General Articles

The Big Picture :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR7

My husband had a way of irritating me. He was a wonderful man, but every time I would get in a dither about something, fretting about details and how everything seemed to be falling apart, Ron would always say, “Look at the big picture.” Then he would chuckle. Sure enough, if I would focus on the big picture, I stopped fretting and saw how all things were falling together in spite of my worrying. As Christians, we need to focus on the big picture.

As we watch the horrors happening in Ukraine, we can easily be distracted by details rather than focusing on the big picture. God wasn’t taken by surprise, and He loves the people who are being hurt by this war. He also sees all things and knows that this is leading to a much bigger war. He sees the big picture and gives us prophecy so we can also see the bigger picture if we study.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

It’s comforting to know that God knew all these scary things would happen, but He is God, and truly there is none like Him. If we allow ourselves to trust Him, we will have inner peace.

Scripture gives us the big picture. Unless you study Biblical prophecy, without interpreting it to suit your own agenda or understanding, but study it as God dictated it, you will miss what’s going on today. The Apostle Peter had a front-row seat to the miracles of Jesus, but he said that the miracles weren’t as sure as prophecy.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in the old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Remember, the focus of prophecy and the end times is on Israel, not on any manmade nation, but on God’s chosen nation of Israel and turning their hearts back to Him. Christians are a special group of people from many nations, ethnic backgrounds, and family ties.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:27-29).

We are united as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ by our faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We have admitted that we are sinners who do not have any hope of spending eternity with God, except through the blood of Jesus… our Kinsman Redeemer.

Israel has always been God’s chosen people. God called Abraham out of the pagan culture in which he lived and blessed him by giving him the land we now know as Israel. God’s promise included the fact that Abraham would have a son and would be the father of a great nation. Although Abraham and his wife Sarah were quite old, that son was born to them. His name was Isaac. Isaac’s son Jacob was the father of twelve sons, who each had many children. One of those sons, Judah, would be the one from which King David was born, and many generations in the future, the Messiah was born.

Many prophecies were fulfilled in the years between the call of Abraham and the birth of the Messiah, whom we know was Jesus the Christ. There are hundreds of Old Testament prophecies that specifically describe His birth, life, and death. But because the religious leaders who lived during the time Jesus walked in the Holy Land refused to study prophecy and understand the times in which they lived, they rejected their Messiah and crucified Him.

One of the prophecies regarding this is found in Daniel chapter 9. This prophecy is about the nation of Israel, which is interesting because Daniel received it while in captivity in Babylon. Israel had been taken captive and the Temple destroyed. Yet, Daniel was shown that they would be a nation again, and the Temple rebuilt. He spoke of the coming Messiah, but he also told of the rejection by Israel of their Messiah.

“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined” (Daniel 9:26).

Indeed, the Messiah did come to the Jewish people, but they rejected Him and accused Him of blasphemy. Jesus was crucified, but He didn’t remain in the grave. His crucifixion and resurrection won victory over death. All people can live eternally with God by placing their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s the big picture regarding Christ’s birth, ministry on earth, and death.

Still, the leaders of Israel were blind. The Apostle Paul wrote about the blindness that has plagued the nation of Israel and tells us that it will last until all who will accept Christ have done so.

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, unto the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25).

Look at the big picture, and see that the “fulness of the Gentiles” is just about filled. Prophecy is on fast forward. If you haven’t made a commitment to Christ, then time is running out. Just as in Noah’s time, the door of the Ark was shut, and all who refused the safety of the Ark faced God’s judgment. God’s wrath will be poured out soon, but Christians will be Raptured prior to His judgment. Be sure that you have repented and accepted His offer of grace through faith.

One big mistake made by those who haven’t a clue about prophecy is the belief that the ekklesia (the church) has replaced Israel. This false teaching has led to much misinterpretation of Scripture. All questions about the error of that thinking should have been wiped away when Israel became a nation again.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:11-12).

Also, “And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them saith the LORD thy God” (Amos 9:14-15).

In Ezekiel chapter 37, the Lord showed Ezekiel a valley of dry bones. Those bones join together and begin to come alive. The Lord explained the bones as being the whole house of Israel that shall be brought back into the land which He gave them. That prophecy was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel was reestablished. In Ezekiel’s end-time prophecy, found in chapters 38 and 39, after the dry bones come together and finally get life, there is a war. God will win.

I will say that much of the misunderstanding of prophecy comes from interpretations of future events based on knowledge of the time. For instance, a century ago it would have been impossible to understand how the whole world could watch God’s two witnesses, described in Revelation chapter 11, be killed, but those who missed the Rapture will see and rejoice over their death.

“And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them” (Revelation 11:9-11).

Today, we have satellite news broadcasts that people can watch on their telephones. When studying prophecy, remember that what God has foreseen will happen. The prophets may not have known how something would come about, but they knew that it would and faithfully described what they saw or heard. When Daniel was given the end-time prophecy, there were things he couldn’t understand but wrote anyway. He was told to shut and seal the book until the end.

“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).

Many prophecies should be coming clear because we are at a time when technology has caught up with Scripture. God saw the big picture, and we need to trust His knowledge.

If we pay attention to prophecy, we’ll understand that the Mark of the Beast can easily be implemented through computer technology and micro-chips. This “pandemic” wasn’t an “oops” but a planned scenario to see just how far people can be pushed and controlled. According to Scripture, when the mark of the beast is implemented, a person will choose to take it. Only those who bow to the beast and take his mark will be able to buy food, earn a living, and other necessities of life. By choosing to take the mark, a person will have “sold their soul to Satan.” You will be beyond salvation.

Altered DNA? I think so. Just like the Nephilim of Genesis chapter 6, which most Christians refuse to understand. That’s one of many reasons we know that the Rapture will happen prior to the beginning of the 7-year period of time known as Daniel’s 70th week, also called the Tribulation. Christians are assured of Salvation by faith. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and our salvation is secure.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12-14).

The Rapture will happen before the mark is mandatory. Beware of mandates. There will be people who will come to faith after the Rapture, and they are known as Tribulation Saints. If their faith in Jesus is made known, they will be beheaded. Make sure of your faith. Search your heart and see if there’s anything you need to ask Jesus to forgive you for, then witness to friends and family.

When you look at the big picture disclosed by Scripture, you’ll understand the times in which we live, and hopefully, you’ll be prompted to share the Gospel with others before it’s too late. Pray for the people in Ukraine. Pray for Israel.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

 

Shadows of Tribulation :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR7

I am not a prophet, but as of Feb. 28, 2022, here are a few of my opinions on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Implications Globally

  • The global birth pains are increasing in frequency and intensity.
  • The price of oil and natural gas is increasing.
  • Inflation will continue to increase, making global hyperinflation and an economic collapse more likely.
  • Inflation will increase food prices, causing famine to spread in Ukraine and other parts of the world.
  • The supply-chain crisis will grow worse, making shortages worse.
  • Western weakness will embolden China, Iran, Turkey, and others, making wars and rumors of wars more likely.
  • Western nations will use this crisis to increase their calls for a more powerful New World Order (NWO; world government).
  • The EU (revived Roman Empire of Iron) will now strengthen its military, increase in power, become the leader of the so-called free world, and pave the way for the rise of the Antichrist.
  • Germany has decided to change her laws, triple her military spending, and that will strengthen the EU.
  • The EU has agreed to send $500 million of military aid to Ukraine.

Implications for Russia

  • Russia is seeking more influence in the NWO but will fail.
  • The severe sanctions and restrictions on Russia’s banks are causing the Russian Ruble to collapse, credit cards are no good, there are runs on Russian banks, and the Russian stock market closed on Feb. 28, 2022.
  • The U.S. has decided to give Ukraine $350 million of military aid.
  • Germany has decided to give Ukraine 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 stinger missiles and to allow other nations to ship weapons through Germany to Ukraine.
  • Germany is looking at returning to nuclear energy to get off Russian oil.
  • The expense of keeping Russian troops in Ukraine to subdue the Ukrainian people long-term will continue to strain the Russian economy.
  • Russia’s economic problems will increase her need to seek better ties with Iran, Turkey, and others.
  • Russia’s need to seize a prey (the silver and gold; cattle and goods) from Israel will increase.
  • God may be putting the hook in Gog’s jaw, setting the stage for the Battle of Gog and Magog, the defeat of Russia and her allies, and the announcement that Israel’s God is God.

Implications for the U.S.

  • America’s global influence will continue to decline, increasing the likelihood that the U.S. will surrender its sovereignty to the UN.
  • The price of gasoline, utilities, food, etc., will continue to increase, and the shortage of goods will continue to increase.
  • When Russia and her allies begin their move toward Israel, the U.S. will not help Israel.

Simply put, I believe:

  • The likelihood of a world government by 2030 or sooner has increased.
  • The likelihood that the Battle of Gog and Magog is close has increased.
  • The likelihood that the U.S. will decline and surrender its sovereignty has increased.
  • The likelihood that the Rapture is close has increased.

Here are more recent stories.

One, concerning Jerusalem being a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for the whole world and concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: Israel has had a good relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, and Israel was trying to stay neutral on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the Biden administration was pushing Israel to condemn Russia.

On Feb. 23, 2022, Israel caved, broke its neutrality, and expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israel’s support for Ukraine must have angered Russia because Russia’s deputy ambassador to the UN soon told the UN Security Council that Russia does not agree with Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem, including West Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

Russia also deliberately notified Israel that Russia believes the Golan Heights are part of Syria.

Some prophecy teachers view this as a big step towards the Battle of Gog and Magog.

If this is a big step towards the Battle of Gog and Magog, Damascus will probably be destroyed in one night first, and the Psalm 83 War, if there is one, will take place about the same time.

It is difficult to say what will happen at this time, but know that the Battle of Gog and Magog will be God’s doing, and He can trigger the Battle of Gog and Magog anytime He wants (Ezek. 38:4).

Two, on Mar. 1, 2022, Israel announced that it is in favor of a UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Israel also announced that it would immediately send two planes to Ukraine that will be loaded with humanitarian aid (blankets, coats, sleeping bags, medical supplies, tents, water purification kits, etc.), but no military aid.

This could further anger Putin.

(More: On Mar. 1, 2022, Russian bombs destroyed a radio tower and damaged the famous Jewish holocaust memorial in Kyiv. What Putin was thinking is not clear, but some believe he was trying to send a subtle message to Israel.)

Three, concerning the Mark of the Beast: on Feb. 23, 2022, it was reported that the World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a report called “Advancing Digital Agency: The Power of Data Intermediaries” that says vaccine passports could be the basis of a new global ID system that could involve putting chips in people worldwide by 2026.

When asked about it, WEF Chairman Schwab said the chips would be put in our clothes first, but they would eventually probably be put in our brains or skin.

According to the report, a digital ID could be a requirement for entering places such as bars or restaurants.

Four, on Feb. 24, 2022, it was reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) is teaming up with a German telecommunications company to create global digital Covid-19 vaccine passports (electronic vaccination certificates).

One WHO official said a global system is needed because Covid-19 affects everyone.

Critics are not concerned about how this system will start out, but they are very concerned about what it will evolve into.

Five, concerning deceit: on Feb. 20, 2022, the NY Times reported that the CDC has admitted to concealing information about adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccinations.

The CDC has been understating the number of deaths and injuries because they thought some people would refuse to be vaccinated if they knew the truth.

Think about it; people have been fired, vilified, censored by the media, etc., for telling the truth because it contradicted the CDC’s lies.

Even worse, Pres. Biden still intends to try to force every U.S. citizen to be vaccinated.

Six, Trump made the U.S. energy independent, and Biden deliberately started destroying that as soon as he took office.

The U.S. now imports about 595,000 barrels of oil per day from Russia (should I add that this is one reason why the price of gasoline, food, etc., keeps rising?).

In essence, the Biden administration is helping finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.

At one time, Ukraine was a nuclear power. Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for an agreement (called the Budapest Memorandum) that the U.S., UK, and Russia would guarantee Ukraine’s security (should I add that it appears that America’s promise to guarantee Ukraine’s security was worthless?).

Seven, on Feb. 23, 2022, a U.S. State Dept. spokesperson, Ned Price, said Russia and China also want a world order, but the world order they want would be different from what the U.S. and other western nations want.

Michael Snyder, former CIA agent and Publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, said this is an admission that the U.S. and others also want a world order, and he believes the Russia-Ukraine war is about the structure of the New World Order.

I have long believed that Russia and China are trying to gain more power, territory, and influence in the world because they want to head up or dominate the New World Order.

According to the Bible, the New World Order will be dominated by the EU, but Russia may soon try to enhance her power by attacking Israel. And during the Tribulation Period, China may try to enhance her power by leading the Kings of the East into a war in the Middle East.

Eight, concerning God causing Jews to return to the Promised Land at the end of the age: there has been a drastic increase in applications for Ukrainian Jews to relocate to Israel, so the Jewish nation is making plans to receive about 10,000 Jews in the near future.

Nine, many readers have seen live updates of events in Ukraine (buildings burning, troop movements, interviews, etc.)

This technology will soon allow the whole world to see the bodies of the Two Witnesses lying in the street in Jerusalem and to see the Second Coming of Jesus.

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com