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THE END TIMES
VIEWING THE END TIMES
http://vimeo.com/19991963
JERUSALEM, A STONE OF TREMBLING
http://vimeo.com/18403772
TURMOIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST
http://vimeo.com/21162066
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM
(ICEJ, icej.org)
THE END TIMES-OUR FUTURE
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 3:1-17 (NKJV)
COMMENTARY :
Timothy was to follow Paul's example (3:10-13). But he also had the greater example of the Scriptures (3:14-17). Timothy had a lifetime acquaintance with the Scriptures due to the faithful teaching of his mother and grandmother (3:15; 1:5).
Second Timothy 3:16 is a very important verse for the doctrine of Scripture. Paul declared that "all" (not some) of Scripture is inspired by God. This term refers to the source of Scripture. It came from God (as if it were his breath) to the men who wrote it (cf. 2 Pet. 1:21). This means that God so directed the human authors of Scripture that, using their individual interests and literary styles, his complete thought for man was recorded without error. As a result, the Bible is inerrant (an accurate record) and infallible (a reliable guide).
In theory the doctrine of inspiration relates only to the original manuscripts. But Paul was not being theoretical here. He was saying that even the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, which he consistently used in his quotations, was inspired by God. His point was not a technical discussion of original versus present copies of Scripture. His point was to emphasize the God-breathed profitability that comes from opening up the Scriptures and humbly applying them to life. Because it finds its source in God, it is profitable. And it was that profitability that was being eroded by the careless attitudes fostered in the last days (3:1-13). But the Bible has the wisdom that leads to salvation (3:15) and profitability in godly living (3:16-17). No element of doubt exists.
When believers go to Scripture, they will be met with divine profit.
—Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4:1-5 (NKJV)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 3:1-17 (NKJV)
COMMENTARY :
Timothy was to follow Paul's example (3:10-13). But he also had the greater example of the Scriptures (3:14-17). Timothy had a lifetime acquaintance with the Scriptures due to the faithful teaching of his mother and grandmother (3:15; 1:5).
Second Timothy 3:16 is a very important verse for the doctrine of Scripture. Paul declared that "all" (not some) of Scripture is inspired by God. This term refers to the source of Scripture. It came from God (as if it were his breath) to the men who wrote it (cf. 2 Pet. 1:21). This means that God so directed the human authors of Scripture that, using their individual interests and literary styles, his complete thought for man was recorded without error. As a result, the Bible is inerrant (an accurate record) and infallible (a reliable guide).
In theory the doctrine of inspiration relates only to the original manuscripts. But Paul was not being theoretical here. He was saying that even the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, which he consistently used in his quotations, was inspired by God. His point was not a technical discussion of original versus present copies of Scripture. His point was to emphasize the God-breathed profitability that comes from opening up the Scriptures and humbly applying them to life. Because it finds its source in God, it is profitable. And it was that profitability that was being eroded by the careless attitudes fostered in the last days (3:1-13). But the Bible has the wisdom that leads to salvation (3:15) and profitability in godly living (3:16-17). No element of doubt exists.
When believers go to Scripture, they will be met with divine profit.
—Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4:1-5 (NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Removing the Stones of Stumbling
“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast
up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people”
(Isaiah 62:11).
Ashamedly, the longest legacy of hatred against the Jewish people has come from the ranks of historical Christianity. The loss of our Hebraic understanding limited Christianity’s response to the Jewish people when it was needed the most. Today as Christians living in the Land of Israel,
CFI is attempting to undo part of the damage done by historical Christianity.
The Lord is preparing the way for His People to walk in a new way but the road is full of stones and boulders (i.e., spiritual pride, prejudice, apathy and indifference) on the side of the Church. With God’s anointing and strength we are making a difference…pushing the stones of stumbling out of the way and lifting up the banner of his love to the Jewish people through our work.
CFI- CHRISTIAN FRIENDS OF ISRAEL
WEB SITE.
http://www.cfijerusalem.net/index.php?id=1.0
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Removing the Stones of Stumbling
“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast
up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people”
(Isaiah 62:11).
Ashamedly, the longest legacy of hatred against the Jewish people has come from the ranks of historical Christianity. The loss of our Hebraic understanding limited Christianity’s response to the Jewish people when it was needed the most. Today as Christians living in the Land of Israel,
CFI is attempting to undo part of the damage done by historical Christianity.
The Lord is preparing the way for His People to walk in a new way but the road is full of stones and boulders (i.e., spiritual pride, prejudice, apathy and indifference) on the side of the Church. With God’s anointing and strength we are making a difference…pushing the stones of stumbling out of the way and lifting up the banner of his love to the Jewish people through our work.
CFI- CHRISTIAN FRIENDS OF ISRAEL
WEB SITE.
http://www.cfijerusalem.net/index.php?id=1.0
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHY DOES GOD TELL US THE FUTURE?
1. Because He knows the future.
6 When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed?Does disaster come to a cityunless the Lord has planned it?7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anythinguntil he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:6-7 (NLT)
He is the one in control of everything, He is sovereign.
And He chooses to reveal the future. He sent the prophets to tell His people that they needed to repent, they were running away from God. Disaster would come if they didn't, and God was giving them warning.
2. He does not want us to be misled.
23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it.24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.Matt 24:23-25 (NLT)
3. He does not want us to frightened.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matt 24:6-8 (NLT)
4. So we will remain alert and be ready.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding Matt 24:42-45 (NLT)
21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
Matt 10:21-23 (NLT)
20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Matt 5:20 (NLT)
5. So will remain faithful, loyal, and endure to the end.
29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days,the sun will be darkened,the moon will give no light,the stars will fall from the sky,and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world —from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matt 24:29-31 (NLT)
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected,51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt 24:42-51 (NLT)
9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matt 24:9-14 (NLT)
He is coming back. Do you really know that it is true? We are to remain diligent, to study the Word, to listen to the Holy Spirit, to abide in Father. There is no place in Christianity for apathy and no place to be complacent. We are to be about our Father's business. We are not to have a mere faithful show on the outside; God wants to know us personally. He has called us to shine brightly so that others will be saved; He doesn't want anyone to be left out of the kingdom. It is not enough for us to attain to salvation, but rather that our life will demonstrate what God wants to tell everyone. We are His walking, breathing, testimony.
He tells us the future not so we make charts or impress others with our creative ways of fitting the events of the future into a completed structure. God wants our heart to love Him. That is so incredible to me. When ever I take some time to reflect on who God is, and then to realize He wants to know me intimately, to converse with me, and to share my life with, I am in awe.
What sort of people should be? Well some of the things I will mention are: blameless, spotless, patient, peacemakers, watchful, in service to others, in prayer and in study of the Word, basking in His love, and looking forward to the incredible dwelling place that He has been preparing for those who love Him.
Are you clinging to His promises?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some Old Covenant END TIME SCRIPTURES
Joel 4
Ezekiel 24, 28, 29, 30, 32,33, 38
Hosea 9
Amos 2, 8
Nehemiah 14
Isaiah 2 , 3, 11, 12, 17, 19, 22, 27, 28, 31, 52,
Isaiah 27:13 – great shofar will be blown
Jeremiah 30, 39, 49, 50,
Micah 4, 5, 7
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Because He knows the future.
6 When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed?Does disaster come to a cityunless the Lord has planned it?7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anythinguntil he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:6-7 (NLT)
He is the one in control of everything, He is sovereign.
And He chooses to reveal the future. He sent the prophets to tell His people that they needed to repent, they were running away from God. Disaster would come if they didn't, and God was giving them warning.
2. He does not want us to be misled.
23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it.24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.Matt 24:23-25 (NLT)
3. He does not want us to frightened.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matt 24:6-8 (NLT)
4. So we will remain alert and be ready.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding Matt 24:42-45 (NLT)
21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
Matt 10:21-23 (NLT)
20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Matt 5:20 (NLT)
5. So will remain faithful, loyal, and endure to the end.
29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days,the sun will be darkened,the moon will give no light,the stars will fall from the sky,and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world —from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matt 24:29-31 (NLT)
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected,51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt 24:42-51 (NLT)
9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matt 24:9-14 (NLT)
He is coming back. Do you really know that it is true? We are to remain diligent, to study the Word, to listen to the Holy Spirit, to abide in Father. There is no place in Christianity for apathy and no place to be complacent. We are to be about our Father's business. We are not to have a mere faithful show on the outside; God wants to know us personally. He has called us to shine brightly so that others will be saved; He doesn't want anyone to be left out of the kingdom. It is not enough for us to attain to salvation, but rather that our life will demonstrate what God wants to tell everyone. We are His walking, breathing, testimony.
He tells us the future not so we make charts or impress others with our creative ways of fitting the events of the future into a completed structure. God wants our heart to love Him. That is so incredible to me. When ever I take some time to reflect on who God is, and then to realize He wants to know me intimately, to converse with me, and to share my life with, I am in awe.
What sort of people should be? Well some of the things I will mention are: blameless, spotless, patient, peacemakers, watchful, in service to others, in prayer and in study of the Word, basking in His love, and looking forward to the incredible dwelling place that He has been preparing for those who love Him.
Are you clinging to His promises?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some Old Covenant END TIME SCRIPTURES
Joel 4
Ezekiel 24, 28, 29, 30, 32,33, 38
Hosea 9
Amos 2, 8
Nehemiah 14
Isaiah 2 , 3, 11, 12, 17, 19, 22, 27, 28, 31, 52,
Isaiah 27:13 – great shofar will be blown
Jeremiah 30, 39, 49, 50,
Micah 4, 5, 7
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FOR ZIONS SAKE
FACING THE FUTURE A Burden for the Church “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them” (Isaiah 42:9). Part of my burden is that we would pray that the grievous sin that “the historical Church” committed against God’s servants the Jews, would be confessed and that repentance would take place. We have serious consequences today in the “declining church era.” According to Revelation 14:1, 144,000 Jews are still going to be God’s servants in the end times. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). We find in many nations, because of the lack of confession and repentance of the Church’s historical treatment of the Jewish people, and the present theological stand on Israel’s restoration, that we do not have true revival. ( Jeremiah 31:10-17). Would it not be wonderful if Church leaders everywhere would be willing to learn about the history of the Jews and come to grips with and embrace Israel’s return to her Land, and before the Lord become united? “The wait for the return of the Messiah is not a passive waiting, as if we simply pass time at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to arrive. It is a passionate waiting—a deep, heartfelt longing. It is an ache for His coming, for His appearing. To properly wait for Messiah, our hearts need to yearn for Him with anticipation. We should pine for Him like a young betrothed virgin longs for the return of her fiancé from a foreign land. She is continually scanning the horizon for some sign of His appearing. It is our hope to be united with Him that gives us meaning and hope every day. The Great Torah scholar Maimonides says that a person who does not believe in Messiah and await His coming denies the Torah. Perhaps the word qavah (wait; hope) is somewhat parallel to the conventional way we use the word “faith.” Our hope in Yeshua and our wait for Messiah are components of our faith in Him...” The Weekly eDrash, F |
Choices and Consequences
One does not need to be a professional forecaster to predict the events coming that will radically change our world and lives. Any view of the future that omits God and His Word is foolish. The choices the world, the Church/ Body of Messiah and Israel make in the future will determine the results of negligence, or repentance and turning back to God. (Matthew 12:41). Our spiritual leaders must make choices now whether to give us “food in due season” or not. (Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42). Spiritual food at the right time is important especially in these prophetic times. If we do not absorb spiritual nourishment that is relevant to our times, we will not be prepared. (Matthew 24:43). Many may do nothing to get ready for His sudden appearing. We must “occupy until He comes” (Matthew 24:46) and find the true answer to the question: “Why am I here on this earth?”“...for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He hath set the world upon them” (1 Samuel 2:8). If the Lord’s pillars of the earth are the mainstay support to stay the world, the Church and Israel need to awaken to who truly is in charge of the events on the horizon and turn to the God of Israel with “hope in our hearts.” (Psalm 39:7; Titus 3:7). This is the only way to face the future! “We will face days of great challenge. The Church must pray and have the courage of Ruth to stand for Israel for“such a time as this.” Sharon Sanders, http://www.cfijerusalem.net/pdf/FZSQ12012.pdf Facing the Future , FOR ZIONS SAKE MAGAZINE |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's Special about Israel?
The land variously called Israel and Palestine is extremely small (about 10,000 square miles) compared to its neighbours. Its original Jewish occupants were scattered to the nations some 2,500 years ago and since then it has been occupied by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persions, Greeks, Romans, Turks and the British. Even in 1900 the population of Israel was only some 500,000; it was politically and industrially insignificant, with a mix of many peoples representing some 50 languages. So why is Israel frequently in world focus today?
During the 20th century Israel saw astounding development, especially after becoming a state in 1948. For example, from 1958 - 1965 it saw a growth of 13.6% in manufacturing, and the population grew from 0.5m in 1900 to 6.5m in 2005. It now has high-tech industries, forestry and agricultural industries, and a highly developed infrastructure. But these facts alone are insufficient to warrant world attention. There must be a more fundamental reason.
The reason for Israel's prominence today is biblical rather than political. The Bible says that God chose a special people to be His witness to the world:
'"You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen" ... And what nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land ...' (Isa 43.10)(2 Sam 7.23) Although the nation of Israel was scattered some 2500 years ago, the Bible says that it will be regathered in the last days of this age:
'"I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone ... and bring them into their own land ..."' (Ezek 37.21) This regathering is now well underway and Israel is taking prominence on the world stage. According to prophecy, the God of the Bible will make a name for Himself through Israel in the last days. The world will no longer be able to ignore Him. Current Scenario Much of the Middle East conflict appears to be over Israel's very existence. There is intense hatred towards the State of Israel:
"Israel has continued too long ... the battle has come in which we shall destroy Israel" ... President of Egypt, 1967 "Israel should be eliminated from the pages of history" ... President of Iran, 2006 The conflict is also over 'occupied land' and over Jerusalem. For a detailed discussion on land occupation see Palestinian Problem. From a biblical point of view, the land of Israel was given by God to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, see The Purpose of Israel. The biblical injunction to Israel is to occupy the land but embrace the foreigner in the land. The future biblical boundaries of Israel range from 'the river of Egypt' (not the Nile) in the south, to the Jordan valley in the east, to Hamath in the north (see The Millennial Reign of Christ). Clearly, the boundaries include both the Gaza strip and the West Bank of the Jordan. They also include significant parts of present-day Syria i.e. up to Hamath, and probably all of Lebanon.
Future Middle East War Bible prophecy is very clear on one thing: the nations will invade regathered Israel. We have:
- the 'Gog-Magog' invasion of Ezek 38,39
- the 'all-nation' invasion of Zech 14
'I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle ...' (Zech 14.2) The timing of this invasion is clear: it is defeated by Christ as He returns to earth (Zech 14.3,4), and so it occurs at the very end of this age. We also know significant detail about this invasion:
- the location is Har-Magedon (Armageddon), a reference to the ancient city of Megiddo built on a hill and located in northern Israel
- the city of Jerusalem is captured
- God Himself fights against the world's armies
- the Israeli's (the 'tribe of Judah') also fight
- the attacking armies suffer a 'flesh-rotting' plague and are defeated
- the end time world ruler is captured
The 'Gog-Magog' invasion involves a confederacy of nations, particularly Iran (Persia), Ethiopia, Put, and Gomer (Ezek 38.5,6). Put is associated with Africa, possibly Libya, whilst Gomer is probably identified with an Aryan group who conquered Armenia from their Ukrainian homeland. The invasion is led by 'Gog', which could be a specific people, or symbolic of anti-God forces. The invaders fall on the mountains of Israel and in the open field (Ezek 39.4,5).
The nature and timing of the 'Gog-Magog' invasion is less clear. Some see it as distinct from the 'all-nation' invasion and occurring at the end of the Millennium as Satan is briefly released to deceive the nations (Rev 20.7-10)(see also The Last Years of this Age). There is biblical support for this view. For example, Israel will make fires with the invasion weapons rather than cut down forests (Ezek 39.9,10), and Gog will invade on horses (Ezek 38.15) - suggesting primative weapons. Also, the details of how God defeats the invader are different in Ezek and Zech. It also appears to be specific nations rather than 'all' nations that invade.
Others see the Gog-Magog' invasion as occuring at the end of this age, and soon. In fact, both invasions could be one and the same if 'all nations' is widely interpreted and we accept some symbolism in the prophecies. The biblical support for this view is considerable:
- Both prophecies (Ezek and Zech) say that it is the God of Israel who defeats the invading armies
- Both prophecies describe how the invader turns and fights against himself (Ezek 38.21, Zech 14.13)
- Both prophecies describe a great earthquake in Israel at the time of the invasion (Ezek 38.19)(Zech 14.4,5)
- The Gog-Magog invasion occurs when Israel dwells securely (Ezek 38.11). A false security could occur when the end-time world ruler makes a peace treaty with Israel, prior to his invasion of Israel (Dan 9.27)
- Israel works to clean up the invasion site for 7 months after the invasion (Ezek 39.11-16). This could occur at the start of the Millennium
- It is after this final battle that God pours out His Spirit on Israel, and they recognise Christ as Saviour (Ezek 39.29)(Joel 2.28)(Zech 12.10)
- It is only after this final battle that the nations acknowledge the God of Israel (Ezek 39.7)(Zech 14.16)
The Implications for YOU End time prophecies are being fulfilled before our eyes; the emergence of a World Government, the emergence of Israel, the emergence of electronic ID, and the ubiquitous climate change. You are being swept into a humanistic, godless and potentially brutal World Government or New World Order. Sooner or later this system will require you to receive the mark of Revelation (the ultimate electronic ID) in order to buy or sell. And because of its hatred towards the God of the Bible, Christians and Jews, this world system will conspire against Israel. National armies will be mobilised for war against Israel. You may even be asked to have some part in this invasion.
The turmoil in the Middle East and the rapid emergence of Israel are signs that this invasion will take place in the foreseeable future. Within just 100 years Israel has gone from insignificance to the vortex of the world. The significant point is that when the invasion starts Jesus will return to earth. In fact, there is strong biblical support for the view that Christians (believers intaken from the earth just prior to this invasion (see The Last Years of this Age).
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How Will ALL Nations Come Against Israel?
.http://www.thebereancall.org/node/1903
How Will ALL Nations Come Against Israel?
.http://www.thebereancall.org/node/1903
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THE WHOLE GOSPEL FOR THE WHOLE WORLD
A WAKE UP CALL - BE READY FOR JESUS’ COMING
Epicenter Conference Radio Special from Jerusalem May 18, 2011 | Podcasts & Audio Janet Parshall interviews Joel C. Rosenberg, Anne Graham Lotz, Ray Bentley, and Skip Heitzig live from Jerusalem on the topic of the Old Testament Book of Joel, and why this small Old Testament book is so relevant for us today. Janet and Joel are also joined by Tom Doyle and Wayne Hilsden to provide perspective on how the Lord is working in the Middle East.
Copy and paste this url into your browser.
http://www.joshuafund.net/index.php/media/the_joshua_fund_blog/epicenter_conference_radio_special_from_jerusalem/
FOLLOW ALONG AS THEY DISCUSS THE BOOK OF JOEL
Joel
Chapter 1
1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. 2 Hear this, you elders, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation. 4 What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten. 5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep; And wail, all you drinkers of wine, Because of the new wine, For it has been cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion. 7 He has laid waste My vine, And ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth For the husband of her youth. 9 The grain offering and the drink offering Have been cut off from the house of the Lord; The priests mourn, who minister to the Lord. 10 The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails. 11 Be ashamed, you farmers, Wail, you vinedressers, For the wheat and the barley; Because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree-- All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men. 13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the Lord your God, And cry out to the Lord. 15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. 16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes, Joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed shrivels under the clods, Storehouses are in shambles; Barns are broken down, For the grain has withered. 18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are restless, Because they have no pasture; Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment. 19 O Lord, to You I cry out; For fire has devoured the open pastures, And a flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 The beasts of the field also cry out to You, For the water brooks are dried up, And fire has devoured the open pastures.
Joel 1:1-20 (NKJV)
Chapter 2
1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand: 2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness. 11 The Lord gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? 12 "Now, therefore," says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him-- A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' " 18 Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, And pity His people. 19 The Lord will answer and say to His people, "Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations. 20 "But I will remove far from you the northern army, And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, With his face toward the eastern sea And his back toward the western sea; His stench will come up, And his foul odor will rise, Because he has done monstrous things." 21 Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the Lord has done marvelous things! 22 Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you-- The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. 28 "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2:1-32 (NKJV)
Chapter 3
1 "For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. 3 They have cast lots for My people, Have given a boy as payment for a harlot, And sold a girl for wine, that they may drink. 4 "Indeed, what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia? Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head; 5 Because you have taken My silver and My gold, And have carried into your temples My prized possessions. 6 Also the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem You have sold to the Greeks, That you may remove them far from their borders. 7 "Behold, I will raise them Out of the place to which you have sold them, And will return your retaliation upon your own head. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters Into the hand of the people of Judah, And they will sell them to the Sabeans, To a people far off; For the Lord has spoken." 9 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' " 11 Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord. 12 "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow-- For their wickedness is great." 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and moon will grow dark, And the stars will diminish their brightness. 16 The Lord also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel. 17 "So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, Dwelling in Zion My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, And no aliens shall ever pass through her again." 18 And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine, The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord And water the Valley of Acacias. 19 "Egypt shall be a desolation, And Edom a desolate wilderness, Because of violence against the people of Judah, For they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall abide forever, And Jerusalem from generation to generation. 21 For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed, whom I had not acquitted; For the Lord dwells in Zion."
Joel 3:1-21 (NKJV)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT THE HOUSE OF GOD (1:13-20) Joel reminded the leaders that repentance was the prerequisite to restoration of God's provision (1:13-14; cf. Deut. 30:1-5; 2 Chron. 7:14) and called the nation to repentance. The "day of the Lord" (Joel 1:15) referred to a time of judgment and deliverance either in the past or in the future. Joel viewed the locust plague as a historical day of judgment that served as a premonition of an even greater future Day of the Lord. Apparently drought followed the locust plague and contributed to the desolation of the land (1:17). Even the animals suffered from the drought and "cry out" (1:20) for a renewal of God's provision (cf. Rom. 8:22).
The Day of the Lord: Who Can Endure It? (2:1-11) Joel returned to the words of 1:15, "the day of the Lord." Here he used the illustration of the locust plague to turn the minds of the Judeans to a far worse judgment yet ahead. The "trumpet" (2:1, lit., "shophar"), or ram's horn, was used in ancient times to signal a military alarm (cf. Jer. 6:17; Amos 3:6). The darkness caused by the locust swarms was used as imagery for the judgment of the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:2). Darkness in Scripture is often a figure for misery, distress, and judgment (cf. Isa. 8:22; 60:2; Jer. 13:16). The "mighty army" that invaded Judah were clearly the locusts (cf. Joel 2:11). They were mentioned as a warning of even greater future judgment. Joel described the locusts and their destruction of the land in vivid, poetic terms (2:3-11). Hyperbole (that is, exaggeration for emphasis) was used to elicit images of greater judgment in the minds of the people (2:10).
Command to Repent (2:12-17) Having warned of the nearness of the approaching Day of the Lord (2:1), Joel called the nation to repentance. The character of God, revealed to Moses in Exodus 34:6, was repeated here (Joel 2:13) as a basis for an appeal for repentance. According to the Jewish Mishnah, newlyweds were excused from reciting daily prayers on their wedding day, but not in such a time of spiritual emergency (2:16).
FUTURE REMOVAL OF THE SAINTS' REPROACH (2:18-27) Removal of the Northerners (2:18-20) Joel 2:18 is also translated, "Then the Lord was zealous . . . and had pity. . . ." In response to the people's repentance, God promised restoration (2:19). The "no longer" (2:19) may have been a promise of deliverance from another wave of locusts, or perhaps it looked forward to a time when Israel would enjoy the blessings of God's future kingdom. The "armies from the north" (2:20) probably referred to the army of locusts that served as the illustration of judgment in 2:1-11.
Restoration of the Locust Years (2:21-27) The "autumn" and "spring" rains (2:23) fall in the early autumn and early spring, respectively. The autumn rains serve to soften the soil for planting winter wheat. The spring rains cause the ripe grain to swell and ensure a good harvest.
FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL (2:28-3:21) The Spirit Poured Out (2:28-29) Joel described spiritual blessings that God promised to bestow on his people at a future time (2:28-29). The passage was quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21 on the Day of Pentecost to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "After" (Joel 2:28) indicated that the spiritual blessings of 2:28-32 would follow sometime after the physical blessings of 2:21-27. The expression "pour out" (2:28) is a metaphor for abundance (cf. Prov. 1:23) and was mentioned twice for emphasis. The ministries of the Spirit promised here were fulfilled at Pentecost (cf. Acts 11:28; 21:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 1:1-3).
Wonders Displayed (2:30-31) The heavenly signs promised (Joel 2:30) will take place before the "great and terrible" Day of the Lord (2:31), apparently the period of the most severe judgment (cf. Rev. 16). The kinds of judgments mentioned here also appear in the context of end-time judgment (cf. Rev. 6:12; 8:7-8, 12; 9:18).
Survivors Called (2:32-3:21) THE PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE (2:32) Joel promised that those who repented ("anyone who calls on the name of the Lord") would be delivered. Zechariah 14:1-5 describes this end-time situation as involving a remnant of Jews who repent and believe in the Messiah at his second coming.
THE PLACE OF DELIVERANCE (3:1-16) Just as the Lord had brought judgment on Judah through the locust plague, he promised judgment on the foreign nations for their mistreatment of Judah (Joel 3:2). The time of this judgment is the second coming of Christ (cf. Zech. 14:1-3; Matt. 25:31-46) and God's restoration of Israel will take place at the same time (cf. Matt. 24:31). "Jehoshaphat" (Joel 3:2) literally means "Yahweh judges" and the location of the valley of that name has not been identified with certainty. The basis of God's judgment was the Gentile nations' treatment of the Israelite people (3:2-8). From his experience with Gentile oppression in his own day, Joel listed the kinds of things that the Gentiles will be accountable for—crimes against the land (3:2), the people (3:3, 6), and the temple (3:5).
Some scholars have argued that the mention of the "Greeks" (3:6) supports a postexilic date for Joel. However, Greek people were known to be in Assyria by the time of Sargon II (722-705 B.C.). They also were known to be in Egypt before 1300 B.C. With a touch of sarcasm, God called the nations to prepare for the judgment that is to take place at the Messiah's second advent (3:9-12; cf. Rev. 19:11-15). The nations' weapons will be insufficient to stand against God (Joel 3:10); thus, their "plowshares" should be fashioned into "swords," and their "pruning hooks" into "spears" (3:10). This exhortation is later reversed in Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3. The "warriors" referred to angels (Joel 3:11; cf. Mark 8:38; Rev. 19:14).
The "valley of decision" (Joel 3:14) was another name for the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" (3:2). The nations will not be making their decision, but God will be making his, which will be a verdict of "guilty."
THE RESULTS OF DELIVERANCE (3:17-21) After the judgment on the nations, Judah will enjoy the fulfillment of God's promises to them. Joel concluded the prophecy with a description of the conditions that will exist in the messianic age. An abundance of "wine" (3:18) is representative of the joy that will overflow during the messianic age. Jesus was giving an insight into his person and work when he produced an abundance of wine at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). The "valley of acacias" (Joel 3:18), literally, "Valley of Shittim," was the location of the last Israelite encampment before they entered Canaan (cf. Num. 25:1; Josh. 3:1). "Egypt" and "Edom" (Joel 3:19) were representative of the Gentile nations that have been judged by the Lord. They were set in contrast with Judah, which will be blessed by the presence of the Lord (3:21).
—Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary
THE WHOLE GOSPEL FOR THE WHOLE WORLD
A WAKE UP CALL - BE READY FOR JESUS’ COMING
Epicenter Conference Radio Special from Jerusalem May 18, 2011 | Podcasts & Audio Janet Parshall interviews Joel C. Rosenberg, Anne Graham Lotz, Ray Bentley, and Skip Heitzig live from Jerusalem on the topic of the Old Testament Book of Joel, and why this small Old Testament book is so relevant for us today. Janet and Joel are also joined by Tom Doyle and Wayne Hilsden to provide perspective on how the Lord is working in the Middle East.
Copy and paste this url into your browser.
http://www.joshuafund.net/index.php/media/the_joshua_fund_blog/epicenter_conference_radio_special_from_jerusalem/
FOLLOW ALONG AS THEY DISCUSS THE BOOK OF JOEL
Joel
Chapter 1
1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. 2 Hear this, you elders, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation. 4 What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten. 5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep; And wail, all you drinkers of wine, Because of the new wine, For it has been cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion. 7 He has laid waste My vine, And ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth For the husband of her youth. 9 The grain offering and the drink offering Have been cut off from the house of the Lord; The priests mourn, who minister to the Lord. 10 The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails. 11 Be ashamed, you farmers, Wail, you vinedressers, For the wheat and the barley; Because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree-- All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men. 13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the Lord your God, And cry out to the Lord. 15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. 16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes, Joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed shrivels under the clods, Storehouses are in shambles; Barns are broken down, For the grain has withered. 18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are restless, Because they have no pasture; Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment. 19 O Lord, to You I cry out; For fire has devoured the open pastures, And a flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 The beasts of the field also cry out to You, For the water brooks are dried up, And fire has devoured the open pastures.
Joel 1:1-20 (NKJV)
Chapter 2
1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand: 2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness. 11 The Lord gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? 12 "Now, therefore," says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him-- A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' " 18 Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, And pity His people. 19 The Lord will answer and say to His people, "Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations. 20 "But I will remove far from you the northern army, And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, With his face toward the eastern sea And his back toward the western sea; His stench will come up, And his foul odor will rise, Because he has done monstrous things." 21 Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the Lord has done marvelous things! 22 Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you-- The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. 28 "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. 30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2:1-32 (NKJV)
Chapter 3
1 "For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. 3 They have cast lots for My people, Have given a boy as payment for a harlot, And sold a girl for wine, that they may drink. 4 "Indeed, what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia? Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head; 5 Because you have taken My silver and My gold, And have carried into your temples My prized possessions. 6 Also the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem You have sold to the Greeks, That you may remove them far from their borders. 7 "Behold, I will raise them Out of the place to which you have sold them, And will return your retaliation upon your own head. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters Into the hand of the people of Judah, And they will sell them to the Sabeans, To a people far off; For the Lord has spoken." 9 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' " 11 Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord. 12 "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow-- For their wickedness is great." 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and moon will grow dark, And the stars will diminish their brightness. 16 The Lord also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel. 17 "So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, Dwelling in Zion My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, And no aliens shall ever pass through her again." 18 And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine, The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord And water the Valley of Acacias. 19 "Egypt shall be a desolation, And Edom a desolate wilderness, Because of violence against the people of Judah, For they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall abide forever, And Jerusalem from generation to generation. 21 For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed, whom I had not acquitted; For the Lord dwells in Zion."
Joel 3:1-21 (NKJV)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT THE HOUSE OF GOD (1:13-20) Joel reminded the leaders that repentance was the prerequisite to restoration of God's provision (1:13-14; cf. Deut. 30:1-5; 2 Chron. 7:14) and called the nation to repentance. The "day of the Lord" (Joel 1:15) referred to a time of judgment and deliverance either in the past or in the future. Joel viewed the locust plague as a historical day of judgment that served as a premonition of an even greater future Day of the Lord. Apparently drought followed the locust plague and contributed to the desolation of the land (1:17). Even the animals suffered from the drought and "cry out" (1:20) for a renewal of God's provision (cf. Rom. 8:22).
The Day of the Lord: Who Can Endure It? (2:1-11) Joel returned to the words of 1:15, "the day of the Lord." Here he used the illustration of the locust plague to turn the minds of the Judeans to a far worse judgment yet ahead. The "trumpet" (2:1, lit., "shophar"), or ram's horn, was used in ancient times to signal a military alarm (cf. Jer. 6:17; Amos 3:6). The darkness caused by the locust swarms was used as imagery for the judgment of the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:2). Darkness in Scripture is often a figure for misery, distress, and judgment (cf. Isa. 8:22; 60:2; Jer. 13:16). The "mighty army" that invaded Judah were clearly the locusts (cf. Joel 2:11). They were mentioned as a warning of even greater future judgment. Joel described the locusts and their destruction of the land in vivid, poetic terms (2:3-11). Hyperbole (that is, exaggeration for emphasis) was used to elicit images of greater judgment in the minds of the people (2:10).
Command to Repent (2:12-17) Having warned of the nearness of the approaching Day of the Lord (2:1), Joel called the nation to repentance. The character of God, revealed to Moses in Exodus 34:6, was repeated here (Joel 2:13) as a basis for an appeal for repentance. According to the Jewish Mishnah, newlyweds were excused from reciting daily prayers on their wedding day, but not in such a time of spiritual emergency (2:16).
FUTURE REMOVAL OF THE SAINTS' REPROACH (2:18-27) Removal of the Northerners (2:18-20) Joel 2:18 is also translated, "Then the Lord was zealous . . . and had pity. . . ." In response to the people's repentance, God promised restoration (2:19). The "no longer" (2:19) may have been a promise of deliverance from another wave of locusts, or perhaps it looked forward to a time when Israel would enjoy the blessings of God's future kingdom. The "armies from the north" (2:20) probably referred to the army of locusts that served as the illustration of judgment in 2:1-11.
Restoration of the Locust Years (2:21-27) The "autumn" and "spring" rains (2:23) fall in the early autumn and early spring, respectively. The autumn rains serve to soften the soil for planting winter wheat. The spring rains cause the ripe grain to swell and ensure a good harvest.
FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL (2:28-3:21) The Spirit Poured Out (2:28-29) Joel described spiritual blessings that God promised to bestow on his people at a future time (2:28-29). The passage was quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21 on the Day of Pentecost to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "After" (Joel 2:28) indicated that the spiritual blessings of 2:28-32 would follow sometime after the physical blessings of 2:21-27. The expression "pour out" (2:28) is a metaphor for abundance (cf. Prov. 1:23) and was mentioned twice for emphasis. The ministries of the Spirit promised here were fulfilled at Pentecost (cf. Acts 11:28; 21:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 1:1-3).
Wonders Displayed (2:30-31) The heavenly signs promised (Joel 2:30) will take place before the "great and terrible" Day of the Lord (2:31), apparently the period of the most severe judgment (cf. Rev. 16). The kinds of judgments mentioned here also appear in the context of end-time judgment (cf. Rev. 6:12; 8:7-8, 12; 9:18).
Survivors Called (2:32-3:21) THE PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE (2:32) Joel promised that those who repented ("anyone who calls on the name of the Lord") would be delivered. Zechariah 14:1-5 describes this end-time situation as involving a remnant of Jews who repent and believe in the Messiah at his second coming.
THE PLACE OF DELIVERANCE (3:1-16) Just as the Lord had brought judgment on Judah through the locust plague, he promised judgment on the foreign nations for their mistreatment of Judah (Joel 3:2). The time of this judgment is the second coming of Christ (cf. Zech. 14:1-3; Matt. 25:31-46) and God's restoration of Israel will take place at the same time (cf. Matt. 24:31). "Jehoshaphat" (Joel 3:2) literally means "Yahweh judges" and the location of the valley of that name has not been identified with certainty. The basis of God's judgment was the Gentile nations' treatment of the Israelite people (3:2-8). From his experience with Gentile oppression in his own day, Joel listed the kinds of things that the Gentiles will be accountable for—crimes against the land (3:2), the people (3:3, 6), and the temple (3:5).
Some scholars have argued that the mention of the "Greeks" (3:6) supports a postexilic date for Joel. However, Greek people were known to be in Assyria by the time of Sargon II (722-705 B.C.). They also were known to be in Egypt before 1300 B.C. With a touch of sarcasm, God called the nations to prepare for the judgment that is to take place at the Messiah's second advent (3:9-12; cf. Rev. 19:11-15). The nations' weapons will be insufficient to stand against God (Joel 3:10); thus, their "plowshares" should be fashioned into "swords," and their "pruning hooks" into "spears" (3:10). This exhortation is later reversed in Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3. The "warriors" referred to angels (Joel 3:11; cf. Mark 8:38; Rev. 19:14).
The "valley of decision" (Joel 3:14) was another name for the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" (3:2). The nations will not be making their decision, but God will be making his, which will be a verdict of "guilty."
THE RESULTS OF DELIVERANCE (3:17-21) After the judgment on the nations, Judah will enjoy the fulfillment of God's promises to them. Joel concluded the prophecy with a description of the conditions that will exist in the messianic age. An abundance of "wine" (3:18) is representative of the joy that will overflow during the messianic age. Jesus was giving an insight into his person and work when he produced an abundance of wine at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). The "valley of acacias" (Joel 3:18), literally, "Valley of Shittim," was the location of the last Israelite encampment before they entered Canaan (cf. Num. 25:1; Josh. 3:1). "Egypt" and "Edom" (Joel 3:19) were representative of the Gentile nations that have been judged by the Lord. They were set in contrast with Judah, which will be blessed by the presence of the Lord (3:21).
—Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary
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THE END (OF TIME)
THE BEAST, ANTICHRIST, 666, ETC.
Who—or what—is the "beast" mentioned in Revelation?
People have been guessing for two thousand years.
Pick some powerful historical figure—Nero, Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon, even good people like Martin Luther and Abraham Lincoln—and chances are that some group of people thought he was the Beast, the Antichrist, the evil figure symbolized by the number 666.
Of course, we aren't sure if the Beast is a single person or perhaps a nation or even an ideology. We only know that he/it is opposed to God and his saints and will cause great suffering before the end comes.
We won't ask you here to speculate about who (what) you think the Beast is (or was), but merely about what you know about the Bible's mysterious words about the Beast, the Antichrist(s), and the 666 person.
A QUIZ FOR YOU:
THE END (OF TIME)
THE BEAST, ANTICHRIST, 666, ETC.
Who—or what—is the "beast" mentioned in Revelation?
People have been guessing for two thousand years.
Pick some powerful historical figure—Nero, Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon, even good people like Martin Luther and Abraham Lincoln—and chances are that some group of people thought he was the Beast, the Antichrist, the evil figure symbolized by the number 666.
Of course, we aren't sure if the Beast is a single person or perhaps a nation or even an ideology. We only know that he/it is opposed to God and his saints and will cause great suffering before the end comes.
We won't ask you here to speculate about who (what) you think the Beast is (or was), but merely about what you know about the Bible's mysterious words about the Beast, the Antichrist(s), and the 666 person.
A QUIZ FOR YOU:
- Who predicted that there would be "false Christs" who would deceive people by performing miracles?
- What book of the Bible states that many antichrists have already come into the world?
- According to John, what teaching identifies an antichrist?
- Where, according to Revelation 11, does the Beast come from?
- But, according to Revelation 13, where does the Beast come from?
- From what wicked creature does the Beast derive his power?
- What three fearsome animals does the Beast resemble?
- What happened to the Beast that made the world follow him?
- What people do not worship the Beast?
- The second Beast comes from where?
- What awesome miracle did the second Beast perform?
- On what parts of the body are people required to get the "mark of the beast"?
- Why did people have to get the mark of the Beast?
- What exactly is 669.
- What fate awaits those who worship the Beast or receive his mark?
- Those who resist the Beast are depicted holding what musical instruments?
- What physical affliction was poured out on those who had worshipped the Beast?
- The three evil spirits that came out of the Beast's mouth looked like what?
- What aide of the Beast is destroyed with him in a lake of burning sulfur?
- Those who had not worshiped the Beast were entitled to reign with Christ for how long?
- Who is thrown into the eternal fire along with the Beast and the false prophet?
- What brief epistle of Paul foretold a "man of sin," who would do horrible things before Christ's return?
- Which Old Testament prophet foretold a 10-horned beast with iron teeth, which would persecute the saints before the end of time?
- In Ezekiel, what evil prince seems to fit the description of the Beast or the Antichrist?
- Jesus (Matthew 24:24)
- 1 John (2:18)
- Denying that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son (1 John 2:22). By the way, anti doesn't only mean "against" but can also mean "in place of."
- The abyss—meaning the lower depths (Revelation 11:7)
- The sea (13:1)
- The dragon (Revelation 13:2). Mysterious as Revelation is, we can be pretty certain that the dragon means Satan, the devil.
- A leopard, bear, and lion (Revelation 13:2). Obviously this isn't literal but means to symbolize fear and terror by using images of three wild animals that humans greatly fear.
- He recovered from a fatal wound—or, more precisely, one of his seven heads recovered from a fatal wound (13:3).
- Those whose names are in the Book of Life—referring, obviously, to Christians (13:8)
- Out of the earth (13:11)
- Making fire come down from heaven (13:13)
- The forehead or the right hand (13:16)
- In order to either buy or sell (13:17)
- The "number of the beast"—whatever that may mean (13:18). Christians have spilled a lot of ink trying to connect 666 with some specific person's name. But 666 may be merely symbolic—six being the "imperfect" number as opposed to the "perfect" number seven.
- Eternal torment (14:11)
- Harps, of course (15:2)
- Painful sores (16:2)
- Frogs (16:13)
- The false prophet (19:20)
- A thousand years—that is, a millennium (20:4)
- The devil (20:10)
- 2 Thessalonians (2:3-4). Some translations have "man of lawlessness." Obviously Paul is referring to someone like the Beast of Revelation.
- Daniel (7:23-27). Both Daniel and Revelation depict the Beast as having 10 horns, and both books explain that the 10 horns represent 10 kings.
- Gog, the prince of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39). Revelation uses the names Gog and Magog to refer to two powers hostile to the saints (20:8).
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THE END TIMES:
There is no harm in studying the end times, so long as we understand a basic teaching of the Bible: The end is very much shrouded in secrecy, and God alone knows all the details.
Christians in the first century were certain that Christ would return to earth soon. Although it didn't happen, successive generations have lived in the knowledge that the end of the world might arrive at any time. Over the years Christians have developed an entire vocabulary to talk about the end times.
SOME KEY WORDS
THE END TIMES: SOME KEY WORDS (ANSWERS)
THE END TIMES:
There is no harm in studying the end times, so long as we understand a basic teaching of the Bible: The end is very much shrouded in secrecy, and God alone knows all the details.
Christians in the first century were certain that Christ would return to earth soon. Although it didn't happen, successive generations have lived in the knowledge that the end of the world might arrive at any time. Over the years Christians have developed an entire vocabulary to talk about the end times.
SOME KEY WORDS
- Theologians and Bible scholars refer to the study of the end times as what?
- What word, taken from Greek, often refers to the second coming of Jesus?
- Where did the phrase "Second Coming" originate?
- In the Old Testament, what common phrase referred to the coming day of God's judgment on humanity?
- What famous creed states that Jesus will "come to judge the quick and the dead"?
- What musical instrument is used to announce the end of time?
- What word is often used to refer to the persecution of people of faith at the end of time?
- People being caught up in the air when Jesus returns is known as what?
- The idea of a Millennium, or thousand-year reign of believers on earth, is based on what book of the Bible?
- What is the difference between a "premillennial" Christian and "postmillennial" Christian?
- What is an "amillennialist"?
- What name from the book of Revelation has come to refer to the final great battle between good and evil?
- What two names, found in both Ezekiel and Revelation, refer to two wicked forces that war against God's people at the end of time?
- What system of thought teaches that God's dealings with humanity are divided into seven "ages," with the last one being the age of Christ's return to earth?
- Writings that are concerned with the events of the end times (such as the book of Revelation) are known as what type of literature?
- What is "conditional immortality"?
- The Book of Life containing the names of all the saved persons is mentioned in which New Testament book?
- Where did the expression "doomsday" come from?
- What is the source of the phrase "judgment seat"?
THE END TIMES: SOME KEY WORDS (ANSWERS)
- Eschatology, from the Greek word eschaton, meaning "end" or "last"
- Parousia, meaning "presence" or "coming"
- In Jesus' many predictions of returning to earth. His being born as a baby in Bethlehem was, of course, his first coming.
- "Day of the Lord," which was later used by the first Christians. An entire set of questions is devoted to "Day of the Lord" (see pages 91-93).
- The Apostles' Creed. The old word quick meant "living."
- A trumpet, mentioned in Matthew 24:31, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, and several times in Revelation. The phrase "the last trump" has become part of the end-times vocabulary. By the way, the Bible does not say that the angel Gabriel will blow the trumpet.
- The Tribulation. The actual phrase "the great tribulation" is found in Revelation 7:14.
- The Rapture, which is from the Latin word rapio, meaning "caught up." The image of believers being raised into the air occurs in many places, such as 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
- Revelation, which in chapter 20 speaks of Satan being "bound" for a thousand years while the saints reign on earth, though afterward Satan will be released, then finally defeated.
- The "pre" people believe Christ will return before the Millennium, whereas "post" people believe he will return afterward. Lots of ink has been spilled in the pre/post debate.
- Someone who takes the thousand-year period (of Revelation 20) symbolically, not as a literal thousand years
- Armageddon, the location of the "battle on the great day of God Almighty" (Revelation 16:16). It refers to the area of Mount Megiddo, an area where several famous battles were fought in ancient times.
- Gog and Magog. In Ezekiel 38, Gog is apparently a prince in the country of Magog (wherever that was). But in Revelation 20:8 the names refer to two wicked nations (or forces).
- Dispensationalism, which teaches that the seven ages are "dispensations," in which God deals with humanity in different ways. The system has been widely spread through the popular Scofield Reference Bible.
- Apocalyptic, from the Greek word apocalypsis, "revealing" or "unveiling." In fact, Apocalypse is an alternate name for the book of Revelation.
- The idea that immortality is a gift given to the righteous and that at the end of time the wicked will simply be annihilated
- Revelation (20:15; 21:27)
- The old meaning of doom was "judgment," which was a good thing for the righteous but a bad thing for the wicked. Doomsday meant "Judgment Day," something positive for believers but extremely unpleasant for everyone else. Since it was assumed that there were more bad than good people in the world, doom came to mean "ruin."
- In ancient times—and today, for that matter—a judge pronounced his verdict while seated on an official "judgment seat." The New Testament emphasizes that everyone must appear before Christ's judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10).
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Gold in the Last Days
The Bible refers to gold and wealth in several last days’ prophecies. From these Scriptures we learn that:
1) Gold will increase in value and be stored up by many in the last days. This will be a witness against those who trusted in riches rather than God (James 5:1-3).
2) Men will be “lovers of money” rather than lovers of God. They would have an appearance of godliness but it would only be a religious veneer (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
3) The wealthy of the world will not only store up gold as a hedge against all the global turmoil, but many will even “worship…idols of gold” (Revelation 9:20).In other words, their confidence will be in gold and materialism rather than their Creator.
4) The Antichrist will honor a false god with “gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things” and he shall have control over much of the world’s gold, silver and wealth (Daniel 11:38-43).
5) The last days apostate church will be decked with gold and wealth (Revelation 17:4). Not surprisingly, the Roman Catholic Church has huge reserves of gold and silver treasure.
6) Neither the world’s silver nor their gold shall deliver or save them in the day of the Lord’s wrath (Zephaniah 1:14-18).
7) Jesus counsels all to repent and place their faith in Him rather than temporary riches (Revelation 3:16-19). As Peter explains “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).
Scriptures concerning gold and wealth in the Last Days:
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days” (James 5:1-3).
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,…having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk” (Revelation 9:20).
“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls…
Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! ‘For in one hour such great riches came to nothing…’” (Revelation 18:11-12, 16-17).
“The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication” (Revelation 17:4).
“But in their place he (Antichrist) shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things…But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps” (Daniel 11:38, 43).
“Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?” (Ezekiel 38:13). Apparently when Russian, Iran and their Muslim confederacy attack Israel in the last days, they are invading in part to take over Israel’s gold, silver, and other spoil. Some speculate that Israel may soon discover the vast treasures of gold
and silver as listed on The Copper Scroll which was discovered in the 20th century.
Others believe they will tap into huge mineral deposits in the Dead Sea or find huge reservoirs of oil. Time will tell. Israel is already advanced in wealth compared with their neighbors and in January of 2009 Israel discovered a huge natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean Sea.
“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land” (Zephaniah 1:18).
Concerning the Last Day’s church, Jesus has this to say: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, lind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with
eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:16-19).
Witnessing, Stewardship, and Investing
The Bible indicates that the world and even the visible church will be heaping up riches – in particular gold – in the last days. Therefore, the demand and value of gold will likely be on the rise as we see the Day approaching. Not surprisingly, this is exactly what is happening today (refer to the chart at the end of this paper). This is one of the many last days prophetic trends which prove the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God. Because many are now talking about and investing in gold – and some speculate it will top $8,000 per ounce – this is a popular topic in which believers can springboard to share the Gospel. The next time gold is brought up in conversation you can use this prophetic trend to validate the Bible and then share who Jesus is and what He has done to save us. Concerning stewardship Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also”. (Matthew 6:19-21).
As followers of the Lord our hope is in heaven, not earth. In fact, everything outside of Christ will soon be dissolved with fire (2 Peter 3:7-11). Surely we are not to heap up treasure on earth. Those who do lay up treasure for emselves on earth are foolish and worldly-minded according to Jesus (Luke 12:15-21).
We are called to be faithful stewards of whatever the Lord has entrusted to us (Luke 19:12-26). Therefore we should invest our time, talent, and treasure in the Lord’s work. A faithful steward will put the Lord and obedience to His Word first and foremost.
But some might still wonder “If gold will increase in value, shouldn’t I invest in gold short-term?” Remember that Jesus likened the last days prophetic signs to birth pangs (Matthew 24:8). While birth pangs do increase in frequency and intensity as delivery draws near they are often volatile. Also considering all the warning verses cited I would not want to be sitting on gold when the Rapture occurs – which is imminent. However, we are called to be wise stewards with the money God has entrusted to us (Luke 16:10-11). Our first financial responsibility is to, “Owe no one anything except to love one another” (Romans 13:8). If you’re in debt, first work off the debt before making financial investments. If you are free of debt and giving generously to the work of the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:5-7), then pray and seek the Lord’s counsel. Having a savings is biblical (Proverbs 13:22; 2 Corinthians 12:14), provided everything the Lord has given you is at HIS disposal
(Matthew 10:8).
Because time is so short and every other prophecy is lining up, it is no surprise to see gold rising. Therefore, gold may be a good short-term investment. But remember ultimately it is souls that God is concerned with. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Our primary commission as followers of Christ is to reach out and seek and save the lost. Therefore, we should definitely use this prophecy and other prophetic trends to confirm God’s Word and then share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only God can show you if you should invest short-term in gold or the world’s goods. Remember the Lord has promised us that if we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” He will guide us and take care of everything else (Matthew 6:33).
http://www.eternal-productions.org/PDFS/Gold%20in%20the%20Last%20Days.pdf
Gold in the Last Days
The Bible refers to gold and wealth in several last days’ prophecies. From these Scriptures we learn that:
1) Gold will increase in value and be stored up by many in the last days. This will be a witness against those who trusted in riches rather than God (James 5:1-3).
2) Men will be “lovers of money” rather than lovers of God. They would have an appearance of godliness but it would only be a religious veneer (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
3) The wealthy of the world will not only store up gold as a hedge against all the global turmoil, but many will even “worship…idols of gold” (Revelation 9:20).In other words, their confidence will be in gold and materialism rather than their Creator.
4) The Antichrist will honor a false god with “gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things” and he shall have control over much of the world’s gold, silver and wealth (Daniel 11:38-43).
5) The last days apostate church will be decked with gold and wealth (Revelation 17:4). Not surprisingly, the Roman Catholic Church has huge reserves of gold and silver treasure.
6) Neither the world’s silver nor their gold shall deliver or save them in the day of the Lord’s wrath (Zephaniah 1:14-18).
7) Jesus counsels all to repent and place their faith in Him rather than temporary riches (Revelation 3:16-19). As Peter explains “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).
Scriptures concerning gold and wealth in the Last Days:
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days” (James 5:1-3).
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,…having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk” (Revelation 9:20).
“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls…
Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! ‘For in one hour such great riches came to nothing…’” (Revelation 18:11-12, 16-17).
“The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication” (Revelation 17:4).
“But in their place he (Antichrist) shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things…But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps” (Daniel 11:38, 43).
“Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?” (Ezekiel 38:13). Apparently when Russian, Iran and their Muslim confederacy attack Israel in the last days, they are invading in part to take over Israel’s gold, silver, and other spoil. Some speculate that Israel may soon discover the vast treasures of gold
and silver as listed on The Copper Scroll which was discovered in the 20th century.
Others believe they will tap into huge mineral deposits in the Dead Sea or find huge reservoirs of oil. Time will tell. Israel is already advanced in wealth compared with their neighbors and in January of 2009 Israel discovered a huge natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean Sea.
“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land” (Zephaniah 1:18).
Concerning the Last Day’s church, Jesus has this to say: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, lind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with
eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:16-19).
Witnessing, Stewardship, and Investing
The Bible indicates that the world and even the visible church will be heaping up riches – in particular gold – in the last days. Therefore, the demand and value of gold will likely be on the rise as we see the Day approaching. Not surprisingly, this is exactly what is happening today (refer to the chart at the end of this paper). This is one of the many last days prophetic trends which prove the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God. Because many are now talking about and investing in gold – and some speculate it will top $8,000 per ounce – this is a popular topic in which believers can springboard to share the Gospel. The next time gold is brought up in conversation you can use this prophetic trend to validate the Bible and then share who Jesus is and what He has done to save us. Concerning stewardship Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also”. (Matthew 6:19-21).
As followers of the Lord our hope is in heaven, not earth. In fact, everything outside of Christ will soon be dissolved with fire (2 Peter 3:7-11). Surely we are not to heap up treasure on earth. Those who do lay up treasure for emselves on earth are foolish and worldly-minded according to Jesus (Luke 12:15-21).
We are called to be faithful stewards of whatever the Lord has entrusted to us (Luke 19:12-26). Therefore we should invest our time, talent, and treasure in the Lord’s work. A faithful steward will put the Lord and obedience to His Word first and foremost.
But some might still wonder “If gold will increase in value, shouldn’t I invest in gold short-term?” Remember that Jesus likened the last days prophetic signs to birth pangs (Matthew 24:8). While birth pangs do increase in frequency and intensity as delivery draws near they are often volatile. Also considering all the warning verses cited I would not want to be sitting on gold when the Rapture occurs – which is imminent. However, we are called to be wise stewards with the money God has entrusted to us (Luke 16:10-11). Our first financial responsibility is to, “Owe no one anything except to love one another” (Romans 13:8). If you’re in debt, first work off the debt before making financial investments. If you are free of debt and giving generously to the work of the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:5-7), then pray and seek the Lord’s counsel. Having a savings is biblical (Proverbs 13:22; 2 Corinthians 12:14), provided everything the Lord has given you is at HIS disposal
(Matthew 10:8).
Because time is so short and every other prophecy is lining up, it is no surprise to see gold rising. Therefore, gold may be a good short-term investment. But remember ultimately it is souls that God is concerned with. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Our primary commission as followers of Christ is to reach out and seek and save the lost. Therefore, we should definitely use this prophecy and other prophetic trends to confirm God’s Word and then share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only God can show you if you should invest short-term in gold or the world’s goods. Remember the Lord has promised us that if we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” He will guide us and take care of everything else (Matthew 6:33).
http://www.eternal-productions.org/PDFS/Gold%20in%20the%20Last%20Days.pdf