18 Aug 2025

Published on: by RR10 Category:Nearing Midnight

God’s Chain Restraining End-times Tyrants

Mike Hile, my great friend of many years who has kept this old, blind purveyor of Bible prophecy between the ditches in our many travels, sent an interesting report and a suggestion I believe has tremendous relevance at this late hour of our fleeting age.

We hear from all the news reports and punditry almost hourly that World War III might break out at any moment. And, looking at the many hostilities around the globe, we could easily conclude that, indeed, all-out nuclear conflict is on the brink.

The Russian-Ukrainian war still rages. Israel is still dealing with the war-making of Hamas and the terrorist evil that comes against the Jewish state and people. Other smaller wars and rumors of war occur and threaten because of the likes of the North Korean dictator and other minor tyrants.

And of the major tyrants, recent news isn’t good. While China still threatens to invade Taiwan and wreak havoc in other regions, it seems for the moment to be more focused on keeping its communist dictatorship from imploding due to economic pressures–many of these being brought to bear by one Donald John Trump.

Russia, also under terrific economic pressures, threatening the dictatorship of Vladimir Putin with internal degradation, rather than backing down at Trump’s sanction actions, warns of the nuclear option.

My friend Mike weighed in on all this, reminding me of why he and I, and anyone who studies Bible prophecy from, particularly, the pre-Trib viewpoint, can look at this development with calm assurance. There will not be all-out nuclear World War III as long as we remain in this Age of Grace, also called the Church Age.

These two major tyrannical entities, we believe—China and Russia—are prophetically scheduled (that is, we are told through God’s foreknowledge, His omniscience) to fulfill their dastardly destructiveness at a time yet future—a time after all believers in Jesus Christ have been taken (paralambano) into the gathering we call the Rapture of the Church.

Russia, we believe through much intensive study by ourselves and others, will be the lead national force that takes the coalition of Israel-hating hordes toward Jerusalem in the Gog-Magog assault described by Ezekiel the prophet.

China, we are convinced, will be the king (or lead nation) of the massive force called the “kings of the east” that will destroy a third of the world’s population at the time of crossing the dried-up Euphrates River. This war-making venture is found in Revelation chapters 9 and 16.

So, with this as a prophetic backdrop, I insert part of my friend Mike Hile’s email to me that precipitated this commentary:

It is interesting how the Lord (Holy Spirit—The Restrainer) keeps China on a leash with weather problems (also Russia with war in Ukraine) so that they do not accelerate the prophetic process (think an evil thought) beyond what the Lord’s plan is and what He allows them to do. Look at the list of weather events at the end of this article that China has been dealing with.

At least 30 people died and more than 80,000 were evacuated in Beijing, China, after record rainfall from July 26-28, 2025, caused severe flooding and landslides.

Record-breaking rainfall from July 26-28, caused severe flooding across Beijing, leaving at least 30 people dead and forcing more than 80,000 to evacuate, Beijing Municipal Government officials confirmed on July 29. (By Reet Kaur Tuesday, July 29, 2025, https://watchers.news/2025/07/29/30-dead-80-000-evacuated-extreme-rainfall-beijing-china/)

Mike’s information went much more in-depth, making his point that China is being diverted in its wicked ambitions to control the world through its rapidly building military might.

The Trump administration is greatly inhibiting this evil regime from being able to complete its long-game plans to rule the world, through President Trump’s economic savoir faire. And this president is doing the same to stymie Vladimir Putin’s apparent desire to reconstruct the old Soviet Union—despite Russian saber-rattling recently in threatening nuclear war if America intervenes in their bloody war-making against Ukraine.

However, it is the God of Heaven who has the chains of restraint around the necks of the tyrants of Russia and of China–and around the necks of the other dictators of this violent world. We can be assured that the chains of restraint will stay firmly in place, so far as preventing all-out nuclear war, until God’s people, the Body of Christ—are removed to the shelter, Jesus, in the clouds of Glory.

You want to be part of that removal to the shelter when God’s judgment and wrath begin to fall on this rebellious world. Here is how to go to Christ when He calls the Church:

“That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

—Terry

Unbelief, Scripture, and the Rapture

During the time I pastored a small church in eastern Iowa, now just over forty years ago, the pastor of the Methodist church called and asked me to come to his office. When I arrived, I saw he had been studying More Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. I remember that he asked me a few questions about the book before telling me that he was a pastor for twenty years before he became a born-again believer.

Last week, the Lord reminded me of his startling confession, and I began wondering what made the difference between knowing God’s Word and the arrival of saving faith. Surely he had often read the Bible and preached from it many times. The answer came as I remembered the book he was reading at the time, one that defended the veracity of Scripture. He now trusted its life-giving message, which led him to believing in Jesus.

Why is it that so many professing Christians refuse to believe the words of Scripture? Jesus said this in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Despite the unmistakable clarity of His message, many insist that He isn’t the only path to eternal life. A well-known “evangelical” pastor teaches that God saves Muslims apart from their belief in the Savior. Why would he make such a statement that not only contradicts Jesus’ words but the entire New Testament?

Many Bible scholars, who are far more intelligent than I, read the same promises that the Lord made to Israel and teach that somehow they no longer apply to the descendants of Jacob. Despite their wealth of knowledge regarding Scripture and its original languages, they don’t believe what the Lord clearly says about the future restoration of Israel. Why is that?

Even fellow believers, who read the same New Testament that I do, ridicule the whole idea of a Rapture. I have heard several pastors, even those who had a solid grasp of the basics of the Gospel, deny that there is such a thing as the Rapture and preach that all believers will die before the Lord returns. They don’t believe what Paul wrote early in his ministry when he expressed his hope that he might be among the saints who would be alive at the time of Jesus’ appearing (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Why do even pastors who claim that the Bible is inerrant go off on tangents that contradict the words of Scripture? I believe there are two key reasons for their unbelief.

A Refusal to Submit to the Words of Scripture

It remains a mystery to me why so many teachers of God’s Word submit to what it reveals about the saving message of the cross, yet refuse to do so when it comes to future things.

Instead of relying solely on what the Bible says about prophecy, many pastors and Christians adopt variant beliefs after reading books that contradict what the Bible says about the future of Israel. One pastor told me he adhered to the belief in a pre-Tribulation Rapture until he read two such books. Now he believes there’s no such thing. For him, human wisdom trumps all that the New Testament says about our future as believers.

During the past several years, I have crossed paths with many pastors and Christians who retrofit the words of Scripture to fit their own wisdom-based beliefs about future things. They say that the book of Revelation is either allegory, past history, or previously fulfilled prophecy up to the point of the White Throne judgment in 20:11. Reliance on their own insight blinds them to the most thrilling truths in all of God’s Word pertaining to our future as the redeemed. They refuse to accept the plain sense of Scripture.

Is it not this same form of unbelief that keeps many pastors from talking about what lies ahead for the saints and the world? They don’t believe that the Lord will honor a willingness to preach all of Scripture, especially such things as the Rapture or Millennium. Gifted preachers attract large numbers of people to their churches, resulting in multiple services and church plants. Their exclusive emphasis on this life, however, leaves their congregations in the dark regarding what lies ahead for the world.

Pride

Another primary reason that keeps many from submitting to the words of Scripture is something we all deal with on a daily basis: pride. It’s something that keeps many people from believing what theologian Jonathan Edwards said long ago, “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Pride keeps them bound in their unbelief.

I have often witnessed the bond between pride and a refusal to believe what the Bible says about the Lord’s restoration of Israel and the Rapture. One pastor roared with laughter as I showed him the biblical basis for Israel’s future restoration as a nation. Is it not this same proud spirit that lies behind much of the mocking we endure because of our belief in Jesus’ imminent appearing?

Please know that I struggle with pride on almost a daily basis. I often need to remind myself that it’s only because of the Lord’s grace and great mercy toward me that I have a ministry of writing about our exciting and glorious future as New Testament saints.

In the months following my visit with the Methodist pastor, opposition surfaced in his church because he believed and preached the Gospel. Those opposing forces later succeeded in having him removed as their pastor. Many in his congregation proudly refused to submit to the words of Scripture and persisted in their unbelief regarding the saving message of the cross.

I know most of you experience rejection and ridicule because of your adherence to what Scripture teaches about the Rapture and the fast-approaching Tribulation period. But take heart; Jesus sees and will surely reward your perseverance and longing for His appearing (1 Peter 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:8). Perhaps soon, we will all be with the Savior in Heaven with glorified bodies.

Maranatha!

-Jonathan

18 Aug 2025

Published on: by RR10 Category:Prayer Center

RACING TOWARD A CLIMACTIC CONCLUSION

Apostasy and Doctrines of Demons

Cynthia Erivo’s ‘demonic’ portrayal of Jesus prompts outrage: ‘Intentional blasphemy.’ ‘This isn’t art; it’s evil.’ The controversial production, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” at the Hollywood Bowl featured bisexual actress Cynthia Erivo as Jesus. It also starred openly gay singer Adam Lambert as Judas. Erivo’s long, talon-like nails evoked imagery associated with demons, also the deliberately bald Erivo’s resemblance to Nosferatu, a vampire made famous in the 1922 silent German horror film of the same name.

Ex-psychic warns Christians of ‘spiritual dangers,’ demonic influence of ‘The Telepathy Tapes.’
“The Telepathy Tapes,” a hit podcast and developing documentary project, has gained a massive following due to its claims that non-verbal autistic children are capable of telepathic communication. But, according to a former psychic-turned-evangelist, the concept carries serious spiritual dangers, especially for Christians.

Growing Trend: FRC’s ‘Hostility Against Churches’ Report Documents Hundreds of Attacks on US Churches In 2024. Over 400 hostile incidents were committed against American churches in 2024, a report by the Family Research Council found. “This report clearly shows religious freedom faces substantial threats here at home.”

UK Guardian News Scolds Christians For ‘Illegally’ Evangelizing to Isolated People Groups. The newspaper published an “exposé” piece titled “Missionaries using secret audio devices to evangelize Brazil’s isolated peoples… despite strict laws protecting Indigenous groups.” But as everyone knows, Christians have been sharing the gospel, regardless of government mandates, as long as there have been Christians. Christians must obey God rather than man; God instructs Christians to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone.

Hatred of Jews and Israel

Biblical, Moral, and Strategic: A Party Divided, Especially Over Israel, Cannot Stand. Genesis 12:3 is more than a verse; it’s a promise. Those who bless Israel will be blessed. As Europe drifts under the weight of Islamic migration and appeasement, Israel remains our most reliable ally in the Middle East. The Republican Party’s future and the moral clarity of America’s leadership depend on remaining resolute in our support for Israel. Not out of sentimentality, but because it’s right biblically, morally, and strategically.

Pervasive Perversion

Minneapolis hosts ‘Trans Equity Summit’ at University of Minnesota once again, a full-day celebration of transgenderism.

New ‘gender-neutral’ bathroom angers parents at Virginia high school. Parents in southwestern Virginia are alarmed that renovations to Christiansburg High School included a “gender-neutral” bathroom in which boys and girls will be forced to share space.

The Abortion Abomination

God says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” (Jeremiah 1:5).

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:13-16).

Fetal Development Week by Week: Milestones, Tests, What to Expect (with images). From the moment sperm meets egg to those final weeks before the baby is born, a lot is happening that you can’t see, but it’s absolutely fascinating. Let’s walk through it all, the science, the stages, and what’s happening inside your body every single week.

Last Days Traitors

Where the Nazis Failed, America’s Largest Teachers’ Union Now Aims to Succeed. The National Education Association (NEA), which represents nearly three million public school teachers, just released a new handbook instructing teachers to no longer tell their classes that Jews were the primary target of the Holocaust. Instead, they’re now supposed to say the Nazis killed “millions of victims of different faiths.” The NEA seeks to sever this link between the Holocaust and Jews.

Their Deliberate Border Disorder and Its Consequences

England: Bournemouth swamped by immigrants; crime skyrocketing all at taxpayers’ expense. Crime statistics show a significant increase in violent, sexual, and public order offenses in Bournemouth, with a 276% increase in rape cases between 2014-2025, making the town a borderline no-go zone, especially for women. These crimes are being committed by foreigners, some of whom live in London and travel to Bournemouth to find their victims. Others have been shipped there to be settled as asylum seekers at a significant cost to taxpayers.

Iniquity Shall Abound

Manipulated statistics, high murder rate: 5 things to know about federal takeover of DC. President Trump announced that he’s activating the National Guard in the nation’s capital and the federal government will take control of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Dept (MPD)to  deal with crime. He contends the moves are necessary due to the city’s crime statistics to help “re-establish law, order, and public safety.” Dem leaders deny there’s a problem. The first of 5 things to know is 1) The DC Police Union, the MPD “is deliberately falsifying crime data, creating a false narrative of reduced crime while communities suffer,” to “evade public scrutiny.”

Plague, Pestilence, and Plandemics

Eco Loons Suggest Proliferating a Plague of Ticks to Prevent People from Eating Meat. The Lone Star Tick’s bite can lead to medical problems, including allergy to red meat, and it could kill you. Promoting these ghastly ticks (already increasing in numbers in large areas of the US) is said to: “prevent the world from becoming a significantly worse place… doesn’t violate anyone’s rights… promotes virtuous action or character.” How stupid can academics be?

Mosquito-borne virus has led to widespread outbreak in China; could it show up in the U.S.? The U.S. CDC just issued a Level 2 alert for an outbreak of chikungunya virus in Guangdong Province, where over 7,000 cases have been reported. Cases are also spreading throughout Europe. Dr. Paul Sax, infectious disease expert, said a U.S. outbreak is unlikely…. It is mainly Americans who have recently traveled to highly endemic areas of the world who could potentially contract chikungunya, then spread it to others. “So, it’s very unlikely to have a big outbreak, but if we were – it’s most likely to occur in places like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas” [in tropical areas], Sax said.

And the Depopulation Agenda

Dr. Jack King’s New Book On Doctor-Assisted Suicide – Part Six. “Killing of the elderly and middle-aged will be done to save the cost of caring for them and the cost of providing them with pensions. But killing of the young (particularly teens and young adults) will largely be done to take their organs.”—Dr. Jack King

Economic and Food Insecurity

Death of the Small Farm Is the Death of Rural America. Modern farming is destroying small communities as we move more toward the “go big or go home” model—thousands of acres of the same monocrop, managed by one or two people on a tractor spraying chemicals. What used to be 20 or 30 small farms—each with a household and family that supported the local restaurant, gas station, feed store, and the veterinarian who served a few counties—is now replaced by a single sprawling operation with no animals, no neighbors, and no community.

Weather Events

Deadly Flooding Strikes Chattanooga After Record-Breaking Rains. Another U.S. city has been hit with historic flooding. Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been hit with historic floods after flash flooding hit the city on Tuesday. As of Thursday, four people have been reported dead due to the floods, with dozens more still unaccounted for.

Hurricane Erin rapidly strengthens to Category 5 storm near the Caribbean. The storm is not currently forecast to hit land, but its strong winds are impacting nearby islands, prompting warnings of possible flooding and landslides.

Over 160 killed in deadly monsoon floods and landslides across Pakistan. Heavy monsoon rains triggered devastating floods and landslides across Pakistan on August 15, killing over 160 people and destroying critical infrastructure.

India: At least 60 dead, over 250 missing after severe flash floods in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. A massive cloudburst struck Chosoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on August 14, killing at least 60 people, injuring over 300, and leaving over 250 others missing.

Wildfires sweep Portugal, Spain, & Greece. Apocalyptic scenes have spread across Europe as dramatic wildfires bathe the countryside sickly orange.

Major incident declared as wildfire advances through unexploded ordnance zone near RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire. A wildfire burning on Langdale Moor has been declared a major incident after spreading across approximately 5 km2 (1.93 mi2) of moorland since igniting on August 11. The declaration was triggered by the fire’s rapid growth, the presence of unexploded ordnance, and the scale of inter-agency response required.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Iran says direct nuclear talks with US possible under suitable conditions, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Aref said. But he said US demands for Iran to drop uranium enrichment entirely were “a joke.”

Netanyahu to Iranians – ‘Rise for freedom, and we’ll help rebuild your future.’ In a powerful message of solidarity and hope, Netanyahu urges the Iranian people to rise against their oppressive regime, promising that a free Iran can flourish with abundant water, freedom, and a brighter future—“If you will it, a free Iran is no dream.”

Netanyahu: If we had a starvation policy, everyone would be dead. “Israel has no starvation policy,” he declared. “It had and has a policy to separate civilians from combatants…. We have sent millions of text messages, phone calls. This has never happened before in a war that the army fighting terrorists in an urban environment calls on civilians to leave, and the enemy shoots them if they try. Then Israel is blamed… – that’s ridiculous.” [Hamas also shoots those trying to get food to the people; Hamas hoards the food and charges high prices. That’s because they only care about having weapons with which to destroy Israel.] Netanyahu said “the only deliberate starvation policy we see in Gaza is starving of our hostages,” who are emaciated.

Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City in a major escalation of its war against Hamas, with the risky move expected to take place in phases. The first phase of the operation would involve evacuation of Gaza City and an expansion of aid distribution. The deadline for ‘Palestinians’ to flee the major city would reportedly be Oct. 7, the anniversary of Hamas’ depraved attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of 250 more.

The Two-State Delusion

DNC to vote on resolutions recognizing two-state solution, Palestinian statehood . Democrat Majority for Israel said it’s “deeply troubled” that a “flawed, irresponsible resolution” was introduced at a meeting “that will further sow division within our party.” The Democrat National Committee plans to vote later this month on competing resolutions about the party’s position on Israel & the ‘Palestinians.’ The first resolution, introduced by deputy executive director at the Florida-based Youth Action Fund, calls for the Democrat Party to support an arms embargo on Israel & for members of Congress to recognize “Palestine” as a state.

‘A two-state solution means our end,’ says Israel’s FM . “A Palestinian state in the heart of Israel would indeed be a solution—for those who seek to eliminate us,” Gideon Sa’ar said. If large countries like France and Canada want to establish a Palestinian state in their territory, they can—they have enough territory. But here in the Land of Israel, it will not happen,” he said.

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