Raising up Dictators :: By Terry James

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles, Terry James

The great prophet Daniel was given immense prophetic foreknowledge. He saw the rise of kingdoms and their leading protagonists. He saw the end of all these world kingdoms and their kings, or hierarchy. Yet he wasn’t allowed to know the finale of things with regard to either his beloved nation Israel or of the planet—at least not in significant detail.

He wasn’t permitted to see what I believe you and I are presently allowed to witness regarding the wrapping up of “all these things” that Jesus told us to look for, as recorded in Luke 21:28. And anyone who is biblically centered and “watching,” as we are told to do by the Lord according to Mark 13:37, is witnessing phenomenal stage-setting for the end of the age and the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week—the Tribulation.

Here is what the prophet was told by the angel in their exchange when Daniel desired to know what would be the end of his people:

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4).

Daniel responded as follows:

“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:8–9).

Many observers of the times—including yours truly—believe those words and that book are now being opened for us to discern these end-of-the-age hours leading to the triumphant return of Christ.

One of the most fascinating aspects of “watching” all of the developments, to me at least, is the rise of dictators and their being allowed by Heaven to do their wickedness. And, I include in that evil group many of the leaders within the American political power structure, both elected and appointed, or even just inserted within that structure because of the influence their wealth gives them.

We have watched them do all within their deception and conniving efforts to change this nation into one totally ruled by insane policies and would-be tyrannical enslavement. They haven’t yet reached the level of an Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, or even a Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping. But they want to bring America into their own view of what the world should look like. And that view is them at the top, with the rest of us here to serve them. This is the human minion element within the Ephesians 6:12 cabal against which we who name the name of Christ wrestle, as Paul put it.

So, in hearing the new speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, speaking, his words tripped my curiosity meter that maybe is a bit like the prophet Daniel felt regarding his wanting to know the end of all this worldly wickedness.

Speaker Johnson’s words were as follows.

“I don’t believe there are any coincidences in a [matter] like this,” Johnson said during his Oct. 25 acceptance speech in the House chamber. “I believe that Scripture, the Bible, is very clear that God is the One that raises up those in authority. He raised up each of you, all of us, and I believe that God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment in this time. This is my belief. I believe that each one of us has a huge responsibility today to use the gifts that God has given us to serve the extraordinary people of this great country, and they deserve it, and to ensure that our republic remains standing as the great beacon of light and hope and freedom in a world that desperately needs it.”

Now, Mr. Johnson is an outspoken and devout Christian, and I applaud his standing up and declaring that God’s way is the way business should be done. I’m thankful he has been placed in that important position at this critical time in our nation’s movement through history.

But the thought struck. Yes. I believe God raised up Mike Johnson for this moment. And I believe that God raises up all men who achieve powers to govern. Johnson’s belief is based upon Daniel’s words.

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him” (Daniel 2:19-22).

Daniel, the great man of God, had it right, of course. He affirms with all his heart that God is in complete control at all times, and nothing is done without His being in control.

But the key here, for purposes of our commentary title, is the prophet’s inspired words: “he removeth kings and setteth up kings.”

God does indeed raise up leaders, as Mike Johnson told those in his audience–some of whom are themselves deeply into that wicked Ephesians 6:12 cabal. And the question piques my curiosity like it probably does yours.

Why, if God controls everything, does He permit these evil sorts to achieve power and do the dastardly things they do? Like for example, why were the leaders of that Hamas terrorist pack of demonically-inspired horde allowed to plan and carry out such blood-drenched atrocities on October 7?

The answer that comes to me isn’t one that takes away the intense fervor of the question. But it does provide comfort. I think that while our finite minds can’t understand fully such an infinite dealing by a sovereign God with such an absolutely incomprehensible evil as wrapped up in the thing called sin, to accept that God is in control, no matter how things look otherwise, is a faith-building matter. Daniel’s story of his faith is most relevant to acceptance that God is using all the sin-saturated activities by even the most evil of world leaders to ultimately bring all things back to perfection that was lost when iniquity entered Lucifer’s mind.

So God, who knows the end from the beginning, raises dictators as well as godly people to do His bidding. Antichrist will come on the scene and will accomplish God’s great purpose. Like Daniel counted on that truth–we can count on it too!

Our World Is Too Evil for Pastors to Stand on the Sidelines :: By Jan Markell

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles, Jan Markell

The month of October brought a staggering wake-up call to many church members. Some had been in attendance for months, and some for years. A few had been active for a decade. They loved their church family and felt the pulpit was sound.

Their church has salvation right, and baptism. The music is acceptable, and the youth program is outstanding. It is missions-minded. And, after all, no church is perfect.

The Rude Awakening

But in October, many church attendees were going to get a rude awakening because too many hadn’t done a deep dive on all of the church’s theology.

Many had been grieved over the silence in the pulpit as it concerned Bible prophecy and current events. They accepted the flaw and got daily doses of those items online. After all, the church didn’t get involved in the cultural issues either. It is not unusual for a church to not take a stand.

Then came October 7 in Israel. What would the church response be that next day – October 8? What happened on October 7 was a game-changer! Surely, this would be front and center at their church!

It is true—the headlines, photos, and videos coming out of the latest Mideast conflict are not seeker-sensitive. They won’t make church attendees feel good. Talking about the sensitive situation won’t fit into any church-growth strategy. It won’t encourage anyone to become purpose-driven. It could even create divisiveness.

So, I should not have been so thrown when I began to get e-mails from across the country stating variations of the following:

Jan, I was very dismayed that the church we attended did not even make mention of what was going on in Israel on Sunday, October 8. Nor did the topic arise on Wednesday night—though there were several mentions of the Houston Astros game…

No One Can Say We Didn’t Know

Since then, there has been wall-to-wall coverage on all media outlets, day and night, for over three months. Can anybody claim they didn’t know? We have now all watched the sickening demonstrations begging the world to “gas the Jews.” Some are saying World War III is at hand. We have evil at a new level on display. The likelihood of terror cells embedded in America, Canada, Europe, and other places is a guarantee.

The Silence of the Shepherds Is Rooted in Theology

And yet, I was hearing many times a day about the silence of the shepherds! Could this silence be rooted in theology? A resounding “yes”!

I encourage all readers to do a study on modern theology. People hear terms that need to be explored: Replacement Theology, Covenant Theology, Amillennial Theology, Dominion Theology, and more. You just might not be in agreement with what all of these theologies entail! Most of these teach that the Church is the new Israel, that God has cast away His people Israel due to unbelief.

Prayer: The Only Effective Weapon

Human suffering has been on display since October 7, 2023. Media outlets that have a shred of integrity revealed the darkened hearts and deeds of Islamic thugs. There is only one adequate weapon in our arsenal: prayer, and better yet, corporate prayer.

Prayer from the pulpit. Prayer from a radio, TV, or Internet website. Prayer for innocent hostages, although now it is likely too late. Prayer for any innocent caught in a battle crossfire. Prayer for soldiers trying to liberate and set captives free.

And pastors, your people want you to lead in this effort! People are now tired of the silence of the shepherds. Our world is too volatile, too angry, and too evil to stand on the sidelines and be silent! You must take a stand and set theology aside.

Yes, your theology says you should minimize Israel, but then you marginalize the suffering, which Jesus would never do!

When Should I Leave a Church?

All of my radio guests have stated since October 7 that if a church will not relent on this, then it is time to leave. Period. God cannot bless this church or congregation. It is weighed in the balances and found wanting (Dan. 5:7). It is time to move on to much greener—and more spiritually fruitful—pastures.

Perhaps this is the next big church divider. Churches will either be for Israel or against her. Which side will you be on? Israel is to become the world’s burdensome stone (Zech. 12:3), but God will destroy ALL who come against Jerusalem (Zech.12:9). You want to be on God’s side!

In the new year of 2024, I pray that all in leadership will at least take a stand against evil, for much of the world is calling evil good (Isaiah 5:20). And evil is spreading like a cancer throughout the world as we trend towards the Tribulation.

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Jan Markell is an author, speaker, host of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, and the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries.