Will Nuclear War Happen?

Today is the 75th anniversary of an atomic bomb devastating Nagasaki, Japan. Three days earlier in 1945, the first atomic bomb used in warfare was dropped on Hiroshima. Historians have debated whether the United States was justified in using those bombs. It’s tragic how the bombings killed tens of thousands of people. However, many more lives would have been lost had the U.S. needed to invade the country that four years earlier initiated hostilities with the attack on Pearl Harbor. President Truman’s goal for authorizing the bombings was to convince the Japanese to surrender and bring a quicker end to World War II.

I grew up during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Fears of a nuclear exchange were triggered by watching made-for-TV movies like “World War III” and “The Day After.” Although the USSR dissolved in 1991, Russia still has nukes as well as a few other countries. Rogue nations like Iran have made progress in developing their own weapons of mass destruction. It’s scary to think about what would happen if they follow through on their numerous threats against Israel and the West.

However, I believe prayer plus a strong military has protected the United States and other countries from a nuclear attack. God wants to bring in a large end-time harvest of souls. Things will be different once the church is raptured. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 says, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

Certain Scriptures some scholars have considered symbolic could be descriptions of a nuclear conflict. Revelation 6:12-13 says, “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.” The “stars from heaven” could be missiles from space.

Zechariah 14:12 gives an accurate description of someone exposed to an atomic explosion: “And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.” This and similar prophecies could be about the Battle of Armageddon or another future conflict like the war of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38.

Do these scenarios frighten you? They shouldn’t if you know Jesus. Psalm 91:7 says,“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.” God knows how to protect His people. If you are uncertain of your eternal destiny, don’t delay getting your life right with the Lord. Tomorrow may be too late.

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Casting Out Devils

Mention the Great Commission and most Christians only think of “preaching the gospel to every creature.” Yet Jesus gave other commandments in the sixteenth chapter of Mark. One of which in verse 17 is to cast out devils. That commandment must be important. It is listed before speaking in tongues and laying hands on the sick.

Many churches in Western nations don’t do deliverance ministry at all. Some ministers believe Christians cannot have a demon. I can testify that this is not true. Over the years. I’ve witnessed numerous devils cast out of God’s people. I’ve done my share of exorcisms.

During the mid-1990s, I became close friends with “Stacy” (not her real name), a middle-aged woman often placed on my team during our church’s evangelism outreaches. Despite her faithfulness in sharing the gospel, Stacy was often oppressed. One particular afternoon while I prayed for Stacy, these words came out of her mouth: “You can’t have her! You can’t have her!” I recognized this as Satan speaking through my friend and commanded him to come out in Jesus’ name. Stacy fell over and was motionless on the floor for several minutes.

Sadly, my friend didn’t stay delivered as she continued giving place to the devil through bitterness. One night after an outreach, Stacy burst into the church yelling accusations against the evangelism pastor. She had to be forcibly removed from the premises. The last time I heard from Stacy was when a mutual friend handed me a note from her laced with profanity.  

Christians can become “repossessed” by being disobedient to God’s word. After healing the man by the pool called Bethesda, Jesus told him in John 5:14, “See, you have been made well.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”  Jesus also warned in Matthew 12…

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 

44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 

45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Every human is full of something. One must feed on God’s word to stay strong spiritually especially after receiving deliverance. Otherwise, that leaves room for the devil to get in. 

Last Sunday, my friend Gretchen and I ministered to a woman who “lost her faith” due to terrible things that happened to her and her eight children. Mercedes insisted the devil has more power than God. Gretchen and I spent about twenty minutes testifying how God will provide and protect those who put their trust in Him. Mercedes’ countenance changed after she prayed to recommit her life to the Lord.

I like what Jim Kaseman says: “If you talk more about what the devil is doing than what God is doing, then you are a devil worshipper.” We don’t need to be demon hunters looking for demons behind every doorknob. But when they manifest, then we must be ready to deal with them.

 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4

The Mark of the Beast

A few weeks ago, I stopped at McDonald’s after spending part of the afternoon passing out gospel tracts. Because the cashier line was long, I used a self-serve kiosk to pay for my food. I was a bit surprised when noticing the order number on my receipt was 666. Just about everyone knows that number is associated with the Antichrist as mentioned in Revelation 13…

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 

17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

While many Bible prophecy followers believe the mark will be a microchip, it could also be a tattoo. Until a generation ago, tattoos in Western countries were mostly seen on military men. Nowadays, both men and women from all walks of life have them. It’s possible the mark could be a bar code or some other symbol permanently stamped on people’s hands and foreheads. As a “pre-trib” believer, I don’t expect to be around when the actual Mark of the Beast becomes mandatory. 

Some Christians have tried “pinning the tail on the Antichrist.” During World War II, many were convinced Adolf Hitler was the Antichrist especially since Germans used money called “marks.” When Ronald Wilson Reagan was president, some suggested he was the Antichrist since his first, middle, and last names all had six letters each. Others have claimed King Juan Carlos of Spain (who’s no longer in power) or Barack Obama will be the Antichrist. The identity of the Antichrist won’t be revealed until he signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

There used to be a well-known highway numbered 666 located near the Four Corners section of the southwestern United States. Route 666 was often referred to as “Devil's Highway.” That highway has since been renumbered 491 mainly because people kept stealing road signs numbered 666.

During the early 1990s, I was in a Toastmasters group that met at a hospital. People using the parking lot needed to enter the code “6606” to exit an automated gate. Occasionally someone would jokingly say, “Don’t forget the zero.” 

One shouldn’t be worried if they receive a piece of paper that happens to bear the number 666. The mark of the beast indicates worship of the Antichrist only if stamped on someone’s right hand or forehead. If I was issued a phone number or license plate with three consecutive sixes, I’d probably request a change. Either way, my faith in God is greater than any number.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

Inherit the Earth

Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most difficult people to witness to. The Watchtower has indoctrinated them with false interpretations of Scripture. One of which is only 144,000 people will get into heaven. All other Jehovah’s Witnesses will supposedly live forever in an earthly paradise. This is a gross misinterpretation of God’s word.

Revelation 7 identifies the 144,000 as Jewish evangelists, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel that will minister during the seven-year tribulation period. Verse 9 from that same chapter refers to “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” standing before God’s throne clothed with white robes. In case you have doubts as to where this is taking place, Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord’s throne is in heaven.” The Bible clearly shows there is room for more than 144,000 people in heaven.

To defend their paradise doctrine, Jehovah’s Witnesses often quote what Jesus said in Matthew 5:5; “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Yet there are verses in this same chapter that promises eternity in heaven. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Wherever the Bible appears to contradict itself, it’s helpful to look up Scripture in other translations. The Message paraphrase of Matthew 5:5 reads, “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” The phrase “inherit the earth” is basically a slang term meaning people who live for the Lord will receive blessings in this life. Psalm 25:13 and Psalm 37:9, 11, 22 also talk about inheriting the earth. Both the American Standard Version and the English Standard Version use the term “inherit the land.”

While God wants us blessed on earth, we should be more concerned with heavenly rewards. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The New Living Translation of this verse reads, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”

There is coming a time when God’s people will literally inherit the whole earth but not before the tribulation. During which, I’ll be enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb up in heaven. What about you?

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.” - 1 Samuel 2:8

An Open Letter to Jon Lindgren

Jon is the former mayor of Fargo, ND 

and an outspoken critic of religion

Dear Jon,

I’m a Christian missionary who has read many of your articles published in The Forum and in your blog. My motive for writing this letter is not to stir up a debate but inspire you to think about a few things since you call yourself a “freethinker.”

First, let me point out that I once thought of myself as an atheist but was really more of an agnostic. While growing up in the Fargo-Moorhead area, my parents made me attend a traditional Lutheran church that gave me wrong perceptions of Christianity. For years, I questioned God’s existence until hearing a motivational speaker point out how the order of our universe is evidence of a Creator. Not long afterward, I prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My life hasn’t been the same since.

I read that you once considered yourself a believer but had walked away from the faith. Throughout my 24 years of doing street ministry, I’ve met other people who said the same thing. That often happened in response to a tragedy or they never really knew the Lord to begin with. One cause of the latter is churches “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5) That’s why many mainline denominations are losing members. People’s spiritual needs aren’t being met there. Fortunately, there are churches alive and growing because the Word of God is taught accurately and the Holy Spirit is allowed to function during services. 

People frequently ask me why God allows bad things to happen such as wars, crime, storms, accidents, and disease. There is a simple answer to that. We live on an accursed planet largely ruled by Satan. Even the Bible calls him “the god of this world.” Man has a free will and can choose to follow God or (by default) the devil. You may not believe the devil is a real entity but I can testify from experience he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Denying the existence of the supernatural is like denying gravity. We might not see these things with our physical eyes but there are consequences when we ignore spiritual and natural laws.

One of your articles talks about “ditching religion.” I would agree with that concept depending on your definition of religion. Many dictionaries define it as “a system of faith and worship.” Although Christianity is often labeled as a religion, it was never intended to be a system of do’s and don’ts but a relationship with the Creator who loves us very much. The word religion originates from the Latin word religio, which means “to bind.” Religion can become a form of bondage to well-meaning people trying to follow God’s laws without knowing Him personally. Cults and other religious groups contribute to this bondage by adding rules not based on Scripture.

Another one of your articles makes the claim “…all faiths basically are the same. All believe their faith is the absolute truth and that all others are fake or false.” That’s not entirely true. Universalists believe “there are many ways to get there” despite various religions often contradict each other. Jesus simplified all this by saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

A more recent article of yours denies the existence of miracles. Often people don’t believe in them because they have never seen one. I used to be like that. However, Christians who obey the Great Commission can expect to see signs following such as the sick being healed. I’ve seen this happen many times by using the name of Jesus. Have you thought about why some people use His name as a cuss word but not Allah or Buddha? Satan may influence people to blaspheme the Lord’s name but he still must bow whenever a Christian speaks the name of Jesus with boldness.

This letter may not change your skepticisms. Hopefully, it has you thinking about your standing with the Lord since you’re entering your eighties and will likely step into eternity soon. It’s unfortunate many ungodly things have been done by church leaders in God’s name. However, that’s not an excuse to run away from Him. Every person will someday stand alone before His throne to give an account of their life.

In closing, I want to ask you a simple question: If Christianity were true, would you become a Christian? If your answer is “no”, then I disagree with your use of the term “freethinker.” You are closing your mind to the possibility of Christianity being the real deal. But if your answer is “yes”, then I encourage you to ask the Lord to make Himself real to you. Don’t look to a particular church or denomination for truth but in the person of Jesus Christ. He will reveal Himself to anyone who diligently seeks Him.

Sincerely,

Todd R. Post

Will Universalists Go to Heaven?

Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you.” God’s promises of salvation, healing, and provision are available to everyone but don’t happen by default. One must be willing to receive those promises and then obey His instructions for them to manifest.

A concept isn’t true just because a group of people believe it. That certainly applies to the doctrine of universal reconciliation, which states everybody will spend eternity in heaven. It’s scary to think what the Lord will say to ministers who preached this false gospel when they stand before His throne. 

I do believe universalists who are born again but lack biblical knowledge will get into heaven. It wasn’t until a year into my faith walk when I received the revelation that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). We are saved by faith in Christ, not because all our spiritual beliefs are 100% in line with Scripture.

However, mature Christians who suddenly become universalists cross a dangerous line when they start promoting their “gospel of inclusion” to where it discourages nonbelievers from getting right with God. 1 Timothy 4:1 tells us, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” In Matthew 15:14, Jesus refers to “...blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

Jesus also said in Mark 9:42, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” It reminds me of the time I witnessed to a woman who claimed there’s no such place as hell and even tried to use Bible verses to back up what she believed! As I walked away from this woman, I thought about the little boy that was with her. If he grows up believing there’s no hell and dies without knowing the Lord, both he and the woman could face eternal torment.

James 3:1 warns, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Universalists will have to give account for the lost souls who could have gotten saved had they heard the true gospel from them. I pray every professing Christian reading this who endorses universal reconciliation will repent before it’s too late.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)

A Conversation with the Church of Almighty God

A recent surge of friend requests I received on Facebook included members representing the Church of Almighty God, an organization I hadn’t heard of before. Their graphics accompanying their posts reminded me of those used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Therefore, I suspected this group is a cult. To find out more about this “church”, I watched a BBC documentary about them that looked rather disturbing. Then I logged onto their website. Immediately, a chat window opened up. I decided to respond to the other person online. Here’s how the conversation went (my comments are in bold)…

Hello, and welcome to the Gospel of the Descent of Kingdom. Think back on the “Your kingdom come” prayer that we have often made in the past. Now, God's kingdom has already descended, and God has returned in the flesh to express the truth and carry out the work of judgment in order for us to be able to come face to face with God and listen to His voice with our own ears! Do you want to understand the details of God's work? You are welcome to get in contact with us.

What do you mean “carry out the work of judgment?” I thought we are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

It means God has already carried the judgment work on earth.

How?

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). In the last days, God has already comes into flesh and expressed a lot of truth to judge our corruption, He uses all aspects of truth to reveal our corruption, that is God's end-time judgment work.

How has "God has already come into flesh"? I thought that's supposed to happen at Armageddon. 

(My question got deleted and the first paragraph from them was repeated)

This sounds like a cult. Revelation 19 says Jesus will come back on a white horse with the armies of heaven. The Lord warned of deceivers prior to His return. 

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24) Yes. there are may false christ will happened before Jesus return. But I think How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs that's a big thing for each of us.

So who is Jesus Christ to you?

The creator. Can I share with you a video about How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs? I think you are a devote [sic] Christian. About Jesus return is a big thing for us 

(This was followed by links to two YouTube videos, which I didn’t bother to watch)

Are you born again? If so, I’d like to know how you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Sure. Why not. But it's a long story. Shall i add you on Fb or Skype?

How about sharing it here? Just a paragraph or two would be fine.

I couldn't express by very simple words.

I want to make sure you follow the real Jesus Christ…so please answer this question. How can someone know that if he (or she) dies before His return, he will go to heaven instead of hell?

How do i know if He is God. I know God form [sic[ His words. John 1:1-4  Today Jesus has returned in flesh and express truth in a new book. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. God comes back let us recognize Him through His voice (words).

I cannot agree with your claim that “Jesus has returned in flesh” Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM…” There are other things that must happen before the Lord’s return such as the rapture of His Church and enforcement of the mark of the beast system in Revelation 13.

Yes. What is the real rapture only when Jesus come back and open the mystery of it. But the Bible also mentioned that “… I come as a thief” (Revelation 16:15). “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36)

“… for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes” (Matthew 24:44). Luke 17:24-25. “For as the lightning, that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and again be rejected of this generation.”

I have another question. What if someone came to one of your meetings and had a demon. What would you do?

What do you wanna to know?

I saw a news report about your group killing a woman because she had a demon. 

We welcome those who wanna seek the truth. who welcome the lord return. Do you believe the media?

Usually not.

Friend In my opinion We have to know the fact ourselves and master the principle of discernment, only in this way can we not repeat what others say. When Jesus performed His ministry in Judea. Many people resist Jesus. John 7:12 said :”Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people.” Matthew 12:24 said :”But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Mark 3:21-22 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving

I’m an evangelist that shares the gospel mostly on the streets of various cities. The priority of every born-again Bible-believing Christian should be getting people saved instead of trying to get them to join a particular church or group. Many people are in hell right now because they were taught false ideas such as doing good works or simply believing there is a God will get them into heaven. Even the demons believe there is a God and tremble.

Yes. You are right. Friend I would like share the truth about the report (another YouTube link was sent). Have you ever read more about Almighty God's words.

Now you sound like a Mormon

Almighty God's said "God seeks those who long for Him to appear. He seeks those who are able to hear His words, those who have not forgotten His commission and offer up their heart and body to Him. He seeks those who are as obedient as babes before Him, and do not resist Him.”

"Those who are not cautious when they encounter the new work of the Holy Spirit, who run their mouths off, are quick to judge, who give free rein to their natural instinct to deny the rightness of the Holy Spirit’s work, and also insult and blaspheme it—are such disrespectful people not ignorant of the Holy Spirit’s work? Are they not, furthermore, the ones of arrogance, inherently proud and ungovernable? Even if a day comes when such people accept the new work of the Holy Spirit, still God will not tolerate of them. Not only do they look down upon those who work for God, but also blaspheme against God Himself. Such foolhardy people will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come and they shall forever perish in hell!”

Mat 12:31-32 Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Let me clarify by saying I’m not trying to stir up doctrinal debates but find out the truth about the Church of Almighty God since I’ve seen Facebook posts by other members of your group that looked suspicious. My concern is that you are not following a cult leader or counterfeit deity. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Thank You. can I have you name plz?

It's Todd. I will be leaving my house soon and need to log off when my roommate is ready to leave.

Okay. Would you like to know more detail about our Church? I would like to seek the truth with you.

I need to go now. Have a nice day. Jesus is Lord!

(end of chat session)

The Church of Almighty God claims Jesus has already come back to earth in China. If that's true, then why don’t they post videos and photos of the Lord Himself? Obviously the real Jesus Christ hasn’t returned yet. Let’s continue proclaiming the true gospel until He does.

“For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” - 2 Corinthians 11:4 

Acts of God?

A fellow evangelist I know used to be employed by the U. S. Postal Service. I heard him talk about a time when a massive winter storm prevented coworkers from showing up on the job. Some of them were atheists but still marked “an act of God” on a form as their reason for missing work so they could get paid. One dictionary defines act of God as “an instance of uncontrollable natural forces in operation (often used in insurance claims).” 

Many people who won’t live for God still blame Him for disasters such as tornadoes and floods. Obviously, the Lord has some control over the weather. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45, “for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” However, I don’t believe killer storms are “acts of God.” Keep in mind we live in a fallen world largely ruled by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4) who comes to “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Jesus came to give us life and “have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Self-appointed prophets have labelled the recent hurricanes hitting the U. S. “divine judgments.” You think God would allow His judgments to be predicted by weathermen and warn people to flee? That would mean judgment is upon those without the means to evacuate. Also Jesus rebuked a storm at sea. If the storm was from God, wouldn’t Jesus be going against His Father's work? I personally know people who saw storms disappear after speaking to them.

Sometimes Christians have to go through difficulties because of bad decisions made by people above us. One example in Scripture is the Apostle Paul getting shipwrecked in Acts 27 despite warning the ship’s authorities of pending danger. In recent years, storms often resulted when the U. S. Government enacted unfavorable foreign policy toward Israel. Then again, when the ten plagues in Exodus afflicted the Egyptians, God kept His people safe.

Natural disasters are from the enemy…not “acts of God.” So until these current storms pass, I'm praying nonbelievers affected by them will realize there are more important things than their earthly possessions. That's their eternal destinies!

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." - John 3:17

Signs in the Sky

This past Monday, portions of the United States got to view a rare total solar eclipse. Later that day, my hometown newspaper ran an article on their web site that caught my attention. The Fargo Forum spotlighted two long-bearded brothers claiming the eclipse represented “a seven-year judgment on America.” My first thought was to dismiss Dean and Dennis Johnson as religious wackos. Then I decided to watch the accompanying video to hear what they had to say.

I agree with Dean and Dennis Johnson’s exhortation of our country’s need for repentance. However, they also stated that unless America repents, “another one [eclipse] is coming in seven years.” Astronomers have already determined the next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. I don’t see how national repentance will stop that from happening.

Now I do believe God uses signs in the sky to get our attention such as the wise men being led by a star to Bethlehem in Matthew 2. The rainbow in Genesis 9 was a sign that God will not flood the whole earth again. Acts 2 mentions signs of the end times prophesied by Joel…

19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

There’s another celestial spectacle scheduled to occur next month. On September 23rd (which happens to be on the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah), a combination of constellations and planets will come together that some prophecy buffs believe resemble the Woman, the Child, and the Dragon in Revelation 12. Regardless if any noteworthy event happens then, we should not allow phenomena in the heavens to be a sole source of guidance. 

Until the Lord comes back, let’s focus on fulfilling the Great Commission and show the world the powerful signs He wants to manifest here on earth.

“How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” - Daniel 4:3

The Six-Day War...50 Years Later

Tomorrow will be the golden anniversary of a noteworthy event relating to end-time prophecy. On June 5th, 1967, Israel launched attacks on six neighboring countries that amassed troops near their borders threatening invasion. The war ended just five days later. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Israel routed her enemies and possessed additional territory including the eastern half of Jerusalem. For the first time in 2,000 years, the entire city was in Jewish hands.

Since the Six-Day War, Israel has given up some of her territory in hopes of lasting peace with her neighbors. Shortly after the Gaza Strip was turned over to the Palestinians in 2005, rockets from there were fired upon Jewish settlements. The PLO’s charter still calls for the destruction of Israel.

This past week, President Donald Trump delayed his promise in moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. According to a White House statement, this was done “to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians.” Well-meaning politicians need to wake up to the fact you cannot negotiate with terrorists.

There will be a temporary peace in the Middle East when the Antichrist oversees the signing of a seven-year treaty (Daniel 9:27). Ultimately, war will cease in this region once the Lord Jesus Christ returns to see up His Millennial reign upon the earth. 

Are you ready for His return?

“And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” - Zechariah 12:3