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2016 January – The Jewish Spiritual Awakening

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Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy

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The Jewish Spiritual Awakening

“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Delieverer,and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” – Romans 11:26

By Mike Wingfield

As 2016 begins, it is very evident that our world is being uniquely prepared for the return of our Lord for His church, and the subsequent events of the Tribulation Period. The Scriptures are filled with detailed descriptions of this unique and unprecedented period of time. The prophetic Scriptures, both in the Old and New Testaments, highlight the spiritual, political, economic, moral, climactic, and geological trends that will unfold during the day of the Lord.

Our world is rapidly moving toward a major military conflict that will engulf all of the nations, ultimately leading to Armageddon. ISIS is exporting its brutal savagery from the Middle East into Europe and the United States, while declaring that they are establishing a global Islamic empire controlled by the law of the Koran. Iran continues to threaten the destruction of Israel, to chant death to America, and to plan to dominate the Middle East as it develops weapons of mass destruction. All of this is a part of their strategy to create a global Islamic empire. A dangerous Islamic regime is developing in Turkey that is aligning itself with more militant Shiite Islamic elements in the Middle East. Just like ISIS and Iran, these elements in Turkey have the ambition of creating a global Islamic government. Saudi Arabia and Iran seem to be moving toward a major conflict, raising tensions in the Persian Gulf. Russia continues to strive for more global power as it rattles the sabers of war in the Ukraine and Syria, while joining forces with militant Islamic nations in the Middle East. The leadership of North Korea continues to spew out dangerous rhetoric, threatening to annihilate the United States. As all of this unfolds, it is obvious that, in general, our world is becoming a more dangerous place to live. A spirit of lawlessness, hatred, and violence is escalating out of control.

The Scriptures indicate that shortly after the Tribulation Period begins, one-fourth of the world’s population will be killed in hellish attacks by those who love violence and death. (Revelation 6:8) As we witness Islamic jihadists’

efforts around the globe, we can begin to understand how all of this will unfold. We live at a time when the West is protecting and promoting Islam. When the Islamic Antichrist arrives, they will worship him. (Revelation 13:8)

All of this global anarchy is being promoted and welcomed by the world’s evil political systems that want to seize the moment of fear and confusion so that they can exercise their power over the nations to their own end. The communists, socialists, and Muslims have cast their political lots together, with the hope that the old world order can be replaced by a New World Order of their choosing. It is my opinion that this political marriage will form the fragile but dangerous regime of the Antichrist. (Revelation 17:12-13) It is not an accident that the President of the United States is promoting a socialist agenda, while protecting the global image of Islam.

Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Argentina, and Puerto Rico are all on the brink of economic collapse. Other major global economic players, like China and the U.S., are facing serious economic stress that signals dangerous and unpredictable days are ahead. The U.S federal debt is at more than $19 trillion, while our total debt is more than $100 trillion. With such spiraling debt, this could be the year that the default of the U.S. government takes place. The Scriptures indicate that the Tribulation Period will begin with a time of hyper-inflation. (Revelation 6:6)

While we are bewildered by all of this, we are furthermore stunned by the moral madness of our world. Pornography, prostitution, sex-slavery, homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality are all being embraced by the global population. All of this is accompanied by a total disregard for marriage and the sanctity of the home. The moral foundation of life has crumbled before our eyes. All of these are signs of a global culture that has departed from God and has passed the spiritual point of no return. (Romans 1:18-32)

While these horrific trends catapult our world deeper into an age of spiritual darkness, it is refreshing to turn to another very significant sign that also indicates that we have arrived at the end of this age. Perhaps one of the most relevant and exciting signs of the end times is the spiritual awakening that is beginning to take place within Jewish circles.

Anyone who has studied the history of the church knows that since the first century, the Jewish people have adamantly rejected the gospel and refused to even consider that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior. However, all of this is about to end! According to the New Testament, the end of this age will begin with an end to Jewish spiritual blindness. (Romans 11:25)

We must recognize that salvation is not a matter of the exercise of the human will alone. Without the preliminary work of the Holy Spirit before the moment of conversion, salvation is totally impossible. Romans 3:11 states: “there is none that seeketh after God.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 declares that no one can call Jesus Christ Lord, unless the Holy Spirit has done His work to lead the sinner to faith in Christ.

The Scriptures indicate that a majority of Jewish people are currently in a state of spiritual blindness. (Romans 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:13-16) This state of spiritual blindness will continue “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Romans 11:25) This simply means, when the Lord’s divine completion of the predominately Gentile church is complete, He will return to His promise to enlighten a remnant of His chosen people, Israel. Eventually, all of living Israel will be saved. (Ezekiel 36:25-32; Zechariah 12:10-13:9; Romans 11:26)

When the final 7 years of this age begins, it will feature the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit in history! (Joel 2:28-32) On the very first day of the Tribulation Period, the Lord will send two very special Jewish witnesses. (Malachi 4:4-6; Revelation 11:3-6) Without question, these two witnesses will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and call the nation of Israel to repentance. Notice that after their deaths at the mid-point of the Tribulation by the forces of the Antichrist, their disciples “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:17)

According to Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5, some of the disciples of these two witnesses will be 144,000 young Jewish men. They, along with tens of thousands of other Jewish people, will come to realize that Jesus is their Messiah and Savior. (Joel 2:28-32) It is amazing to read Joel’s prophecy and note that the salvation of the Jewish people will be accompanied by dreams and visions. (Joel 2:28) As you read this, we are hearing amazing testimonies of thousands of Muslims in the Middle East, who are having dreams and visions of Jesus, and after hearing the gospel, they are being saved. Many of these converts have already been martyred by ISIS, while many others are suffering persecution as they share the gospel with their Muslim families and friends. Will these visions and dreams begin to happen in Israel with the Jewish people? Is this the same kind of dreams and visions mentioned by the prophet Joel? Only time will tell!

The spiritual awakening that will take place in Jewish hearts and minds at the beginning of the Tribulation Period is unprecedented! There were only 3,000 people saved on the day of Pentecost (they were all Jews). (Acts 2:41) This will be supernaturally dwarfed by the amazing conversion of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses — 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. (Revelation 7:1-8) These young Jewish converts are called “the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4) This indicates they will be some of the first Jewish people to be saved at the beginning of the Tribulation Period. So, like on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, their conversions will take place in a very short period of time. We cannot begin to imagine the impact this will have on Jewish people in Israel and around the world!

In light of this, we are witnessing a great movement in Jewish circles that is preparing for this spiritual awakening. In December, Israel Today reported: “More than 25 prominent rabbis from Israel and abroad recently issued a statement calling for a renewed look at Jesus, Christians and the New Testament faith. Quoting from their own sages, these outstanding Orthodox rabbis are not ashamed to exalt the name of Jesus, welcoming the carpenter from Nazareth back into the Jewish fold. … What we are now witnessing is the undoing of 2,000 years of Jewish rejection and animosity towards Jesus, a miracle by any estimation. For the out-and-out refusal by Jews to accept Jesus is slowly, but surely, coming to an end, as growing numbers of prestigious Orthodox rabbis welcome Jesus back.” (www.israeltoday.co.il, December 24, 2015)

Friends, this has NEVER happened before. As expected, this announcement by several Orthodox Jewish rabbis has caused a great stir of opposition in Israel. This is to be expected. However, when Moses and Elijah, the two witnesses who will appear at the beginning of the Tribulation, confront this opposition, it will melt like a snowball in July! Regardless of this opposition, this announcement signals that a great Jewish awakening is approaching! I am absolutely convinced that the Rapture of the church is upon us. I hope that you are ready, and know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

As we come to the end of this age, I am appalled at the attitude that so-called Christians have toward Israel and the Jewish people. With a very heavy heart of shame, I need to remind you that during the last 19 centuries, the church has divorced itself from the very doctrinal foundation of the true church. Most of the church in this 21st century is not practicing true Biblical Christianity!

The early church began in Jerusalem, with Jewish believers, following Jewish apostles, and worshipping a Jewish Messiah and Savior. For the first couple of decades of church history, the church was distinctly Jewish. The Jewish believers’ meetings took place in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem (Acts 2:46; 3:11; 5:12, 42) and the many synagogues in Israel and throughout the ancient world. (Acts 9:2) For the first few decades, the early church proclaimed and taught the only Scriptures they had, the Old Testament. The first New Testament book, James, was not written until 45 A.D., 15 years after the church began. The New Testament was written by Jewish apostles and their associates to a predominately Jewish audience.

You might ask, “Does this really matter to us?” Absolutely! We, as members of the true body of Christ, have been commanded to follow the doctrine of the early church, which is the doctrine of the Jewish apostles. (1 Timothy 1:3; 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:1-2) This doctrine is the body of what we call “The New Testament.”

Salvation has come to the world through the Jewish people. Jesus said, “Salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) Through them, we have received our eternal Savior, the sacred Scriptures (Romans 3:2), a godly heritage, and abiding faith! (Hebrews 11:8-12:1)

The Christian faith is a Jewish faith! The true church is a body of saved Jews and Gentiles that are members of one body that has a Jewish foundation and cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:14-22) Using the analogy of God’s work as an olive tree, Gentiles (as wild olive branches) have been supernaturally grafted onto a Jewish tree with Jewish roots. (Romans 11:16-18)

This simply means that when we study our Bibles and worship our Lord, we should do this with Jewish eyes and a Jewish heart! Jesus called the Jewish people “my brethren.” (Matthew 25:40) He said that whatever we do to them is a manifestation of what we are doing as unto Him. (Matthew 25:31-40)

The church is to have a missions and evangelism effort that is to be “to the Jew first.” (Romans 1:16) It is God’s desire that the faith of the predominately Gentile church would provoke Israel “to jealousy.” (Romans 11:11)

For 19 centuries there has been a sharp division between the church and the Jewish people. Many Gentiles in the church have falsely accused the Jews of being “Christ killers.” It is true that the Jewish people of the 1st century rejected Christ, and called for His death. However, we must remember what Jesus said before His crucifixion: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself…” (John 10:17-18) According to the prophet Isaiah, Jesus was “smitten of God.” (Isaiah 53:4) It was the Father who “bruised him; … put him to grief: …[and made] his soul an offering for sin.” (Isaiah 53:10) While understanding all of this, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Apostle Peter looked into the eyes of His fellow Jewish brethren and said: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain…” (Acts 2:22-23)

In light of these Scriptures, it should be observed that the apostles of the New Testament NEVER viewed the Jewish rejection of Jesus as a means whereby the Father would reject the Jewish people and replace Israel with the church. In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to record, under divine inspiration, the answer to this question that was being asked only a few decades after the beginning of the church. Read his answer in Romans 9-11. Paul’s conclusion is that the beginning of the church, which included Gentiles, was not the end of God’s covenant with Israel. Furthermore, He warned the Gentile believers about their arrogant attitude toward Israel. In Romans 11:18-25, he admonished the Gentile church to not “boast” against the Jews, thinking that God is done with the sons of Jacob, believing the church is separate from Israel in their standing before God. He further reminded the Gentile church that their faith was still grounded in the Jewish roots of His unconditional covenant with Israel. Later, Paul admonished the Gentile believers to not be willingly uninformed about God’s future plans for Israel. Furthermore, He warned them to not “be wise in your own conceits.”

In spite of these Scriptures, very influential Gentile leaders in the early church taught that God was finished with Israel and that the church had replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. Unfortunately, this false teaching became the prevalent view and has been taught in most Christian circles for 19 centuries. Today, this false doctrine is called “Replacement Theology.”

Replacement Theology is the major view in both Catholic and Protestant churches here in America. Those who hold this view (like Rick Warren and Joel Olsten), have been guilty of twisting the Scriptures to reject Israel. In effect, they have attempted to create a non-Jewish faith. This is not the faith of the New Testament!

All those who adopt this view have a major problem understanding Biblical prophecy. Obviously, if their view is correct, there can be no future prophecies that relate to Israel or the Jewish people. Therefore, they are forced to do two things: Minimize prophecy and ignore it, and adopt an allegorical interpretation of all Scriptures that do not support their view. This is not only tragic; it is dangerous! Those who love and respect the Lord, must approach all of His Word with a sense of awe, integrity, and honor. We should never attempt to force the Word of God to fit our world view. We must humbly accept the reality that we do not think like God! And, that is putting it mildly!! In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and thoughts than your thoughts.”

Another evidence of the prevalence of Replacement Theology in American churches is the growing movement in Christian circles to support the Palestinian cause of creating a Muslim state on the “West Bank,” the very heartland of the territory promised to the Jewish people forever! (Genesis 13:14-15) These same Christians also support the economic sanctions on all Jewish products from the “West Bank.” They also believe and adopt the lies that are being circulated about Israel. In reality, those who believe in and promote the applications of Replacement Theology are blindly supporting the spirit of Antichrist. They are in direct opposition to the will and work of God in our world today!

As New Testament believers, we do not have the liberty to change or challenge the teachings of the Apostles. The Scriptures are the very foundation of our faith. We are exhorted to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3) Sadly, we live at a time when most church leaders are attempting to reinvent the church. We are living in days of great apostasy and spiritual confusion. (1 Timothy 4:1-2) Furthermore, the people in the pews are Biblically illiterate and are being swept along in the floods of deception.

It is very clear from the prophetic Scriptures, and the growth of the modern nation of Israel, that God is not done with His people. After all of the living church saints have been raptured, the Lord will revive His unique plans for the Jewish people. The spiritual implications of both the Tribulation Period and the kingdom are distinctly Jewish. During the Tribulation Period, salvation and deliverance shall go forth from Jerusalem. (Joel 2:32) During the kingdom, “out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3) Then, the Gentile nations will respect and admire the Jewish people and bless them. (Isaiah 60:3-17; 62:1-4, 12)

It is obvious to me that we are now witnessing the beginning of a powerful movement of the Spirit of God in the global Jewish community. As the church observes this, what should be our reaction? What does the Holy Spirit want us to do at this hour?

We should fulfill our mission to make the Jewish people jealous of the Jewish faith that is in our hearts. (Romans 11:11) We should love them and pray that their spiritual eyes will be opened to the gospel. We need to make our evangelism efforts “to the Jew first.” (Romans 1:16) We need to pray for the Messianic pastors and congregations in Israel and around the world. We need to check our attitudes about Jewish people. We need to honor them, and thank them for the part they have had in providing us with our faith.

Christians should prayerfully and financially support the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. We should pray that the Jewish people will occupy all of Jerusalem and the Promised Land. Only those who promote the spirit of antichrist will support the division of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. This is what the Antichrist will do. (Daniel 11:39) The division of the Promised Land will be the divine reason for Armageddon. (Joel 3:2)

We need to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6) We need to pray that the Lord will deliver Israel from its enemies. We must recognize that the nation of Israel is on the front lines of the war between heaven and hell. Satan hates Israel and wants to destroy this fulfillment of the ancient Biblical prophecies. Israel’s war is a war against an apocalyptic Islam that wants to conquer the entire world. Those who stand with God should pray that the Lord will deliver Israel from the Islamic hordes that love war, violence, deception, and death.

According to the Bible, the redemption of the world is bound up in Israel! If Israel is destroyed, the Word of the Lord is not true! God will have failed! Satan will have won! And, our faith would be null and void!!

Praise the Lord, we know this is not true. The preservation of Israel is bound up in the eternal, unchanging, and faithful power of God! (Psalm 121) The Lord has declared: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)

Israel is Returning to “the Land of their Fathers”

The Palestinians, and many others in the world, reject the record of the Scriptures, and claim that the Jewish people never inhabited the land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem before modern times. For those of us who claim that the Bible is our final authority in all matters, we do not need any other proof. However, we live in incredible times when the historical record of the Bible is being verified by archeological findings in Israel almost every week.

For example, most Biblical scholars agree that Daniel’s prophecy about a very powerful Hellenistic Greek king who would destroy the temple and stop the sacrifices, was the historical leader known as Antiochus Epiphanes. There never was any scientific proof to indicate that this powerful Greek leader was ever in Jerusalem. However, that all changed a few months ago. Archeologists at the site of the ancient city of David, have uncovered a military garrison that was built by Antiochus Epiphanes. They found lead slingshots, bronze arrowheads, and ballista stones stamped with a trident, “which symbolized the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes.” (The International Jerusalem Post, December 11-17, 2015, p. 7) A tourist group that I led this past November was able to see and photograph this military garrison.

Following this, a more amazing archeological discovery took place closer to the site of the ancient Jewish Temple Mount. On December 2, Israeli archeologists announced they had uncovered the royal seal of King Hezekiah, who reigned in Jerusalem over 2,700 years ago (727-698 B.C.).
Around the impression on this seal was an inscription in ancient Hebrew, stating: “Belonging to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz king of Judah.” The impression contained “a two-winged sun with wings turned downward, flanked by two ankh symbols serving as emblems of life.” (The International Jerusalem Post, December 11-17, 2015, p. 13) It is believed that Hezekiah added these emblems to his royal seal when his life was extended by God after he discovered he had a life-threatening disease. God caused the sun to go backwards by ten degrees to give Hezekiah a sign that he would be healed. (2 Kings 20:1-11) Therefore, this seal (pictured below) symbolically depicted Hezekiah’s extended life and the sun going
backwards as a proof of God’s promise. Think about this! The Lord has allowed us to see a piece of historical proof that one of the greatest questioned miracles in the Bible did take place, and was recognized on the royal seal of the king of Judah!

16-1 news- Jewish Awakening seal

Long ago, the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed that the Lord would return His people “to the land that I gave to their fathers and they shall posses it.” (Jeremiah 30:3) The Lord has kept His promise. The Jewish people are returning to the land of their fathers. And, no one is going to successfully remove them from Jerusalem or their land. It is settled in heaven.

The record of all of this has been preserved in the written Word of God and on the historical artifacts being unearthed in the land of the Bible. Only fools deny these realities and question the God of truth!

Muslim Sheikh Claims Islam is the Protector of Jews

A few weeks ago, a Yale University Professor, Sheikh Omer Salem, a PhD graduate of Al Azhar University in Cairo, visited Israel and spoke at Haifa University. According to Israel Today, Sheikh Salem believes that the Koran teaches that the Jews have the right to their land, even the Temple Mount. He believes that when Islam rules the world in the future, as in the past, they should be the protector of Jews.

He told his Israeli audience that eventually Allah would give the Jewish people their Temple Mount. He said: “You will get the Temple Mount, but that needs to happen in stages. Muslims will agree to remove the mosque, but it must be initiated by the Muslims. If Jews try to do it there will be great bloodshed. When it [the removal of the mosque] will happen it will be a gift from Allah. He is the one who will turn the hearts of the Muslims.” (www.israeltoday.co.il)

This is exactly what I believe the Scriptures teach. The Antichrist will establish a false peace covenant with Israel, marking the beginning the Tribulation Period. (Daniel 9:27) He will promise the protection of Israel and allow them to rebuild their Jewish temple on the Temple Mount. Isn’t it amazing that Sheikh Salem has told Israel to expect this?

After the Antichrist has successfully conquered the world, he will break his covenant with Israel and invade the Temple Mount, halting Jewish worship. (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:4) The stage is set! Get ready for the shout that will take us out!

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2015 October The Rise of the Final Superpower State- Israel

The Rise of the Final Superpower State- Israel

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. ” – Malachi 3:6

By Mike Wingfield

The tiny nation of Israel is divinely destined to become the final superpower state. At its humble beginning in 1948, there were only 600,000 Jews living in the Promised Land when the world witnessed the revival of an ancient nation, reborn to join the nations of the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its inception, this tiny nation, about the size of New Jersey, has defied conventional wisdom. Not only has it survived 67 years, but it has thrived, and confronted the entire world. God’s Word, as declared in His infallible book, the Bible, will come to pass. The power and presence of this little nation, like David facing Goliath, is destined to demonstrate to the world that there is a God in heaven.

It is not an accident that the entire world, including the Vatican and the U.S. administration, is currently collaborating on the demise of the modern nation of Israel. This is not a surprise to the Almighty! Long ago, the Psalmist declared that the leaders of the world would unite in their opposition to God’s Messiah and His eternal plans. (Psalm 2:1-3) According to the Bible, the final global attempt to wrestle the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem from the Jewish people will take place at the end of the Tribulation Period at the Battle of Armageddon. At Armageddon, the Lord will return from heaven in all of His power and divine majesty to bring a final and lasting retribution against the evil global agenda to destroy Israel. (Zechariah 14:2-3) “For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.” (Isaiah 34:8) The divinely stated reason for God’s reckoning at Armageddon against the New World Order of the Antichrist is found in Joel 3:2. There, the Bible clearly states that the world’s final conflict at the end of this age will take place because the world will attempt to divide the Land of God and scatter the Jewish people throughout the nations. It is very apparent that we are witnessing the global policies that are attempting to invoke an order to remove the Jewish people from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria- the very heartland of the Promised Land), and the Biblical city of Jerusalem, to create another radical Islamic state — the State of Palestine. Everyone knows that the ultimate goal of all of the Muslims of the Middle East, including the Palestinians, is the complete annihilation of the Jewish nation.

Why is the world so focused upon the removal of the Jewish people from their ancient homeland, while supporting the creation of another Islamic terrorist state? The answer is found in Psalm 83. In this text, the Bible states that the “enemies of God” constantly scream out their hatred for God and “have taken crafty counsel against [the] people [of God].” (verses 2-3) “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. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederated against [God].” (verses 4-5) The evidence is abundantly clear. Our world is filled with antichrists who oppose the purposes of God for His chosen people in the Holy Land and the holy city of Jerusalem.

Amazingly, many in the professing church deny the literal interpretation of the re-gathering of the Jews to their land and the restoration of the nation of Israel as a reality in the last days. The false doctrine of replacement theology has permeated most of the teachings of the churches in America and around the world. The open rejection of the modern nation of Israel and the alignment of the professing churches with the godless governments and media of the world that support the destruction of Israel, is a demonstration of the apostasy of the church in these last days. They deny the full context of the Scriptures that clearly and repeatedly declares that the same God that scattered Israel will re-gather Israel at the end of this age. “Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.” (Jeremiah 31:10)

We are now entering a very challenging period of time for the nation of Israel. Jesus described the nature of the end of this age to His Jewish disciples when He said: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6) There has never been a nation that will face the constant barrage of hatred, ongoing threats, and attempts of annihilation like Israel will face during the Tribulation Period. The Lord revealed to the great prophet Daniel: “… and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1) Notice that in both of these texts, the Lord told His people to not be troubled, and promised their ultimate deliverance. The Bible is filled with many promises that the newly re-gathered nation of Israel will not be destroyed in the last days. (Isaiah 29:1-8; 41:8-13; Jeremiah 30:1-11; Ezekiel 38:18-23; Amos 9:14-15; Zechariah 12:1-9; 14:1-3, 12-15; Malachi 3:6) I want to remind us all that these words are the infallible declarations of unconditional promises given to the Jewish people by the unchanging Almighty God of the entire universe. His purposes will come to pass. (Isaiah 14:24, 26-27) He is totally sovereign over all of His creation. No one, including all of the powers of hell, can stop Him! (Daniel 4:34-35) Compared to the great Holy One of Israel, “the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance …. all nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. … the inhabitants [of the earth] are as grasshoppers, … [He] bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.” (Isaiah 40:15, 17, 22-23)

According to a multitude of Biblical passages, the nation of Israel is destined to become the final superpower state at the end of this age. As we consider the Biblical evidence that supports this truth, we must constantly remind ourselves that the future of the nation of Israel is not because of who they are, or the resources they possess. God’s future plan for Israel is bound up in His own glory. (Isaiah 46:9-13) While speaking about the Jewish people, the Lord said: “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” (Isaiah 43:21) God has revealed that Israel’s final restoration is for “mine holy name’s sake … [that] the heathen shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 36:22-23) Therefore, it must be concluded that the greatness of Israel as the final superpower state is bound up in the greatness of God’s Messiah, God’s eternal Son, Jesus Christ.

Israel will become the global superpower, ruling the world with justice and mercy

According to the Scriptures, at the end of the most deadly and destructive time in human history – the Tribulation Period – the Lord Jesus will supernaturally return to earth from heaven and destroy the global political systems at Armageddon. (Daniel 2:42-45; Joel 3:1-17; Zechariah 14:1-15; Revelation 19:11-20:6) After this occurs, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords will reign over all the earth for 1,000 years from Jerusalem, Israel. “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” (Zechariah 14:9) All nations, including the redeemed from current nations who are calling for Israel’s demise, will respect and submit to the rule of Israel’s Messiah. (Isaiah 60:6-12; Zechariah 14:16-19)

The Lord has decreed that His Son will rule over the nations as the sovereign dictator from His “holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2:6-9) The perfection and power of Israel’s global influence will reside in the nature and authority of her divine Messiah. Jesus the Messiah will be the king, legislator, and judge. (Isaiah 33:22) There will be no need for checks and balances on His government, because the King will be perfect. The government in all of its aspects will be guided by the perfect law of God, “for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3) For the first time in human history, justice, mercy, truth, and peace will prevail over all the earth. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7)

The application of God’s Word in all governmental aspects will be directed by resurrected and glorified saints, who have perfect wisdom. Within the living nation of Israel, the Messiah’s administration will include the resurrected King David as his co-regent. (Isaiah 55:3-4) Serving under King David will be the 12 apostles. (Matthew 19:28) Faithful church saints in their glorified bodies will rule over the living Gentiles in the global kingdom. (2 Timothy 2:12) Through this godly administration, justice and peace will be enforced throughout all of the nations.

Israel will become the global spiritual leader

The world has forgotten that peace, security, and prosperity are the divine rewards for those nations who worship and obey God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 33:12) Those who have the knowledge of God and fear Him possess wisdom for living. (Proverbs 9:10) The Bible promises that those who delight in the Lord and His Word “shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3) In both the past and in the future, the Scriptures promised Israel that if they obeyed the Lord He would prosper them. (Joshua 1:7; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 30:8-10)

Currently, there is a major spiritual awakening taking place in Israel. There are already more than 20,000 Messianic believers worshiping in more than 200 churches in Israel. As Israel faces growing international isolation and the threat of an Iranian nuclear attack, many Israelis are turning to the Bible for answers. In fact, Jewish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revived a tradition started by Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and is hosting a “Bible Study” at his official Jerusalem residence. Furthermore, an increasing number of Israelis are considering the possibility that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior of the world. However, all of this is only a small development in light of what is about to take place.

By the end of the Tribulation Period, the entire global Jewish population will be saved. (Zechariah 12:10-13:9; Romans 11:26) The Jewish remnant will be saved while scattered among the Gentile nations. (Deuteronomy 30:1-6) There is no doubt the Lord will use the 144,000 Jewish evangelists that are saved at the beginning of the Tribulation, trained, and sent forth into the nations from Jerusalem during the first half of the Tribulation Period to evangelize the global Jewish population. (Revelation 7)

All Jews and Gentiles who enter the Millennial Kingdom will be saved. (Matthew 25:31-40) However, as the kingdom age progresses, it will be necessary for those children who are born with a depraved heart to receive the gospel and be saved. At the forefront of the global evangelism and education will be the nation of Israel.

The proclamation of the Word of God will be centered in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:3) The nations of the world will drink from the spiritual wells of salvation that will gush forth from the throne of the Messiah in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 12:1-6) Throughout the Kingdom Age, the redeemed of the Lord in Jerusalem will make the nations thirsty for His salvation. (Isaiah 52:7-10) The glorious light of God’s redemption will finally shine forth from Jerusalem and Israel will be a light unto the Gentiles. (Isaiah 60:1, 3) The walls of Jerusalem will be called “Salvation” and the gates will named “Praise.” (Isaiah 60:18)

The world will worship the One and only true God for 1,000 years. Other idols and gods will not be tolerated. The Lord has declared that the Gentile nations “shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.” (Isaiah 60:7) Finally, the temple in Jerusalem will become a house of prayer for all nations. The prophet Micah wrote: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob: and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:1-2)

The global worship of the God of Jacob, with its center at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem has been the decreed aim of God from the beginning of time. (Genesis 22:14; Deuteronomy 12:5-14) It is not a surprise that Satan has chosen the same piece of property as the center of his hellish kingdom against God. (Isaiah 14:13) Since 693 AD, the Dome of the Rock has stood on the spot that God has chosen as the center of His future kingdom on earth. The conflict that pits the god of Ishmael (Islam) against the God of Isaac continues to battle for this little 35-acre plot in Jerusalem. Finally, when Satan is cast into the bottomless pit at the beginning of the kingdom, this conflict will be over. (Revelation 20:2-3) However, when Satan is released to deceive the Gentile kingdoms one more time, notice where the rebellion takes place — Jerusalem. (Revelation 20:9) It is no surprise that those who are in league with Satan are demanding that Israel give up East Jerusalem to the Palestinians for the creation of another radical Islamic nation. The battle for the Temple Mount is really heating up. As this newsletter was being written, there were several days of violent riots on the Temple Mount. Muslims have attacked Jews and Christians who are just visiting the area. As a result, the world, including the U.S. administration, is demanding that Israel forbid Jews from entering the Temple Mount. The global appeasement on behalf of Islam certainly tells us whose side the world is on. The world preaches a message of tolerance, until it applies to Jews and Christians!

Everyone knows that the future of a nation is invested in the education of its children. The Word of God will once again become the curriculum for the education of all children in the global kingdom. “All thy children shall be taught of the LORD…” (Isaiah 54:13) Consequently, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)

I would like to remind all of us that the New England Primer, which was filled with Scripture, was used to teach the children of America to read for the first 200 years. One of the things that made America great in its founding years was the Biblical education of its children. They were given a godly moral foundation along with academic factual knowledge. In the last 50 years America has removed God, the Bible, and prayer from public education, and we are now reaping the results of a moral collapse.

Notice that when the global inhabitants of the kingdom are in submission to Jesus, it will result in no more war or violence. The nations will not “learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4) “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders.” (Isaiah 60:18)

The present godless culture does not connect the dots when attempting to find a solution to the growing problems with hatred, lawlessness, rebellion, and violence. The problem is not with guns or a flag, but the real problem is the human heart! Jesus declared that murder and theft are the result of the wicked human heart. (Matthew 15:19) Only Jesus can change the human heart. Our social ills will get much worse as our culture moves further away from God and His laws of morality. There will be no change or hope until King Jesus comes to establish His kingdom of peace.

Israel will be a powerfully united nation

As one examines the nations, it is obvious that our world is in a state of confusion and lawlessness. The nations are radically divided spiritually, politically, economically, morally, and racially. America is rapidly becoming a divided nation. We are politically divided. The political partisanship within our leadership and the nation in general has blinded us. Too many Americans are busy defending their political party, rather than defending and protecting the nation. Like sheep being led to the slaughter, we are becoming a godless socialist state. We are economically divided. There is a very sharp divide between working America and those who have an entitlement mentality. We are morally divided. Those who support and those who oppose abortion and same-sex marriage are passionately opposed to each other. We are racially divided. A spirit of hate and revenge is brewing across the nation along racial lines. It is only a matter of time before America will be in a state of revolution. The evil powers that are in control are waiting for such an opportunity to seize the moment to declare martial law and take complete control of America. We must remember that Jesus said that a nation divided against itself cannot stand. (Matthew 12:25)

Recent years in Israel have illustrated that the Jewish nation also suffers from division when the security of the nation seems to be strong. However, it is very evident from the last political election in Israel that the global isolation and international threats against Jews in general and Israel in particular, are binding the Jewish people together. The growing hatred for the Jewish people and Israel is accomplishing two things: First, it is fueling the return of the Jewish exiles to their ancient homeland. Long ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote: “Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 43:5-6) Ultimately, at the beginning of the millennial kingdom, every Jew will come back home to live in Israel. (Ezekiel 39:25-28)

The global rejection of the Jewish people will also help to create spiritual and political unity within Israel that will continue to exist throughout the entire millennial kingdom. (Ezekiel 37:15-24) The Lord has promised: “And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel: and one king shall be king to them all … And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.” (Ezekiel 37:22, 24)

Israel will become the most prosperous nation in history

I have been taking tour groups to Israel for 30 years and I have been continually amazed at the prosperity and growth that is taking place in Israel. Israel has a growing high-tech economy. The Jewish state has proven itself as an innovative nation in the latest computer technology, agriculture advancements and techniques, and medical research and achievements. Israel is also a world leader in the creation and manufacture of military weaponry. On any given day, Israel has one of the strongest economies and currencies in the world. The recent discoveries of several large natural gas fields off the coast of Israel have given Israel the energy it needs to be energy independent and to develop as a world-class economic leader in the 21st century.

According to Ezekiel 38:12-13, it will be the wealth and food in Israel that will tempt Russia, Iran, Turkey, and other nations to attack Israel. However, all of this current wealth is only the prelude to what will unfold in Israel during the millennial kingdom.

Israel is currently spending about 14 percent, about $15 billion, of its annual budget on defense. One can only imagine what would take place if these funds could be directed toward agriculture. This is exactly what will take place in the kingdom. Isaiah predicted that during the kingdom Israelis will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks.” (Isaiah 2:4)

The land of Israel will become a lush garden, “like the Garden of Eden.” (Ezekiel 36:35) “He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud and fill the face of the world with fruit.” (Isaiah 27:6) The millennial Israel will experience miraculous expansion and growth of infrastructure and construction of cities and highways. (Psalm 102:16; Isaiah 19:23-24; Ezekiel 36:33, 35; Amos 9:14)

The collective wealth in the final global superpower will surpass anything ever accomplished in all of human history. The business that Israel will conduct with the Gentile nations will cause the Jewish state to become the economic giant of the ages. The transfer of wealth from the Gentile nations to Israel will be staggering. (Isaiah 60:6, 16) The Lord has promised: “For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron.” (Isaiah 60:17)

My friend, it should be crystal clear that we are living in a world in rebellion against God. We are watching the final conflict that is leading the nations of the world to Armageddon. At the heart of that conflict is Israel and its land. God has supernaturally called His chosen people back home to Israel and has caused them to thrive. We are witnessing the final drama that is leading to the beginning of the Tribulation Period. It is only a matter of time!

In light of all of this, we must be ready for the shout that will take us out!

As the Free-World Collapses

For those who study history and follow the trends in current events, it is abundantly clear that the free world and its flag-ship nation, the United States, are in the final stages of collapse. It is obvious that the enemies of the free-world are acting like sharks that smell blood and are preparing for the attack. Russia, Iran, North Korea, China, and various groups within the Islamic world are poised to take over the world when the United States officially falls from its superpower status. The United States and Europe are politically divided, morally corrupt, economically bankrupt, and spiritually pagan. To this we must add that both the U.S. and Europe are operating in the spirit of political appeasement and military retreat. All of these are signs of weakness.

Russia is making its move in Europe and the Middle East to flex its military muscle, almost daring anyone to stop them. No one has hindered them from taking eastern Ukraine. Now, Russia and Iran have agreed to come to the military aid of their friends in Syria. A DEBKAfile report on September 13, revealed that Russia and Iran agreed at the end of July to send a massive military buildup of marines, air force units, warships and missiles to northern Syria. “Russian forces are streaming to Latakia, and Moscow has declared the area from Tartous, Syria up to Cyprus closed to shipping and air traffic from Sept. 15 to Oct. 7 in view of a ‘military exercise including test firings of guided missiles’ from Russian warships.” (DEBKAfile, September 13, 201) For those of us who study the prophetic Scriptures, this has set off a major alarm. According to Ezekiel 38, Russia and Iran, along with other allies from Turkey, Libya, and Sudan, will invade Israel in the last days. These troops are now occupying the same area from which they will invade Israel!

The same DEBKAfile reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in July and offered to help militarily guard the newly discovered gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Israel. Obviously, it was his plan to cash in on the billions that will be made from the exports of the natural gas now operated by Israel. It is worth noting that Putin never revealed to Netanyahu his plans for the military buildup with the Iranians in Syria. Netanyahu never responded to Putin’s offer. Once again, all of this is very important in relationship to Ezekiel 38, which indicates that one of the major reasons for the Russian/Iranian invasion of Israel is to plunder Israel of its wealth. (Ezekiel 38:12-13)

In addition to these concerns, on September 15th USA Today reported: “North Korea … has restarted operations at its atomic bomb fuel production plants, …. it is fully ready to use nuclear weapons against the United States.”

Europe is facing another immediate threat to its survival as a part of the free world. It has been known for decades that Europe is suffering from a serious demographic time bomb. Native Europeans are not having enough children to sustain control of their future political destiny. Many have observed that the growing Islamic immigration and natural birth rates of Muslims in Europe will finally overwhelm the continent in the coming decades. However, the steady stream of Muslim refugees that are currently fleeing the war-torn Middle East is speeding up this threat. Millions of Muslims are fleeing Libya, Syria, and Iraq. Hundreds of thousands are trying to enter Europe. No one can estimate at this point the impact this mass exodus of Muslims will have economically and demographically upon their host countries.

Radical Muslim leaders are praying that this will speed up the demise of Europe by flooding Europe with Muslims, making it a part of the Islamic world. John McTernan, the founder of Defend and Proclaim the Faith ministries and an expert in Biblical prophecy, recently commented about a fiery sermon that a top Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Ayed, gave at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem: “Speaking at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Ayed stated that European countries were not rolling out the red carpet for migrants because they were compassionate, but because Europe was in dire need of a new source of labor. ‘Europe has become old and decrepit and needs human reinforcement….they are not motivated by compassion for the Levant, its people and its refugees,’ said Ayed, adding, ‘Soon, we will trample them underfoot, Allah willing.’

‘Throughout Europe, all the hearts are enthused with hatred toward Muslims. They wish that we were dead, but they have lost their fertility, so they look for fertility in our midst,’ he added. ‘We will give them fertility! We will breed children with them, because we shall conquer their countries!’ Ayed stated that ‘whether you like it or not,’ Americans, Italians, Germans, and the French will be forced to take the ‘refugees’. ‘We shall soon collect them in the name of the coming Caliphate. We will say to you: these are our sons. Send them, or we will send our armies to you,’ concluded Ayed.” (http://defendproclaimthefaith.org/blog/?p=35400, September 18, 2015)

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2015 September The Fervent Expectation of Messiah

The Fervent Expectation of Messiah

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Messiah]; and shall deceive many.” – Matthew 24:5

By Mike Wingfield

It is not an accident that the expectation of the coming of the Messiah of each of the world’s three monotheistic religions is at an all-time high. I believe that the anticipation of the coming of Messiah among Jews, Muslims, and Christians has never been as great in my lifetime as it is at this very moment. Jews are looking at the events in the Middle East, and especially the predicted invasion by Russia and Iran mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39, as a sign that the Messiah is about to come. Muslims are expecting their long-awaited Mahdi [messiah] due to the specific events that are unfolding in Syria and Iraq. There is a lot of chatter in Christian circles about the potential for the return of Jesus Christ for His church in the next few weeks. What are we to think about all of this? Let us examine the evidence in the light of God’s Word.

First, we must understand that the Bible has the final answer, and really the only answer, concerning this subject! It doesn’t matter what the Jewish rabbis, Islamic imams, or Christian theologians, preachers, or authors say. The Lord has total authority and control over all things, visible and invisible. The Bible emphatically declares and illustrates repeatedly that the Lord “works all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Ephesians 1:11) He is the one and only true God. There are no other gods. He has declared: “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me.” (Isaiah 45:5) He is the only true and holy God who is eternal, has all power, all knowledge, and is present throughout all of His creation. He is self-sufficient and does not need anyone or anything to exist or rule over all that He has created. While speaking about Jesus, the Bible declares: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist [have their being].” (Colossians 1:16-17)

All statements made by ancient or current leaders of all religions must be analyzed on the basis of the unchanging Word of God. Jesus said: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fufilled.” (Matthew 5:18) While speaking about His return, He said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) The creation is in a process of degeneration, but God and His Word are unchanging and eternal. (Psalm 102:25-27; 119:89-91, 160) God’s purposes are eternal. (Ephesians 3:11) He has said, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that has gone out of my lips.” (Psalm 89:34)

Not only is the Bible unchanging and eternal, it is also complete and final. The Bible is the complete and final divine revelation given to man. The final verses in the Bible warn everyone to not add to or take away “from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19) The 66 books of the Bible are all we need to be completely and adequately equipped to know what to believe, and to serve God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Jesus told His apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them “into all truth.” (John 16:13) The Apostle Paul later declared that the Holy Spirit had revealed God’s truth to the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:5), who were the unique and only “foundation” of the church, Jesus Christ “being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20) When the apostles passed from the scene in the first century, God ceased to give man any further revelation. There are no apostles and prophets in the church today! God is not giving mankind new revelation. Those who claim to be receiving new revelation from God are out of bounds with the declared statements of Scripture and are walking on dangerous ground.

Anyone who has ever studied the Bible as it relates to the Second Coming of Christ knows that there is a great difference of opinion among Christians with regard to the timing of His return. I believe, in light of the detailed chronology of the book of Revelation, that the ultimate and final visible return of the Messiah, called “the Revelation,” will not take place until the end of the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 19:11-21) This will be after the Gog and Magog invasion and the destruction of Russia, Iran, Turkey, and their Islamic allies. It will be after seven long years of deadly judgments as an expression of the wrath of God upon a godless and wicked generation, culminating with Armageddon. This final and visible glorious return of the Messiah to earth will be recognizable to all living inhabitants of earth. (Revelation 1:7) However, this event cannot be the same event that will include the sudden snatching away of the Bride of Christ “in the twinkling of an eye.” (1 Corinthians 15:52) In the Rapture, Jesus will come down to the clouds to snatch away the church to heaven to be with Him for seven years. (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) In the Revelation, following the marriage feast of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:4-9), the church will descend from heaven with Jesus to earth, where He will establish His kingdom upon the earth for 1,000 years. (Revelation 19:11-20:6) It is important to have this Biblical overview of the coming of the Messiah as we look at the following expectations of the coming of Messiah that are permeating the global culture at this time.

The Current Jewish Expectation of their Messiah

As Jewish people witness the ongoing in-gathering of Jewish exiles from the nations of the world, the mounting global assault on their occupation of the Holy Land and Jerusalem, and the nuclear threat of Iran with the aid of Russia (viewed as a foreshadow of the Gog and Magog war in Ezekiel 38-39), they believe the coming of Messiah is imminent.

According to a report from Breaking News Israel, here is one example of the Jewish expectation of the imminent coming of their long-awaited messiah. “Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a leading authority in mainstream Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, has been giving clear and unequivocal messages recently that the coming of the Messiah is imminent. He is urging Jews to make aliyah as soon as possible. Aliyah, the Hebrew verb for ‘going up’, refers to immigrating to Israel, which is seen as higher spiritual action that can help herald the coming of the Messiah.

“It was reported that the Rabbi Kanievsky was presented with a pamphlet, written by Rabbi Yitzchak Ben Tzvi from the city of Bnei Brak, dealing with the End of Days and many other related prophecies. Rabbi Kanievsky, who is a pillar of the Jewish community and known for his authoritative books on Torah law, read the pamphlet carefully. After a short consideration, he told those around him that the pamphlet needed to be distributed and that Jews living outside Israel should return to their ancestral land.

“In yet another instance of Rabbi Kanievsky’s call for aliyah, author Rabbi Yekutiel Fisch revealed advice that was given to his cousin, a teacher at a prominent Lakewood Yeshiva who visited Israel recently and went to Rabbi Kanievsky to receive a blessing at the end of his visit.

“The Rabbi told him that he should not leave Israel because the Messiah would be arriving very soon. The teacher responded that he had 700 students waiting for him in Lakewood. Rabbi Kanievsky told him that he must bring all of the students to Israel. Upon his arrival in Lakewood, the story spread quickly, creating quite an impression on the students who all revere Rabbi Kanievsky.

“After a lifetime of immersing himself in classical Jewish texts, Rabbi Kanievsky’s study partner informed various media sites that the Rabbi is talking about the messiah ‘all the time.’ Since last summer’s war in Gaza, the Rabbi has been spreading this message of imminent return. In one instance, Rabbi Kanievsky instructed a Jew from Argentina who asked for a blessing that he should ‘gather your family and come to Israel. Otherwise, there won’t be enough room for you on the airplanes.’

“When asked about the timing of the Messiah’s arrival, Rabbi Kanievsky answered, ‘At the end of the Sabbatical year.’ Several people have asked the rabbi to verify this and he has given the same answer each time. This year is the Sabbatical year and it will be ending on the 29th day of Elul, which, by the Gregorian calendar falls on Saturday, September 12, 2015.” (http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/44534/leading-israeli-rabbi-messiah-imminent-jewish-world/#BHrh3ihKB5vGPfKW.99)

Many Jews in Israel and in the nations are taking these words very seriously, and making spiritual preparations for the coming of messiah. I must caution you to understand that most Jewish people have a completely different view of who their messiah will be, and what he will do when he arrives on earth. Many believe that he will be just an ordinary godly man that will lead Israel to military victory over the nations that are currently threatening to destroy the Jewish nation. They believe he will usher in an era of peace and prosperity that will be centered in Israel. He will rule the world from Jerusalem. Justice will permeate the world as the knowledge of God will be made known in all nations.

The Current Islamic Expectation of their Messiah

Much to our shame, there is probably a greater expectation among Muslims for the coming of their messiah than among Jews and Christians for their respective messiahs. Since the revival of Islam that began with the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, there has been a growing expectancy of the sudden appearing of the Islamic messiah, the one they call the Mahdi.

According to Joel Richardson, a Biblical scholar of the end-times, 672 million of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims believe that the coming of the Mahdi is imminent. (www.joelstrumpet.com/?p=3842) World Net Daily reports: “In the latest evidence of this messianic fervor, a mainstream Sunni Muslim website has decreed that the Islamic messiah, called the Mahdi, will appear this year or in 2016 and that the Muslim Jesus will return in 2022 to conquer the world for Islam.

“DiscoveringIslam.org and the End Times Research Center have calculated that the ‘first phase’ of the end of time will begin soon and lead to the ‘Day of Judgment’ in seven years.

“The estimates were derived from ‘the latest research’ into numerical analysis of the Quran, Hadith, Arabic words and historical events,” according to DiscoveringIslam. org.” (www.wnd.com/2015/03/mahdi-to-return-by-2016-followed-by-jesus/#QAm4Fy08VD7m7Tfk.99)

In additional to all of this, the recent capture of Dabiq in Syria by ISIS has heightened the messianic fervor within the Islamic world. Many believe this explains why so many Muslims from around the world are joining ISIS in their war efforts. According to Islamic tradition, Dabiq is the equivalent to the Biblical Armageddon that will usher in the Islamic messianic era. Muslims believe their Islamic forces will engage a massive military force at Dabiq in the final days of judgment. It will be a blood bath for both sides, with Islam defeating the West and ushering in the Islamic global kingdom ruled by the Mahdi. They are hoping the U.S. will send troops into Syria to fulfill this Islamic expectation.

All of the radical Islamic terrorist groups (like ISIS, Hamas, Lebanon, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaida, and Hezbollah) and radical Islamic regimes, such as Iran and elements in Turkey and Sudan, are being driven by their expectation of the imminent coming of the Mahdi. They believe that according to their holy writings a global destruction must take place and their Mahdi will then appear to bring global justice and peace, establishing a global Islamic government. The Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Islamic State that is expanding across the Middle East, are currently leading this effort.

This is what makes the nuclear deal with Iran so dangerous. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continuously warned the West of the apocalyptic dreams of Iran to bring in the golden era of the reign of their Mahdi. On March 3, 2015, while speaking to the U.S. Congress, Netanyahu said: “Iran and ISIS are competing for the crown of militant Islam. One calls itself the Islamic Republic. The other calls itself the Islamic State. Both want to impose a militant Islamic empire first on the region and then on the entire world. They just disagree among themselves who will be the ruler of that empire.

“In this deadly game of thrones, there’s no place for America or for Israel, no peace for Christians, Jews or Muslims who don’t share the Islamist medieval creed, no rights for women, no freedom for anyone. …

“The difference is that ISIS is armed with butcher knives, captured weapons and YouTube, whereas Iran could soon be armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs. We must always remember — I’ll say it one more time — the greatest danger facing our world is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons. To defeat ISIS and let Iran get nuclear weapons would be to win the battle, but lose the war. We can’t let that happen.” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/03/03/full-text-netanyahus-address-to-congress/)

I personally have been shocked to hear the response of the liberal U.S. political leadership and pundits to Netanyahu’s warning. While ignoring the facts, they call Netanyahu a warmonger and cozy up to the radical leadership in Iran. The intellectual foolishness and political blindness of the West at this hour is absolutely astounding! Many political analysts are comparing these developments to an eerie repeat of the ridiculous appeasement efforts by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain after his conference with Adolf Hitler before World War II erupted. The conflict with Hitler and his Axis powers lasted about seven years and killed more than 73 million people. During the war years, the Nazis systematically murdered one-half of the world’s Jewish population in their concentration camps.

It is not a coincidence that according to the prophetic Scriptures, the world is facing another global war that will last seven years. During these war years, the Antichrist, who will probably be the Islamic Mahdi, will kill two-thirds of the world’s Jewish population. (Zechariah 13:8-9)

The Current Christian Expectation of their Messiah

There is a remnant of true believers in this world that are longing and looking for the coming of the Lord. Many of them may not agree on the time of the Rapture, but they recognize that we are moving through the final phases of the last days.

We must recognize there are no signs for the Rapture of the church. It is imminent. It can happen at any moment. However, all of the signs of the end-times should be viewed as preparations for the time of judgment that is coming upon all the inhabitants of earth, called the Tribulation Period. Some of us are Biblically focused upon these signs as commanded by our Lord. He said: “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) When the Tribulation unfolds, the following conditions (only to name a few) will be in place: A time of great spiritual deception and darkness will cover the earth. (Isaiah 60:2; Matthew 24:5) A time of economic and political upheaval will lead to a one-world government that will eventually be controlled by the Antichrist. (Daniel 7:7-8, 23-25; Revelation 13:7) The Jewish people will return to their land, leading to wars and rumors of wars over their possession of the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 36:1-7, 24; Zechariah 12:1-9; 14:1-3; Matthew 24:6) A peace process over the struggle for the possession of the land of Israel will finally lead to a covenant that will be forced upon Israel by the Antichrist, leading to the beginning of the Tribulation Period. (Daniel 9:27) Geological upheaval will increase in frequency and magnitude. (Isaiah 2:10-22; 24:1-23; Ezekiel 38:19-22; Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:12-17; 8:7-9; 16:17-21) Celestial and atmospheric disturbances that will threaten life on earth will escalate. (Luke 21:25-26; Revelation 8:10-13; 16:8-11, 21) The global professing church will experience a time of apostasy and apathy. (Luke 18:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:1-4) The Gog and Magog coalition will begin to take shape. (Ezekiel 38:1-9) And, immorality, violence, and wickedness, all accompanied by demonic influences and possession, will permeate the nations as it did in the days of Noah. (Matthew 24:11; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Revelation 9:20-21)

As fall approaches, with the Jewish feast days in September, there are many of us who are experiencing a heightened expectation that something is about to happen. We cannot be dogmatic about this, but an examination of God’s program illustrates that many times significant events on God’s calendar of prophetic events have unfolded on the Jewish feast days. Consider this. Jesus died at Passover. He resurrected at the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The church began on the feast of Pentecost. So, one does wonder, is it possible that some big event or events will unfold on the Jewish New Year, and during the Feast of Tabernacles or Yom Kippur? There has been a lot of chatter in Christian circles about all of this in recent years and months. We must be very careful in these considerations. We must respect the sovereignty of our God and His plan. He has chosen to not reveal the exact dates connected to the end-time events. (Matthew 24:36) Our sovereign God has not told us everything, but only what we need to know. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed [divine written revelation] belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

It is very sad to realize that the overwhelming number of professing Christians in the United States are not interested in looking for the imminent return of the Lord Jesus. They have, at best, fallen asleep. (Romans 13:11-14) Their leadership has told them that studying Bible prophecy is a waste of time. Rick Warren recently stated in one of his blogs that studying Bible prophecy is futile. He stated that we only need to focus on evangelism, not Biblical prophecy. (www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchand ministry/warren_evangelism0206.aspx) – link no longer working

The dangers and pitfalls that lead to apostasy grow out of our modern day many-centered version of Christianity. The central focus of the Bible is not redemption, but the Redeemer! We are not to focus only on the creation, but on the Creator! The central purpose of the Bible is not the salvation of man, but the Savior of mankind! I am not saying that the salvation of man, the evangelism of the lost, and the defense of the truth that God created everything out of nothing are not important. This is all significant, but it is not the major theme of the Bible. The Bible is all about the glory, worship, and praise that belong to our triune God. All of God’s work is focused upon His Son, Jesus Christ, having the “preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18) When we finally get to heaven we will cry out in worship: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“ (Revelation 4:11)

I do not personally understand how any student of the Bible can reach the conclusion that the consideration of the Second Coming of Christ is irrelevant or insignificant. What do we do with all of the commands by Jesus and His apostles to be ready for His coming? How can we explain that the Holy Spirit has given us a revelation that is saturated with the expectation of the coming of the Messiah? Are we to ignore the examples of the prophets of the Old Testament, the apostles of the New Testament, and Jesus, who constantly spoke of the coming of the Messiah and the events that would accompany His coming? Are we to disregard the final book of the progressive revelation of God that ends with the revelation of Jesus Christ? Should we avoid a doctrine that declares “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”? (Revelation 19:10) Are we to discount the fact that the Holy Spirit directed the Apostle John to end the divine revelation with the prayerful invitation: “Even, so, come, Lord Jesus”? Revelation 22:20)

The entire Bible is built around the coming of the Messiah. It is the central message of the Bible. He is foreshadowed in the appearances of the angel of Jehovah, and in the divinely mandated worship in the Tabernacle and Temple in the Old Testament. The prophets gave us the amazing predictions of His first coming, and the apostles wrote of the fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament. Both Old and New Testaments are filled with hundreds of detailed prophecies concerning His Second Coming and the events that surround that event. Finally, the Holy Spirit directs all of humanity to the crowning event in all of God’s eternal plan, the supernatural, yet physical, unveiling of His Son to the entire world at the end of this age. That is why the final book of the Bible is named “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 1:1)

Isn’t it alarming to realize that most of the world is looking for the Antichrist, rather than Jesus Christ? In essence, they are helping to bring about the appearance of the Antichrist and his jihad march around the world. The U.S. and the West are currently standing on the wrong side of evil! They are rejecting the moral, historical, and sane warning of the leadership of Israel about Iran’s developing nuclear program. They have chosen to forget about the current terrorist activities sponsored by the cultic and apocalyptic Iranian regime throughout the Middle East. They have elected to turn a deaf ear to all of the chants of “Death to the U.S. and Israel” in Iran. Instead, they are trusting the word of a nation that promotes deception in the name of their god. They refuse to hear the cries of the Jewish people who have returned to their homeland in fulfillment to the call of the God of Jacob as promised in the Bible.

It is very apparent that if this deal is allowed to stand, there is a very serious day of reckoning coming for the nations. While it is too early to tell, it does appear that in some way this deal has set in motion the events that will precipitate the Gog and Magog war mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. It is only a matter of time!

It is not just a coincidence that Jews, Muslims, and Christians are all looking for a different messiah to appear at any moment. Remember that Jesus taught that one of the signs of the end of this age would be the appearance of many messiahs. He said: “For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ [same word as Messiah]; and shall deceive many. …. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:5, 24)

I personally believe that on the basis of these verses and many others, the great deceiver, Satan, is setting up everything for the great deception at the end of this age. There is only one true Messiah, and we know who He is — Jesus Christ. Near the end of the first century, the aged Apostle John wrote: “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) While there have been false Christs during the last two millennia, I believe that the deception at the end of this age will produce two major false messiahs. Notice that the book of Revelation focuses upon only two men of deception — the Antichrist and the False Prophet. (Revelation 13) Both of these men will be antichrist figures during the Tribulation Period.

Revelation 13 is filled with symbolism. All symbolism in the Bible must be interpreted in light of the Biblical context. Notice that the Antichrist and the False Prophet are symbolically referred to as “beasts.” throughout Revelation 13. It is significant to note that the first beast, the Antichrist, symbolically rises up out of the sea. However, in sharp contrast, the second beast figuratively rises up “out of the earth [land].” In the Bible, the sea symbolically represents the wicked Gentile nations. (Isaiah 17:12-13; 57:20; Revelation 17:15) The land represent the land of Israel. Ray C. Stedman, a well-know pastor and Christian author of several books, adds the following explanation: “The land or the earth, is used frequently as a symbol for Israel throughout the Old Testament. Israel is viewed as a nation with stability because it had God as its head. It had structure, order, and foundation, and so it was depicted as ‘land.’ But the sea is used many places in Scripture to describe the Gentile nations (pagan nations, by and large), which had no inner stability because there was no recognition of the authority of God. They worshiped idols and held to pagan concepts which rendered them unstable and uncertain in their conduct of human affairs.” (http://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/revelation/to-jew-and-gentile)

In light of all of this, it is amazing to note that Muslims are not only looking for their Mahdi to come, but they also believe that he will be accompanied by Isa, their name for Jesus. I believe the Antichrist will be a Muslim (Daniel 11:36-45), and will probably be the Islamic Mahdi. Therefore, the False Prophet will be a false Jewish messiah from Israel. Jesus said to his fellow Jews: “if another come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43) As both Jews and Muslims look for their respective messiahs, the stage is set for the great deception. Be ready for the shout that will take us out!

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