The Following was written in April 2003 as a response to a friend to assemble in a coherent form all I had been shown in the weeks following Sept. 11, 2001. Time will prove it correct or not.
Update of March 2006
Update
of March 2011
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
Part One
The question which lays before us today is whither or not recent events reveal the beginning of God’s chastening of the world, with America as the prime example, for having turned away from God’s commandments and again following mankind’s time worn paths of ever deepening sin and wickedness. And of greater concern, will this be revealed to be the beginning events leading to the “last days”, as foretold in the scriptures.
Of the more than 1000 specific and detailed prophecies given in the scriptures only those concerning the return of the Lord, and associated events, remain unfulfilled. Due to the gravity of the end time prophecies it is well worth evaluating current events for any signs which may give us forewarning.
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Contrary to the belief of many, God has not set the world going and is now watching with bemused interest to see how things work out. Nor is He loosely controlling events until He gets some unspecified number of saved souls which will fill the space available in Heaven. A God who is capable of creating the incredibly complex universe and the very concept of time does not have constraints. Not on how many people He can or will accommodate in His Eternal Kingdom, nor on what will be the final outcome of mankind . God is unlimited, just as are infinity and eternity. And God has given us ample evidence of His very specific plan for the creation, which He has devised and is guiding toward it’s completion. This plan has an end point, one which we are well advised to look toward to see if we can ascertain our place with relation to that end.
The Time Line of History
It goes without saying that if we wish to understand what God has ordained for the future we must have an understanding of His plan. And to be able to make a determination concerning the importance of current and coming events, we first must have an understanding of the fundamentals of His plan. It is for this very reason that God has revealed all that is necessary to guide us, if we will just make the effort to look and understand. And with no great surprise, scripture points the way.
1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe Heb 1:1-2
And is there also guidance in those events which preceded Christ’s ministry ?
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come 1 Cor 10:11
But can we be sure of the guidance of the scriptures ?
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,. . . 2 Tim 3:16
So we see that God has spoken to us through His prophets, the scriptures of both the Old and New Testament, the ministry of Christ on earth and the Holy Spirit. We need look no further for our enlightenment as to God’s plan, all that is needed He has provided. The included Time Line illustration gives a general outline of the plan which God has implemented for the Creation. And all it’s components move toward one conclusion, the establishment of His Eternal Kingdom.
It is important to realize that God has set times and conditions for the implementation and completion of these elements of His plan. As is illustrated by the following examples, all that which God has proclaimed will be fulfilled when and as God has decreed.
..and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene." Matt 2:23
In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure." Gen 15:16
24 "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." Dan 9:24-27
From the very beginning God has carefully guided the course of mankind, in major ways which have been recorded, and in many ways too small to make the annals of history. The Time Line lists the major events with which God has controlled the flow of events.
Full Size Time Line Chart
The Flood : The purging of sinful mankind, through which God made a statement to all of creation physical and otherwise, about the conduct of mankind and their relationship with God. And the establishment of the basis for the only acceptable relationship between man and God, as shown through one man’s actions and his effect on those close to him.
Tower of Babel : An action which put constraints upon mankind’s ability to work together, delaying their ultimate decent into the sinful condition which will find it’s final expression in the last days.
Calling of Abraham : The announcement to all creation of God’s calling out for His purposes of specific people from among mankind.
The Exodus under of Moses : The establishment of a nation of people, separate from all others, living under a covenant which demanded adherence to a specific behavior, as defined directly by God.
The Ministry of Christ : The full revealing of God’s plan for mankind and His Eternal Kingdom. The replacement of the insufficient old covenant, with the fully complete new covenant, which reveals the full nature of the purpose for which God has created and guided the physical world and mankind.
Daniel’s Seventieth Week : The yet to be fulfilled seven year period, often referred to as the Tribulation. Which includes the final acts of mankind, the spreading of the word of the Lord to all the creation and the final culmination of the works of Satan.
The First Resurrection : The return of the Lord to the world and the gathering together of His army composed of the royal priesthood, to clear the world of sin.
The 1000 Year Rule : The establishment of God’s rule on the physical world as He works with and perfects His royal priesthood.
The Second Resurrection : The final exposure of sin and it’s destruction. The destruction of the physical world and the heavens, followed by the resurrection of all mankind into physical bodies and their final judgment by the royal priesthood
The Eternal Kingdom : The ultimate goal from the beginning, a new physical earth and heavens, ruled by God’s royal priesthood, while God dwells among “His people”. An eternal separation of the “saved nations” from the “goat” nations, those condemned to the “outer darkness”, “the place where the hypocrites go”, the “pit” and “gathered to their kind.”
Looking for a Few Good People
Before we can attempt to determine our place in the Time Line we must understand the underlying purpose of God’s plan, which is to create a priesthood of people who are absolutely loyal to Him and through whom He will rule His eternal Kingdom.
.. you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Rev 5:10
To accomplish this He has and will continue to “call” specific people whom He has selected from before the creation.
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Eph 1:11
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified Rom 8:29-30
These people, if they are to become members of the priesthood, must spend the rest of their lives in a process of trials and tests intended to “purify” them. For it is through adversity that one’s true commitment is illuminated, as we all know it is easy to meet a commitment when times are easy.
Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Heb 10:32
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
This process is intense enough that only a limited number succeed in attaining the full measure of the position during their physical life time.
"For many are invited, but few are chosen." Matt 22:14
The entire march of history, all the events of the world, are for this purpose. Just as Shakespeare wrote, the world is but a background against which the “called” are tested and trained. And God has in His mind a quantity of people to be chosen before the process is completed. The sooner the required number of those called out of the world conform themselves to be acceptable to God, the sooner the “last days” will arrive.
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. Rom 11:25
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 2 Peter 3:11-12
But When Does the End Come
Our problem appears to be that we have not been told when that time will come. Scripture tells us that not even Christ knows when the time will be right. Yet this information would be of great benefit as the days shorten before the end.
20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.Acts 3:20-21
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matt 24:36
What is the Value of knowing
Scripture warns that in the last days the dangers of being deceived by Satan will be at their greatest, and the consequences of following after a counterfeit Christ are monumental. Accordingly it is well worth our while to try to be on guard, because those who live in the last days will be in the greatest risk of eternal consequences. So it is no surprise that the scriptures speaks clearly of this very thing.
He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. Luke 21:8
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. Matt 24:24
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matt 24:10-13
Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. Rev 13:14
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, 10 he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Rev 14:9-12
As we can see scripture makes clear the dangers of deception increasing as the last days draw near and the consequences of making a mistake are well declared. It is to this end that God has admonished us at all times to know the truth and to not be caught unaware. On this fact the scriptures are quite insistent.
42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matt 24:42-44
5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled 1 Thess 5:1-2
32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back-whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:32-37
"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." Rev 16:15
Clearly most of mankind will be living life as always and will be caught completely off guard. As it was in the past, so will be again.
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. Matt 24:36-39
3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thess 5:3
The world will appear normal to most people, business as usual, no great signs that will be easily recognizable by all. They will have continued to ignore God’s warnings and lived within their delusion. God is not going to plead and beg with mankind. No gimmicks and wondrous signs, those will be left to Satan.
27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ Luke 16:27-31
How to stay on Guard and Alert
OK, so we get the point, but what are we to do ? The most obvious way to avoid incurring God’s wrath is to live as He has instructed, obeying His laws and commandments. However scripture keeps warning us that the danger of deception will grow greater as the final days approach. Since God keeps instructing us to be alert to the coming of those days, what guidance has He given us to this end ?
"Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7
The apostles asked this same question and they believed the answer they received important enough to be repeated in three of the gospels. Since they felt it was this important, it behooves us to take it as seriously.
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Matt 24:3
So that all could follow the lesson of the fig tree, Christ revealed the signs we are to look for as the days approach.
4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pain Matt 24:4-8
5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:5-8
8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." 10 Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:8-11
Now we have a pretty specific list of signs which reveal what type of events will proceed the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. Of these signs, the most serious is deception by those who claim to be The Christ or directly from Him. Because of this the Lord admonishes us to watch for these signs diligently, as most of mankind will not see them, even though they appear right before their eyes.
2 He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Matt 16:2-3
And again, when God repeats something three times, such as the parable of the fig tree, it is to be taken seriously.
32
"Now learn
this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and
its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33
Even so, when you see all these things, you
know that it is near, right at the door.
Matt
24:32-33
28 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door Mark 13:28-29
29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:29-31
So Are There Any Signs Today
Now that we have laid the foundation for the importance of always looking for the signs of which the Lord warned us, how can we tell if they are appearing in these days ? Many times in the past people have been convinced that they were living in the last days and yet time has moved on. Even in the time of the Apostles there were those who thought the last days had begun.
Looking at How God has spoken in the Past
Since Scripture tells us that the past is a guide to the future it is in the past we should start our inquiry. In former days God has punished individual nations, even the entire world, for transgressing His commandments and degenerating into ever more wicked and violent ways. His methods for warning, chastening and then punishing are well established.
Israel has repeatedly come under God’s warnings and punishment. And it is for this reason God chose them from among the nations, so they could serve as an example to future generations of the blessings of following and the consequences of turning away from God’s laws. Being the chosen people has not come without a price. They have suffered terribly for turning away from God’s ways.
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as" they did." 1 Cor 10:6
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 1 Cor 10:11
Is the World Ripe for Judgment
So the first question we must address is “has today’s world” turned toward the same ways which have brought condemnation and ultimately punishment from God in the past. Since the very beginning God has been all too clear on what type of behavior He will not accept and that continuation of such behavior will lead to punishment.
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Gen 6:5
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. Gen 6:11-13
In the original transcripts the word translated to mean “violence” is chamac (khaw-mawce'); and has the following meanings; wrong; unjust gain:, damage, false, injustice, X oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.
11 In you one man commits a detestable offense with his neighbor's wife, another shamefully defiles his daughter-in-law, and another violates his sister, his own father's daughter. 12 In you men accept bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest and make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign LORD. 13 "'I will surely strike my hands together at the unjust gain you have made and at the blood you have shed in your midst. 14 Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it. Ezek 22:10-13
29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice. Ezek 22:28-29
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Prov 21:13
The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: "It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. Isa 3:14
49
"'Now this
was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were
arrogant,
overfed and unconcerned;
they did not help the poor and needy. 50
They were haughty
and did
detestable things
before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.
Ezek
16:49-50
He lends at
usury and takes excessive
interest. Will
such a man live? He
will not!
Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be
put to death and his
blood will be on his own head.
Ezek
18:13
4
Hear this, you who trample the
needy and do away with the poor of the land, 5
saying, "When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain,
and the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?"-
skimping the
measure,
boosting the
price and
cheating with
dishonest scales,
6
buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals,
selling even the sweepings with the wheat. 7
The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: "I
will never forget
anything they have done.
Amos
8:4-7
4
Before they had
gone to bed, all
the men
from every part of the city of Sodom--both young and old--surrounded
the house. 5
They called to Lot, "Where are the
men
who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we
can have sex with them."
Gen
19:4-5
9
Do you not know
that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers
nor
male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
10
nor thieves nor
the greedy
nor drunkards nor slanderers nor
swindlers
will inherit the kingdom of God.
1
Cor 6:9-10
13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Rom 13:13-14
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:19-21
4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." .......... 8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." Matt 19:4-8
21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" Mark 7:21-23
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Rom 1:28-32
14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev 22:14-15
As extensive as the proceeding quotes are, they represent but a small sampling of all the places in scripture which graphically speak to the type of behavior which has in the past, and will again in the future, bring God’s anger and punishment.
The last Days will be the Worst
And just to make sure we understand, we are warned that things will reach their greatest levels in the last days.
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, Matt 24:10-12
So now that we have an extensive listing of the types of behavior which are unacceptable to God and with these in mind lets take a close look at the state of mankind in today’s world.
Sexual Immorality : Never in the history of the world has there been such unrestricted access to every type of sexual activity. And it should be noted that this is the most frequently mentioned of God’s list of conduct which brings His anger. The Internet has pushed the boundaries of pornography beyond anything ever conceived in the past. Pedophila has never been so great, with children being exposed to sexual activity at ever younger ages. It is taken for granted that adolescents will engage in sexual activity and society makes sure they are provided with all the necessary information to facilitate such activity, with a false sense of safety.
Movies, television, books and other mediums portray multiple sexual partners as a normal course of life. Sexual images are splashed all over the advertising medium and push sexuality into all of life areas, making sure the flame is always lit. Cohabitation is taken as the normal course of life, extending out in recent years from the younger elements of society to become ever more common among the older generations.
Homosexuality : Not only is homosexuality prevalent through out the world, in most countries it has been granted the status of equality and is considered a protected right. A concerted effort is constantly in effect to give it an equal status, even within the so called church. The Bravo channel has a weekly show titled “Gay Weddings”. As this is a perversion of what God has created, something which God has labeled an abomination, it is hard to imagine much else which is so certain to draw God’s anger.
Divorce : In today’s world divorce is taken for granted, approximately 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce. To facilitate this the laws have been modified to allow for “no fault” divorce. The ever growing popularity of “ prenuptial agreements” a testament to the casualness of attitude toward the union which God has declared as sacred.
Greed : The events of the last few years, with the exposure of accounting scandals, stock manipulation and ever insidious use of hidden fees by businesses, have become the very definition of greed. These scandals are showing up across the world from business interests to government corruption, and no area of the world left untouched. The public falls victim to stock manipulation and con man schemes about mysterious fund transfers from foreign countries because they are looking for “easy” money. Their greed leads them in like sheep to the slaughter.
Dishonest Scales : Again and again, news reports expose examples of outright dishonesty in business. Government agents frequently find stores which have a higher than the displayed price set in the computerized check out systems. The supposed errors keep coming up again and again, always against the customer. The accounting reports of public companies are manipulated to make them look better than they are so stock prices can be pumped to unjustified levels. Sales figures are distorted so banks and lenders can be fooled. The real price of TV offers are padded with almost unnoticeably disclosed “shipping and handling” charges.
Poor: The rich get ever more so and the poor become worse off. While the wealthy of the world adorn themselves every more lavishly, millions fall deeper into poverty and die from starvation, lack of shelter and simple medical treatment. And few care. Huge corporations run sweat shops in third world countries, looking for the lowest costs by avoiding benefits, skirting safety and pollution rules and even abusing child labor. The stock manipulation schemes strip the value of the retired and elderly, and this conduct is guaranteed to bring God’s wrath. The gap between rich and poor was actually increased by the end of the 1990’s
Idolatry : In ancient times people worshiped actual images, modern people worship cars, homes, bank accounts, science and what the material world can provide. But the biggest idol at which modern man worships is that of being his own god. The twin hand maidens of man’s supreme control over his own destiny are democracy and capitalism. These are the subjects of the modern “Gospel” which man seeks to spread to every corner of the world.
It’s all about man’s “rights”. Increasingly more and more is ascribed upon the alter of “rights”. Mankind ever more becomes his own judge, and with recent advancements in DNA manipulation man now seeks to replace God and become his own creator. Could there be a more blatant example of the worship of “rights” than the legalization of the murder of thousands upon thousands of unborn children in the name of a woman’s “right to choose”. This alone will assuredly bring God’s wrath upon mankind’s head.
Witchcraft : The last 10 years have seen an explosion of interest with the supernatural world. As in the late 1920’s, business leaders are turning to psychics for advice, and fortune telling hot lines openly advertise and take in millions of dollars. Religious cults associated with other world beings and spirits are popping up with amazing frequency. The Science Fiction channel hosts a program featuring an individual who claims to be able to contact the dead and even the Animal Channel has a woman who supposedly is able to talk with animals.
But more importantly the greatest growth is occurring in the realm of children, who are much more open to belief in new things. The popularity of the Harry Potter series, which teaches outright belief in witchcraft, magic and manipulation of spirits, the Pokeman game which leads to domination of others with monsters which have spiritual powers and even the seemly benign Lord of the Rings, are all conditioning young minds to accept that which many adults ridicule. And this will open them up for the “signs and wonders” and deception which we are warned will come with the last days.
Hatred : Today’s world is filled with hatred, peoples and tribes in the Baltic states and Africa have been engaged in a never ending process of attempting to exterminate one another. “Ethnic Cleansing” has become a by word of today’s society. A new category of “Hate Crimes” has arisen, with ever expanding definitions being added regularly. And just as foretold in the scriptures, it is not only the Arab nations but the world in general that is slowly becoming ever more intolerant of Israel and Jews. Ominously the ever growing hatred by Muslims toward the western nations threatens to engulf the entire globe.
Dissension, Fractious and Insolent: All around the world mobs of people march and shout their demands, often leaving carnage in their wake. Authority is held in distrain, people demanding their “rights” and “wants” now. Those who lose the debate refuse to concede and launch efforts to overturn the outcome. Youths grow ever more insolent, challenging parents and officials while demanding their “rights”. Politics has degenerated into a fractious area, personal attacks becoming the norm, misrepresentations the common coin of attack. Politicians engage in every more obstructive actions between nations, trade disputes have become more common, the United Nations an area of delay, denial and recrimination.
Debauchery: No pleasure is to be denied, everything possible to be taken to the extreme. People engulf themselves in drugs, alcohol and sensual pleasures. “Rave” parties degenerate into orgies of sensuality. The wealthy indulge themselves with the finest foods, wines and adornments, young children have $50,000 birthday parties. It not enough to have a car, it must be equipped with ever more luxurious features, power trunk closing, voice command entertainment and satellite navigation systems. “Why not, you deserve it” has become the creed of our society.
Desecration : It is hard to imagine of a time when the very existence of God is treated with more disdain. Not only is God’s name used in vain, it is ruled a “right” of free speech while the very presence of a Bible on a teacher’s desk a disciplinary offense. Science is given the status of god while the mere mention of God in education is not only outlawed but ridiculed. Could there be anything more disdainful than to declare as protected speech the submergence of the symbol of Christ on the cross in man’s urine and put on public display. Man shakes his fist at God, seemly unaware of the terrible price which will be incurred.
Now that we have analyzed the current situation, in part two we will see the ways in which God warns, chastens and finally punishes nations for their behavior. The events of current days will be reviewed concerning the possibility of their conformity to God’s ways of dealing with nations in the past.
Part Two
Warnings and Chastening, Signs to take Seriously
By now we have a pretty comprehensive exposure of the deplorable state of mankind with respect to the standards which God has decreed. It is hard to imagine that in it’s present state the world is anything but offensive to God. It would appear that mankind has quite possibly declined to not just it’s previous state of wickedness but to new lows. Common sense should tell us that it is only a matter of time before God takes some action, as He has never let such a condition go unpunished in the past.
4 Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, 'Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!' 5 But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods. 6 Therefore, my fierce anger was poured out; it raged against the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem and made them the desolate ruins they are today. Jer 44:4-6
10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols, kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria-- 11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?'" Isa 10:10-11
And just so we won’t fall victim to the vain hope that “this time it’s different”, scripture reminds us that God has not and will not change His standards.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb 13:8
To make sure we are not left in the dark concerning the signs which will declare God’s chastening and warning, He has used a consistent pattern when warning Israel and other nations that they were in danger of judgment. He has used His prophets to admonished them and warn them of the consequences if they didn’t change. And, other than a few exceptions, God’s method is to use the forces of nature and the other peoples of the world in order to inflict the pain and suffering necessary to get stubborn mankind’s attention.
17 yes, this is what the LORD Almighty says: "I will send the sword, famine and plague against them and I will make them like poor figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten. 18 I will pursue them with the sword, famine and plague and will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth and an object of cursing and horror, of scorn and reproach, among all the nations where I drive them. 19 For they have not listened to my words," declares the LORD, "words that I sent to them again and again by my servants the prophets. And you exiles have not listened either," declares the LORD. Jer 29:17-19
"Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom for your fellow countrymen. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD--'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. Jer 34:17
9 "Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, I struck them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD. 10 "I sent plagues among you as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camps, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD. Amos 4:9-11
Signs in Our Time
Now that we have a good idea of how God goes about getting mankind’s attention, let’s turn to those events happening around us. Our first step will be to see if there is a pattern or similarity of events which goes beyond the normal happenings of the world. What we will be looking for is event after event, piling one upon another in an ever increasing series of troubles and sorrows.
It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. Amos 5:19
When the ancient Israelites went to war they sounded a trumpet from Mt. Zion to alert all the people and gather the army. On Sept. 11, 2001 God’s trumpet sounded loudly from the heavens for those who are paying attention. Sadly most will remain deaf to this warning until the pressure and suffering from God’s chastening brings them to their knees. But God has provided us another option.
22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:22-23
Full Circle
Sept. 11, 2001 was a most seminal event, one which takes precedence due to it’s immense implications. We have seen that in the past God placed a limit on mankind’s ability to work together by separating them into groups with different languages and scattering them across the world.
7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." 8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel--because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. Gen 11:7-9
God did this because He knows that if man is allowed to unite as one there is no limit upon the extent to which mankind can and will degenerate into evil.
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Gen 11:5-6
The “this” they had begun was making themselves the rulers of their destiny, defying God’s authority. Now, for the first time in history, mankind has finally overcome the limitation which God used to hobble them. The world is now one “global village”. Corporations are no longer national but instead cover the world with their business. Financial markets are one long connected series of transactions, trading 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. English is the official language of trade around the world. Scientific research is inter-linked around the globe and advancing at an ever faster pace. Man has overcome God’s impediment.
Towers
And this has not gone unnoticed. We must take note of the fact that towers have a special significance in scripture, they are symbols of power, pride and strength.
Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women-all the people of the city-fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. Judg 9:51
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Ps 61:3
Tower of Babel
But the original tower was a statement of man’s desire to be his own ruler.
3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." Gen 11:3-4
The bricks of dirt, the same material from which man was made, speak of man being the foundation of power from which the tower was built. This tower to the heavens was intended to glorify man, giving him prominence over the land. It was nothing less than man replacing God with himself, a glorious tower built of the same dirt of the earth from which man was created. But this was an inferior imitation of the hard stone which God decreed for His alters, symbolic of His unlimited strength.
The tar, which is found in foul pits, is an inferior and short lasting method of building strength into a structure, surrendering to heat and pressure. God’s structures were build with no bonding material, their strength derived from the meticulous fitting of each stone, one upon another.
The Twin Towers
The true center of modern world commerce and power was housed in the twin towers of the World Trade Center, while the symbol of the greatest military strength in the world is the Pentagon. It is from those towers that world shipping was controlled, where the massive financial bond markets were manipulated and major global corporations integrated their activities. And the Pentagon is the control center of the greatest military force in the present world.
In the year of 2000, speaking through one of today’s few true prophets, God revealed to His people that there would be terrorist attacks against the cities of New York and Washington D.C. The magnitude of the fulfillment of God’s word stunned the world. Yet God has not only spoken against the sins of America, He has made a much greater statement than the sin of one nation. He has destroyed the very symbols of man’s achievement in over coming the limits which God had placed upon them so long ago. The striking of the towers announced that while man had come full circle in restoring himself to the capabilities which allow him to exercise his full potential for evil, God has taken notice.
Before the flood God had placed no limits on mankind’s interaction. Because of this they worked together to achieve man’s full potential for evil. Like it or not, as God has created us the basic nature of unrestrained mankind is to fall into what God has declared are unacceptable ways.
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Gen 6:5
Because of the extent of this wickedness mankind as a whole was destroyed. God saved just eight individuals, the only ones who had believed God and done as He commanded.
So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth --men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them." Gen 6:7
Since the placing of limitations upon man God has dealt with them as nations. But now those conditions which had prompted God to deal with all of mankind, rather than individual nations, have returned. The significance of the twin towers can not be understated. For God has set a time table and a limit for the fulfillment of man’s evil. Just as the possession of the promise land by the ancient Israelites was held back until the Amorites had reached their pinnacle of sin, so is the return of Christ to take possession of the earth.
15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure." Gen 15:15-16
Dan 11:36
"The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.
The above are fore types of what is to come, given us to make it clear that before the final coming of the Lord sin will reach it’s full potential.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, Matt 24:12
3 ...... The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4 Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?" Rev 13:3-4
This time has been greatly delayed by the limitation placed at the tower of Babel but which now has finally been overcome. To make sure the point is not missed the destruction of the twin towers, symbols of global consolidation of power and wealth, makes a forceful statement.
16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. 17 I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth Zeph 1:16-17
10 "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because it towered on high, lifting its top above the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height, 11 I handed it over to the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside, Ezek 31:10-11
15 for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, 16 for every trading ship and every stately vessel. 17 The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, 18 and the idols will totally disappear. Isa 2:15-18
The striking of these towers serves as a chilling statement that this is a time like no other. We are not looking at just another nation which has angered God and is in the process of being
dealt with. The scope of this is much larger and one is well advised to take it as such, for the twigs of the fig tree are ever more tender.
Using our Enemies
The attacks on the twin towers and the Pentagon carries even more significance because of the manner in which they were accomplished, serving as perfect examples of the involvement of God’s hand. Throughout history, when chastening a nation or people, God has used their enemies as His instrument of punishment.
Therefore the LORD rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence 2 Kings 17:20
14 For the LORD God Almighty declares, "I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Israel, that will oppress you all the way from Lebo Hamath to the valley of the Arabah." Amos 6:14
For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. Neh 9:30
5 "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! 6 I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. Isa 10:5-6
8 Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," declares the LORD, "and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. Jer 25:8
In our time God has chosen as the “rod of my anger” an enemy with a most frightening nature. As a counter to the Gospel, Satan has spawned and steadily grown a “mirror image” to God’s covenant with mankind, the Islamic religion. This creation distorts the very core of God’s covenant with mankind. It is through this creation that Satan works to pull man away from entering into the relationship which God has defined. Satan does this by appealing to man’s desire to achieve his salvation through the “works of his hands”. Man much prefers to earn his salvation by acts to be performed rather than a fundamental change in his nature.
Just as God used Israel’s worst enemies against them, it is through this ultimate enemy that God is bringing His anger and warning to the earth. He has but to lift His hand of restraint to allow the evil desires of men to arise against the world.
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, ... 2 Thess 2:7
This enemy, unlike a nation, is spread across the entire globe with an ever deepening sense of hostility toward the western nations and all that is not accepting of their false god. And as we shall see, the so called wisdom of our leaders is being made foolish by God as they play into His plans.
Pride and Arrogance
Just as ancient Israel ignored the warnings and signs, so it is in today’s world. Especially so with the United States. Israel was warned by the prophets that they would be punished if they continued their sinful and worldly ways. God sent attacks against them, just as the prophets had warned would happen, yet they refused to listen. They ignored the prophesied conquest of the northern kingdom by Tiglath-Pilester and the destruction which accompanied it. Instead they arrogantly held to their own sense of power. When the Southern kingdom was attacked as prophesied, their reaction was to declare they would rebuild bigger and stronger. And just as the prophets foretold, the result was the complete destruction of Israel and the 70 years of captivity. Even upon the promised return to their land, never again was Israel it’s own nation. Instead it was always a vassal of others until it’s destruction under the Romans.
8 The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel. 9 All the people will know it-- Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria-- who say with pride and arrogance of heart, 10 "The bricks have fallen down,but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled,but we will replace them with cedars." 11 But the LORD has strengthened Rezin's foes against them and has spurred their enemies on. Isa 9:8-11
The Edomites also felt God’s wrath and failed to take the lesson to heart resulting in their final disappearance from the face of the earth.
4 Edom may say, "Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins." But this is what the LORD Almighty says: "They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the LORD. 5 You will see it with your own eyes and say, 'Great is the LORD-even beyond the borders of Israel!' Mal 1:4-5
In the aftermath of Sept. 11 there has been no real effort by a so called Christian nation to look inward at the possibility that this could be a sign from God. Despite being filled with churches and those who call themselves Christian, the presence of overwhelming disregard for God’s laws has enraptured all but a few. Those few who dared to point out the obvious were ridiculed, just as were the true prophets in ancient Israel. There were hundreds of false prophets to whom the people listened, but just a few from God who were mostly ignored. Yet the words of the few prevailed.
And as in the past there is not the slightest inclination by the many for self examination. Instead, just as with ancient Israel, history will reveal the arrogance and pride with which our leaders have set out to rebuild with “dressed stone” and “cedars”. They go out of their way to praise diversity and especially to lend credibility to the false religion of Islam. So called Christian leaders share a platform with all the false religions of the earth, calling for unity in direct defiance of God’s word.
And with incredible arrogance president Bush has publicly declared that we will not only rid the world of terrorism but bring “freedom” to all the oppressed nations. We will create democracies around the world, bringing them to worship at the alters of our “idols”, democracy and capitalism. These are nothing more than names for man determining his own fate, just as at the tower of Babel. This man has foolishly put a match to the fuse of Muslim hatred by proclaiming justification from God for America’s mission of spreading “freedom” to all mankind, a concept which is in direct opposition to scripture. He has cast America as the modern reincarnation of the Crusaders of the past, inflaming the memory of those very events which Islam and Arabs consider the beginning of their great humiliation and dominance by the western nations. Those ill chosen words will be replayed over and over through out the Islamic world and will only serve to solidify their hatred.
Relentlessness
God’s anger will not be placated until man stops to listen. And we will experience more and more troubles until we stop and listen. Leaders will make what in retrospect will turn out to be foolish decisions. Troubles and danger will surround us, just as they did ancient Israel. In the end there will be no place to hide, no rest from troubles both large and small.
It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. Amos 5:19
Just in the short time since Sept. 11, events have measurably increased the anxiety of the American public. Focus groups find that the subject of security has become the major concern of citizens. Terror attacks, unemployment, natural disasters have all had an effect. And this is just the very early stages.
No where is safe
The western nations have grown used to a peaceful existence, with lots of time and many ways for personal enjoyment. But since Sept 11th this sense of security and enjoyment has been under assault.
Holidays : Bombings have occurred around the entire world. Even Sweden has been afflicted. Resorts in Bali and Kenya, long considered save places to vacation, have now been violated. Tourists in the Philippines are taken hostage. In Mexico the Zapatista rebels are taking over land owned by Americans and running tourists out. One after another cruise ships from different lines are stricken with a virus, despite extensive efforts to sanitize the vessels. Literally hundreds of people’s vacations are ruined.
Plagues : Across Canada the same virus which has affected the cruise lines has taken hold in schools, hospitals and care facilities. It came out of nowhere and has resisted eradication. All up and down the California coast oak trees are dying from a mysterious fungus, while across New York state trees are being killed by a parasite. Both have come without warning and are resisting attempts to eradicate them. In California’s prisons and among the gay community a troubling and unprecedented out break of an antibiotic resistant bacterium has surfaced. It is characterized by fast growing boils and unsightly abscesses. And it is spreading to the general population causing great concern within the health services. It’s symptoms are seemly right out of the scriptures.
10 So they took soot from a furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on men and animals. 11 The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians. Ex 9:10-11
The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. Deut 28:27
Are these the beginnings, is there more to come, time will tell.
Droughts, Fires, Floods and Famine
Drought, something which has been coming to all parts of the world. Africa, Afghanistan, large parts of China and North Korea have been in multi-year droughts. Canada is 5 years into it’s worst drought in 50 years, as is a significant part of the United States.
Australia is experiencing the worst drought in it’s recorded history coupled with historic wild fires which are eating away at it’s capital city. During 2002 the wide spread drought conditions in the United States resulted in one of the greatest simultaneous number of wild fires in it’s history, spreading across a number of states.
Famines and drought go hand in hand. The number of countries suffering from deadly famine has jumped in the last few years. Africa is returning to the worst levels of the past, at an accelerated rate. Countries which have avoided famine in the past are falling into it’s grip. North Korea is experiencing the worst famine possible, with people eating moss, dying by the thousands. They are crossing the border into China in ever increasing numbers. Afghanistan, despite recent efforts, has fallen back into it’s prolonged shortages resulting from 5 years of drought
"I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD. Amos 4:6
Floods made an auspicious appearance in the winter of 2002 - 2003. Germany has experienced back to back flooding, undoing much of the repair work from the floods of recent years. The costs will be in the billions, at a time when it’s economy and insurance companies are struggling. Much of Eastern Europe also suffered devastating floods during the winter. At the same time England has experienced some of it’s worst flooding in years, some areas being hit for the second consecutive year.
But of more interest to the discussion at hand is the situation in the United States. At the very same time that the massive wild fires were devastating huge areas of the western states parts of Texas and Louisiana were experiencing flooding. These occurred in areas which had not seen flooding for many, many years, some areas not having experienced flooding since record keeping began.
7 "I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. 8 People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD. Amos 4:7 - 8
The Weather
Storms : Hurricanes come in cycles, from mild to extreme, each cycle running an average of seven years. It should be noted that we have just entered the seven year cycle for strong storms. A sign of what is to come may have been seen at the end of 2002 as the gulf coast and Florida experienced three strong hurricanes in just 4 weeks.
Freezing Winters : Around the globe the phenomena of unusually cold weather is occurring. In the winter of 2002/2003 much of the United States, and notably the eastern and southern states, have been experiencing this unusual cold. For many areas, especially Alaska and the mid-western states, the normal snow fall has been replaced entirely by freezing cold and if the condition continues much longer crops will be put in jeopardy and water shortages are a possibility for next year. The east coast has experienced freezing cold followed by record snow storms which gave way to warm rains leading to collapsed roofs and flooding, all of this in a 60 day period. And the United States is not alone in this phenomena, many of the European countries are experiencing the same situation. The Baltic sea, for the first time in 50 years, is in danger of freezing over with the attendant major repercussions for vital shipping in the area.
However of special interest is the unique situation in southern Asia. An area where cold weather is so unusual that most of the population live without access to heat or electricity. The majority of homes have no doors or windows, with the average winter temperature in the high 50’s. Yet the winter of 2002 - 2003 has seen temperatures in the 30’s, the death toll by January of 2003 standing at over 1,600. The length and depth of this cold spell is unprecedented for this area and brings with it many complications such as substantial increases in bronchial infections and pneumonia. It should not go unnoticed that this area is filled with false religions.
10 The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. 11 He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. 12 At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. 13 He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love. Job 37:10-13
The Earth Moves : During all the preceding, two live volcanos in Mexico and in Italy, have become active. Both have continued to flow gases and lava in regular amounts onto the adjacent lands. While this has been happening, fault lines have produced a number of significant earth quakes in Japan, Mexico, Afghanistan, turkey and Italy. All of these within less than 12 months.
A Pattern
We have now looked at a broad array of phenomena, any one of which taken as an isolated occurrence is not unprecedented in the normal course of world events. What is different here is the broad number of unusual events, all overlapping, in such a short time period. For the purposes of our discussion Sept. 11, 2001 stands as a significant starting point in time.
If we are correct that God is moving upon the world, the afore mentioned number of events represent just the beginning, with more to come. And we can then expect future events will increase in frequency and magnitude, making them ever more discernible for those who are wise enough to look and listen. We can turn our attention from what is happening around the world and pretend all is as it has been, or we can be vigilant and take notice of what is happening beyond the normal patterns of life. But as for the rest of the world, events will result in ever more pressure constantly applied until mankind is finally willing to listen.
.... yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.
A look at what has transpired as of March 2006.
As of this point in time many events have transpired.
Natural Phenomena :
Indonesia has been savaged by a massive tidal wave and it is worth noting that this area has the largest concentration of members of non Christian faiths. The world weather patterns have gone to extremes with freezing weather followed by record heat waves. Large parts of Europe have been hit with both extreme rains, floods and droughts leading to wild fires all within one year's time. Again and again new records for the severity of natural events are being set and often people can be heard making the comment that they have never experienced such before.
Wars and Turmoil :
The war in Iraq has turned into a civil war in all but name and the future is bleak. The American troops are tied down and losing recruits with each passing month. The blind drive to apply democratic forms of government has led to more unrest for the area. Iran is in full pursuit of nuclear armament which will only led to other Arab nations seeking the same. The raise of anti-Semitism is led by the Iranian government who, along with other Arab nations, will finance the take over of the Palestinian government by the radical Hammas group. All the result of the so called democratic process.
The arrogance of the Western nations in insisting that all cultures accept their blind worship of free speech, which is nothing more than another name of self will, by publishing cartoons that inflame the Muslim world has now added to the growing gulf between the secular and religious worlds. This is now adding to the numbers of Muslims who are turning to radical actions. It is aided by to the problems of the lack of assimilation of the Muslims within the western countries. Islam is to be found in every country now, with great potential for internal problems such as France has suffered. Even Sweden has experienced violent acts by radial extremists. China and Russia each are having increasing problems with the followers of Islam. The world can expect more and more violence from this area as these people reject the decadent and self serving western way of life. Even Turkey, a supposed example of a secular Islamic country is experiencing a growing wave of Islamic fundamentalism. It's people's hatred of America and Israel being stirred up by a recent move featuring well known American actors playing the role of evil men doing unspeakable things to Arab people.
Human Conduct :
The raise in the acceptance of the homosexual life style has been at an amazing rate. More countries now accept homosexual marriage as legal while many others do so in all but name. The pushing of this life style in movies, books and television now includes not just prime time network shows but a dedicated cable network and a movie put up for an Oscar award. More and more Christian denominations are accepting not just the blessing of such unions but actually performing a marriage ceremony for them.
All over the world people are acting more and more like animals. In just one 30 day period hundreds were killed by the actions of crowds pushing and shoving in Mecca, the Philippines and South Korea. Senseless actions of mob mentality. This giving into the emotion of the moment merges well with the raise in Islamic fervor and will play a role as problems descend on the nations.
The United States :
As for the United States, the recent events in the gulf coast region are but a start. It is not by chance that the hardest hit areas were where gambling was made legal by the subterfuge of off shore establishments. Consider that New Orleans was scheduled to have a gay rights event the week following the hurricane. And there is the specter of extreme weather on both coasts occurring at the same time that mid western states are suffering unseasonable dryness leading to massive wild fires. Corruption scandals continue to surface while the ineptitude of government bodies becomes ever more apparent. Our disaster resources are over taxed at present and any more problems will roll over them like a flood. Yet the wealth of the nation continues to be held in fewer and fewer hands, leaving the great majority of people to live off debt, one step ahead of the next disaster. And the drive to remove even the most minimal mention that perhaps there is a higher power in favor of enshrining the idea of evolution into every aspect of our society shows this so called Christian nation's insistence on rejecting God.
Health :
And the final concern, that the bird flu which has just about made it to all of the world, now has the the required exposure to enough people, especially in Africa, to make the jump to humans. This while masses of people continue to live in poverty and starvation in the face of all the wealth of the world.
But little has changed,
Updates as March 15, 2001
It has been 5 years since the last update and the pace of God's actions has increased. Many of those listening have received signs and prophecies which are being fulfilled with each passing day, yet are ignored.
Economic : The world has experienced a major melt down which has left very few areas unaffected. And to date the underlying problems have not been dealt with leaving a ticking bomb. Wealth is being destroyed on an ongoing basis.
Natural Disasters : The number of extreme occurrences which are “worst in recorded history” or of the “100 year level” have become almost standard.
Severe droughts have affected many areas of Europe from Greece upward. Australia have been until recently in a 5 year extreme example. Many areas of Spain have and continue to be in dire conditions.
Storms have also increased, Australia's draught being ended by massive flooding. Parts of Eastern Europe have seen almost yearly flooding along with major snow falls, well beyond what was considered normal. The Scandinavian countries have suffered severe winters with the rare freezing of the seas now becoming almost expected.
South American countries in the last few years have suffered major land slides from intense storms leaving thousands dead and whole communities destroyed.
The United States has seen several years of extreme storms bringing unusually intense snow and ice to the lower east coast and the southern states along with flooding of parts of the Northeast coast which have not suffered such in resident's life times. The winter storms in the upper northeast have increased in the severity and expanded the time periods when they occur.
Additionally, the occurrences of tornadoes through the midwest has increased and expanded to areas where they had been previously unusual.
Earthquakes and tsunamis in the last two years have struck with massive destruction, breaking previous records. Chile, Haiti, China, Indonesia and Japan have suffered massive loss of life and property in a very short time period for such occurrences. While a number of volcanos have become active.
Wars : The number of armed conflicts has jumped in the last few year. Terrorist attacks have continued growing and the Middle East has erupted with riots and conflicts. (see the Burning Wheel prophecy ). The recruiting of individuals to serve as terrorists is growing world wide, especially toward the western countries. The expansion of Islam is steady increasing within the western nations and has become untouchable due to careful playing of the political correctness card.
The power of the major western nations is fading away as they find themselves unable to deal with the challenges. Concerning Libya they debate amongst themselves what to do by who and what is acceptable while the conflict rages. Pirates off the Somalian coast thumb their noses at the inability of the major nations to agree on how to control the situation while millions of dollars are extorted and people are killed. (see the Elephant and Lion prophecy ).
Morals : The conduct that God has specifically condemned continues to increase. Forty percent of all births in the United states are to single women. The use of drugs continues to grow leading to deadly wars in Mexico.
The number of nations
which have declared marriage other than to one man and one woman has
increased. In the United States the federal government along with
the state of California have refused to defend existing laws limiting
marriage to such unions, giving defacto government sanction to the
alternates.
Regular entertainment programing is filled with clearly presented endorsement of “alternate lifestyles”. In fact, public grammar and high schools in some places now include a “transgender” bathroom facility. Main stream churches openly accept active homosexual pastors and higher officials considering it a form of “enlightenment”, while the depravity of the Catholic church continues to be exposed.
Summery : The people of the world continue to move toward that which was foretold long ago, seemly oblivious to any connection to the ever increasing warnings. As throughout history, they refuse to listen to the word of God and His warnings given through prophecy. As in the past, they continue to close their eyes and ears. Unfortunately these events will only increase until the pain become so great it can not be ignored.
.... yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.