Author: jdwvaw2

If you’re like me you’ve been closely following developments in the middle east, especially the Israel-Iran war. Since our Lord commanded us to watch in these last days, we need to determine if the current events involving Iran are prophesied in our bibles and have end-time significance. I’ve done what I consider to be a thorough search of the scriptures and came up with 5 potential scenarios, a couple of which are easily dismissed. The modern state of Iran is referred to in the scriptures as Elam, Persia, or Medo-Persia.

Frequently mentioned as fulfillment on prophecy news sites is Ezekiel chapters 38 & 39 that detail the future “war of Gog and Magog”. It is usually noted that Persia is listed as one of the antagonists allied with “Gog” and “Magog”. “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them….” (Ezekiel 38:5). This is definitely not what is happening today, as “Gog” is the antichrist and this war is clearly Armageddon, the final battle for Jerusalem concluding with Christ’s return. I did a blog post on why Gog-Magog is Armageddon you can read it here: Ezekiel’s GOG-Magog War is Armageddon – Jim’s Eschatological Info

A second prophetic mention of Persia is in the Book of Daniel. Daniel saw a vision of a two-horned ram attacking a male goat. “The ram which you saw, having the two horns-they are the kings of Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece (Javan)….” (Daniel 8:21). Notice that in this war, though it may well be an end-times event, Israel is not involved, so, again, this current Iran-Israel war is not what is here referred to.

A third scripture reference to Iran that is being widely bandied about in prophecy news sources is found in Jeremiah 49. “Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might. Against Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven and scatter them toward all these winds. There shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go. For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies and before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, My fierce anger, says the Lord, and I will send the sword after them until I have consumed them. I will set My throne in Elam and will destroy from there the king and the princes, says the Lord. But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 49: 35-39). While this may have had partial fulfillment in the days following Jeremiah (Nebuchadezzar crushed Elam followed later by Cyrus taking over Belshazzar’s reign in Elam), the prophesied total desolation of Elam never really materialized. Daniel’s use of the eschatological term “latter days” indicates that following their judgment, Elam will be reestablished. This prophecy is a possible description of what we are now witnessing. If it is, the worst for Iran is yet to come. We’ll see.

A fourth possible prophetic fulfillment of this war may be a lead up to the huge world war prophesied in Revelation. This war is often called the sixth trumpet war, the Euphrates River war, or simply World War III. “Then the sixth angel sounded…. Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates…. So, the four angels who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind.” (Revelation 9: 13-15). The four countries surrounding the Euphrates are Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. If this Iran-Israel war leads to wide-spread international superpower involvement that results in huge loss of human life, it certainly would have been the prophetic spark for this horrific war. By the way, this sixth trumpet war is not Armageddon. It will emanate from the Euphrates River area, not from the plains and mountains near Jerusalem. While this war will likely take place during the great tribulation, we must be aware that events in Revelation are not necessarily chronological. We need to be alert that this is a possible fulfillment.

A fifth and virtually certain prophetic fulfillment of this Iran-Israel war comes from Jesus’s warning of birth pangs happening just before the tribulation and His second coming. “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars…. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom…. “ Matthew 24: 6-7). The current situation in the Middle East obviously fits this prophecy. We know what comes after birth pangs -full on contractions!

To summarize, we can eliminate Ezekiel 38&39 and Daniel 8 from consideration. Jeremiah 49 and Revelation 9 are possibilities we need to watch. The Matthew 24 birth pangs are a certainty.

Saints, we’re living in prophetic times. We need our bibles more and more to unravel what’s coming on this world. Jesus told us quite succinctly; “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23). Keep watching, keep studying. Be prepared and ready.

Maranatha, Jim

The soon coming Kingdom of God is nearly beyond description in terms that we can grasp. The millennial reign of Christ will have an Edenic character that this age has never nor can ever experience. Only two humans have ever experienced this type of existence in all of history. They, of course, are Adam and Eve before the fall that led to a curse that corrupted all of creation. In the coming kingdom redeemed mankind will once again have a full relationship with his Creator such as Jesus walking and talking with Adam in the garden. The Kingdom will be characterized by one main element-the dominance and control by its King- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9: 6-7).

Jesus will use those that are His to administer the kingdom as He sees fit. That’s us, His bride, His church, His adopted kin. We will rule with Him as kings and priests. “… Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and makes us kings and priests to His God and Father…” (Revelation 1: 5-6). “For you were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5: 9-10). As kings and priests God will have restored to us dominion of the earth just as was assigned to Adam and Eve. “Then God said, ‘let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and every living thing that lives on the earth.’ ” (Genesis 1:26). Their other duties included care of their environment. “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” (Genesis 2: 15). This same type of dominion will be manifest in our delegated tasks as kings and priests. The term “kings” refers to regional authority and leadership via sovereign power. “Priests” implies our utter devotion to Christ as we are tasked with being intermediaries between God and mortal humanity.

Yes, even though we will be living in a truly glorious environment, we will have responsibilities in the earthly government of the Son. This current brief period of temporal existence is merely a training ground preparing us for the wonders to come. How is your training going? I hope well. Just make sure you’re following the lead of the greatest trainer man could ever have-Jesus Himself. He’s our example. If you are, you’ll have no problem navigating a truly amazing future.

Maranatha, Jim

A recent interview of Catherine Fitts by media personality Tucker Carlson revealed her description of a march of humanity into what she called a “digital concentration camp”. Fitts is an experienced banking expert who worked in an advisory capacity in the Bush administration. You can listen to her interview with Carlson here: Catherine Fitts: Power Grids, Bankers vs. the West, Secret Underground Bases, and Extinction Events. What she meant was that modern transactions, every click, swipe, tap, or scan by individuals, are recorded and transcribed into a data base kept by governments and financial institutions controlled by central banking all over the world. This data can characterize all users concerning their purchasing habits, politics, religion, etc. Of course, this can lead to control by the powers that be in most areas of our lives. We are lured into these digital transactions by their speed, accuracy, and convenience, oblivious to the fact that we are being set up for ultimate control of every aspect of our livelihood including what we can purchase, where and when we can travel, personal health, etc. In other words, we are gradually being encapsulated into an ever-tightening digital economy without any resistance on our part. She also pointed out that when fully digital currencies (that most of the world is currently embracing) arrive they will be the final tool needed to initiate complete and utter control of civilization, one person at a time. The gate can then be shut on the “digital concentration camp.”

The above scenario, while startling, appears to be unstoppable. I personally view it as “Mystery Babylon” in action just as she is described in Revelation. She is unwittingly setting up the perfect system for individual control by the antichrist. Remember the prophecy in Revelation: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:16-17)

Saints, we’re being set up! We need to be aware and watching so we can bolt the system before it’s too late. We need to be thinking about if and how we can live outside a digital economy. No doubt this will involve major lifestyle changes for most, perhaps even a traumatic experience. But ultimately, it will be a necessary action if we want to be included in the coming kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At all costs we must avoid taking this mark: “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:11)

Stay abreast with what is happening in the digital world that is controlling more and more of our lives. Ultimately, we must avoid confinement in the “digital concentration camp”.

Maranatha. Jim

When the Sadducees asked Jesus a specific question about the resurrection, His answer began with “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures.” (Matthew 22:29). These religious leaders, even though they were teachers of the law, possessed knowledge that was inadequate to answer even basic questions and Jesus called them out on it.

Fast forward to today, and Jesus expects those that are His to have a thorough working knowledge of the Scriptures. Otherwise, we are easily led into error. We need a solid foundation in God’s Word. He gave us His Holy Spirit as a ‘Helper’ to “teach us all things“(John 14:26), and to “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). After all, the Bible is the Holy Spirit’s book, so who better to teach us than the Author Himself. We need to spend time daily in the scriptures, not just reading them, but studying them to the best of our ability while allowing the Holy Spirit to teach. “All Scripture is given by inspiration from God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

This blog is primarily focused on events surrounding us that are leading to the soon second coming of our Lord. As such, I endeavor to back up these short teachings with appropriate Scripture. However, it is up to you to hold this blog up to Scripture to verify that what I’m presenting is truth or error. In order to do that, you must look up the quoted Scriptures, read them in context, and determine whether I’ve used them accurately. Ultimately, it’s you that must ascertain truth. If you’re grounded in the truth from Scripture, you will not fall into error.

If this post seems harsh or accusatory, your eternal life in Christ’s Kingdom is hanging in the balance. In these last days, it’s more important than ever to know God’s Word and keep from error. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4;6)

Maranatha, Jim

Even though there is scant scriptural support for a “pre-tribulation” rapture (a snatching away of the saints at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week), there is a large segment of Christians who adhere to this doctrine. They believe they will be whisked away to heaven where they will be safe from the antichrist and God’s judgments-basking in glory while the earth is subject to great tribulation. Of course, this means they will have no necessity for the divinely provided places of safety I discussed in my recent blogs. Unfortunately, they are misguided as scripture clearly details the timing of the rapture (resurrection of the righteous) in relation to other end-time events. I’ve listed these scriptures here: Rapture Timing – Jim’s Eschatological Info

But, aside from this timing argument, let me ask the question; why would you not want to be here during this critical time just before Jesus’s second coming? We know from the book of Daniel that during this time God’s people will carry out great exploits and instruct many in the way of salvation. “But the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits. And those who understand shall instruct many.” (Daniel 11:32-33). Don’t you want to be a part of that? I certainly do. Every one of us has friends, acquaintances, loved ones, and possibly family members who are biblically illiterate or have limited knowledge of these end time events that will impact their very existence for eternity. We who have this knowledge or at least the ability to access this knowledge will have an unprecedented opportunity to share the gospel and help them overcome the many trials this time will present. It will be an opportunity like never before to show them the scriptures that precisely depict what is happening around them. Having a desire to skip this opportunity demonstrates a lack of responsibility and love for your fellow man. Certainly, this will be a challenging time for all, but for us Christians who know the scriptures, the chance to be mightily used of God far outweighs any momentary suffering we might encounter.

God can’t use me to help further His kingdom if I’m not here where the action is. Don’t worry, saints. God knows how to protect His Son’s bride. Just avail yourself to Him at all times and He’ll be with you through whatever might befall you. Yes, I know there will be martyrs, and, if martyrdom happens to be my fate, so be it. What a privilege that would be! After all, He died for me.

That’s why I want to be here during the tribulation.

Maranatha, Jim

There are three things that kick off the tribulation or Daniel’s 70th week. They will happen nearly simultaneously. They are; the confirmation of the covenant, the release of the four horsemen, and the appearance of the two witnesses. Personally, I’m looking for these events to commence within the next few years. Let’s take a very brief look at each one of them.

Confirmation of the Covenant

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week.” (Daniel 9:27). Simply put, this means the antichrist will confirm (strengthen an existent) covenant for one week (seven years). I believe this is referring to the Mosaic covenant which will allow orthodox Judaism to reestablish the priesthood along with daily animal sacrifices atop the temple mount. Of course, the antichrist will end that after 3 1/2 years.

Release of the four Horsemen

(Revelation 6:1-8). The apostle John was given a vision of four horsemen as the first four of seven seals on a scroll are opened by Jesus authorizing God’s judgement on the earth. When the scroll is fully opened, the very first action is the dispatchment of these horsemen to the four corners of the earth. They will unleash world-wide war and conflict, scarcity and famine, and death by the sword, hunger, and beasts of the earth. This of an intensity not seen since Noah’s flood. It’s during this period the antichrist consolidates his power and rule.

Emergence of the two witnesses

(Revelation 11:1-13). These two powerful prophets will be witnesses for Christ to both existing Christianity and orthodox Judaism. They will appear to the world at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week evangelizing, prophesying, and assisting in building the House of the Lord on Jerusalem’s temple mount. They will directly confront the antichrist and his methods, truly becoming thorns in his side. They will have unstoppable power from God to confront evil head-on. When their ministry is completed, they will be killed but amazingly raised from the dead 3 1/2 days later near the midpoint of the 70th week.

In summary, what I’m watching for is a sinister individual arising from the right geographical area promoting a stance toward Israel that will allow them to resume ancient temple worship. I’m also looking for a huge increase in world turmoil, unprecedented war, famine, conflict, and death following the release of the 4 horsemen. And, of course, two real prophets that fit the description given of them in chapter 11 of the book of Revelation. We know that once these events begin to happen, Jesus’s return is a mere seven years away.

These three events are presented in much detail in the book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony” in Chapters 5-8. I highly recommend you keep a copy on hand as it may prove invaluable to you for information on these events such as how to recognize beyond a shadow of doubt the two witnesses. You can access a copy here: Amazon.com : Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony

Maranatha, Jim

Happy resurrection day 2025 to all!

The apostle Paul as a devout Pharisee believed in an eventual resurrection of the righteous dead long before his conversion. However, like most Jews of his day, he likely did not believe that the Messiah would die and be resurrected. This in spite of several Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 53:10, Psalm 16:10, and Zechariah 12 :10 suggesting a Messiah who would be resurrected from death. Can you imagine what went through his mind after his encounter with post-resurrection Jesus Himself?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, events in mankind’s history. His resurrection serves as the prototype for the resurrection of the just we hope to be part of as His followers. His glorified body is likened to the resurrection bodies we will receive at His second coming. Paul eventually wrote much about this in his many epistles. An enlightened Paul wrote this: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4). He said further, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:17,19). The promise of a resurrection of the righteous to glory was of utmost importance to Paul. For him personally it was his number one goal. “Yet, I count all things loss…. that I may gain Christ…. that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…. If by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:8-11).

Like Paul, our number one goal should be attaining to the resurrection of the dead when Christ comes. We can take comfort in these verses speaking of the resurrection: “For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. “ (2 Corinthians 5: 4-5). Yes, if we are in Christ and possess His Spirit, our future resurrection is guaranteed!

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord this Easter Sunday, think on these things. The burdens of this brief life will seem trivial compared to glories of life eternal in His kingdom. Our Savior has paved the way for us by His own resurrection.

Maranatha, Jim

In my last post, I talked about the need to be found “worthy” in order to be directed (flee) to places of safety from the antichrist and God’s judgments during the great tribulation. While there are several verses suggesting these places will be available to the righteous, they are not clearly defined as yet, and for good reason. If our enemy knew of their whereabouts, he could prepare a means of assault. Our Lord is purposely keeping these locations vague until they are needed. Even then, they will only be given to those found worthy.

In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus said this: “Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation…. standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.“ Of course, Jesus did not define “mountains”, although the bible often describes nations or kingdoms as mountains. It will be made clear to those found worthy in Judea at the proper time. Elsewhere in scripture these safe locations are vaguely described as, His pavilion, His tabernacle, your chambers, desert wilderness, etc. But the question that needs to be answered is: how will we be given this information?

The most obvious answer is the Holy Spirit. After all, the Spirit knows the mind of God and resides in every true believer. He is what God sent to be our helper and the one to lead us into all truth. Of course, that implies we are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. That remains the Christians main growth goal, to be led of the Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God these are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14). We need to learn to listen to that “still small voice” guiding our conscience and our thoughts. (1st Kings 19:12-13). Another way we may be led to places of safety during this time will likely come from the “two witnesses”. Their prophecy and instruction for the church will be absolutely essential. We need to be able to positively identify them and follow their ministry when they come on the scene.

I dealt with these topics more extensively in my book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony” in chapters 8 and 13. For the Christian exciting times are just ahead. However, it’s vital that you watch and are prepared.

Maranatha, Jim

Our Lord gave us a stern warning about the days nearing His coming that we’d best not ignore. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the earth. Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36).

The wants, cares, and trials of this life will be a snare to you if your primary focus is on them. Instead, Jesus directed us to watch so that we are prepared and pray always. Always is translated from three Greek words; en pas kairos, which mean on every occasion. And the subject of that prayer is that we may be found worthy, that is, to be deemed entirely deserving. Found deserving or worthy of what? “To escape all these things”. There is a modern prevalent teaching that this means our Lord will come and snatch us away to heaven before all these things happen. But that is not what Jesus said. The word “escape” as it is usually translated here (ekphuego) (ek-out of) (phuego-flee) simply means to flee away from. Jesus used the same word to tell those in Judea to flee when they see the AOD set up in the temple. “Then let those who are in Judea flee (phuego) to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:16). Revelation also uses this word to describe a fleeing. “Then the woman fled (phuego) into the wilderness…“(Revelation 12:6). What Jesus is clearly saying in Luke is if we are found worthy, we can and will be directed and flee toward places of safety from the antichrist and the judgments from God that are coming on all the earth. There is no “catching away” even implied here.

Some scriptures you can look up that reference flights to safety in these end times that you can look up, Psalm 27:5, Isaiah 26:20-21, Matthew 24 :15-16, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 12:6, Revelation 12:13-14.

Real sincere Christians have nothing to fear as we approach these last days. Our Father knows how to keep His Son’s Bride safe in times of great tribulation. We simply need to heed His warning to watch and pray always that we may be found worthy to escape (flee out from) all that’s about to come to pass and stand before Him.

Maranatha, Jim

The Book of Daniel is the go-to book along with Revelation for latter-day prophecy about what is happening in our time. However, among the myriad prophecies is a qualifier that should give the student of prophecy pause. And the prophet repeats this qualifier for emphasis. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4). “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:9). Before closing out his detailing of end-time prophecies, Daniel did add this concerning those last days prophecies: “…. None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10). Thus, the angelic messenger giving Daniel those prophecies told him that though they are to be sealed, they will be open and unsealed in the last days for the “wise”. Who are the wise? According to the Bible, those who fear God and keep His commandments.

The questions we have to answer follow. Are we actually living in the last days when Christians should easily understand Daniel’s prophecies? If so, when did the “time of the end” start? Does the bible point to a specific beginning that from that point on Daniel’s prophecies could be understood by the wise as the angel indicated? The answer is yes, and I believe quite clear. I believe our Lord Himself opened Daniel’s book to our understanding. This occurred during His Olivet Discourse when He taught His disciples and us what to watch for in order to discern the time of His second coming. Here’s what He said, “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, (let the reader understand) …” (Matthew 24: 15). Here, Jesus is clearly encouraging us to go and read Daniel’s book if we are to fully comprehend what He had just taught. The parenthetical expression “let the reader understand” is obviously related to the angel’s statement to Daniel that in the end times the wise would understand. The words spoken by Jesus for the reader (let understand) (noieo-Gr.) is His permission to use our intellect to comprehend the written words of Daniel. From that point on nearly 2000 years ago the prophecies of book of Daniel have been open to our understanding. Shortly after Jesus said this, roughly 55 days later, He sent the paraclete to help our understanding. “… He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you of things to come.“ (John 16:13).

Yes, we’re living in the final years of the end time. But, according to the writers of the New Testament who all wrote their books during the first century, the last days began in their day following Jesus’s ascension and we are just now nearing culmination. Regardless of what you might have been told, all of the end time prophecies in the bible are understandable including those in Daniel. After all, Jesus Himself proclaimed that the reader of Daniel was to understand. He wouldn’t have said that if the book was still sealed. If you think you can’t understand biblical prophecy, just keep reading and studying. If you seek, you’ll find. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you, lead you into all truth, and teach you of things to come.

Maranatha, Jim