I think it is clear that the Antichrist will rise to power over a Revived Roman Empire (the EU) and head up a powerful military during the Tribulation Period (Dan. 9:26-27).

The Antichrist will do according to his own will (exercise absolute power; Dan. 11:36), prosper until the Tribulation period is over (until the indignation is accomplished; Dan. 11:36) and honor the god of forces (Satan; Dan. 11:38).

He will attack some of the strongest forces on earth (with Satan’s help; Dan. 11:39); defeat the king of the South and the king of the North (Dan. 11:40); overthrow many countries (Dan. 11:41); and plunder Egypt, the Libyans and the Ethiopians (Dan. 11:42-43).

When Jesus breaks the first seal on the seven-sealed scroll he will go forth conquering, and to conquer (Rev. 6:1-2).

By the time the middle of the Tribulation period arrives people will ask, “Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him” (Rev. 13:4)?

For at least 20-30 years (and perhaps more), the EU has “talked about” building a powerful EU military. “Talked about” seems to be an accurate depiction of the situation because every time the subject of a powerful EU military comes up it turns out to be more talk than fact.

The EU nations want to be defended, but some have not paid their fair share of the costs. Some have relied upon their membership in NATO to protect them, but they have spent their money on other things.

Donald Trump came on the scene saying he would put America first. He criticized NATO and said it is obsolete.

He indicated that it would be difficult for him to send American troops to defend NATO countries that aren’t paying their dues. He called non-payment a big deal and said it cannot be ignored.

Donald Trump’s amazing November victory caught more than the American pundits by surprise. It exploded like a bomb in EU offices all over Europe.

Nervous diplomats started calling for an EU military again. The president of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said the European Continent cannot always rely on the U.S. to protect it.

German Defense Minister, Ursula von der Leven, called for an EU military that can match NATO

Other panicked officials expressed similar concerns.

It took just two weeks for the EU Parliament to assemble and pass a non-binding resolution that calls for the creation of a European Defense Union.

The EU Commission will meet in December to consider their resolution.

Is this it? Are world leaders finally going to see a strong EU military? Many experts say it as highly unlikely. And they may be right.

But don’t overlook the fact that God’s Word will be fulfilled. He will allow the Antichrist to rise to power and prosper. Satan will be behind what the wicked one does, etc.

God’s ways are beyond our understanding. When the Hebrew children were trapped against the Red Sea who would have thought that God would part the water and let them cross on dry ground?

When God’s appointed time came for the birth of the Messiah, who would have thought that He would be born in a stable instead of a nice Jewish inn?

Who would have thought that a man that has never held public office could win the nomination for president of the U.S.?

Who would have thought that Donald Trump would criticize NATO and it would trigger a call for an EU military?

It reminds us that God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isa. 55:8).

I don’t know whether the world will soon see an EU military or not, but I want to be careful about trying to explain it in human terms because a spiritual war between God and Satan underlies the events that are taking place. And when the appointed time comes God’s Word will be fulfilled.

Prophecy Plus Ministries
Daymond & Rachel Duck
duck_daymond@yahoo.com

Many Christians call the gospel as the “Good News.” One sentence can’t adequately cover the subject, but it is basically the Bible teaching that a loving God has freely provided a way for anyone to enter His kingdom through a sincere faith and acceptance of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus as a personal atonement for their sins.

The idea that sinners can be forgiven and brought into a right relationship with God by believing what the Bible says about Jesus and truly accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, asking for forgiveness, and asking Him to come into one’s heart is truly the greatest of all good news.

But this article is about two different kinds of good news.

The first item of good news concerns a “Resolution in Support of Israel.”

“Resolved, That the messengers to the Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting in Sevierville, Tennessee, November 15-16, 2016, commit to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3; Numbers 24:9) and be it further.”

“Resolved, That we support the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign state and reject any activities that attack that right by promoting economic, cultural, and academic boycotts against Israel; and be it.”

“Resolved, That at this critical time when dangerous forces are mounting up against the nation of Israel, we recommit ourselves to pray for God’s peace to rule in Jerusalem and for the salvation of Israel (Psalm 122:6; Romans 10:1), for the Gospel is ‘God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew’ (Romans 1:16) and be it finally.”

“Resolved, That we pray for Israel and for all nations of the Middle East, that God would change hearts and bring peace through the work of grace in His Son, Jesus Christ.”

I was not present at the meeting, but I have been told that the resolution passed by more than 900 to 1. Praise God for the wisdom, faith, sound theology and courage of the Tennessee Baptist “Messengers.” God promised to bless those that bless Israel so their Biblical stand truly is good news (Gen. 12:3).

A second item of good news concerns a growing awareness of what is needed for America to be great again.

It has been reported that Donald Trump believes the good news of the Bible and he has accepted Jesus as his Savior.

After that, he selected a proven Christian (Mike Pence) to be his running mate.

After that, he promised to protect religious freedom and he took a strong pro-Israel stand.

After that, he announced the establishment of a new “Evangelical Executive Advisory Board” which includes Michele Bachman, James Dobson, Robert Jeffress, David Jeremiah, Richard Land, James Robison and several other highly respected spiritual leaders.

But he didn’t ask these leaders to endorse him. He asked these leaders to meet regularly and advise him on issues that are important to evangelicals and others of faith in the U.S.

After that, Dr. David Reagan wrote a three-part article contending that America’s greatest need is not Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, but spiritual renewal (Lamplighter Magazine, Lamb & Lion Ministries, Nov.-Dec. 2016).

Then, Sean Osborne called for Donald Trump’s “Evangelical Executive Advisory Board” to establish a National Day of Prayer and Repentance, and to have a meeting in the President’s White House office to pray and dedicate it as a place for the Lord’s will for America to be done (eschatologytoday.blogspot.com; Global SITREP D12-16).

This (or something like it) needs to be done. Donald Trump can’t make America great again, but God can. And Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board could get the ball rolling on Jan. 20, 2017 or before.

There is hope for America if Christians and ministries will ask for forgiveness and try to do what God wants us to do. But there is no hope for America if we don’t.

To God be the glory.

Prophecy Plus Ministries
Daymond & Rachel Duck
duck_daymond@yahoo.com