Scripture states “no one knows the day or hour” when the Rapture will happen. Rest assured no one knows! But just as assuredly know, it will happen!
 
Focus should remain on the purpose, not the timing. ‘When’ a specific event is to happen is less relevant than knowing and believing its inevitability. The key isn’t knowing ‘when’ a prophecy may occur but why it will happen, what it means, and what can be known or done to prepare for its eventuality?
 
Like many aspects of biblical scripture, particularly prophecy, interpretations often vary. This can ‘muddy the waters’ but fundamentally prophetic dichotomies reinforce imperatives being presented. What do I mean by this? As stated originally in this series the more one explores scripture and prophecy the better one can understand the information studied.
 
Although there will be environmental and cosmic disturbances in the first three and one-half years in the seven year Tribulation period, this will be a time of general ‘peace and security’ for many. Within this sense of wellbeing continued intensity of environmental calamities will be viewed as escalations of climate change and not as prophesied End Time events.
 
In the run-up to these events will be awareness ahead of time and predictability. The increasing severity of events and extent of their consequences in each time frame will grow greater and more obvious. However, people may be so encumbered by survival efforts they may miss entirely the focus and purpose of what’s taking place around them. The fallout/consequences of events in each of the two tribulation periods will be destructive and terrifying.
 
The Rapture will remove from the earth Jesus’ believers and followers. Dead or alive as a believer in Christ you will be a Rapture participant. But back to our question, When?
 
‘When will the Rapture occur’ is answered in a circuitous manner. According to scripture, we have three options. They are, ‘Pre-Tribulation, Mid Tribulation, or Post Tribulation.’ Remember the tribulation period is seven years in length, divided into two separate yet intertwined periods of three and one-half years each (Wrath of Jesus/Wrath of God, or End Times/Last Days).
 
Believers who put their faith in a ‘Pre-Tribulation’ Rapture think it will happen right before, or in conjunction with the first trumpet blast from heaven. The seventh Seal will be broken on the scroll in heaven, followed by a period of silence (preparation) in heaven for one-half hour (Rev 8:1).
​
We don’t know the actual length of this ‘half-hour’ time frame, it may be preceded or followed by the first trumpet blast. The sounding of this trumpet coincides with the confirmation of the treaty which ends the Ezekiel War, signifying the start of the seven ‘tribulation’ years.
 
A ‘Mid-Tribulation’ rapture occurs at the Mid Tribulation point (end of the first three and one-half year period). This rapture time coincides with the blowing of the Fifth trumpet in heaven. It needs to be reiterated that the importance of Mid- Tribulation can’t be underestimated. It’s at this point everything changes (Mt 24:15-21).
 
With the blast sound of the fifth trumpet, the ‘Last Days’ begin, the Antichrist comes to power, the worst time in all of history starts. Israel is invaded and defeated, the Two Witnesses are killed, the Abomination of Desolation takes place (Antichrist enters the Third Jewish Temple and occupies God’s mercy seat), the Mark of the Beast is instituted, and the Antichrist’s worldwide domination is underway.
 
Between the final Trumpets (5, 6, and 7), the Bowl decrees of God, and the Antichrist’s rule death and destruction is global. Mid-Tribulation rapture believers understand their removal from earth will be before the beginning of this horrific time (the second 3 and one-half year period).
 
‘Post-Tribulation’ believers think the Rapture will be part of Jesus Christ’s ‘Second Coming’ arrival/appearance at the end of the seven years, in conjunction with blast of the seventh trumpet (Mt 24:30-31). When will the Rapture take place? At one of these three points in time! It will happen! Will you be ready? And more importantly, will you be part of it?
 
Join me next time in Part 6 when we examine the most important days in the last two thousand years.



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One of the great blessings the Lord God has for all the earth is His desire to have every person with Him eternally. His magnificence as a loving parent requires only one thing from His children. Each one who desires to spend eternity in His glory must decide whether they will choose to believe in Him and then, believe in His Son, who was sent to save the world from its sinful nature.
 
The believer of and in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah, is the sole caveat decision God demands from each member of humanity. His unconditional love provides each of us an opportunity to recognize Jesus for who He is/was (God incarnate). Understanding His redemptive role as savior (‘the way’ Jn 14:6) for spiritual reconciliation back into the arms of spiritual origination by the grace of God’s Holy Trinity is both the blessing and the reward for belief in Jesus as savior and redeemer.
 
For those who have made this choice and decision to accept and acknowledge Jesus as the Christ/Messiah, should they perish prior to the Rapture, their ascendency to heaven is promised (Jn 11:25-26). All those who have accepted and invited Jesus and His spirit to dwell within will be ‘caught up’ to meet the Lord Jesus at the moment the Rapture occurs (1 Thes 4:16-17).
 
The question becomes, how does one acknowledge this recognition that Jesus is the Christ? What must one do to receive the Holy Spirit of Christ? In His benevolence God the Father has made acquisition of His Spirit through Christ as easy as it is to receive his love. Simply invite Jesus into your life by doing the two steps described in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, or Romans 10:9,10,17. Do these and the Lord Jesus Christ will be with you from that moment, into eternity. It couldn’t be easier! Do it today, and when the Rapture happens you are promised to be part of its magnificent occurrence.
 
The “Rapture” (Dan 12:10) is the one prophecy most people have heard about, seen movie or video depictions of, or are familiar with as an End Times event. The questions surrounding the Rapture are, ‘How, What, When and Why’? To wit: What is the Rapture? How does it happen? When will it occur, and more importantly, Why will it take place? And finally, the question that will be on every set of lips when ‘all the Jesus Freaks are gone’? What will happen to those “Left Behind?”
 
Let’s look at all these questions and try to explain and understand the answers. The term “Rapture” is actually described as the act(ion) of being “caught up” in the air to meet Jesus Christ. Bible prophecy explains that before the trouble and turmoil of the “Last Days” (the second three - and one-half years of the Tribulation period) ‘Jesus followers and believers’ will be caught up in the air as their spirits are taken out of harm’s way from the impending imminent events and consequences about to take place globally that will plague all inhabitants of earth with death and destruction (1Thes 5:9-10).
 
Now that you know how and why the Rapture will occur the most important question is, “What will happen to those ‘Left Behind’?” If you’ve ever seen one of those ‘End of Days’ movies or videos where the Rapture is depicted, you’ve seen the focus is on those Left Behind, not those missing. The story is about those who weren’t ‘caught up’ in the Rapture experience.
 
Rest assured, whatever mayhem and destruction was portrayed in the movie doesn’t even come close to the actual terror and death that will occur when all those raptured ‘Jesus Freaks’ vanish. Think about the chaotic results of every Jesus believer in motion at that moment. When every ‘driver’ of any vehicle, plane, train, bus, or other mode of transportation goes missing. When every believer in the middle of doing something that could be dangerous to others around them disappears. What will be the immediate outcome? Death and destruction will ensue worldwide.
 
For non-believers, those “left behind” that’s just the beginning. The economic, social, political, and religious fallout will be devastating. Fear and trauma will be off the charts. Any type of recovery will be near impossible in the short term. The despair and despondency will reach levels never imagined. Many will take their own lives. Many others will be killed by rampaging and marauding groups or individuals taking advantage of the chaos.
 
Government services at all levels will be incapable of responding to the dread and danger rampant in every community. Resources, particularly emergency aid will be stretched beyond its breaking point. Those left behind (still alive) will literally be on their own. People who have never had to struggle at this level of survival mode or emergency will be challenged as never before. Most will not know what to do, what has happened or understand why, because they are not familiar with biblical prophecy and scripture.
 
Others may realize what has taken place but won’t understand the immediate or long-term ramifications. If the fallout effects from the Rapture aren’t enough to contend with, those with weapons or access to weapons will go into survival or aggressive modes and no-one will be safe. Sadly stated, those left behind will be on their own. These extreme situations will eventually be dulled by the one who steps up to take control with promises of restoring peace and safety.
 
Those in authority will advance a variety of explanations as to what happened and why so many ‘others’ are gone. Their promises and excuses will mollify the masses still alive, but the worst is yet to come, for God will have turned His back on all but the Israelites.
 
When will the Rapture happen? This is the End Times’ quintessential question because its occurrence will literally affect every person on the planet. The Rapture will remove from earth all who have chosen to believe in Jesus as the Christ, whether dead or alive. Its purpose is to save all believers from the inevitable Last Days events and prevent them from experiencing the terrible consequences. When will it come to be? “No one knows the day or hour” (Mk 13:32, Mt 24:36).
 
Remember, when the Rapture happens if you’re left behind the first thing you must do is described for you here;  Romans 10:9-13, 17! Go there now:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10&version=NIV
 
When will the Rapture occur? Join me next time in Part 5 for the answer.

‘Do or Die’ may sound ominous, but rightly so. The final three and one-half years of the seven-year Tribulation period will be like no other time in human history (Mt 24:21). God has ‘drawn a line in the sand’ from which there will be no return. It starts with a blast of the fifth trumpet at the “mid-tribulation” point when the treaty between Israel and her enemies from the ‘Ezekiel War’ is finally confirmed and accepted by all parties.
 
After the certified treaty is accepted the seventh seal is opened on the scroll in heaven and there is silence in heaven followed by a cataclysmic warning to the earth (Rev 8:1-5). The fifth trumpet is sounded. During this short time Israel will be invaded and conquered and the Two Witnesses will be killed (Rev 11:7-8). The Antichrist will assume power, occupy the Third Temple, have his image erected in the space of the ‘mercy seat’ (Mt 24,  Dan 12:11), declare his authority and (most importantly for those who are still not followers and devotees of his), have his false prophet (the ‘one world’ religion leader) declare institution of the “Mark of the Beast” worldwide (Rev 13:16-17). This will literally be the final eternal life or death decision required by every individual alive.
 
Let me say this again. This is God’s ‘line in the sand.’ Every living person on the planet who accepts and takes the “Mark of the Beast” is declaring their commitment to worship the antichrist and Satan as their god. For this declared acceptance each and every one with the ‘Mark’ will be condemned to eternal damnation with Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet.
 
All those who deny and refuse to take the Mark of the Beast will be hunted and killed during this three and one-half year period. There will be no other options. You take the ‘mark’ or are marked for death. In addition to the tyrannical and dictatorial worldwide rule by the Antichrist, the Wrath of God by ‘Last Days’ events will continue and intensify, also taking many lives.
 
It will be during these years that trumpets 5, 6 and 7 are blown with the plagues and ‘Bowls' 1, 6 and 7 are poured out upon the earth’s inhabitants. Just the thought of this devastation should be bone chilling. The death and destruction globally will be horrific and terrible. Most of the world’s remaining populace will be killed by the armies of the Antichrist or by the consequences of the “Wrath of God” plagues.
 
If you do not take the Mark of the Beast, believing in Christ or not, most likely you will be killed. If you take the Mark it’s likely you will be killed by the destruction and environmental calamity wrought upon the earth by God’s decrees. If you are still alive towards the end of this period and prior to the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16), you will most likely be killed by the massive army moving from east to west toward Megiddo.
 
Accepting and taking the ‘mark’ will not guarantee your life will be saved. It will however guarantee your absence from God eternally and your spiritual damnation. This final three and one-half years will be focused on the redemption and spiritual reconciliation of the Jews still alive who recognize and declare Jesus as their Messiah. God will leave all those not Jewish to their fate of captivity or death (Rev 13:10).  God will no longer have time for ‘church age’ believers and converts. His entire focus will be on salvation of the Jews still alive who choose to accept Jesus as the Messiah.
 
When the fifth trumpet sounds and the abyss is opened whereby the demons of Satan are let loosed upon the earth, the Antichrist will assume power as the inhabitants of the world must accept his dictatorial rule and through him, Satan as their god, or go into hiding in an attempt to survive every day for the following forty-two months.
 
Join me next time when we explore what happens to Christians and new believers before the mid tribulation fifth trumpet blast in, “Where did all the ‘Jesus Freaks’ go”?

​Since we have referenced the primary focus of biblical scripture is Jesus Christ, please note that fundamentally the Old Testament deals with Israel’s tribal and ethnic history as nomads, tribes, and as a nation. All Jewish history is tied to and focused on their relationship with God as His ‘chosen’ people. Chosen for and through whom Jesus would come into the world as God incarnate. Additionally, the New Testament explores the “church age” through which Jesus and His first century disciples delivered and shared with a non-Jewish world the divinity and role of Jesus as the savior and redeemer of humanity.
 
The book of ‘Revelation’ speaks directly of End Times and Last Days with a focus on God’s reassertion of His spiritual relationship first with gentiles and then to those with messianic Jewish and Zionist world views. His prophetic efforts of spiritual redemption are followed by a reconciliation to Himself as a Jewish nation through a renewed acknowledgment that Jesus of Nazareth was, and is, their Messiah.
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind when studying the book of Revelation. There is often a misconception that End Times events as presented are sequential. I don’t believe they are. By my readings, the prophesied events in the book of Revelation appear to not be in chronological order. We don’t know in what order John received his revelatory visions or, in what order they were written. We also don’t know specifically by what sequence they were catalogued.
 
As with other important and pertinent aspects of a relationship with God, prophecy serves both as a warning and an opportunity for us individually and collectively to “get right with God, right now” or “become prepared for God.”
 
The book of Revelation can be viewed in seven general sections:

1. Letters to first century churches (with admonishments applicable to our time)
2. Descriptions of heaven’s characters/inhabitants
3. Descriptions of the Seals / Trumpets / Bowls-Vials
4. “Tribulation” characters and events
5. God’s reconciliation of the Jews
6. The “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ and His ‘New heaven and earth’ (1000 year Kingdom)
7. Final judgment and ‘Eden’ restored

                       
The existential purpose of prophecy is key in realizing the Word of God is given as a foretelling of future events so readers or hearers are forewarned. Knowledge of impending events gives reassurance needed to endure the trauma and drama of their actualization. At the same time, preparation for spiritual reconciliation emboldens one’s strength should they become a victim of individual tragic consequences. The End Times, Last Days and tribulation years will be illuminated by increasing issues, struggles, doubts, and fears. All purposed and designed to alert, warn, and instruct those interested as to what a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ (or not) portends here and hereafter.
 
Many may have heard of the “tribulation” but many more may not actually know what the tribulation is, or what it portends for those living in or through it. The purpose of the tribulation is three-fold: First, it’s an opportunity for ‘christians’ who claim to be believers and adherents of Christ to reaffirm their commitment to and in Him as savior. Next, it’s a ‘last chance’ opportunity for ‘non-believers’ (in Christ) to come to know, trust, and have faith that He is who He said He was (savior, redeemer, spiritual reconciler), and whom others for two thousand years have testified that He is: God incarnate; the ‘Son of God’. Third, for Jews alive today and in the Last Days to acknowledge and declare Jesus is their Messiah.
 
The seven year ‘Tribulation’ period is divided into two separate yet interlinked three and one-half (3 ½) year periods (each described alternately as 42 months and/or 1260 days). The first three and one-half years is both a time of peace and security (particularly for the state of Israel), as well as a period of increasing worldwide caustic environmental events and warnings combined with spiritual revival.
 
This first (3 ½ year) tribulation period is often called ‘The Wrath of Jesus Christ’ while the second period years have been designated ‘The Wrath of God’. This delineation can be misleading, as Jesus Christ is both ‘Son’ of God (as well as ‘Son of Man’), and God Himself. Therefore, these two separate time identifying labels of ‘Wrath’ can be viewed more as descriptive degrees of intensity within the span of these seven (tribulation) years.
 
During the Tribulation years the consequences of God’s anger against sin and evil in the world is meted out via ‘Trumpet’ blasts from heaven and the outpouring of ‘Bowl’ contents (‘Vials’ in some writings). Descriptions of the ‘Trumpets and Bowls’ are divided between two different groups of angels as the disseminators of the Trumpet and Bowl consequences. The trumpet blasts of the first group announce the coming ‘plagues’ of the second group.
 
With a linear concept of time and space, John’s revelatory visions as recorded are easy to identify in their presentation as sequential. Our linear modality sequencing models make for easier understanding, however this can be misleading. Let me give you an example.
 
With the initial Trumpet blast (by/from the angel with the first Trumpet), the plague disseminated by the fourth angel is poured upon the earth. Although the plague (Bowl/Vial) descriptions by John are read in a given order, it doesn’t mean their pouring out upon the earth is necessarily sequential. Think of it like this. Two sets of angels (1-7 each) are lined up in front of the Throne of God. The first seven are holding Trumpets, while the second seven are holding Bowls (of ‘wrath’/plagues). The first Trumpet angel steps forward and blows his trumpet, yet it is the fourth angel who steps forward to pour out his bowl.
 
The End Times, Last Days tribulation years will be illuminated by increasing issues, struggles, doubts and fears. All purposed and designed to alert, warn, and instruct those interested as to what a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ (or not) portends here and hereafter. The primary purpose of the first three and one-half year time frame is to serve as a warning and announcement of God’s presence and intervention into world affairs.
 
These include the Ezekiel War (Ezekiel 36-39), the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her invading enemies that end this war (Dan 9:2), the strengthened prosperity of Israel with the end of this conflict (Ez 39:9), appearance of the Two Witnesses (Moses and Elijah) in Jerusalem (Rev 11:1-6), completion of the third Temple and reestablishment of sacrificial worship services (2Thes 2:4, Mt 24:15, Dan 7). The first 3 ½ years of the tribulation period is when the first four Trumpet blasts are heard along with the fourth, second, third, and fifth bowl (plague) outpourings.
 
As stated, these years will be marked by declared ‘peace and security/peace and safety’ with a sense of joyous celebration around the world. At the same time however, destruction by climate change ‘storms on steroids’ called down from heaven and announced by the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem will bring destruction and death. For this reason, the Two Witnesses will be globally ridiculed, demeaned and blamed for the many lives lost worldwide climate change ‘anomalies.’
 
Join me next time in Part 3 for ‘Do or Die’ when we’ll look at the final Tribulation years.

One of the intriguing aspects of “End Times, Last Days” prophecies which highlight ‘end of days’ events is how much new information or antecedent perspective can be discovered with each re-reading or consecutive ‘deep dive’ study of materials previously examined.
 
If you’ve had an opportunity to read any of my End Times series’, you may have noticed a ‘tweaking’ of contextual material that has occurred within subsequent presentations. Through additional study I have learned, or more precisely, better understood connections between scriptural texts I missed, or misinterpreted for prior postings.
 
Once again, I find myself at a new level of discernment between the ‘connect-the-dot’ rubrics of prophetic events. One of the rewards of continued scriptural study is realizing previously missed relationships. With each ‘neo’ enlightenment moment clarity surrounding the End Times becomes more astutely obvious.
 
Even with prior series completed additional research offers up anew, “veiled in plain view” prophecy details. Think of it as taking steps slowly, yet with more confidence and balance the pace quickens. Perhaps this is one reason in His wisdom God made End Times and Last Days revelations purposely convoluted. His parsings allow us to dig deeper while seeking His intent. Searching to know more about His planned actions we notice information that may have been overlooked or misconstrued.
 
God’s desire is to ensure that all who choose to become His children are exposed to His plan of ridding evil from this world. In doing so He shows how He will establish a post-apocalyptic millennial (1000 year) reign for and by His incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Moreover, He wants His children to understand why events associated with this cleansing and abolishing of evil are necessary as part of the world’s inhabitants’ spiritual reconciliation and redemption.
 
Before going further in this article I’d like to suggest four videos for your edification available on YouTube. They’re brief yet informative and will answer questions for many who are seeking and searching.
 
“Seven Prophecies That Must Be Fulfilled Before Jesus Christ’s Return”
(Prophecies that will come to pass during the End Times).
 
“Five Amazing Hidden Messages in the Bible”
(How unique is the Bible? Like no other book!).
 
“Believe in God in Five Minutes (Scientific Proof)"
(Is God real and is there proof?)
 
“The Horrific State of the American Empire”
(What’s ahead for America?)
 
Let’s continue our journey together as students of prophecy. End Times prophecies are often difficult. Here are a few reasons why:
Prophesies are found in different books, written by separate authors, and complied in a variety of different verses.
Prophesies are not presented chronologically.
Prophesies use different symbols, labels, or names to represent the same character or event. It often becomes necessary to ‘read between-the-lines’ to draw and see related inferences. There is also extensive cross-referencing about End Times events. These are but a few.
 
Every generation since the death of Christ has thought or imagined they might be living in the End times. Every generation has expected Christ’s return. Every generation has been told of the terror, hell, and damnation that can be expected as results of the End Times. Even today most (media) representations of the End Times focus exclusively on three events: the Rapture, the Antichrist, and Armageddon.
 
The Bible explains there are five basic time frames in and around the End Times.

1. Lead up events to the seven-year tribulation (described by the “Seals”)
2. The actual seven-year tribulation events (described by the “Trumpets” and “Bowls” [or “Vials” in some texts])
3. The post tribulation events (described by Christ’s “Second Coming” and “Armageddon”)
4. The millennial (1000 year) kingdom reign of Jesus Christ
5. The eternal kingdom (‘New Eden’)

Within Each ‘time frame’ are found and experienced multiple events and consequences.
 
To a certain degree ‘End Times and Last Days’ are sometimes thought to be or can be represented as synonymous, yet at the same time different. For some End Times are thought to begin with the opening of the ‘Seals’ (a binding of the scroll held by the Lamb [in heaven]). Depending on one’s perspective the breaking of these seals can start with the resurrection of Christ after his death on the cross at Calvary (in 33 CE) or just before the blowing of the trumpets. Others believe the End Times started with the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel in May 1948.
 
Others believe the End Times will start with the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and her enemies, (ending the Ezekiel War). Or with the first blast of the seven trumpets. Or with the initiation of the seven-year tribulation. Irrespective of when the End Times start(ed) you can be assured we are progressing (day-by-day) closer to their culminating presence as prophecies unfold more clearly. Regardless of where one lands in this debate, know this, the End Times as foretold will happen!
 
One of the most important aspects of the bible often missed by readers is that the entirety of the bible is about Jesus Christ. That’s right. Both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures pertain to the person, roles, commission, teachings, purpose, and presence of God incarnate in human form. In and through the man we know as Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ/Messiah).
 
Jesus Himself spoke of and referenced the ‘End Times and Last Days’ in several instances and settings. His most complete written record appears in the book of Matthew, chapter 24 as well as through the visions shown to John in the book of Revelation. If the Word of God is true and if Jesus is the Word of God, then what Jesus had to say to His listeners then and now are true. Therefore, we should take heed and notice.
 
Join me next time for Part 2: ‘Preparations’.  




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The last category on our horizon, ‘religion’ breaks in four directions. One each for Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the Antichrist. Christians are anticipating the arrival of Jesus by way of His prophesied ‘second coming’ arrival. Islamists believe the “Mahdī” (Arabic: “guided one”) of Islamic eschatology is a messianic deliverer who will fill earth with justice and equity, restore true religion, and usher in a short golden age lasting seven, eight, or nine years before the end of the world. (Islamic tradition denotes the Mahdi, however he is not mentioned in the Qurʾān.)
 
The Jews are awaiting the arrival of their Messiah. They recognize Jesus as a prophet and rabbi, but not as the Messiah. According to New Testament scripture the focal point of the entire bible are the roles of Jesus as Christ/Messiah and spiritual son of God. End Times and Last Days events are focused on the reconciliation of the Jews and their nation through a new recognition of belief and acceptance of Jesus as Messiah.
 
The single greatest Last Days event involving the Jews will be rebuilding of the ‘Third Temple’ and reinstituting of rites and rituals of sacrifice worship. According to the Biblical narrative, Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple in Jerusalem, was built under King Solomon's reign and completed in 957 BCE. The Second Temple stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, between c. 516 BCE and c. 70 CE.
 
The rebuilding of the Holy Third Temple will be accomplished in the coming Last Days. All necessary implements, clothing, accoutrements, persons, alter and sacred items needed for reinstituting worship are completed and prepared for use. The only element lacking is the actual finished Temple building. As soon as the building is completed, full-on worship can begin in earnest.
 
The four most notable End Times/Last Days events to be witnessed, acknowledged, and undeniable witnessed by the world will be; the Ezekiel War, the missing (Raptured) christians, the building of the Third Jewish Holy Temple, and occupation of the mercy seat by the Antichrist, in that same rebuilt Third Temple (Mt 24:15). The Antichrist occupying ‘the Temple’ as prophesied necessitates the physical existence of a Temple building.
 
The Antichrist will be a man imbued with the spirit of Satan at Mid-Tribulation who subsequently requires the entire world’s population to honor, accept, and worship him as god or face death. He will rule the entire world as its authoritarian dictator and governmental head. He will control the world’s regional economies, militaries, social structure, and religion.
 
His one world religion will be centered on his deity. His religious sway will be accomplished through a cadre led by, accomplished with, and under the direction and aide of a man labelled in scripture, as the ‘False Prophet’.
 
Lead up to this individual’s role as righthand religious aide of the Antichrist will include oversight of a variety of religious underlings in various roles and stations who will be liars, deceivers, and fabricators performing ‘signs and wonders’ to deceive the world’s populace, “even the elect” as described in Mt 24:24.
 
This dismantling of today’s different ‘religious sects’ and their reassembly into a single religion focused on and devoted to one man will be the final execution of Satan’s wish, desire, and plan to control the ‘kingdom of the world.’ Thereby accomplishing his goal to be worshipped as god, with the Antichrist acting in the role as his emissary.
 
Prophecy explains that those who worship the Antichrist and by him, Satan, will suffer along with Him, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet for eternity. (Rev 20:10, 21:8) Satan will get his wish to collect his worshippers. Both he and Jesus Christ will rule over their respective kingdoms for all time, one group bathed in the light of eternal life and righteousness, the other in darkness and torment.
Which will you choose? Now is your time to decide, as time draws nigh.
 
No matter what you think, believe, or decide after reading this series, (or any of my End Times series’) please heed this singular warning. If you’re still alive when the Antichrist decrees everyone must have his worship ‘mark’ (“Mark of the Beast”) do not accept it, irrespective of the consequences for non-compliance. There is no going back, no retreat, no remedy, and no redemption from this outward show of alliance. Those who voluntarily take his mark are destined and condemned to spend eternity in Satan’s kingdom.
 
God demands nothing from each of us, except, one day we each will have to choose. Will we embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and savior? Or will we turn our back on His offer of eternal life? That day for you could be today. All I ask is you consider seriously what you have read and decide before your last breath.
 
It’s my agape hope and desire to have aided your spiritual growth in preparation for the ‘End Times and Last Days’ events on the horizon. There are many details and specifics we have skipped, some of which are covered in one or more of the other eight End Times series found on this website and our YouTube channel.
 
One of the great features of biblical study is the more one reads the more is revealed and can be understood. The complexity of thoughts, words, deeds, and actions described in the bible opens new opportunities to better comprehend what God is sharing. The more of the story one comes to know, the more that is exposed in the structure, relationships, and designated outcomes of the text.
 
Extended study can provide for improved understand, which increases knowledge and better comprehension of that which God has intended for each of us.
 
I invite you to explore this website or our YouTube channel whenever you have a few minutes and are moved by the Lord to learn more about Him and His plan for your spiritual life and salvation. We welcome all correspondence through our website link and respond to all comments and inquiries.
 
All the best,
Branch​

​In this part of our series, we will be combining two of our categories as they are often the most observable. They are without a doubt, recognizable. The first is ‘climate change.’ No matter where you may call home or where you are as you are reading this the climate and its consequential fallout is undeniably unfolding before our eyes. Whether or not you are a climate change believer or denier, weather patterns and storms have changed over the last fifty to sixty years. We regularly experience different ‘seasonal’ patterns than we once did. We have more severe storms and dangerous weather than ever before, in more geographic areas than ever before, with more destructive power and costly damage. (Mt 24:7)
 
These are the real and observable actions of the “Labor Pain” warnings Jesus spoke of that will affect the world and its populations in the End Times. Even those who are biblically illiterate, non-believers, scripture deniers, or just do not care what prophecy may reveal can look out their windows or watch media coverage of ongoing weather which disrupts lives and economies in various parts of the globe on a daily basis.
 
The other category affecting millions of lives directly is social upheaval and conflict. Societies worldwide now enjoy instant access to and communication with each other via the Internet and social media platforms. The entire planet is now connected and interjected at a moment’s notice to events and crises. The Internet has exposed humanity’s character and nature as technology has made everything known or imagined available and allowable to viewers. Within its revelations nothing is sacred, and any sacrilege is acceptable.
 
Many peoples of the world now openly invite and embrace nationalism, fascism, racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and propaganda rooted in celebrated self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Isaiah 5:20 sums up perfectly today’s ‘state of the state’ for these attitude adherents. Those who welcome and frolic in the follies of the world will endure their fate at the hands of a ‘new normal’ global surveillance state and its harsh draconian edicts.
 
One benefit of the Internet for seekers and searchers of spiritual grounding and growth opportunities is worldwide exposure of the gospel being spread and made available through global media outlets. (Mt 24:14 “And the gospel will be preached in the whole world as testimony to all nations and then the end will come.”)
 
These two ‘areas of life’ are critical because they occur daily, drawing our attention away from the essential importance of prophecy and its ultimate prognosticating effect on our lives. As Jesus aptly announced in Mt 24:37-38 people are focused on, caught up, and consumed with everyday stress, struggle, and activities.
 
Just as we often miss the incremental steps moving mankind forward on its path, so it is that many fail to prepare for larger, traumatic events occurring in an unwary busy world. Most will not recognize the arrival of each event but it’s doubtful they’ll miss the consequences or fallout effects of the Last Days. Many reject a need for preparation in lieu of arrogance or ignorance, exchanged for ill-fated reactions to each crisis.
 
Spirituality enlightens to serve as the future unfolds allowing spiritual grounding to become spiritual strength for those who have Christ’s spirit living within, while coping with the fallout endured by others.
 
No-one can or will escape the changes brought about by climate and social disruptions as the world barrels full throttle into the abyss warned of in biblical prophecy. These two are out of the control of any single individual or group. They will cause catastrophic mayhem and destruction. They will destroy the lives of people and overshadow the warnings they are destined to make people aware of.
 
As believers and followers of Christ we must look at these attention grabbing events for what they are; opportunities to turn to the Lord, draw from His spiritual strength within us and restore the faith we have in His Word. He is like a loving parent who has only our best interests in heart and mind. He will bring us through these storms, literal and figurative. For He has established a place for us when He calls us to be with Him.
 
Join me next time for Part 6 when we learn what unbelief is really about and what its costs truly are.
 



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When talking about or contemplating aspects of a one world government (political, monetary, and economic system) people often discount its possibility stating, they “would never take, or allow themselves to be ‘marked’ for identity.” However, as has been shown and experienced time and again throughout history, big change often comes in small doses.
 
Examples of this were explicitly evident in the 1930’s when J. Goebbels, propaganda minister of the "Third Reich" manufactured the ‘Big Lie’. His facile declaration was, ‘if one repeats a lie often enough, the populace will come to believe it as being true.’ This tactic was used effortlessly and daily for practically every policy issue, or edict during the Trump Presidency.
 
Changing people’s hearts and minds may appear difficult at first, but throughout history the wearing down of beliefs and measures eventually delivers opportunities for people to react and respond in ways they never thought they might agree with initially. The same holds true in our current day and time.
 
The advent and battle against the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced people to allowing their temperatures taken (forehead or wrist) for entry into venues and commercial businesses. There now exist discussions as to ‘new normal’ methods to determine whether people have been vaccinated or not, for Coronavirus’ and its variants.  ‘Solutions’ by those determinations may include documentation such as vaccination passports or identity cards. Small steps, big changes.

Remember, we are talking about changes being implemented in incremental steps to entice or coerce large numbers of people to adhere to an action, requirement, or demand they would not normally willingly accept. And yet, being ‘identified’ as part of an accepting group (i.e., those vaccinated vs. those unvaccinated) by temperature or documentation is now commonplace one year after the initial pandemic outbreak of the coronavirus Covid-19 strain.

Force is usually the last resort used on those who adamantly refuse to go along with any new authoritative edict. The great mass of people will do as they are told. Those who resist will likely receive threats of punishment and/or death. Usually these are enough to move most people to acquiesce.
 
In the arena of political power that will culminate with the “Antichrist” as head of the one world government, again, small steps will pave the way for ‘new normals.’ The politics of our world have enormous repercussions on everyday life locally, regionally, and nationally. There is an event on the horizon that will be seen as unmistakable, unmissable, and undeniable by the entire world of believers and followers of Jesus Christ familiar with scripture and prophecy.
 
It can be recognized as the runup to what is known as the ‘Ezekiel War’ (from the book of Ezekiel, chapter 38, verses 36-39). It’s precursor described in the book of Psalms chapter 83 verses 2-8. These scriptural lines detail conflicts between a variety of Israel’s enemies and a rejuvenated Jewish nation. It’s my belief this prophecy started in 1948 with the rebirth of Israel as a nation and continues today. As of this writing (May 2021) Israel and the Islamic faction ‘Hamas’ in the Gaza territory are locked in heavy armed conflict with rocket attacks and military plane retaliations.
 
One aspect of biblical prophecy we may not know or understand explicitly are time frames involved with converging prophetic actions. Few prophecies detail exact time frames, the seven year tribulation period is an exception. Durations prior to or in between prophetic fulfillment can occur over years, decades, or even hundreds of years. During the Last Days multiple prophetic actions may be occurring simultaneously or overlapping. It is possible Psalm 83 fulfillment continues sporadically to the runup of the Ezekiel War.
 
Although many may be unaware of the Psalm 83 prophecy, the Ezekiel War will be unmistakable to those paying attention or interested in biblical timetables. Here are important points related to the coming Ezekiel War. An alliance between ten nations led by Russia, Turkey, and Iran will attempt a military incursion into Israel from Syria. This invasion will descend into the Golan Heights Mountain region of occupied Palestinian claimed lands.
 
The reason given for the invasion may be to aid and liberate the occupied Palestinian people in accordance with United Nations Resolution 2334. Watch for this UN resolution to be a headline flashpoint in the news. It will be a tipoff that timing is reaching a critical stage.
 
One underlying truth for many in the coalition has been a long-standing stated goal to decimate the Jewish people and nation in a ‘final solution’ of extermination. This attitude combined with a coveted desire for acquisition of the potential wealth of Israel’s raw materials, industrial prowess, agrarian, and natural resources will motivate at least one invading participant.
 
When every other nation has refused to come to Israel’s aid, God Himself will enter the fray on behalf of His (Jewish) people, causing turmoil resulting in defeat of Israel’s enemies on the field of battle. This one action will reignite both new belief and acknowledgement of God; Father, Son and Spirit and produce a worldwide revival to and for Jesus Christ.
 
The subsequent treaty ending this “war” will sideline these coalition nations and be particularly harmful to the three lead nations of the group. Israel’s growth and prosperity will be bolstered, setting the political stage for a ‘mediator and arbitrator’ of brokered treaty conditions. The political leader in this treaty’s negotiated outcomes will be the man who at Mid Tribulation will become the Antichrist.
 
While there exists a myriad of political ramifications operating daily around the world during these times both internally and internationally, the focus of the End Times, and particularly, the ‘Last Days’ revolve around conditions in the middle-east, specifically in and around Israel. Reconciliation of Israel and its Jewish populace back to the Lord God through recognition and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) is the primary purpose of this time in history.
 
Accordingly, most other nations and their populations are observers to the actions of Israel. All will be watching as possible survivors or casualties of End Times prophetic event consequences. Many asked what role if any, the United States will play in the End Times? As one of the world’s remaining military and economic ‘superpowers’ it’s influence still carries weight globally. However, reality reveals American international leadership has slowly eroded over recent decades.
 
America’s gnawing internal issues, which continue to divide its population may very well restrict or eliminate its participation in mid-east problems searching for acceptable solutions. It’s my belief America’s ‘fall from grace’ as a Christ emulating nation will result in many of its self-professed ‘christians’ being faith tested in the time fame between a post Ezekiel War era and a mid-tribulation Rapture. (Mt 7:21-23) The internal erosion of American life and values compounded by natural and manmade calamities may reduce U.S. influence to irrelevancy. (Rev 17,18,19)
 
Join me next time when we examine the climate and social storms brewing on the horizon.

​We have briefly examined some of biblical prophecy’s End Times scope, both general and specific. Now it’s time to look at contributing changes occurring incrementally in our daily lives. To do this we will be identifying how the world’s populations are being warned through different life categories. These category fields are economics, politics, societies, climate, and religious. The signs of approaching more undeniable prophesied events are present and recognizable for those living with open eyes and receptive minds.
As indicated, there are 1817 biblical prophecies, (1239 OT and 578 NT). Those wishing a reference pertaining to those prophecies are available here.
https://www.xenos.org/essays/old-testament-endtimes-prophecy-chart
https://www.xenos.org/essays/new-testament-endtimes-prophecy-chart
 
Many of the most important and unmistakable eschatology events have yet to be fulfilled. This is not to be unexpected, for those living in the Last Days should and will witness the most profound and impactful events in history. For the majority of mankind these 1817 prophecies are merely speculation of future events or imagined fantasies. However, those living in and through the End Times will experience their prophetic consequences as foretold.
 
As inhabitants of a post-modern world many are caught up in and consumed with their own individual lives filled with stress, struggle, trauma, and drama. Combine elements of these four and we discover today’s world is embroiled in conflict. Most petty, others more intense, some deadly. It is easy to see how events that initially occur in isolation or presumably are unconnected to each other might be ‘missed’ or misunderstood as to their relevance and/or impact on each other, and therefore to the world in general.
 
Of the yet to be fulfilled End Times prophecies in our five categories it’s time to discover those readily available to see and know more about in our future horizon. To review, here is our five events and our five life categories:
Events- The Rapture, the Antichrist, the Tribulation, the Second Coming (of Christ), and the Third (Jewish) Temple.
Categories- economics, politics, social, climate, and religious.
 
To better understand the intersection of these events and categories it is necessary to further delineate our examination with specific precursor activities which will ultimately lead to the actions we’ll witness and the consequences many will experience.
 
The most fundamental of all activity categories is economics because the essentials of life (food, shelter, clothing, transportation) are paramount to everyone alive. One of the thoughts fomented correctly by former president Bill Clinton was his statement, “It’s the economy, stupid.” The other four life arenas on our list must bow to economics.

One of the descriptive eschatological statements few miss about the Last Days under the reign of the Antichrist is the “Mark of the Beast” and its implications for economic survival (Rev 13:17). How do we, as the world’s population, arrive at the point where one man controls the entire world economy and has the power to determine who participates in economic activity?
 
For this scenario to be accomplished it will be necessary to have a single system in place that tracks and records all economic activity and identifies every buyer and seller. The additional functioning element for this to be implemented would be a single monetary system. The last ingredient would require that ‘non-participation’ results in dire (deadly) consequences for non-compliance. How does such a system come to be?
 
There currently exists a group called the “World Economic Forum” led by Klaus Schwab. He and other leaders within and aligned with the group, including corporations and other wealthy entities are currently in the process of sparking an economic revolution to bring about greater economic consolidation and ‘accomplishments’ to make the world a better place for all to live, survive, and succeed. Here’s a link to the WEF blueprint known as the “Great Reset” designed for humanity’s future;  https://www.weforum.org/
 
With a ‘one world economy’ organizational scheme planned to make a such a system functional as proposed will require a single monetary system. How can every country come to use a single currency? Today there are one-hundred eighty (+ -) currencies used in the world’s economy. However, all international trade and monetary functions operate within eight reserve currencies. To implement a one world monetary system would mean combining or transforming these reserve currencies into one. So, how to accomplish this?
 
The first step would be to implement a UBI (universal basic income) system, guaranteeing people (in any particular country) a guaranteed monthly revenue stream at their disposal. This process already exists in the U.S. (and other countries) through a variety of governmental programs, i.e., social security, SNAP, disability, etc. The U.S. is also about to include new programs as part of the JBiden administration’s “American Rescue Plan” guaranteeing different income programs for those who ‘qualify.’
 
So ‘UBI’ is not really “new” as we have ‘UBI’ programs in operation today. Relabeling said programs is merely a matter of semantics. It’s an easy step to combine these programs into a new UBI system whereby ‘eligible’ people (and perhaps in the future, every citizen) qualify for a monthly government check in a predetermined amount for a specific subsistence reason or need.
 
Once a UBI system is in full operation the next step would be to ‘enroll’ all citizens into this type of ‘successful’ program and realign its control under the coordination of a single Federal Reserve or Central Bank system. Once the system is viable “The Entity” could issue an “Entity ‘Dollar’” as the nation’s single currency. With that Dollar as the national monetary medium of exchange it would be easy and more efficient to digitize all funds, assign a trackable ID number to every citizen recipient and electronically credit and debit every account. Every purchase by every buyer and every seller becomes instantly doable, accountable, and trackable.
 
The final two steps would then be seamless and easy. With power necessary to regulate the economic health of a country, i.e., inflation, pricing, values, taxes, etc., control of distribution and collections is easily adjusted by declaration or governmental decree and then, pushing buttons. Ultimate economic control in the hands of ‘Central Bank’ entities around the world would allow the issuance of ‘money’ in the form of digitized currency coupled with complicit authority to tell its citizens where, with whom, and how much they need to ‘spend’ in any given time frame or suffer a consequence, such as loss of any remaining funds in an account. It is all about control, after all “It’s the economy, stupid.”
​
Implementing these steps within other world Reserve Bank and/or Central Bank systems under the guidance, direction, and possible control of a ‘World Economic Forum’ styled entity would make institution of a ‘one world economic and monetary system’ on a global scale relatively quick and easy to accomplish.
 
Finally, giving every inhabitant on the planet an identity number, or ‘mark’ indelibly implanted, attached, or affixed would make each, and their economic activity, trackable and recordable. With a new system operationally primed and ready for implementation, control by a single individual as the acknowledged head of a one world government and economy could be enacted globally.
 
Join me next time for Part 4, when we examine other categories of control by your new one world government.

​Now that we have a prophecy superstructure erected and have confidence that the yet unfulfilled prophecies described in scripture will indeed occur, let’s look at some you may have heard of, and others of importance you may not be familiar with.
 
The ‘End Times or Last Days’ events, characters, and plots/subplots most people know at least by label are; the Rapture, the Antichrist (666), the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ and perhaps, the Third Jewish Temple.
 
For readers who want the abridged version of the most important scenarios or knowledge, we merely need to heed the words of Jesus himself where he describes the End Times in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24. In this chapter Jesus was asked, “what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” He answered with descriptive statements for everyone listening, both then & now. How many of these do you recognize?
 
Starting in verse four (4) Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. (‘Fake News’ purveyors?)
(5)  For many will come in my name, claiming ‘I am the Messiah,’ and yet will deceive many.
(priest, pastor, pope?)
(6) You will hear of wars and rumors of wars,
(7) Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (ethnic group v. ethnic group)
There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
(9) Many will be persecuted and put to death, and [Israel] will be hated by all nations.
(10) Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (Capitol Hill Insurrection, Jan 6, 2021) 
(11) Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (TV evangelists/preachers)
(12) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (blatant and demonstrative racism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia)
(14) the Gospel (of Christ) will be preached across the whole world as a testimony to all nations
(internet and access to media)
Jesus tells us, “These are beginning of ‘Labor Pains’”      
[or, escalating preparations for his ‘re-birth’/re-appearance (“Second Coming”) of Christ.
 
This next group of statements pertain to the pivotal tribulation midpoint and “Great Tribulation” years of turmoil, death, and destruction before His Second Coming.
(15) When you see standing in the holy place (the Third Jewish Temple) “the abomination that causes desolation’ (the Antichrist and/or his image)
(16) Let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
(21) For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
(24) For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (carnal Christians/messianic Jews)
 
The following statements share information about Jesus’ Second Coming, or “Re-Appearance of Christ” (after the End Times labor pains);
(29) Immediately after the distress of those days (the ‘Great Tribulation’ days- final 3.5 years) “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”
(30) “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
(31) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
(33) Even so, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, right at the door.
(34) This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened
(“This Generation” refers to those born in and after 1948)
 
These statements refer to the “Rapture”
(36) But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
(37) As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
(38) For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
(39) and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
(40) Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
(41) Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
(42) Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
 
It is important to note these are not in a chronological order of occurrence. For this reason, it is imperative believers be familiar overall with the events and their potential fallout affects, not the specific order transcribed in Matthew 24.
We have briefly touched on prophecy in general and End Times prophecy specifics as told by Jesus, but what about End Times event precursors in evidence right now? We hear, see, and read news headlines on a daily, sometimes hourly basis as our world events unfold. How can we look deeper to identify those foretold to us in prophecy that are occurring as we watch? Let’s look at these categorically so the mix of events and their prophetic importance is not lost in a complex shuffle of their appearance.
 
Join me for Part 3, when we look at what our own daily news headlines reveal about our future.