According to the Bible :: By Daymond Duck

One, according to the Bible, there will be a one-world religion headed up by someone called the False Prophet during the Tribulation Period.

In Feb. 2019, Pope Francis and a Muslim Sheikh, Ahmed al-Tayeb, signed an agreement called the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace.

The purpose of this document is to merge the religions to create world peace.

Francis and the Imam established a Higher Committee of Human Fraternity to bring together people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and nationalities.

The committee met twice in Sept. 2019.

They announced plans to build a complex called the “Abrahamic Family House” in Abu Dhabi.

Plans called for the “Abrahamic Family House” to have a church, a mosque and a synagogue (separate places for Christians, Muslims and Jews to worship) and a fourth place for people of all religions to come together as one body.

Francis and the Imam would promote peace, coexistence, and brotherhood among all religions.

On June 15, 2021, it was reported that construction on the Abrahamic Family House is well underway.

The foundations of the church, mosque and synagogue have been laid, construction is about one-fifth done, and the buildings are projected to open in 2022.

The mosque will be called the Imam Al Tayeb Mosque; the church will be called St Francis Church, and the synagogue will be called the Moses ben Maimon Synagogue (after a famous 12th-century Jewish scholar).

The UAE views itself as a tolerant nation and boasts that it allows dozens of religions to worship there.

A UAE official said Christians, Jews and Muslims make up more than half the world’s population.

The article also said the first Hindu Temple is scheduled to open in the UAE in 2023.

At least a few Bible prophecy teachers believe Pope Francis and the Imam Al Tayeb are trying to establish Chrislam (the merging of Christianity, Judaism and Islam; the three faiths that trace their beginning to Abraham) as the one-world religion.

Two, according to the Bible, the Tribulation Period will begin when the Antichrist confirms a covenant for peace in the Middle East.

On June 12, 2021, it was reported that the Biden administration is supporting the Abraham Accords negotiated by the Trump administration and is eager to expand them.

However, Biden’s state department is recommending that these agreements be called normalization agreements instead of the Abraham Accords.

The change in administrations has not stopped the quest for a covenant of peace in the Middle East.

Three, according to the Bible, Jerusalem will be a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for the world at the end of the age.

In 1967, 80,000 or more troops from several Arab nations moved 1,000 or more tanks and heavy weapons close to Israel’s borders in preparation for an attack.

On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike, defeated the Arab nations, captured East Jerusalem, and reunited the city.

Jews call the reunification of Jerusalem “Jerusalem Day.”

They celebrate “Jerusalem Day” and their sovereignty over the city by singing, dancing, and waving the Israeli flag in a parade through the center of the city.

Under the direction of Iran, the terrorist group Hamas located in Gaza called the celebration offensive and threatened violence if the Jews did not cancel it.

Jerusalem Day fell on May 10, 2021; the Jews did not cancel the parade, but it was interrupted by sirens at the Wailing Wall because Hamas was firing rockets at Jerusalem (during the recent May 11-day war).

The May 11-day war ended; the parade was rescheduled for June 15, 2021; Hamas threatened violence again; the Jews still did not cancel it, but they revised the route to keep the parade just outside the city.

This time Hamas responded by launching incendiary balloons (balloons carrying fire bombs) into Israel that started several mostly small fires.

On June 17, 2021, Israel retaliated by bombing 10 Hamas targets in the Gaza strip.

This controversy over Jerusalem clearly fits in with Bible prophecy.

A very interesting comment came from Yair Golan, a member of the new Prime Min. Naftali Bennett’s coalition: “This is not just a parade of flags; there will be other nationalist initiatives, the purpose of which is to bring about the War of Gog and Magog.”

Many Bible prophecy teachers believe the Battle of Gog and Magog is close, and the Bible says it will take place in the latter years and latter days.

It must happen.

On June 20, 2021, following more riots and violence by Hamas, Israeli Prime Min. Bennett sent a warning to Hamas that our patience “has run out,” we will not tolerate “any more violence” from you of any kind.

Some Israeli officials said the violence must stop or Israel will resume the May 11-day war.

Four, according to the Bible, the Jews will return to the Promised Land in two great waves at the end of the age: the first great wave will be unbelieving Jews before the Tribulation Period, and the second great wave will be believing Jews at the end of the Tribulation Period.

On June 17, 2021, it was reported that 6% of the global Jewish population lived in Israel in 1948, but more than 40% of the global Jewish population lives in Israel today.

Covid, lockdowns, closed airports, closed borders, war, etc., slowed the return in recent months, but these things could not stop it, and the number of applications from young adult Jews (age 18-35) wanting to relocate to Israel has surged (up more than 40%).

The global pandemic, grounded airplanes, thousands of rockets fired at Israel, Muslim threats, etc., have not stopped God’s Word from being fulfilled.

Five, according to the Bible, knowledge will greatly increase at the time of the end.

It was recently reported that IBM said knowledge will soon double every 12 hours because of quantum computing.

Britt Gillette, founder of the “End Times Bible Prophecy” website and author of several books, recently noted that Google plans to build a million-qubit quantum computer by 2029. IBM and the UK have agreed to invest 300 million dollars on a quantum computing project, and many other corporations around the world are investing in quantum computing applications.

Quantum computing will accelerate knowledge, weapons development, tracking everything, make it possible for one nation to control everyone on earth, and more.

It seems obvious that the prophesied increase of knowledge at the time of the end is taking place (Dan. 12:4).

Six, according to the Bible, the God that created this world and all humans has warned the nations that He will cut them into pieces and drag them into the Battle of Armageddon for coming against Jerusalem, scattering the Jews, and dividing the land of Israel at the time of the end (during the Tribulation Period; Zech. 12:1-3; Joel 3:2).

History is not there yet, but God appears to be warning world leaders to leave Israel and Jerusalem alone.

In his June 18, 2021 issue of “Koenig’s Eye View from the White House,” William Koenig inferred that Trump, Netanyahu and the world seemed to be moving along in a normal fashion until they signed the “Peace to Prosperity Plan” at the White House on Jan. 28, 2020.

Immediately after the signing of that document, leaders of Germany, France, the UK, the EU, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed their support for the Two-State Solution, UN resolution 242 and 338, and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that will divide the land of Israel, etc.

Then, on Sept. 15, 2021, Trump and Netanyahu signed the Abraham Accords, which will also divide the land of Israel.

Koenig noted that Covid-19 came on the scene as a global pandemic and caused worldwide problems, Trump was removed from office, and Netanyahu is now out of office.

If the world keeps ignoring God’s warnings (and it will), the Church will be Raptured, and world leaders will be in the Tribulation Period.

Seven, according to the Bible: Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others will attack Israel at the Battle of Gog and Magog in the latter days and latter years (Ezek. 38:1-8, 16).

Iran is enriching uranium for use in nuclear missiles, and some speculate that the Battle of Gog and Magog might be triggered by Israel striking Iran’s nuclear facilities first.

On June 18, 2021, Iran elected a new President named Ebrahim Raisi.

Russia and Turkey quickly congratulated Raisi on his victory.

He will take office in August 2021.

On June 18, 2021, Israel’s Foreign Minister Lapid said Raisi is known as the Butcher of Tehran because he is responsible for killing thousands of Iranians.

Israel expects Raisi to build up Iran’s uranium stockpile, and an unnamed Israeli source said, “There will be no choice but to go back and prepare attack plans for Iran’s nuclear program.”

Think about it; Iran started the recent May 11-day war with Israel, Iran is seeking nuclear missiles, and the Butcher of Tehran is the soon to be Pres. of Iran.

Other than the latter days and latter years, only God knows when this war will take place, but it appears to be close.

Incidentally, Paul said, “in the last days, perilous times shall come” (II Tim. 3:1), and on June 18, 2021, it was reported that US Sec. of State Blinken told Congress, “The situation (in Iran) is becoming increasingly perilous.”

Also, concerning the election of Raisi, a US State Department spokesperson said, “Iranians were denied their right to choose their own leaders in a free and fair electoral process.”

Millions think that is what happened in the US.

Eight, according to the Bible, the nations that burden themselves with Jerusalem at the end of the age will face the judgment of God (Zech. 12:3).

On Dec. 6, 2017, Pres. Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered the US embassy to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (opened on May 14, 2018).

He followed that with an order to close the US Consulate in East Jerusalem that served the Palestinians (Mar. 4, 2019).

On June 22, 2021, it was reported that Pres. Biden wants to reopen the US Consulate in East Jerusalem, and that would reverse Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.

Biden needs Prime Min. Bennett’s approval to open a Consulate in Jerusalem, and the report said he opposes it but is likely to approve it to avoid embarrassing Biden.

If Bennett lets Biden do this, the US and Israel could both be in trouble with God (Gen. 12:3, Joel 3:2; Zech. 12:3).

Nine, concerning the ability to track everyone: on June 21, 2021, it was reported that some people that have been vaccinated for Covid are being tracked in real time by 5G Cell phone towers.

Data on their location, vital signs, etc., is being uploaded to computers and stored in massive databases.

This writer cannot prove the accuracy of this report, but if it is true, people are likely unknowingly agreeing to be tracked when they agree to be vaccinated.

I have little knowledge of things like this, but it seems to me that they have nanochips in their body that act somewhat like a computer operating system.

Some say this internal operating system is not the Mark of the Beast, but it is a step in that direction, and future vaccinations will take them there.

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

 

Darkness or Light :: By Nathele Graham

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:12-13).

We take many things for granted that are, in reality, blessings from God. Take light, for instance. We assume that the sun will come up every morning and warm the earth, help plants grow, and allow us to see any obstacles that might trip us. It will set in the evening, and darkness will come over the earth, and with it, coolness and the lesser light of the moon and the stars. The moon is only a reflection of the sun’s light. If you’re blessed to live where the artificial lights of the world don’t cover them, you can see millions of stars that glitter in the darkness. What a beautiful sight to see!

Darkness does have a certain kind of beauty unless you’re referring to the darkness of Satan. Darkness is used to describe the evil works of the devil, but the glorious works of God are described as light. The Apostle John wrote much about Jesus being the light of the world. After stating that Jesus is the Creator of all things, John writes, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:4-5).

People who choose to follow the darkness of Satan cannot understand the Light of God.

It’s hard to wrap our minds around it, but light was the first thing Jesus spoke into existence, even before He created the sun, moon, or stars. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2). God created the heaven and earth, but all was dark until God spoke. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

The Hebrew word here is “owr,” which is the light itself, not the thing from which it’s emitted. There had to be light before anything could survive.

“And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:4-5).

It’s important to understand Genesis in order to understand that there was no big bang and no evolutionary cosmic goo that somehow became life in its many forms.

It wasn’t until the fourth day that God spoke the sun and moon into being.

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day” (Genesis 1:14-19).

On this fourth day, God created the sun, moon, and stars. Light had already been spoken into being, but now it was contained and set on a rotation of rising and setting.

The world is a very dark place without light. Satan is the ruler of the evil done in darkness. Jesus is the Light of the World, but Satan is the god of this world. Those who follow Satan cannot understand light.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

The word for darkness is the Greek word “skotos,” which metaphorically means “of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell.” It’s much better to embrace the light of Jesus and not face the misery that results from sin that makes life miserable. The disease sin brings is not worth stumbling around in darkness. I’ve never been in jail, but people I know who have spent time there don’t want to go back. The sin wasn’t worth the price paid. Yet, the darkness has a stronghold upon the sinner; the darkness engulfs them.

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:34-35). Various translations render the word “single” as “good,” “healthy,” and “clear.” Darkness will always cause you to stumble and fall.

Light extinguishes the darkness; even a spark in the darkness shines bright. Remember, Jesus is the Light of the world, and His light shines through those of us who call ourselves Christians.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Following Jesus is following the light. He will light your pathway. Follow His light and flee from the darkness of sin.

Paul was a hateful man who was going to Damascus to arrest people who had placed their faith in Jesus Christ. His life was changed dramatically when he saw the light of Jesus. “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven” (Acts 9:3).

The darkness in which Paul lived was shattered by the light of God. Jesus gave Paul a mission. “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:16-18).

Before Paul could fulfill this directive from Jesus, he had to let go of the darkness. Paul did let go of his dark sin and faithfully spread the light of the Gospel to a dark world, and today we benefit from his faithfulness. We need to follow His example in spreading the Light of God to a dark world.

When a person encounters Jesus, it may not be quite as dramatic as Paul’s encounter, but it is just as important, and it should be just as life-changing. We need to stop living in the darkness of sin and death. “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).

Study Scripture, which is God’s word, and apply it to your life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). How can you follow the light if you don’t turn it on? The Holy Spirit lives in each and every Christian. He is our guide in following God’s instructions, but we can hinder him. “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Don’t let the Light of God dim in your life. Stand firm on His word every day. It may not be easy to walk in the Light of the World, but it makes life easier than stumbling in the darkness.

We all slip into the darkness at times. Sometimes we move away from the Light on purpose, but you can rest assured that there is always forgiveness for the truly repentant person.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

The word “propitiation” is from the Greek word “hilasmos,” which means “appeasing.” So, Jesus is the appeasement for our sins. Thank You, Jesus.

The Apostle Paul, who was highly educated in his Jewish faith, understood that God created everything. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

This agrees with Genesis chapter 1 as well as with the Gospel of John chapter 1. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all that is, and He called light into existence. He was the light before the sun, moon, and stars. He will be the Light throughout eternity, and He shines through us today. Let His light shine through your life. Turn away from darkness and walk in His light daily.

In Romans, chapter 1, Paul reveals the consequence of the sin of rejecting God as the Creator, and we see that happening in the nations today as the darkness of sin is accepted as the standard of living. We are swiftly moving to the end of time. It’s hard to imagine a world where darkness rules even more than it does today. We can see the darkness of sin getting blacker, but today we still have the Light of the world in us.

“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (John 12:35).

As Christians we need to walk in the light without wavering. We cannot waver in our walk but must stay in God’s Light. Parents must teach children to follow the Light instead of the darkness of the world. It’s important to teach our children, but it’s also important for parents to walk in the Light as examples to the children. If we quench the Light of God in us, we leave the world in the dark. The darkness of sin is growing because Christians aren’t following the Light and are allowing Satan’s dark lies to be taught to children in schools and allowing dark, satanic thoughts to permeate our children’s thinking through music, movies, and television. Satan’s dark evil is strong in the world of entertainment.

Moses led the Israelites from captivity in Egypt and for 40 years wandering in the wilderness. When Moses died, Joshua led the Israelites in the battle for the land that God promised to Abraham. Satanic evil was thriving there, and the battle was tough, but Joshua was a strong leader who followed God instead of the satanic gods of the Egyptians and the pagan inhabitants of the Promised Land.

Joshua made his position clear. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but a for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Fathers, you need to take a stand and lead your family in the Light of God. Mothers, if the father in the household is weak and chooses darkness, you take a stand. As Christian parents, be sure you walk in the same Light in which you want your children to walk. Don’t let the light that shines in you be darkness.

When we accept Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for salvation, our life needs to change from walking in darkness to walking in the Light. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Stop serving darkness. Like Joshua challenged the Israelites, choose this day whom ye will serve… demonic gods who fill you with darkness, or Jesus Christ who is the Light of the world. Christians are a new creation in Christ. All sin is forgiven when you surrender to Christ, so stop stumbling in the dark and come to the Light of the world and allow His light to outshine the darkness of Satan. Walk in His light.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

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

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