Category: Politics

PTNews – February 2016

Published 10 times annually

All Bible references are from the KJV

(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)

P.O. Box 13006, Roanoke, VA 24030-3006

Our Judge is Coming

Part One

“Behold, the judge standeth before the door.” – James 5:9

By Mike Wingfield

[As I travel and speak in prophetic conferences, I am asked many questions about the future of our world, particularly, the future for believers in Jesus Christ. Topics that are great concerns for many Christians deal with our future resurrection and judgment. In these two newsletters, I will attempt to give Biblical answers to most of these questions that concern us. God’s Word does have answers for these questions! I encourage you to read this newsletter with the Bible in your hand. Please read the numerous Bible references cited so you you can better understand these very important truths that should change all of our lives. ]

My life is driven by preparation for the day when I will stand before my Lord and Judge, Jesus Christ. This will be the most important day in my life! When I gave my life to Him, I became His child (John 1:12), His bond-servant (Ephesians 6:5-6), and His possession (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, all that I do in this life since the time of my salvation will be examined by Him on my judgment day. My deeds, words, and motives will be measured against His holy standards, which are clearly revealed in the Bible. It will be the day that I give an account to my Lord, the Shepherd of my soul.

You and I will join with all of the church saints in heaven after the Rapture, and worship our Lord and joyfully proclaim: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) Oh that we all had this perspective as we live out our daily lives!

I am convinced that knowing and reflecting upon what I will share with you in these two newsletters can help to motivate you to really work at living your life in preparation for the day when you stand in judgment before Judge Jesus. Remember, on that day He will be your Lord, Savior, and Judge! To those who claim to be saved and willfully and habitually live in sin, the Bible warns: “The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31)

If you really love Jesus Christ, and He is your Lord (Master), then you will be thinking and praying about that moment when you stand before Him. When a believer saturates his mind with the Word of God, He will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will teach him to view everything from an eternal perspective. (1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Colossians 3:1-4) The Apostle Paul modeled this for all of us. He faced many difficulties and dangers. However, he looked at all of these challenging events in light of eternity. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, the Holy Spirit caused Paul to record for us how Spirit-filled believers view the times of suffering in life: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

According to the Bible, at the center of our faith is “the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” (Colossians 1:5) The Spirit-filled believer will not look at life here on this earth as the main focus of his faith. He will view life here as only being momentary. (1 Peter 1:13-21) The Spirit wants us to grasp the perspective that this life on earth is like the fog of a morning that quickly evaporates when the sun rises. (James 4:14) Please read Psalm 39:3-6 and Psalm 90. The godly believer should pray the prayer of King David in Psalm 39:4: “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” Psalm 90 records a prayer of Moses. He cried out to God: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) Consequently, the believer should live his life in light of eternity. This is wisdom that comes from God!

The believer who practices this on a daily basis will be trained to do so because of the impact of God’s future eternal plans recorded in the prophetic Word of God. (Matthew 6:33) As he reads about the events in God’s future plans (like the 7-year tribulation and the 1,000-year kingdom of God) he will be made to think of his life here as a speck of time. In contrast to this, the ungodly are always mocking God’s prophetic Word, and are only focused upon the present fleeting moment. (See 2 Peter 3:3-4) These fools are willfully ignorant of the Word of God and the fact that God is not bound by time. (2 Peter 3:5-9) Please note that the godly men in Scripture (the Old Testament prophets, and the New Testament apostles) were directed by the Holy Spirit to write about God’s eternal plans. They were captivated by the future. Please remember that “all Scripture,” including the prophetic texts, have been given to equip us for life and ministry while here on earth. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Someone has said that the core message of the BIBLE is “basic instructions before leaving earth.” I once saw a church sign that captures this truth. It read: “This life on earth is a dressing room for eternity.”

Unfortunately, we live at a time when most church ministries and Biblical resources are exclusively focused upon the here and now. This is extremely important, but it falls short of the kind of the eternal hope that is our motivation for living the Christian life here and now! Our mission is here on this earth, but the finish line is in heaven in His presence! As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we must remember that He is “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Our salvation will not be complete until we have been made “like him” at His coming. (1 John 3:2) As the Apostle Paul promised the believers in the early church, we can be confident “that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

The apostles and their associates continually challenged the early believers to be ready for the judgment of Christ at His coming. For example, the half-brother of our Lord, James, wrote the first N.T. book around 45 A.D. He was the faithful pastor to the Jewish church in Jerusalem. He was probably not saved until after the resurrection of our Lord. Then, he grew in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and rose to prominence among the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem and became their pastor. His epistle is written “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” (James 1:1) After almost 15 years of faithful preaching and teaching about the imminent return of the Lord, James urged His Jewish brethren to be patient as they endured persecution and difficulties. He reminded them that they needed to focus on the coming of the Lord. It is apparent that some of the brethren were beginning to lose sight of the imminent return and consequently, conflict was brewing in the local assemblies. As a result, he reminded them: “Grudge not one against another, brethren; lest you be condemned: behold the judge stands before the door.” (James 5:9)

As the Apostle Paul neared the end of his life, in the last chapter of his last epistle, he wrote to Timothy and reminded him that the Lord Jesus Christ “shall judge the [living] and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4) Then, with a view of his life nearing its end, he said: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) It is evident from this text, that Paul finished his course and kept the faith that he received on the day of his conversion when he met Jesus Christ and was saved. It is apparent from his life and ministry, as revealed in the epistles that he wrote, that Paul was focused upon the moment he would stand in the presence of his Savior and Judge, Jesus Christ. In almost one-third of his Biblical writings, he wrote about the believer’s future and its relationship to the Second Coming of Christ. It is evident that Paul loved the precious truth about the Second Coming. Therefore, he reminded the believers that Jesus will reward those who “love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8) How sad it is that the majority of pastors and church members today have no interest in hearing about or knowing what the Scriptures have to say about the return of Christ! This is an eye-opening commentary on the true spiritual condition of the church today.

Do you love the Biblical truths about the coming of our Lord? Are you focused upon that moment when you will stand before Judge Jesus? Those who do will be driven to moral purity (1 John 3:3), and a ministry of integrity that is motivated by pleasing the Lord, not self, or man. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5) The New Testament repeatedly points to the believer’s judgment day. Let us briefly examine what the Bible has to say about our day in the future court of God. I will answer five questions about this judgment. Four of these questions will be answered in this newsletter. The final question will be considered in the March newsletter. That question will be: When will God judge us?

1. Will God Judge Everyone?

The Bible promises that every human being, both saved and unsaved, will have their day in court with God. Philippians 2:10-11 states “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, … And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The very first book in the Bible gives God the title “the Judge of all the earth.” (Genesis 18: 25)

The Bible challenges all of humanity to soberly think about this judgment day. The writer of the book of Hebrews declares: “The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31) For some professing believers, this message is too strong. They do not want to think of God in these terms. It is true that God is our Father. He is gracious and compassionate. But, at this judgment, God is not exercising His love, but His holiness. He is judging our lives by His holy standard. God’s holiness will not allow His love to override His holy standards. If He did, He would not be holy, just, and righteous! In light of this, please consider what Psalm 19:7-11 has to say about the holy Word of God. All of the underlined words are references to the Word of God: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping them there is great reward.”

2. Who will be the Judge?

When a person’s day in God’s court comes, he will stand before Jesus Christ. Jesus will be his judge. During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught that the Father has “committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22) Several decades later, when Paul wrote to the church at Rome, he pointed back to these words of Jesus when he wrote that the day was coming “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” (Romans 2:16)

Jesus will be the judge on that day because He is the Creator, and therefore, it is only right that His creation will be judged by Him. (Colossians 1:16) Man, the crown of God’s creation, was created for His pleasure. (Revelation 4:11) All life comes from Jesus. (John 1:4) Jesus testified of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Therefore, it is only right that Jesus will examine what we have done with the gift of life that He has given us.

Jesus will be our judge in God’s courtroom because as a result of His incarnation, He is both God and man. While speaking about His Father, Jesus said that the Father had “given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” (John 5:27) No one will ever be able to say to Him on that day that He does not know what it would be like to be tested and tempted as a human being. The Bible declares that during His earthly visit, Jesus experienced “the feelings of our infirmities; [and] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) When every person stands before Him, no excuse will be acceptable. As the song writer put it, “Jesus knows all about our troubles.”

Jesus is God. He knows all things. He sees all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. Hebrews 4:13 says: “Neither is there any creature that is [hidden] in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Furthermore, Psalm 90:8, states: “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.”

We often think of Jesus as our Savior and High Priest. But, at His coming He will be our Judge. It is sad to think that the overwhelming majority of people who have ever lived have never know Jesus as the Savior or High Priest. They will only know Him as their Judge!

My friend, if you have never received Jesus as your Savior, then surrender your life to the One who has given you life, controls your next heartbeat, and will judge you someday. You need to turn from your sin and come to God through the cross of Jesus. Jesus said that He is “the way … no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Jesus can save you now. But, if you die before you repent of your sins, then you are lost forever. The Bible states: “… it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) You will stand before Jesus on your judgment day and cry out to Him for mercy. However, it will be too late! Remember the verse above. After your death you will not have a second chance. Why not humble yourself now and cry out to Him for His salvation? I encourage you to think about this. Most people who are already in hell probably never thought they would end up in a place of eternal damnation. Either they were deceived and were trusting in another way to heaven (Matthew 7:21-23), or they just waited too late! Please do not let that happen to you!

3. Why will God Judge us?

As mentioned already, Jesus will be our Judge because He created us. It is God’s plan that all of humanity will give an account unto Him on their judgment day. In 1 Peter 4:1-7, the Holy Spirit directed the Apostle Peter to address the sharp contrast between those who are living “according to the will of God,” and those who are following the desires of men. In this text, he explains that those who are only following their sinful desires don’t understand the believer’s godly lifestyle. The believer is the one who lives as if “the end of all things is at hand.” (verse 7) However, the unbeliever does not live his life so as to “give account to him that is ready to judge the [living] and the dead.” (verse 5)

We live in an age when evolution has been taught for several generations. Consequently, many have been deceived, and no longer believe in a literal creation as recorded in Genesis 1-2. Many others live in doubt and are not sure what they believe. Collectively, they have arrived at the conclusion that they cannot trust the Bible. God and the Bible have no place in their lives. They have conveniently, so they think, removed God from the creation. Therefore, in their thinking, they are not accountable to Him. A few seconds after their death, they will tragically come to realize that they were wrong!

4. How will God Judge us?

We now come to a very important consideration of man’s future judgment that many have never thought about. When Jesus judges every individual who has ever been conceived, how will He judge them?

The Bible is emphatically clear that on that judgment day, Jesus will examine the works (Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 20:12-13), words (Matthew 12:36-37), and will (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5) of everyone. Each person’s individual record will be examined and the evidence will determine their eternal rewards or eternal punishment.

While speaking to the church about the New Testament believer’s judgment, the Apostle Paul said: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) While using a human analogy that we can grasp, the Apostle Paul referred to the judgment of the Christian as God’s refining fire that will separate the “good” [that which is honorable before God] from that which is “bad” (the worthless deeds of the flesh). (Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-15.) In reality, the holy, fiery eyes of the Lord (Hebrews 4:13; Revelation 1:14) will consume away all that is not by God, in God, and for God.

In general, the Bible teaches four facts about the decisions of Judge Jesus on our judgment day:

A. They will be true! (Based on His holy character.)

Jesus is called “the righteous judge” (2 Timothy 4:8) because His judgment always flows out of His holiness. He is always true, righteous, and just in all of His ways. When Jesus, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation Period, Revelation 19:11 declares that “in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” During His kingdom reign, He will be the judge of all those living on earth. While speaking about His millennial kingdom, Psalm 96:13 states: “…for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” Therefore, we can rest assured that the declarations that flow from the lips of Judge Jesus will always be correct, just, and truthful. (Acts 17:31) He is “the truth.” (John 14:6) Therefore, Jesus’ decisions of judgment at our judgment will always be based upon His holy character.

B. They will be fair! (Without partiality)

When the judgment day comes, Judge Jesus will be fair! A person’s race, nationality, or social status will not matter. While writing about “the judgment of God“ (Romans 2:2), the Apostle Paul declared: “For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11) When the judgment of all the unsaved takes place at the end of time, “the dead, small and great, stand before God.” (Revelation 20:12) The kings, presidents, and judges of this earth will be judged alongside the poor who lived in the streets. While reminding the believers that God is holy, and demands that we practice holiness, the Apostle Peter caused them to think about their judgment day, and declared that God who is “without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work.” (1 Peter 1:17)

All of this simply means that the Lord will judge each person individually on the basis of their opportunities and gifts they were given while on earth. It will be based upon our time, talents, and treasures. Most of all, it will examine what we have done with Jesus and the Bible. Jesus taught this truth when He said: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

C. They will comprehensive! (All consuming)

Jesus’ judgment will be comprehensive. He will leave nothing out! His eyes will almost instantly sweep across the spectrum of our entire lives. It will be like an all-consuming fire! (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) He will expose our secrets. (Romans 2:16) He will recall our words. (Matthew 12:36-37) He will examine our works. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) And, He will unveil the motives of our heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

There is no deed so small that the Lord will overlook it. Jesus said, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41) Think of it! If you just give a cup of water from the heart for the glory of God to one of His servants, He will reward you for that!

I am reminded that a number of years ago at one of my conferences, I mentioned this in the morning message. That evening several glasses of water mysteriously appeared on the lectern where I was to speak. At least I knew some were listening to the Word that morning!

D. They will be predictable! (His Word is eternal.)

This point is often overlooked. The judgment of Jesus on our judgment day is very predictable. It will be based upon the eternal and unchanging Word of God. Jesus said, “… the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) In Romans 2-3, the Apostle Paul takes all of humanity into God’s courtroom and declares: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Like a lawyer building his case by examining the evidence, Paul reminds everyone that there is coming a day “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” (Romans 2:16) When the sinners of all the ages are made to stand before Judge Jesus, the Bible declares that “the books [will be] opened.” (Revelation 20:12) I know of 66 books that will be opened on that day. They will be the 66 books of the Bible! Think about this! So many people amuse themselves with worldly facts and fiction, but never open a Bible.

This is why it is so important to read, study, and memorize God’s Word. We have a choice. We can look into the perfect Word of God and allow it to judge us and expose our sins so that we confess them. Or, we can ignore the Word of God and wait for it to judge us on our judgment day! (Read James 1:19-25.) I have chosen to be serious about allowing God’s Word to judge me now, rather than waiting until later. We must allow the living holy Word of God to be grafted into our lives. (James 1:21)

Next month, I will answer the fifth question in this article: When will God judge us? In the next newsletter many questions will be answered about the timing of the resurrections and judgments. In the mean-time, “Get ready for the shout that will take us out!”

…To download the .pdf file.

The Rise of the Final Superpower State- Israel

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

By Mike Wingfield

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

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

Why is the world so focused upon the removal of the Jewish people from their ancient homeland, while supporting the creation of another Islamic terrorist state? The answer is found in Psalm 83. In this text, the Bible states that the “enemies of God” constantly scream out their hatred for God and “have taken crafty counsel against [the] people [of God].” (verses 2-3) “They have said, Come and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederated against [God].” (verses 4-5) The evidence is abundantly clear. Our world is filled with antichrists who oppose the purposes of God for His chosen people in the Holy Land and the holy city of Jerusalem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel will become the global spiritual leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel will be a powerfully united nation

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

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

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

Israel will become the most prosperous nation in history

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As the Free-World Collapses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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