Category: Current Events

ISIS- Is this the Prelude to the End?

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea…” Revelation 13:1

By Mike Wingfield

When the governments of this world use the authority of God, and combine it with the power of Satan, the result is always deadly. No one has any right to rule over man outside the authority of God. (Romans 13:1) God alone has authority over His creation. From the beginning of time until the time of the flood, God gave man authority over all of His creation, with the exception of mankind. (Genesis 1:26-28) However, due to a time of deadly violence that erupted in the generations before the flood (Genesis 6:11-13), God instituted human government immediately after the flood. (Genesis 9:5-6) God has ordained that governmental leadership act on His behalf to protect and defend human life, and to promote peace. (Romans 13:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:2) God has ordained that those who operate under the authority of human government promote what He calls “good,” and “execute wrath” upon those who practice what He calls “evil.” (Romans 13:4)

However, when those who are acting on behalf of an organized human government promote violence and murder of innocent human beings, they are acting like their spiritual father, Satan, whom Jesus said was “a murderer from the beginning.” (John 8:44) When these governments espouse a culture of random violence and destruction of all those who oppose their wicked and godless ways, they are acting like beasts that have no conscience.

Long ago, the Holy Spirit directed Daniel to write about the evil kingdoms of this world and depicted them as beasts that devour mankind for their own political ambitions. (Daniel 7:1-26) Because of the revelation of these beastly governments, Daniel was disturbed. (Daniel 7:15, 28)

About 700 years later, the Lord revealed to the Apostle John that the final kingdom of this world, the kingdom of the Antichrist, will appear on the scene as a beast that “shall ascend out of the bottomless pit.” (Revelation 17:8) The beastly government of the Antichrist will receive its power and authority directly from Satan. (Revelation 13:1-2) Instead of the people fearing this beastly government, John wrote that “all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon [Satan] which gave power unto the beast.” (Revelation 13:3-4)

In light of all of this, it has been most alarming for me to observe the sudden appearance of the radical Islamic State, also called ISIS (“The Islamic State of Iraq and al-sham”) or ISIL (“the Islamic State of the Levant”). ISIS is more than a terrorist entity. ISIS is a highly organized government that controls large swaths of land in Syria and Iraq, with Raqqa, Syria as its capital. Their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has declared himself to be the caliph (Islamic dictator), establishing a caliphate (a system of Islamic government based upon the Koran) over all the global Sunni Muslims, which accounts for about 80 percent of all Muslims. ISIS is the richest terrorist group in the world, with a reported income of more than $1 million per day. Their jihadi militia has stunned the entire world with its brutal blitzkrieg and savagery across the Middle East. They have shown no mercy to anyone who has opposed their apocalyptic view of Islam, which is a blueprint copy of the religion founded by Mohammed.

ISIS has captured the attention of the entire world. It is using the global media to spread images of its brutality and savagery. Hangings, shootings, decapitations, crucifixions, burnings, and other bizarre forms of torture and death are their trademark.

After many years of focusing on the prophetic Word of God, one of the things I have attempted to do is get a Biblical grasp of the nature of the kingdom of the Antichrist. With this in mind, it has occurred to me that when we observe the nature, activities and methods of ISIS, they appear to be a small-scale duplication of the atrocities that will be carried out by the Antichrist during the 7-year Tribulation Period. Without repeating the Biblical evidence, I remind you that in previous newsletters I have repeatedly written about my conviction that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. In all probability, he will be the same as the long-awaited Mahdi that the Muslim world expects to appear at any moment. Muslims also believe that their messiah will be accompanied by Isa (Jesus), or al- Masih (the messiah). They teach that Isa will help their messiah promote Islam, break crosses, and kill Jews and Christians. It is obvious that their Isa will be the false prophet mentioned in Revelation 13:11-15. With all of this in mind, let me share with you 14 amazing parallels between ISIS and the coming kingdom of the Antichrist.

• Their Sudden Appearance

According to the Bible, Satan’s antichrist will suddenly appear on the scene after the church has been raptured to heaven. As the Apostle Paul responded to the church of the Thessalonians in the first century, he had to deal with a false rumor “that the day of Christ is at hand.” (2 Thessalonians 2:2) These believers were disturbed because they thought they were in the Tribulation Period. Paul’s answer to them in the following verses offers Biblical evidence that this was impossible. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [the beginning of the Tribulation Period] shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) Paul was simply telling the church that the Tribulation Period cannot begin until the Antichrist is revealed. As a matter of fact, it will be the action of the Antichrist with his confirmation of a peace treaty with Israel that will begin the Tribulation Period. (Daniel 9:27) Apparently, for all believers who are focused upon the Word of God, it will be this action that will reveal to them that he is the Antichrist. Before this time, no one will be able to identify the Antichrist. In other words, the Antichrist will suddenly arrive on the stage of human history, riding on a white horse. (Revelation 6:2)

Many years ago, it occurred to me that this is an exact counterfeit duplication of the beginning of our Lord’s earthly ministry as recorded in the gospels. Jesus was born and raised in obscurity. He performed no miracles and did not preach until after He suddenly appeared at the age of 30 to be baptized by John the Baptist. When John saw Jesus coming, he announced to the crowds that had come to hear him preach: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, “descending from heaven like a dove.” (John 1:32) John reported that the Holy Spirit used the appearance of the dove to give him evidence that Jesus was the Son of God. (John 1:33-34)

The sudden appearance of ISIS on the stage of human history is remarkably similar. Late last summer, ABC news reported: “Born from an especially brutal al Qaeda faction, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has grown from relative obscurity in recent years to overshadow its extremist patrons. It now terrorizes large swaths of Syria and Iraq, and has become the target of the largest U.S. military operation in Iraq in years …” (ABC News, August 21, 2014)

• Their Home Base in Iraq

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The prophetic Scriptures indicate the Islamic kingdom of the Antichrist will be centered in Iraq. The modern nation of Iraq was known in the Bible as “Babylon.” With this in mind, notice Isaiah 14. In this text, the Antichrist, with all of his violence and destruction, (verses 15-20) is shown as being in league with Lucifer. (verses 12-14) We learn from the book of Revelation that at the mid-point of the Tribulation Period, the Antichrist will be killed and descend into hell. (Revelation 13:3, 12, 14; 17:8) It seems to me, that Isaiah 14 gives us amazing insight into the reception of the Antichrist when he joins many in hell that he had murdered during the first half of the Tribulation Period. After his brief time in hell, the Antichrist will be resurrected back to life and be indwelt by Satan, after he is finally banished from heaven. (Revelation12:9-12) Notice that in this text, the Antichrist is called “the king of Babylon,” (verse 4) and “the Assyrian” [northern Iraq]. (see verse 25) Both of these titles reflect that the Antichrist will rule the world from Iraq.

In addition to Isaiah 14, Revelation 17-18 attaches the Antichrist and his kingdom, depicted as the beast with seven heads and 10 horns, with the religious harlot known as “Mystery Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 17:5) The great city mentioned in this text is identified as “that great city Babylon” (18:10, 21) It is shocking to realize that Islam teaches that their Mahdi will rule the world from Babylon, Iraq for 7 years.

In light of all of this, it is amazing to note that ISIS, based upon their Islamic teaching, has purposefully declared that Iraq is their home base for their jihad warfare against the world. At this time, they control most of the northwestern area of Iraq, which is the area dominated by the Sunni Muslims.

• Their Territorial and Global Goals

When the Antichrist arrives on the scene at the beginning of the Tribulation Period, he will have a crown [political authority] given unto him, and he will go forth “conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:2) We have to examine Daniel 7 to understand what this means. In Daniel 7, the prophet reveals his divine dream of the final kingdom of the world that will precede the Kingdom of God. This final kingdom is described symbolically as a beast with ten horns. (see verse 8) In verse 23, the Spirit of God gives us the interpretation of this symbolism. The 10 horns represent 10 kings (or political power structures) that will be in control of “the whole earth.” (verse 23) This is confirmed by John’s revelation in Revelation 17:12-13. After these 10 horns appear, they are followed by a “little horn,” which is the Antichrist. (Daniel 7:8, 24) Then, the little horn will take control of three of these 10 horns by force. (Daniel 7:8, 24) It is apparent that the Antichrist wages war against the remaining 7 horns until he subdues them by the mid-point of the Tribulation Period. It will be at this point in time that power will be given him “over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Revelation 13:7)

Thus, the Scriptures indicate that the Antichrist will ride onto the stage of human history and begin to make war with a one-world government joined together in 10 political divisions. At the beginning, he will take control of three of these divisions. Using this as a regional political power base, he will make war with the rest of the world until he has conquered all nations.

As you examine the revealed strategies of ISIS, this is exactly what they have determined to accomplish. They have published their map showing their regional goal as including all of the “Levant.” This area covers western Asia, the Middle Eastern area unto the Mediterranean Sea, and northern Africa. In other words, this area covers the present Muslim nations in the region, plus Israel. The ultimate prizes in their regional ambitions are Israel and Saudi Arabia. From this power base, ISIS hopes to conqueror the entire world and establish a global Caliphate (a global Islamic Empire). This is an exact duplicate of the strategies of the Antichrist as mentioned above.

• Their Method of Destruction

The wars of the Antichrist will bring great global destruction. The forces of the Antichrist will “devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.” (Daniel 7:23) The Bible describes what the Antichrist will do to the cities of the nations while he is carrying out jihad to take control of the nations. He “made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof.” (Isaiah 14:17) His might will appear to be supernatural, making destruction his trademark. (Daniel 8:24)

Once again, this is exactly what ISIS is presently doing throughout the Middle East. ISIS uses savage force and brutality to conquer territories. ISIS has shocked the entire Islamic world by declaring “that they will destroy the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is Islam’s most holy site.” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com) The ultimate goal of ISIS is to destroy western civilization as we know it. They want to literally take us back to a primitive way of life that existed in the 7^th century when Islam was born.

• Their Leaders Declare a Global Dictatorship

As mentioned above, the ultimate goal of the Antichrist is to take control of the nations for Allah, declaring a global Caliphate. The goal of Islam is to develop a massive army and declare jihad on all infidels (non-Muslims). The goal is to expand the rule of Islam until it covers the entire earth. Then, their Caliph (dictator who will rule by Shariah law) will be the ruler of the world.

When the Antichrist and the False Prophet have finally gained complete control of all nations, they will rule over the world for 42 months (the last half of the Tribulation Period). (Revelation 13:15) At that point in time, the Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel. (Daniel 9:27). He will demand that all of the world worship him, and set up a program whereby he can control the economic affairs of every person on earth. (Revelation13:12-18) Those who refuse to submit to him will be killed. (Revelation 13:5)

In a similar fashion, the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared himself the Caliph of the Islamic world on June 24, 2014. All those who live in the areas controlled by ISIS that do not submit, are brutally murdered. ISIS is taking control of the economic systems of Iraq and Syria. They are seizing banks, oil fields, and airports. Baghdadi has made it clear that their ambitions include all nations.

• Their Dedication to a God of War

More than 2,500 years ago, the ancient prophet of Daniel wrote that the Antichrist “in his estate shall … honor the God of forces …. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many …” (Daniel 11:38-39) The military successes of the Antichrist will be so powerful, that the world will be asking, “Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4) Like his god, he will be a murderer (John 8:44) and destroyer. (Revelation 9:11)

The Islamic State, ISIS, has become the most brutal military force in modern history, in some ways surpassing the savagery of the Nazis. The army of ISIS is not invincible, but it always seems to survive to fight another day. ISIS is increasing its ranks with more radical jihadists from other terrorist groups, plus fresh recruits from around the world, including the United States.

• Their Global Jihadi Army

Ultimately, those who support the Antichrist and his Islamic kingdom will come from all the nations of the world. When the final battle comes against Israel at Armageddon, “all nations” will join his military effort. (Joel 3:2, Zechariah 14:2)

Some sources indicate that the ISIS army now numbers over 30,000, coming from about 90 different countries. What makes this force so powerful is their willingness to die for their cause. While these numbers are relatively small, it is worth noting that it is a global army that is growing larger each day with recruits from around the world.

• Their Killing of all Non-Muslims

According to Revelation 6:1-8, the Islamic jihad forces of the Antichrist will be responsible for the death of one-fourth of the world’s population during the opening months of the Tribulation Period. As a result of their jihadist efforts, they will “take peace from the earth,” (Revelation 6:4), and bring about a global economic collapse (Revelation 6:5-6). They will kill by decapitation with the sword. (Revelation 6:8; 20:4) Their global jihad campaign will bring famine and diseases that will kill millions. (Revelation 6:8)

In just a short period of time, ISIS has slaughtered about 20,000 people. Their gruesome slaughter of men, women, and children seems to bring them some level of pleasure. It is reported that some recruits are joining ISIS because they want to experience beheading someone. Both the armies of the Antichrist and ISIS bear the marks of demonically controlled men, who act like beasts who kill for pleasure without any guilt or remorse.

• They have no Respect for Women

The Antichrist will not have any respect for, nor show any honor to women. (Daniel 11:37) This is another one of the facts that leads us to believe that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. A study of the teachings of Mohammed demonstrates that women were considered of less importance than men. Women are considered inferior to men, and have fewer rights. A Muslim can have many wives, and if one of his wives disappoints him, he can beat her.

When the forces of the Antichrist attack Jerusalem in the final hours of the Armageddon campaign, “the women [will be] ravished.” (Zechariah 14:2)

According to many sources, ISIS fighters treat the women they capture with no respect. They gang rape, torture, abuse, enslave, kill, and in some cases, bury women alive. Young girls are married to abusive ISIS warriors who sexually abuse them and pass them on to others for further abuse until they die. Many smaller children are sold as sex slaves. Reading some of these accounts would enrage anyone who has a conscience.

• The Use of the Media to Spread Terror

When the forces of the Antichrist have finally overcome God’s two witnesses in Revelation 11, they will use the media to show the world the dead bodies of these two men lying in the streets of Jerusalem for three and one-half days. (Revelation 11:7-9) Taking advantage of the moment, the Antichrist will display the bodies of these two who opposed him. He will demonstrate to the world what happens to those who reject his declared divinity and authority. Therefore, he uses the media to showcase to the world his power over the two men who defied anyone from harming them for 1,260 days. (Revelation 11:5)

ISIS is the first modern-day Islamic terrorist group to extensively display their horrific atrocities to the world via the global media. Those who have followed these developments have reported that ISIS’ use of the media is very professional. ISIS considers the media to be a very important means of spreading their terror around the world. It seems to be working. Iraqi armed forces that greatly outnumber ISIS forces and have greater firepower, are filled with terror when ISIS warriors are only a few miles from them. The Iraqis take off their uniforms, lay down their weapons, leave their tanks and other armored vehicles, and run away.

• They Rejoice over the Violent Death of Opponents

When the world of the Antichrist sees the rotting corpses of the two witnessing in the streets of Jerusalem during the Tribulation Period, they will rejoice. “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another.” (Revelation11:10) When the word reaches the Islamic world about the deaths of those who have been killed by Islamic terrorists, the Islamic world rejoices. In many cases, they dance in the streets while some shower the crowds with candy. Here is one report given after two Muslims carried out the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013. “The dust hadn’t even settled on the ground at the site of the devastating explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line before Islamists started celebrating that so many people in America had been killed and injured. There were reports from Gaza that people explicitly allied with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad joined with ordinary citizens to dance in the streets, cheer, and pass out candy.” (www.mrconservative.com/2013/04/12) {story moved taking you to home page}

Many photos that show the grim murdering of Iraqis by ISIS, display the sheer joy these beastly warriors express upon the bloody death of their victims. It is very clear that these warriors have a seared conscience and feel no remorse. (1 Timothy 4:2) It is their desire to fill the earth with their violence – just as it was in the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:11-13)

• They Kill in the Name of their God

According to Revelation 13:12-18, the followers of the Antichrist will worship their god and his earthly messiah, the Antichrist. This worship will include an image and the number of the name of the Antichrist and his god. This number, which represents his name, is worn by all of the followers of this religion. It is worn on the forehead or on the hand. Walid Shoebat, a born-again believer who was a former Muslim terrorist, states: “It is the pride of Muslims to mark their right arms and foreheads with the mark of Islam.” ISIS warriors, like all Muslims who wage jihad in the name of Allah, wear a headband and or armband.

PICTURE Photo copied with permission from www.israeltoday.co.il

The Antichrist and ISIS kill in the name of their god. Jesus gave the following warning to His disciples: “the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” (John 16:2)

• They Execute Opponents by Decapitation

The trademark means of execution by the Antichrist during the Tribulation Period will be beheadings. (Revelation 20:4) Without question, this is a means of execution that has been used by Islamic jihadists since the days of Mohammed. In an article by Jihad Watch, a jihadi cleric Hussein bin Mahmoud, a prominent writer on jihadi forums, is repeatedly quoted concerning the connection between beheading and Islam. Mahmoud quotes Qur’an 47:4, which states: “When you meet the unbelievers, strike the necks…” He comments: Chopping off the heads of infidels is an act whose permissibility the [Muslim] ummah agrees on. Beheading a harbi infidel is a blessed act for which a Muslim is rewarded. … Islam is a religion of power, fighting, jihad, beheading and bloodshed, not a religion of turning the left cheek to whoever slapped you on the right cheek. On the contrary, it is a religion of breaking the hand that is stretched out to humiliate the Muslim. [Any Muslim] who fights for his property, blood or honor is a martyr.” (www.jihadwatch.org/2014/08/muslim-cleric-justifies-islamic-state-beheadings-islam-is-a-religion-of-beheading)

ISIS is currently mimicking the methods of execution, including beheading, that were practiced by Mohammed and all of those who immediately followed him.

• They force their Religion upon all Mankind

According to Revelation 13:12-18, the Antichrist will force all the inhabitants of earth to worship him and his god of war. Those who do not submit will be killed.

Many stories have surfaced in the last few years about ISIS commanding their captives to convert or be killed. Because of this fear, it is reported that more than 2 million Iraqis have fled their homes and are refugees in northern Iraq and Jordan.

Please understand that I am not saying that ISIS is the beginning of the kingdom of the Antichrist. However, the appearance of such a government that is so much like the government of the Antichrist, certainly illustrates that we are living in the final days of the Church Age. Keep listening for the shout that will take us out!

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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.

Map

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 67^th 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 20^th 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 16^th 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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