Rumors of Iran, Israel, and war are everywhere you look in today’s news headlines, and for those with knowledge of bible prophecy, this should command immediate attention.

Why?

Because, when it comes to the end times, the bible has a lot to say about Israel and war with her neighbors.  In fact, Iran is specifically mentioned in this context…

2,600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel identified modern day Iran (Persia) as a key player in the last days Gog / Magog invasion:

“This is another message that came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws to lead you out to your destruction. I will mobilize your troops and cavalry and make you a vast and mighty horde, all fully armed. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. Gomer and all its hordes will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north and many others.’” Ezekiel 38:1-6 (NLT)

In addition, Psalm 83 identifies Syria as a land that will conspire to destroy the nation of Israel:

“‘O God, don’t sit idly by, silent and inactive! Don’t you hear the tumult of your enemies? Don’t you see what your arrogant enemies are doing? They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.’ This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you – these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites, Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot.”  Psalm 83:1-8 (NLT)

All that said, why should it matter that the prophets long ago identified these nations as end times enemies of Israel?

Because…

Through careful study of the scriptures, one can see today’s geopolitical landscape aligning itself for fulfillment of these very end times bible prophecies.  And, of course, in order to fulfill end times bible prophecies we must be in the end times, and the scriptures reveal that Jesus Christ will return as the final fulfillment of all end times prophecy.

So current events in the Middle East should serve as a reminder of Christ’s imminent return.

In fact, the Lord Himself expected his disciples to carefully examine the Word of God so as to be prepared for His return:

“So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42 (NLT)

Jesus went so far as to rebuke the Pharisees for not recognizing the signs of the times, for the religious leaders of His day had full knowledge of the prophecies of the Messiah, yet they still chose not to believe in Him:

“One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus’ claims by asking him to show them a miraculous sign from heaven. He replied, ‘You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow, red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You are good at reading the weather signs in the sky, but you can’t read the obvious signs of the times!’” Matthew 16:1-3 (NLT)

This passage reveals the expectation Jesus had for the people of His day.  He expected them to fully recognize and eagerly await the time of His first coming. Should we expect any less in regard to His second coming?  Without a doubt, he holds our generation to the same standard of accountability.

Because the Lord commanded us to be watchful, we need to pay careful attention to today’s headlines. 

Here’s a few recent ones:

Armies Drilling Nonconventional Attacks

According to the Jerusalem Post:

“Israeli soldiers from the Home Front Command and American soldiers from the Ohio National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force (CERF) have already begun drilling a scenario in which missiles with nonconventional warheads are fired at Israeli cities.  [Read more…]”

The 2006 Lebanon war illustrates the danger Israel faces from rocket attacks.  If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, the odds are good that Iran will supply terrorists on the Israeli border with the means to arm those rockets with chemical, biological, and/or nuclear warheads.

French FM: Israel Could Strike Iran

Also in the Jerusalem Post:

“The French foreign minister suggested that time was indeed short for a solution to the Iranian threat. ‘There is the time that Israel will offer us before reacting, because Israel will react as soon as they know clearly that there is a threat.’  [Read more…]”

Israel is adamant.  They will not allow a nuclear Iran.  Iran is equally adamant.  They will not disband their nuclear ambitions.  Something has to give, and the world will know sooner rather than later.

Armageddon Time

As part of an interview with Middle East experts Victor Davis Hanson and Robert Baer, Peter Robinson writes the following in Forbes:

“What is the probability that Israel will strike Iran within the next six months?  ‘Forty-nine percent,’ said Baer.  ‘I would say 50-50,’ Hanson replied.  The final observation: Iran would retaliate.  ‘Iran’s deterrent doctrine is to strike back everywhere it can,’ Baer explained. ‘We should expect the worst.’  Iran would attack American supply lines in Iraq and command Hezbollah to start a civil war in Lebanon. It would fire surface-to-surface missiles at every oil facility within range, wreaking devastation in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states while removing millions of barrels of oil a day from the world markets. The economy of the entire globe would suffer a paroxysm. The Middle East could descend into chaos. The U.S. would experience the worst crisis in decades.  [Read more…]”

If anyone doubts the seriousness of this situation, this article should serve as a wake-up call.

Iran Buys North Korean WMD for Syria, Midget Submarines for Both

From DebkaFile:

“On Oct. 20, DEBKAfile’s military sources disclosed that Syria, Iran’s second ally with an Israeli border, has decided to transfer one-third of its missile stockpile to the Hezbollah in Lebanon, topping up its arsenal with 250 medium-range surface rockets that can cover central as well as northern Israel, which was heavily blitzed in the 2006 war.  [Read more…]”

Just as Victor Davis Hanson and Robert Baer suggest, all reports seem to indicate that Iran is arming its allies and sponsored terrorist groups in preparation for a conflict with Israel.

All these headlines point toward impending disaster in the Middle East.

Israel will never allow another Holocaust of the Jewish people to take place.  Yet, Amadinejad and his fellow Islamic fanatics are determined to use weapons of mass destruction to eliminate the Jewish state forever.

To this end, Iran has funded terrorists groups like Hamas and Hezbollah on Israel’s borders.  They’ve armed them with sophisticated weapons, and given the chance, Iran will provide those same terrorist groups with nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.

If Israel does strike Iran, and the predictions of Victor Davis Hanson and Robert Baer prove true, Iran will strike back in every way imaginable.  In most cases, Iran will use proxy groups to retaliate so they can deflect as much international criticism as possible and play the role of an innocent victim.

In fact, reports that Syria has transferred “one-third of its missile stockpile to the Hezbollah in Lebanon, topping up its arsenal with 250 medium-range surface rockets that can cover central as well as northern Israel” may foreshadow the fulfillment of bible prophecy.

The prophet Isaiah warns of a day when northern Israel will lie in ruin, while Damascus, the world’s longest continuously inhabited city, ceases to exist:

“This message came to me concerning Damascus: ‘Look, Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted. Sheep will graze in the streets and lie down unafraid. There will be no one to chase them away. The fortified cities of Israel will also be destroyed, and the power of Damascus will end. The few left in Aram will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 17:1-3 (NLT)

Given the news reports, it’s easy to imagine a scenario in which Syria and Iran use Hezbollah as a proxy to launch WMD rocket attacks on northern Israel.  Such attacks would cause widespread devastation, and in all likelihood, Israel would respond in kind, not just against Hezbollah, but Damascus and the other terrorists havens of the region.

Of course, all of this speculation.  The exact scenario is not a foregone conclusion.   But at some point, Isaiah 17 will be fulfilled.  And browsing current headlines, it’s more likely now than ever before…

So does that mean the Forbes article right?  Is it “Armageddon Time”?

No.  Not yet.

The battle of Armageddon is not in the immediate future.  According to the end times timeline, several additional events must take place before the world’s armies gather at Armageddon.

But the recent rumors of war do constitute a definitive sign of the end times, and if war is on the immediate horizon, it’s possible we could soon witness the fulfillment of Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, and/or Ezekiel 38-39.

Remember the words of our Lord:

“Jesus told them, ‘Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.  And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.  Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.  But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”  Matthew 24:4-8 (NLT)

The end is yet to come, but current events in the Middle East constitute a bona fide birth pain signaling the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When He comes, let Him find us diligently engaged in His work…

Over 2,600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel foretold of a day when a coalition of nations would gather together to invade the nation of Israel.  Known as Gog and his hordes, this coalition will attack at a time when Israel is recovering from a recent war and residing in a relatively peaceful state.  Notice that this attack occurs “after the return of her people from many lands,” an indication that this attack will be directed toward the modern state of Israel (whose people have been re-gathered in just such a way), and is not a reference to a past war or a war in the distant future.

The details of this future battle are found in the Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 38 and 39:

“This is another message that came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws to lead you out to your destruction. I will mobilize your troops and cavalry and make you a vast and mighty horde, all fully armed. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. Gomer and all its hordes will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north and many others.’” Ezekiel 38:1-6 (NLT)

The nations cited by Ezekiel are each referenced here by the names of their Old Testament predecessors, yet they all represent nations which exist today. Centuries before Russia became a power on the world stage, biblical scholars identified Magog as the nation of Russia and Gog as the ruler of Russia. The other nations referenced in Ezekiel 38 are identified below, with the original Hebrew translation listed first, followed by its modern day equivalent:

Magog, Meshech, and Tubal = Russia
Persia = Iran
Cush = Ethiopia
Put = Libya
Gomer = Turkey
Beth-togarmah = Turkey, Armenia, and the Turkish-speaking people of Asia Minor

According to God, Russia will mobilize a coalition that includes these nations in “the latter days.”

It’s not surprising to see these modern day nations aligned against Israel.  After all, a significant number of Islamic radicals reside in each one of these countries, but while Russia, Iran, and Libya have a recent track record of antagonizing the West – and Israel in particular – the modern nation of Turkey does not.  In fact, Turkey is a member of NATO, a candidate for inclusion in the European Union, and is considered by many to be the world’s most successful Islamic democracy.  Its past relationship with Israel has been one of friendly cooperation.  Recent history simply does not indicate that Turkey has cause to attack Israel.

As a result, the question of Turkey’s complicity in the Gog/Magog invasion has baffled prophecy scholars until recent years, as many have had little reason to believe Turkey would join such a coalition.

Yet today’s headlines indicate a marked increase in friction between the nation of Turkey and its supposed ally Israel.  As Islamic radicalism has enjoyed political success in recent years, Turkey is becoming more and more anti-Western in its foreign policy.  And its hardline Islamic leadership’s shared disdain for Israel may well be the deciding factor which drives it into the arms of the Gog/Magog alliance.

Turkish Prime Minister: Israel Should Be Barred From UN

From the Jerusalem Post:

Turkey’s prime minister on Friday said Israel should be barred from the United Nations while it ignores the body’s calls to stop fighting in Gaza. ‘How is such a country, which does not implement resolutions of the UN Security Council, allowed to enter through the gates of the UN (headquarters)?’ Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.  [More…]

Why are most Islamic countries which don’t allow their own citizens to vote, allowed to cast votes in equal standing with other nations who respect freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and human rights?  Who is the UN to criticize Israel?

Rupture Feared in Israel-Turkey Relations

From WorldNetDaily:

Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip could affect its relationships with Turkey, impact U.S. Middle East policy and even push Turkey closer to Iran, which supports Hamas in Gaza, security experts say, according to a report from Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin.  Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decried Israeli action in the Gaza Strip, accusing the Jewish state of “perpetrating inhuman actions which would bring it to self-destruction.  Allah will sooner or later punish those who transgress the rights of innocents.” Although Turkey is a non-Arab Muslim nation, it has been one of Israel’s closest allies in the region.  [More…]

Although Israel and Turkey have long enjoyed a close relationship marked by cooperation, Turkey is now being driven into the arms of Iran – just as the prophet Ezekiel foretold 2,600 years ago.

Turkey’s Drift Away from the West

From the Jerusalem Post:

A decade ago, Western and Israeli leaders could count on Turkey as an ally. A solid NATO member, Ankara took decisions based on pragmatic calculations of interest - and erred on the side of caution if at all. But under the rule of the Islamic conservative AKP, this has changed.  In the face of Hamas rockets, Israel could have expected more understanding from a country long suffering from aggressive PKK terrorism. The vehemence with which Turkish leaders attacked Israel, and their apparent willingness to convey Hamas’ position to the United Nations, came as a surprise to many.  [More…]

The remainder of the article delves into Turkey’s reaction to the Russian invasion of Georgia, and its seemingly pro-Russia policy stance which is a stark change from the recent past.  Each of these articles is indicative of a trend which will one day see Turkey break rank with the West and join the Gog/Magog alliance against Israel.

Israel-Turkey Relations In Prophecy

From Michael Mickey at RaptureAlert.com:

We know it has to happen. In fact I’ve been writing that it’s going to happen for a long time. What am I referring to? A couple of things involving one end times player actually, but today I’m going to focus my attention on a side of the issue I really haven’t dwelt on much before and that is how the nation of Turkey, presently a member of NATO seeking to gain European Union membership, is going to go from being friendly with Israel to an enemy of Israel and ally of the Russian and Iranian-led confederacy of nations predicted to attack Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39 - the battle of Gog-Magog as we commonly refer to it. [More…]

As Michael points out, he and many others have been confidently proclaiming for some time that this day would come – the day when Turkey would join the already budding alliance between Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya.  Why could these people confidently proclaim such a thing?

It isn’t because they have psychic powers, but because the Word of God foretold it:

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.” 2 Peter 1:20 (NLT)

The prophet Ezekiel, moved by the Holy Spirit, revealed more than 2,700 years ago that, in the last days, a coalition of nations led by Russia would gather together to invade the regathered nation of Israel. When this happens, God will use this moment in history to display His glory to all the people of the world.  On that day, many eyes will be opened and many hearts will be transformed.

May glory and honor be given to His name forever and ever!

Britt

If you find this site helpful, please consider a donation to support this ministry.

The current Israeli incursion into Gaza has been a long time in coming.  Ever since Israel pulled out of Gaza, it’s been nothing but a breeding ground for Hamas and those seeking Israel’s annihilation.  But the real story in Gaza is not Hamas versus Israel, but Iran versus Israel (which is only a microcosm of Islam versus the rest of the world). 

In the end, the Gaza conflict is really a proxy war between Iran and Israel.  Why do I say this?  Because Iran has been arming Hamas, Hezbollah, and various other terrorist organizations for years for the express purpose of waging a proxy war against Israel.  Just as the United States and the Soviet Union fought proxy wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, we’re now seeing the same type of conflict erput between Iran and Israel.  Iran has too much to lose by directly confronting Israel.  War with Israel would be devastating to Iran and the power base of its radical Islamist regime.  So rather than attack Israel on its own, Iran is aiding and abetting others in their attacks – all the while, biding time for the day when Iran is strong enough to attack Israel in a more direct fashion.

As recent news reports suggest, Iran isn’t even trying to cover its tracks…

Iranian-Made Rockets Threaten 500,000 Israelis

From Bloomberg:

The Grad rocket, designed for attacking troops on the battlefield, has become the most effective means for Hamas to attack Israeli towns and cities far from the Gaza Strip.  With a top range of about 40 kilometers (25 miles) the unguided, Iranian-supplied Grad enables Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups to strike at more than a half-million Israelis, far more than the mortar shells and locally made Qassam rockets also fired from Gaza.  [More…]

By arming Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran is hoping to create a multi-front threat for the state of Israel.  While Iran is feverishly working to develop its nuclear program to full capacity, they’re also working overtime to strengthen the hand of these terrorist organizations surrounding Israel.  The Iranian hope is that in the event of an Israeli airstrike on its nuclear facilities, Iran can take a publicly pacifist approach, pressing its case before the UN in the face of “unprovoked Israeli aggression,” while attacking Israel from every side via its proxy armies of Hamas and Hezbollah.

As a result, look for a multi-front war to one day develop on Israel’s borders…

Rockets From Lebanon Threaten a 2nd Front for Israel

The Associated Press reports:

Guerrillas in Lebanon rocketed northern Israel on Wednesday for the second time in a week, drawing Israeli artillery fire and threatening to drag the Jewish state into a second front as it battled Hamas in the Gaza Strip. [More…]

Already, we’re seeing signs of a possible attack on northern Israel by Hezbollah.  Following the Israeli-Hezbollah war in the Summer of 2006, Hezbollah has been preparing itself for a resumption of hostilities with Israel.  Iran has been feeding advanced weapons to the terrorist group, increasing Hezbollah’s war-making capability significantly in the past three years.

Is it possible that Iran will use Hezbollah to create a second front for Israel in the Gaza war, the hope being that Israel will be too distracted to contemplate an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities?  This is certainly a possibility.  But other possibilities exist too.

One in particular may be overlooked by most of the world.  Perhaps Israel launched the Gaza war in order to downplay the likelihood of its willingness to carry out a major operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities.  What better cover for a surprise attack?  Perhaps the Gaza war is an Israeli created diversion launched to lull Iran into a false sense of security?

Maybe.  Maybe not…

Israel Ready to Strike Iran

From NewsMax.com:

Informed sources in Washington tell Newsmax that Israel indeed will launch a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities soon – possibly in just days as President George W. Bush prepares to leave office.  The reason: The time clock has begun to run out. Iran is close to acquiring a nuclear device under the control of its radical president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said in June that Iran would have a nuclear weapon in as little as six months.  That six-month period has passed.  [More…]

Israel has been clear from day one that they will not allow a second holocaust to take place.  Iran has been equally clear in its intent to develop nuclear weapons and use them against Israel.  Sooner or later, someone has to blink.

If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, and Iran responds by launching a proxy war, it could result in the fulfillment of bible prophecy.  Psalm 83 describes the very enemies which now surround Israel:

“They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.’ This was their unanimous decision.” Psalm 83:3-5 (NLT)

It also details who those enemies are:

“Yes, this was their unanimous decision.  They signed a treaty as allies against you – these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre.  Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot.”  Psalm 83:5-8 (NLT)

Below is a list of those nations and their modern geographical equivalents:

Edomites = Jordan / Parts of the West Bank
Ishmaelites = The Arab people
Moabites = Jordan / Parts of the West Bank
Hagrites = Jordan / The Arab people
Gebalites = Lebanon
Ammonites = Jordan
Amalekites = Southern Israel / Gaza
Philistia = Gaza
Tyre = Lebanon
Assyria = Syria / Parts of Turkey and Iraq
The Descendants of Lot = Jordan

Notice a pattern?  Lebanon, Gaza, and parts of the West Bank – Israel’s immediate enemies, all of whom are calling for her annihilation at this very moment in time.

Like it or not, their fate has been sealed:

“O my God, scatter them like tumbleweed, like chaff before the wind!  As a fire burns a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze, chase them with your fierce storm; terrify them with your tempest.  Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O Lord.  Let them be ashamed and terrified forever.  Let them die in disgrace.  Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.”  Psalm 83:13-18 (NLT)

Could we be on the verge of witnessing the fulfillment of Psalm 83?  It’s possible.  It’s also possible we’re merely witnessing the stage being set for the later fulfillment of God’s Word.

Regardless of what we’re now witnessing, the writing is on the wall for those who choose to see it.  The end times are upon us. 

Jesus Christ is coming soon.

Britt

If you find this site helpful, please consider a donation to support this ministry.

Much has been written about the last days and the end times just prior to the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But just how do these events fit together?  What is the chronology of events which will take place in the last days?  While the following timeline is by no means an exhaustive examination of the end times, my hope is that it will provide a summary overview of the sequence of major events set to take place during this time period:

1) The Rapture of the Church

In all likelihood, the next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church.  Loosely translated, the word ‘rapture’ means to ‘catch up’ or ‘snatch away.’  Prior to the Tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return in the clouds to gather all earthly believers unto Himself.  Paul revealed this event in his letter to the Corinthians:

“But let me tell you a wonderful secret God has revealed to us. Not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. It will happen in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies. And then we who are living will be transformed so that we will never die. For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (NLT)

Paul is clear in his statement that not every Christian will die.  Some will be transformed “in the blinking of an eye” before their earthly lives have come to an end.  But will this event happen before, during, or after the Tribulation?  The answer is clear when this passage is taken in context with other biblical passages.

When Least Expected

Jesus taught His disciples to expect His return at any moment, for no one can know the day of His coming:

“So you, too, must keep watch!  For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.  You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”  Matthew 24:42-44 (NLT)

The rapture will occur unexpectedly, much like a thief in the night.  This is consistent with the teaching of Jesus that no one will know the day or the hour of His coming:

“However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:36-39 (NLT)

If the return of Jesus to rapture His followers is a truly unexpected event which takes the world by surprise, then by definition most of the world can not be waiting in anticipation.  Therefore, the rapture must occur before the Tribulation.  Why?  Because once the numerous and specific prophecies concerning the Tribulation are being fulfilled in world events, most of the world will take notice.  The events of the tribulation will be so earth-shattering in nature, and the corresponding bible prophecies so clear, that a large portion of the world will come to anticipate the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

The Promise of Christ

Lest there be any doubt that the rapture occurs before the Tribulation, make note of this promise from Jesus Himself:

“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” Revelation 3:10 (NLT)

Jesus has promised to protect those who follow Him from “the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world.”  This time exists to test “those who belong to this world,” not those who belong to Him.  Therefore, God’s Word in all its consistency reveals that the rapture will occur before the Tribulation.

2) The War of Gog and Magog

The next event on God’s prophetic timeline is the War of Gog and Magog.  The leader of Russia will form a military coalition which includes the nations Iran, Libya, Ethiopia, and Turkey, and he will lead them against the nation of Israel.

“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army, and you will cover the land like a cloud. This will happen in the distant future. I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:14-16 (NLT)

God will display His glory to all the nations of the world by personally destroying this Russian military coalition.  This will happen either at the beginning of, or sometime before, the tribulation.  How do we know?  Because God tells us the nation of Israel will use the leftover implements of this war as fuel for seven years:

“Then the people in the towns of Israel will go out and pick up your small and large shields, bows and arrows, javelins and spears, and they will use them for fuel. There will be enough to last them seven years!”  Ezekiel 39:9 (NLT)

It seems unlikely that Israel will use these weapons as fuel during the Millennial Kingdom, since Jesus Christ will provide all the light and energy that is needed for daily living.  And since the tribulation leading up to the Millennial Kingdom lasts a total of seven years, it’s only logical that the War of Gog and Magog either takes place before the tribulation or else marks it beginning.

3) The Antichrist’s 7-Year Covenant with Israel

The Antichrist will reveal himself by confirming a covenant with the nation of Israel:

“He will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven” Daniel 9:27 (NLT)

The details and nature of this treaty are yet unknown, but many have speculated that in a bid for Middle Eastern peace, Israel will agree to rely on the Antichrist for its national defense.  It is generally accepted that the signing of this accord with Israel will mark the beginning of the Tribulation period.

4) The Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th Week)

As previously stated, the War of Gog and Magog either occurs at the beginning of the tribulation or signals its approach.  The tribulation is a period of seven years of turmoil and horror which will come upon the world.  The time period is also known as Daniel’s seventieth week, as the concept was laid out by God in the Book of Daniel:

“A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.” Daniel 9:24 (NLT)

This passage clearly states that a period of 490 years is allotted for the nation of Israel to accomplish God’s purposes.  It also reveals that 483 of those years have already passed:

“Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler – the Anointed One – comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.” Daniel 9:24-25 (NLT)

This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus Christ appeared 483 years after the command was given to rebuild Jerusalem.  The arrival of Jesus Christ fulfilled 69 of the prophetic 7-year periods outlined in the Book of Daniel, with one period yet remaining:

“After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end.” Daniel 9:26 (NLT)

This time period will also witness the 7 Seal Judgments (Revelation 6:1-17) and the 7 Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8:1-9:21)

Since the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the world has been living on borrowed time.  Once the rapture of the church puts an end to the “Age of Grace,” the final seven year period will begin.  This is widely known as the Tribulation, and it officially begins with the Antichrist’s confirmation of a covenant with Israel.

5) Global Government

During the Tribulation, the Antichrist will consolidate his power quickly.  All the nations of the world will soon fall under his authority:

“And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.” Revelation 13:7 (NLT)

In fact, not one person will escape the reach of the Antichrist and his governmental dominion:

“He required everyone – great and small, rich and poor, slave and free – to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.” Revelation 13:16-17 (NLT)

The Antichrist will have unprecedented control over the world’s financial transactions. He will have so much power that he will be able to determine on a case-by-case basis which individuals will be allowed to buy or sell anything.

6) Satan Thrown to the Earth

At the midpoint of the Tribulation period, a war will break out in heaven:

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon – the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world – was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has come at last – salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth – the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.’” Revelation 12:7-12 (NLT)

Traditionally, people have believed Satan resides in Hell, but Hell is actually his future destination.  Up until the midpoint of the Tribulation, Satan will continue to reside in Heaven.  The Book of Job confirms the assertion that Satan resides in Heaven, where he accuses mankind before the Lord, day and night:

“One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.”  Job 1:6 (NLT)

Many have often wondered why God allows evil to exist.  They fail to understand that we live in the midst of an epic spiritual war, pitting the forces of evil (Satan) against the forces of righteousness (Jesus).  To mankind, Satan’s rebellion is an event from the ancient past, but on God’s eternal timeline, it’s a relatively recent event.  Nevertheless, God will not tolerate Satan’s rebellion, and the ultimate victor in this war is clear.  Satan will lose, and his defeat in the battle for heaven will result in his being thrown down to earth.

This event will occur at the mid-point of the Tribulation, and it will mark a terrible time for those who live on the earth.

7) The Abomination of Desolation

Satan’s crushing defeat and subsequent fall to earth will coincide with another prophesied event – the abomination of desolation.  In fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, the Antichrist will enter the Jewish Temple and proclaim himself to be God. He will set up an image in the Holy Place and demand the world worship it:

“He will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. Then as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the end that has been decreed is poured out on this defiler.” Daniel 9:27 (NLT)

Jesus warned His disciples of this terrible event:

“The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” Matthew 24:16 (NLT)

And the apostle Paul also described this abominable act:

“He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)

The bible is clear that the abomination of desolation will occur at the mid-point of the Tribulation:

“The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” Daniel 9:27 (NLT)

8) The Jews Flee Israel

Following the abomination of desolation, the Jews will flee Israel:

“‘The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about – the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.’ (Reader, pay attention!) ‘Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again.’” Matthew 24:15-21 (NLT)

The Jewish people, the nation of Israel, will flee into the wilderness where God Himself will supernaturally protect them from a second holocaust at the hands of the Antichrist:

“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.” Revelation 12:6 (NLT)

The Jews who escape will remain under God’s protection for the duration of the Tribulation period, three and a half years.

9) The Mark of the Beast

As part of his nefarious system of self-worship, the Antichrist will establish a global financial system by which no one can buy or sell without his permission:

“He required everyone – great and small, rich and poor, slave and free – to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.” Revelation 13:16-17 (NLT)

The Antichrist and his followers will pay a hefty price for accepting the mark of the beast. The Bible tells us that ALL who accept the mark of the beast will face eternal judgment for their decision. The following verses reveal the consequences of this rebellion against God:

“Then a third angel followed them, shouting, ‘Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or the hand must drink the wine of God’s wrath. It is poured out undiluted into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 (NLT)

Acceptance of the mark is not a matter to be taken lightly. Anyone who accepts the mark denies Christ in favor of a false god. This decision, once made, is irrevocable, and the consequences are everlasting.

10) The Great Tribulation

The final three and a half years of the Tribulation will be known as The Great Tribulation, a time of unrivaled horror.  The 7 Bowl Judgments (Revelation 16:1-21) will take place during this time.  And the Antichrist, demanding the world worship him as if he were God Almighty, will institute a world-wide campaign to murder and destroy all those who worship the one true God.  This period is known as The Great Tribulation, and it comprises the final three and a half years of the seven year Tribulation:

“He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.” Daniel 7:25 (NLT)

“Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.” Revelation 13:5 (NLT)

“There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.” Revelation 12:14 (NLT)

“They will trample the holy city for 42 months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days.” Revelation 11:2-3 (NLT)

The bible is clear in stating that the Great Tribulation will occur in the last three and a half years before the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ.

11) The Appearance of the Two Witnesses

During this time, God will give power to two witnesses, who will prophesy throughout the Great Tribulation:

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in sackcloth and will prophesy during those 1,260 days. These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from the mouths of the prophets and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. They have power to shut the skies so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to send every kind of plague upon the earth as often as they wish.” Revelation 11:3-6 (NLT)

For 1,260 days, these two witnesses will prophesy to the world, and despite a plethora of enemies, no one will be able to harm them. During that time, they will have the power to end rainfall, turn the rivers and oceans to blood, and send every kind of plague upon the earth.

12) Babylon Destroyed in One Hour

In the last days, the City of Babylon will not only rise to worldly prominence once again, but it will face the judgment of God Almighty in a single day:

“Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day – death and mourning and famine.  She will be completely consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.  And the kings of the world who committed adultery with her and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains.  They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, ‘How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city!  In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.’”  Revelation 18:8-10 (NLT)

The merchants and kings of the world will mourn the destruction of this worldly city, which had been the apex of human rebellion.  The city of Babylon will become a city of unparalleled wealth and opulence, as well as a city of debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, sexual immorality, and every other sort of unholy abomination.  In the aftermath of its judgment, those who reveled in its sins will literally sob because of its loss.

13) The Death of the Two Witnesses

At the end of the Great Tribulation, when their testimony is complete, the two witnesses of God will be killed.  Their bodies will lie unburied in the main street of Jerusalem as the world celebrates its good fortune:

“When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them. He will conquer them and kill them. And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city which is called ‘Sodom’ and ‘Egypt,’ the city where their Lord was crucified. And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will come to stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. All the people who belong to this world will give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them.” Revelation 11:7-10 (NLT)

However, what happens next will strike fear in those who dare to celebrate:

“But after three and a half days, the spirit of life from God entered them, and they stood up! And terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice shouted from heaven, ‘Come up here!’ And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. And in the same hour there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake. And everyone who did not die was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” Revelation 11:11-13 (NLT)

Just as Jesus Christ rose from the dead after three days and three nights, so will His two witnesses be resurrected after three and a half days. The Book of Revelation tells us that terror will strike all those who are staring at them.

14) The Gathering at Armageddon

In the aftermath of Satan being thrown to the earth, mankind will attempt to cast off every restraint of God’s authority.  The evil demons under his command will convince the leaders of the world to gather together in order to do battle against God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ:

“And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These miracle-working demons caused all the rulers of the world to gather for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:13-14 (NLT)

The final gathering place for this battle will be a geographical location in the nation of Israel, known as Armageddon:

“And they gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place called Armageddon in Hebrew.” Revelation 16:16 (NLT)

It is here, at Armageddon, that the final human attempt at world government will come to an end.  In fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the statue which represents human government will be smashed by the supernatural.  The Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ will take its place, and it will never be destroyed.

15) The Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ

While gathered at Armageddon, rebellious humanity will witness the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ:

“For as lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:27 (NLT)

The appearance of Christ in the sky will be unmistakable to the people of this world.  As they gather to do battle with Him, Christ will take up their challenge and take on the entire human race:

“Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations, as he has fought in times past. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south. You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal. Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all his holy ones with him.” Zechariah 14:3-5 (NLT)

As the Lord’s feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, a giant earthquake will split the ground.  Jesus Christ will come in vengeance against His enemies, as the Commander of Heaven’s Armies.

16) The Birth of the Millennial Kingdom

Following His victory over the enemies of God, Jesus Christ will establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth:

“On that day the sources of light will no longer shine, yet there will be continuous day! Only the Lord knows how this could happen. There will be no normal day and night, for at evening time it will still be light. On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously in both summer and winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord – his name alone will be worshiped.” Zechariah 14:6-9 (NLT)

And the world will rejoice, because the world will finally be filled with peace and justice!

Source: An End Times Timeline

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I recently had the pleasure of appearing as a guest on Live with Jeff & Lee on KKMS 980 AM in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area. The main topic of the one hour interview was “Recognizing Signs of Christ’s Return,” but a number of subjects were broached, including molecular manufacturing. For those who want to listen to the interview, an MP3 can be downloaded by clicking here. Some of the topics addressed include:

Peter’s Prophecy
Israel’s Re-Emergence
The War of Gog Magog
General Signs of Christ’s Return
The Role of Molecular Manufacturing

and more…

I praise God for this wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel over the airwaves, and I encourage all of you to share this audio file with friends and relatives.

In the last days, the Bible tells us of a horrible series of events that will take place in the lands of Israel and Syria. One of these events is the disappearance of Damascus as one of the premiere cities in the world. The oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet, Damascus has witnessed at least 5,000 years of human history, and some historians believe the city actually dates back to the seventh millennium BC. In fact, Paul was on the road to Damascus when Christ first appeared to Him, an event that transformed not only his life, but the course of human history.

In the very near future, Damascus will once again play a major role in human events. The prophet Isaiah provides us with God’s commentary on a future conflict between Damascus and Israel, and in so doing, he reveals certain prophecies which have been partially fulfilled in the past. However, the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah 17 remains in the future. The current existence of Damascus, which will one day cease to be a city, as well as the historical absence of the coalition of nations prophesied to attack Israel and be destroyed by God, is proof that Isaiah 17 prophesies events yet future.

This is what God revealed to the prophet Isaiah:

“This message came to me concerning Damascus: ‘Look, Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted. Sheep will graze in the streets and lie down unafraid. There will be no one to chase them away. The fortified cities of Israel will also be destroyed, and the power of Damascus will end. The few left in Aram will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 17:1-3 (NLT)

These opening verses paint a bleak picture. The city of Damascus will become a heap of ruins, utterly destroyed. Few, if any, buildings will be left standing. The once great city will be devoid of human life and will become home to all manner of wildlife in the absence of humans to chase them away.

According to these verses, the cities of Aroer, which are located on the northern bank of the Arnon River just east of the Dead Sea, will also be deserted. However, the passage doesn’t say they will be destroyed in the same manner as Damascus, just that they will be deserted. It may be that people simply flee these cities out of fear.

In addition, many of the fortified cities in northern Israel will also be destroyed. Those few who remain in Aram, 38 miles south southeast of Damascus, will share the fate of these northern Israeli cities.

“‘In that day the glory of Israel will be very dim, for poverty will stalk the land. Israel will be abandoned like the grain fields in the valley of Rephaim after the harvest. Only a few of its people will be left, like the stray olives left on the tree after the harvest. Only two or three remain in the highest branches, four or five out on the tips of the limbs. Yes, Israel will be stripped bare of people,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel.” Isaiah 17:4-6 (NLT)

The breadth and scope of destruction is clearly illustrated as God describes the Israeli landscape as stripped bare of people. Only a small fraction of people either choose to stay in the land or else survive what is a massive holocaust, leaving only a few inhabitants who struggle in poverty.

“Then at last the people will think of their Creator and have respect for the Holy One of Israel. They will no longer ask their idols for help or worship what their own hands have made. They will never again bow down to their Asherah poles or burn incense on the altars they built.” Isaiah 17:7-8 (NLT)

As a result of this event, the people of Israel will once again turn to God Almighty. Currently, the nation of Israel is predominantly secular in nature. Other biblical passages infer that this will change as the prophesied rebuilding of the Temple in the last days indicates a spiritual resurgence among the Jews of Israel. Nevertheless, this passage clearly indicates the people of Israel will turn away from all false idols and gods.

Knowing that this will happen, we must ask: why does it happen? The answer is found in the verses that follow:

“Their largest cities will be as deserted as overgrown thickets. They will become like the cities the Amorites abandoned when the Israelites came here so long ago. Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you – the Rock who can hide you. You may plant the finest imported grapevines, and they may grow so well that they blossom on the very morning you plant them, but you will never pick any grapes from them. Your only harvest will be a load of grief and incurable pain.” Isaiah 17:9-11 (NLT)

The devastation that overshadows Israel will come about because Israel has “turned from the God who can save them.” All the hard work performed prior to this event will be lost. Those who have been distracted by the things of this world will be disappointed, for they have forgotten God, and by putting faith in the things of this world, they will ultimately be disappointed. Their only harvest will be “a load of grief and incurable pain.” This grief will be brought to a climax when, in the midst of their suffering, the nation of Israel faces an imminent invasion:

“Look! The armies rush forward like waves thundering toward the shore. But though they roar like breakers on a beach, God will silence them. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind or like dust whirling before a storm. In the evening Israel waits in terror, but by dawn its enemies are dead. This is the just reward of those who plunder and destroy the people of God.” Isaiah 17:12-14 (NLT)

While Syria and Israel lie in ruin, the enemies of Israel will view her suffering as an opportunity to invade, their ultimate goal to destroy her forever. However, God has a different plan in mind, and He will destroy these invaders Himself. A more in depth illustration of this attack is foreseen in Psalm 83:

“O God, don’t sit idly by, silent and inactive! Don’t you hear the tumult of your enemies? Don’t you see what your arrogant enemies are doing? They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.’ This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you – these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites, Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Do to them as you did to the Midianites or as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River. They were destroyed at Endor, and their decaying corpses fertilized the soil. Let their mighty nobles die as Oreb and Zeeb did. Let all their princes die like Zebah and Zalmunna, for they said, ‘Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God!’ O my God, blow them away like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind! As a fire roars through a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze, chase them with your fierce storms; terrify them with your tempests. Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Make them failures in everything they do, until they learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.” Psalm 83 (NLT)

So how do we know that Psalm 83 describes the same scene envisioned in Isaiah 17? Let’s compare the two. Here’s how the intentions of Israel’s enemies are described:

Plunder & Destruction
“This is the just reward of those who plunder and destroy the people of God.” Isaiah 17:14 (NLT)

Destruction
“They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.’ This was their unanimous decision.” Psalm 83:3-5 (NLT)

Plunder
“for they said, ‘Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God!” Psalm 83:12 (NLT)

Here’s how the fate of Israel’s enemies are described:

“They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind or like dust whirling before a storm.” Isaiah 17:13 (NLT)

“O my God, blow them away like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind!” Psalm 83:13 (NLT)

From the description of their fate alone, it is reasonable to conclude that the armies of Isaiah 17:12 are the same nations who sign a treaty against the Lord in Psalm 83:5-8. Below is a list of those nations and their modern geographical equivalents:

Edomites = Jordan / Parts of the West Bank
Ishmaelites = The Arab people
Moabites = Jordan / Parts of the West Bank
Hagrites = Jordan / The Arab people
Gebalites = Lebanon
Ammonites = Jordan
Amalekites = Southern Israel / Gaza
Philistia = Gaza
Tyre = Lebanon
Assyria = Syria / Parts of Turkey and Iraq
The Descendants of Lot = Jordan

By studying the geographical history of these ancient people and places, we can uncover which nations they currently compose. According to Psalm 83, in the aftermath of the destruction of northern Israel and Damascus, Israel will be invaded by armies from Jordan, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. All of these locations are heavily populated by the enemies of Israel today.

An Expanding War?

But are the nations cited in Psalm 83 the only nations involved in this attack? It’s quite possible that additional conspirators are named in the Book of Ezekiel. Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83 might well foreshadow the war of Gog and Magog.

In Ezekiel 38-39, an enormous coalition of nations, “a vast and awesome horde” – will roll down on Israel “like a storm and cover the land like a cloud” Ezekiel 38:9 (NLT). This prophesied future war in Ezekiel has many similarities to Isaiah 17:12-14. Both prophets foresee a time when enemy armies rush toward Israel while she awaits unprepared. Both prophets foresee God’s instantaneous destruction of Israel’s enemies. And in both scenarios, the marching armies intend to plunder and destroy the people of Israel:

Destruction
“You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence!” Ezekiel 38:11 (NLT)

Plunder
“But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Who are you to rob them of silver and gold? Who are you to drive away their cattle and seize their goods and make them poor?’” Ezekiel 38:13 (NLT)

Plunder & Destruction
“This is the just reward of those who plunder and destroy the people of God.” Isaiah 17:14 (NLT)

Could the events predicted in Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83 be a catalyst for the war of Gog and Magog prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39? Although it is not a certainty, the possibility can not be completely ruled out.

Today’s Headlines

Looking at today’s geopolitical landscape, it’s not difficult to envision the scenario outlined in Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83. Syria has been adamant in its demand that Israel surrender the Golan Heights, threatening war if Israel fails to comply. Meanwhile, the summer 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah has apparently convinced leaders in Damascus that Syria can be victorious in a conflict with Israel by simply overwhelming the tiny nation with rocket attacks. From a greater perspective, it has convinced the entire Islamic world that Israel isn’t the militarily invincible nation they once thought.

Syria’s rocket technology is far more advanced than that deployed by Hezbollah, and Syria is known to possess chemical weapons, including the highly lethal VX and Sarin gases. If Syria miscalculates and attacks Israel with these weapons, the Israeli response will be swift and devastating. Israel is armed with nuclear weapons, and if its survival is put in question, it will not hesitate to use them.

If this happens, a mortally wounded Israel will become an irresistible target for her enemies. The surrounding Muslim nations will see an opportunity to destroy her, while Russia will see an opportunity to seize the upper hand in the oil rich Middle East.

Today, the most virulent enemies of Israel reside in the very places named in Psalm 83 – Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinians in the West Bank and Jordan, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Syria leadership and its Axis of Evil partners in the city of Damascus.

As of this writing, the conditions are ripe for the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83, paving the way for the rapture of the church and the beginning of the tribulation. In light of such developments, we should zealously preach the Gospel of Christ to all who will listen. For the hour is late, and the return of Christ is near.

Source: Isaiah 17: Destruction of Damascus

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The Bible warns of a future time when the nation of Israel will be surrounded by its enemies, with no allies to come to its defense. The prophet Ezekiel revealed more than 2,700 years ago that, in the last days, a coalition of nations led by Russia would gather together to invade Israel. When this happens, God will use this moment to display His glory to all the people of the world. The details of this future battle are found in the Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 38 and 39:

“This is another message that came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws to lead you out to your destruction. I will mobilize your troops and cavalry and make you a vast and mighty horde, all fully armed. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. Gomer and all its hordes will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north and many others.’” Ezekiel 38:1-6 (NLT)

The nations cited in the verses above are associated with their Old Testament predecessors, but they all represent nations that exist today. Long before Russia became a world power, biblical scholars identified Magog as the nation of Russia and Gog as the ruler of Russia. The other nations referenced above are identified below, with the original Hebrew listed first, followed by its modern English equivalent:

Magog, Meshech, and Tubal = Russia
Persia = Iran
Cush = Ethiopia
Put = Libya
Gomer = Turkey
Beth-togarmah = Turkey, Armenia, and the Turkish-speaking people of Asia Minor

According to God, Russia will mobilize a coalition that includes these nations in the last days.

“Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be lying in peace after her recovery from war and after the return of her people from many lands. You and all your allies – a vast and awesome horde – will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.” Ezekiel 38:7-9 (NLT)

The Russian coalition, “a vast and awesome horde” will attack the land of Israel. This will happen at a time when Israel is recovering from a recent war and residing in a relatively peaceful state. Notice that this attack occurs “after the return of her people from many lands,” an indication that this attack will be directed toward the modern state of Israel (whose people have been re-gathered in just such a way), and is not a reference to a past war or a war in the distant future.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence! I will go to those once-desolate cities that are again filled with people who returned from exile in many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder and take many slaves, for the people are rich with cattle now, and they think the whole world revolves around them!’ But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Who are you to rob them of silver and gold? Who are you to drive away their cattle and seize their goods and make them poor?’” Ezekiel 38:10-13 (NLT)

Prior to this attack, Israel will be “an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages.” In the days of Ezekiel, it was unheard of to build a city without walls, a certain invitation for invasion by a foreign power. But in this modern era of warfare, walls do little to repel an invading force. So just as Ezekiel said, Israel will be a land of “unwalled villages.” Once again, this attack is referenced as taking place against “those once-desolate cities that are again filled with people who returned from exile in many nations” – yet another indication that modern day Israel is the target of Gog’s invasion.

However, we learn that several nations question the impending invasion – Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish. Sheba and Dedan represent the modern nations of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Tarshish can only be translated as southern Spain, but may well represent the Western democracies.

“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army, and you will cover the land like a cloud. This will happen in the distant future. I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:14-16 (NLT)

Again, God reiterates that Russia will invade Israel in the last days, covering the land like a cloud with its armies. The entire world will watch on the edge of their seats, none lifting a hand to help Israel. It is at this moment that God will make himself known to the nations. He will utterly destroy this invading force while all the world watches, and everyone will know that He is Lord.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You are the one I was talking about long ago, when I announced through Israel’s prophets that in future days I would bring you against my people. But when Gog invades the land of Israel, says the Sovereign Lord, my fury will rise! For in my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day. All living things – all the fish, birds, animals, and people – will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth. I will summon the sword against you throughout Israel, says the Sovereign Lord. Your men will turn against each other in mortal combat. I will punish you and your hordes with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! Thus will I show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord!” Ezekiel 38:17-23 (NLT)

The invasion of Israel will trigger an earthquake so strong every living creature on the face of the earth will tremble in God’s presence. The invading armies will be totally annihilated. God will cause them to turn on each other while striking them with plagues, torrential rain, hail, fire, and burning sulfur. As a result of this awesome display, the world will wake up to God’s existence. No longer will people be able to deny the existence of the Almighty, for it will be abundantly clear who intervened to save Israel.

“Son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am your enemy, O Gog, ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you and drive you toward the mountains of Israel, bringing you from the distant north. I will knock your weapons from your hands and leave you helpless. You and all your vast hordes will die on the mountains. I will give you as food to the vultures and wild animals. You will fall in the open fields, for I have spoken, says the Sovereign Lord. And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 39:1-6 (NLT)

Not only will the hordes of Gog be struck down by the God of Israel, but their dead bodies will become food for vultures and wild animals.

“Thus, I will make known my holy name among my people of Israel. I will not let it be desecrated anymore. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. That day of judgment will come, says the Sovereign Lord. Everything will happen just as I have declared it.” Ezekiel 39:7-8 (NLT)

God has made it definitively clear that this judgment against Gog will happen just as He has said. He will no longer tolerate the desecration of His nation, and at a time unknown to us, this event will occur just as He has promised.

“Then the people in the towns of Israel will go out and pick up your small and large shields, bows and arrows, javelins and spears, and they will use them for fuel. There will be enough to last them seven years! They will need nothing else for their fires. They won’t need to cut wood from the fields or forests, for these weapons will give them all they need. They will take plunder from those who planned to plunder them, says the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 39:9-10 (NLT)

When God strikes down the enemies of Israel, their weapons of war will litter the landscape of the Holy Land. The people of Israel will use these weapons as fuel for a period of seven years, meaning Gog’s invasion will take place at the beginning of the Tribulation or at some point before it begins.

“And I will make a vast graveyard for Gog and his hordes in the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. The path of those who travel there will be blocked by this burial ground, and they will change the name of the place to the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. It will take seven months for the people of Israel to cleanse the land by burying the bodies. Everyone in Israel will help, for it will be a glorious victory for Israel when I demonstrate my glory on that day, says the Sovereign Lord. At the end of the seven months, special crews will be appointed to search the land for any skeletons and bury them, so the land will be made clean again. Whenever some bones are found, a marker will be set up beside them so the burial crews will see them and take them to be buried in the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. (There will be a town there named Hamonah – which means ‘horde.’) And so the land will finally be cleansed.” Ezekiel 39:11-16 (NLT)

The destruction of these invading armies will be so vast it will change the topography of the land. So many dead bodies will litter the landscape that it will take seven months to bury all the dead, even with the help of every citizen in Israel!

“And now, son of man, call all the birds and wild animals, says the Sovereign Lord. Say to them: Gather together for my great sacrificial feast. Come from far and near to the mountains of Israel and there eat the flesh and drink the blood! Eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of princes as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and fat young bulls of Bashan! Gorge yourselves with flesh until you are glutted; drink blood until you are drunk. This is the sacrificial feast I have prepared for you. Feast at my banquet table – feast on horses, riders, and valiant warriors, says the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 39:17-20 (NLT)

God will call the birds and wild animals of the earth to feast upon the dead bodies of Israel’s enemies. His purpose is nothing less than to make Himself known to, and display His glory among, the nations of the world.

“Thus, I will demonstrate my glory among the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power I have demonstrated. And from that time on the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God. The nations will then know why Israel was sent away to exile – it was punishment for sin, for they acted in treachery against their God. Therefore, I turned my back on them and let their enemies destroy them. I turned my face away and punished them in proportion to the vileness of their sins.” Ezekiel 39:21-24 (NLT)

The nations will acknowledge the God of Israel as the one true God.

“So now the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on Israel, for I am jealous for my holy reputation! They will accept responsibility for their past shame and treachery against me after they come home to live in peace and safety in their own land. And then no one will bother them or make them afraid. When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, my holiness will be displayed to the nations. Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God – responsible for sending them away to exile and responsible for bringing them home. I will leave none of my people behind. And I will never again turn my back on them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon them, says the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 39:25-29 (NLT)

The Spirit of the Lord (the Holy Spirit) will be poured out on the people of Israel, and never again will the Lord turn His back on them. All of this will happen in the last days.

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The rebirth of Israel as an independent nation in 1948 is one of the most significant events in world history. Never before has an entire race of people been without a homeland for so long without assimilating into surrounding populations. However, no other conquered race had the promise of God to “give all this land of Canaan to you and to your offspring forever.” Genesis 17:8 (NLT)

The scriptures prophesied that Israel would be dispersed among the nations then brought out from among them in a gradual process that would culminate in the establishment of Israel as a nation in a single day. And that’s exactly what happened. The Bible also foretold the exact year in which this would happen. Those who study the Word of God recognize the restoration of Israel as the primary sign of the end of the age. Jesus promised the generation that witnessed this event would also witness His return. Matthew 24:34 (NLT)

Long ago the Bible predicted these events would transpire in the last days:

1) The gathering of the Jews into their homeland
2) The rebirth of Israel in a single day
3) The rebirth of Israel in the year 1948
4) Israel’s possession of Jerusalem
5) The nations of the earth aligned against Israel
6) The war of Gog / Magog
7) The rebuilding of the Jewish Temple

Five of these seven prophetic events have already been fulfilled, and the final two are certain to follow.

The Gathering of the Jews

Numerous biblical prophecies foretold of the re-gathering of Israel as a nation. Approximately 2,700 years ago, God revealed to the prophet Ezekiel a “Valley of Dry Bones” (Ezekiel Chapter 37). God spoke of these bones (the Jews) gathered together and covered with flesh and muscles (re-gathered from the nations) with life being breathed into them (a dead nation brought to life once again).

“Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones – all hope is gone.’ Now give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:11-13 (NLT)

Beginning in the late 19^th Century, the birth of the Zionist movement culminated in the gradual emigration of Jews from all over the world to resettle the land of Israel. Each decade the number of returning Jews increased, until finally the nation of Israel came to life once again in 1948.

Israel Becomes a Nation in a Single Day

God foretold long ago that after He brought His scattered people out from among the nations, He would declare them to be a nation in a single day:

“‘Who has ever seen or heard of anything as strange as this? Has a nation ever been born in a single day? Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment? But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin, the baby will be born; the nation will come forth. Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth and then not deliver it?’ asks the Lord. ‘No! I would never keep this nation from being born,’ says your God.” Isaiah 66:8-9 (NLT)

This is exactly what happened on May 14, 1948. Having been brought to the brink of extinction by the horrors of the Holocaust, facing persecution around the world, and surrounded by their enemies, the Jewish people gathered together in Israel and declared themselves a nation in a single day. The United States recognized Israel as a nation on that same day, and Israel’s victories in the wars since have solidified their place among the nations of the world.

Israel an Object of Scorn in the Last Days

The prophet Zechariah noted the following would be true of Israel in the last days:

“I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world. None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed.” Zechariah 12:2-3 (NLT)

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 has been accompanied by constant war and conflict with surrounding Muslim nations. The main focus of world attention today concerns Israel’s relationship with its neighbors. Just as God foretold, Israel has become a “burdensome stone” for the world’s political leaders. The majority of the Islamic countries surrounding Israel have made it clear their primary goal is the destruction of Israel. However, God has made it clear that Israel is here to stay.

The War of Gog/Magog

In the last days, Russia and a coalition of Muslim nations led by Iran will gather a horde of armies together in an effort to wipe Israel off the map. Israel will appear defenseless in the face of this massive invasion force with none of its worldly allies willing to come to its defense. However, God is Israel’s greatest ally, and He vows to make his presence known to the entire world by supernaturally destroying the armies arrayed against Israel:

“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army, and you will cover the land like a cloud. This will happen in the distant future. I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:14-16 (NLT)

The Third Temple

In the last days, the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. The Temple will then be desecrated in an act known as the “abomination of desolation”. Both the prophet Daniel and Jesus refer to this act as a clear signal of the beginning of the Great Tribulation and the identity of the Antichrist.

“The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” Matthew 24:15 (NLT)

This event, which will occur three and a half years into the Tribulation, will trigger the Great Tribulation, a time of unimaginable horror for the human race. Following this time period, Jesus will return triumphantly to establish His Millennial Kingdom.

Why All This is Important

Jesus told his disciples the primary sign of His soon return would be the restoration of Israel:

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its buds become tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know without being told that summer is near. Just so, when you see the events I’ve described beginning to happen, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I assure you, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.” Matthew 24:32-35 (NLT)

The fig tree Jesus refers to is Israel. It’s been six decades since Israel was once again declared a nation against all worldly odds. Jesus promised that the generation which witnessed fulfillment of this prophecy would not die off until all the things of which he spoke came to pass. Given the past credibility of the Bible and God’s Son Jesus Christ, we should fully expect these events to come to pass. What this means is that Jesus is going to return soon, within this generation. A wise person will prepare accordingly.

Source: The Rebirth of Israel

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Since coming to power, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been fascinated with the coming of the “12th Imam,” also known as “the Mahdi,” a messianic figure in Shiite Muslim eschatology. A recent series of Iranian television programs on the subject have highlighted characteristics of this man whose coming they say will lead to “liberal democratic civilization” being relegated to the “history museums”.

Many leaders throughout history have held strange beliefs, but what makes Ahmadinejad and the Iranians so different is their preoccupation with this Islamic apocalyptic scenario and their professed belief in bringing it about. As Iran gets closer to the acquisition of nuclear weapons, the probability of conflict with Israel and the United States increases accordingly. Ahmadinejad has told the world repeatedly that he will personally aid in the appearance of the Mahdi on the world scene by instigating the very global conflagration he believes will set the stage for the end times.

According to Shiite Muslim tradition, the Mahdi will lead a one-world government featuring himself as dictator. He will usher in peace and prosperity for a period of 7 years, culminating in the end of the world and final judgement. Ironically, the Bible describes a similar figure known as the Antichrist who will lead a one-world government featuring himself as dictator. He will rule for 7 years until Christ returns to earth and pronounces final judgment. Also of notable coincidence is that the Bible predicts that the Antichrist will rise to power sometime in the aftermath of the War of Gog/Magog, an attack against Israel featuring Russia, Iran, and a coalition of Arab Muslim nations.

As Christians, we should be paying close attention to the events unfolding in Iran and the Middle East. Whether or not these events are the prophesied War of Gog/Magog, we should take this opportunity to share what the Bible says with our friends and neighbors.

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