(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)
P.O. Box 67, Boones Mill, VA 24065
The Regional Headquarters of the Antichrist
Part 2 of 7
By Mike Wingfield
During the Tribulation Period the world will be focused upon a sinister person. This evil global dictator, called the “Antichrist,” will be in league with Satan and be empowered by him (Revelation 13:2-4). Who is he and where will he come from? The Bible indicates that his identity will not be known until after the Rapture (2 Thessalonians 2:6-10). While we will not be able to accurately identify him, there are many facts about him and his kingdom that give us a general portrait of the Antichrist. One of those biblical facts is the geographical location of the seat of his government.
Traveling the globe and interviewing people would give great insight into the diversity among the world’s cultures. What makes people so different? According to the Bible, how a person lives is determined by how he thinks (Proverbs 23:7). The most vital question that directs all our thoughts is, who is God? What a person believes about God will formulate that person’s total view of life.
The Bible is clear there is only one true God and no other. God said to His people who were worshipping other gods and idols, “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me” (Isaiah 45:5). Our faith is firmly built upon that single truth. What you believe about God is vital to your faith. If your understanding of God is shallow, your faith will be weak. If your heart is passionately fixed upon discovering and knowing God, your life will be filledwith wisdom, meaning, and purpose. You will be known as a person of great faith!
At the heart of all our problems in this world and even our churches is this one defining question, who is God? If you were to ask people around the world who God is, you would be shocked at some of their answers. The reason there are so many different views of God is that sinful man always tends to create his view of God based upon his experiences and reasoning. Man likes to have a god that fits his culture and makes him feel good about himself.
Man likes to create a god or idol that will be like him, and in some ways can be controlled by him. These people change “the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, andfour-footedbeasts, andcreeping things” (Romans 1:23). Obviously, they have deceived themselves and are wrong. Their reasoning seems good to them, but they are living in spiritual darkness. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
The Bible is the primary source of revelation we must turn to if we want to know God. The Bible is God’s only source of written truth. It is a self-revelation given to man by God. Therefore, what we believe about God must be grounded in a clear understanding of what God has said about Himself.
The Holy Spirit of God has given us this written revelation about Himself – God! He is also the One who guides us in our interpretation and understanding of all that He has said about God. The unsaved man cannot receive “the things of the Spirit of God: for the are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Only God can fathom His eternal greatness. Therefore, man himself cannot explore “the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
There are many mysteries that man cannot fathom. However, the greatest of all infinite matters to comprehend are the things of God. God is a holy God! That means He is infinitely set apart from all His creation. There is an intellectual chasm between God and His creation that cannot and will never be breached. God will always be infinite, and man will always, even in his eternal spiritual state in heaven, be finite. Our understanding of God will continue to expand for all eternity!
The godly men whom the Spirit of God chose to give us this written revelation continually testified as to how difficult it is for man to understand God. In Psalm 139, godly King David of Israel wrote about how God knows all things and is everywhere present at the same time. In verse 6 of this Psalm, he wrote, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” In Romans 9-11, the apostle Paul wrote about the great mysteries of God’s faithfulness to Israel, despite their rebellion against Him. In Romans 11:33, Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
Pursuing the knowledge of God is far more than a deep, intellectual quest. Getting to know God is a profound, rich experience that is very rewarding to the souls of godly men and women. It brings comfort, peace, and joy. It is rich food for the hungry heart. The psalmist said, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).
God has invited us to seek Him! “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Also, read Psalm 27:4; and Isaiah 55:6-7. God has promised, “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Dear friend, please focus on this promise. Do you want to be spiritually rewarded by God? Are you willing to pay the price to continually seek His face? This means you must be willing to sacrifice other things to put God first. This means you will study the Word of God and seek His face in worship and prayer in the quietness of your heart. This will happen when He becomes the focus of the meditation of your heart throughout each day.
If someone were to ask you to tell them about God, what would you say? How would you describe God? The Bible says that when we walk with God, He is our “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Abba is the affectionate Hebrew word for “daddy” or “papa.” It is the word used by Jewish children to intimately address their father when they call out to him. I will never forget that on one of my tours in Israel, our group was in the Old City of Jerusalem. We were in the Jewish quarter. As usual, it was very congested. Suddenly, out of the crowd came the voice of a little boy, crying, “Abba, Abba!” As I turned to look, I saw the Jewish father lift his little son into his arms. The little boy threw his arms around his dad’s neck, and they affectionately embraced each other. Immediately, this word picture of God the Father as our Abba came into clear focus. It was precious! A tear came to my eyes. A smile was on my face.
Friends, God wants us to seek Him and to know Him because we love Him and have a real relationship with Him. Just like the bond of a small child to their father, so should there be a bond that unites the heart of the believer to his heavenly Father.
People cannot have a personal relationship with a false god or idol. These gods and idols do not exist. Our faith must be more than just a religious feeling or ritualistic action. Christianity is more than a religion; it is an intimate relationship with God!
God delights in showing mankind that He is real and there are no other gods. Throughout the Bible, we are told about God’s visible manifestation that proves He is there and that He is God. This visible manifestation of the infinite, supernatural attributes of God is called “the glory of God.”
The word “glory” is repeated many times in the Bible. This word is infinite in its meaning because it is a word that attempts to depict God’s infinite power, presence, and the very essence of Who God is. When I say the word “God,” what comes to your mind? If we are all honest, when we try to imagine who God is, we intellectually draw a blank. He is nothing like anyone we have ever seen or imagined! In part, it is also because no man has ever seen God at any time (John 1:18). God, in His essence, is a Spirit. Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit.” This simply means that God is not a physical being like all the rest of His visible and tangible creation.
All of creation is finite and is limited to time, space, and matter. That is not true of God. He is infinite and dwells in a context of limitless space. He is omnipresent. God is infinite in the context of matter. He is not limited to a physical, tangible body. He is a Spirit. God is infinite in His power. Within the context of His holy character, and His perfect, revealed eternal plans, nothing is impossible with Him! In other words, God’s power is self-limited. He can only do those things that would allow Him to act in by His holy character and that which He said He would do. God is not at liberty to do anything contrary to His declared purposes and plans. If He did anything that would declare His Word to be null and void, He would become a liar. This is impossible because He is the God of truth. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2).
God chose a people to display His glory. Speaking about Israel in Isaiah 43:7, He said, “I have created him for my glory.” By His sovereign choice, God chose an undeserving, rebellious, small ethnic group of people through whom He desired to display His glory. History demonstrates that the Jewish people have the unenviable position of being the world’s most hated group of people. Why would God call this kind of people to demonstrate to the world who He is?
God chose Israel as the instrument of His praise. He did this because when He would do impossible and unexplainable things to them, through them, and for them, the world would know that it was God, not the Jewish people that did these things.
There is a very significant lesson to learn in all of this. God’s glory is from Him, about Him, and for His praise alone! God told Israel in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another.” Mankind is acting foolishly and dangerously when he takes credit for what God has done. God is to receive all the glory.
When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he warned them of this problem. The believers in this church were immature (1 Corinthians 3:1). Their core problem was their pride. They wanted to take the credit for what only God could do. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, he informed them that God delights in using people and things that are weak, insignificant, foolish, and that which is despised. He reminded them that God does this so that He is the only One who should receive the glory (1 Corinthians 1:29, 31).
No people group in all of history has witnessed the glory of God like the Jewish people. More miracles happened to them, for them, and because of them than anyone else. The people of Israel and the land of Israel continue to be, instruments that display the glory of God.
The glory of God has been manifested in many ways throughout Israel’s history. The invisible God supernaturally displayed His glory to His people. During the wilderness wanderings, He daily made His presence known through the Shekinah Glory. This was a visible cloud during the day and a fiery cloud during the night. There were supernatural occurrences connected with the Tabernacle and later at the temple in Jerusalem. God demonstrated His glory through the presence of the holy Ark of the Covenant, located inside of the Holy of Holies.
When Israel came to Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Law, His presence and power were uniquely manifested. Exodus 19reports that the mountain was covered in a mysterious cloud, accompanied by lightning and thunder. The mountain quaked, as God descended upon the mountain in fire. All of this was a manifestation of the glory of God.
Many other miraculous events that displayed the glory of God in the history of ancient Israel are too numerous to mention. On many occasions, God manifested His glory to His people with the supernatural defeat of their enemies. Even the enemies of Israel were filled with fear at the sight of the displays of God’s glory. Listen to what Rahab said to the spies when they entered Jericho. “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11).
The greatest displays of the glory of God are a vital part of the first and second comings of Christ and during the millennial reign of Christ. In the face of a world filled with disbelief and in rebellion against God, God has and will display His glory for all of mankind to see.
When God’s Son was born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, the glory of God burst forth upon the hillside of this little village. Nine months before that night, God had informed a virgin Jewish girl and a godly young Jewish man in Nazareth that the baby she would deliver would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. God caused a godless emperor in Rome to make an edict for everyone in Israel to report to the city of their family ancestry to register for taxation. The timing of this edict caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem just in time for Jesus to be born.
It was significant that Jesus, the Messiah, be born in Bethlehem. The ancient prophet of Israel, Micah, had prophesied 700 years earlier that the “ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” would be born in the little village of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
The journey for Joseph and Mary from Nazareth, where they lived, to Bethlehem was very difficult. It was a journey of 80 miles. Most of their trip included very difficult terrain, especially for a woman who was ready to deliver a baby. It probably took them at least four days to walk this winding foot path, averaging about 20 miles per day.
The first leg of their trip from Nazareth, located in the hill country of Galilee, was about 15 miles to the Sea of Galilee. This part of their journey forced them to travel up and down a winding path around mountainous terrain. The elevation dropped by about 1,800 feet. Traveling on this kind of path required great physical strength and mental caution.
The last part of their trek, from Jericho to Bethlehem, took them a full day. This would be the most physically challenging part of their entire trip. Each step took them up a steep winding narrow path from 1,300 feet below sea level up 20 miles to Bethlehem, 2,543 feet above sea level. There is no doubt that the difficulties of this challenging trip produced the physical conditions that helped Mary to go into labor and give birth to Jesus.
Asignificant part of the eternal plan of God had now come to fruition. The Messiah, both God and man, had just been born. This required a heavenly celebration. The Father dispatched a group of angels to announce the arrival of His Messiah. This announcement was given to a small number of shepherds who were caring for their sheep on a hillside, just a short distance from where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were in a lowly stable where animals were sheltered for the night.
As designed by the Father, the glory of God was manifested through Jesus with everything He said and did. Jesus displayed the awesome attributes of God in His miracles and messages.
In the stillness of the night, God displayed His glory. An angel of the Lord appeared and “the glory of the Lord shone round about [the shepherds]” (Luke 2:9). This glory of the Lord was a mysterious, brilliant supernatural light. This light was almost blinding to the shepherds, something they had never experienced before. They were surprised, stunned, and visibly shaken.
After the announcement of the angel, probably Gabriel, about the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-12), there was an additional stunning visit from heaven. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).
We do not know all that was done or said by these angels from heaven. For thousands of years, they knew about God’s plans to send His Son into this world. As servants of God, it was their pleasure to display the joy of all of heaven to see the fulfillment of that which their Lord had promised would happen. They understood that the birth of Jesus was a glorious display of the power and mercy of their faithful Master in heaven.
These angels had been there in the beginning and rejoiced when they saw the Son of God speak the creation into existence out of nothing. Job 38:7 says these angels “sang together” and “shouted for joy.” We cannot imagine what these shepherds must have seen and heard as the angelic singing and shouting must have reverberated across the hills of Bethlehem. And then, suddenly the angels went away from the shepherds “into heaven” (Luke 2:15).
As at times past in Israel, this was a stunning, tangible display of the glory of God. In His grace and power, the invisible God has chosen to prove Himself to mankind, so that we might be in awe of Him, worship Him, and serve Him. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
The patience of God is incredible. After this sudden burst of the glory of God at Jesus’ birth, the Lord did not display the fullness of the glory of God until Jesus entered His earthly ministry at 30 years of age. As designed by the Father, the glory of God was manifested through Jesus with everything He said and did. Jesus displayed the awesome attributes of God in His miracles and messages. People were stunned when they heard Him teach. His numerous miracles surpassed anything Israel had ever witnessed in the past. It is no wonder that His presence attracted massive crowds. They knew what He did was supernatural.
The pinnacle of Jesus’ display of the glory of God was experienced by only three of His disciples at the time of His Transfiguration. On top of a high mountain in Israel, Jesus “was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
The last of the living apostles, John, wrote in His gospel near the end of the first century about the impact of the glory of God displayed by Jesus. He wrote, “And the Word [Jesus] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). A few verses later John wrote, “No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). The Greek word translated “declared” in this verse means to unfold, reveal, or to manifest. An online resource, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains, states that this word means “to provide detailed information.” This simply means that a vital part of Jesus’ life and ministry while on earth was to put God on display in greater detail. God had given His people a detailed written revelation about Himself. However, when Jesus came, He took this revelation about God to the next level. His mission was to display God and His glory.
However, soon, the Lord will give an even greater revelation of His Son and the glory of God. During Jesus’ first visit to earth, the glory of God was somewhat limited in its scope and nature. Only a remnant of the world’s population witnessed the glory of God at Jesus’ birth and during His earthly ministry.
When He comes again, the glory of God will be on display on earth for seven years as God supernaturally intervenes in the affairs of all nations. God has promised Israel, “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:30-31).
At Mount Sinai, when God gave the Law to Israel, He displayed His glory with supernatural signs. The mountain was enveloped in a great cloud, with thunder, lightning, and a mysterious fire. The mountain also quaked. See Hebrews 12:25-29.
At the heart of God’s revelation of His glory during the Tribulation Period, there will be the global shaking of the earth (Isaiah 24:1-23). God will gradually and systematically destroy man’s modern way of life. Only a small remnant of the global population will be alive to witness the return of Christ to this earth. Why will God decimate planet earth during the Tribulation? Read Isaiah 2:10-22. This passage reveals that the Lord will rise in the last days to “shake terribly the earth” (verses 19, 21). Isaiah wrote that the Lord will do this “for the glory of His majesty” (verses 10, 19, 21). He will remove all the power and glory of the nations. In that day, “the LORD alone shall be exalted” (Isaiah 2:11, 17).
When Jesus returns to this earth, every living person on the planet will witness the glory of God (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). He will return to Jerusalem. Long ago King David wrote about this moment, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10).
For 1,000 years all the inhabitants of earth will see the Lord of glory in His temple in Jerusalem. Habakkuk 2:14states that during this millennial reign of Christ all “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
Finally, after the Millennial Kingdom, the saints of God from all the ages will be gathered onto the new earth and into our home in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-3). This city will be immersed into “the glory of God” (Revelation 21:11). This city will be completely unique. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23).
Someday, we will live with the Lord and rejoice in the glory of His presence. “Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:1-2).
Get ready for the shout that will take us out!
Helping Israel in Crisis
Israel has been at war for 14 months. These wars are not over. Israel is in a time of crisis. Almost 900 Israeli soldiers have been killed. There is much destruction and the Israeli economy is devastated. This ministry has sent $151,145.00 since October 2023 to help Israel in their time of need. Every dollar you give we send to Israel. See page 8 to make a donation. Thanks to many of you who have given.
A Christmas Message from Mike Wingfield Ministries
As many of you know, I am recovering from knee surgery on November 12. Joyce and I are deeply grateful to so many of you who have prayed, sent cards, and called to express your concern. My wife, Joyce, developed a blood clot in one of her legs on November 21. She is recovering. Keep praying. We are deeply grateful to our Lord for His watch and care over us.
I continue to heal and am already walking without assistance. Due to my recovery conditions, this newsletter was written and published later than usual. Currently, I plan to conduct my area monthly Bible studies in January.
Joyce and I have entered a different season of life and ministry. At 75 years of age, it is time for me to slow down and spend more time with Joyce at home. I have been announcing that I will not be traveling long distances for future speaking engagements. Lord willing, I will continue to publish the PTNews and will speak in churches in southwestern Virginia close to our home.
I desire to serve the Lord until I am unable or until the Lord calls me home. Psalm 71:18 expresses the prayer of my heart, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
During this time of reflection, I am deeply grateful to my Lord for His provision and protection in this ministry for 34 years. In this ministry, I have travelled more than 1 million miles by air and car. In the last 34 years I have spoken in 25 states in more than 200 churches and preached 720 conferences (about 5 messages per conference). Plus, I was invited to speak in churches in Canada, New Zealand, and Poland. Also, I have hosted tours to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and the Island of Patmos. I continue to thank God for the impact of this newsletter in so many churches and lives. The website edition continues to reach around the world.
I count it a great joy and privilege to have served the Lord in this prophetic ministry. It has been a pleasure to see the impact that the prophetic Word of God has made in so many lives. I still treasure many letters and cards from those who have been saved and are impacted by my teaching, preaching, and writing. To God be the glory. Great things He has done.
With great pleasure, I am thankful for the many precious friends I have all over the world. What a treasure I have in having so many dear brothers and sisters in Christ. While I have been on my back recovering from knee surgery in the last few weeks, I have had many hours of sleeplessness in my recliner. During those hours I have had to time to reflect upon so many precious memories of the years gone by.
My Lord has given me one of the greatest privileges in the world to fulfill His mission to proclaim the prophetic Word of God in these last days. I am glad He called and equipped me for such a time as this!
Please continue to be listening for the shout that will take us out! I love all of you!!
(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)
P.O. Box 67, Boones Mill, VA 24065
Israel’s Stunning Victory over Evil in the Face of World Opposition
“Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.
Thou art my battle ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces
the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms.” Jeremiah 51:19-20
By Mike Wingfield
The little nation of Israel is showing the world how to defeat evil and stand for freedom and national sovereignty. In the last few weeks, Israel demonstrated that God is fighting for them. Israel has been miraculously victorious over enemies that are plotting the destruction of the only Jewish nation in the world.
A few months ago, the world was telling Israel that its war against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the much larger nation of Iran, was unachievable. Iran’s population is 10 times larger than Israel’s population. Iran’s land mass is 99 percent larger than that of Israel. (See the map on page 2.)
Recently, the world has demanded that Israel accept a cease fire in Gaza and Lebanon. The world has also coordinated efforts to drastically limit Israel’s plans to retaliation against Iran for attempting to kill millions of Israelis in a missile attack on October 19. Israel has wisely ignored calls for cease fire. In the last few weeks, Israel has successfully eliminated many of the world’s most vicious terrorists! And, they have delivered a very serious strike upon some of Iran’s key military components, destroying much of Iran’s murderous arsenal.
The world seems to be clueless to what Israel has accomplished. Instead, they continue with their relentless and unfounded attacks upon the Jewish State. In their lunacy, the Europeans and others are blaming Israel for the war in the Middle East and are siding with the evil forces that are plotting to take over the world and kill or enslave everyone. This is evidence that we live in a world that has morally collapsed. Good has become evil and evil is viewed as being good.
The world has gone mad! It is supporting the destruction of a nation that is promoting global freedom. In its lunacy, the world is supporting an evil plot to take over the world, bringing death to billions of people.
The world is not concerned about Israel’s security. World leaders blindly support radical Islamic elements committed to the complete annihilation of Israel. Radical Muslims will never cease their war against Israel. Their hatred for Israel is fueled by a religious passion that is driving them toward their dream of global conquest.
Most Westerners do not understand Islam. In his book on Islam, Mark Gabriel, a born-again believer who was a former Muslim and teacher of Islam, has warned us about the true intent of Islam. Radical Islamic terrorists are the true representatives of the historical beliefs and practices of Islam’s founding prophet, Muhammed. They are completely dedicated to Islamic law, called “sharia,” derived from the teachings of the Islamic holy book, the Quran.
Passionate followers of Islam believe that humanity must submit to their god, Allah, and their holy scriptures, the Quran. If the nations refuse to believe and submit; they must be destroyed. This is called “jihad.” Mark Gabriel states, “The Quran contains a tremendous amount of teaching about jihad. In fact, I estimate that 60 percent of the Quran is related to the concept of jihad” (Mark Gabriel, Islam and Terrorism, p. 16). Therefore, the act of forcing people to submit to Islam is at the heart of this religion.
“Jihad is a command to all Muslims enforced by the Quran. The focus of jihad is to overcome people who do not accept Islam. In Muhammad’s time jihad was therefore practiced on a regular basis against Christians and Jews, as well as against idol worshippers and anyone who did not convert to Islam” (Mark Gabriel, Islam and Terrorism, p. 35).
The news media does not report the ongoing Islamic terrorist attacks that are happening every day in our world. I encourage you to visit a comprehensive website that daily updates its reports on terrorists who are killing non-Muslims around the world – www.thereligionofpeace.com. They are now reporting that during the month of September 2024, there were 145 jihad attacks in 24 countries. In these attacks 651 people were killed and 1016 were injured. There have been 46,159 deadly terrorist attacks in the world since 9/11! Our liberal media will not report any of this! They are protecting Islam from the critical eyes of the world.
Islam is more than a religion. It is a government that controls land, property, economies, and people. They force people to submit to their teaching of the laws of the Quran. They seek to control every aspect of a person’s life. From a Biblical perspective, this is a form of religious slavery that threatens punishment and death when the people do not submit. There are sections of the United States where Muslims are practicing the law of Islam in our cities. They ignore the U.S. Constitution and refuse to submit to many other laws that other U.S. citizens are expected to obey.
In some ways, the goals of Islam, Communism, and Socialism have much in common. Islam is a system of control that bows to another god, rather than the God of the Bible. Communism and Socialism are systems of slavery that force people to bow to an atheistic form of government. [This is further explained in my book, God and Government.]
Both Communism and Islam want to rule the world. Islam controlled the world for thirteen centuries, which ended in 1917 with WWI. Communism rules in China and other nations controlled by the Communist Party. The Islamic and Communist block of nations control the policies and actions of the United Nations.
Israel is the only nation in the world that is actively fighting back against the communists and Islamic forces that want to take away our freedoms and the sovereignty of our nations. Majid Rafizadeh, who is the president of the International American Council on the Middle East, recently wrote in an article for Gatestone Institute, “The West has left Israel to fight a war that should never have been Israel’s alone. The Western nations, through diplomatic miscalculations, the need for votes, cowardice and a fear of conflict, have essentially outsourced their responsibilities for maintaining global peace to Israel, watching from the sidelines as the conflict ramps up” (Gatestone Institute, “Israel Fights Alone, Carrying by Itself a Catatonically Suicidal West,’ October 19, 2024).
Rafizadeh continues, “The multi-front war that Israel is currently waging against the Iranian regime and its numerous terrorist proxies is a battle that actually the West should have taken on — and long ago at that. Yet from the presidency of Barack Obama on, the Biden-Harris administration and European governments, rather than confronting the threats presented by Iran, they appeased and bankrolled it. The leadership of the West opted for a path of inaction, appeasement, ignoring sanctions and eschewing secondary sanctions — meaning countries that do business with Iran may not do business with the US — and providing billions of dollars to terrorists to enable them to attack Israel, US troops, and for Iran to put the finishing touches on their its weapons program. … If the West is too fearful or reluctant to engage directly in the fight against injustice, terror, and tyranny, the very least it can do is stand with Israel and stop trying to sabotage it at every turn. Support should not be limited to words but include political, diplomatic and military backing. By failing to support Israel fully, the West is empowering exactly those countries working to revise the world order –from one of freedom to one of tyranny — by displacing the West” (Gatestone Institute, “Israel Fights Alone, Carrying by Itself a Catatonically Suicidal West,’ October 19, 2024).
Wars in our world should be viewed as a struggle against evil. Since October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ invasion of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continually reminded the world that Israel is involved in a war against evil. However, in opposition to these statements, the world declares that Netanyahu and Israel are evil. From a Biblical viewpoint, the Israelis are fighting a war of evil that is aimed at destroying the Jewish nation.
The Bible declares that those who war against Israel are evil and hate the God of Israel (Psalm 83:1-5). We live in a world that hates Israel, God and His Son, and the holy commandments contained in the Scriptures (Psalm 2:1-3). Therefore, we are forced to conclude that our global culture has reached a point that hates God, and all that God loves!
We are living in a culture that is morally and spiritually bankrupt. Our world is cloaked in spiritual darkness. This is exactly where the Bible says the world would be at the opening of the Tribulation Period. “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isaiah 60:2).
According to the Bible, each time God visited a culture with a massive holy response of wrath, it had reached a point of unrestrained evil – immorality and violence (Genesis 6:3-13).
When the Antichrist appears on the scene at the beginning of the Tribulation, it will be a time “when the transgressors are come to the full” (Daniel 8:23). In its Biblical context, this means, when the Antichrist comes, it will be at a time when wickedness will permeate the global culture. Most of the people will be living in a state of total rebellion against God.
They will have seared their consciences and will be living in demonic darkness (1 Timothy 4:1-2). They will be in love with sensual immoral pleasures (Romans 1:24-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Timothy 3:6). They will have arrived at the point of total rebellion against God (Romans 1:29). They hate God and are filled with a sinful arrogance as they boast about their sin (Romans 1:30). They are without any wisdom or common sense, and show no mercy to anyone (Romans 1:31). They despise those who are good (2 Timothy 3:3). They have drawn their own conclusions and refuse to listen to the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). In essence, they are intellectual fools (Romans 1:22), and immoral pagans, living like animals. Without question, the world has arrived at such an hour!
After the Rapture of the church, the world with be left in total spiritual darkness. The last flicker of spiritual light in the church on earth, will be suddenly removed (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). The Antichrist will march onto the stage of history (Revelation 6:2). He will “conquer” the nations, forcing them into His rebellious plot against God (Revelation 6:2; 13:7). The entire world will be immediately immersed into a war that “will take peace from the earth” (Revelation 6:4). He will decapitate (Revelation 20:4) one-fourth of the global population with a “great sword” (Revelation 6:4). His global war and carnage will destroy the global economy and bring a global famine and pandemic of diseases (Revelation 6:6-8).
The focus of the Antichrist will be against the God of the Bible. He will openly and defiantly speak “in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven” (Revelation 13:6). The prophet Daniel wrote that the Antichrist would utter unheard of monstrous things against God (Daniel 11:36). He will declare an open war on Jews and Christians (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:13-17; 17:6).
Satan’s agenda is to establish a kingdom of darkness upon this earth that will include all nations, except Israel. It will be his utmost desire to destroy the nation of Israel and the Jewish people (Revelation 16:13-16).
This explains why the world is being deceived into blaming Israel for the war against evil terrorists in the Middle East. Our world has fallen victim to a blind demonic agenda against God and His coming glorious Kingdom. They are joining hands with evil against God and all that is good and free. Satan desires to deceive the global culture into damning their souls for eternity as they join him in advancing his demonic agenda against God and His people. At the heart of his global assault is the nation of Israel.
In recent weeks we have seen Israel accomplish amazing military feats. The war in Gaza is almost over. At the start of this war there were 24 battalions of Hamas warriors. Now, only part of one battalion is left and their leaders have been eliminated. Hezbollah and its military machinery have been decimated. It is estimated that 90 percent of Hezbollah’s leadership, including Nasrallah, has been killed. Israel struck Iran on October 26. It has delivered a decisive blow to Iran’s military might. The entire world has been stunned by the swift victories of Israel over its enemies.
God has called Israel to be His instrument of war against evil in the world. This is what happened in Biblical history, and the impact of Israel will be even greater in these last days. Speaking to Israel, God said though the prophet Jeremiah, “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms” (Jeremiah 51:20). Throughout Israel’s history of 4,000 years, God has demonstrated that He would either enable Israel’s military efforts, or supernaturally defeat their enemies. This began with Abraham (read Genesis 14) and continues to this day.
God delights in elevating a small nation that is greatly outnumbered while displaying His sovereign will and power in the face of an unbelieving world! It is happening now, and according to the prophetic Word of God, the world has not seen anything yet. The best is yet to come!
Speaking of the Battle of Armageddon, Joel 2:18, 21 says, “Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. … Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.”
It is obvious that the developments in the Middle East are telling us that the time is very late. Be ready for the shout that will take us out!
Iran Plans an Imminent Attackupon Israeli Military Sites
As we go to press with this newsletter, Iran has vowed to avenge Israels’ October 26 attack against its military sites. Iran’s leadership has stated that “the scope of Israel’s unprecedented October 26 retaliatory strikes was ‘too large to ignore.’ … IAF jets hit 20 sites in Iran in multiple waves, reportedly knocking out its air defenses and significantly setting back its missile production industry. The Israeli strikes reportedly also destroyed multiple radar systems required to guide the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missiles” (The Jewish Press, November 1, 2024).
Therefore, it is expected that Iran’s next attack on Israel will originate from Iraq. Israeli military leaders have announced, “If Iran makes the mistake of launching another missile barrage at Israel, we will once again know how to reach Iran, with capabilities that we did not even use this time, and strike very, very hard at both their capabilities and locations that we set aside for now” (The Jewish Press, November 1, 2024).
Friends, I believe we are about to witness the beginning of a great war in the Middle East that will lead to the wars mentioned in the Bible. The stage is being prepared for the war mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. The actors of that evil coalition are about to march against Israel.
A Military Pact Between Russiaand Iran Threatens Israel
Since Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, Russia’s rhetoric against Israel has continued to escalate. Russian’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been accusing Israel of genocide against the people in Gaza.
In recent months, Russia and Iran have agreed to a comprehensive military treaty that offers protection should either country be attacked. It is believed that this treaty “may pose a threat to Israel” (World Israel News, November 1, 2024).
World Israel News also recently reported, “A Russian government plane landed in Israel two weeks ago without announcements from either Moscow or Jerusalem, triggering questions about Russia’s role in negotiations with the Hamas terror group and Iran.
“The plane landed at Ben-Gurion Airport, on the last day of the Sukkot holiday, and no official explanation or information were provided regarding the likely visit by a Russian government delegation.
Did Russia just deliver a threat to Israel to not strike Iran again? Friends, it appears that the threat of the Ezekiel 38 war is on the horizon. What the prophets of Israel wrote about in the last days is about to begin to unfold. “Be ready for the shout that will take us out!”
Saudi Arabia at the Center of theFuture Financial World
In the last decade, Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, has laid out an ambitious plan to make Saudi Arabia the center of the commercial and financial world. His plan is called “Saudi Vision 2030.”
He realizes that Saudi Arabia must move away from an oil-based economy. Therefore, he is heavily investing in developing the infrastructure that will promote his elaborate plans. His plans call for several massive projects. He is developing a huge city, called Neom on the western shores of the Red Sea. This city will be 50 times larger than New York City. It will be a state-of-the-art, high-tech Artificial Intelligence futuristic city.
He is also building a city, called “the line” that will stretch 105 miles long that will blend in with the desert surroundings. It will attract 9 million people to live inside of this climate-controlled facility that will provide all the amenities that people need within a few blocks of their residence. It will provide the highest quality of energy efficiency.
His latest featured development is a 50-billion-dollar construction of a massive cube building that will be 20 times the size of the Empire State Building. It is called Mukaab (see drawing on this page). It will feature 104,000 resident units, and 9,000 hotel rooms. This cubed city will feature green spaces that will be accessible within a 15-minute walk from any location in the cube. With 2 million square feet of floor space, it will offer dining, retail spaces, and office space to its inhabitants and visitors.
This plan sounds very much like the center of the headquarters of the Antichrist, who will control the financial world of every person on earth. According to Revelation 17, the future city of the Antichrist will be in the desert (Revelation 17:3). It will be the center of all global commercial activity during the Tribulation Period (Revelation 18:11-19) and will be a seaport location for all global commercial traffic (Revelation 18:15-19).
This massive city also sounds like a feeble attempt to copy God’s plans for the cubed city of the New Jerusalem, which will be 1,500 miles on each side (Revelation 21). Satan always likes to offer an attractive alternative to God’s blessings.
Pray for Mike as he has complete knee replacement surgery on November 12th. Consequently, he will not be speaking during the months of November and December.
Helping Israel During its time of Crisis
If you would like to bless Israel as they fight for their place in the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan, you may give your offering through Mike Wingfield Ministries. All gifts that are designated for Israel will be sent to the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. They will be our hands and feet in Israel to demonstrate the love of Jesus to them. You can also learn more about ICEJ and give online at www.icejusa.org.
that He would either enable Israel’s military efforts, or supernaturally defeat their enemies. This began with Abraham (read 