power. We are called a great melting pot, that has nearly every nationality and race represented within her borders. So we abound in "multitudes and nations" that are represented in our states. Third, this beast that has "two horns like a lamb" depicts and represents a nation of youth, innocence, and gentleness, which is based on our God given principles of liberty in religious and civil affairs. ("For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"). At its beginnings, the USA had the strength to form a government based on the principles found within the Ten Commandments. Republicanism and Protestantism were the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. It is strong because the government and the church are separate, without one controlling the other. She has put her faith in Almighty God in the past, but that is eroding with each passing day, as the nation is in upheaval, as she is being stressed from within. Fourth, it is noteworthy to note that this beast does not have any crowns. She has been a servant of the people, and has not ruled over them, but they control her. Hence our democratic principles of voting those to represent your interest. The USA has never had a king to rule over government, or a pope to rule over the religious freedoms of its citizens, which allowed freedom of worship and expression. To this point we have kept religion and the state separate, as we disdained a religious theocracy, as was found in Papal Europe. Fifth, in order to rule the world, the Papacy had to have sway over a standing army. To influence and order a national army to do it's bidding, on pain of excommunication in the past, so she must have a superpower to enforce her edicts of religious authority even today. To force anyone to worship the beast or its image, it must be a power that would enforce, on pain of death, the desires of the Papacy. This beast will speak "as a dragon" and exercise "all the power of the first beast before him." The "first beast," as an agent of the dragon, used its "power" in state affairs to enforce religious laws, resulting in the persecution of the "heretics" who would not submit. For America to do this and "give life unto the image of the beast" it would have to abandon the principles of religious freedom, repudiate the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and discard the fundamental beliefs that have made this great nation what it is. When America uses its power to enforce religious laws and persuades other governments to do the same, it creates an "image of the beast" and it gives life, reflecting the intolerance and persecutions of the medieval Papal Church. Right now, Christians in American prayed for a reprieve from the debauchery from the "idiot in chief" that left office in January of 2017, but how long will that reprieve holdup? The forces of darkness are rearing their heads and doing all in their power to thwart any "draining of the swamp" which is the liberal base in Washington DC. What will be their attempt to hasten the NWO they so desperately want and envision? Only God knows what lengths they will go to, to realize their "utopian" idea of man's rule on earth. I fear, in the near future, that the next administration will speak like a dragon and impose religious laws enforcing the worship of the first beast, Papal Rome. Protestants in America that represent part of the apostate church system will reject God's law, and His power will be withdrawn from the churches and His protection from the nation. Society will become increasingly evil and violent, and at the same time the judgements of God will descend on the United States and on the world. Instead of embracing repentance and inward heart change, Protestant America will demand that the government enforce religious laws to "bring this nation back to God." or at least the deceived idea of what "returning to God" is even about. There will be some type of religious edict that will force all who worship the "beast" of Papal Rome to take a mark of loyalty, either in their right hand or their forehead. 6 "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," (2nd Thessalonians 2:6-9) The United States will deceive the world into making "an image of the first beast" through the use of "great wonders" and "miracles." In Revelation 19:20 this beast is called "the false prophet," and in Revelation 16:13, 14 he is said to work these miracles through "the spirits of devils." Matthew 14:23-27 indicates that false Christ will add such strength to those deceptions as to make them very nearly overpowering; 2 Corinthians 11:14 adds that Satan himself is capable of masquerading as "an angel of light." 16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." (Revelation 13:16-18) Now the identity of the coming Anti-Christ has not been revealed. It is conjecture, even on my part to name the man, as I believe we will never know for sure, as the church, the True Church of the Living God, will not be on earth when he is revealed, but let me share something with you that many of you may or may not know that gives "hint" of who the man is. The mark of the coming Beast power and its dictator, the Anti-Christ, will require a mark as mentioned on each person's body, either in the forehead and in their right hand. It's not so much as a economic sign, as it is sure that, for without it, you can't participate in the economy, whatever form it is in that sad time called the Tribulation. But what it is more importantly, it's a sign of worship, of allegiance to the supreme ruler of your lives. The man will reveal himself at the mid-point of the Tribulation, and the nation of Israel will know that the treaty they signed with him 3.5 years ago, was a pact with the devil. But of this mark, a mark of worship...God's seal is His name, character and law written in His people's hearts and minds and is seen in His laws which are found in your Bible. Those laws, and the sacrifice of His only Son, identifies who our God is, and who created each of us. Those who resist the mark of the beast are those who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." and will not bow the knee or worship at the first church of the Anti-Christ, or the church of Satan. But what is the significance of the number 666? I believe we know that the beast, whose number this is, may symbolize the Roman Papacy, and that it's "the number of a man." One of the pope's titles is said to be Vicarius Filii Dei, "Vicar of the Son of God." In Latin, the language of Catholicism, some of the letters double as numbers, and the numerical value of Vicarius Filii Dei adds up to 666, and a great many Bible scholars believe that this is how 666 is to be interpreted. Am I saying the Pope is the Anti-Christ? He very well may be and he may not. As I said, we won't know for sure. But believe you me, the RCC will be at the table of power in the last days and she will reclaim her position of power to even a greater degree than what she had in the Middle Ages of her 1260 years of ruling over mankind. Problem for her is, it will be a small, temporary rule that will find her either destroyed by the Anti-Christ if she be only the False Prophet, or be destroyed by Jesus Christ, our Living God when He comes to set up His reign and rule for a 1000 years. 16, "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17, For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:16-18) These verses would identify the False Prophet along with its Harlot Church as being destroyed by the Anti-Christ. But what if the Pope is the AC himself? He will destroy all religions, including the Roman Catholic Church in favor of worship of himself. Remember what Paul wrote in 2nd Thessalonians? 4 "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2nd Thessalonians 2:4) IF THE POPE is the AC, then he will destroy all religions in favor of worship of himself, as Satan desires worship, as he has entered the man. " For you have said in your heart: "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14) CONCLUSION AND FINAL THOUGHTS So there you have it, my reader. My hypothesis of what may happen in the last days coming very soon. I pray those found in Jesus Christ will not witness one iota of the coming carnage that will transpire on this earth when the lawless one is revealed. I am believing that the Roman Catholic Pope will either be the false prophet promoting a false religion to worship of the RCC with the USA as the state army to enforce his will. OR be the Anti-Christ himself and will destroy the Roman church in favor of worship of himself. And this man will be destroyed by Jesus Christ Himself, as His coming to rule and reign for a 1000 years by the brightness of His coming. 8 "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2nd Thessalonians 2:8-10) The analogy of the coming One World Church with the RCC as receiving all worship towards her, and the USA as its enforcer, will be on the scale of when Charlemagne was enforcer of Papal Rome in the Middle Ages. It will be as it was then. To have this even take place, one other event must happen first. 6 "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." (2nd Thessalonians 2:6-7) Understand, my reader, this could happen at any given moment. As I've mentioned in the past, I will be acutely aware and listening for a trumpet this coming fall, or the next fall, or the next, as that is the Feast of Trumpets which is the next chronological order of the Feast of God that He has fulfilled to the letter in the past...I have covered this extensively in the past, so if you missed it, then it's on my blog for the interested reader. As you should know, if you read any of my past messages, the personal pronoun in the verses directly above points to a only ONE power that has the ability to withhold evil in this world, and that is God's Holy Spirit. And since God told us He would never leave us or forsake us, when God's Holy Spirit is removed, so shall His church and all who dwell in Her....in an instant. 51 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1st Corinthians 15:51-55) Time is fast running out for those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to the "ark of safety" when the Tribulation comes upon the earth. Those who miss receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, will be thrust headlong into a time that words cannot justify the horror that will be experienced by those who miss the greatest event this side of Jesus resurrection. Some call is the "Rapture'...called harpazo in the Epistles of Paul, and identified as a snatching away, by force of those who are taken. It will happen in a flash. Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell upon the earth during that time, as they will see tribulation so great that no flesh would be saved, if Jesus did not shorten the time. It will be that that much destruction and carnage of all life on this planet. Don't make that mistake and think you have all the time in the world. Your time could run out in the next few seconds. 16"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17, God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him, might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) And as it is written, if you desire to be with Jesus Christ, the above verses and the ones below will lead you to a prayer of repentance. 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9) Receive Jesus our Lord, today and be filled with God's Holy Spirit and a guarantee you will not see what I have just described... This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying you make that decision for Jesus Christ right now... if you need prayer, counseling, or just a friendly, listening ear, email me at [email protected], .So come Lord Jesus..God bless you all. TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET 
UN Chief Calls for End to Israeli 'Occupation' on 50th Anniversary of Six-Day War
- https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/89154/un-chief-calls-end-israeli-occupation-50th-anniversary-six-day-war/#EBMpQ5yuqCJVLVLS.97 "O God, the proud are risen up against me, and the company of violent men have sought after my soul, and have not set Thee before them." Psalms 86:14 (The Israel Bible™) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern with Israel's "occupation" in the disputed territories on the Gregorian calendar's 50th anniversary of the start of the Six-Day War, which saw Israel take control over eastern Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from June 5-10. Guterres, who has previously slammed critics of Israel as anti-Semites and reaffirmed Jerusalem's Jewish roots, shifted gears by saying the Israeli "occupation" sends "an unmistakable message to generations of Palestinians that their dream of statehood is destined to remain just that, a dream; and to Israelis that their desire for peace, security and regional recognition remains unattainable." The U.N. leader said only a two-state solution would "achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." "Now is the time to return to direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues on the basis of relevant U.N. resolutions, agreements and international law," Guterres said. He blamed Israel's "continued settlement construction," as well as the Palestinians' "violence and incitement" and "illicit arms buildup and militant activity in Gaza," for advancing "a one-state reality that is incompatible with realizing the legitimate national and historic aspirations of both peoples." The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) criticized Guterres's "incomplete and misleading" comments, saying the Six-Day War anniversary "cannot be viewed in a vacuum." "It is grossly misleading to examine only the enduring effects of the war while ignoring the context in which the war took place-the belligerence of the Arab states in the spring of 1967, and the silence of the international community in the face of these threats and its failure to ensure the rights to free passage of international waterways," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. The Six-Day War's Hebrew calendar anniversary, including Israel's annual celebration of its reunification of Jerusalem, had been marked May 23-24. 
The Lessons And Consequences Of The Six-Day War - David Harris - http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=1288
When you mention history, it can trigger a roll of the eyes. Add the Middle East to the equation, and folks might start running for the hills, unwilling to get caught up in the seemingly bottomless pit of details and disputes. But without an understanding of what happened in the past, it's impossible to grasp where we are today; and where we are has profound relevance for the region and the world. Fifty years ago this month, the Six-Day War broke out. While some wars fade into obscurity, this one remains as relevant today as it was in 1967. Many of its core issues remain unresolved. Politicians, diplomats and journalists continue to grapple with the consequences of that war, but rarely consider, or perhaps are even unaware of, the context. Yet without context, some critically important things may not make sense. First, in June 1967, there was no state of Palestine. It didn't exist and never had. Its creation, proposed by the UN in 1947, was rejected by the Arab world because it also meant the establishment of a Jewish state next to it. Second, the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem were in Jordanian hands. Violating solemn agreements, Jordan denied Jews access to their holiest places in eastern Jerusalem. To make matters still worse, they desecrated and destroyed many of those sites. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip was under Egyptian control, with harsh military rule imposed on local residents. And the Golan Heights, which were regularly used to shell Israeli communities far below, belonged to Syria. Third, the Arab world could have created a Palestinian state in the West Bank, eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. They didn't. There wasn't even a discussion about it. And Arab leaders, who today profess such attachment to eastern Jerusalem, rarely, if ever, visited there. It was viewed as an Arab backwater. Fourth, the 1967 boundary at the time of the war, so much in the news these days, was nothing more than an armistice line dating back to 1949 -- familiarly known as the Green Line. That was after five Arab armies attacked Israel in 1948, with the aim of destroying the embryonic Jewish state. They failed. Armistice lines were drawn, but they weren't formal borders. They couldn't be. The Arab world, even in defeat, refused to recognize Israel's very right to exist. Fifth, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which supported the war effort, was established in 1964 -- three years before the conflict erupted. That's important because the PLO was created with the goal of obliterating Israel. Remember that in 1964, the only "settlements" were Israel itself. Sixth, in the weeks leading up to the Six-Day War, Egyptian and Syrian leaders repeatedly declared that war was coming, and that their objective was to wipe Israel off the map. There was no ambiguity. Twenty-two years after the Holocaust, another enemy spoke about the extermination of Jews. The record is well-documented. The record is equally clear that Israel, in the days leading up to the war, passed messages to Jordan, via the United Nations and United States, urging Amman to stay out of any pending conflict. Jordan's King Hussein ignored the Israeli plea and tied his fate to Egypt and Syria. His forces were defeated by Israel, and he lost control of the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. He later acknowledged that he had made a terrible error in entering the war. Seventh, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser demanded that UN peacekeeping forces in the area, who had been put in place to prevent conflict, be removed. Shamefully, without even the courtesy of consulting Israel, the UN complied. That left no buffer between the Arab armies being mobilized and deployed and Israeli forces in a country one-fiftieth, or two percent, the size of Egypt -- and just nine miles wide at its narrowest point. Eighth, Egypt blocked Israeli shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Israel's only maritime access to trading routes with Asia and Africa. This step was understandably regarded as an act of war by Jerusalem. The United States spoke about joining with other countries to break the blockade, but, in the end, regrettably, the US did not act. Ninth, France, which had been Israel's principal arms supplier, announced a ban on the sale of weapons to Jerusalem on the eve of the June war. That left Israel in potentially grave danger if a war were to drag on and require the resupply of arms. It was not until the next year that the US stepped into the breach, and sold vital weapons systems to Israel. And finally, after winning its war of self-defense, Israel hoped that its newly-acquired territories, seized from Egypt, Jordan and Syria, would be the basis for a land-for-peace accord. Feelers were sent out. The formal response came on September 1, 1967, when the Arab Summit Conference famously declared in Khartoum: "No peace, no recognition, no negotiations" with Israel. More "no's" were to follow. Underscoring the point, in 2003, the Saudi ambassador to the US was quoted in the New Yorker as saying: "It broke my heart that [PLO Chair Yasser] Arafat did not take the offer (of a two-state deal presented by Israel, with American support, in 2001). Since 1948, every time we've had something on the table, we say no. Then we say yes. When we say yes, it's not on the table anymore. Then we have to deal with something less. Isn't it about time to say yes?" Today, there are those who wish to rewrite history. They want the world to believe that there was once a Palestinian state. There was not. They want the world to believe that there were fixed borders between that state and Israel. In fact, there was only an armistice line between Israel and the Jordanian-controlled West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. They want the world to believe that the 1967 war was a bellicose act by Israel. But it was an act of self-defense in the face of blood-curdling threats to vanquish the Jewish state, not to mention the maritime blockade of the Straits of Tiran, the abrupt withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces and the redeployment of Egyptian and Syrian troops. All wars have consequences. This one was no exception. But the aggressors have failed to take responsibility for the actions they instigated. Instead, they want the world to believe that post-1967 Israeli settlement-building is the key obstacle to peacemaking. The Six-Day War is proof positive that the core issue is, and always has been, whether the Palestinians and larger Arab world accept the Jewish people's right to a state of their own. If so, all other contentious issues, however difficult, have possible solutions. But, alas, if not, all bets are off. Finally, Israel's enemies want the world to believe that the Arab world have nothing against Jews per se, only Israel -- yet they trampled, with abandon, on the Jewish people's sacred sites when they had control of them. In other words, when it comes to the Arab-Israeli conflict, dismissing the past as if it were a minor irritant at best, and irrelevant at worst, won't work. Can history move forward? Absolutely. Israel's peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 powerfully prove the point. At the same time, though, the lessons of the Six-Day War illustrate just how tough and tortuous the path can be -- and are sobering reminders that, yes, history does matter. Nearing Midnight: Restrainer Working Overtime - Terry James - http://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/
Over the past year, I have received email castigating me for writing on politics and matters surrounding government and things of the world. The main irritation with me seems to come from those who believe I'm paying too much attention to this world and not thinking enough on the spiritual. That is, I should, in their opinion, drop supporting one political position or the other and just dwell on strictly biblical/spiritual issues-no politics or support for politicians. That I should support and dwell on only what God's Word has to say about the end times is foundational to these critics' primary exhortation. Problem is, the two are not mutually exclusive to my way of thinking. Politics and the machinations of politicians these days are, in my estimation, linked to Bible prophecy in ways I cannot ignore. To do so would be to neglect the watchman commission I believe I've been given. It is thus with this admission to you that I begin yet another rant-as my critics would have it-on what is going on in the political world as connected to the spiritual. I make no apologies that I come down on one side of the issue that I wish to address. Actually, the "rant" involves a number of issues under the wider problem of the evil that pervades our nation's capitol and other power centers here and abroad. Satan has always worked, and continues to do so, in the power centers of the world. His record of success can't be denied for the most part. Every man-made government that has ever existed has harbored evil at every level. The fallen one has brought every empire to destruction in one way or the other through his seduction and deception. The masses of people under the various regimes throughout history have suffered by the billions. They have died by the multiplied millions. Purists among the scholars who observe the rise and fall of great nations and empires would, if they are biblical in their analysis, say God brings those entities down. But, it is Satan who has led them-and continues to do so-to their demise as they get farther and farther away from God in comportment. In getting back to my dwelling on present political realities and the media and politicians who have created this incendiary atmosphere of hatred for America's current president, I would like to offer the following. As stated above, Lucifer the fallen one has managed through corruption, seduction, and every other way of his evil methodologies to bring down great nations and even empires. Anyone who has the good sensibility to admit the in-our-faces truth of things going on in opposition to President Donald Trump can testify to the hatred at its center. Washington, D.C., is the greatest power center, perhaps, of all of history. The evil doings there are staggering. I find myself agreeing with the president's words when he said recently that no president has been subjected to the degree of hateful treatment to which he has been subjected. Not even Richard Nixon had media so blatantly arrayed against him during the time of Watergate. It is an assault of unprecedented virulence we are witnessing. It is going to get much worse, and I've pointed out before why that is the case. Satan's plan to install a one-world order has been disrupted. He is as determined as ever to put his man-the son of perdition-into power. The American electorate voted the anti-globalist Mr. Trump into office, and the end-times war began in earnest. The minions, both demonic and human, are looking for any crime and anything else that might rise to the level of impeachable offense so that they can carry out another Watergate-type coup-d'état. Short of that, they obviously intend to keep the vitriol flowing, even if there is no offense to be found. They have proven capable of creating charges-lies, out of whole cloth. Trump's election has brought on the observable manifestation of a specific end-times signal. The Restrainer, I am convinced, can almost visibly be seen going about His office of holding back the evil onslaught. The Restrainer and His work in this Age of Grace (Church Age) are explained by my good friend, Ron Graham, in an excellent article posted a couple of years ago. Ron, before he died in 2013, partially wrote the following, and his wife, Nathele, completed it in 2015. The article is in relationship to prophecy Paul the apostle gave in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2. "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The Greek word translated into English for "letteth" is katechō and the definition of this Greek word is somewhat different than the definition of our English word "let," which means "to allow or permit." The Greek word is actually just the opposite; it means "to restrain, to hold back, detain, retain." What we must ask ourselves is "Who is the 'He' that Paul is referring to in this verse?" First of all we find the apostle referring to the "who now letteth" as a "He" and secondly that this "He" is currently holding back a flood of wickedness which is straining at the bit to be loosed. Who could be so powerful to be able to hold back worldwide wickedness but the Holy Spirit? ("Restrainer," by Ron and Nathele Graham, raptureready.com, 2015) One, if spiritually attuned to the current political climate, senses the constant surge of anger and hatred trying to excise the president from office. This will not happen so long as God the Holy Spirit says otherwise. Christians must pray as diligently as when praying before the 2016 election that the Restrainer continues to hold back the evil that is intended to bring about the installation of human history's final dictator. (And, yes...I've gotten the notes that say those writing them think Donald Trump could be that man-a thing his actions thus far refute in my view.) Soon, Christ will call His Church to Himself. The Restrainer will at the same time remove from acting on the consciences of mankind. Meanwhile-thankfully-He is working overtime. Isaiah 35:1 Prophecy Coming to Pass-Are We on the Brink of Jesus' Return? - Kelly McDonald Jr. - http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/standing-with-israel/65331-isaiah-35-1-prophecy-coming-to-pass-mdash-are-we-on-the-brink-of-jesus-return
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose" (Is. 35:1). Isaiah 35 is a chapter that describes the public return of Jesus. When He returns in glory, the deserts will begin to bloom. Interestingly enough, this prophecy is beginning to happen in our time. The Hebrew word translated as desert in Isaiah 35:1 is arabah or aravah. While it is a generic word that can refer to a desert place, it is also a specific word referring to a desert valley in Israel. When Israel first gained independence in 1948, the Arava was a barren place. Very few people wanted to live there. As of 2017, 14,000 people live in this area, which is approximately 108 miles long. Over the years, Israel has developed remarkable irrigation techniques. These practices have turned the former desert valley into a prosperous source of agricultural production. A recent report stated that the Arava produces over one-half of Israel's agricultural exports, which includes crops such as squash, dates and strawberries. They are also growing flowers! When we study prophecy, there are events that occur leading up to the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. God prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and a time of captivity for the nation of Judah (2 Kin. 21:7-15). Nebuchadnezzar took at least one group of people to Babylon before the final destruction and captivity in 586 BC (see 2 Kin. 24:1-12, 2 Kin. 25). As we look at the amazing progress of God's people in the desert, we are reminded of God's promise in Isaiah 35. It is a promise that will be brought to fulfillment at the return of Jesus to rule and reign. This is a tremendous sign of the end. The Spirit and the Bride say come! Daily Jot: Extraordinary Middle East prophetic developments
- Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The London Islamic terrorist attacks and wrestling with the thought of how such an atrocity could happen when many of the attackers previously had been identified, has overshadowed prophetic developments in the Middle East to which we should be paying close attention. The gathering together in Syria of many of the nations involved in the Ezekiel 38 prophecy about a colossal end time battle points to important prophetic implications found in the Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 8 prophecies where two current opposing powers, Iran (Persia) and Turkey (Magog), are facing one another. A close reading and study of the Biblical text shows how these prophecies are related and that, contrary to traditional teachings, both remain unfulfilled. Daniel Chapter 8 describes how a ram with two horns charged toward the west, north and south and did as it pleased. Then a goat with a prominent horn came from the west and attacked the ram, shattering its two horns. The goat then became very powerful, but at the height of its power its horn was broken off. Then it grew four horns, and out of them came a small horn that grew in power. Many scholars have interpreted this prophecy as fulfilled when Alexander the Great conquered Media-Persia and his empire was divided into four parts after his death. This is not, however, how Gabriel interpreted Daniel's vision in the text. Gabriel's interpretation, a contextual misinterpretation of the word "Grecia" in the passage, and current events in the Middle East are key ingredients to the possible unfolding of prophecy. In Daniel 8:19, Gabriel says, "Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which you saw having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia." Strong's Concordance interprets the word "Grecia" in Hebrew as "Yavan, a son of Japheth (the third son of Noah)," his descendants and their land. The Genesis 10 table of nations indicates this area was not only Greece (as Bible interpretations imply), but also the Eastern Mediterranean, including key parts of today's Turkey. Other sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Tubal, Meshek, and Tiras-many settled in ancient areas of Turkey which are mentioned in Ezekiel 38. Gabriel's interpretation of Daniel's vision of "what shall be in the last end" and "for at the time appointed the end shall be" is clearly an end-time prophecy, which was not fulfilled by Alexander the Great and his generals as is widely taught. These events are yet to occur for the little horn to rise to power. Currently, Iran has control over much of Iraq and Syria. Turkey is counterbalancing that control through ISIS and pressure from its allies, including the US and European Union. Turkey "President," Recep Tayyip Erdogan, recently attained dictatorship-level authority and made it clear that he seeks to be the leader of the Islamic world. For Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 8 to be fulfilled, Turkey and Iran must come into alignment. We may be seeing this playing out as these nations and their proxies face one another in Syria. 
Daily Devotion: God's Primary Way to Reach People
- Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13 Cornelius was a centurion living in Caesarea, a Roman colony outpost in the land of Israel. A centurion was a Roman officer who commanded a group of one hundred soldiers, and only certain men were qualified for this. The Roman historian Polybius described centurions as natural leaders known for their steadiness and dependability on the field of battle. Cornelius was such a man. He was disciplined, responsible, and courageous. He also would have been taught to worship the gods of Rome, mostly taken from Greece, which Rome had conquered. Cornelius even would have been taught to worship Caesar as God. Being around Jewish people, Cornelius may have thought, "I believe they are worshiping the true God." He gave money to the poor and prayed to the God of Israel. Even though Cornelius was a non-Jew, he called out to God. And because Cornelius was truly seeking God, God sent an angel who instructed him to send for Peter, who would give him the answer to his question. But why didn't that angel simply cut to the chase and share the gospel with Cornelius? It is because the job of angels is not to preach the gospel; it is to do their work, the bidding of the Lord, behind the scenes. The primary way God reaches people is through people. As Romans 10:14 says, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Peter was the man whom God wanted to use to reach Cornelius. So Peter preached, Cornelius came to faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all those who listened to Peter, and the gospel came to the Gentile world. 
FROM THE HEART
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