Category: Current Events

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2015 May – Yemen Crisis due to Iran’s Attempt to Revive the Persian Empire

Yemen Crisis due to Iran’s Attempt to Revive the Persian Empire, with Babylon as its Capital

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.”- Luke 21:28

By Mike Wingfield

The potential for a major war between the two largest factions of Islam, the Sunnis and Shiites (Shias), is now centered upon a struggle for Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s southern neighbor. At the epicenter of this threat of war within the Islamic world is the growing influence of Iran and its Shiite axis of power in the region. We may not be able to understand all of the details of this development in the light of the overall prophetic picture of the last days. However, the Scriptures declare that Iran will play a major role in the end-time events, forming an alliance with Russia and other Shiite friends in the Middle East. (Ezekiel 38-39) Make no mistake; the evil apocalyptic Islamic regime that is ruling over the Iranian people has its sights set on the annihilation of Israel. Its ultimate goal is the establishment of an Islamic empire that will rule over the world, with Babylon as its capital.

Before I direct our attention to Iran, I want to briefly address a related consideration that I believe is of great significance. Many of us who study Biblical prophecy agree that the end-time political and religious power described in Revelation 17-18 is Islam. We also agree that the Antichrist will be a Muslim who will rule the Islamic world from Babylon, Iraq for 7 years. However, beyond that we are still looking at the current events in the light of the Scriptures, and wondering how all of this is going to play out. Obviously, we will not be here for the 7-year Tribulation Period, but it is our duty and privilege to study the prophetic Word of God and warn this present generation of the approaching divine judgment. The wrath of God and Satan is about to be unleashed upon this terminal generation. In comparison, our Lord gave an ominous warning of impending judgment to Israel in Old Testament days through His prophets. While the office of a prophet is not available today, I do believe the Holy Spirit desires to speak through His church and sound a warning to this present generation “to flee from the wrath to come.” (Matthew 3:7) Evangelical believers who literally interpret the prophetic Scriptures are the only people on earth who have any wisdom concerning the future. This is simply because we have been enlightened by the prophetic Word of God. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) We do not have all of the details, but we have been given a divine revelation that tells us how it is all going to end.

We must remember that no one knows when the Rapture will take place. Jesus said: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) Even Satan does not know when the Rapture will occur. So, we must conclude that for almost 2,000 years, Satan has been guessing and preparing his forces for the final showdown in the Tribulation Period between himself and Jesus.

Satan knows the Bible. He used it and twisted it to tempt Jesus during His incarnation. (Matthew 4:6) Satan, for his own purposes, has become very knowledgeable about the prophetic Word of God. He must know what the Lord will do in the future so he can prepare his diabolical plan in a desperate and foolish attempt to defeat Jesus when He returns. This means that Satan needs to have several possible antichrist figures ready at any moment for the Tribulation Period. Near the end of the first century, the Apostle John alluded to this when he wrote: “Little children, it is the last time, and as you 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)

We are living in such an hour. When a person looks across the political landscape of the Islamic world in the Middle East, there are several men Satan may be grooming to be potential antichrists. Chaos is escalating in the Arab Islamic world and it appears that many leaders are aspiring to become the Muslim caliph. This caliph, or global dictator, will have total control of the Muslim world. This is really nothing new, but while looking at the global context and the rise of Islam, these developments seem to be uniquely timed to usher in the Tribulation Period.

Various factions of the Sunni and Shiite Islamic groups are locked in a battle for the honor of creating the political and military platform from which their messiah will rule the world. While these Muslim factions have their differences, they all agree that we are living in the end of days. They further believe that their messiah, the “Mahdi,” is soon to appear. That belief is driving their apocalyptic agenda and methods.

Potential antichrist figures can be found within the dangerous apocalyptic Iranian Shiite regime. This genocidal religious leadership believes they can hasten the public appearance of their Mahdi, the Islamic messiah, by wreaking havoc and destruction around the world. It is their view, that after the annihilation of Israel and this global destruction, the Mahdi will be able to proclaim the Islamic New World Order, called the Caliphate.

If one listens to the fiery speeches and rhetoric coming from the power circles in Iran, they reveal a dangerous religious and political ideology. In a recent article for the Washington Post, Michael Morell (acting and deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2010 to 2013) alluded to a speech given recently at a conference in Tehran on “Iran, Nationalism, History, and Culture.” This speech was given by Ali Younesi, who served as the head of intelligence for former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami. Morell reports that this influential Iranian leader told the conference attendees, “‘Since its inception, Iran has [always] had a global [dimension]. It was born an empire. Iran’s leaders, officials and administrators have always thought in the global’ dimension. Younesi defined the territory of the Iranian empire, which he called ‘Greater Iran,’ as reaching from the borders of China and including the Indian subcontinent, the north and south Caucasus and the Persian Gulf. He said Iraq is the capital of the Iranian Empire — a reference to the ancient city of Babylon, in present-day Iraq, which was the center of Persian life for centuries.” (www.washingtonpost.com, April 3, 2015)

The fact that a current Iranian leader would make these statements about Iran’s global ambitions and its connection to ruling the world from Babylon, Iraq (see Isaiah 14:4) is an example of the revived Islamic empire of the Antichrist called “Babylon” in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 14:8; 17-18) Iran appears to have advanced its influence in the region more than any other Islamic state. The Iranian leadership has expanded its Shia crescent power base across the Middle East. In neighboring Iraq, Iran has a dominating influence over the Shiite centers in the south. As a result, Iran is a menace to the newly-created Iraqi government. In Syria, they have a power base supported by Syrian President Bashar Assad and the Alawites (a Shia religious group). In Lebanon, they have a very important political and military foothold on the northern border of Israel through their proxy, Hezbollah (a Shia military terrorist group funded and trained by Iran). In Gaza, they have almost total control of Hamas, a radical Islamic terrorist entity. And, in recent months, the Iranians have released another terrorist group in Yemen, the Houthi rebels. These rebels have captured Aden, the capital of Yemen, and its international airport.

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In light of all of this, the potential of Iran manufacturing its own nuclear weapons has become a major concern for the Sunni Muslims in the region. While Iran moves ahead with the development of a nuclear arsenal, the West (and especially the U.S. administration) is viewed as playing a deadly game of chicken with Iran. It is apparent to Israel and the Sunni Arabs that the U.S. administration has already accepted the fact that Iran will be a nuclear nation and become the dominant player in the region. This major ongoing shift in American policy in the Middle East is fueling chaos and revolutions, called the Arab Spring. As a result, radical elements are gaining more power and moving the world closer to an apocalyptic Middle East. Many former Arab-Islamic allies of the U.S. are joining Israel’s warnings that the failed foreign policies of the Obama administration in the Middle East, particularly with Iran, are making it a very dangerous place to live. In his speech to Congress March 3, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu so eloquently stated this concern: “Iran’s neighbors know that Iran will become even more aggressive and sponsor even more terrorism when its economy is unshackled and it’s been given a clear path to the bomb. And many of these neighbors say they’ll respond by racing to get nuclear weapons of their own. So this deal won’t change Iran for the better; it will only change the Middle East for the worse. A deal that’s supposed to prevent nuclear proliferation would instead spark a nuclear arms race in the most dangerous part of the planet. This deal won’t be a farewell to arms. It would be a farewell to arms control. And the Middle East would soon be crisscrossed by nuclear tripwires. A region where small skirmishes can trigger big wars would turn into a nuclear tinderbox.” (www.time.com/3730318/transcript-netanyahu -speech-to-congress/)

Sunni Arabs know that Iran is attempting to force the Sunni world into submission, annihilate Israel, and especially take control of Saudi Arabia, the religious center of Islam. The Saudis view the Iranian attempt to turn Yemen into another Iranian proxy state as a major step in the accomplishment of this Shia agenda. In response to the shift in American policy, and the Iranian threat in Yemen, the Saudis have formed at 10-nation Sunni coalition to join them in their military strikes against the Houthis’ forces in Yemen. The military strikes against these Iranian interests in Yemen have brought about sharp threatening communications between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which could lead to war in the region. One needs to remember that Iran and Iraq were at war from 1980 to 1988. Wars pitting Muslims against Muslims are raging throughout the Middle East at this very hour. But, a conflagration between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be very costly, and bring a titanic shift to the balance of power in the Middle East.

While all of this is taking place, Russia recently agreed to sell and deliver S-300 surface-to-air defense missile systems to Iran. This system would make a future military strike by Israel or the U.S. against Iran very difficult, but not impossible. The U.S. has positioned several of its aircraft carriers in the region to prevent Iran from supplying the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. Israel has answered the Russian move in Iran by sell military arms to Ukrainian forces that are fighting against Russian-backed forces. Israel’s move brought sharp criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

To add to the ever-changing developments in the Middle East, Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, recently visited Iran. While Turkey and Iran have some major differences about the wars in Syria and Yemen, the leadership of Iran agreed with Erdogan that their respective countries need to cooperate with each other in the region.

It is obvious that Russia, Turkey, and Iran all have different ambitions for building their own empires. While they each have their own global agenda, they are willing to cooperate in order to capitalize on the United States’ declining influence in the region. Their common goal is the destruction of Israel.

These developments, in light of Ezekiel 38-39, are amazing! It is very apparent that a coalition of Shia nations and cooperating friends in Libya, Ethiopia, and Sudan are joining with Russia for dominance in the Middle East. It is only a matter of time until these nations make their move against Israel. When that happens, it is interesting to note that the onlookers of this invasion are “Sheba” (southern Saudi Arabia) and “Dedan” (northern Saudi Arabia), along with “the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions” (some view this as a reference to Great Britain and her former colonies, which would include the United States). (Ezekiel 38:13)

These developments in the Middle East continue to indicate our world is being changed so that the Biblical end-times events can unfold on any given day. I remind you once again to be ready for the shout that will take us out!

Deployment of Tunnel Detection System

Israel Breaking News has just released a report about an advanced tunnel detection system that’s being deployed along the Israel-Gaza border. Last summer, Israel discovered that Hamas was digging tunnels from Gaza into Israel in an attempt to ambush and kidnap Israelis. Many of the tunnels were destroyed. However, since the war ended, Israeli intelligence has reported that the work on these terrorist tunnels has aggressively resumed.

In response to this threat, an Israeli firm has just completed its research on a very effective tunnel detection system that is now being deployed along the border with Gaza. This system will allow the Israeli military to identify these tunnels and destroy them before they are used by terrorists against Israel. This system is already bringing a sense of relief among Israelis living in southern Israel. Long ago, the ancient prophet of Israel, Isaiah, spoke on behalf of the Lord to his people: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

Israel Turns 67

The miraculous modern nation of Israel is now 67 years old. Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. However, using the Jewish calendar, a lunar rather than solar-based calendar, Israel celebrated its 67th birthday on April 22. Israel now has a population of 8.3 million people. “The 6.25 million Jewish residents of Israel represent 74.9 percent of the population, while the 1.73 million Arabs make up 20.7% of the current population. Residents without any official religious affiliation and members of other religions (including non-Arab Christians) make up 4.4% of the population.” (www.timesofisrael.com, April 21, 2015) The amazing growth, prosperity, security, and divine protection of Israel is the greatest evidence of the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy in the last 100 years. The Lord has proclaimed: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)

Christians and the Climate of Hatred

As we listen to the news reports from around the world, it is obvious there is a growing climate of hatred for Christians. Christians are being persecuted, attacked, and killed around the world.

Recent surveys of American university professors indicate they have a profound hatred for conservative, evangelical Christians. I remind you that history demonstrates hatred for Christians is a precursor to their open persecution and martyrdom. Jesus connected hatred for His followers with their persecution and martyrdom. (John 15:18-16:2) This message was echoed by His apostles. (1 John 3:15)

Our response should be the promotion of peace, love, and forgiveness. Read what Jesus has told us to do in Matthew 5:9-12. In the midst of their own suffering, the apostles admonished the early church to also rejoice. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

May our Lord give us wisdom, grace, and strength for what lies ahead. The greatest era of deadly Christian persecution is rising all around the world. What is taking place in the Middle East is a picture of what will unfold around the world during the Tribulation Period.

Increasing Global Volcanic Eruptions

Jesus said that the last days would be marked by great geological upheaval. (Luke 21:11) According to many prophetic Scriptures, during the final seven years before the Lord returns to establish His kingdom upon earth, the earth will experience the most radial geological devastation in the history of man. (Revelation 16:18) Massive global earthquakes will rearrange the topography of earth. (Isaiah 24; Revelation 6:14; 16:20) These global earthquakes will trigger global volcanic eruptions (Revelation 6:12; 8:8-9), and tsunamis. (Luke 21:25; Revelation 8:9)

In light of all of this, the following report by Michael Snyder, a believer who researches how our world is moving toward the end as defined in the Bible, is very significant. “Is the number of volcanic eruptions worldwide increasing? Yes. During the 20th century, there were a total of 3,542 volcanic eruptions globally. That works out to approximately 35 eruptions per year. That may sound like a lot, but according to Volcano Discovery there are 36 volcanoes erupting around the world right now. In other words, the number of volcanoes erupting as you read this article is greater than the 20th century’s yearly average. And all of this is part of a larger trend. In 2013, we witnessed the most volcanic eruptions worldwide that we had ever seen in a single year, and 2015 is already threatening to be another one for the record books. All over the planet, volcanoes that have long been dormant are beginning to wake up, and this is greatly puzzling many scientists.” (www.endoftheamericandream.com, April 16, 2015)

It is apparent these trends are indicating that earth is moving toward its geological climax of upheaval. It is yet another powerful sign that the One who controls all of His creation is preparing the earth for His time of judgment. Jesus is the One who “appointed the foundations of the earth.” (Proverbs 8:29) He “laid the foundation of the earth…. all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.” (Psalm 102:25-26) When the end comes, He will “shake terribly the earth.” (Isaiah 2:19) The Lord “[looks] on the earth and it [trembles]; He [touches] the hills, and they smoke.” (Psalm 104:31)

The stated purpose for all of the approaching global upheaval is given in Isaiah 2:11: “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.” This is the aim of all of God’s works, both in the past and in the future.

War and Rumors of Wars for Israel

When Jesus responded to His disciples’ question about the signs that would mark His coming at the end of this age, one of the signs He pointed to are the dangerous security threats the newly reborn nation of Israel will face. He said to His Jewish disciples: “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)

Today, Israel faces some of the greatest security threats in its modern history. Israel must be ready for war at any moment on multiple fronts. At present, Israel is dealing with six ongoing crisis that jeopardize its very existence.

1. Israel must guard its southern border with Egypt along the Sinai. Since the beginning of 2010, the Sinai has been occupied by several radical Islamic terrorist groups. Israel recently completed a security fence along the entire Sinai border that is monitored 24 hours a day by highly trained Israeli personnel. However, Israel realizes that the calm it now enjoys along this border could end at any moment.

2. The Gaza Strip continues to be a source of great concern for Israel’s security. Hamas continues to rebuild for its next war with Israel. This is of great concern to Israeli leaders because these terrorist activities are being funded by Iran.

3. The “West Bank” (Biblical Judea and Samaria) continues to be a security threat that could erupt at any moment. Iran is trying to help Hamas gain a foothold in the area, while attempting to supply Palestinian terrorists with weapons to fight against Israel.

4. The Syrian border with Israel along the Golan Heights continues to be another real security concern for Israel. The bloody war between the radical elements that are fighting against the Assad forces have come very close to Syria’s border with Israel. On a couple of occasions, missiles have landed on the Israeli side. All of this is of great concern to Israel because Assad and his military are being funded by Iran.

5. Perhaps one of the most immediate threats to Israel’s security is along its border with Lebanon. This area is occupied by another radical terrorist entity that is controlled by Iran, Hezbollah. Israeli intelligence reports that Hezbollah, with the help of Iran, now has over 30,000 trained military personnel and approximately 170,000 missiles. Some of these missiles have the capability of striking targets anywhere in Israel.

6. However, the most dangerous of all military threats against Israel is in the radical Shiite leadership in Iran. This fanatical Islamic group has ambitions of becoming the Islamic superpower in the Middle East. And foremost, Iran desires to reestablish the ancient Persian Empire. They know that the successful annihilation of Israel would garner great support for their ambition to exert a greater leadership role in the region.

Nonetheless, the Bible tells us that all of these evil ambitions will never lead to the destruction of Israel, or drive the Jewish people from their ancient home. (Amos 9:15) The stage is set for the God of Israel to demonstrate to the world that He alone is God. Through a series of prophetic events documented in the Bible, the Lord will repeatedly and supernaturally defend His people and His land. He has declared: “I will seek to destroy all of the nations that come against Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:9)

Remember the Holocaust

When I take people with me to Israel, the very last place we visit is Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust in Jerusalem. This museum is an overwhelming reminder of what hate and deception can accomplish. This museum is filled with artifacts and historical data from the era of the Holocaust. The hallways of the main building are filled with personal items of the Jewish victims, along with video testimonies of some of the survivors. I and many with me have shed many tears as we walk through this touching reminder of one of the most tragic events of the 20th century.

I want all who travel with me to experience the heart wrenching reality of what the Jewish people have endured. It is a clear reminder why there must be a modern nation of Israel that can defend its own people in a time of moral collapse in our world.

Each year, Israel has a Holocaust memorial day. This April 16th the sirens sounded out all over Israel and everyone stopped what they were doing and stood in complete silence in honor of the 6 million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. At this year’s memorial, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a very thought provoking speech. Here is some of his comments: “Seventy years ago we were a people of war refugees, powerless and voiceless. Today we express what we have to say, and we are determined to guarantee our existence and our future. It is our duty to fight those who wish to destroy us, not to bow down to them nor to downplay reality. We will not allow the State of Israel to be a passing episode in the history of our nation. … Today, we have our own country – a flourishing and modern country. A country that imbibes the heritage of our fathers and stands at the forefront of global knowledge. A country that disseminates a great light. A country that has taken charge of its destiny. Seventy years after the valleys of death, we revere the living, the vibrant, the creative, the flourishing.

Israel breaks ground on every front of modernization – in science, medicine, technology, agriculture, education and culture. And we do this not only for our people. We do this for the benefit of all humanity. This is what our existence is based upon – on our commitment to the safety and future of Israel, on the deference to our heritage, and on the unity of a nation in which beats a vast life force. The nation of Israel, that has arisen from the hellfire, is ready for any challenge.

‘Shake thyself from the dust; put on thy beautiful garments, my people.’ [Isaiah 52:1-2] The nation of eternity has shaken itself from the dust, returned home, stood tall, and established an outstanding country and an outstanding army, the Israel Defense Force, in which our brave and courageous sons and daughters serve.” (www.pmo.gov.il/English/MediaCenter/Speeches/Pages/speechyadvashem150415.aspx)

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2015 March – WAKE UP CHURCH!

WAKE UP CHURCH!

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” – Romans 13:11

By Mike Wingfield

We are living in the days of Noah. For a moment, go back in time and imagine what it was like for Noah and his family when he was given the task of warning the people of God’s coming judgment. Noah warned of the coming global flood and he was ignored. I think about this very often. In Matthew 24:27-39, Jesus declared that His coming, and the subsequent horrific judgments that would come upon the world, would fall upon the inhabitants of earth as it did in the days of Noah. Up until the moment it started to rain, the people of Noah’s day were immersed in their daily routine, with no concept of what was coming upon them. The only people who were aware of what was about to happen were Noah and his family. In faith, they worked hard for 120 years in preparation for the very moment the rain would begin to fall in divine judgment, covering the entire earth and drowning everyone who would not be in the ark.

I believe that for the first few decades, the early church was passionate about the message of Jesus’ return. They believed the Lord would soon return and take them to heaven, just like He promised. (John 14:1-3) The hope of the Second Coming of Christ was the heartbeat of the infant church. It was the passion that compelled their evangelism and the discipleship of new believers. (2 Thessalonians 2:5) It was the motive for purity and godliness, as they anticipated that at any moment they would be in the presence of their holy Lord. (1 John 3:3)

Notice that one-third of the Apostle Paul’s Pastoral Epistles were answers to questions believers were asking as they anticipated the imminent return of their Lord. The Apostles did not rebuke these early believers for their passionate expectation of the return of their Lord. The words they recorded while being moved by the Holy Spirit always encouraged these believers to keep looking, watching, and waiting for their Lord. They viewed this fervent expectation of the Second Coming as being normal and essential to the godly lifestyle of a true believer.

However, when several decades had passed, and some of the early church believers began to lose their ardent expectation of the Lord’s return, the apostles rebuked and warned the church about the dangers associated with such an attitude and its accompanying lifestyle.

In Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica, written about 51 A.D., he reminded them that events surrounding the Second Coming of Christ would come upon the world “as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) The judgment of the Lord at the beginning of the Tribulation Period would come as a “sudden destruction … as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3) While the world would be caught totally off guard, Paul reminded these believers that this should not happen to them. He said: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-9) Please notice that Paul contrasted the world and the church as those who were either not living or living under that light of divine revelation. Those who are believers in Jesus Christ should know the prophetic Word of God and not be caught off guard when the end comes. Those who are not focused upon God’s prophetic revelation are compared to those who are spiritually asleep or drunk, like the world. Obviously, this is a condition that should not exist within the fellowship of believers. In this context, Paul admonished the believers to rejoice in the promise that the church will not face the “wrath” of God (verse 9) in “the day of the Lord,” – the Tribulation Period. (verse 2) He exhorted the church to proclaim this message within the body to “comfort yourselves together, and edify one another.” (verse 11)

About five years later, 56 A.D., Paul wrote a letter to the church at Rome, in which he gave a similar plea: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12) With these words, Paul reminded the professing believers in the church at Rome that the Rapture could take place at any moment. His rebuke of their godless lifestyles and its connection to not looking for the coming of the Lord, seems to suggest that this was the core problem in the lives of these believers. This illustrates that the doctrine of the Second Coming, and its daily application in the life of the believer, was considered by the Apostles to be an essential truth.

It is shocking to realize that in most churches today there is a very subtle rejection of the doctrine of eschatology (the doctrine of last things). Most pastors avoid any mention of this subject. The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is treated as being meaningless, impractical, divisive, and confusing. I am convinced that if the apostles were to return and enter our churches on any given Sunday morning, they would be horrified by what they would see and hear. They would see almost no resemblance of the church they began almost 2,000 years ago. You might be saying, “But, that is what we should expect. This is the 21st century, not the first century.” It is true that our culture is different and our methodology has changed. However, the subject matter of our teaching and preaching (doctrine) must not change. Notice that in the days of the beginning of the church, it is reported that the believers in Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” (Acts 2:42) Almost four decades later, the early church was plagued with false teachers and those who were mocking the doctrine of the Second Coming. With this in mind, the Holy Spirit directed the Apostle Peter to write about this problem in his second epistle. He wrote: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:1-2)

It is imperative that the church today realize we have been commanded to believe and proclaim the doctrine of the apostles. This is the essential body of truth that we call the New Testament. We are in grave danger when we attempt to ignore or alter any of God’s truth. Christianity is not about finding parts of the Scriptures that we like, while ignoring or rejecting other Biblical truths because they don’t fit our frame of reference, or make us feel uncomfortable. “All scripture” has been given to us so that we might know what to believe (doctrine), to be convicted, to be corrected, and to give practical instruction on how to live godly. (2 Timothy 3:16) The interpretation of the Bible is not subjective. It is not a matter of how we feel, or what we want, or who we are. “No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy [Spirit].” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Truth never changes. The Bible is THE Word of God! It is the very declaration of the One and only holy God who knows all things and is the sovereign Ruler over His creation. God is infinite and perfect. He is not getting better or worse. He is not learning or being informed about anything. When we think about the essence of God and who He is, we must agree with the Bible when it says that God is immutable – He does not change! (Psalm 102:25-27; Malachi 3:6) Therefore, God’s truth never changes. Like Jesus, who is the Living Word, God’s written Word is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) God’s Word is perfect, and will endure forever. (Psalm 119:89, 160) “The word of our God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

Jesus told His disciples in the Upper Room that the “Spirit of truth” would come and guide them “into all truth.” (John 16:13) When a believer is walking in the Spirit, he will allow the Holy Spirit to guide him into all truth. He will not resist the Spirit by avoiding certain passages or doctrines. How can he humble himself to the work of the Spirit while at the same time defiantly refusing to examine all truth? Please read Isaiah 55:6-11. We must be careful to not trust our human intellect or reasoning. We don’t think like God. The human mind, without the aid of the Holy Spirit, will consider the things of God “foolishness.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

I am greatly burdened that the vast majority of pastors and church members today are walking in spiritual darkness. They are purposely clueless concerning the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, and the signs of the end of this age that are attached to it. As I mentioned before, the apostles exhorted the church to walk in the light of God’s revelation concerning the end-time events so frequently spelled out in the Word of God. While answering His disciples’ question about the end of this age, Jesus 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) Jesus exhorted His disciples to know what the Scriptures say about the conditions that will be manifested in the last days. Then, He admonished them to be encouraged by these signs and realize this should produce a hope that the ultimate process of our redemption is getting much closer. This is exactly what the apostles and the early church did. They taught about this hope and lived it on a daily basis. We desperately need a revival in the church to recapture this essential doctrinal and the daily perspective it brings.

If our faith is only about the work of God in our lives at this time and on this earth, then we have missed the message of hope that is expressed in the ultimate goal of our salvation at the moment of our Lord’s return. In 1 Corinthian 15, the Apostle Paul wrote about the gospel, Christ’s death and resurrection, our resurrection and resurrection body, and the rapture of the church. In the context of these truths that are at the heart of the gospel and all truth in the Bible, he states: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) Our faith must focus upon our eternal hope in Christ. We, of all people, must not passionately anchor our lives in the past or present, but in the future. If our faith focuses only upon what Christ can do for us now, then we will be “most miserable.”

We are living at a most incredible hour! When the believer obeys the Lord by studying His prophetic Word and observes the conditions and events in our world at this present hour, it is evident that we should know that our Lord’s promised coming is very near. There needs to be a sense of urgency concerning the Lord’s work as never before.

You might be saying, “There is really nothing new developing in our world today. Therefore, the coming of the Lord could be hundreds of years from now.” If you are saying this, then you are living like the scoffers of the Second Coming in Peter’s day. These scoffers, Peter said, were “walking after their own lusts. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers feel asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4) This is the problem with those who make light of looking for the return of the Lord. They are only focused upon their own agenda. This was the problem of the people in Noah’s day (Matthew 24:38) and the religious bigots of Jesus’ day. (Matthew 24:1-3) A true follower of Jesus Christ will not be so focused upon his own personal agenda within the church, that he forgets the overall eternal plan of God. Too many are guilty of asking the Lord to join them in what they are doing, rather than joining the Lord in what He is doing! Biblical prophecy is the big picture of what He is doing. How can He be the Lord of your life if you are not interested in His eternal plan? God is passionate about His eternal plan. That is why 30 percent of the Bible is about the first and second comings of the Messiah. What He has purposed will come to pass! (Isaiah 14:24, 26-27)

I am deeply moved by what is taking place in our world today. Let me briefly share with you a few of the major developments that indicate the coming of our Lord is extremely near.

The Work of the Spirit of God in the Middle East

When one examines the history of the Middle East, it is very evident that it has been enveloped in spiritual darkness for many centuries. However, there are many astonishing testimonies of the work of the Spirit bringing Jews and Muslims in the Middle East to salvation in Jesus Christ. This is an incredible sign that the Church Age is coming to a close and the Lord is about to come for His church.

In Romans 11:25, the Apostle Paul declared that spiritual blindness among the Jewish people would persist “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” The reference to the completion of God’s unique work and focus upon the Gentiles is a reference to the Lord’s work through the body of Christ, the church. According to the Bible, the church was born at the Jewish feast of Pentecost in Acts 2, and will suddenly end with the Rapture of the church to heaven. After the church has been caught up to be with the Lord, the most dramatic spiritual awakening among any people of all times will take place in Israel. Shortly after the Rapture, the Lord will send two Jewish witnesses, probably Moses and Elijah, to proclaim His truth during the first half of the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 11:1-6) At the same time, probably due to the ministry of the two witnesses, 144,000 young Jewish men will be saved and trained in Jerusalem to become evangelists to reach the world with the gospel during the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5) This combined ministry will have a major spiritual impact in Israel among its Jewish inhabitants (Joel 2:28-32), and in all nations. (Revelation 7:9-17) Millions will probably be saved in Israel in a very short period of time.

The Holy Spirit is working in Israel today. More Israelis are coming to Christ than ever before. The Messianic congregations in Israel are having a significant impact. A recent survey in Israel indicates that the majority of Israelis want to have a greater understanding of the Bible. The son of the prime minister of Israel is conducting a Bible study in the home of the prime minister, inviting the political leadership to join them.

In 2006, a very well-known rabbi at the age of 108 in Israel, Yitzhak Kaduri, told his son that the Messiah had visited him in a vision. He told his son that upon his death, he was to guard a concealed note upon which he had written the name of the Messiah. After his death, one year later, the note declared that Yeshua, the Hebrew form of Jesus, was the Messiah. This caused great debate in Israel. But, according to some of my friends who live in Israel, this has initiated the process for some to come to Christ for salvation.

The Spirit of God is doing a mighty work in Israel. This is a very powerful sign that the spiritual awakening that will happen at the beginning of the Tribulation Period is just around the corner.

It is quite amazing to note that the work of the Spirit in the Tribulation Period will also focus upon the Arab Muslim nations that surround Israel (Isaiah 60:6-14), especially Egypt and northern Iraq. (Isaiah 19:19-25). It is astonishing to hear the stories of hundreds of thousands of Muslims coming to Christ in the Middle East. I recently met with a dear Egyptian brother who lives in Cairo, home to 17 million people. He shared with me how thousands of Muslims are coming to Christ in Cairo, causing hundreds of house churches to spring up throughout the city. He shared with me how these new believers are hungry for the Word of God. “Probably in the last 10 years, more Muslims have come to faith in Christ than in the last 15 centuries of Islam,” said Tom Doyle, Middle East-Central Asia director for e3 Partners, a Texas-based missions agency.

God’s work among the Egyptians during the Tribulation Period will be so great that Isaiah 19:21 says, “And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day…” The current unusual work of the Holy Spirit in Egypt tells us the Tribulation Period is not far away.

The Global Hatred for Jews and Christians

It is very apparent that the hatred for Jews and Christians is escalating around the world. Jews are being attacked and killed throughout Europe. Christians are being brutally murdered throughout the Middle East. Reports of Christians being decapitated are occurring almost daily.

Those of us who have been studying the prophetic Word of God know that the Tribulation Period will be a horrific time for those who confess Jesus to be their Savior. The world of the Antichrist will declare war upon the followers of Jesus. (Revelation 13:7) Believers from all nations will be killed. (Revelation 7:9-14) They will be beheaded (Revelation 20:4) in the name of the religion of the Antichrist. (Revelation 13:15; 17:6) The killing of believers will be one of the marks of the opening months of the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 6:9-11) Therefore, it is very easy for us to believe the world is now ready for the Rapture and the horrific Tribulation Period that will follow.

Many Jewish agencies are reporting that the immense hatred directed toward Jews has reached a very dangerous level, comparing it to 1938. Jews from Ukraine, France, and Great Britain are immigrating to Israel this year because they are afraid to remain in countries where their families have lived for hundreds of years. A seething hatred for Israel is being perpetrated around the world. Much, but not all of this, is being promoted by Islamic elements that have had a history of anti-Semitism since the beginning of Islam 14 centuries ago. Media, political, and religious elements have twisted facts to make Israel in particular, and Jews in general, the focus of lies to promote sheer hatred. They want to use this hatred to fuel the annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people.

Once again, this is exactly what the prophetic Scriptures declare will unfold during the Tribulation Period. The Antichrist will force a deceptive peace treaty upon Israel, in effect, triggering the Tribulation Period. (Daniel 9:27) However, at the mid-point of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel and attack the Jewish people with a hateful venom (Revelation 12:13-17) that will ultimately cause him to openly declare war on them, leading to Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16) This attack against the Jewish people during this time of hate and war will lead to the death of two-thirds of the world’s Jewish population. (Zechariah 13:8-9) With a very heavy heart of love for God’s people, it is extremely difficult for us to fathom that a time of death for the Jewish people will surpass the efforts of the Christ haters during World War II, who murdered one-half of the world’s Jewish population during the Holocaust.

In light of this, it is very easy for us to see the momentum building toward this time of great global hatred for Israel and the Jewish people. It is another very powerful sign that the end is in sight.

The Formation of the Gog and Magog

Coalition in Ezekiel 38-39

More than 3,600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel wrote about an invasion of Israel in the last days. In this prophecy, he named the principle nations that would make up this coalition of invading nations. They are Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, and Sudan. (Ezekiel 38:2-6) They will invade Israel because they are against the Jewish nation and want to plunder the riches in the land. I have written about this in many previous newsletters. However, the formation of this coalition and the conditions in Israel seem to be at the exact point mentioned in the prophetic text. The levels of hatred in Iran, Turkey, Libya, and Sudan for Israel is reaching a fever pitch. The Russian economy, due to the fall in global oil prices and economic sanctions imposed by the West, is on the verge of collapse. The Russian Bear is poised to go to war to reclaim its self-deluded supremacy.

The Appearance of ISIS (Islamic State) in Iraq

The relative sudden appearance of a global militant Islamic force in Iraq, ISIS, is alarmingly similar to what will take place during the Tribulation Period. The forces of the Islamic Antichrist will set up his headquarters in Iraq, being called “the king of Babylon [Iraq].” (Isaiah 14:4) He will declare war on believers in Jesus (Revelation 13:7), decapitating those who reject him. (Revelation 20:4) He will begin the Tribulation Period with the aim of bringing global destruction and death so that he can seize power and rule the world. (Revelation 6:1-8) These are the exact stated goals of the Islamic State.

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2015 February – The Approaching Global Islamic Jihad

The Approaching Global Islamic Jihad

“And there went out another horse that was red; and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” – Revelation 6:4

By Mike Wingfield

We are at war, while most of the free world is in a moral stupor concerning Islamic jihad! The world refuses to recognize that a deadly political and religious ideology called Islam has renewed an ancient declaration of war against those who refuse to submit to its beliefs and way of life. Since 9/11 the world has had numerous daily reminders, like the recent terrorist attacks in France, to remind us of this reality. Islamic terrorists have carried out more than 25,000 attacks around the world since 9/11. (www.thereligionofpeace.com) I believe, according to the Bible, that when the end of this age comes, the entire world will experience the brutal and savage attacks of Islamic jihad warriors. This will account for much of the massive global death toll of the entire 7-year Tribulation Period.

After the January massacres by militant Muslims at the magazine Charlie Hebdo and a kosher supermarket in France, there was a massive international demonstration in Paris. Four million people participated in the march to voice their opposition to the violence perpetrated against innocent French civilians. However, many who joined the protest were Muslims who support Islamic jihad. Comments by the French leaders made no mention of Islamic jihad or anti-Semitism. “The words ‘Islam’ and ‘jihadist’ were not mentioned. President François Hollande said, against all evidence, ‘Those who committed these acts have nothing to do with Islam.’” (www.gatestoneinstitute.org, January 19, 2015)

In September 2014, President Obama stated in one of his speeches that the ISIS terrorist group that is marching across Syria and Iraq, brutally killing thousands of innocent people in the name of Allah, “is not Islamic.” (townhall.com, September 10, 2014) He totally disregards the reality of their self-appointed name, “the Islamic State,” and their mimicking of Islamic history, traditions, and doctrine.

Comments by these two world leaders clearly demonstrate that the West is in utter denial of the threat of militant Islam. The Obama administration has attempted to remove any connection between Islam and the brutal acts of terrorism that are sweeping across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the entire world. Not only is the West in denial, but it is attempting to appease Islam, thinking it will eventually curtail the march of these Islamic death squads across the globe. History demonstrates that such appeasement never works.

It is true that there is an overwhelming number of Muslims who do not practice jihad. Some are silent because if they speak out against these jihadists they will also become the target of Islamic terrorism. However, most of these silent Muslims support Islam’s goal of ultimate global domination. In other words, they support the eventual subjugation of all nations to Islam, but may disagree on the methodology of how to achieve it.

Most of the world is walking in spiritual darkness and does not understand that global jihad is a warning flare, signaling that the Tribulation Period is about to begin. It is my understanding that militant Islam will play a major role in the godless world system of the final seven years of man’s control of this planet.

I believe the religious system that is called “MYSTERY BABYLON” in Revelation 17:5 is Islam. In light of ancient Biblical customs, it is clear that the imagery in this text points to a religion. This religion is centered in a desert (Revelation 17:3), kills believers in Jesus Christ (Revelation 17:6) by decapitation (Revelation 20:4), and has a resource (oil) transported by sea that makes political leaders, merchants, and marine transporters rich. (Revelation 18:9-20) When the Bible student examines the Old Testament passages that are quoted and alluded to by the Apostle John in his references to Babylon, it becomes clear that he is talking about a religion that is centered in the Middle East, and especially in Iraq. For example, when the final destruction of Babylon comes in the Tribulation Period, as described in Isaiah 13, Jeremiah 50-51 and Revelation 18, it will be completely devastated. No one will ever inhabit that region again, even during the Millennial Kingdom. (Isaiah 13:19-20; 34:1-10; Jeremiah 51:24-26; Revelation 19:3) Isaiah declared: “neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make there fold there.” (Isaiah 13:20)

When you connect all of these dots, they point to only one religious power structure in the world – Islam. It is not an accident that in the last 40 years Islam has been riding a very powerful revival, like a tsunami crashing into the nations with devastating impact. Massive numbers of Muslim immigrants are flooding the Western nations with the goal of bringing radical change that will ultimately bring them into submission to Islam. The fact that Islam is the fasting-growing religion in the world, while Biblical Christianity is being rejected, certainly shines a light into the spiritual darkness of the approaching Tribulation Period.

The worship of the crescent moon god did not begin with the creation of Islam about 1,300 years ago. In recent decades, archaeologists have uncovered the crescent moon symbol and linked it to various pagan gods who were worshiped over 3,000 years ago in Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Canaan, Assyria and Babylon. The traditions, teachings, and practices of Islam are a revival of the religion of their Arab ancestors in Old Testament times. (Revelation 18:24)

In Revelation 17-18, the Apostle John depicted this false religion as a woman riding a beast with seven heads and ten horns. Those who have studied this imagery, beginning in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13, agree that this beast represents the final one-world government that will “devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it into pieces.” (Daniel 7:23) This final global kingdom will be assaulted by the Antichrist, finally conquering it by the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation Period. The Antichrist will rule over all nations for 42 months, the final half of this horrific period on earth. (Revelation 13:5-7) It is worth noting that this final kingdom and its ruler are depicted as being controlled by the religious system. Notice that the woman (religion) is pictured riding the beast (political kingdom of the Antichrist). Thus, the Antichrist and his kingdom will be in submission to the one-world religion, which is Islam.

There are several Biblical clues that point to the Antichrist being an Islamic caliphate (dictator). In Isaiah 14:4 he is given the title: “the king of Babylon.” In Daniel 11, the Antichrist will have no respect for other gods. (verse 37) He will not have any respect for women. (verse 37) He will honor a god of military might. (verse 38) He will promise peace, while strategizing the destruction of many. (Daniel 8:25) He will blaspheme the God of the Bible. (Revelation 13:6) The Antichrist will declare war on believers in Jesus Christ. He will kill those who refuse to submit to his authority and his god. (Revelation 13:15)

The primary focus of the Antichrist will be upon Israel. He will seek to divide the land of Israel. (Daniel 11:39) Once he has attained world power, he will break his false covenant with Israel and take control of the Temple Mount and the Jewish temple located there. (Daniel 9:27) He will seek to capture and kill Jewish believers in Jesus, who will flee from him. (Matthew 24:15-20) In light of current developments in the Middle East, this clearly points to the Muslim identity of the Antichrist.

The understanding of the opening events in the Tribulation Period in Revelation 6:1-11 must be viewed in light of the larger Biblical context. Depicted as four horsemen, a very powerful military force will rapidly move across the nations of the world. This force will use its militant power, while preaching a message of peace, to take political control of the world. The net result of this militant global attack will shatter world peace and the economy of the world. In the wake of this global attack, one-fourth of the world’s population will die.

In my opinion, these four horsemen represent the impact of global Islamic jihad at the beginning of the Tribulation Period. First, it is important to establish that the opening of the seal judgments in Revelation 6 represents the inauguration of the Tribulation Period. In order to grasp this, the Bible student must examine the context of this passage. Remember that in this book, the Apostle John has been transported into the future day of the Lord. (Revelation 1:10) He is given the assignment to write down what he experienced in his walk through the present and the future. (Revelation 1:19) In chapters four and five, John is in heaven. He first reports what he saw and heard around the throne of God. In these chapters John reports that he saw a group, called the 24 elders, who had been judged, received their crowns, and cast them at the feet of their Lord in heaven. In Revelation 5:9-10, we are told that this group of 24 elders represents a redeemed group of believers who are kings and priests from all the nations in the world. This must be a reference to the church, which has been raptured and judged. It must be noted, according to the Bible, that all believers are not judged and do not receive their rewards until after their resurrection. Therefore, the chronology of events in Revelation 4-6 demands that the church will be raptured before the Tribulation Period begins!

After John’s picture of the church’s worship around the throne, in chapter five, John focuses upon a little scroll with seven seals upon it. In light of Biblical customs and the subsequent results of opening these seals, it is apparent that this scroll represents the title deed to the universe. The action of Jesus taking this scroll from His Father and opening the seals is very significant. The breaking of these seals represents the sovereign judgment of our Lord upon the nations. He is literally taking control of the governments of this world. This is declared by the voices in heaven in Revelation 11:15: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

In light of this, the breaking of these seals represents the opening events of the Lord’s judgment upon the nations. Notice that before each rider proceeds upon the earth, they are commanded by Jesus to “come.” (Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7) As believers in Jesus Christ, we should take great comfort in the fact that all that is happening now, and at the beginning of the Tribulation Period, is under the control of the King of heaven. Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Now, let us turn our attention to identifying who the four horsemen in Revelation 6 represent. A casual reading of this text clearly indicates that these horsemen represent the brutal acts of militant people at the beginning of the Tribulation. In light of the broader context of Biblical customs, horses represent military conquest. For example, Proverbs 21:31 declares: “The horse is prepared against the day of battle.” In light of the wars of the last days mentioned in the Bible, all of the wars and rumors of wars are mainly focused upon Israel. Notice that in the Battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39, the Islamic nations that invade Israel are depicted as coming on horses. (Ezekiel 38:4, 15; 39:20) It is worth noting that all of the nations that are named that come with the Antichrist against Israel at Armageddon are Muslim nations. (Psalm 83; Isaiah 63:1; Joel 3:4, 19) The Islamic nations at Armageddon are pictured as coming on horses. (Revelation19:18) Therefore, to be consistent with this Biblical context, it is proper to view the four horsemen in Revelation 6 as the global militant advances of Islam at the opening of the Tribulation Period. With this in mind, let us examine the Biblical text about these opening events of the Tribulation Period.

White Horse- Islamic Caliphate Restored

Revelation 6:1-2

Many conservative Biblical scholars agree that the rider on this horse is the Antichrist. Some have thought that this rider is Jesus Christ. However, this cannot be the proper interpretation. First, Jesus is the Lamb in heaven who opens these seals. He is not the rider on the white horse on earth. Jesus descends from heaven on a white horse at the end of the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 19:11) According to Islamic tradition and teaching, when their messiah arrives – the Madhi – he will appear on a white horse.

Notice that he is pictured as having a bow, with no mention of arrows. Many have correctly interpreted this as a reference to the peaceful promises of the Antichrist. The Antichrist will portray himself as a man of peace, while he will really be a man of war. Daniel 8:25 states: “by peace [he] shall destroy many.” Islam continually proclaims that it is a religion of peace. However, in reality, the doctrine of Islam divides the world into two houses: “the house of peace” (for all Muslims in submission to all of Allah’s commands) and “the house of war” (for all infidels and moderate Muslims who will not submit to the laws of Allah). This is the very doctrine that is being applied in the nations by militant Islam.

Next, notice that Revelation 6:2 states “and a crown was given unto him.” The Greek word that is translated “crown” speaks of an overcomer who has won a military conquest. This is exactly what many Muslims are expecting. Islam teaches that through Islamic jihad, Muslims will conquer the world and force the nations to submit to the rule of an Islamic caliphate (dictator). This is a system of government that is based upon the Koran as dictated by a recognized leader who is a descendant of the prophet Mohammed. This system is in some ways very similar to the socialist system of government, where a very few rule over the masses and control every facet of their lives.

The Biblical text continues, “and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:2) This simply means that the objective of this one on the white horse will be military conquest that will lead to political domination. The doctrine of militant jihad against infidels and apostate Muslims is a major teaching in the Koran. There are 164 verses in the Koran that teach Islamic jihad as it was practiced by the founder of this religion, Mohammed. (www.answeringislam.org/Quran/Themes/jihad_passages.html)

Red Horse- The Beginning of Global

Islamic Jihad

Revelation 6:3-4

The rider of the red horse must also be a representation of Islam. Revelation 6:4 states: “And there went out another horse that was red…” The Greek word “another” means “same as the other.” So, if the first horse represents Islam, then the second one must also be connected to this religion.

Notice this rider is given “a great sword” with which he will “take peace from the earth,” as people “kill one another.” (Revelation 6:4) The Greek word translated “sword” does not refer to the long saber type of sword that was used in ancient military conflict. The word used here refers to a short dagger, which was the weapon of assassins. Here this represents violent massacres and terrorism that will be characteristic of the jihad type of guerrilla warfare against the infidel nations.

In addition to this, the recognized symbol of Islam is the sword of Allah. It appears on many flags and banners of militant Islam. For example, look at the flag of Saudi Arabia, and the emblem of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“The swords [on the Muslim Brotherhood emblem] reinforce the group’s militancy and, as traditional weapons, symbolize historic Islam. They also reinforce the group’s commitment to jihad. The Koran denotes the group’s spiritual foundation. The motto, “Be prepared,” is a reference to a Koranic verse that talks of preparing to fight the enemies of God.” Copied from:

http://archive.adl.org/terrorism/symbols/muslim_brotherhood_1.html

Islamic jihad is gradually changing the face of the globe. The events in Syria and Iraq perpetrated by the Islamic State give us a glimpse into the kind of events that will become global at the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

Black Horse- Global Sharia Law Declared

Revelation 6:5-6

When Muslim forces are successful in conquering an area, it is their goal to immediately declare sharia law (the law of the Koran). Notice that the rider of this black horse has a pair of balances in his hand. The pair of balances represents the control of commerce and the economy, which is one of the chief goals of Islam, and is implemented as a part of sharia law. Sharia banking is a system that is sweeping the world. It is a dictatorial system of Islamic economic applications based upon the Koran.

According to the context, all of this will come at a time of famine and global economic upheaval. We cannot be sure if the famine and economic upheaval precede the beginning of global Islamic jihad, or if the famine and economic collapse are a result of the jihad. It could go either way. However, it is most interesting to observe that in the war-torn areas that the Islamic State controls there is great concern of a collapse of the economy and agriculture. Some are predicting that the shortage of food in the areas controlled by the Islamic State could result in famine, which could cause malnutrition that could trigger the eruption of diseases. (See Revelation 6:8.)

According to Revelation 6:6, the areas that are impacted by global jihad could suffer to the point that a quart of wheat would cost the equivalent of a day’s wage. Think about it! A person would need to work all day to buy about two loaves of wheat bread. About one-half of the world’s population, many of them forcefully living under sharia law, currently live on less than $2.50 per day. (www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats)

Pale Green Horse- Global Sharia

Law Implemented

Revelation 6:7-8

The color of the final horse is pale green. I personally do not believe that it is a coincidence that this is the official color of Islam. It is the color of their mosques, banners, and flags. Notice that in Revelation 6:8 the name of the person on this horse is “Death” and that “Hell followed with him.” A study of world history will show that Islam has a record of bloody jihad. Several sources provide statistical data to show that Islamic jihad has been responsible for 270 million killed in the last 1,400 years.

However, what is about to take place during the Tribulation Period is unprecedented. According to Revelation 6:8, near the beginning of the Tribulation Period one-fourth of the global population will be killed. Shortly after the Rapture of the church, the remaining global population of 7 billion will face the most brutal killing rampage in the history of mankind. Approximately 1.5 billion people, will die in the opening months of this time. During this time, millions from around the world will turn to Christ for salvation. Revelation 6:9-11 and 7:9-17 indicate that the major target of the Antichrist’s Islamic jihad will be the newly born-again believers in Jesus Christ. Observing what is happening now in Sudan, Nigeria, Syria, and Iraq, it is easy to understand how these developments will unfold at the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

There are many reports coming out of the Middle East about Muslims coming to Christ. It is apparent that in the midst of all of the jihad taking place, that Muslims are rejecting a message of hate and war for the message of love and eternal life found in the Jesus Christ. In the last few weeks I had the privilege of meeting with an Egyptian believer who lives in Cairo. He shared with me how hundreds of house churches are ministering to the growing number of former Muslims who are now believers in Jesus Christ. He shared with me how hungry these believers are for the Word of God. They constantly live under the shadow of persecution and death if they are discovered.

The liberal west continues to deny that terrorism is connected to the religion of Islam. They really do not recognize the threat that Islamic jihad is to the freedoms we have enjoyed in a country that was founded upon the Word of God. The godless leaders of the West have moved so far away from God that they have morally collapsed, calling good evil and evil good. This is really not a surprise to me. The book of Revelation repeatedly declares that the inhabitants of the world will be “intoxicated” with the religion that will dominate the world when the end has arrived. (Revelation 14:8; 17:2; and 18:3) The idea that they are intoxicated means they will be in a mental stupor and unaware of the dangerous realities before them.

I am convinced that our world is being shaped for the Tribulation Period as never before. The growing threat of Islamic jihad and the intoxication of the West to this danger tells me that our world is heading down a deadly corridor. Someday, the church will suddenly exit this world and the four horsemen of Revelation 6 will be ready to ride onto the stage of human history.

Friends, we have the only message of hope for our world. Jesus Christ is the only One who can set us free from our sins. (John 8:36) We have been commanded to take the gospel to the nations of the world. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. This is the message of the Bible. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be save.” (Acts 4:12) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Jesus demanded that His followers worship Him as God. He said: “Ye believe in God, believe also in me. …I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. … he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:1, 6, 9) If Jesus is not God equal with the Father, then He is a liar or a lunatic. He cannot be just a great prophet. Prophets do not claim to be God. Jesus is not a liar, or a lunatic, or just a great prophet. He is God! If you do not believe that, then you are lost and on your way to eternal damnation.

As you are reading this newsletter, some believer is giving his life because he believes that Jesus Christ is God. Millions of believers have faced persecution and death because they know that Jesus died for them. They love Him so much they are willing to die for Him.

Please do not continue to walk in spiritual darkness. We are near the end of this age. Please confess that Jesus is God. He died on the cross for your sins. He arose from the grave three days later. He ascended back to His Father in heaven and is coming again. Soon! Are you ready for the shout that will take us out?

Massive Jewish Immigration

to Israel Under Way

Israel is preparing for a large wave of new immigrants from Europe. A recent survey indicates that one-half of Great Britain’s population is anti-Semitic. Consequently, one-fourth of Great Britain’s Jews are planning to immigrate to Israel.

A similar development is taking place in other European countries. French Jews are feeling that is no longer safe to remain in France. Hundreds of thousands of French Jews are in the process of making application to immigrate to Israel.

The International Jerusalem Report states: “The French situation is part of a broader European picture that stretches from Kiev to London. In the East, nationalist instability seems endemic, and is now coupled with economic failure underscored by collapsing currencies. In the West, growing social tensions between Muslim immigrants and indigenous Christians are making a growing number of Jews feel increasingly insecure.” (The International Jerusalem Post, January 23-29, 2015, pp. 16-17)

These movements are very significant in light of Biblical prophecy. When the millennial kingdom begins every Jew in the world will return to Israel. (Ezekiel 39:27-29) Today there are about 15 million Jewish people in the world and only 6.3 million of them are living in Israel. However, as the world’s economy collapses and anti-Semitism increases, we will witness a growing number of Jews that will return to their ancient homeland.

Russia and Iran Sign Military Pact

According to several sources, “Iran and Russia signed an agreement [on January 20, 2015] to expand military ties in a visit to Tehran by the Russian defense minister.

“Sergei Shoigu, in remarks carried by Russian news agencies, said Moscow wants to develop a “long-term and multifaceted” military relationship with Iran. He said that the new agreement includes expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, exchanges of military personnel for training purposes and an understanding for each country’s navy to more frequently use the other’s ports.” (Associated Press, January 20, 2015)

T hese kinds of agreements continue to forge the Gog and Magog alliance as mentioned in Ezekiel 38:1-6.

In addition to Russia’s military pact with Iran, we are witnessing the collapse of the Russian economy. With punishing financial sanctions against Russia due to her invasion of Ukraine and falling oil prices, Russia’s currency is in a free-fall. This is also significant because according to Ezekiel 38:12-13, one of the major reasons for Russia to join the militant Islamic nations in an invasion of Israel is to take a great economic spoil from Israel.

In light of these reports, it does seem that Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, and Sudan are being prepared for their supernatural defeat in the land of Israel.

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