Jim's Eschatological Info

If you’ve been following middle east news recently, the main story is the mushrooming move by Arab states to recognize and sign mutual cooperation accords with the nation of Israel. United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already signed such accords with up to nine others considering the same. These accords, brokered by the Trump administration, came suddenly and as a shock to most of the world. Particularly stunned were Israel’s avowed enemies such as Iran and Turkey, and especially the “Palestinians” (who are primarily Arab). While these events surely seem beneficial to those Arab nations and Israel, is there a down side ? Are these pacts referred to in the Bible ?

In Exodus, God, through Moses, warned Israel not to ever make a covenant with the people surrounding them (Isaiah 23:32, 34:12). He told them that He as their God was sufficient for all their needs and they should never rely on other nations – for anything. Historically, when they did just that, it did not turn out well.

Some prophecy teachers are pointing to these current events as a fulfillment of Isaiah Chapter 28. Many of these teachers on the internet and elsewhere are calling this the “Covenant with Death” in verse 15. I agree that these verses seem to be eschatological in nature, referring to a disastrous covenant entered into by Israel, perhaps in the near future. But, is this it ? I don’t think so. My current understanding is that these agreements are primarily political, social, and economic in nature. If they were military in nature, more than a non-aggression pact, also including a mutual defense treaty (like NATO), then I might believe Israel is entering her prophesied covenant with death. Of course, there is the possibility that these accords could develop into a mutual defense pact in the future-not good for Israel.

I would encourage you to read Isaiah 28 for yourself and continue watching for a near fulfillment of these scriptures. We certainly live in interesting times. Jim

I wrote a brief article on Turkey and its prophetic significance. I’ll link to it here and below for future reference. Let me know what you think. Jim

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1edZDz6Qd3aufE7vpjmLnmugfHSkirOvWxIAvC0bIvsQ/edit?usp=sharing

A brother in the Lord from Sweden by the name of Anders Gardenborn has painstakingly put together a manuscript on Bible chronology entitled “Bible Chronology For The Last Generation Christians”. It’s a work that reflects my general thinking concerning the timing of Jesus’ second coming. Interpreting Biblical prophesy, especially accurate chronology, is a difficult task requiring much effort. Anders has done his homework while relying heavily on Tim Warner’s groundbreaking chronology in his book “Time of The End”(available at Amazon). All dates are entirely Scripture derived, so no secular history dating is used. If you’re serious about studying Bible chronology so as to put a timeline on events leading up to the second advent, this manuscript will provide you with much to think about. And, yes, he does come up with a tentative date for our Lords return. But, always remember, this is prophesy, and all conclusions are fallible, so; keep watching.

https://masterdirigentensverk.se/PDF/Manuscript_BCL_v0.51_LR.pdf

I’m sure you’re all wondering what on earth is going on in our country and the world as well. It’s difficult to not be affected by the constant turmoil caused by Covid 19 restrictions, riots and protests in our cities, economic collapse, tense situations in the middle east, etc., etc. Well, relax, because it’s just the god of this world doing what he always does. Remember, he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whomever he can devour. He is the consumate liar and the father of lies. Jesus said he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This he is definitely doing. But, always keep in mind that we have the Holy Spirit residing within us giving us authority over the devil. We are promised that if we resist him he will flee from us. We must also remember that our battle (and it is a battle) is not with flesh and blood (rioters, politicians, dictators,etc.) , but against “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). These are battles we fight on our knees in prayer and our steadfast witness for Jesus and His coming kingdom.

I sincerely believe God is allowing these things as a wake up call to his people so that we can be prepared for the full wrath of satan when he is permanently cast out of heaven to the earth at the start of the “Great Tribulation”. Satan at that time will be allowed free reign to do as he pleases. He then has great wrath because he knows his time is short. We ain’t seen nothing yet ! Right now we are probably seeing ‘false contractions’, leading to the beginnings of birth pangs, followed by full labor -The Great Tribulation. Be strong in your faith. Stay tuned.

Jim

One of the main end-time events we are watching for is the formation of a ten nation confederacy that will support the coming antichrist. Most likely, one of them will be Libya as listed in Ezekiel 38:5. The recent “Arab spring” has been realigning the middle eastern countries surrounding Israel. You may have missed the news of what is transpiring in Libya currently. It is worth keeping abreast of the situation there as its future unfolds. The following update gives us a current perspective. https://www.faimission.org/wire/briefing-libya

The LGV is a literal translation of the New Testament by one of my favorite Greek scholars. It consists of the New Testament minus Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. These are forthcoming, as it is a work in progress. I think it is the best of the literal translations including Youngs. It is translated with notes acknowledging bible chronology that places us as the generation likely to witness end-time events leading up to Christ’s physical return. While the footnotes are valuable commentary, remember that translator bias plays a role, as in all translations. I’ve found his footnotes to be helpful when studying the NT. As of now, the LGV can only be accessed on-line here: http://www.4windsfellowships.net/LGV.html

I’ll provide a permanent link below, so you can always find it on this site. You’ll also find it enlightening to read the “preface”, “book order”, and “appendices”

I hope you have been studying Daniel chapters 7-12 with Dalton and Joel on the FAI app or FAI studios.com. By the way, if these links don’t work for you, both men have YouTube channels where all the teaching videos are posted. I’ve listened to the first eight of them and have been blessed and certainly learned some new things.

If you were a part of or listened to the Los Amigos study of Daniel, you may be noticing some differences. For example, I taught chapters 7 and 8 from a primarily future perspective with a past typology, whereas Joel teaches a primarily past or historical fulfillment. He may be right – time will tell. I love Dalton’s insights, but disagree with him as to the identity of the “restrainer” of 2Thess 2:7. I think it’s Michael, not the antichrist himself. I’m still mulling over the start of the 2300 days at the commencement of temple sacrifices. Interesting ! I need to point out that these differences I see are minor in nature and in no way take away from the valid scripture exegesis these men are displaying. I’m looking forward to the next eight studies. Jim

I’ve posted a link to another article dealing with proper bible study methods. I hope it will be a help to you as you study the Scriptures. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RywMeLReqO_QpiXpvfRRsWJdnui3xoksUqmwRB9Lixs/edit?usp=sharing

A revealing video for your information; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khbxJHNFueA

Another article that I wrote long ago deals with the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgements in the Book of Revelation. Virtually all bible commentators/scholars treat these as separate judgements on the world sequentially, as 21 chronological judgements in all. Because of obvious similarities, my approach treats the seals, trumpets, and bowls as describing the exact same events. As always, treat this as opinion, do your own research, and let me know what you think. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwI4djEBMGQSWHgySk5xYVdRSVBNZUs4OXlIMU9uaDNnQVpF/view?usp=sharing