December 22, 2015 - A. V. Rauf
2015 Coming To a Close…….What Will 2016 Bring?
Daniel 12:8-10—And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
It’s that most wonderful time of the year for many as Christmas is near. As many enjoy time off from work to spend with families and friends and go see movies and attractions and what not, much has happened really within the last four months alone that sets the stage for a very interesting 2016……
For starters just a few days ago, the Pope himself made a very provocative statement which was preceded by an even more provocative statement made during a mass in Casa Santa Maria earlier in the month.
“We are close to Christmas. There will be lights, there will be parties, bright trees, even Nativity scenes – all decked out – while the world continues to wage war. “
“It’s all a charade. The world has not understood the way of peace. The whole world is at war,” he said grimly.
Interestingly enough, the Pope said that the current chaotic state of the world marks the beginning of the “end times”, and that this time next year the world is likely to be unrecognizable.
“We are close to Christmas. There will be lights, there will be parties, bright trees, even Nativity scenes – all decked out – while the world continues to wage war,” he said earlier in December.
“While the world starves, burns, and descends further into chaos, we should realise that this year’s Christmas celebrations for those who choose to celebrate it may be their last.”
Any student of Bible prophecy knows well that the return of the Lord has been and still is imminent. The truth is that not many people read their Bibles and not many Christians understand Bible prophecy. Now a leading global religious authority figure has spoken. should the world take notice?
As tension between Russia and Turkey escalates due to a military confrontation over Russia’s intervention in Syria and the Turkish shoot-down of a Russian bomber in Turkish airspace for just 17 seconds, the stages for the prophesied war of Ezekiel 38-39 are being set as we speak. If this war as many believe is pre-trib, or prior to the seven year tribulation period, then we truly need to look up for our redemption draweth nigh!
Keep in mind that Turkey currently is amuch militarily reinforced member of NATO, whereas Russia is siding with the Shi’a Twelver theocracy ruling Iran and its Lebanese Hezbollah proxy.
The next year brings elections in the United States. Many Bible Scholars have mentioned the possibility that the United States may well be the “Babylon,” that is prophesied to be destroyed. Perhaps, we will explore this matter in upcoming posts. Many have been concerned about the Spiritual “shift” in this country. Will there be a revival or is judgement looming?
Today America is in transition. The American dream is fast becoming a nightmare. The US may soon be facing a very soon-coming economic nightmare. The reality of the American dream was really what called and drew the multitude of nations including the Jews to the US. With the recent shootings in California and an uptick in Anti-Semitism, will there soon be reasons for Jews to go back to Israel as prophesied?
Isaiah 43:1-7-–But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Currently, the global Jewish population is just about near 16.5 million. (Some estimates are 14 million). Of this 8.4 million live in Israel. This leaves about 8 million eligible for return. Out of the 8 million approximately, 5 million reside in the USA. According to the Scriptures, a great majority will be saved after suffering much persecution. We must understand that the return of Jesus Christ is predicated by the regathering of Israel. He returns to save them. We as the Church accompany His return.
Much is unfolding in the coming days: the Jewish expectation for the Messiah (in this case the wrong one i.s. Anti-Christ), the rebuilding of the third temple in Jerusalem, the war in Syria, the Iranian Nuclear Weapons controversy, an upcoming election in one of the most powerful nations in the world, continued advancements in technology and artificial intelligence and and you don’t want to forget the possible soon to be declared UFO disclosure. Check this out:
https://youtu.be/3RmSKT-9u_A
Could what the pope has said actually be true?
Now more then ever you must endeavor to do the following:
- Know your Bible, Begin to diligently study the Scriptures
- Find a good church that teaches and expounds on solid Biblical doctrine.
- Pray to God.
- Be quick to repent.
- Be quick to forgive and not get easily offended.
- Trust in the LORD and do not fear.
MARANATHA!