It’s Not Over (Reflections on the 2020 Election)

A few weeks ago, my hometown newspaper conducted a poll asking, “Do you think any political ads have swayed your opinion on who to vote for?” 97% of the respondents answered “no.” I think politicians waste a lot of money on ads attacking their opponents. My focus is not on a personality but on the candidate’s party affiliation and that party’s platform.

This year, coronavirus fears prompted states to encourage mail-in voting. That should have been available only to those who requested a ballot. I’m registered to vote in Virginia but spent most of 2020 doing the Lord’s work in the Minneapolis area. Although I put in a request for an absentee ballot the day they became available, a month passed without it showing up in the mail. I called election officials. They instructed me to go online and request another ballot, which arrived two weeks before Election Day. I quickly filled that out and mailed it back to Virginia.

Meanwhile, I minimized my exposure to mainstream media outlets (even Fox News, which used to be in their own words, “fair and balanced”). Most of them reported Joe Biden leading in the polls. I dismissed this as fake news since Donald Trump’s rallies drew much bigger crowds. The Friday before Election Day, the president held one in Rochester, Minnesota. A friend and I planned on going until the governor and attorney general (both Democrats) imposed a limit of 250 people. There were estimates of 25,000 expected to attend the rally. Therefore, my friend and I didn’t make the trip to Rochester.

Wanting a Christian viewpoint of Tuesday night’s election coverage, I mostly watched Jonathan Shuttlesworth and Kenneth Copeland Ministries tracking the results via their respective YouTube channels. We saw some disturbing things. Some states already called Joe Biden the winner before most of their votes were counted. One of them was Virginia, which had Donald Trump leading by over 180,000 votes at one point! When it looked like Trump would still win the election, key swing states temporarily stopped counting their votes.

The next morning, I got a sick feeling in my gut when seeing reports of Joe Biden taking sudden leads in Wisconsin and Michigan. So I encouraged myself by listening to prophets who heard from the Lord regarding the outcome of this election. My friend Charlie Shamp stated back on December 31st, “Trump will triumph in 2020, but we need to pray.” He later declared on September 26th, “The greatest battle for the heart of America will not be fought at the ballot box during the election, but will happen in the Supreme Court.” Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj said last month that Trump is not finished and will have “another four years of grace.” The late Kim Clement prophesied in 2007 that Trump would have two terms as president. So did retired firefighter Mark Taylor in 2011. 

Jeremiah Johnson stated Wednesday that Joe Biden may prematurely announce he is the next president of the United States. He pointed out…

“Either a lying spirit has filled the mouths of numerous trusted prophetic voices in America or Donald J. Trump really has won the Presidency and we are witnessing a diabolical and evil plan unfold to steal the election. I believe with all my heart that the latter is true.” 

That same day, James Goll declared…

“It’s not over. God is not in heaven wringing His hands with sweaty palms. It’s not over till it’s over and it’s not over yet. I keep having the phrase come to me this morning, ‘And on the THIRD DAY.  And watch what happens on the THIRD DAY.’ Keep on ‘watching and praying', remember, the scales are tipping towards MERCY!”

We need to have faith and patience in God having His way. Mario Murillo said in an interview with Sid Roth, “We dodged a bullet…The liberal media planned to uproot the American system and put another system in place. That monster would have still been there if it was kept underground through a Trump victory. This forcing it into the court is causing an investigation to uncover corruption that we never imagined.” 

I’m continuing to pray that all voter fraud will be exposed and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

“…the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.” - Psalm 63:11

Step Out and Prophesy

Earlier this year at a home meeting, I kept having thoughts that God has a mate for a young woman there. I didn’t step out until hearing someone say she’s been dealing with loneliness. So I approached her and asked, “Have you been believing God for a mate?” This woman seemed reluctant to reply. Then another woman sitting nearby said the Lord also told her that and should have said something. God confirms His word in the mouths of two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1). Not wanting to intimidate the lonely woman, I gently told her, “God has a mate for you if that’s a desire of your heart.” 

Sometimes when evangelizing, I perceive certain individuals are called to full-time ministry. Rather than declaring to them “thus saith the Lord”, I ask if anyone has told them they are called to preach. Usually, these individuals reply, “Yes.” Then I point out this is a confirmation. In rare instances, some say no one has told them that. In response, I encourage them to pray about it. God may be calling them but they haven’t yet received the revelation.

Perhaps some Christians are afraid to give a word from the Lord because of being labeled a “false prophet” if they are wrong. A false prophet is someone who lacks character and doesn’t submit themselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It’s true the Mosiac Law commanded the stoning of false prophets. Under the New Covenant, we should extend grace to brethren who are practicing to prophesy but occasionally miss it.

Over the years, a few prophecies given to me were off target. One of which happened at a conference in Indiana. During an altar call, an evangelist told me I would work with two ministers I knew and then asked (as if he sought my approval), “Isn’t that good?” The prophecy didn’t bear witness with my spirit. One of the ministers he mentioned had started teaching things that were inaccurate and unscriptural. The other minister later unfriended me on Facebook and now drops f-bombs on his Twitter page. 

Another time in Florida, a Bible school student prophesied that God was calling me to attend his particular school. I politely replied, “God has told me I don’t have to go to Bible school.”

One shouldn’t be flippant about giving “words from the Lord.” We don’t want to misdirect another believer’s life. Ultimately, the one receiving the word is responsible for it. We shouldn’t despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20) but be discerning enough to reject those that aren’t divinely inspired.

When you perceive God is giving you a word of knowledge for someone, don’t be afraid to share it. That’s how we learn to flow in the gifts of the Spirit.

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” 

- 1 Corinthians 14:1

Is America Doomed?

Just over a month ago, a friend forwarded to me a sixteen-minute video that went viral. Dana Coverstone is the pastor of an Assembly of God church in Kentucky. In his video, Dana testified of God giving him dreams about America’s future. He warned of foreign soldiers on the ground, hyperinflation, and cities burning during September, October, and November of this year.

At first, I seriously considered what Dana shared. The previous week, a prophet I know saw a war coming to the United States. Dana doesn’t claim to be a prophet but talked of having previous dreams of disease and protests that came to pass. He advised, “Let's see what happens through November and see if I’m right about this.” So I shared Dana’s video on my Facebook page (later removing it) and added the comment: “Perhaps this can be averted through prayer and fasting.” Jonah prophesied the downfall of Nineveh but that was delayed because of its inhabitants repenting.

Many pundits have predicted the demise of America. The wife of a state senator I know recently wrote on her Facebook page: “We are not a free country right now.” Certainly, we’ve seen troubling things over the past few weeks: looting, buildings on fire, reports of coin shortages, and politicians imposing lockdowns. However, I’ve read other prophecies proclaiming hope for America and the church. Last Sunday during a service, handouts were given about Bob Jones’ “100-year prophecy.” The Lord had shown this late prophet awesome things manifesting per decade: “I saw up to the 2060s and the church here was not beat down.” This suggests the Second Coming may not happen for another 40 years.

Two days later while watching an online prayer meeting, a 1974 prophecy from Kenneth E. Hagin was read. The opening lines were: “'No, the time of the end is not yet. No, America is not doomed', I heard Him say, 'No, judgment will not fall as yet. Some have seen some things in the spirit and didn’t know how to interpret it. They interpreted it as happening now. I didn’t say it was going to happen now. In the spirit you see things in the distance — and even in another age. When the Church age is over, judgment will fall. But judgment will not fall upon the Church. For the only judgment that the church will face is the judgment seat of Christ.'”

1 Corinthians 13:9 says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” One prophet may see something in the future that appears to contradict what another prophet is seeing. Sometimes these prophecies make more sense when they are put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The events they are seeing could happen years apart. Even if a war occurs upon American soil later this year, that doesn’t mean it’s all over for this country. We survived other challenges like the Civil War, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and 9/11.

The United States has a history of sending soldiers and missionaries to other countries to help promote freedom both naturally and spiritually plus providing aid in response to natural disasters. I don’t see God allowing that to stop. Sodom and Gomorrah would have been spared if He had found at least ten righteous men there. I am one of the millions of professing believers here. I will continue praying for this land while preaching the gospel in various American cities. Many other ministers are believing for a Third Great Awakening that will reap a great harvest of souls in this country and others.

I choose to believe the best about America.

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” - Psalm 85:6

God and Globalism

A sign we are living in the last days is the increasing promotion of globalism. Some people believe mankind would be at peace if national borders were erased and we all became one. That sounds like a worthy goal but it won’t become a reality.

Ever since the fall of man, wars have been fought between various civilizations. After World War I ended, the League of Nations was formed in hopes of preventing another global conflict. That association couldn’t stop the Italians, Germans, and Japanese from triggering World War II. Since 1945, the United Nations has attempted to defuse international conflicts. Unfortunately, they enact policies contrary to Scripture. Among them are condemnations against Israel for possessing land that rightfully belongs to her. Before Jesus Christ returns, the antichrist will attempt to gather all nations under his control before his defeat at the battle of Armageddon.

In Genesis 9:1, God told Noah and his sons, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Two chapters later, their descendants deviated from those instructions by building the Tower of Babel. Their motive was to “…make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4) God thwarted those plans by confusing their languages. That caused mankind to disperse. Nations then came together often by a common language.

The world having a variety of countries is God’s idea. Job 12:23 says, “He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and guides them.” Sometimes it’s God’s will for certain countries to grow larger and more prosperous when they obey his plans and purposes. Isaiah 26:15 says, “You have increased the nation, O Lord, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have expanded all the borders of the land.” 

Being a patriot is not a sin as long as it doesn’t influence one to violate God’s commandments. Some Bible teachers have suggested Jonah resisted going to Nineveh because of being prejudiced toward those who weren’t Israelites. I’m thankful God had me born and raised in the United States of America, a nation that grew from thirteen colonies to its present fifty states. However, I’ve been willing to reside in other countries as a missionary. Twice I’ve spent seasons living in Canada. In 2003, I went to Germany for four months and would’ve been content staying there for the rest of my life. Instead, God led me to visit other European nations before calling me back to America.

Our steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). There is a purpose for us living in the nation He has us in. Still, we should be willing to move to another country if and when He leads us to.

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” - Acts 17:26

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

Does God Hear Sinners?

A few days ago I walked by a woman who said “hello” to me. I greeted her in return and then gave her a gospel tract seeing this as an evangelism opportunity. She wasn’t certain of going to heaven but believed the gospel. After offering to pray with her, this woman claimed God heard her prayers every night. She got defensive after I told her one must know Jesus to get into heaven. During our conversation, I kept thinking of what John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.”  

The Amplified Bible clarifies the meaning of this better…

“We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him.”

There is a difference between hearing and listening. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines hearing as “the faculty of perceiving sounds.” That same dictionary defines listen as “give one’s attention to a sound.” A person can hear somebody but not listen to what he is saying. As a child, you might have heard your mother calling you to come inside the house but didn’t listen to her because you wanted to stay outside longer.

This reminds me of a humorous story told by Jesse Duplantis. The Louisiana-based evangelist was talking with a pastor who didn’t think God was hearing his prayers. So Jesse encouraged this pastor to cuss. The pastor refused to consider doing such a thing. Jesse then asked, “What’s the matter? You think God will hear you?”

While God may hear all our prayers, He will not listen and respond to some of them for various reasons. James 4:3 mentions people asking for things with the wrong motives. The following parable in Luke 18 illustrates the importance of having the right attitude when praying…

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 

12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 

13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Once while I lived in Pensacola, Florida, my roommate told me our next-door neighbor was a Muslim. One afternoon I saw this man sitting on his front steps and perceived this was the right time to approach him with the gospel. Although this man was reluctant to let go of some of his Islamic beliefs, he did pray to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. When he showed me his copy of the Koran, I noticed it was written in both Arabic and Old English. That prompted me to give him a King James Bible to read (usually I give away newer translations because it’s easier reading for young believers). This man then told me he had asked God to give him a Bible and wanted it to be a King James Version. God definitely answered his prayers.

There is one type of prayer from sinners that God will always answer...the call for eternal life. One of the thieves on the cross was promised to be with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:43). In Acts chapter 10, Cornelius’ prayers ultimately resulted in him receiving salvation when he got together with Peter. So if you are not yet born again, your prayers can be heard if you repent of your sins and make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. He will listen to you!

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

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

Love the Jews

Some believers are reluctant to share the gospel with Jews because of past atrocities done to them in Christ’s name. Nevertheless, they still need to hear the Good News to be saved. A Jewish convert named Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 (NLT), “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile.” 

Once I lived with a family in Virginia that had a Christian mother and a Jewish father. The mother originally didn’t want me witnessing to her husband because other believers tried forcing the gospel upon him. Three days before I moved out, the Lord instructed me to witness to this man. After mentioning this to his wife (who gave her approval), I asked him questions about his eternal destiny. He wouldn’t pray with me but listened politely as I mentioned a few Old Testament prophecies pointing to Jesus as the Messiah.

At the Mall of America near Minneapolis, some of their kiosk workers are from Israel. When I advised one of them to read Isaiah 53 (which talks about the suffering Messiah), the young man didn’t understand what I was talking about. I realized “Isaiah” is pronounced differently in Hebrew. Using my smartphone, I logged onto biblegateway.com and showed this man Isaiah 53 in the Hebrew language. He then knew what I was talking about. It was another seed planting opportunity. 

One Jew I led to the Messiah happened at a Panera Bread near Dallas, Texas. After initially ordering only a bagel, I decided to get a coffee as well. An employee handed me a cup for free. Later I ministered salvation to this employee while he took a break. Interestingly enough, Sam had been given a Bible a week before. Originally I planned to leave Panera Bread at a certain time but my host emailed me asking to pick me up a half-hour later. God set up this “divine delay” so I wouldn't miss a harvest for His kingdom.

Sadly, there are ministers who discourage Christians from witnessing to God’s Chosen People. “Dual covenant theology” is a belief that Jews don’t have to convert to Christianity but simply keep the Law of Moses because of the “everlasting covenant” between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:13). Yet the New Testament has numerous Scriptures showing no one can be saved through obeying the law. Romans 3:20 says, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Just before he passed away, Jews for Jesus founder Moishe Rosen wrote the following in a farewell letter...

“As I go, one of the things that concerns me deeply is how much misunderstanding there is among believers. I never thought I would live to see the day when those who know the Lord and are born again were supporting the efforts of rabbis who, frankly, not only don’t know Christ, but don’t want to know him.

“To be an honest ministry, it can only come from the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit can only indwell those who have the new birth and are born again. Therefore, I would urge you to think very seriously before you support any ‘ministry’ that involves Jewish people and doesn’t actually bring the gospel to the Jews.”

I have friends who go out of their way to be a blessing to Jewish businessmen in response to Genesis 12:3. But to really love the Jews, Christians must also speak the truth regarding the only way to heaven…through Yeshua Hamashiach.

“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” – Romans 10:2-3

The Fig Tree

One sign often cited by Bible prophecy teachers that we are living in the last days is Israel becoming a nation again. This is interpreted through Jesus’ Parable of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24 (also mentioned in the gospels of Mark and Luke)…

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 

33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away

People have differences regarding how long a generation is in Scripture. Some have defined that as 40 years, 70 years, or 100 years. One fellow prophecy buff suggested it could last as long as the man’s lifespan during a particular time period.

Other Old Testament passages associated God’s people to fig trees…

“And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” - 1 Kings 4:25

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans.” - Jeremiah 24:5

“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, and separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.” - Hosea 9:10

“For a nation has come up against My land, strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the fangs of a fierce lion. He has laid waste My vine, and ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white.” - Joel 1:6-7

Another passage in Matthew 21 mentions a fig tree that Jesus cursed…

18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 

19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 

22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

The main lesson we can learn from the withered fig tree is that our words have power in the spiritual realm. It can also be pointed out if our lives aren’t fruitful, it will eventually be exposed. Fig trees are unique in that they normally produce fruit before the leaves appear. It’s interesting that Adam and Eve tried using fig leaves to cover up their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7). In other Bible verses, figs symbolize prosperity, wellbeing, and security.

What fruit are you bearing for the Lord? One of them should be a supportive attitude towards the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.’” - Psalm 122:6-7

Last Days Scoffers

Last Sunday night I saw the latest blood moon in the sky. I couldn’t get a decent picture of it with my phone or camcorder but saw photos taken by Facebook friends. I also noticed friends posted mocking comments because the Apocalypse didn’t happen.

The recent blood moon tetrad plus a total solar eclipse on March 20th of this year were simply signs that we are living in the last days. As Acts 2:20 says, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” The lunar and solar eclipses were never meant to signify the exact day of the Lord’s return. 

Ministers like John Hagee brought attention to the blood moons because three previous tetrads also coinciding on Jewish holidays occurred around the time significant events happened involving the Jews...

• In 1493 and 1494, total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and the Feast of Trumpets both years. This was after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain ordered all Jewish people to leave the country in 1492. That same year Christopher Columbus discovered America, which today is home to more than 5 million Jews outside Israel.

• In 1949 and 1950, another four total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. During that time, war was happening between Jews and neighboring Arabs after Israel declared itself a nation in 1948.

• In 1967 and 1968, four more total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. In the midst of that, Israel recaptured Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.

This past week after the last blood moon occurred, two significant events happened. The Palestinian flag flew at the United Nations for the first time. In addition, Russia sent troops into Syria. It’s possible the fulfillment of the Russian-led war against Israel prophesied in Ezekiel 38 may happen soon. 

Either way, I remind everyone reading this not to become a scoffer like what 2 Peter 3 talks about...

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 

4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

The Greek word for scoffer is empaíktēs (emp-aheek-tace'), which Strong’s Concordance also defines as “mocker.” That same Greek word is also used in Jude 18, “how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.”

We are definitely not living in a time of “business as usual.” Regardless of when the Second Coming happens, we should use whatever time we have left on this planet to get the gospel out.

Jesus is coming back soon. Will you be ready?

“Now therefore, do not be mockers, Lest your bonds be made strong; For I have heard from the Lord God of hosts, A destruction determined even upon the whole earth.” - Isaiah 28:22

A Deal With Destruction

Romans 12:18 says we should aim to “live peaceably among all men.” However, that’s not always possible. Until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set up His millennial kingdom, there will always be people influenced by demons who seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

This past Tuesday, President Obama announced a deal made with Iran that will supposedly curb their ambitions to make a nuclear weapon. Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the agreement would give Iran 24 days (not hours) to prepare for U. S.-led inspections of their nuclear facilities. This is comparable to a drug dealer given three weeks notice before the police search his home for illegal substances. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal a “bad mistake of historic proportions.” Bible prophecy expert Perry Stone wrote on Facebook this “...may be the stupidest agreement with any nation, ever penned on paper...at least in my lifetime.”

This echoes an infamous treaty made in 1938. British prime minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler and declared, “I have returned from Germany with peace for our time.” A year later, Hitler's armies triggered the start of World War II by invading Poland. Chamberlain’s successor Winston Churchill later said, “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”

Since their Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran has sponsored terrorist activities around the world including countless murders of American military personnel, diplomats, foreign aid workers and other civilians. Nevertheless, Iran will receive $150 billion in “sanctions relief” while they continue to hold American citizens captive.

Just as Hitler was vocal about his intentions toward European Jews and Christians, Iranian leaders have made repeated declarations to “wipe Israel off the map” and encourage their citizens to chant “Death to America!” This nuclear deal may help set the stage for an end times war prophesied in Ezekiel 38. Persia (the former name of Iran) is mentioned in verse 5 as one of the nations that will unsuccessfully attempt to conquer Israel.

Barring an Israeli airstrike or Congress blocking this deal, it will be a matter of time before Iran will be capable of exploding a nuclear missile over U. S. airspace. The resulting electromagnetic pulse could take out the nation’s power grid and disable our infrastructure. Some experts predict nine out of ten Americans would die within a year following an EMP attack. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 says, “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.”

Regardless of the present state of the world, protection and provision are available to God’s people. Make sure you are in right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You certainly don’t want to leave earth without Him!

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8

The End of the World...Two Years Later

Remember the hoopla about the end of the world that was supposed to occur on December 21, 2012 (according to some people’s interpretation of the Mayan calendar)? Of course that didn’t happen. Those of you reading this are still alive and breathing.

Three years before that, the motion picture “2012” was released. It was well produced but biblically inaccurate since the movie showed the whole earth flooded by a great tsunami. God promised in Genesis 9:11, “...never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” In addition, the world will suffer through a seven-year tribulation period before the return of Jesus Christ. Some believers think we are in the tribulation right now. That won’t begin until the antichrist signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

One noteworthy event happened for me on “doomsday.” I had returned to my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota for the holidays and stopped to see my mother who was recovering from a stroke. For over 20 years I had prayed for her to come to know the Lord. After talking with Mom for a while, she agreed to let me lay hands on her and pray for her health to improve. Then I got to lead my mother in a prayer to receive salvation. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Later that afternoon I went evangelizing in downtown Fargo. I walked the streets offering gospel tracts to people while wishing them a Merry Christmas. Most of them accepted a tract from me. Three men took time to pray to receive the best Christmas gift of all...eternal life through Jesus Christ!

The Lord has tarried His return because He wants more people coming into the kingdom of God. So until we die or go up in the rapture, let’s continue to be about our Father’s business.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” - Matthew 24:36 

Majoring on Minors

I have a friend who for a long time was a “pre-trib” rapture believer and talked of debating an outspoken “post-trib” minister he allows to have meetings in his home. Having been to one of those meetings, I kept discouraging my friend from trying to correct this minister who wasn’t apologetic after I pointed out the inaccuracy of one of his claims.

Then last month following a church service, my friend announced he now believes the church will be raptured “mid-trib.” When I gave a reason why I cannot agree with him on that, he got out his cell phone and was about to call someone to help defend his newly-embraced doctrine. Fortunately that got interrupted when my friend was called forward by two altar workers to receive prayer. I then quietly slipped out of the church.

It’s one thing for Christians to reason together so we can all grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. Unfortunately, some focus on promoting doctrines that have no effect on people’s eternal destinies. Occasionally when I’m out evangelizing, individuals ask questions like “How were you water baptized?” or “Which Bible translation do you use?” Most of these people are already set in their beliefs and not open to correction. As a result, they try wasting my time if I don’t share their viewpoint. It reminds me of what Jesus called the Pharisees in Matthew 23:24: “Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”

One motivational speaker gave this key to success: “We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things.” Let’s keep the main thing the main thing and focus on preaching the gospel. 

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:2