So called preppers are people who materially strive to be self-sufficient during a natural disaster or societal breakdowns that lead to shortages of life’s physical necessities such as food, water, shelter, and all the other commodities we’ve become accustomed to in our daily lives. They typically store up large quantities of food, water, and all sorts of emergency supplies ranging from toilet paper to guns and ammo. Some even go off the “grid” completely, raising and preserving their own food. While it is a given that we all need to be prepared for short term emergencies such as power outages, extreme weather events, etc. just how much is practical and logical? Biblically literate Christians who comprehend the nearness of end-time prophecies have even more to consider, as they know of Jesus’ warning of great tribulation ahead and they are aware that they must “endure to the end”. So, what’s a Christian to do?

Some scriptural arguments for prepping include: Didn’t God tell Noah to prepare for a disastrous flood? Didn’t God tell Joseph to store up grain for seven years to prepare for coming famine? Of note in those cases is the fact that they were specifically God directed. What did Jesus say about this topic? “Therefore, I say to you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.” (Matthew 6:25). He went on to talk about how God supplies the birds and clothes the lilies and grass of the fields. He ended by saying: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34). Note that He didn’t say don’t prepare for tomorrow but that we shouldn’t worry about it. Worry here is the key word. If we’re prepping or not prepping, worry should never be a part of it! If Jesus is to be our example, He was one who was never concerned about where His next meal was coming from or where He was going to sleep. Each day, carrying out His father’s will was what mattered to Him. He taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread“.

So, what should the Christian position be knowing Jesus’ example and also that there is coming an imminent collapse of civilization as we know it taken over by the antichrist for at least 3 and 1/2 years? Concerning this great tribulation, Jesus told us to prepare by learning to avoid deception, avoiding lawlessness, and walking in His love. In other words, Jesus told us to prepare by heeding all His prophetic teaching that reveals the time of His coming and what conditions will be like at that time. Most importantly, the Holy Spirit will give us guidance in how to prepare, through the Word, by direct revelation, or other sources such as the two witnesses of Revelation 11. (Scroll down to read the important article on the two witnesses). If personal physical preparation is necessary, we will be given guidance at that time. God knows how to take care of His own.

But what should we Christians do now? I think the answer is simple. Common sense tells us that we should be prepared for emergencies of any cause. This is simply being responsible for care of our families. And we may be able to help a friend or neighbor who was not prepared for such difficulty. However, prepping materially in the extreme is not biblically called for. The only exception would be if God directs you. If you’re 100% sure the Holy Spirit is telling you to prep for a specific outcome, then by all means obey. God may be preparing you for a specific ministry during troubling times. Prepping should never be based on worry or fear of what’s coming. God’s fully in charge of what’s ahead and you can be confident He’s got your back in anything connected to your well-being.

Stay Alert, all God’s promises are yes and amen for you.

Maranatha, Jim

I’m sure that many of you, if you’ve had any exposure to basic physics, have heard of entropy. It’s a scientific principle contained in the 2nd law of thermodynamics. But did you know that this law is contained in the bible ? After an “aha” moment, I realized this was true, and decided to write an article about it. This link will take you to the article.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_50eM5Uh_WXnP-i-4X886ElwGTFq0WV2rSjLpTm0QmA/edit?usp=sharing

I’m also adding a permanent link below, so you can easily refer to it if necessary.

The short answer is; America as part of the western nations is at times indicated, but never mentioned directly. The American continents were, of course, unknown to biblical writers unless referred to indirectly by the Spirit.

Some modern prophecy teachers tend to opine about the US as the “eagle” who will protect Israel during the great tribulation. They refer to Daniels description of eagle’s wings being plucked from the back of a lion. The lion as they posit is England and the US the eagle which came out of Britain. This because the modern symbols of these two countries are the lion (UK) and the eagle (US). They then combine that with Revelation 12:14 where Israel is transported to safety during the tribulation on the “wings of a great eagle”indicating assistance from the US. This, however, is a huge stretch and mere opinion without objective scriptural support.

Another teaching from prophecy circles is that the US is “Mystery Babylon”. Or, perhaps, New York City or Washington D.C., might be the prophesied “woman riding the beast”. I believe this to be completely inaccurate (see the permanent link to Mystery Babylon article to find out her identity). However, there is some truth here in that many of Americas wealthy politicians and “merchants” are already part of the hierarchy of MB.

More directly the western nations are referred to by the biblical prophets collectively as far off “coastlands” or “sea lands” or “isles (islands)”. The Hebrew word is simply “ee” a far- off desirable land for gentiles. It is used 36 times in the Old Testament to describe far-off lands of the gentiles. Thus, if you live in the Americas, or actually any land far from the middle east, you can assume, when you see this word, that the prophecy/message is specifically for you.

These following passages typify prophetic references of the far- off gentile coastlands. The prophet Isaiah of the coming Messiah; “Listen, O coastlands to Me, and take heed, you peoples from afar……I will also give You as a light to the gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:1,6) Jeremiah says this: “Hear the Word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off…..” (Jeremiah 31:10) Concerning judgment, Ezekiel prophecies: “And I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 39:6) Jesus prophesied about His disciples thus; “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

There are enough indirect references to the Americas in scripture to indicate they are not exempt from any of God’s directives from preaching the Gospel to ultimate judgement and destruction. If you live in the Americas or even the far east such as China, God has specifics for you in His Word. Although much of coming prophecy is middle east centric, even if you live in these remote areas of the world, you can expect the effects of an antichrist world government and the resulting judgments from God to impact your livelihood. Be prepared. Be ready to endure to the end. Keep studying your bible that you might conform yourself to the example set by Jesus.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus’ words recorded three times in the gospels: “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, 24:13, Mark 13:13). The word translated “endures” is the Greek verb hupomeno, which means to persevere patiently. It is used 17 times in the New Testament while the noun form of the word, hupomone, is used 32 times. It is extremely important for Christians to comprehend precisely what Jesus is saying here as our salvation is involved. The implication is that if we do not endure, we will lose our inheritance in His kingdom. So, just what must we endure in these last days? Let’s let the scripture speak for itself.

The three verses that precede Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 24 say this; “and then many will be offended, will betray one another, and hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Clearly what we must endure according to these verses is the offensiveness, betrayal, and hatred shown to us by those around us, even those we may consider close friends or family. Also, we must be alert to the deception of false prophets and others who would lead us into lawlessness. The apostle Paul sums it up quite well for us in his letter to the Romans: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation (hupomone), continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:9-18). In a nutshell, that’s what it means to “endure”. Not that difficult, is it? Well maybe. It may get a little dicier.

We may be faced with enduring things much more severe in these last days. When describing the reign of the antichrist during the great tribulation our very lives may be on the line. “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; He who kills with the sword must be killed by the sword. Here is the patience (hupomone) and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10). Concerning the ‘mark of the beast’: “and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. Here is the patience (hupomone) of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:11-12). Fortunately, we do have a promise from God: “Because you have kept My command to persevere (hupomano), I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

Here’s some even better promises for those who endure to the end. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12). “Eternal life to those who by patient continuance (hupomone) in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.” (Romans 2:7). “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” (2Timothy 2:12).

For we who are Christians, enduring to the end is not an option. Thankfully, God has given us all the tools we need to succeed. We’re born overcomers. Stay alert. Continue in good works.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus: “Therefore when you see ‘the abomination of desolation‘ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15)

Jesus is clearly saying to us that there is a specific time coming (when you see) that all will see an object/event that takes place at the “holy place”. There is little doubt that this place is the very spot where the “holy of holies” stood on the temple mount in Jerusalem. This may or may not be a newly rebuilt Jewish temple.

So, just what is this abomination? The Greek word for abomination is “bdelugma“, defined as something God detests, specifically, idolatry. Further it’s idolatry that causes “desolation” or lays waste or despoils. Since Jesus referred us to the Book of Daniel, let’s go there for more info. Speaking of the appointed time of the end, Daniel says this: “And forces shall be mustered by him (beast-antichrist), and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.” (Daniel 11:31) “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.” (Daniel 12:11) A few things are obvious from these passages in Daniel. First this AOD takes place in the eschaton or last days-our future. The forces of the antichrist take control of the temple mount, ban traditional Jewish sacrifices, and ‘set up’ an idola trice symbol ‘placed’ in a holy spot. This action is facilitated by someone called the false prophet or the antichrists right hand man. (Check out my recent post “What can we know about the False Prophet of Revelation 13?”) In Revelation, this ‘beast from the earth’ will; “deceive those who dwell on the earth …. telling them to make an image to the beast (antichrist) …. he was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the beast to be killed.” (Revelation 13:14-15) So, the AOD is described here by John as an ‘image’ that can speak and require worship that is directed to the antichrist whom it represents.

The Apostle Paul also refers to the AOD: “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day (Jesus’s second coming) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2Thessalonians 2:3-4)

The setting up of this idolatrous image of the antichrist in the very spot where God’s presence has been manifested to Israel thru ought the centuries will indeed be an abomination to God. However, as this time period is ‘his time’ (antichrist’s), God will allow this to continue for 1290 days. This is the period Jesus called “great tribulation”, a time period that we will need to ‘endure to the end’.

The sign of the AOD is the most specific sign given to us to determine the time of Jesus return. It will be crystal clear to all and surely unmistakable when it occurs. We then will know that we have till the end of the great tribulation before our Lord comes in glory. We have ample scripture telling us it will be in ‘times, time, and half a time’, or three-and one-half years, or 42 months, or 1260 days. Are you prepared? Stay alert. Keep your lamps filled.

Maranatha, Jim

Due to the fact that this blog focuses on eschatology and exposits end time passages, skepticism, mockery, and derision are to be expected. However, comments so far have been largely supportive and complimentary. I believe that’s because the readership here primarily consists of those interested in end-time topics. As long as proper exegesis of scripture is presented minus wild speculation, I expect that will continue.

Peter had this to say about the last days; “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ “ (2Peter 3: 3-4) Notice here that they are focused on their own desires and not the things of God. Peter goes on to say that they forget that God has already judged mankind with a flood and has promised to do it again, but this time by fire. What they perceive as slowness on God’s part is His “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2Peter 3:9)

Christian pastors and teachers need to include comprehensive end-time teaching in their messages regardless of what scoffers may say. Jesus singled out those with teaching responsibility; “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Master will make ruler over His household to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Master will find so doing when He comes.” (Luke 12:42-43) “Due Season” is now! The food portion is teaching what the Spirit is telling them about these last days. We are currently living in the last days witnessing the “beginnings of birth pangs” Jesus spoke about.

The Epistle of Jude says this; “they (the apostles) told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 18-19)

We need to ignore the mockers and scoffers and prepare in every way for what’s soon coming. Jesus gave us abundant and clear signs and instruction. Let’s keep our lamps burning and filled with oil. The scoffers will eventually come to you for wisdom as end time events unfold.

Maranatha, Jim

I don’t think there is much question that Armageddon is the final battle of this millennium, ending with Christ’s return. It represents the final or 7th bowl of God’s judgment poured out on the armies of the world gathered in Israel to battle Jesus for control of Jerusalem. (Revelation 16:16-21) Also; (Revelation 19:11-21). Some of the characteristics of this battle are: an unprecedented earthquake, great hail from heaven, located in Israel just outside of Jerusalem, birds of the air feasting on the flesh of kings of the earth, and destruction coming from the Word Himself-Jesus.

In Ezekiel’s account, the Gog-Magog war also takes place exclusively in Israel (Ez. 38:16-18). Also, accompanying this war will be a massive earthquake (Ez. 38:19). And, yes, great hailstones (Ez.38:22). As in Armageddon, the Lord is the source of the gathered army’s destruction. Also, the birds of the air are gathered together and invited to gorge on the flesh of mighty princes of the world in God’s sacrificial meal (Ez. 39:17-20). These remarkable similarities cannot be ignored.

That Gog-Magog is the final battle (Armageddon) is further confirmed by these verses. Immediately after the battle; “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 on them So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” (Ez. 39:21-22). “And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel, says the Lord God” (Ez. 39:29). These verses clearly describe the ending of this age and the commencement of the millennial reign of Christ.

While many are focusing on Gog-Magog as an imminent war due to current events, it will not happen until the end of Daniel’s 70th week at the end of the antichrist’s reign of terror and what Jesus called “great tribulation”.

Maranatha, Jim

There is much discussion these days of just when is the “rapture” (resurrection of the righteous) in relation to other eschatological events. Evangelicals in particular, argue whether it will occur prior to Daniel’s 70th week (pre-trib), three and one half years into the week (mid-trib), somewhere during the final half of the week (pre-wrath), after the seven years are completed (post-trib), or some other nuanced timing. I think the bible is quite clear that Jesus will resurrect His church immediately following the 70th week – a post-trib event. Fortunately for us, the bible has several clear “when” verses so there need not be any doubt. Following is a list of these verses:

1. John 6:39-44, 11:24 Jesus will raise believers on the “last” day of this age. Last means last. The Greek word is eschatos which translated is farthest, final, or uttermost. The “When” here is clear.
2. 1st Cor. 15:52  When ? At the Last trumpet. Again, last here is eschatos. I believe this to be the trumpet of the 120th jubilee year from the fall. (Lev. 25:9)
3. 2nd Thess. 1:3-10 Saints are not given “rest” until (when) Jesus comes in judgment on the day of the Lord. See also Hebrews 4:1-8
4. 2nd Thess. 2: 1-4 Our gathering together unto Him cannot occur until great apostacy happens and the antichrist is revealed declaring himself to be god on the temple mount. The “when” here is the day of the Lord when we are gathered to Him.
5. 1st Cor. 15:23 The resurrection of Christians is when? At His coming (gr. parousia). Christs parousia is His glorious visible coming.
6. Mat. 24:29-31 Jesus had just spoken of “great tribulation”- the final three and one half years of Daniels seventieth week. He then stated when His coming would be when He would gather all His elect; “immediately after the tribulation of those days“. It doesn’t get any more precise then that!
7. Mat. 24:13 After Jesus tells His apostles all the signs of His second coming, He tells them that those who endure to the “end” will be saved. Here, end means- uttermost, final. The when is also quite clear in this passage – after all these things take place.
8. Rev. 20:4-6 The martyrs of the tribulation are raised in the first resurrection. When is the first resurrection? At the beginning on Christs millennial reign

These verses will help you when in discussion with other bible believing Christians.

Maranatha, Jim

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