“Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will EAT THE FRUIT OF THEIR WAYS (capital’s mine) and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Proverbs 1:29-33 (NIV)

There are some REALLY, REALLY bad times coming very soon! Things SO bad you could write a Best Selling book about them. Of course, God already wrote the Book! Not only did He tell us how to live and what to believe but warned us if we failed to follow His Word, His Wrath will soon be unleashed on this world in the Last Days as He never has before. Well, guess what? We are in the Last Days and we know this because of what His Word, the Holy Bible, has told us.

Since I began this blog two years ago, my intent has always been not to scare anyone but simply to try to let them know what the Bible has previously told us to be looking for so we won’t be afraid when we see those things coming to fruition. IF we recognize those things happening around us today and remember they are EXACTLY the same things we were told by God to be looking for, we should be comforted having been pre-warned of the coming REALLY BAD events. Think of it as being in your home watching TV on a Saturday afternoon and you are told your home is in the direct path of a coming tornado. Would you just continue to sit there and watch TV? IF you were warned it was on its way and you had time to get your family out and be saved by going to the shelter, how afraid would you be compared to sitting there unaware and all of a sudden your house is hit and totally destroyed?

God not only told us what we must do to be saved for all of Eternity, He also told us EXACTLY what will happen here on earth in the Last Days when most people will not obey His Word and it won’t be pretty! For example, just one thing He told us about, “…wars and rumors of war” will kill half of ALL people alive on the earth in just 3 1/2 years! That today means over 3.5 BILLION people will die in the wars of the Last Days! What constantly amazes me is not only the prophecies we read in the Bible but the specificity of them! For example, not only were we told an earthquake will hit Jerusalem in the Last Days BUT 7,000 people will die (Revelation 11:13). Not 5,000 or 10,000, but exactly 7,000. That is a number you can take to the bank! Thankfully the Believers in Christ who have accepted He died for their sins WILL NOT be here to observe all these things. We will be taken out BEFORE the bad things happen in what is known as the Rapture. If you have not yet reached that point in your personal journey I thought it time to review all the things the Bible has told us would happen starting with today so you will know what to be looking for EXACTLY as prophesied. IF you don’t believe in Jesus or the Bible, at least remember how exact the Bible is when telling us the exact impact of these events:

Wars & Rumors of Wars

Jesus told a few of His disciples in Matthew 24 (Olivet Discourse) when they asked Him when He would return and He told them they would FIRST see “…wars and rumors of wars.” Yes, we have always had wars but the real prophesy here is the frequency and intensity of these wars in the Last Days which will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. World War II was many times as bad as WWI and the coming wars will be even more devastating! Think of the now distinct possibility and viability of a nuclear war and 3.5 BILLION people killed will be easily accomplished in minutes, not years or decades. For more info, take a look at my previous post Jesus DID say we would have “…wars and rumors of wars’?         

Famines & Pestilence

Also in Matthew 24, Jesus tells His disciples there would be famines and pestilences (disease) that will be rampant throughout the world before His Return. Any examination of the impact of wars will show you one of the results of wars is a huge increase in hunger and disease as resources are put into fighting the wars, not feeding the people or taking care of their illnesses. Again, history shows us it is the civilians that bear the brunt of wars. All you have to do is read the headlines and today there are massive famines around the world with something like 50% of people in the world going to bed hungry every night. Want to know more? Read my previous post Jesus DID say we would have “…famines & pestilences.”

Earthquakes

As I write this week’s post the news is filled with many recent earthquakes and tsunamis that have affected many various locations around the world. Yes, we have always had earthquakes but the intensity and frequency of them is hitting all time records over just the past two decades. There have been more major earthquakes so far in the 21st century than the entire 20th century and every day it only gets worse! This should be enough to cause many to ask “What’s happening?” Well, what is happening in the Last Days is exactly as the Bible said it would, i.e. we would have earthquakes in diverse places.. Jesus DID say we would have “…earthquakes.”

War of Gog and Magog

One of the most visible and staggering prophecies today is with regards to a VERY SOON coming war where the nations of Russia, Iran, Turkey and a few of their cohorts will invade Israel and will be totally defeated BY God in just one day! What brings this to the forefront of events happening today is it was one year ago this month that these three countries formed an alliance FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, nations that for centuries were bitter, warring enemies. While it has to do with supporting the regime in Syria (directly on Israel’s northern border) they all have one unstated goal and that is the total destruction of Israel. Now with President Trump’s decision to remove U.S. troops from Syria, the stage is set for these specific countries to invade Israel. Not only would most find it difficult to believe that little Israel with a population of 8 million could defeat these powerful countries but the Bible CLEARLY states after the defeat by God a.) 5 of every 6 of the invaders will die on the mountains of Israel. b) It will take 7 months to bury the dead; and c.) it will take 7 years to burn the implements of war. Take those numbers to the bank and be on the lookout for the headlines that state these exact stats! The War of Gog and Magog; Will Russia, Iran and Turkey SOON invade Israel?

Total Destruction of Damascus

As the war in Syria wages on; as hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been murdered by their government; while millions have been displaced to other lands; and, as many of their historic major cities lie in ruin, the ONE thing which has not happened EVER is the TOTAL destruction of Damascus, the capital of Syria. Not only will it be totally destroyed, it will be destroyed in such a manner it will NEVER be re-inhabited again. Remember, this was prophesied thousands of years ago in the Bible to happen in the Last Days. Since that time Damascus remains one of the oldest continuing lived in cities in the entire world. Like watching the TV on that Saturday afternoon, when (not if) you see this occur, you will know the End is fast approaching! Be on the lookout for that headline! God’s “Red Line” in Syria, The Destruction of Damascus Revisited

Peace Treaty/7 Year Tribulation

As I have stated numerous times, the Bible is very clear the Believers in Christ will be Raptured (“snatched away”) from this world BEFORE God’s Wrath is finally unleashed on this world to those who DO NOT believe in Jesus. For more on the Rapture read The Rapture – God’s Promise, When will the Rapture Occur – Pre, Mid or Post Tribulation?, The Rapture – UPDATED. However, this paragraph has to do with the signing of a “peace treaty”. The Peace Treaty is significant because it does a few things. First, the global individual who comes up with this treaty will later be recognized as the anti-christ, the ABSOLUTE WORST leader in human history. Secondly, it will be in place for an exact period of 7 years giving the Jews in Israel the right to parts of the Temple Mount where they will begin the construction of their 3rd Holy Temple during the FIRST HALF of the Tribulation. Finally, it ushers in exactly the 7 year Tribulation Period which the Bible says will be the worst time in history on this earth and which will culminate exactly 7 years TO THE DAY later with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at Armageddon. Current Events Leading to the Israeli Peace Agreement and End Time Horrors

Rebuilt 3rd Jewish Temple

With the signing of the peace treaty, the Jews will be given the right to rebuild their Holy Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which they have not had since the Romans destroyed their 2nd Temple in 70 A.D. This is critical to the Jewish people because only with the Holy Temple do they believe they can atone for their sins with the sacrifice of animals for the forgiveness of their sins. This has been their dream for almost 2,000 years! Of course today, even though they have control of the Temple Mount (taken back from the Jordanians in the 1967 war), building the Temple today would cause a huge uproar in the Arab countries. However, with the defeat of many of Israel’s enemies during the War of Gog and Magog and the resulting signed 7 year Peace Treaty, the Jews will now be able to rebuild their Holy Temple and reinstate animal sacrifices. 3rd Time’s the Charm! – Rebuilding the Jewish Temple

Anti-christ

In his final attempt to “dethrone” God and place himself above the most High, Satan’s plan is to place an individual in power over the entire earth. Eventually, in his quest to emulate the Holy Trinity, Satan will have his “son”, the anti-christ, and his “holy ghost”, the false prophet in power during the final 7 years, the Tribulation Period. The anti-christ will basically come out of nowhere, create peace in the Mideast with his “peace treaty” and with the help of his now reborn Roman Empire, he will take full control of the entire earth. Most Biblical scholars believe this individual will come out of Europe as Europe becomes the predominant global power as Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the future world dynasties (Daniel 4). Imagine for a moment what the world would look like if all the Believers in Jesus were Raptured; if Russia was destroyed in the War of Gog and Magog; and, the Arab nations were placed in turmoil as a result of the war. That pretty much leaves Europe and China as the two main global powers. I will discuss China later. BREAKING NEWS – the Anti-Christ is ID’d!!

False Prophet

The false prophet spoken of in the Bible is the false “impersonator” of the Holy Spirit. He will reign over a one world religion and will demand ALL men worship the anti-christ, the global leader. He will be capable of performing miracles which will make him look as if he is ordained by God. It is the false prophet who will introduce the Mark of the Beast and force all men and women to receive it in their forehead or right hand or not be able to buy or sell anything. Of course, taking the mark also dooms all who do take it to eternal damnation. Again, consider the probability of an economic meltdown, perhaps caused by wars or the chaos of the End Times and those who are unbelievers will gladly take the mark to get their life back to some form of normalcy. But the Bible is also VERY clear. Those who do take the mark won’t have the mark of God in their foreheads and besides being damned for eternity after death will also be tormented for 5 months (take it to the bank) by terrible locusts while still alive as described in Revelation 9:3-6, “And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those  men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” Ouch!! And, you thought Satan and the anti-christ were bad…

Increase in Technology & Travel

Can you imagine living over 2,500 years ago when Daniel was led by the Lord to write the prophetic Book of Daniel and hearing about how knowledge and travel in the Last Days would increase? Of course you would have had to put that in the perspective of someone living when these things were being written on parchment and travel might mean taking weeks simply to walk to Egypt. I doubt anyone would have been able to imagine going ANYWHERE in the world in just one day or the technological breakthroughs the vast majority of us have seen in just our lifetimes. Daniel wrote in 12:4 “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book (the End Time prophecies in his Book), even until the time of the end: MANY SHALL RUN (travel) TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED (capitals mine).” There is no question this Old Testament prophesy was sealed up “…until the time of the end.” It is now unsealed! We are seeing fulfillment of this right now in ways we were not able to see in just the past generation.

One World Government

In just the past few decades there has been a push by liberals and even some “conservatives” to eradicate borders, national governments, currencies, etc. believing it is the ultimate answer to the world’s problems to go globally, from many nations to just one nation. With the chaos on the earth after the Rapture, the various wars between countries and a “peace treaty” which will finally (?) solve the problems in the Mideast, the individual who got the peace treaty signed will rise to power to run this global government. Of course by now we know that individual is the anti-christ and the Unbelievers will worship him as if he is God. He’s not! “Globalization” was Prophesied for the Last Days

Mark of the Beast

With all the changes this world will face after the various things which will finally usher in the Last Days, one thing is critical. In order to have a one world government there MUST be a one world currency. Since everyone needs “money” to survive, to buy food, clothes, pay for rent and healthcare, it only make sense to have a single currency that everyone in the world will use because without it they would not be able to live. But more than that, Satan wants people to take a mark “…in their forehead or in their right hand.” Paper money is antiquated! Whether it is a tattoo or chip implanted under the skin, all financial transactions can today be accomplished on an iPhone. In fact there are thousands of people around the world TODAY who have already had a chip implanted by which they conduct some financial transactions.  By getting all the people in the world to do this with the available technology in existence TODAY, the anti-christ and false prophet will be able to track all that worship him. However, the Bible is clear! Take the mark of the beast and you are damned for eternity! The Mark of the Beast  Could the iPhone be the Mark of the Beast?

One World Religion

Throughout recorded history most wars fought seem normally to have started because of religious differences, whether described as empire against empire or good versus evil, the argument many times has been endorsed by misreading what the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, etc. actually says. When an individual (the anti-christ) comes to power an expected result of forcing a one world religion to coexist along with a one world currency and a global leader would be to make the one world religion all about the anti-christ. Remember, the anti-christ will come to power mid-way through the Tribulation and after the true Believers have been Raptured. As his right hand man and leader of the one world religion, the false prophet will require all people to worship the anti-christ or to be beheaded. Thankfully, many will choose to be beheaded and will go to Heaven. Whose Messiah will save the world?

Christian Persecution

The Believers in Christ will be Raptured prior to the unveiling of the anti-christ and the start of the 7 year Tribulation period. There will however during the 7 years be many that will come to know Jesus either by observing things they had previously heard about (I pray this post helps some find their way) or by conversion while listening to the 144,000 evangelical Jews who will preach during the Last Days along with the two Prophets. Regardless, those Believers during the Tribulation will endure much persecution, not being able to “…buy or sell” because they did not take the Mark of the Beast or because they refused to worship the anti-christ. But know this. God has their back and what awaits them in Heaven is far greater than anything they may have given up here on earth. Christian Persecution

Jewish Persecution

The Jews have been the most persecuted people in the history of the world. Why? Because Satan is fully aware of the Promises God made to them and he will do anything he can to destroy the Jews so God’s Promise will be exposed as a lie. Of course, God does not lie! Since the Jews do not believe Jesus was sent to them as their Promised Messiah they will not be Raptured and must endure Satan’s attempt to finally eradicate them. I have read in a number of places it is estimated two thirds of all Jews on earth will die during the last half of the Tribulation (aka Great Tribulation) but a remnant through the Grace of God will survive and finally accept Jesus as their Messiah. They will, as God Promised to Abraham, be in an exalted role during Christ’s 1,000 year Reign on earth. Today, the entire world is against the Jewish people as anti-Semitism, the BDS movement and global terrorism abounds. What is the United Nations Role in Biblical Prophecy?

144,000 Jewish Witnesses

During the Tribulation period of 7 years and after the Rapture of the true Believers, 12,000 virgin men from each of the 12 tribes of Israel will come to know the Lord and will spend their remaining time on earth evangelizing  the people of the earth. Countless people will come to know Jesus during this time and these 144,000 will be protected by having the Mark of God in their foreheads. Again, take note. There won’t be 20 or 1,000 but 144,000 exactly teaching the Word of God to the peoples of the earth. Where did the 144,000 come from and what are they doing here?

The Two Prophets

In the Last Days two prophets will come to earth capable of performing many miracles and protecting themselves with fire. There is speculation who these two Biblical saints will be but for 3 1/2 years they will torment the people of this world with their message of God’s Judgement on the unbeliever. Eventually, God will allow Satan to kill them and their unburied bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 1/2 days observed by all (remember, before satellite TV, this was not even possible UNTIL this generation).  The unbelieving people of the world will party, giving gifts to each other because they are so glad the two have finally been taken out. BUT, guess what? After 3 1/2 days they will miraculously come back to life, arise and be seen by all as they ascend to Heaven. The whole world will see this, not after 1 day or 1 week but after 3 1/2 days. Take that to the bank! What happens when these 2 guys come knocking on your door?

Abomination of Desolation

One of the most defining events of Biblical prophecy is the Abomination of Desolation. If you are not a Believer and saw hundreds of millions of people mysteriously disappear during the Rapture; witnessed billions of people killed in major global wars; lived through earthquakes, famines and diseases; heard that a “peace treaty” was signed which appears to finally fix the issues between the Jews and the Palestinians; and, witnessed the Jews rebuilding the Holy Temple they have longed for then you will probably also witness the “guy” who got the two parties to the table to sign the “peace treaty” 3 1/2 years ago walk into the newly rebuilt Jewish Holy Temple and proclaim he is God and you MUST now worship him! You have just seen the fulfillment of yet another Biblical prophecy, what is referred to as the Abomination of Desolation. The anti-christ in demanding to be worshipped as God will desecrate the Holy Jewish Temple. More notably, from the day he does this know the Bible tells us it will be exactly 3 1/2 years, 42 months or 1260 days until Jesus Christ Returns at Armageddon and defeats the anti-christ and false prophet, throwing them into Hell for eternity and locking up Satan for 1,000 years! Again, the Bible tells us EXACTLY how long it will be until Christ Returns from the day the anti-christ desecrates the 3rd Jewish Temple. You can take that to the bank! What is the Abomination of Desolation in Biblical Prophecy?

7 Seals, 7 Trumpets,7 Vials

As bad as everything will be during the first half of the 7 year Tribulation Period with the Rapture preceding it and half the people alive on the earth dying during the wars, the REALLY bad stuff, the Fury and Wrath of God, will be unleashed on this earth with the release of the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 vials. Basically, this is God’s last call to those who have witnessed all the horrible things which await them for not Believing in Jesus’s Death and Resurrection. As long as they are alive, it is not too late! Unfortunately, they will only curse and blaspheme God for doing what He told them He would do. But, don’t put it off because you never know when your life will end. If you die today without acknowledging Jesus’s gift, it will be too late! Seven is the Number of God’s Perfectness does not mean it’s always GOOD!

Deception and Lies

One of Satan’s greatest gifts is he can lie like no one else ever. By lying and deceiving he can get people to not believe what the Bible teaches. If you don’t believe in the Bible, what do you believe in? Satan? Those are your only two choices. It is this reason why it is critical you read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. Failure to do this will leave you unfortunately remembering for eternity this line “If I had only believed what God told me, I would not be suffering!” Satan is Lying to you RIGHT NOW!

Terrible, Selfish People

Not only will REALLY terrible things happen during the final 7 years but the unbelievers who remain after the Rapture of the Believers will be truly despicable human beings. Without the fear of God the culture that exists will be one of self-centeredness. Nowhere is mankind in the Last Days better described than in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY (capitals mine).” Kinda sounds like today, doesn’t it?!

200 Million Man Army from the East

The most populous country in the world, China, is vaguely referred to in the Bible. Amazingly however, almost  2,000 years ago when the population of the earth was estimated to be 200 million, a prophecy was written that said at Armageddon an army of 200 million from the east would march towards Israel. That became a real possibility when the leader of China said just a few years ago China now had an army of 200 million soldiers. Again, not only do we have a Last Days prophecy but one that has an exact number which will make the headlines. Personally, I have always wondered whether this army is joining forces with the anti-christ at Armageddon to defeat the Jews or is this their rebellion against the global rule of the anti-christ. On that one I guess we will have to wait to see what happens OTHER THAN we know Jesus will defeat ALL at Armageddon. 200 Million Soldiers from the East are NOT going on Vacation to Israel!

Armageddon

By now I am sure not a whole lot needs to be said about Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I pray you will not be alive on earth to see that, especially if you are an unbeliever because when Jesus Returns He will totally destroy ALL who have rejected what the Bible teaches. Mankind as we know it will be changed forever and we will now live in a righteous and just world where the anti-christ and false prophet have been forever removed and where Satan will be in bondage for Jesus’s earthly reign on earth of 1,000 years. Yes, Satan will be released later “…for a short time” to once again wreak havoc on the earth but will finally be defeated by Jesus and will spend eternity with his cohorts in Hell. Armageddon fulfills so many of God’s Promises and as a Believer, either with Jesus in Heaven or awaiting His Return, we should all be consoled knowing ALL God’s Promises will have been fulfilled! What goes Up, MUST come Down!

My purpose in writing this week’s post was to put specific prophecies out there which most of us will NEVER witness as Believers in Jesus. However, I am also hoping people questioning the accuracy of the Bible will keep this (yes, it will be included in my coming book Comfort One Another – 2018) so they may go back and reference the exact promises made. At some point I sincerely hope those unbelievers will come around with reason and say “If God said Russia, Turkey and Iran will invade Israel and be TOTALLY defeated in one day and 5 of every 6 will die, that it will take 7 months to bury the dead and 7 years to burn the implements of war then maybe there is truth in the Bible. Or, if it says 7,000 will die in Jerusalem as a result of an earthquake, or a 200 million man army from the east will march on Israel, or…

Need I go on or will you take it to the bank?

Please take comfort in knowing God told us this beforehand so we would not fear what is coming IF we believe Jesus Christ died for our sins. It only takes acknowledging this and asking for Him to come into your life. You don’t need to be afraid. You do need to be aware! And yes, your friends and family need to be made aware as well so they might find the same comfort we share. Please help me to tell as many as possible and do as we are all instructed to do by God Himself and that is to “…therefore comfort one another with these words.” To do this, share your email with your friends or Like/Share this post on Facebook and/or LinkedIn. If you are not already receiving this post via email, please go to my website and sign up to receive all future posts by email instead of relying on social media. If you do this I would love to send you a free copy of my book Comfort One Another-2017 AND I will also send free my upcoming book Comfort One Another – 2018 when it is available in March 2019.

May God Bless you as we enter a New Year!