In part 4 of 7 of this message concerning End Times, we look at the starting point. The Bible says in general terms that the Tribulation will begin shortly after the Jewish people have been regathered and have been re-established in their homeland and in their sacred city of Jerusalem. Specifically, the Bible says it will begin at a time when all the world comes together against Israel over the issue of who will control the city of Jerusalem. Which we are slowly seeing unfold today with, Russia wanting to occupy the land for its natural gases, Palestine wanting to take the land as a spiritual take over, Sudan working very closely with Russia concerning their Military bases and Hamas bombings recently taking place in Israel. It's clear to see that the nations are rising up against Israel.
Zechariah 12:2-3 NKJV
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.
To sum up Scripture; we are on the very threshold of the Tribulation today as we also witness the United Nations, the European Union, the Vatican, and the Arab nations demanding that the Jewish people surrender their sovereignty over Jerusalem.
Israel is a (heavy stone), as all the surrounding nations hate Israel, as they lay siege against it. The specific event that will mark the seven year countdown of the Tribulation will be the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her Arab enemies — a treaty that will allow the Jewish nation to rebuild the Holy Temple.
Daniel 9:27 NKJV
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”
With all this in mind, will this be the start of the Gog and Magog war? Gog and Magog are referred to in (Ezekiel 38-39) and in (Revelation 20). In Ezekiel’s prophecy, Gog will be the leader of a great army that attacks the land of Israel. Gog is described as (of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal). Ezekiel’s battle of Gog and Magog occurs in the Tribulation period, more specifically in the first 3 and a half years. The strongest evidence for this view is that the attack will come when Israel is at peace. The description from (Ezekiel 38) is that of a nation that has security and has laid down its defenses. Israel is definitely not at peace now, and it is inconceivable that the nation would lay down its defenses apart from some type of major event like a peace treaty.
When Israel’s covenant with the Antichrist is in effect at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week also known as the 7 year Tribulation, Israel will be at peace. Possibly the battle will occur just before the midpoint of the 7 year period, as we are seeing signs like this already taking place. According to Ezekiel, Gog will be defeated by God Himself on the mountains of Israel. The slaughter will be so great it will take 7 months to bury all of the dead. Clearly we see that the Jewish nation will go through the Tribulation, based on a peace treaty and this great war coming. As a result 144,000 Jewish people will be saved. We need to understand that the Tribulation period is going to be such a time of horror like never been seen before. Another reference to this horror is in Revelation, as it's known as or is called a Woe. That word Woe simply means horror. A horror that has never been seen in this world. In Revelation there will be Woes poured out on the earth during the Great Tribulation, as part of the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowl Judgments, which we will look into further depth in the next section. Christ said it will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall.
Matthew 24:21-22 NKJV
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
The Apostle John states that the chaos coming will be so great that every nation in the world, even the kings and leaders of the world will crawl into caves and cry out for the rocks of the mountains to fall upon them, as to hide away from The Wrath of the Lamb (God's Judgment).
Revelation 6:15-17 NKJV
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
This is why it is so important to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, as to avoid these times. I make this statement not because I want an easy ticket out of here before Judgment comes, No that isn't what faith is about! I believe this because Jesus Christ said pray that we are counted worthy to escape these times, because there is a great horror coming and for those who are unaware that day will come upon them like a snare. The word snare is like that of an animal trap, which happens so quickly it catches them unexpectedly. We need to be ready in our hearts and in our walk with Christ, not envying the world, celebrities, and all their wealth. But pity those who choose not to look to God in these last days.
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
This is why it is so important that we get people who are lost to Christ, and get Christ to the people. If there was ever a time to stand for our faith in Jesus Christ, now is that time to stand and be the light no matter what. In the next section we will look at THE ANTICHRIST. Who is the Antichrist and what happens when he is revealed? Plus we will look at the Judgments to come, the 7 seal Judgments, the 7 Trumpet Judgments, and the 7 bowl Judgments.
I like to end each of these messages with the Gospel, and it couldn't be more clearer than the A,B,C of salvation. For those who have not known Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
A - ADMIT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER.
Romans 3:23 NKJV
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
B - BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS LORD.
Romans 10:9-10 NKJV
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
C - CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Romans 10:13 NKJV
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
It is better to live for eternity with our Lord Yeshua, Jesus Christ, than to suffer in torment and darkness forever. If you have never called on the Name of the Lord, today is the time, now is the time to say these words as a prayer in your heart.
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End Times
SpiritualIn this 7 part series, we look into biblical prophecy concerning The End Times. Why is it important to understand prophecy? What are the signs of things to come? The book of Revelation is our starting point.
