Ping to read later
Posted on 06/22/2013 7:04:38 AM PDT by kindred
When the Rapture of the Church finally takes place - in which Almighty God the Son calls out His body (saints and ambassadors) - it (The Rapture) will be a wondrous sign unto the apostate western world more so than a sign unto the whole world. For all had better be prepared, for Almighty God's "Day of Wrath" is now at hand (2 Thess. 2:3-12)!
All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pangs) Matt. 24:8. The official commencement of this horrific seven year period will be the breaking of the 1st seal (i.e., the "Confirming of the Covenant" - Dan. 9:27) by Almighty God’s Lamb (i.e., The Lord Jesus Christ) in Heaven (Rev. 6:1). It is at this precise moment that the man of lawlessness (i.e., the anti-Christ) will be revealed unto the entire world (2 Thess. 2: 3-12; Rev. 6:2). This revealing of the Anti-Christ and the commencement of this seven year tribulation period will begin when this man (i.e., the Anti-Christ) adds his position of great power and authority to a covenant with Israel on the behalf of Israel’s defeated enemies (Ezek. 38:8,11-12, Dan. 9: 27). Israel will sign this covenant from a position of strength, not weakness (Ezek 38: 8). Israel will then have rest and dwell in their land in safety because they have eradicated their border enemies (Ezek. 38:8,11-12, Rev. 11:3-7). This position of power does not mean that Israel's heart is right with Almighty God, for it will not be (Ezek, 39:26, Rev. 11:8). Israel at this time will also have the super natural protection of Almighty God’s two witnesses (Moses and Elijah) who possess Almighty God's Divine authority and are extremely more powerful and than the anti - Christ and his global confederacies (Rev. 11:3-6).
This revealing of the Anti-Christ and the commencement of this seven year tribulation period will begin when this man (i.e., the Anti-Christ) adds his position of great power and authority to a covenant with Israel on the behalf of Israel’s defeated enemies.
These two lamp stands of Almighty God (Moses and Elijah) will preach salvation in Jesus Messiah, re- institute the temple, its sacrifices and its priesthood. They will preach repentance and testify to ALL that the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. These two will then prepare the remnant of believing Jews and a chosen 144,000 Jewish men - from the 12 tribes of Israel - (Matt. 24:14, Rev. 7:4-8, 11:13) for their global ministry unto ALL of the nations of the earth and their Messiah’s glorious and imminent return and Kingdom. It will be at this time -the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period - that the WORLD will seek every and any opportunity to root out and destroy these two Divinely appointed vessels of Almighty God... all to no avail (Mal. 4:4-6, Rev. 7,14:1-4,11:3-8). While Israel dwells in safety under the Divine ministry of Moses and Elijah, the world will be in a beyond imaginable EXPONENTIAL tail spin (Rev. 6-9).
Israel will sign this covenant from a position of strength not weakness.
It will be also at this time - at the beginning of this seven year period, while Israel dwells in their land in absolute safety (Ezek. 38:8,11,12,14) - that the WHOLE GENTILE WORLD will be trodden down by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:1-8). It will be after their catastrophic ride through out the entire world that the world will lose ¼ of its total population (1.75 billion) to war, famine and pestilence and will cause global markets to be wiped out and implode (Rev 6:1-8). Following the Four Horsemen’s ride of doom and the opening of the fifth seal will be the opening of the sixth seal in which a GREAT GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE will gain the world’s full attention. As the heavens depart as a scroll and EVERY mountain and island are moved out of their places it will send absolute terror into the hearts of every human being alive (Jew and Gentile) on planet earth (Rev. 6:12-17).
It will be after their catastrophic ride through out the entire world that the world will lose ¼ of its total population (1.75 billion) to war, famine and pestilence and will cause global markets to be wiped out and implode.
For it is now - at this time - that the inhabitants of the world will FULLY comprehend indeed that they are now in the long predicted “Day of the Lord” and His “Day of Almighty God's Wrath"! (Rev. 6:15-17)
The Trumpet Judgments
.
Following the Seal Judgments of the Lamb of God come Almighty God's "Trumpet Judgments" upon the earth’s inhabitants, its vegetation, its water (fresh and salt) and the celestial lights in the first and second heavens (Rev. 8:1-13).
As we shall see, the first four of the seven Trumpet Judgments shall strike the earth and its inhabitants with EXPONENTIAL unparalleled global cataclysmic destruction. Let us take a look!
The First Four Trumpet Judgments
The First Trumpet Judgment destroys 1/3 of all trees and grass upon the face of the earth with fire! (Rev.8:7). That comes to roughly 133 billion trees. 7% of all land mass is covered with grass. This area covers 9.93 million sq/km or 3.8 million sq/miles. This total area - which is given over to fire - is roughly a little bit bigger then the total land mass of the United States which would include Alaska. Can you even imagine the smoke which is generated from this global inferno?
The Second Trumpet Judgment will cause 1/3rd of all the seas of planet earth to turn to blood (Rev. 8:8-9). The fall out of this catastrophic global devastation will also cause 1/3 of all the sea creatures to perish and 1/3 of all the world's ships and their crews to perish also! Some facts:
1. 70.8 % of the earth’s surface is covered by water. 68% of that 70.8% is salt water. 1/3 of the seas or 22.6% of the world’s surface area or 122 million sq/km or 47.1 sq/miles will be decimated and turned into blood! That is roughly the size of the Pacific Ocean! (How horrific!!) Ocean info link
.
2. The number of sea creatures destroyed by this trumpet judgment will be too innumerable to number. From the smallest creatures to the giant whales it must be in the trillions.
3. The total number of merchant ships that populate the world is about 55,000. This figure includes bulk carriers, dry cargo vessels, MPP's, container vessels, tankers, LPG's, LNG's, and most cruise ships; this number however does not include private vessels. The world's total number of ships of war is estimated at 4500. 1/3 of this total number (59,500) comes to roughly 19,833 ships that will be destroyed in this great Second Trumpet judgment not counting countless thousands of sailors lives that will also perish. Can you even envision such wondrous cataclysmic devastation that will ravish a sea mass the almost the size of the Pacific Ocean?
.
The Third Trumpet Judgment will cause 1/3rd of all fresh water to be poisoned with wormwood and become bitter. The effects of this judgment will cripple society and multitudes will perish because of their ingestion of these bitter waters (Rev. 8:11). In this period - due to the horrific consequences of the Seal and Trumpet Judgments - drinking water will be very scarce to come by.
3% of the entire world’s water is fresh water. 1/3 of this water supply (33% of the 3%) will be poisoned killing multitudes of the world’s inhabitants during this period.
.
The Forth Trumpet Judgment will cause the celestial lights (sun, moon and stars) to dim their light 1/3rd of their normal strength (Rev. 8:12)!
Up to this point, try to comprehend - if at all possible - the unimaginable and exponential ravishing affects upon the face of the earth by these Seven Seal Judgments and the first four Trumpet Judgments. Remember, that these judgments were ordered upon the inhabitants of the earth and their planet because of their exponential godless rebellion and violence against the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God (Gen. 1:31, Isa. 24:5-6, Rom. 1:18-32). These horrific global catastrophes - including the unimaginable devastation incurred by the Four Horsemen and the wrath of man - in which 1/4th of the world’s population was slain - will bring to the fore front the unbridled passions and uncontrollable violence of humanity's godless and evil fallen heart (Ps. 7:9, Jer. 17:9-10, Matt. 15:17-20, Jude 1:10). Nothing manifests the human heart as tribulation does and reveals to all, our utter godless depravity with out the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Almighty God (Jer. 17:10, Matt 15:18-19, Gal. 5:19-21, Rev. 9:20-21).
These cataclysmic events will reveal and bring to the forefront humanities utter hatred and disdain for their Creator and His ETERNAL sovereignty (Rev. 9:20-21). As these events intensify, the world will outwardly manifest their ever hardening position towards Almighty God by their godless deeds and war against His redeemed. These will become absolutely callus, cold, hateful, unfeeling and violent towards one another (Matt. 24:12, 2 Tim. 3:1-7). Self preservation and individual survival during this time will make men violate and transgress Almighty God's absolutes and moral laws o places which they though never imaginable. Instead of repenting and crying out for Almighty God’s mercy and pardon, these will continually harden their hearts as Pharaoh of old and instead of looking into God's perfect mirror of righteousness (Psalm 19:7, Rom. 10:2-4), they will seek a scapegoat and a villain for their entire calamity (Matt. 24:8-13). Since Israel – at this time - is unaffected by these horrific Seal and Trumpet judgments that take place during the first half of this tribulation period, the world’s inhabitants will seek lash out after Almighty God’s people (i.e., Israel). Israel has always been the world's most favorite scapegoat and during this time, this hatred will reach an all new exponential level. The WORLD - at this time - will greatly unite as one man and seek to destroy Almighty God’s two witnesses (Rev. 11: 4-6) and the apple of His eye (i.e., the nation Israel) (Deut. 32:10, Psalm 17:8), but again, all to none avail (Ezek. 38:8, 11-12, Rev. 11:3-7).
As these events intensify, the world will outwardly manifest their ever hardening position towards Almighty God by their godless deeds and war against His redeemed.
Just when the inhabitants of the earth thought that it could never get any more horrifically worse, they are about to be visited by a host of ferocious conquers and tyrannical oppressors that know absolutely no mercy and transcend the limited boundaries of time and space. It will be at this time that Almighty God will not just be passing judgment upon the sons of Adam for their EXPONENTIAL transgressions, but also on the fallen hosts of Heaven’s realm - the demonic legions of fallen angels. These demonic host have greatly feared and dreaded this present hour which is now at hand for in this time they indeed know their time is exceedingly short (Matt. 8:29, Mark 5:7, Rev. 18:2).
The Three Horrific Woes unto the Earth! .
The word “Woe!”, when used by Almighty God in this alarming and dreadful way should send ice cold shivers of fright up the spine of any individual, sane or insane. So dreadful, so unimaginable, so fearfully horrifying are these last series of Trumpet Judgments that an angel is sent by Almighty God to sternly warn the remaining godless and rebellious inhabitants of planet earth of what is yet to be!
Almighty God's Divine angelic air raid siren pierces through the world's darkness warning all of the pending doom which is now at hand.
.
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhibitors of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” (Rev 8:13)
The First Woe! .
This First Woe has to do with the demonic legions which are held prisoner in the bottomless pit called “the Abyss”. These demonic hosts were placed there by Almighty God for their gross transgressions and heavenly rebellion against Almighty God and His ETERNAL sovereignty. They were most likely placed there after the Noaic flood for their excessive part in leading men to global rebellion against their Creator and his natural laws (Gen. 6, Isa. 14:12-17, Ezek. 28:12-19, Jude 1:6).
These godless beings in their psychotic rage and violence will seek to – once again - tyrannically dominate and plague man, preparing all of humanity for the Third Woe which is to come.
These insane supernatural beings - which transcend the realms of time and space - are EXPONENTIALLY more powerful and intelligent than man. These godless beings in their psychotic rage and violence will seek to – once again - tyrannically dominate and plague man, preparing all of humanity for the Third Woe which is to come (Rev. 12:12). These demonic legions fully comprehend the hour in which they now occupy and know that their time is dreadfully short. These released demonic hordes from the abyss prison hold – as insane and delusional as they are – know quite well of the impending judgment and doom that awaits them in the Lake of Fire for FOREVER and EVER (Matt.25:41, Rev. 20:10)! It is their sole hateful and vindictive intention to discredit Almighty God's Word and promises to Israel and the world and to torment and take as many humans with them to their ETERNAL abode as possible (Matt. 8:29, 25: 41, Mark 1:24, 5:7, Luke 4:34).
,
These demonic legions are described to us as locust. Locusts are a consuming and devouring terror to all plant life that stands before them. So devastating are locust that they can wipe out vast plush green areas of vegetation in a matter of hours. These demonic hordes are told not to devour grass, but to torment men who have NOT the seal of Almighty God (Rev. 9:4). As these demonic hosts are released from their darkened prison in the abyss they will ravish and torment the unsaved defiant inhabitants of the earth for a period of five months (Rev. 9:5). These demonic hordes are lead by a demonic general named Abaddon, whose name means destroyer! What more do you need to know about this army and very hour!
These demonic hordes are lead by a demonic general named Abaddon, whose name means destroyer!
These tortured inhabitants of planet earth - who are also part of Lucifer’s satanic rebellion against Almighty God - are now being violently oppressed by Satan’s legions of fallen angels and are now driven as cattle by Satan to serve his destructive diabolical plan in his final war of this age against Almighty God (Rev. 16:13-16). Since these individuals out right reject the Divine revelation revealed to them by Almighty God (2 Thess. 2:8-12), His two witnesses and His ministering angels, they have now opened themselves to the demonic influences and possession of their minds (2 Cor. 4:3-4, 2 Thess. 2:9-12).
Remember, by this time – the seven Seal Judgments and the first four Trumpet Judgments have passed (Rev. 6-8). Multitudes of millions (i.e.,1.5 billion) of the earth’s inhabitants have been slain by global war, pestilence and famine, not to mention the global environmental devastation that has ravished 1/3rd of the earth's natural resources, elements, sea creatures, shipping commerce, celestial lights etc... It is now - after all of this global devastation - that millions of enraged demonic hordes are released from their prison hold of the abyss and will now commence terrorizing and torturing countless millions of the surviving masses of unsaved mankind for five months.
Could things get any more horrific than this? Oh… Yes! EXPONENTIALLY WORSE!!
At this time, one might ask himself, “Could things get any more horrific than this?” For in this brief time period since the Covenant of Peace was confirmed - which was suppose to usher in world peace and a new global age for all mankind (Dan. 9:27, 1 Thess. 5:3, Rev. 6:2) - the whole world has been ravished beyond imagination and humanity is laid waste on a scale unparalleled. Vexed and tormented beyond belief by man’s transgressions and demonic oppression, could things get any more worse than this? Oh… Yes! EXPONENTIALLY WORSE!!
The Second Woe!
The back ground (Rev. 6, 8; 9:1-12:1) - has now been set for introduction of the sixth Trumpet “the Second Woe!”
As the multitudes of earth’s inhabitants feel the horrific judgments and plagues of Almighty God, the destructive out working of evil men and the oppressive tyrannical torture of the demonic devouring locust of First Woe (Rev. 9:1-12), the remaining world’s inhabitants will have to brace themselves for the Second Woe which is at hand! A demonically induced and preconceived second Global War that will set the stage for Lucifer's (Satan's) Anti Christ and 666 global state (Rev 9:15; 13).
They will be preparing the human soil to make way for Lucifer’s last offensive plan and push, the Abomination of Desolation and 666 global state..
As the completion of the five months of the First Woe comes to a horrific conclusion, the sixth trumpet sounds (Rev. 8:13)! The heavenly command is given from the golden alter which is before Almighty God in Heaven above to release the four angels that are bound in the great Euphrates River after the Genesis flood (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6). God’s Word states that these four immensely powerful angels are “prepared” for this exact hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men! (Rev. 9:15). It would seem that Lucifer at this time – the commander and chief of the hosts of Hell – is seeking to drastically reduce and consolidate the world’s population to be more easily managed and controlled. This "prepared” plan of mass annihilation upon the remaining inhabitants of planet earth, is to allow Lucifer to control the masses and to eliminate any opposition to his up coming lawless one and demonic agenda (Rev. 13). As these four "extremely powerful" fallen angels begin their ministry of woe and destruction upon the remaining inhabitants of planet earth, they will be preparing the human soil to make the way for Lucifer’s last offensive plan and push, the Abomination of Desolation and his 666 global state (Matt. 24:15, Rev. 13).
Dear friends, just look at what it will take to establish and get Lucifer's anti Christ upon the world's throne! How many biblical scholars see this position as we have revealed to you. Not many... if few. Many today hold a very shallow of what is to be and provide little to no biblical depth and substance for God's people. My dear friends may we all be slaves and students to the Word of God in these days!
Now... These four mighty demonic angels of the Euphrates river prison hold are commanded to stir up a stupendous and mighty army of 200 million demonic riders to destroy the remaining world’s population by 1/3. So STUPENDOUS and FRIGHTENING are their description and vision that it takes the breath away from the reader of this text (Rev. 9:16-19).
As we rattle off these horrific statistics of this period one has to shudder and try to grasp the vast carnage and devastation of this first three and a half year period. How do any of the haters of reality even make it to Armageddon at all?
During their monstrous campaign another BILLION plus or 1/3rd of the world’s remaining inhabitants will be destroyed (Rev. 9:15)! As we rattle off these horrific statistics of this first three and a half year period, one has to shudder and try to grasp the vast carnage and devastation of human life of this time period. How do any of the haters of reality even make it to Armageddon at all? How do any survive to the end? Note that after all of this vast devastation and global carnage that the heart of the world has not grown softer towards Almighty God, but adamantly and violently harder (Rev. 9:20).
"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries (drugs), nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts" (Rev. 9:20-21).
How awesomely amazingly, wondrously sobering and EXPONENTIALLY tragic beyond all imagination, that the inhabitants of this ravished world would still rather follow their demonic masters and their base practices after all that has come to pass. SUPRA-insanity, SUPRA-hysteria, SUPRA-lunacy, does not even begin to explain, nor describe these wretched souls and their mental state (2 Thess. 2: 5-12). As Almighty God cries out in His GRACE and MERCY and in His wondrous ETERNAL love to His creation; Turn, repent and be saved and yield your hearts to the perfect spiritual and natural absolutes of peace and righteousness (Isa. 32:17, James 3:18)! Receive My pardon found in My Beloved Son and have and enjoy ETERNAL life (John 3:16-17) and enjoy ME, your Creator in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) as was My design! But astonishingly, these unrepentant transgressors reply in a violent and raging harmony - to the LOVE and GRACE of Almighty God and shriek - NEVER! And as it were, give Almighty God the “branch to the nose” as they hold on to their delusion and demonic insanity with an iron clasped fist. Almighty God’s Word states:
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
As the Second Woe comes to a horrific and devastating conclusion, one may ask himself, “What can ever top that?” It has been now exactly forty-two months and three and one half days since the Anti Christ’s confirming of the covenant with Israel and the world (Dan. 9:27, Rev. 6:2; 11:7-14) and since then, it has been absolute hell on earth (beyond one's comprehension) and a non stop global blood bath.
It is at this time that Almighty God will now remove His hedge that has protected Israel for these last forty two months..
As we are now about to see, Israel (the hosts of unbelieving Jews (Rev. 11:8) will now begin to feel the chastening hand of Almighty God, the global ravishing of Satan’s hatred and the world’s wrath. As the Second Woe comes to a near completion, so does also the mighty Two Witnesses of Almighty God’s ministry (Rev. 11:7). Their 1260 days are now fully accomplished and NOW the Anti Christ will own the next remaining 1260 days or 42 months of this tribulation period (Rev. 11:3; 13:1-5). The Second Woe has now come to a horrific conclusion following the Two Witnesses' resuscitation and ascension into Heaven in front of the newly reigning Anti Christ (Matt. 24:15, Rev. 13:1-5) and ALL of their global God hating enemies (Rev. 11:7-14). The exceeding terror and reality that now permeates ALL of the world's godless inhabitants because their dreaded enemies - which were destroyed by their new "savior and hero" (i.e., the Anti Christ) - have been resuscitated and have ascended into Heaven (Rev.11 :7-12).
The accumulated EXPONENTIAL catastrophic events of these first 3 1/2 years have now set the stage and tilled the ground for Lucifer's global "666" ultra fascist state.
The “Great Tribulation" also called "Jacob’s Trouble”, HAS NOW BEGUN! With the institution of the Abomination of Desolation (Jer. 30, Dan. 12, Zech.11. Matt. 24:15, Rev. 11:1-2, 12:9-17, 13), events for Israel and the godless world’s inhabitants will get even more EXPONENTIALLY worse, to the point of unimaginable proportions (Dan. 12:1, Matt. 24:21)! It will be now that Lucifer and Hid angels will be confined to this puny planet until Messiah's return and WOE unto the inhabitants of the earth (Rev. 12:12).
My dear friend, please try to comprehend that ALL current global events in our nation and in our world are heading to this destination and EXPONENTIALLY beyond (Rev. 19:11-21)! There is absolutely NO hope for mankind apart from their Creator and Savior (John 3:16-17, Gal.1:4). My dear friend, do you have a personal relationship to Jesus Christ? All your ETERNAL future depends on this very union.
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
DJP I.F.
Ping to read later
Actually, I think your timing of the revelation of AntiChrist is too early. Scripture says that in the middle of that week, he will abolish the recently re-established ceremonies that take place in the temple and set himself up as god. It is at this point that everyone realizes this is the Antichrist. It is at that point the Jews realize they have made a covenant with death/Antichrist and realize their lives are in peril. We likely won’t know exactly who he is, as he probably will NOT rule over the whole world, as we’ve been led to believe. You can see that he then starts to try to conquer other strong leaders, as he makes threats against them. They are not under him, if he is making threats against them.
We need to take the whole Bible, not certain passages. This is the problem with all these “rapture” theories. They pick and choose verses that support their theory, but leave out whole passages that talk about Antichrist, and what Christ does when He returns.
At the beginning of the 7 years, we have the 4 horsemen. Then begins the persecution of the Jews and saints. Read Revelation again. God’s wrath does not come until the trumpets and bowls, which ARE God’s wrath. The first 3.5 - 6 years are Satan’s wrath, through the person of Antichrist. He persecutes the “Child”-Israel, and her offspring, the Church. Before God’s wrath, we ARE raptured, as we are not destined to His wrath. People need to read their Bibles, not all these so-called “scholars” that cannot agree. As Scripture indicates, it will be revealed to us in those days...the days we need to understand what is going on. We are to be ready for them, not because we will not see them, as so many believe, but because we will NEED to be ready to do what the Holy Spirit tells us to do in those days. We have got to put aside the teachings of men and seek the Truth. Those who believe we will be raptured at the beginning of the 7 years will NOT be ready (as Jesus spoke about the 10 virgins) and when the persecution and death come will falter in their faith, or be so totally unprepared as to be extremely vulnerable. In Matthew Jesus indicated to the disciples that we’d see these things come to pass.
Another fascinating cornucopia of interdependent details.
There will need to be another actual temple if this plays out literally, and Old Testament prophecies corroborate that. Some do believe Old Testament prophecies are spiritualized away, but I feel that’s too easy an out because events can prefigure or metaphorize other events, due to the work of God fitting into patterns. Ultimately, the way it plays out on earth will answer the question definitively about “how.”
I agree with all of that, and I really respect Chuck Missler’s teaching on the subject, who agrees with that position, and yet as brainy and studied as he is, he remains very humble and also respectful of other positions.
[[2 Thessalonians 2:1-10
We request you, brethren, for the sake of the coming (presence) of the Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, That you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message (logos) or a letter as if from us that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way; for it will not come unless the apostasy (falling away) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, Who opposes and exalts himself above everything that is called God or worshipped, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you I said these things to you? And now you know what restrains him, so that in his time he may be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already working; only he who restrains will do so until he becomes out of the midst (literal translation). And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath (spirit) of his mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of his coming (presence); whose presence (coming) is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs (miracles) and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. ]]
From my understanding, the ‘man of lawlessness’ will be loosed first- lies will becoem truth, truth will become the new ‘hate’ , governments will ignore the law, citizens will be subjected to tyranny with no power to stop it, sin will begin to run rampant, and Religion will oathed and attacked mercilelssly
The man of lawlessness will take his seat amoung the church- pretendign to be one with them- his great goal beign to take hte place of CHrist
We see great laWessness here in our country, with out dear leader attackign CHristians, attackign morlaity, attackign even our supreme court intimidatign htem into unconstituional rulings, however, no matter where you go i nthe world practically, this lawlessness is out of control- rampant- evil- gangs of criminals prowling aroudn raping and murderign women- killing tourists, killing Christians, governments oppressign it’s citizens, riots, civil wars, peopel goign berzerk in frenzies at sports games as an excuse to murder- on and on it goes-
When Christ ascended the throne in heaven, there was a ‘gap’ left by Hkis absence here o nearth- because he was no logner with us physically, man began almsot immediately to take His place- makign hteir word more important than His Word- i nthe eralty Christian days, Christ was present with htose who ‘gathered in His name’ and He took His rightful place as the peopel met in real earnest desirign His presence, often at threat to their own selves via the law- then the real earnest began to dwindle, and church becam more of a social event where we ‘learned abotu Christ’- and Christ was sort of pushed out of the midst-
If you’;ll note i nthe verses cited, Christ was the One who restraiend the man of lawlessness UNTIL He was discarded- or pushed out- that is hwen hte man of lawlessness saw his chance and moved in- In the early days, the Glory of God was amoung the people- TRUE miracles that SUPERNATURALLY superceeded nature were beign performed regularly via the power of God- God’s presence was powerfully and UNMISTAKENLY observable- The dead were rising, the blind saw again- ALL that were brought were healed NO MATTER WHAT their circumstances were- there was NO case too difficult for the Early beleivers to heal through hte Glory of God
Then came the great fall away- and the restrainign power of Christ was beign lifted and hte man of lawlessness began his assault and infiltration- I am not sure if Christ has been completely been ‘removed fro mthe midst’, but it is coming quickly if He has not already been- Some churches not even allowing hteir cognregants to read the Word of God themeselves, but isntead preachign feel good messages conciocted by man that excuse all mannero f immoral living and and who abuse God’s word to ‘justify’ such unblical teachings- I dare say Christ is not present in such churches
There are other signs, many of which were psoted by the OP- but I beleive we are seeign hte man of lawlessness let loose and seeign hte effects of it witrh our govnerment attackign CHristians, attacking our laws, attackign businesses, right is becomign wrong, wrong is becomming right- evil is replacing morality, andm ore andm ore the ‘remnant’ are becomign silent- The man of lawlessness is beign set yup in ‘the church’ takign over the vacancy left when He whjo restrains was pushed out- I don’t beleive the process is compelte yet, but is nearing hte end-
So often Christians get accused of leaving their brains behind when they walk into the church (so to speak).
No we do not leave our brains behind! If we did, it would be impossible to lay them upon the altar. A genius or gifted “IQ” means something more to offer to the Lord. But it can’t ever become a reigning rival king to the Lord. God knows how to humble that right quick. But if we humble ourselves then God won’t ever need to do that and our walk with Him will be sweet music.
[[I’ve understood that we as Christians will endure at least some of it, possibly right up to the Abomination of Desolation.]]
It’s possible, but it’s also possible we will be taken out before it happens- the verdict still isn’t settled yet- IF we have to endure, He who is faithful WILL see us through- It will NOT be pelasant, and we may even die brutal deaths- but it is reported that when the romans were puit roastign Christians on stakes that the Christians were supernaturally empowered to withstand it even blessign hteir persecutors as they were beign burned alive- God’;s glory was seen by thsoe who witnessed the gruesoem murders- but htey were blind- too blind to see- perhaps osem became saved witnessign God’s awesoem power- and perhaps that is what will happen in the end times as well- That is a hoep worth holdign on to
so true....and in a related story...the more our “brains” discover about physic and space and time and biology and so on....the more some of those supposed “fables” in the Old Testament, and some of those strange pronouncements in the NT, MAKE SENSE intellectually! God’s sense of humor....
Yes, the evidence is very encouraging! As times get tougher, so do Spirit filled Christians. Bring it on, evil world, evil self, evil Satan. God’s already totaled up the score and you lose.
“I’m keeping my eye on Damascus and Isiah 17.”
One thing for sure, I wouldn’t be buying any long term investment property in Damascus anytime soon.
Russia’s Naval Port is in Syria...that’s why Putin’s supporting Assad...he’s protecting his ONLY means to the Mediterranian.
Russia’s war pre-ceeds Armageddo war...and likely another before the Great War.
Nations are not yet positioned...and other events must occur yet. We have a ways to go even though we are seeing what the alignment of nations is or might look like as they come together.
One of the touchiest discussions among sincere Christians today is over the details of the manner of creation. It has proven very helpful to me that Dr. Hugh Ross has thoroughly explored an old earth creationist view and shown that it gives “naturalistic evolution” no more hope than does the neo-fundamentalist view of the 24-hour creation days. Yet I won’t be dogmatic against the latter view, as God is clearly a God of mighty miracles and COULD do something like that if He so chose. But the fact of His creation and the fact that Nature shows that nothing else would suffice to bring about its glories, is paramount. I do respectfully ask that Christians consider both views, and the possibility of a metaphysical regime change which would render it not possible for any sort of physical science as we know it to fully fathom the creation acts.
Israel is more militarily protected, and safer now then any time in their history....they are not yet as rich as they will be.
Their gas Explorations will surely lead to exportation and increase their wealth, as well as coast Oil possibilities. They will be a super power.
The anti-Christ will not be instrumental in their accumulation of wealth...but their security will one day depend on his acts ultimately..7 yr. agreement comes to mind.
Quite possibly. A lot of gas and oil goes unnoticed because geological science isn’t up to the task.
You know Metmom..our nation was raised to give the Jewish people a safe haven...and to bring the light of salvation to the world...
That in mind it would now appear Israel is pretty much set now to protect herself militarily if she has to....might be our job as a safe haven is completed...and the fact we no longer acknowledge the God of the Bible in this country, kicked him out of our schools...and killing the unborn children which would have given us answers to our countries needs...so it’s pretty apparent his protection of this country has been lifting slowly but surely...and he’s left us to the Government now the people have settled for.
I find it more and more apparent people in this country closed hearted and minded concerning the things of God...or changing Him to something He is not. Again...evidence His “Spirit” is lifting and the people are being prepared to willingly believe “the Lie”.
So many things lean upon other things. Washington’s influence even during more godly decades was a mixed bag for Israel. Israel does not need to be Washington’s lapdog, and Obama’s ascent to the “throne” (certainly he seems to act like he thinks he ought to be emperor) may help cut Israel free while serving as another warning to the believers in America.
Actually Israel is surprisingly doing very well in those explorations....in many respects ahead of the game. She does not always reveal to the world what she’s doing and what she knows...understandably so...Israel is not a fool any more and trusts nobody but their own...rightfully so.
Well they won’t really be right till they quit trusting in even their own selves, but upon the Jehovah who delivered them so many thousand years ago.
“But if we humble ourselves then God won’t ever need to do that and our walk with Him will be sweet music.”
That is music to this proud person! I am never happier than when humble and broken before The Lord. Isaiah stings here: “You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.” (57:10)
Good thing for us that God is RICH in mercy!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.