I felt an urgency to share this important information about current events and how they line up with Bible Prophecy. Both of the following videos were posted yesterday, Sunday, January 5, 2020.
First is a one hour update by well known Hawaiian pastor J. D. Farag, which many of you are no doubt familiar with. In his update, Pastor Farag stresses that things are moving very fast now and the Rapture of true believers is exceedingly imminent !
Many of you are also familiar with Messianic Jewish evangelist Amir Tsarfati who lives in Israel, but travels the world preaching salvation as well as end time events as they relate to Bible prophecy. Following is a special Middle East update from him on the past week's significant news (and before then as well). Amir's 48 minute update was also published yesterday, Sunday.
Amir speaks about recent events at the beginning of the video, and towards the end more about how it all relates to Bible prophecy.
For some reason I cannot get a link to work to a certain article of interest for all Americans, concerning possible terrorists attacks on our soil.
Please go to endoftheamericandream.com and you will see the article dated January 3, 2020, right away and click on that for eye-opening information.
All is not doom and gloom, folks ! It all means that soon we will see our blessed Savior when He returns to take us to be with Him in heaven!! How awesome is that!
As has been pointed out in the above videos, we are definitely in the last moments of the end times as prophesied in God's Holy Word.
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." - Luke 21:28
Read all of Luke 21, as well as Matthew 24 and Mark 13 for signs of the last days .
At the end of Pastor Farag's video above he explains salvation for those of you who are not yet born again from above.... a spiritual rebirth. That you must believe in Jesus as the Savior in order to enter heaven.
Yellow African Tulip trees, such as in my photograph above, are not as plentiful in Hawaii as the bright red-orange ones, which are my favorite. But because something is more common or more widely viewed, does not mean it is necessarily better. Take, for instance, religious views - or lack of any religious views. What is popular does not indicate that it is better, or to be preferred. Remember, religion can be dead wrong. Look at all the various religious cults, for instance.
I prefer to think of Christianity as a loving, intimate, strong relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ; and that it is is very true. How do we attain this intimate relationship; what do we need to do to be strong in the love and guardianship of the Father?
We need a strong and vibrant relationship with the good Lord to communicate with Him effectively, and to enable us to grow ever closer to Him and to not be afraid of these horrific world events and lawlessness that is prevalent in our world today. We must pray daily, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and we must study and read the Holy Word - the Bible - daily in order to grow to know the Lord intimately. With Him by your side, you can rest assured that you will be strong to face whatever this old world throws at you; whatever the devil stirs up to try to tear you down.
Charles Spurgeon has said, "I know the devil can blow very hard, but I don't believe he can blow out the candle that God lights, much less that he can blow out the bright sunshine of the Gospel."
We have the threat of another world war looming over us, for one thing. Just yesterday, March 28, 2019, President Trump signed an Executive Order proving an EMP cyber attack could be a serious soon threat. If you are keeping up with current events, I do not have to go over and over what threats and concerns the USA and the world faces today. My intent is to focus on good things, but I need to mention the bad to stress the good which we have to look forward to - that is, if you are a born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I had intended to stress fear in this post and the cure for fear, but I have written several articles on fear in the past. Just go to the search box on the right hand side of this page, and type in "fear" and several posts will appear for you to read. There is no need to repeat all that I have written before; however, I will repeat certain Scriptures that are pertinent to our faith and walk with Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon has a different take on fear. He says that many true believers are afraid that they may, perhaps, not be truly saved. He also says that , "He that fears the most, believes the most." Following is a 14 minute sermon audio video of Spurgeon that goes into more detail:
In the sermon above, Spurgeon repeats the fact that all true believers are familiar with: "... it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before Him."
We need strong faith to persevere in this old, evil, and chaotic world we find ourselves living in; this last hour of the last days, according to Bible prophecy. Speaking about prophecy, many things spoken of in the Bible concerning the end times are occuring right now! Or are at least, some of them, are precursors to said prophetic events.
Remember, we need faith to please the heavenly Father.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6
If we have a deep, abiding faith in the good Lord, we will not be consumed by anxiety and fear.
"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." - Isaiah 26:3
True believers need to be like the determined tree in my photograph above. Despite what seems like an insurmountable obstacle (the precarious angle of the land in which it has its roots reaching out every which way), it has the determination to hang in there and grow strong and tall. Things may not be perfect for it, but the tree has adapted and has reached for the sky above where it thrives in the light of the sun. We, as Christians, need to be as determined as that tree, as we look above to the Son for growth and sustenance; as we have a faith that overcomes all obstacles.
I enjoy my time with you as I write to you each week. I pray that if there are any out there who are not born again, not a true believer in Jesus Christ the Savior, that you turn to the Lord now in repentance and faith in Jesus. He loves you. You do not have a guarantee that you will even be alive tomorrow. Turn to the Lord now, before it is too late.
Romans 10: 9,10,13 tells us: (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. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-26
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend..... and life !
Things seem to be escalating in the Middle East; signs of war and signs of to be fulfilled Bible prophecy. It is all indicative of the end times in which we find ourselves living right now.
Following is a recent update on events in the Middle East and Israel. It is by Amir Tsarfati with Pastor Barry Stagner. Amir always gives accurate and informative updates as he has inside information -- much of which he cannot publish, but much of which he can tell us nonetheless. The 42 minute video was filmed at the Sea of Galilee.
Here is an article at Raptureforums.com about January, 2019, events in Israel and the Middle East . The author makes a statement that he believes the Rapture of true believers and the battle of Gog and Magog are soon to occur, and perhaps that they will happen about the same time or close together. Go here for that brief but interesting article.
Life goes on as usual for most people, as many are oblivious to the signs of the end times and how close we are to the Rapture. It is true, believer or not, that life must continue on with our everyday affairs such as work and school and the like. But we need to occupy until the Lord returns:
"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." - Jesus at Luke 19:13
I have discussed this in a previous article, but basically it means to occupy yourself with the Lord's work: preaching and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all the while watching your conduct and living a godly life and putting the good Lord first in your life.
"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven neither the Son, but the Father."
- Jesus at Mark 13:32
We are to live and preach as if Jesus could return at any minute. Although we do not know the day or the hour when He will return, the Bible does tell us the signs of when His return is near. Read Mark 13, Matthew 24, and Luke 21 for some of the signs of His return; the "season" in which He comes for His Bride, the church.
Please make sure you are ready for His return. Make sure you are born again (John 3:3). You do that by repenting of your sins, and turning to Jesus in belief as Him as the Savior, believing that His shed blood at Calvary can wash away your sins if you have trust and faith in Him.
Don't delay.
Time is short.
Romans 10:9, 10, 13 tells us: (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. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Israel is being portrayed by the United Nations and the mainstream media as "the bad guy". The so-called Palestinians (there is no such thing....they are just Arabs) and their so-called "peaceful" demonstrations are really a deception and an excuse for violence against the Jews and Israel. Kevin Clarkson of prophecyinthenews.com shares some recent information about the conflict at the Gaza Strip in this 7 minute video :
It is important to keep up with world events, for so much of it now relates to things which were prophesied in the Bible long ago. There is a convergence of events now that are fulfilling prophecy .... and so many all at once, just as Jesus prophesied. Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for the signs of the end times; these last days we are now living in.
It is true that Jesus gave us the Great Commission at Matthew 28:19-20, to go and make disciples, to teach them and baptize them. That is what true believers should occupy themselves with until the Lord's soon return. But it is also true that many have been saved by seeing Bible prophecy being fulfilled or in the process of or in the beginning stages of soon being fulfilled, and also by studying what the prophets of old warned us about. There should be a balance here, because Jesus did not tell us to go and preach Bible prophecy but to make disciples. We should preach all of God's Word, however. As stated, prophecy can win souls to the Lord.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
On this blog you will find both subjects dealing with prophecy as well as with Christian doctrine and the Gospel and faith related articles. I feel that both are important; the Lord included prophecy in the Bible for us to consider, and also to build our faith as we see prophecy occurring right before our eyes as we do now. What joy it gives true believers to realize that the Lord will return soon to take them to be with Him in heaven !!
Following is a link to an article that informs us of the benefits of studying Bible prophecy; please read it here:
Live for Jesus!
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21
Read your Bible daily and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
You need to have fellowship with the good Lord through much prayer and much Bible reading, for thereby you will build a strong relationship with Him. He wants to fellowship with you. Have a strong, close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Don't be one to whom the Lord says, "I never knew you." (Matthew 7:21-23).
To be saved and to gain eternal life, you need to come to the Lord in true repentance and to pray for forgiveness of your sins, to turn from sinning, and to believe in Jesus as the Savior and that He rose from the dead.
Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us: (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. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring: Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." - Jesus at Luke 21:25-26
The above verses have their major fulfillment during the 7 year Tribulation period, but we see signs happening right now leading up to that prophecy in the near future. People are fearful now of all the chaos and the world in turmoil and the threat of World War 3. But remember what Luke 21:28 tells us:
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
For a true believer in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, these chaotic times and Bible prophecy prove to us that He will soon return to rapture His followers to be in heaven with Him. These are exciting times for Christians, even though they are being persecuted. They realize their deliverance is near and they have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).
After true believers in the Lord are raptured, they will be in heaven with Him for 7 years, or a little longer depending on when the 7 year tribulation actually begins on the earth. The Tribulation will not necessarily happen immediately after the Rapture occurs. Many scholars feel that it will take time for all the prophecies to unfold and for everything to progress to the time the antichrist comes on the scene and signs a 7 year peace agreement, or covenant, with Israel. The signing of that covenant is what begins the Tribulation period. (Daniel 9:27). The antichrist will break that covenant after 3 -1/2 years. Remember, Israel is God's prophetic time clock; the Lord has not finished with His chosen people. The Tribulation is God's way of dealing with Israel and to have a remnant turn to Him and believe in Jesus as their Messiah.
After the 7 year Tribulation, Jesus and the raptured saints will return to the earth and Jesus will conquer at the war of Armageddon. Jesus will put an end to His enemies and satan will be bound for a thousand years, unable to mislead mankind during the Millennial Reign of Jesus on earth. (Revelation 20:1-3). At the end of the 1000 years, satan will be let loose again and, unbelievably so, many will follow the devil instead of staying close to Jesus and obeying Him (Revelation 20:7-8). In verses 9 and 10 of Revelation 20, it tells how God destroys the rebels and casts the devil into the lake of fire where he can no longer deceive mankind. Then comes the great white throne judgment of unbelievers and all ungodly people are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). In fact, I strongly urge you to read all of Revelation 20, 21, and 22. It speaks about the new heaven and the new earth, and how God will wipe away all tears, and that there will be no more death and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:1-4) .
What a loving and yet just God we worship! Christians know how it all ends:
GOD WINS !
Following is a video from prophecywatchers.com featuring L.A. Marzulli who discusses a variety of end time and prophetic topics.
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
"When inventors fear their own inventions, look out!" says Gary Stearman. Artificial Intelligence seems like it is cropping up everywhere nowadays: everywhere from Watson to Apps on your smartphones. Recently two computers were left alone to talk to each other - successfully. They even developed their own type of shorthand speech.
In the following video by www.prophecywatchers.com, Gary Stearman shares some frightening concerns about AI possibly turning on their creators. He also asks the question, "Can a machine (AI) become inhabited by a devil?" My opinion on that is, if possible, demon possession of an AI or robot would explain their ability to reason and to turn against man. Mr. Stearman takes us to the Bible book of Daniel and discusses the antichrist, among other end time events. Please watch this thought provoking 12 minute video:
As Christians, what are we to think about such things as Artificial Intelligence and a possible true-life "Skynet" where they take over?
First of all, everything seems to be out of control today on many fronts, not just AI. It is all a sign of the end times in which we live: the threat of nuclear war, terrorism, violence, unnatural affection, human - animal chimeras, increase in natural disasters such as earthquakes and signs in the heavens, and the list could go on and on. The Bible prophesied all of that and much much more as a sign of the end times.
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." - Daniel 12:4
2 Timothy 3:1-5 tells us, (1)" This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady; high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring." - Luke 21:25
You can easily discern that the above verses can be applied to the time in which we live....the last days.
It is a time to be very afraid and full of doubts ... that is, for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and Master. True believers have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13) and will soon be raptured to heaven and away from this dying and decaying and wicked world, and will therefore be spared any robotic or AI takeover, if such a takeover by machines is even possible. Such a thing is not even hinted at in the Bible, except in Daniel 12:4 where it says that knowledge will be increased, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything about an AI takeover. Quite frankly, I personally do not believe the good Lord will allow such a thing to transpire.
Also, followers of Christ will not have to endure the wrath of God which He pours out during the seven year tribulation period upon all the ungodly people left on earth during that time. We should concentrate on what the Bible says and prophesies, and not believe every speculation that comes along.
The Bible is very clear that things will be "business as usual" when the Rapture of the Church occurs. In other words, there will be no artificial intelligence "takeover" before the Rapture.
"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark," - Jesus speaking at Matthew 24:37-38. In other words, life was going on pretty much as usual in the time of the flood before it came; therefore, it will be life as usual when Jesus returns to rapture the Church.
All this points to the fact that, in light of end time events now occurring, the Rapture cannot be too far in the future.
Now is the time to make sure that you are right with the Lord. Confess your sins to Him, ask for forgiveness, show your sincerity by repenting and not continuing a life of sin, believe in Jesus and His resurrection. If you do this, you have the hope of eternal life with the Lord forever. (Romans 10:9 ; John 3:16)
If you do not repent, you will spend all eternity in hell.
"And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." - Jesus at Matthew 18:9
Turn to the Lord now.
The time is short.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"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. " - John 3:16
