In my photograph above, the sun is setting on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. In many ways, the sun is setting, so to speak, on this current world situation of confusion and chaos we find ourselves in now. I know you are familiar with the occurrences of violence and the immorality, as well as the fact that many in the world have adopted an anti-God attitude. But all signs point to the fact that we are living in the end times, the last days. And what is happening in the Middle East with Russia and Iran and Turkey and the conflict in Syria is one of the signs that point us to the prophesied Gog of Magog war, when various countries in the region attack Israel for its gas and oil riches, as well as the fact of an extreme hatred of the Jews by Israel's surrounding enemies.
One thing about it, if the battle of Gog of Magog is near, then the Rapture of the Church is even nearer as most scholars agree that the Rapture happens before that war. That is good news that the Rapture is so close to happening; that is, if you are a saved, true believer it is good news to you.
Following is a video by Chuck Missler, a Bible prophecy expert, in which he goes into detailed information on the Gog and Magog war, as prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39. I recommend that you read those two chapters in Ezekiel, although Chuck Missler quotes Ezekiel 38 extensively in the video. (Please note, this Session 1 discourse automatically continues to Session 2 on Gog and Magog)
God uses the Battle of Gog and Magog to bring Israel back to Him (Ezekiel 39:22). The same can be said of all the other events during the Tribulation period. The Church, the true believers, were caught up to heaven in the Rapture prior to this battle, so God is concentrating now on leading Israel to believe in Him and in Jesus as the Messiah. I highly recommend that you watch the above video as Chuck Missler gives valuable information above and beyond what others attempt to explain.
Why should you be concerned about the Battle of Gog and Magog? After all, it happens during the seven-year tribulation period, (probably during the first 3 -1/2 years), and if you are a believer you will be in heaven then. Actually, some scholars believe that the Magog coalition and attack may end no later than 3 - 1/2 years before the 7 year tribulation actually begins. This is because Israel will burn the enemies' weapons for fuel for 7 years (Ezekiel 39:9). This is no problem for the first half of the tribulation while things are peaceful, but not feasible during the second half of the tribulation because the Jews will flee Israel then (at the mid-point of the tribulation) rather than dealing with this energy supply (Matthew 24:15-22). Therefore, these scholars suggest that Gog of Magog Battle will happen and end before the Tribulation even begins.
As I stated previously, for believers the fact that events are lining up as preparation for Gog & Magog Right Now !! means that we will be raptured very soon. Thank you, Lord !! We need to share the Gospel with family members and others immediately, before it is too late. However, some will become Christians during the Tribulation as the Bible tells us at Revelation 7:9-14. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ before the Rapture of the Church, you will end up suffering through the horrors of the Tribulation period. Therefore, it is important to study and know Bible prophecy because, one way or another, you will be affected.
It is important to note that the enemy countries that border Israel have already previously been defeated by Israel in the Psalm 83 war. Following is Psalm 83:4-8 -- "(4) They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. (5)For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: (6) The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; Of Moab, and the Hagarenes; (7) Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre, (8) Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. " I am sure you are familiar with the current Middle East chant, "Israel will be wiped off the map", which echoes verse 4 above.
After the victory (Psalm 83) over the above bordering countries, Israel will have a sense of peace and security, which may explain why Ezekiel 38:11 says, "And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates," The fact that Israel got rid of its walls and "gates" make it seem like easy prey to the Gog of Magog invading forces. But God ! God steps in with supernatural events to protect Israel from these Magog forces. You can read about the earthquake that happens just as these invaders arrive in Israel, as well as fire, brimstone, and hailstones and more at Ezekiel 38:14 through to Ezekiel 39:9. So the army of the Magog invaders will be destroyed by God Himself ! God makes it clear that this is to make His name known (Ezekiel 39:7-8; 38:23).
Not to forget, the countries that invade Israel in the Gog and Magog war are listed in Ezekiel 38:2-6. Chuck Missler, in the above video, shows who they are and uses charts/maps to do so. Magog, as scholars agree, is Russia; Persia is modern day Iran; Togarmah is Turkey; and if I remember correctly, Gomar includes Germany and Eastern Europe. Mr. Missler and others believe the word "gog" is referring to something of a satanic or evil origin.
The main thing is, Bible prophecy has come true in the past (for instance, the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus Christ the Messiah came true, as the New Testament makes clear); so if prophecy has come true in the past, it will come true in the here and now and in the future. People need to make sure that their lives and their hearts are "tuned in" to God, and that they have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus - that they put their faith in Him and believe that He rose from the dead. Romans 10:9 tells us, "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." Don't delay !
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29,31
Not to forget, the countries that invade Israel in the Gog and Magog war are listed in Ezekiel 38:2-6. Chuck Missler, in the above video, shows who they are and uses charts/maps to do so. Magog, as scholars agree, is Russia; Persia is modern day Iran; Togarmah is Turkey; and if I remember correctly, Gomar includes Germany and Eastern Europe. Mr. Missler and others believe the word "gog" is referring to something of a satanic or evil origin.
The main thing is, Bible prophecy has come true in the past (for instance, the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus Christ the Messiah came true, as the New Testament makes clear); so if prophecy has come true in the past, it will come true in the here and now and in the future. People need to make sure that their lives and their hearts are "tuned in" to God, and that they have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus - that they put their faith in Him and believe that He rose from the dead. Romans 10:9 tells us, "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." Don't delay !
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29,31
