“So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). Every so often I receive a mass of emails in response to a particular Thoughts to Ponder. My recent one, There’s a Change Coming, is one such example. Many responded telling me how encouraging they found the article to be. Speaking of Christ’s return for His Church, some even asked, “Do you really think it’s that close?” Short answer—yes! Just a casual familiarity with Bible prophecy reveals we are mind-bogglingly close to this amazing, life-changing, earth shattering event. But of course, there are always mockers. Those who say, “Look, every generation of Christians believed Christ would return in their lifetime.” This is true. But the difference between those generations and this present generation is this—our generation has more reason to believe Christ will return in our generation than any previous generation ever imagined. And it all boils down to predictive prophecy—the Bible’s track record of 100 percent accuracy, 100 percent of the time!

The Bible predicts a number of events that will be in play just prior to Christ’s return for His Church. If we were witnessing just one or two of these events, we might have reason to believe Christ’s return was still far off. However, the fact that we are now, for the first time in history, witnessing all these events in play—setting the stage for Daniel’s prophesied Seventieth Week (Dan. 9:27)—gives us greater assurance that the Rapture of the Church is indeed close at hand. There is now a nation called Israel. No end-times prophecy could be fulfilled without an Israel. On May 14, 1948, against all odds, this tiny nation no bigger than the State of New Jersey, became a nation again. It occurred in less than 24 hours, sovereignly fulfilling numerous prophecies, particularly Isaiah 66:7-9. In verse 8 of that passage, Isaiah asks, “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once?” History has confirmed for us that yes, such a thing can and has happened. Israel’s return to the land is no accident of history but the sovereign fulfillment of God’s promise. The Bible also predicts Israel’s enemies, the Palestinians in particular (they are no peace partner), would try to steal Israel’s covenant land as their own (Ezek. 35; Psalm 83). The prophets also predicted, in the last days just prior to the Lord’s return, the whole world would come against Israel over the issue of Jerusalem. Zechariah writes, “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it” (12:3). We are witnessing this unfolding right before our eyes! Even the United States, Israel’s historic supporter, has now sided with the rest of the world in demanding that Israel cease settlement activity in its covenant land and divide Jerusalem. When you mess with Israel, especially Jerusalem, you mess with the apple of God’s eye (Zech. 2:8). That basically means that we as nation are now actively poking God in the eye. This is not a good position to be in as it invites catastrophic judgment. But it does show how close we really are to hearing Jesus shout from heaven! One more prophecy I would draw your attention too is that which Daniel mentions in chapters 2 and 7 of his prophecy. In both chapters, Daniel prophesied a revived form of the Roman Empire in the last days. We see the stage being set for this in the modern European and Mediterranean Unions. As of today, they are one vote away from a major step forward, and that vote will come soon. And just as Daniel prophesied, they are “partly strong and partly weak” (2:42). Out of this union, Daniel tells us ten kings (or nations) will arise. And from these ten kings, an eleventh king will arise who will, “make a firm covenant with the many for one week…” (Dan. 9:27). This is where we are today—the world is longing for someone—anyone—who can solve the Middle East problem. The only thing standing in his way right now, according to Scripture, is the true church. Once Christ removes His Church, this “man of lawlessness will be revealed” (2 Thess. 2:3).

I’ve only touched the surface. Space will not permit me to talk in detail about other prophecies in play this very moment—the march to globalism and the rise of global governance, economic upheaval, and the rise of an Iranian led, Russian equipped coalition that will attack Israel in the last days, apostasy, natural disasters, deception, calling evil good and good evil, and many, many more. The point is this: it is all coming to pass, exactly as the Bible predicts. Therefore, we can conclude God’s Word is true, its message of salvation by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8) is true, and Christ’s coming for His Church is very near (1 Thess. 4:13-18). So, my question to you is simply this: Are you ready? If Jesus came for His Church today, would you be caught up with all the saints of all the ages or would you be left behind? “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place…For this reason, you also must be ready”

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:11-14). Current events in our world point to the very real possibility that Jesus Christ will return for His Church at any moment. This truth is so spectacularly clear that I am amazed that most Christians have failed to take notice. This indicates a bigger problem—the Church is asleep! It is no wonder, as many churches, both mainline and conservative, have bought into Satan’s lie that the Church has replaced Israel and prophecy, as it relates to the end times, should not be taken literally, but rather spiritualized. However, the God of the Bible does not have a speech impediment. His Word is to be taken literally. Even if something within Scripture is symbolic, there is always a literal meaning behind the symbolism. So, the problem really is one of unbelief. Many in the Church today simply do not believe God when it comes to matters concerning the end of the age. A tragic result is that many in the Church are asleep—ignorant of the times in which we live and the things that are coming upon this world. They may as well be sleep walking!

There is so much going on today that indicates two things. First of all, God is setting the stage for the final fulfillment of all end times prophecy. Secondly, the return of Christ for His Church is very near. Consider the many things in play today that indicate the brevity of the hour. Israel is back in the land—the key to end times prophecy (Ezek. 36-37). The rise of the European super-state and Mediterranean Union is laying the foundation for the rise of a modern form of the ancient Roman Empire (Dan. 2, 7). The current worldwide economic troubles, as well as terrorism, have the nations of the world marching lock-step towards globalism (Dan. 2, 7; Rev. 17). The desire of the Palestinians to take God’s Covenant Land as their own, as well as, the whole Middle East Peace Process has key world leaders working day and night to forge a solution—a solution that seems to allude all who busy themselves with it (Ezek. 35; Dan. 9; Zech. 12). The rise of an Iranian led, Russian equipped coalition that will come against Israel in the near future is quickly taking shape (Ezek. 38, 39). In fact, there is so much going on concerning Iran right now that one can hardly keep up. It seems the whole thing is rushing quickly towards war. Could it be that the prophesied War of Gog and Magog (see Ezek. 38, 39) is on the near horizon? If so, what does this say about the nearness of Christ’s return for His Church? If war breaks out in the Middle East, as I suspect it soon will, the world as we know it will change. The world economy may very well collapse as oil surges to hundreds of dollars a barrel. Add to that the very real possibility of a nuclear exchange in the Middle East and the world will beg for a leader to put things in order—to guarantee peace between Israel and her enemies, thus protecting world access to oil. “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for [seven years]” (Dan. 9:27). Such a leader is coming. He will arise out of Western Europe. The Bible refers to this individual as “the beast” (Rev. 13), and the more commonly known title of Antichrist (1 John 2). He most likely is alive and well on planet Earth today. The hour is indeed late. It is time for the Church to wake up!

When Paul says to “awaken from sleep,” he means to awaken from spiritual apathy and lethargy, or to put it another way, unresponsiveness to the things of God. When we consider the nearness of Christ’s return for His Church and the judgments upon this world that will follow, we must wake up, lay aside and forsake our sins, live a life that is pleasing to God, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (the ongoing spiritual process of sanctification), and be about our Father’s business. Sadly, many in the Church are content to keep sleeping—oblivious to the hour in which we live and the nearness of Christ’s return and judgment. Furthermore, many are content to continue in their blindness and sin rather than repent and believe the true Gospel. They are content to mock God, either by word or deed saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Pet. 3:4). It escapes their notice that God has directly intervened in human history in the past and He will do so again in the near future. Therefore, we must wake up and be firmly anchored in the Lord, as time is quickly running out, “for now salvation is nearer to us than when we [first] believed” (Rom. 13:11).

“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence—As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil—To make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things which we did not expect, You came down; the mountains quaked at Your presence. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him” (Isaiah 64:1-4). The Scriptures are replete with examples of God acting in behalf of His people. In the Old Testament, we find Him intervening time and time again in behalf of His chosen people—the Jews. In the New Testament, we find Him acting in behalf of a new race of people—the Church. As I read the accounts of God acting in behalf of His people, the one thing that always strikes me is the experience of God’s presence as He acts. For His people, the experience is always one of awe and protection. For the enemies of His people, the experience is always one of dread.In Isaiah 64:1-4, we find God’s chosen people—the Jews—pleading with the Lord to demonstrate His power as He did in the earlier days of Israel’s history. Their plea is in response to their own assessment of themselves in the last verse of chapter 63: “We have become like those over whom You have never ruled, like those who were not called by Your name.” So they plea for the Lord to “rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence.” 

I recently had the experience of living through a magnitude 6.4 earthquake. Everything under and around me was shaking. It was a truly amazing experience; one that I was glad quickly came to an end. It’s no wonder that such events strike fear in many who experience them. And perhaps this is why Israel pleaded for God to act in such a way in their behalf—that they might experience the awe and protection of His presence and that their enemies would experience the dread of His presence. In Psalm 18, David prayed for God to deliver him from the hand of his enemies. David records, “Then the earth shook and quaked; and the foundations of the mountains were trembling and were shaken, because He was angry” (18:7). God responded on David’s behalf in such a way that he was able to write, “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me…He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:16, 19). God’s sheer power was displayed so dramatically that David experienced the protection of God’s presence while his enemies experienced utter dread and destruction. The manifestations of God’s presence are unique. According to Isaiah 64:4, no one has witnessed the likes of His awesome works on behalf of His own people: “For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” We serve a mighty and awesome God who has promised to be with us and protect us, no matter what—even if such protection involves bringing us safely home to be with Him. In other words, He protects us against our enemies in both life and death. Death, after all, is our greatest enemy. But we need not fear. Christ has already triumphed over the grave!

Whether one is speaking of God’s chosen people—the Jews—or His new race of people—the Church—God acts in behalf of both. Our generation has witnessed Him acting in behalf of the Jews as He has begun bringing them from the four corners of the earth back into their covenant land. He has thwarted every attempt of Israel’s enemies to destroy the Jewish state, striking dread in them when necessary. This in and of itself is overwhelming evidence that the Messiah—the Lord Jesus Christ—will one day soon reign gloriously on David’s throne and over His Kingdom. Furthermore, the evidence is clear that He will one day soon rescue His new race of people—the Church—from His wrath that He is about to pour out on an unbelieving and rebellious world—an event that will surely strike dread in the hearts of those left behind. So the question you must answer is, “Am I ready?” Christ will return for His Church at any moment. That moment may very well be today. If you have not previously done so, receive God’s free gift of forgiveness and eternal life before it is too late. "For thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land’” (Haggai 2:6).

"For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian believers are highly eschatological in their content. Eschatology, of course, is that branch of theology that deals primarily with prophecy related to the end-times. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Jesus. According to Acts 17:2, Paul was with the Thessalonians for only a few weeks. In that time he taught them more about the end-times and the return of Jesus Christ than most churches cover over a period of years. In fact, Paul would be amazed and disappointed that some people today consider the study of end-times prophecy to be unimportant. It is no wonder that most people in the church today have absolutely no idea about the nearness of the Day of the Lord.

What is the Day of the Lord? It is a phrase that identifies events that take place at the end of history and is often closely associated with the phrase “that day.” It always identifies the span of time during which God will personally intervene in human affairs, both directly and indirectly, to accomplish His plan. It will begin with the Rapture of the Church and will continue through the tribulation period. The Rapture is that event when Jesus comes in the air for His Church. Paul clearly taught this in 1 Thess. 4:13-18. The tribulation period, known by its technical name as Daniel’s 70th Week is a period of seven years when God will pour out His wrath on unbelieving Israel and on the unbelieving world. It will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26). Scripture always presents it as an imminent event that will come quickly, like a thief in the night: “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2). It will come upon the world silently and unannounced. Jesus said, “Be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42). Therefore, we as Christians must be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ at any moment: “For you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief” (1 Thess. 5:4).

Paul tells us when we can expect the Day of the Lord: “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’” (1 Thess. 5:3). In other words, although the unbelieving world will not expect it, Christians should see it coming and be ready. One thing that has really stood out to me lately is the intensifying push for peace in the Middle East. A recent news article reports that, “Israel, Syria, Lebanon and other Arab nations should sit down together to try to resolve the Middle East conflict under a new ‘combined approach’ currently under discussion with the U.S. What we are discussing today is a combined approach of bringing together Arabs, Europeans and the United States as a team to create the circumstances over the next several months that allow Israelis and Palestinians to sit at the table, but also with Lebanese, Syrians and Arab nations.” Another article reports, “There is not an alternative to a two-state peace settlement between Israel and Palestinians.” All of this is right in line with what the Bible says will occur in the last days, right before the return of Christ for His Church and the ensuing Day of the Lord. Daniel 9:27 tells us one is coming on the scene who will finally bring peace to the Middle East, albeit a false peace: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week.” One week, of course, means seven years. In Daniel 11:39, we learn that this peace agreement will be based upon the concept of “Land for Peace”: “He will…parcel out land for a price.” Jeremiah 6:14 tells us this process will be totally one-sided in nature and leave Israel completely vulnerable: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.” It will center on the city of Jerusalem—who will own it—and will be imposed by a global coalition: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it” (Zech. 12:3). We are seeing this today—all nations, including America, are turning on God’s land and people. The world is in turmoil. The global financial upheaval of late has many blaming the Jews! If only we could work out the Middle East problem then all would be well—or so the world thinks. But remember this: “He who watches Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Ps. 122:3). Very soon, perhaps today, millions of people worldwide will disappear, suddenly and without warning. The Day of the Lord will quickly follow. Are you ready to meet the Lord in the air? If not, your time is quickly running out.

“Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6). Are we living in the end-times? This may very well be the second most important question one could answer—the most important being, are you born again? So much is happening today to set the stage for the return of Christ that I can hardly keep up. Every day the Lord tarries, I am challenged to sound a warning to believers and unbelievers alike. To believers, the warning is to wake up! To unbelievers, the warning is to believe and obey the Gospel, for time is running out. We are living in the generation that will witness the fulfillment of all end-times prophecy up to and including the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In light of current events and Bible prophecy, this truth could not be any clearer. Yet, most in the church are asleep and many refuse to believe the message of salvation by grace through faith. Paul tells us we are to “be alert and sober.” In other words, all these things should not “overtake [us] like a thief.”

There are numerous reasons why we know we are living in the last-days. Since 1948, this generation has witnessed the miracle of the modern nation of Israel. A modern version of the ancient Roman Empire, “partly strong and partly weak,” as the Bible predicts (see Dan. 2:40-43), is rapidly coming together in the European and Mediterranean Unions. In fact, the scenario we see today is very close to the prophetic scenario that is found in Bible prophecy. The current worldwide financial crisis is pushing the world rapidly towards globalism and some form of global governance. I would not be the least bit surprised if the nations of the world eventually come together in a confederacy of ten political unions led by 10 kings who eventually surrender their power to a strongman arising out of the European Union (see Dan. 7:7-8). Multiple prophecies are at work with Iran, Syria, and Israel. The prophet Ezekiel predicted an end-times alliance among Russia, Iran, and other Moslem nations that will launch a surprise attack against Israel in the last-days. We’ve never seen anything like this in history until now. The wildcard in this alliance has been Turkey. Current events in Turkey indicate she is moving slowly but surely into her prophesied role. The “burden of Damascus” (see Is. 17:1) could be fulfilled in a moment’s notice. The quest for peace in the Middle East is intensifying. The Bible says when everyone is talking about peace, especially in the Middle East, the world is ready for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled. Furthermore, the Bible says when contention arises over the control of the city of Jerusalem, as we see today, the end is indeed near. With all this and more occurring daily, I am amazed that so many in the church are asleep—that is to say, they simply do not care about these things, and some care little more for reaching the lost. Even more amazing is the fact that most unbelievers refuse to believe the simple Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith.

Of all the generations in history, it is to this generation that the prophecies of the last days are addressed. Although every generation since Christ’s first coming have looked for the signs given in Scripture, only this generation is witnessing them all come together at the same time—which is itself a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matt. 24:34). Both Jesus and Paul described these signs as birth pains. These birth pains (or signs) have begun and are only intensifying with each passing day. Everything Jesus spoke about regarding the signs of the times at His return is happening right before our eyes. A lot sooner than most people are willing to believe, the same Spirit that inspired the amazing accuracy of the last-days prophecies will be removed, taking the Church with Him. This event, known as the Rapture of the Church (see John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), is a signless event that will occur at any moment. It must occur before the prophesied Seventieth Week of Daniel (see Dan. 9:27) can begin. Since all the signs we see today are really God getting the world in position for Daniel’s Seventieth Week to be fulfilled, we know that the Rapture is all the more close! It could happen this very moment. Christ is coming soon for His own. Make sure you are one of them! The Bible says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). That simply means repent of your sins and believe the Gospel (see Rom. 10:9-10).

“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Each and every day we are nearing the Rapture of the Church and the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th Week. Living to see these events, and to witness God’s Word fulfilled in our own lifetime, is a desire that many Christians have had throughout the history of the church. In fact, many Christians over the course of the last 2000 years fully anticipated that Christ would indeed return in their own lifetimes. However, this perpetual expectation of Christ’s return has exhausted the hope of many Christians throughout the ages. In addition, a large number of false prophets have set dates which led to initial excitement and to eventual disillusionment. It is no surprise that today, even Christians are asking the question, “Where is the promise of His coming?” The promise of His coming is found all throughout Scripture. Jesus promised He would one day return for His church, conclude His program for Israel, and establish His Kingdom on earth. We know this will happen because of the Bible’s track record concerning fulfilled prophecy. There are over 1000 predictive verses in the Bible concerning around 737 separate matters. Over half of these predictive verses have been literally fulfilled in history. This gives us tremendous confidence the rest will be fulfilled just as literally and completely as the others! The prophecies concerning the Second Coming will not occur in a vacuum. This means God will set the stage for the fulfillment of all end-times prophecy. As we review 2008, I want to share five primary trends that I believe are strong indicators that the hour of Christ’s coming for His church is near—“right at the door” (Matt. 24:33).

The first trend began well over 100 years ago. It is known as Aliyah, and refers to Jewish re-gathering to the Land of Israel. It began prior to the rebirth of Israel and has accelerated since Israel became a nation—the fulfillment of millennia-old prophecy (see Isaiah 66:8). Born on May 14, 1948, the modern nation of Israel remains an enigma to the world. The Jewish people's successful struggle for nationhood against all odds was seen as a miracle by the nations, and a fulfillment of ancient prophecies to students of the Holy Bible. Despite this, there are many today who teach the modern reality of the nation of Israel is nothing more than an accident of history and has no bearing on Bible prophecy. Many of these teachers are in the church! The amazing thing to me is that they ignore huge portions of Scripture to arrive at their position. Even more amazing is that they would continue in their foolishness even after seeing the sovereign fulfillment of Bible prophecy on May 14, 1948 and its continuation to this day as Jews return en mass to the Holy Land, thus fulfilling Aliyah! Furthermore, the re-establishment of Israel as a nation is a prerequisite to the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. Without an Israel, no end-times prophecy could be fulfilled and Jesus could not come back.

The second trend began unfolding with World War I but has accelerated in recent years. This trend is known as Alignment. It refers to the alignment of nations predicted in Scripture for the last days. World War I resulted in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire which had ruled the Middle East for centuries. World War II resulted in the realization of the nation of Israel and those nations surrounding Israel we know today to be intense enemies of Israel, denying her very right to exist as a nation. Since 1948 and especially in the last 15 to 20 years we have seen the collapse of the former Soviet Union which is giving rise to the Russia prophesied in Ezekiel as a major end-times player. We are seeing the reunification of Europe and the nations surrounding the Mediterranean rising to form a union that looks exactly like the ancient Roman Empire—a major last days prophecy! We see Russia entering into military and economic agreements with nations named in Ezekiel 38-39, a 2600 year-old prophecy that calls for an Iranian led, Russian armed confederacy of six nations that will come against Israel to try to destroy her in the last days. We have never seen anything like this in recorded history—until now. This is indeed astonishing!

The third trend is known as Anticipation. By this, I mean the anticipation for a comprehensive Middle East peace. It seems this one trend is in the news more and more these days. Even as 2008 concluded and a new year dawned, there were “wars and rumors of wars” raging in the Middle East with Israel’s offensive against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza. A recent news headline captured the world’s quest of an elusive Middle East peace: “Obama Inherits Century-old Headache in Mideast.” The problem with the quest for Middle East peace is that God has promised this land to the Jews in an everlasting covenant. Any attempts to divide God’s covenant land, especially the city of Jerusalem, will incur God’s ire (see Zech. 12). A pseudo-peace is coming and will be brokered by a world leader the Bible describes as “the prince”. He will guarantee a 7 year covenant of peace with Israel that he will break midway through (see Dan. 9:27). The quest for peace in the Middle East today indicates the lateness of the prophetic hour. Jesus is coming soon!

The fourth trend is known as Arrangements. The Jews are making arrangements for and are ready to rebuild the Temple! The Bible clearly calls for a third Temple in the last days. Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John all prophesied a third Temple. They were looking specifically to the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th Week (see Dan. 9:24-27). Jesus, Paul, and John all looked back to Daniel’s prophecy on this as the key to understanding end-times events. Each indicated the Temple would be in full operation by the middle of Daniel’s 70th Week, also known as the Tribulation. Did you know that sixty-three of the 103 implements used in Temple worship have been completed? Furthermore, in 2005, the Israeli rabbinical council involved with the re-establishment of the Sanhedrin called upon all groups involved in Temple Mount research to prepare detailed architectural plans for the reconstruction of the Jewish Holy Temple. They are closer than ever to laying the cornerstone and initiating construction. Something major will need to happen before this becomes a reality and I am convinced God has “something major” on the horizon! The question I have is will true Christians be here to witness it?

A fifth and final trend, and probably the most frightening, is that of Apostasy. This is referring specifically to the professing Christian church. Paul wrote, “It will not come unless the apostasy comes first” (2 Thess. 2:3). This is a trend I thought I would never see in my lifetime but it has begun unfolding in recent years and 2008 saw a dramatic increase. There is a movement known as the Emerging (or Emergent) Church Movement that is clearly an apostate movement. It is a movement that questions or outright denies the very foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It is a movement that is incorporating Medieval and New Age pagan practices that they refer to as “Vintage Christianity”. I, along with others who are watching this movement, often refer to it as “the Road to Rome.” It is so named because it is a resurgence of religion in world affairs, the growing influence of the Roman Catholic Church, and the movement of other professing Christian churches back towards Rome. This resurgence is attracting people who are primarily looking for an experience—and it is deceiving untold millions! I cannot help but think about the words of Paul: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thess. 2:7-10). The world has already begun experiencing what these “signs and false wonders” will be like. We see this deception in the so called “Mary Apparitions” such as the Fatima appearances in Portugal in 1917 and others of recent years—appearances that contradict Scripture in more ways than one! We saw it during the Presidential Campaign when millions of professing Christians were deceived into voting for “the one”. Furthermore, this apostasy is nothing more than a substitute for the true gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—salvation by “grace through faith” (Eph. 2:8).

As we look through the lens of Scripture back over the events of 2008, we see clearly that God is setting the stage for the final fulfillment of all prophecy. These trends, along with other world events, such as the political and financial upheaval we are witnessing, natural disasters, and the worldwide spread of the gospel, tell us the return of Christ for His church is very close. I believe He will return at any moment. The “mockers” keep asking, “Where is the promise of His coming?” Well, based upon the signs of the times and the ever increasing mocking, I would have to say that “the promise” is near—“right at the door” (Matt. 24:33). So the real question is, “Are you ready to meet the Lord in the air?” Have you been saved? Have you repented of your sins, believed and obeyed the true gospel of our Lord and on Savior, Jesus Christ: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

“So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress” (Daniel 9:25). I cannot even begin to recount the times I have talked to people of other religions who claim their so called sacred writings are the Word of God. I have had these discussions with Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gnostics and many others. Each time I have always issued the same challenge: Prove it! The Bible has proven itself over and over again to be the Word of God. It is clearly of Divine origin. It is supported by over 5000 ancient manuscripts, pieces of manuscripts and fragments of manuscripts. The sixty-six books of the Bible were written by forty different authors over a period of 1500 to 2000 years, in three different languages, on three different continents. Yet its message is unique and each book compliments the other. Furthermore, archeological discoveries have proven the cities, peoples and events chronicled in the Bible are right on target. One group (the fastest growing cult in America), for example, has searched North, South and Central America in vain to find one shred of archeological evidence to support their so called sacred writings, which they claim to be “another testament of Jesus Christ.” Give me a break! The same can be said for the writings of Hinduism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gnostics and many others.

I could list one reason after another as to why the sixty-six books of the Bible constitute the Word of God. However, the most compelling reason I point to that proves once and for all the Divine origin of the Bible is the accuracy of fulfilled biblical prophecy. The Hebrew prophets had to meet a very stringent requirement—100 percent accuracy, 100 percent of the time—no exceptions! I could point to any number of fulfilled prophecies, but the one that always strikes me as amazing beyond compare is one found in Daniel 9:24-27. Daniel was praying, interceding on behalf of the Hebrew people and seeking God’s plan for their future when the angel Gabriel showed up and in four verses of scripture gave him the entire future of God’s chosen people. Only verse 27 awaits fulfillment. The most amazing part of this prophecy is verse 25. Without getting into all the language and word studies necessary to fully understand this verse, it basically says from the time a decree is given to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” until the Triumphal Entry and rejection of Jesus (see Luke 19:37-40) there would be 483 years, or 173,880 days. We know this decree was issued by Artaxerxes on March 14, 445 B.C. We know Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey on April 6, 32 A.D. If you do the math (using a 360 day Hebrew/prophetic calendar), adding the time between March 14 and April 6 and the leap years, you arrive at exactly 483 years to the day. How’s that for 100 percent accuracy, 100 percent of the time! No other book that claims to be the Word of God even comes close. The Bible is clearly the Word of God as it has proven itself to be of Divine origin over and over again. Why people continue to reject it is beyond me, other than they “loved the darkness rather than the Light” (John 3:19)

It has all come to pass, exactly as the Bible predicted. However, verse 27 still remains unfulfilled. But there is no cause for alarm! Verse 26 clearly says there will be an interval between the fulfillment of the first 483 years and the final seven years of this prophecy. Verse 27 deals with this final seven years. The Bible doesn’t tell us how long this interval will be. But it does tell us the events of this final seven years mentioned in verse 27. In fact, this is the most documented time in Scripture. It is dealt with in Matthew 24-25, Luke 21, Revelation 6-19, and a few other places as well. These passages outline the time period leading up to and including this seven year period, which the Bible describes as “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” and “The Tribulation,” with the final three and one half years being described as “The Great Tribulation.” Well, chew on this awhile: For the first time in 1,600 years, there exists a modern version of the ancient Roman Empire, “partly strong and partly weak,” as Daniel predicted in chapter two. There exists, for the first time since before Daniel was born, a nation called “Israel.” Neither of these existed until this generation. Israel was reborn in one day in 1948 (see Isaiah 66:7-9). The Benelux Treaty that began the modern movement for the reunification of Europe was signed in 1948. Also in 1948, Bell Laboratories introduced the transistor, an invention which marked the beginning of the computer age. Daniel further predicted the increase of knowledge—probably the best description of our modern age. All these things, the Bible says, would be a reality when the time came for the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27. Again, we have greater evidence to the Divine origin of the Bible as the Word of God, to the exclusion of all others. What is this telling you and me? First of all, God’s Word is true. Secondly, its message about salvation by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8) is true as well. Jesus is the only way (John 14) to salvation. And finally, He is coming again—first, in the air for His Church at the Rapture (see 1 Thess. 4:13-18), and then literally to this earth at the Second Coming (see Acts 1:9-11). The question is: Are you ready? If Jesus came for His Church today, would you be caught up with all the saints of all the ages or would you be left behind? That is a question everyone must answer personally.

“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace”(Jeremiah 6:14). “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). In a special address he gave recently, President Bush announced the formation of yet another Middle East peace conference to address the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. This is just more of the same. One has to wonder when our leaders will learn that there will be no peace in that part of the world, or any part of the world for that matter, until Jesus returns. Furthermore, the pseudo-peace that is coming won’t be brokered by the United States. The Bible makes it overwhelmingly clear that it will be one of European origin that brokers a false peace between Israel and her neighbors. And on a side note—something no one seems to notice—every single time the United States has pressured Israel to give up more “land for peace”, a major disaster has struck the United States—every single time! It’s like, either we can’t learn or we won’t. But this one might be slightly different. How so? Only God knows, but it could be the beginning of a shift between the U.S. as peace broker to one of Europe as peace broker. In fact, I think that shift has already begun. Remember, the Bible says it will be a European “prince” who will “make a firm covenant with the many for [seven years]” (Daniel 9:26-27). The word make used here can be better translated make strong or cause to prevail. In other words, it’s not a new peace treaty this ‘prince’ makes but a confirmation of one already in existence. This ‘prince’, whoever he might be, will finally cause this seven year peace covenant to prevail, where other world leaders have failed.

On Monday, July 25, 2007, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair assumed his ‘limited’ duties as Special Peace Envoy for the so-called Middle East ‘Quartet’ that consists of the European Union, UN, Russia and the United States. His mandate is limited to helping the Palestinians develop and promote institutions and their economy toward their dream of an independent Palestinian State living ‘in peace’ alongside Israel. Can I smoke some of this weed too? Sorry, I get a little sarcastic at times. Anyway, this limited mandate isn’t setting too well with the leaders of the EU, who see themselves as the rightful leaders of the Middle East peace process. In fact, they are calling for Mr. Blair to take on more direct role of mediation, something generally reserved for the U.S. Furthermore, the EU is calling for the abandonment of the Road Map for peace and a return to the original plan and principles contained with the seven year (I’m not kidding) plan known as the Oslo Accords.

Why is this so amazing? As ridiculous as it sounds, this is pretty much in line with the way the Bible outlined the peace process described by the biblical prophets in the last days, or dare I say, the last of the last days. Daniel 11:39 says it will be based upon the concept of “Land for Peace”: “He will…parcel out land for a price.” Jeremiah 6:14 tells us this process will be totally one-sided in nature and leave Israel completely vulnerable: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.” It will center on the city of Jerusalem—who will own it—and will be imposed by a global coalition: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” Daniel 9:26-27 says it will be brokered by a European—a descendent of the people who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the Romans—and will be based on a pre-existing seven-year agreement: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week” (week here means seven years). There is only one seven-year plan on the books right now and that is the Oslo Accords brokered in 1993—an agreement which collapsed when Arafat went home and started his little intifada (or uprising—or better yet, cry-baby fit).

I am not saying Tony Blair is the long awaited antichrist. More than likely, he is not (see Daniel 11:37). However, his role will most likely be to set the stage for Europe to replace the United States as the primary Middle East peace broker. Such a move will put the EU in control of the process, which in turn will set the stage for the antichrist—exactly as the Bible predicted –with astonishing accuracy—over 2500 years ago. But wait, it gets better! At some point before this agreement is ‘confirmed’, the Bible tells those of us who are believers: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:15-17). With everything going on in the world of peacemaking these days, one has to wonder just how close we are to the Rapture of the Church. I believe we are mind-bogglingly close! Are you ready to meet the Lord in the air? If not, your time is quickly running out

“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace”(Jeremiah 6:14). “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). In a special address he gave recently, President Bush announced the formation of yet another Middle East peace conference to address the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. This is just more of the same. One has to wonder when our leaders will learn that there will be no peace in that part of the world, or any part of the world for that matter, until Jesus returns. Furthermore, the pseudo-peace that is coming won’t be brokered by the United States. The Bible makes it overwhelmingly clear that it will be one of European origin that brokers a false peace between Israel and her neighbors. And on a side note—something no one seems to notice—every single time the United States has pressured Israel to give up more “land for peace”, a major disaster has struck the United States—every single time! It’s like, either we can’t learn or we won’t. But this one might be slightly different. How so? Only God knows, but it could be the beginning of a shift between the U.S. as peace broker to one of Europe as peace broker. In fact, I think that shift has already begun. Remember, the Bible says it will be a European “prince” who will “make a firm covenant with the many for [seven years]” (Daniel 9:26-27). The word make used here can be better translated make strong or cause to prevail. In other words, it’s not a new peace treaty this ‘prince’ makes but a confirmation of one already in existence. This ‘prince’, whoever he might be, will finally cause this seven year peace covenant to prevail, where other world leaders have failed.

On Monday, July 25, 2007, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair assumed his ‘limited’ duties as Special Peace Envoy for the so-called Middle East ‘Quartet’ that consists of the European Union, UN, Russia and the United States. His mandate is limited to helping the Palestinians develop and promote institutions and their economy toward their dream of an independent Palestinian State living ‘in peace’ alongside Israel. Can I smoke some of this weed too? Sorry, I get a little sarcastic at times. Anyway, this limited mandate isn’t setting too well with the leaders of the EU, who see themselves as the rightful leaders of the Middle East peace process. In fact, they are calling for Mr. Blair to take on more direct role of mediation, something generally reserved for the U.S. Furthermore, the EU is calling for the abandonment of the Road Map for peace and a return to the original plan and principles contained with the seven year (I’m not kidding) plan known as the Oslo Accords.

Why is this so amazing? As ridiculous as it sounds, this is pretty much in line with the way the Bible outlined the peace process described by the biblical prophets in the last days, or dare I say, the last of the last days. Daniel 11:39 says it will be based upon the concept of “Land for Peace”: “He will…parcel out land for a price.” Jeremiah 6:14 tells us this process will be totally one-sided in nature and leave Israel completely vulnerable: “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.” It will center on the city of Jerusalem—who will own it—and will be imposed by a global coalition: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” Daniel 9:26-27 says it will be brokered by a European—a descendent of the people who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the Romans—and will be based on a pre-existing seven-year agreement: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week” (week here means seven years). There is only one seven-year plan on the books right now and that is the Oslo Accords brokered in 1993—an agreement which collapsed when Arafat went home and started his little intifada (or uprising—or better yet, cry-baby fit).

I am not saying Tony Blair is the long awaited antichrist. More than likely, he is not (see Daniel 11:37). However, his role will most likely be to set the stage for Europe to replace the United States as the primary Middle East peace broker. Such a move will put the EU in control of the process, which in turn will set the stage for the antichrist—exactly as the Bible predicted –with astonishing accuracy—over 2500 years ago. But wait, it gets better! At some point before this agreement is ‘confirmed’, the Bible tells those of us who are believers: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:15-17). With everything going on in the world of peacemaking these days, one has to wonder just how close we are to the Rapture of the Church. I believe we are mind-bogglingly close! Are you ready to meet the Lord in the air? If not, your time is quickly running out

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end…but all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs” (Matthew 24:6, 8). Shortly before He was crucified, Jesus told His disciples that as the End of the Age approached, the world would experience an increase of various signs (see Matthew 24), one of which was wars and rumors of wars. We know that He meant an increase as he compared these things to birth pangs. Current events in our world, in the Middle East, and Israel in particular, show just how true Bible prophecy has become. We are definitely seeing an increase in both number and severity of events in the Middle East. These events are moving at a rapid pace. However, as mentioned in a previous article, although it is impossible and foolish to try and interpret prophecy to fit every headline, it is not impossible to see these events as trends that are setting the stage for what the Bible describes as the final act of history. Notice again what Jesus said: “for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” In other words, these things “must take place,” in order to set the stage for what the Bible describes as God’s final dealings with Israel and the world, leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Not since the Six-Day War of 1967 have so many different nations been talking about and preparing for war. Amazingly, a majority of these nations are located in the Middle East and nearly all of them have one common thread that ties them all together—hatred of Israel. Rarely does a day go by without some major news story out of the Middle East. Furthermore, one nation in particular has been forthright about its hatred for and desire for the destruction of Israel. That nation is Iran. They are feverishly pursuing nuclear weapons. Additionally, they are acquiring weapons and making military pacts with other likeminded nations. All of this might seem irrelevant were it not for a 2500 year old prophecy found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This prophecy is absolutely amazing. What makes it so amazing is it has always seemed like an utter impossibility—until now. Ezekiel was able to look down the corridors of time and see nations not yet in existence, and alliances not yet formed. In doing so, he foretold the rise of a Russian military alliance with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to annihilate Israel during the end-times. This prophecy is known by most Bible scholars as the War of Gog and Magog. Gog is a term meaning prince or leader whereas Magog is the area known as modern day Russia and republics of the former Soviet Union. Gog is described as a dictator who will hatch an “evil plan” (see Ezek. 38:10). Through the prophet Ezekiel, God says to this dictator: “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword (Israel)…to the mountains of Israel…” (Ezek. 38:7-8). At the top of the list of countries Ezekiel says will be a part of this coalition of nations is Persia, which is modern day Iran.

In light of Ezekiel’s amazing prophecy the evening news starts to make a little more sense. And it should be no surprise that now, after a lengthy delay, Russian President Putin has decided to deliver nuclear fuel rods to Iran to power up the Bushier reactor. It should also not be surprising to learn that part of that “deal” required Iran to contract and pay for $765 million more in Russian arms for Syria. These “wars and rumors of wars” are putting the finishing touches on setting the stage for the War of Gog and Magog that Ezekiel prophesied over 2500 years ago. And when the time is right, a Moslem coalition led by Iran and armed by Russia, including countries from Central Asia, North Africa and Eastern Europe, will storm into Israel from the north over the Golan Heights (Ezek. 38:5-6, 8). And the Bible says God will use this event to reveal Himself to the world as Israel’s protector by utterly destroying the attackers (Ezek. 39:2-4). How close are we to this event? Only God knows. But current events seem to indicate this battle is on the horizon. What does all this mean? It means that God’s Word is true. Furthermore, it means Jesus is coming soon for His Church. Are you ready to meet the Lord in the air? If not, your time is running out.