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HOW CLOSE ARE WE?

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

The Shortest Distance Between Two Points Is A Straight Line

            Jesus described certain events which He identified as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8 KJV), or, according to the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) “the beginning of birth pains”.  The imagery painted by the words of Jesus is very clear.  Just as “birth pains (travail)” begin and increase in frequency and intensity leading to the event of delivery, or birth, so also will the events identified as “the beginning of sorrows” lead to their intended goal, or time.  Instead of simply telling exactly how long this time of “sorrows” will continue, Jesus told the first church to “watch” so as to avoid drawing the wrong conclusion concerning the possible fulfillment, completion, or “end”  (24:6) of the events and the time they identify.  One such event which Jesus described as a partial identification of “the beginning of sorrows” is “ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that ye be not troubled: …” (Matt. 24:6 KJV)

            Here is a link to a current story from the Jerusalem Post website dated May 12, 2021:  https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/erdogan-putin-discuss-israel-clashes-in-call-turkish-presidency-667934

            Within the context of this article is the following statement concerning the communication between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin: 

            “Erdogan told Putin the international community needed to “teach a deterrent lesson” to Israel, adding that Ankara was working to mobilize this reaction, according to a statement from his office.”

            Obviously there is much to consider about a possible alliance between Turkey and Russia with respect to the prophecy recorded by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38

            As the tensions between Israel and Gaza, particularly Hamas and the PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad), continue and, perhaps, escalate, or increase in frequency and intensity, let us be diligent to “watch” in order to see and understand what is happening.  Additionally, as we watch with increasing interest the events unfolding in, and around, Israel let us be acutely aware of the other signs that also indentify “the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8 HCSB).

Matthew 24:7 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Luke 21:10-11 (KJV)
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

IS IT REALLY THAT OBVIOUS?

Friday, March 5th, 2021

SOMETIMES THE MOST OBVIOUS ANSWER OR SOLUTION IS THE CORRECT ONE

Luke 21:10-11 (KJV)
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Matthew 24:8 (HCSB)
All these events are the beginning of birth pains.


I vividly remember the first time I heard the explanation of geese flying in a ‘v’ formation and exactly why one line of the ‘v’ was always longer than the other. The explanation is obvious: there are more geese in one line.

Every one of the signs that identify “the beginning of birth pains” has an obvious and physical application. As such, let us be careful to never overlook the obvious. After all, “an earthquake is an earthquake is an earthquake is an earthquake” (Thomas M. McElmurry).

The following article is from a rather unlikely source – the India TV News Desk, New Delhi. It was published on June 28, 2020 7:44 IST.
https://www.indiatvnews.com/fyi/rising-number-of-earthquake-2020-meaning-is-a-big-earthquake-eminent-experts-629831

What does rising number of earthquakes in 2020 mean. Is a big one eminent? Experts answer
India has witnessed 127 miniature earthquakes in the first half of 2020. From the far east of Arunachal Pradesh to the far north of Kashmir Valley, the south to national capital Delhi itself, minute tremors have become a daily affair. A similar trend has been seen across the world. But do they mean that a big one is one it’s way? Here is what experts at the United States Geological Survey have to say.
The question put to the USGS was — Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven’t had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?
To this, the USGS replied, “A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase or decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent.”
It further added, “The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are able to record more earthquakes. The National Earthquake Information Center now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year, or approximately 55 per day. As a result of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in natural disasters, the public now learns about earthquakes more quickly than ever before.”
“According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, which includes 15 earthquakes in the magnitude 7 range and one earthquake magnitude 8.0 or greater. In the past 44 years, from 1973 through 2017, our records show that we have exceeded the long-term average number of major earthquakes only 11 times, in 1976, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.”
The year with the largest total was 2010, with 24 earthquakes greater than or equal to magnitude 7.0. In other years the total was well below the 16 per year expected based on the long-term average: 1989 only saw 6, while 1988 saw only 7 major earthquakes.
End Article

Please pay close attention to the increased number of major earthquakes. The most recent earthquake off the coast of New Zealand, registered 8.1 on the Richter scale, and is classified as a major earthquake. According to the statistics from the U.S.G.S., only 11 times during the past 44 years, from 1973 through 2017, has the predicted number of major earthquakes been exceeded.

There is a pattern of increasing frequency in which the number of major earthquakes exceeds the projection. Should we be alarmed? No. Why not? Jesus said this would happen. Just as “sorrows – birth pains – birth pangs” increase in frequency and intensity in progression towards delivery, so also will the obvious signs that identify the arrival and progression of “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8). Why is there an increase in the number of “famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (Matt. 24:7)? The obvious answer: Jesus said this would happen.

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IS IT TIME?

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

IS IT TIME TO RESTART THE PROPHETIC CLOCK?

If you ever heard him preach about the “End Times”, whether in person or on video, you may have heard him quote his grandfather whom he called, “Papa Mac”. He would frequently recite with due diligence the words he remembered from his childhood, the words of instruction, admonition, or correction which included the phrase, “Tom Mac”. Although I never had the privilege to meet “Papa Mac”, I did try to listen to, learn from, and remember the words of this man who became as close as a father. Of the many, many things he shared there is one I am compelled to share. Dr. Thomas M. McElmurry would often refer to a “prophetic clock”. He believed, and was thoroughly convinced, that at this present time the hands of this “prophetic clock” were not moving – having been stopped at a time in the past. At this point he would usually refer to the instructions given to Daniel to “shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4) At this point he would state that at a point in time an event will occur that will cause the stopped prophetic clock to resume its countdown to the end, namely the return of Jesus.

Are we diligently watching for an event that will occur in our lifetime that will signal a countdown to the return of Jesus? By the way, Jesus gave the “signs” of His coming for a reason – Matthew 24:4-8.

Ezekiel 38:1-6 (KJV)
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: 4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/138157/turkey-angel-peace-ally-west-satanic-source-gog-magog/

(Begin article – Breaking Israel News)
Turkey: Angel of Peace Ally of the West or Satanic Source of Gog and Magog?
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz October 6, 2019 , 2:15 pm

Turkish tanks are grinding across the border into Syria with the intent to crush the Kurdish forces who have allied with the U.S. in its fight against ISIS. Viewed through a political lens, Turkey presents a murky image of a finicky ally of the U.S. but when viewed with the eyes of prophecy, Turkey’s role as a leader in the Gog and Magog pre-Messiah War comes into clear focus.

Turkey’s Troubled History of a Shaky Alliance with the West

Turkey beefed up its forces on the Syrian border with heavy armor and on Saturday announced its intention to launch a military incursion into Syria against the Kurds. Turkey wants to create a 20-mile buffer zone inside Syria along the 500-mile border and resettle up to two million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts. The U.S. would like to restrict the proposed buffer zone to nine miles.

The alliance between Turkey and the U.S. dates back to World War II when Turkey fought with the allies and was formalized when they joined the North American Treaty Alliance in 1952 Turkey relied on the U.S. for security guarantees against the former Soviet Union which they perceived as a threat. Relations began to deteriorate in 2003 when Turkey refused to allow the United States to use Incirlik Air Base for the invasion of Iraq. This downward trend worsened as the U.S. entered Syria to lead an international coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). The American forces in the Syrian Civil War openly allied with the Kurdish YPG fighters and support them militarily, considering the group to be a key element in fighting ISIS. The YPG is targeted by Turkey for its alleged support for the PKK, a Kurdish far-left militant and political organization based in Turkey and Iraq. Turkey, NATO, and the U.S State Department have classified the PKK as a terrorist organization.

Another wrinkle in these relations came up after a coup attempt in July 2016 nearly succeeded in toppling the regime of Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Turkey demanded that the United States government extradite Fethullah Gülen, a cleric and Turkish national living in the U.S. who they claimed was behind the coup.
In a complete turnaround from the Cold War alliance, in 2019 Turkey signed a contract to buy Russia’s advanced S-400 anti-air missile system that had been designed specifically to counter U.S. air assets. The U.S. responded by canceling a deal in which Turkey was to receive 100 F-35 combat aircraft.

The planned incursion into Syria will put Turkey at odds with both the U.S. and Russia which backs the regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad. The U.S. currently has more than 1,000 troops stationed in Syria. Turkish and U.S forces began conducting combined ground patrols in September. Turkey has already launched two such military incursions into Syria since 2016 targeting both ISIS and YPG forces.

It is All About Religion

“Most Americans do not understand Turkey and prefer to stick their heads in the sand,” Professor Mordechai Kedar, a senior lecturer in the Department of Arabic at Bar-Ilan University, told Breaking Israel News, pointing out that Turkey’s role in the regional power structure cannot be underestimated as it hosts the largest military in NATO second only to the U.S.

“Ideologically they are absolutely an enemy of the U.S,” Kedar said succinctly. “Erdogan is part of the Muslim Brotherhood and, for him, America is the Big Satan. Practically, they play as if they are friends of the West. Despite being members of NATO, they have never and will never take any role, even indirectly, in any actions against another Muslim nation.”

Dr. Kedar noted that despite seeing the U.S.as an enemy and buying Russian military hardware, Turkey is no friend of Moscow.

“They side with Russia because Russia does not hesitate to twist their arms, threaten, or follow through with those threats,” Dr. Kedar said, explaining that the only motivation for Erdogan is religion.

“Erdogan sees himself as a leader in the Sunni Islamic world and his actions are focused or restoring the Ottoman hegemony.”

Erdogan and Gog and Magog

Erdogan’s Islamic aspirations may go even further, placing him at the head of the multinational armies of Gog and Magog. Modern-day Turkey was once the Ottoman Empire that ruled over much of the world for over six hundred years. But in Biblical terms, Turkey is known as the location of Mount Ararat, the resting place of Noah’s ark. That region was settled by the descendants of Gomer, the eldest son of Japheth. His descendants formed the nations of Meshech, Tubal, Beth-togarmah, and Gomer, all found in what is now modern Turkey. All of these nations were listed by Ezekiel as being part of the Gog and Magog alliance against Israel.

O mortal, turn your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him… Among them shall be Persia, Nubia, and Put, everyone with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its cohorts, Beth-togarmah [in] the remotest parts of the north and all its cohorts—the many peoples with you. Ezekiel 38:2-6

Rabbi Yekutiel Fish, an expert in Jewish mysticism who blogs in Hebrew under the title ‘Sod Chashmal,’ cited the Aramaic translation of the Bible written by Jonathan Ben Uziel, who studied under Hillel the Elder during the time of Roman-ruled Judea and his commentary on the verse in the Book of Numbers.

Ships come from the quarter of Kittim; They subject Assyria, subject Eber. They, too, shall perish forever. Numbers 24:24

“Jonathan Ben Uziel explains that this prophecy describes how Gog will come out of Constantinople, which was the capital city of the Roman Empire but is now called Istanbul and is one of the major cities in Turkey,” Rabbi Fish explained. “He goes on to say that Italy will join forces with Gog and Magog. He goes on to say that after they join forces, the Moshiach (Messiah) will come and destroy whatever remains of the Turks.”

The prophecy states that boats of Constantinople will set out to attack the Attorai (אתוראי),” Rabbi Fish said. In Jewish commentaries, the Attorai are associated with the Assyrians who lived in a region that is now in modern Syria and Turkey.
“The Attorai may be the Kurds,” Rabbi Fish speculated.

Turkey is Changing the Rules of the Game

The overreaching political implications of the Turkish military incursion were described by Seth Frantzman, the Middle East affairs analyst at The Jerusalem Post. Frantzman described this recent move by Turkey as a game-changer with implications that spread much further than the Levant.
“Turkey’s innovative approach to international law re-writes UN charter so that countries now have a right to invade other countries and create “safe zones” as long as they can argue there may be “terrorists” present.
Turkey’s policy has ramifications for the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and maybe the Balkans or Caucuses, where countries will say they need to do a “Turkey” and move into their neighbor’s territory to create a safe zone and send millions of settlers in to create new communities.

Ankara’s model has wide-reaching ramifications for a new world order.”

Pope: Erdogan is an Angel of Peace

Erdogan’s oblique approach to this “new world order” has created unexpected and inexplicable alliances. The Turkish leader supports the Palestinians and has called for a Muslim uprising to prevent Jerusalem from remaining in the hands of the Jews. Turkey also gives substantial practical support to Hamas. These efforts are understandable as they represent inter-Islamic cooperation. But the bilateral pledge of cooperation that was made at a meeting between Erdogan and Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2018 was entirely perplexing given the more than 1,500 year conflict between the Church and Islam.

At the meeting, the Pope presented Erdogan with a bronze “angel of peace” medallion.

“This is the angel of peace who strangles the demon of war,” the Pope told Erdogan as he gave him the medallion. “(It is) a symbol of a world based on peace and justice.”

This papal sentiment was also evident when Pope Francis presented Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas with a medallion at the Vatican in May 2015. At the time, the pope said that the “angel of peace” was “destroying the bad spirit of war” and praised Abbas for being an “angel of peace.”
(End Article)

There are only 77 days until Christmas! In contrast, I understand it might be wonderful and terrifying to know the number of days until the Lord returns. At the same time, I trust the Scriptures more than I trust myself and Jesus said, “… of that day and hour knoweth no man, …” (Matthew 24:36 KJV). The foundations of this movement by Turkey into Syria bears watching. The Scriptures instruct us to “watch” and identifies specifics for which we are “to be watching”. In light of the inspired, inerrant, infallible truth of the Scriptures, are we diligently watching and preparing for our Lord’s return?

“WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS”

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

“AND YE SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS”

May 8, 2019

So, how many years have you been hearing “of wars and rumors of wars? Perhaps you are old enough to remember the major event seventy-one years ago in May, 1948. Perhaps you may not remember the date, personally Gorgeous and Stuff Top Shoes for Walking, but know its importance to the nation of Israel. The past seventy-one years has not been a time filled with peace for the nation of Israel nor the world. With increasing frequency we are brought face to face with a reminder of the description given by Jesus of the events that will identify “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8). Today is no exception.

In a story posted on The Jerusalem Post website: www.jpost.com, the following headline can be found: “Islamic Jihad Leader Expects War With Israel To Break Out Next Summer”. The article appears in today’s online posting, May 8, 2019. The article may be accessed by the following link: https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Islamic-Jihad-leader-expects-war-with-Israel-to-break-next-summer-589104

As recorded within the story, the following account is shared, “The resistance in Gaza is fully prepared for any war,” Nahala said, adding that when the ceasefire was reached they were about to shoot rockets at Tel Aviv.”

Obviously, “wars and rumors of wars” have been in existence for years and years and years. This latest threat, along with numerous others, just adds to the growing list. However, at some point in time “the beginning of sorrows (birth pains)” will give way to the actual delivery of the Tribulation Period.

As we witness with a passionate and watchful eye, the increasing frequency of the very signs Jesus declared would identify “the beginning of sorrows”, let us do so with the hope that these might be the ones that usher in the time leading to His return.

Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, buy my Father only.

A JOURNEY FROM SEALING TO THE CHOOSING – PART 4

Saturday, April 20th, 2019

A JOURNEY FROM SEALING TO THE CHOOSING

THE BRIDE IS CALLED, CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL

THE SAVED ARE ESPOUSED TO BE CONVERTED!

PART 4

Revelation 17:12-14
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. [13]These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. [14] These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords and King of kings: and they that are with him are CALLED, and CHOSEN, and FAITHFUL.

THE CALLED ARE SEALED AND ESPOUSED!

II Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have ESPOUSED YOU TO ONE husband that I may present you as a CHASTE VIRGIN to Christ.

SAVED ARE CALLED TO MAKE READY FOR TIME CHRIST CHOOSES HEAVENLY BRIDE!

Revelation 19:7,8
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HAD MADE HERSELF READY.

ALL SAVED WILL BE IN HEAVEN ETERNALLY! SOME WILL BE CHOSEN TO BE POSITIONED IN CHRIST’S IMMEDIATE PRESENCE FOREVER. IT DEPENDS ON HOW ONE RIDES OUT THE STORM!

Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Mark 13:32-37
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. [33] Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. [34] For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. [35] Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: [36] Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. [37] And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Revelation 3:2-4
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. [3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. [4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 22:11-14
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. [13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. [14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:1-7
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. [6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. [7] Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:16-17
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. [17] And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

John 6:62,63
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? [63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.