Author: jdwvaw2

Where is the antichrist going to come from? We need to determine this from the bible so that we can watch for his appearance and avoid his prophesied deceptions. We won’t have any doubts as to his identity once he sets himself up as supreme authority in God’s temple in Jerusalem. (2 Thess. 2:3-4). This will happen half way into Daniel’s 70th week or 3 1/2 years before Jesus’ second coming. However, we should have a good idea of who he is prior to this time due to his activities and character description (which I won’t detail in this post), and also his country of origin. The geographical area he arises from is clearly described in at least three scripture references.

First, Daniel chapter 8 details his vision of a ram and a goat. In verse 8, the goat is split into 4 entities which out of one comes the “little horn”, the antichrist. (Verses 9-12 and 23-25). This goat is identified in verse 21 as Greece (Hebrew-Yavan). Yavan is historically the eastern Ionian coastlands and western Asia minor (currently part of Turkey).

Second, in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, the antichrist is called “Gog” the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. That these chapters describe God’s final wrath being poured out at Armageddon is clear from many verses, not the least of which is: “I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid upon them. So, the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” (Ezekiel 39:21-22). This describes Jesus setting up His earthly kingdom after this final battle in Israel between Jesus and the nations assembled there led by the antichrist (Gog). Meshech and Tubal are ancient kingdoms that are encompassed today by modern Turkey. A common mistake is often made concerning verse 15 in chapter 8. “Then you will come from your place in the far north….”. Many interpret “far north” to be as far as Moscow in Russia, but the Hebrew simply means “north quarter”. When looking at a map of the middle east, draw an X through Jerusalem and follow the top “V” to see the area described. Note that it encompasses Syria and Turkey.

Third, the minor prophet Micah writes in the context of Messiah’s coming, that Israel will be delivered from the hand of the “Assyrian”, undoubtably, the antichrist. (Micah 5:5-6). The ancient Assyrian empire consisted primarily of modern- day Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and much of Turkey.

Taken together these scriptures describe a broad area north of Israel as the birthplace of the antichrist. Again, note that these areas are all Islamist. And the preeminent country is Turkey. That’s why I always encourage you to keep an eye on Turkey. The coming of the “lawless one” is just around the corner.

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re a Christian, you can look forward to the resurrection of your body. If you’re alive when Jesus returns, you’ll be changed and renewed in an instant, or, if you’ve passed, resurrected to life from the grave. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Our bodies will be redeemed. (Romans 8:23). But, just what will this new body be like ? The key verses in the bible concerning this are; “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness“ (Psalm 17:15). “….we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2). “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Our resurrection bodies will be similar to Jesus body after His resurrection. They will be truly amazing ! To comprehend what they will be like, we need to look at the accounts of our resurrected Lord. Two disciples (not of the twelve) on the road to Emmaus conversed and dined with Him, not knowing who He was. “He took bread, blessed it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24: 30-31). He simply disappeared ! Twice He appeared to the apostles as they met behind locked doors. (John 20:19 & 20:26). Solid walls were no obstruction to His body ! Yet, His body was physical and could be touched, as the apostles handled His scars from the crucifixion. (John 20:27). He drank and ate solid food with His disciples. (Luke 24:41-43) He said “Behold My hands and feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 23:39), Note that He mentioned flesh and bone, but not blood. Hebrews states that Jesus entered the heavenly holy of holies carrying His own blood obtaining eternal redemption for all. (Hebrews 9:11-12). Interesting, to say the least. Jesus also appeared at several geographic locations from Jerusalem to Galilee without journeying afoot, but instantly. At His ascension, He physically rose up into a cloud out of the apostles sight, defying gravity. (Acts 1:9)

Jesus had a body that could travel anywhere instantly. Solid objects were not a barrier. He could move in and out of the spirit realm at will. Physical laws such as gravity did not apply to Him. Yet, He could be touched and held onto and enjoy a meal as we currently do. On top of all that, His resurrected body is immortal! In this body He is currently sitting at the Father’s right hand on His Father’s throne. That’s the kind of body we’re getting. That should get you excited. What a future we have !

You might be wondering what you will look like in your resurrection body. In His post-resurrection appearances, Jesus seemed somewhat different, but recognizable. We will probably have a similar experience. Our loved ones will know us. If we are quite old or decrepit or physically deformed in this life, we will probably be restored to a healthy vital age such as early thirties. After all, if we are to be like Jesus, He was in His early thirties when He was crucified. This is, of course just my opinion, as there is no supporting scripture.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the freedom my new body will give me after Jesus comes and resurrects this ole flesh.

Maranatha, Jim

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, I’m sure you’re aware of the world going to ‘hell in a handbasket’. The political, social, and moral decay is accelerating in our day. Evil is getting more openly evil and prospering to the dismay of real Christians who are seeing more persecution and isolation than ever before. What’s a Christian to do ? We seem to spend a lot of time grousing about this with our friends who are like-minded with us. But this is non-productive as far as combatting the evil trends expanding all around us. We’re simply preaching to the choir. While this may portend eschatological fulfillment leading to the antichrist, we do not have to sit idly by. In fact, we do not have to merely defend our stance as Christians, but have a whole arsenal of offensive weapons at our disposal. It’s time we use them !

First, we must recognize our enemy; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Second, we must dress appropriately. “….let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans:13:12), “….the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” (2 Cor.6:7), “….having girded your waist with truth….the breastplate of righteousness….shod you feet with the gospel of peace…. and the shield of faith….and take the helmet of salvation.” (Ephesians 6:14-16) Properly clothed, we can then take up “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) This “Word of God” is the most powerful thing in the universe; and we have it at our disposal ! The apostle Paul adds this about our warfare “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God….” (2Cor. 10:3-5) Yes, our weapons are mighty (all powerful) in busting up the strongholds the world has erected against us. Mighty in God ! We Christians hold all the cards. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the World ! (1John 4:4) We need not be intimidated by what the world is doing. While things may seem impossible to combat at times, think of David and his battle with Goliath. No problem. Just an uncircumcised Philistine. He simply rested in the fact that the “battle is the Lords”. Much of our warfare is to be fought on our knees. James, our Lords brother, said this; “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

Saints, we need to draw our swords and mount a united offensive against the strongholds of this world. Remember, “.…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him…” (Romans 8:37)

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re a born-again believer in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you’re in line for a stupendous inheritance. Truly unfathomable. In this life, a worldly inheritance is usually a share in the estate left behind by deceased parents or relatives. You, as a Christian, however, will not inherit a mere share in the estate, but the complete estate ! And, just what is the estate you are about to inherit ? Why, it’s nothing short of the entire Kingdom of God ! You see, Jesus, because of His obedience in sacrificing Himself to death on the cross for us has inherited everything in the creation. As the only begotten Son of the God, He was always in line to inherit all that belongs to the Father. We who are born-again of the Spirit are adopted into the family of God as brothers and sisters of Jesus Himself. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29) “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26) “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29) “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons….and if a son , then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7)

God considers Jesus as our older brother. As adopted children of God, we are co-heirs with Him. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ….” (Romans 8:16-17) Jesus said this to His disciples; “Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). In Revelation, Jesus said this to those who overcome; ” …to him I will give power over the nations….I will grant to sit with Me on my throne....” (Revelation 2:26, 3:21) Meditate on that for a moment. We will be able to sit with Jesus on His throne ! We will reign with Him as kings and priests. “….And have made us kings and priests to our God and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5: 10)

What a future we have to look forward to! Our main task will be to steward our inheritance; the kingdom and everything in it. If your name remains written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, you’re in the will, and your inheritance is guaranteed. Knowing this, as the apostle Peter said “….be even more diligent to make your call and election sure….” (2Peter 1:10)

Maranatha, Jim

“And do this, knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:11-14) NKJV

That’s a shocking title. It should be shocking to you. It’s been called world war 3 or the sixth trumpet war. It’s very clear prophecy. There’s no stopping it. It’s coming. And, it’s coming soon. If my timing of end-time events is reasonable, then very soon. (See previous posts on “Discerning the Time”) The description of this horrific war is detailed in Revelation chapter nine.

“Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice….saying….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.….the number of the army of horsemen was two hundred million….out of their mouths (horses) came fire, smoke, and brimstone….by these three plagues, a third of mankind was killed….For their power is in their mouth and in their tails….and with them they do harm.” (Revelation 9:13-19)

The Greek word for mankind here is anthropos, or human beings, all of humanity. It’s not talking about an isolated portion of humanity or certain ethnicity, but all who are descended from Adam. As I am writing this, the world’s population is approximately 8 billion. I would estimate that at the time this conflict breaks out it will be 9 billion. One third equals 3 billion. Three billion people are going to die in this war. That’s staggering. WW2, the greatest war the world has ever seen had 50 million people killed. This war will kill 60 times that many!

You may be wondering about these “horses”. Horses, in the bible, are necessary sophisticated instruments to carry out war. Here, in Revelation, they are described as having power in their tails and destruction in the form of fire, smoke, and brimstone issuing from their mouths (heads). I think it’s quite probable John was seeing something impossible for him to describe – missiles-perhaps nuclear missiles. They are powered in their tails and spew destruction from their heads (warheads). Unless some new technology emerges, it’s hard to imagine 3 billion killed if it were non-nuclear. In case you haven’t noticed, the origination of this coming conflict (the Euphrates River) is made up of countries heavily armed with conventional and nuclear weaponry. The eyes of the whole world are currently focused on this volatile area.

You may also be wondering if this war is Armageddon, the final battle before Jesus sets up His Kingdom. It’s not. Armageddon is a localized war fought primarily in Israel over Jerusalem between the antichrist and his gathered armies and Jesus Himself. (Revelation 19:11-21) The destructive elements of Armageddon are earthquakes, huge hailstones, and the sword from Jesus’ mouth. The destructive elements of this world war 3 are fire, smoke and brimstone. And, it doesn’t take place solely in Israel, but starts in the area of the Euphrates river.

Make no mistake. A devastating, probably nuclear, war is coming to this planet. There’s no getting around it. This prophecy has 100% chance of soon occurrence. All of the countries surrounding the Euphrates are currently in turmoil with wars and rumors of wars. Included in that area are Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, along with the Persian Gulf basin countries such as Saudi Arabia.

This war will probably be the lead-in to the rise of the dominance of the antichrist. He will have no problem imposing his economic system on a war-torn world. He will most certainly have a receptive populace. “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands…. and they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21)

Saints, these are certainly not the most pleasant scriptures to talk about. But talk about them we must. Jesus did His best to warn us and prepare us for what’s coming in the years just prior to His return. Are you ready for World War Three ?

Maranatha, Jim

Have you made any deposits lately ? In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said this : “….lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20) What exactly did Jesus mean by ‘laying up treasures in heaven’ ? Unfortunately most of us concentrate on maximizing our earthly IRA’s so that we can, supposedly, enjoy years of retirement in relative ease. But, this pursuit of a fat IRA can become a snare that takes precedent over more important life issues. The larger it gets, the more attention is required to manage the assets; worry about stock market trends, interest rates, tax liabilities, etc. And yes, while rust and moths are no longer concerns as in Jesus’s day, many trends and bad investments can contribute to losses of these stored “earthly treasures”. Jesus said in the next verse; “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” If our focus is on heavenly treasures we will be in good stead for a rest that lasts for eternity rather than a few short years of earthly retirement. We need to be investing for the long haul; eternity in the Kingdom.

Many investors turn to gold as a hedge against catastrophe in their IRA’s. It is viewed by many as a more stable investment in the long term. But, Jesus said this about gold: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” (Revelation 3:18) So, we are advised to buy gold, but not physical gold from a precious metals broker, but gold refined by fire purchased from Jesus Himself ! How do we do this ? The following scriptures will provide clarity. “….you have been grieved by various trials, 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 1:6-7) “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 1:2-3) The genuineness of your faith will continually be tried and tested, but you will be encouraged by your growing treasure of wisdom and knowledge you have been ‘purchasing’ from Jesus and the Father. This comes and grows from study of His Word as you allow the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom, transforming and renewing your mind. All other attempts to accumulate and store up earthly treasures are transitory, at best, and ultimately futile, particularly in these 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 silver and gold 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) Not a pretty scenario!

So, continue to study your bible and allow your stores of knowledge and wisdom to accumulate freely, purchased from Christ Himself. Remember, that refinement of these treasures will come as your faith is tested, particularly in these last days.

It’s quite simple to acquire vast wealth as you make deposits in your ‘heavenly’ IRA.

Maranatha, Jim

If the following article is true, and I believe it is, this Nazi – type experimentation on live aborted babies is truly disgusting and must be stopped.

Officials Silent About Allegations Of Nazi-Level Experiments In Pittsburgh (thefederalist.com)

Sigh. The US is not far from severe punishment.

Matthew chapter 24 is Jesus’ detailed description of what the end times will look like. Included is this sobering statement: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Mt. 24:12)(NKJ). The word ‘love’ here is agape which means the ‘God-kind’ of sacrificial love present only in those who are in Christ. The Greek for ‘many’ is polos which actually means most or the major portion. What Jesus is clearly saying here is this; In the last days the love of most Christians will grow cold due to the deception of false prophets and wide-spread lawlessness. This is a staggering statement! He follows this up with the next verse “But he who endures to the end will be saved.”(Mt 24:13)

In my younger days as an incoming freshman at a challenging engineering college I listened as the Dean addressed the newcomers. He said “take notice of the person on your left and the person on your right. If you graduate four years from now, they won’t. That turned out to be more than true. Out of 55 students in my chosen discipline only 7 of us graduated. Now let’s think of Jesus’ statement. An astute Christian Pastor could say to his congregation ; “Take notice of the person on your left and on your right. If you, in spite of great deception and lawlessness, endure to the end when Jesus returns to gather you to Himself, they won’t.” Most Christians won’t make it!

Jesus, through the apostle John sent a letter to the local church at Ephesus. What He told them was that their first love had grown cold, just like He said will happen to the end-times church. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember, therefore, from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent. (Rev. 2:4-5)

Don’t let anyone deceive you. The last-days church is in for the greatest trial it has ever faced or will face again. We have all the tools we need to overcome and be victorious. Simply knowing that most professing Christians will fail the challenge should strengthen your resolve. Keep on studying your bible and growing in your faith. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!

Maranatha, Jim

The title above comes from a recent letter (letter 1oo) by catholic Archbishop Vigano detailing the rapid progress of the “great reset” taking place in our world. Nelson Walters provides commentary on his letter in the following video. It is quite startling: Deep State and Deep Church Conspire Together – NEW! Bishop Vigano Warning of Global Takeover – YouTube

Vigano’s letter can be read in it’s entirety here ; Letter #100, 2021, Tuesday, August 31: Viganò – Inside The Vatican His letter, of course, is uniquely catholic and quite long, naming a lot of names; definitely an interesting read .

Your take-away from all this should be the lateness of the hour from an eschatological standpoint and the realization that the only 100% reliable truth we can count on is the Word of God. The immense deception of the last days that Jesus warned us about is upon us. Don’t be deceived. Keep studying your bible. If you are, none of these things should surprise you.

Maranatha, Jim