Sound The Midnight Cry

“End Time Prophecies: Control of Jerusalem”

Bible prophecy is a series of events foretold throughout the pages of Scripture much like the pieces of a puzzle. No one event is the key per se; they all fit together to reveal whole picture.

One key event that has now been fulfilled is the Jewish control of Jerusalem.

After the end of the Israeli War of Independence in 1948-1949, Israeli forces were in control of West Jerusalem, the newer Jewish section. The Old City of Jerusalem (the biblical city) fell into the hands of the Jordanian Legion. It was later annexed into the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan. So, Jerusalem became a divided city and remained that way for the next 19 years.

However, as decreed by the prophets in the Bible, the Old City of Jerusalem had to fall under Jewish control. This can be construed from the prophecies dealing with the third Jewish Temple, often referred to as the Tribulation Temple spoken of in the Book of Revelations and other biblical references.

Daniel 9:27 says, “And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week. But in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.” Jesus referred to this in Matthew 24:15: “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)”.

These and other passages of scripture speak of the third Jewish Temple which will be rebuilt and will begin to function again. All the verses assume Jewish control of the Temple Compound, and Jewish control of the Old City of Jerusalem.

As to “when” this will happen, there are no passages with the Bible that specify a time factor. However, the control of the whole city was fulfilled at the end of the Six Day War and therefore became the third birth pain prophesied.

While the first three events have been fulfilled (two World Wars, the Reestablishment of Israel and Jerusalem coming under total Jewish Control), there are several other events that must take place according to scripture before the “beginning of the end”. The stage is being set for a number of these today and those that understand the scriptures are watching as they line up with God’s plan.

There is a comfort that comes from knowing the God that has decreed the end before we even know the beginning. To be able to have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, is even more amazing. His Word (the Bible) is a light to show us the way so we are not stumbling around in the darkness trying to make sense of what’s happening in the world.

If you don’t know Christ, I recommend you simply surrender your life to Him and invite Him into your life. Open the Scriptures and begin to read in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is there you will find Him!

“End-Time Prophecies: Birth Pains”

Last week, we begin a “series” of looking at biblical prophecies that have or must be fulfilled. We started with Israel and today we look at “birth pains”.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:4-8, “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pains).”

So, what is meant by the term “birth pains” in regard to bible prophecy?

In the natural sense, the beginning of sorrows or birth pains take place much sooner and are different than the pains of travail or labor. Occasional abdominal discomfort or cramping is not uncommon in the early stages of a pregnancy. But unless the baby is going to be born prematurely, these pains have nothing to do with the severe labor pains associated with the contractions that brings about the birth of a child.

The disciples of Jesus wanted to know, “What is the sign that the end of this age has begun?” The rabbis of that day spoke about two ages: the present age and the age to come (when Messiah comes). So, their question seemed simple that would have a simple answer—but they were wrong.

Jesus answers their question first negatively and then positively. He tells them what will NOT be the sign that the end of the age has begun. This is followed by the sign that will positively point it out.

In verses 4-6, Jesus simply describes what will be characteristic of this age. False messiahs and local wars around the world. He goes on to say, “…For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet…”

In verses 7-8, Jesus revealed the single event that will indicate that the end of the age has begun: “…nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” This is coupled with famines, pestilence and earthquakes.

In Jesus’ day, the expression of “nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom” was a Jewish idiom of a world war preceding the coming of the Messiah.

If you look at verses 14, 21, 30 and 31 of Matthew 24, you will see the whole world is in view of Jesus revelation to his disciples.

World War 1 was the first world-wide conflict. Most historians will tell you that World War 2 was a continuation of the First World War; both had a decisive impact on Jewish history. The First World War provided the movement for the Zionist Movement, while the Second World War set the stage for the establishment of the modern State of Israel.

Since, these world conflicts, history records great pestilence and famines—too numerous to list here. As to earthquakes, scientific data shows that the number of major earthquakes has increased each century and exponentially so in the last 100 years.

For those that will see it for what it is, the Bible is clear about the times in which we are living. Those that disregard it do so at their own peril.

Jesus told us, “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

I believe it’s true!

"End Time Prophecies: Israel”

Let’s begin a “series” of looking at biblical prophecies that have or must be fulfilled. And to do this, it must begin with Israel.

Jerusalem and its temple will be destroyed and the Temple Mount laid bare (Matthew 24:1-2). Fulfilled.

The Jewish people will be scattered all over the world for a long period of time and will face hardships and persecution everywhere they go (Deuteronomy 4:27, 28:64; Ezekiel 36:24). Fulfilled.

While they are away from their homeland, the land will lie desolate, but once they are back it will spring to life (Ezekiel 36:34-35). Fulfilled.

It would also be controlled by Gentile nations during Israel's dispersion (Luke 21:24). Fulfilled.

After a long time, their nation Israel will be reborn as a unified nation (Ezekiel 37:15-22) called Israel in a single day—springing to life from death (Isaiah 66:8) at a time when they have lost all hope (Ezekiel 37:11-12). Fulfilled.

The ancient Hebrew language would be revived again (Zephaniah 3:9, Jeremiah 31:23). Fulfilled.

A remnant will accept Jesus as their Messiah, but most from the nation will be blind (Romans 11:25) to the fact that their Messiah already came before the destruction of the temple as predicted in Daniel chapter 9. Fulfilled.

Soon after the nation’s rebirth, Israel would face hostility from all around, being greatly outnumbered and attacked from all sides by Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, but will miraculously survive as overwhelming victors (Psalm 83, some also believe this may be a partial fulfillment with another war to come). Fulfilled.

They will regain their capital city of Jerusalem and develop a very strong military (Zechariah 12:1-6). Fulfilled.

In the latter days toward the very end of the era, they will quickly become very wealthy—so wealthy that several large powerful nations will want what she has (Ezekiel 38:10-12). Happening now.

Curiously, this war will not involve Israel's previous border enemies, but will involve an outer ring of nations (Ezekiel 38:1-5). Happening now.

Russia will be the main leader and protector of Iran and Turkey (Ezekiel 38:7) and together these three nations will lead an alliance of countries that will come against Israel from the north in Syria. Stage is set, especially with a growing Iranian presence in the region.

The timing of this attack may be triggered by a preemptive strike on Damascus by Israel or one of her allies (Isaiah 17:1, 14). Stage is set.

Additionally, there will be a great increase in worldwide antisemitism and anti-Israel positions and actions (Zechariah 12:1-9). Happening now.

The nations of the world will be obsessed with the tiny nation of Israel, wanting to move her borders and condemn her at every turn (Zechariah 12:3). Fulfilled and continuing.

After Israel's rebirth, there will also be an increasing desire toward the building of a third temple and the reinstitution of temple sacrifices (Daniel 9:27). Happening now. 

There will be some sort of a broad peace agreement between Israel and many other nations (Daniel 9:27). Possibly happening now with Trump's Mideast Peace Deal—we will see.

So, we watch with anticipation if anything will come from this attempt at peace between Israel and its enemies. If so, this are going to change quickly! Can you say “Rapture”?

“Temple Possibility?”

To bible prophecy watchers, any news regarding the building of the Third Jewish Temple (the other two were destroyed centuries ago) tends to garner closer attention.

For a number of years, a few people of influence in Israel have called for the building of The Temple. For all intents and purposes, the Jewish Temple is a cornerstone of the Jewish faith and an icon of who they are. Yet, for some reason or another, the call to build has fallen on deaf ears.

However, in the past 18 months, news articles have appeared more frequently making the case for building The Temple. Now, with Israeli elections looming on the horizon, there is a possibility that may give greater influence on the idea of building The Temple.

In an exclusive interview with Breaking Israel News, Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party head Itamar Ben-Gvir, came out in favor of building the Third Temple.

After the announcement on Thursday, the Otzma Yehudit party was polling at four mandates. Another poll, this time from the Israeli Daily Yisrael Hayom, also showed the party getting four seats for the first time since elections were called in May on Friday. 

So, why is this important? Four mandates are required for any political party to even enter the Knesset (parliament). This means the fact that they are polling at four seats for the first time is especially significant. Interestingly, the same day that they came out in favor of building the third Temple (Thursday) was the same day that the original poll in the Knesset channel showed them getting four seats.

Another reason why the poll results are vital is that as a right-wing party, those four seats will likely help secure Prime Minister Netanyahu a coalition following elections.

This past July, President Trump’s Israel Ambassador, David Friedman implied that the Third Temple will be rebuilt this year in Jerusalem. And right after he said it, he made the Jewish blessing on a glass of wine and drank it.

I simply point these things out as the Bible is clear that there will be signs in The Last Days letting us know that we are living in those times. Like a highway sign letting one know the distance to the next town, biblical signs that are fulfillment of biblical prophecies, let us know that we are nearing our destination.

We know that in The Last Days there will be a Third Jewish Temple as the one known as the Antichrist will enter and defile it. Therefore, it is required that at some point it must be built.

Will it be this year, I doubt it. However, the template could be forming that will give a voice within the Knesset of the Israeli government to see it happen.

So, we watch with anticipation only knowing that at some point, it will take place. Meanwhile, there are other prophecies that have already been fulfilled and more frequently taking place. This let’s us know that the Bible is true, and the words of its prophets will fully come to pass—including the return of Jesus Christ to earth!

Are you ready?

“Connecting The Dots – Part 2”

Last week I shared how I loved to do connect-the-dots when I was a kid. I loved trying to figure out what the picture was before trying to connect the dots (I seldom got it correct).

I noted how bible prophecy is often like connecting the dots, except this time the dots are prophecies scattered throughout the Scripture. So, I thought I would take just a few of them over the next couple weeks to create for us the grander picture of God’s wonderful plan.

As a teacher or student of bible prophecy, one would have to start with modern-day Israel. Every single detail related to Israel's rebirth as a nation has been fulfilled exactly as foretold in Scripture. Specific prophecies about the land, the people, the wars, the economy, the military, Jerusalem, the events leading up to and following her rebirth, the global rise in antisemitism throughout the world and so much more--have all occurred precisely as predicted in the Bible. These cluster of dots has connected to form an end-time, flashing neon sign.

The second area would have to be in the arena of technology. The visions of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation are full of technological details that must be in place for numerous events to occur during the Last Days. Advancements today in monetary, military, DNA editing, Artificial Intelligence, and other technological developments occurring in our day are happening almost overnight that make the foretold events possible. 

The more technology advances, the more it lines up with the events recorded in the Book of Revelations in the Bible. From chip and neurological implants, government surveillance, cashless systems and more are the leading edge to fulfilling end-time bible prophecies.

The geopolitical landscape could not be more perfect for end-time events. The players and details of Ezekiel 38 continue to fall in place like a movie script.

Jesus spoke about the days leading up to the end that they would include not just wars and rumors of wars between countries, but division within countries. While regional wars and conflicts are in the headlines daily, what is more obvious is the tension between Nationalism and Globalism has been brought to light the past few years like never before. What used to be considered conspiracy theory is now known fact. The gloves are off; and though key globalist figures remain hidden behind the scenes, their end-time agenda (knowingly or not) lines up perfectly with the prophecies of Daniel and John.

Then we have to look at the global economic situation. The U.S. debt alone is a staggering 22.5 trillion dollars, which doesn’t include promised entitlements like Social Security and Medicare. The interest on our debt will soon outweigh the total amount of money spent on defense of this nation. At some point bubbles always pop and the bigger the bubble, the bigger the impact.

There are other dots that space does not allow me to list today. However, I write this not to cause depression or lose hope in the future. The point is that these things must come to pass as they are a part of the bigger picture spelled out through the prophetic words recorded in the Bible.

So, what do we do? “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28