Of course, God has written the Bible (through men lead by the Holy Spirit) in a way that makes it impossible to have a clear and complete understanding, unless God himself gives us direct revelation as to the Bible's understanding and timing of events. Even a genius like Einstein cannot understand the Bible unless God opens Einstein's eyes and gives him understanding. Of course Jesus praised God in heaven, saying "you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children". We know that God stands opposed to the wisdom of men, and this is likely why he would choose to "frustrate" and "destroy" the world's educated and powerful.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
What we see in the news are more reports of connections between nations like Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, China, and on and on who writers like me believe are going to launch a massive attack -- pre-ordained by God -- on the nation of America, thus fulfilling prophecies from the Book of Revelation about the destruction of Mystery Babylon the Great.
Many believers have long guessed that Mystery Babylon the Great represented the Roman-Catholic church and the lies that it has brought into the Christian faith. However, there are a growing number of believers alive today who feel that Mystery Babylon the Great is going to prove to be New York City. And instead of falling at the end of God's Time of Wrath (a.k.a, the "Seven Year Tribulation") it is likely to fall at the beginning of the Time of Wrath.
If NYC is Mystery Babylon the Great, Revelation reports it falling in "one day and one hour" and destroyed by fire, when the beast (the beast kingdom of the anti-christ) launches what appears to be a surprise attack (Revelation 17 and 18). If NYC falls in this fashion, it's easy to conclude that the rest of America is quickly going to follow.
Especially if this is judgment from God, when God begins his prophesied judgments on the nations of the world.
I think it likely that these things will continue along this scale, until the "restrainer" is removed, as told to us by the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2.
| 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 - Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. |
Look at the line of scripture underlined in the passage above. The Bible tells us that there is essentially a restraining force that is holding back Satan from being poured out on the world. This restrainer, which is holding back the forces of Satan, is likely what is keeping things relatively calm in the world right now.
However, when God removes the restrainer, I think it likely that this will be when the 4th seal of Revelation 6 is opened, and essentially all Hell is going to be let loose on planet earth.
| Isaiah 66:3-4 - "...They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations; so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me." |
The King James version of the Bible, says, "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them."
The magnitude of this verse is frightening. God essentially tells mankind that he knows our greatest fears... and he is going to make these fears a reality. In Revelation we're told that people will seek death, but God will prevent them from being able to find it.
How is that for a glimpse into the punishment that awaits people in Hell?
When I compare chapter six of Revelation with other chapters in Revelation, it seems that the "Seven Year Tribulation" that the world is waiting for is going to start when the 4th Seal is opened (Rev. 6:7).
Please note that when I use terms like "hour of judgment", "Time of Wrath", and "Seven Year Tribulation", I'm describing the same period of time. These are terms either used in the Bible (hour of judgment and time of wrath) or commonly used by other Christians (seven year tribulation).
According to the Bible, when the 4th Seal is opened, a quarter of the world's population is going to be killed by war, famine, plague, and wild beasts. This is how I believe the seven year Tribulation is going to begin.
Though demons and fallen angels aren't mentioned specifically in this passage in Revelation 6 -- or Isaiah 66 above -- I think that they're likely to be in the world, representing the work of Satan when he is fully let loose on the world.
People fear werewolves, vampires, zombies, and demons... or so they did during the dark ages in eastern europe... is God going to use these as "delusions" to bring on people what they fear? Reading the Book of Revelation, and the variety of terrifying beasts that are mentioned, I think that anything is possible.
Don't fear nuclear war, or terrorist attacks. Don't fear fallen angels or demons. Don't fear natural disasters. Or course, if you have "lukewarm" faith and you're not yet willing to give "all your heart" to God and have true faith, then you should absolutely fear these things. Then use that fear to motivate you to follow God at the level he calls all his children to.
If you have a pen and paper handy, I encourage you to write this down, and memorize these words as words to live by: Fear God and keep his commandments. Jesus tells us that if we love him, we will obey his commandments. In other words, we are called to show our faith by obedience to God's Word.
Today, cry out to God! Ask God to ignite your faith and let God's Holy Spirit transform you, as promised in Scripture. Let God know that you want to obey his Word and you absolutely need his Holy Spirit to make that happen. We cannot do it by ourselves! We must submit completely to God. Only God can do this work!
Now that you understand the faith... now that you've given your full heart to God... you have absolutely nothing to fear as God's will is carried out in you and in the world. According to Revelation 3:10, you will be spared from the hour of trial that is coming. You will be rescued from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Many Christians are waiting for the "rapture of the church", the understanding that God is going to take people who are true in the faith to Heaven as his hour of judgment begins on earth. It's this "rapture of the church" that is going to rescue us from the coming wrath.
For many Christians in the nation of Haiti, this could seem like God's hour of judgement has already begun. I've watched a number of news reports, and one thing I haven't heard of is any miraculous healings taking place in Haiti, such as the healings the early Christians witnessed when Jesus walked the earth. I've had one or more dreams of these type of Holy Spirit healings taking place, when the world is in the dark days of the Tribulation.
This is just one working of the Holy Spirit the world is likely to see. But even if there are no reports in the news of Holy Spirit healings taking place, that doesn't mean that these aren't the early days of the Tribulation. These just might be...
No force of Satan will be able to stop these fighters of the faith, as they are carried into battle by God's Holy Spirit, or carried over the earth as if on "wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31).
Pray and wonder, readers. After many dreams, about believers being carried by God's Holy Spirit in flight over the earth, I can only pray and wonder myself.
CNN just published an article (1/18/2010) Haiti's Christians: Catholics and practicers of Voodoo. This article first talks about "unshaken faith" in Haiti, despite the massive earthquake, pointing out that a number of Hatians are protestants and Catholics. Then the article -- quoting a source from Haiti -- makes the statement that all Hatians are 100% into voodoo...
For you Bible-believing Christians on here, let this be a warning to not mix your faith with voodoo, or any other false religion of the world. That's not Christianity. That's Christianity mixed with lies and the Bible gives many warnings about "seducing spirits" and doctrines of demons in the last days that will be in the world.
As I read this story on CNN at the link above, I hope that "Christian" Hatians will reject voodoo and seek true faith, which comes from reading and believing the complete Word of God. Anything else is dangerous waters and a lie straight from the forces of Satan.
America is filled with Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and also a great deal of Christians with "lukewarm" faith that disgusts God (Revelation 3:15-16). In addition, many former Christians are embracing new age teachings, and any number of Satanic lies that are in the world.
The Bible tells us that God judges his own house first. America, being the largest "Christian" nation on the earth, is likely to experience this for itself -- if America is Mystery Babylon the Great, then we know without any doubts that America will experience this. So, if / when this judgement occurs, many believers will finally understand what was meant by the warning from Peter that God judges his own family first...
1 Peter 4:17 - For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
If we are living in the end times, what should we do to prepare? How should we live our lives? I believe this exhortation from Peter will put each of us on solid ground, the solid rock of salvation in Jesus Christ.
| 2 Peter 3:11-14 - Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. |
| 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen |
There's more...
Lovingly and joyfully endure persecution for the cause of Christ. Seek the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every way, every day, and walk with God in every event and trial you face in your life. Fight the good fight of the faith and let God's Holy Spirit train you in the ways of God, so that the only thing you want to do is walk in full obedience to Christ, boldly proclaiming your salvation and this promise to every one you meet.
As the apostle Paul said, become a slave to all, to win as many as possible. Show your faith and devotion to Christ by your eager willingness to serve others.
Does this sound like an impossible task?
It is impossible -- for humans -- but it's not impossible for God. Have faith that God's Holy Spirit will do all these things through you. You just have to have faith.
Your salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. Your reward is the kingdom of God.