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Ah, end time prophecy--I can't resist commenting.

First, my basis of interpretation: I use Revelation interpreted through Daniel, and with Jesus' prophecies in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Where are we? The four horsemen (the first four seals of Revelation 6), have been riding since Jesus' day. We've had false religion (horseman 1, seal 1), war (seal 2), famine (seal 3), and death (seal 4), since then. We're awaiting the "Great Tribulation", seal 5 since then. Christianity has spread worldwide, as prophesied. The gospel is preached worldwide, as prophesied.

What's next? The great tribulation, and the resurrection of the Roman Empire. This is called "the kingdom of the north" in Daniel, and "Babylon" in revelation. "The Beast" can refer to the government or the person in office. There will be a severe (worst ever) persecution of Christians, worldwide, and a false religion complete with supernatural miracles. Some Christians will be protected (how is unspecified) and some will die a martyr's death. Millions will be converted to Christianity during the tribulation.

Next, will be heavenly signs (seal 6). That takes us to God's beginning to intervene in world events, and Revelation 7. Thus begin the "Trumpet plagues", which are to punish the Beast power and lead people to repentance before Jesus' return. Jesus' returns with the seventh trumpet.

I heard an interesting fact on JR Church's show the other day. He pointed out that the alignment of muslims were set up exactly as predicted in the bible for the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will not be in that war but will stay aligned with Europe and America. (They are part of the group that asks if they have come to take a spoil.) The other muslim countries such as Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, etc. align with Russia and come against Israel.

Certainly, the other predictions such as an increase in earthquakes, diseases, violence has happened. Jack Van Impe also pointed out that terrorism would be one of the last signs (as in the days of Noah there was violence throughout the land).

While there are different scenerios of how these events will unfold and just who the antiChrist is, people who actually study prophecy are certain this is the end time. Those who have ears to hear should hear, time is running out.

Jesus said when you see these things happening, look up for your redemption draweth nigh. Those who think these things already happened should pay attention to Israel. They don't think these things have already happened and have declared this the "time of Jacob's trouble". How could they have already happened when it says 3/4ths of the earth's inhabitants will be destroyed. Take time to study with various prophecy teachers and you will see that the evidence is very convincing. God's Word is true.