The Sovereignty of God #8

For those who are not on my email list, there's a new posting available every Saturday using the same link: https://johngps.blogspot.com  

I had anticipated this to be our last posting on the sovereignty of God and the End Times, but there were far too many slides for a single posting, which compelled me to split it into two. So, see you again next week. Let me know if you’re ready to return to Heritage Lounge anytime soon. More info at the end. 

Chart lays out the End Times – Church age: Pentecost to the Rapture.  /  Seven-year Tribulation: Following Rapture to Second Coming of Christ.  /  Second Coming and battle of Armageddon are followed by 1,000-year Millennium, at the end of which comes the creation of a New Heaven and New Earth.  The first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation is when the Antichrist establishes his reign over the world system. We are seeing how that's possible with the Covid-19 shutdown of almost everything, including churches and even restrictions of certain civil liberties plus curtailment of free speech by Big Tech. The second 3 ½ years is a time of God’s judgment, when His wrath is poured out on unrepentant mankind. 

Chart shows the four prevalent End Time views:  #1. No rapture; Christians go through the Tribulation.  #2. Pre-tribulation Rapture; Christians do not go through the Tribulation.  #3. No rapture; no specific 7-year Tribulation or Millennium; that the current age is a symbolic Millennium.  #4. Amillenialism; waiting for the Return of Christ; no specific Tribulation or Millennium.  #1, 3 & 4 do not believe in the relevance of Israel; believe Church is the new Israel based on the destruction of Israel in 70 AD.  Since there was no Israel, the Church held to that belief for several hundred years (based on opinion, not biblical doctrine). The problem with that view is it ignores the rebirth of Israel in 1948. The other problem is that the Bible does not mention the Church during the Tribulation period, other than new converts who are persecuted.  Rev. 20 states specifically about Christ reigning a thousand years and Satan being bound in the Abyss for 1,000 years. So, I’ll stick with #2. 

Rev 20:4b—5, 7 …They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.  (NIV)

May 15, 1948, New York Times' headline announcing the new State of Israel; along with the bombing of Tel Aviv (Israel’s capital at the time) and invasion by Egypt. Yet Israel prevailed. America played an important role with President Truman’s recognition of Israel. Without U.S. recognition, there may not have been a State of Israel. It all gets down to “God’s sovereign decree!” Once again, God used the USA to achieve His purpose; just as with the defeat of Nazi Germany and saving of the European Jews, all of whom would have been killed by the Nazis if they had not been defeated, which was only possible because America joined the allies. 

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 is a biblical milestone. Ezekiel 36 & 37 contain His prophecy of the rebirth of Israel. Generally, we cannot interpret Bible prophecy until the events begin to unfold. But as they unfold, they will become more apparent. Prior to the rebirth of Israel in 1948, most branches of Christianity did not see the relevance of Israel in the End Times because it had ceased to exist in 70 AD. Since there was no longer an Israel, Christians concluded that the Church was the new Israel. And yet, Israel is back!

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 shows that God has not abandoned His People. They were restored and they will recognize their Messiah at His Second Coming. I have to wonder, why is the rebirth of Israel still ignored by many Church denominations and Bible scholars? The only answer that I can think of is that they see modern Israel as a secular society and therefore having no ties back to biblical Israel. I respectfully disagree, especially with Jerusalem being recognized by the USA as Israel’s capitol. Ezekiel speaks of Israel, not the Church. 

Isaiah 43 speaks of Israel’s restoration. “The Lord will regather to the land of Israel, the faithful remnant of His people from their worldwide dispersion in conjunction with the inauguration of the Messiah’s kingdom on earth.” The Messiah’s kingdom takes place during the 1,000-year Millennium. 

Isa 43:6  I will say to the north, 'Give them up!’ and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth… (NIV)  -- perfect description of the rebirth of Israel in 1948, gathered from across all of Europe.

Modern Israel has secured its place in the sun against insurmountable odds but only by the providence of a Sovereign God. In agriculture Israel is number one exporter of Agricultural products in a once barren desert land. Israel is at the top in medical research including vaccinating all its citizens against Covid-19. Millions of tourists safely visit Israel each year. Without God’s providence and protection in two wars (1948 Arab—Israel war; 1967 Six Day war) plus numerous terrorists’ attacks, there would not otherwise be an Israel. 

Joel 2:18 Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. 19 The LORD will reply to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.  (NIV) 

Isaiah foretells the rebirth of Israel, that it's by God’s sovereign decree and not an accident of history or act of man. 

Isa 66:8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. (NIV)

President Donald J. Trump’s election, if for no other reason, was certainly by the decree of God and formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel, and moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018, which no president had ever dared to do—they talked the talk, but never walked the walk, until Trump. 

The End Times, as most understand it, is yet to come. If the United States falters, it will leave a vacuum that Communist China will gladly fill, and perhaps even in cooperation with Russia, thus opening the door for the Antichrist’s rise to power. Something is seriously wrong in the United States of America, with the nation and congress split down the middle, like no other time except perhaps the Civil War. We are in unprecedented times. Nevertheless, everything happens as God decrees, even as to when the Antichrist takes center stage. We may decline as a nation or reach out to God as a people!

In 2 Thess. 2:4, Paul describes the Antichrist, which fulfills the prophecy in Daniel 11—some believe this is in reference to Rome’s destruction of the temple in 70 AD, others see it in reference to the Antichrist, the “beast” in Revelation (Rev. 13:2), me too.

2 Thess 2:4 He [the antichrist] will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.  (NIV)

Dan 11:31 "His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.  (NIV)

The Book of Revelation isn’t only about the End Times. It’s Jesus’ Revelation to the Church—the Alpha (Genesis) and the Omega (Revelation) from the beginning to the end of history (Rev. 1:8, 21:6, 22:13). Our goal is to provide a better understanding of Revelation when you read it. The Book of Revelation is seen as a reality of what is to come and even an incentive for evangelism. All who are not raptured before the Tribulation will be subject to the wrath of God poured out on a sinful rebellious world during the Tribulation. I believe in signs, such as the Covid-pandemic lockdown of everything including churches; alleged voter fraud; presidential executive orders that weaken America on the world scene; rebirth of Israel after almost 2,000 years. Revelation wouldn’t be in the Bible if God didn’t want us to read it and try to understand it.

Chart shows the Tribulation Judgments: the 7 seals in Rev. 6 & 8; followed by the 7 trumpets in Rev. 8, 9 &11; followed by the 7 bowls in Rev. 16.  You may even want to share this chart with family and friends with a message that it is biblical prophecy that will be fulfilled, and that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ will be raptured and not undergo the Tribulation when God’s wrath is poured out on a sinful world. Perhaps an opportunity to witness to someone. 

Rider on the white horse in the First Seal, is believed to be the Antichrist since the rider has a crown (leadership) a bow but no arrows (peaceful and/or political persuasion). He went out conquering (political or military pressure) and making everyone subject to him (like in Nazi Germany or Communist Russia, or the Covid-shutdown). The chart notes the significance of each of the seven seals. 

The first six trumpets usher in catastrophic events noted in chapters 8 & 9. The seventh trumpet doesn’t occur until chapter 11, a precursor of the coming of Jesus Christ, but only after the seven bowls of judgment.

Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.  (NIV)

Chapter 15 and 16 describe the seven bowls of judgment as noted on the chart with associated Bible verses. Right after the sixth bowl the world’s armies gathered for battle at a place called Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). What was the state of the world that led up to these events? Rev. 9:20-21 tells us.

Rev 9:20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood — idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.  (NIV)

Verse 14 refers to four angels who are bound at the river Euphrates, which appear to be Satan’s fallen angels (i.e., demons) who assist Satan in inciting mankind to battle. Satan is not omnipresent like God, he works through his fallen angels. We will explore the 200 million in v.16 a little further on. 

What else did John’s vision include regarding the 200 million? V.17 tells us that their breastplates were fiery red (first color noted; “Red China?”) They were riding on what are called horses—which in John’s day would be war-chariots pulled by horses. Out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur—a tank’s cannon would produce that same affect. V.19 tells us that their tails were like snakes—possible description of the shape of the tail end of a military helicopter, which China has plenty of? One commentary believes they are demons released from hell. The truth is, we don’t know if its literal or symbolic. But, I lean toward a literal army in keeping with the main message of Armageddon.  

The sixth trumpet releases an army of 200 million to kill a third of mankind. The power was in their mouths (tank canons?) and in their tails (helicopter gunships?). One commentator believed it was in reference to 200 million demons from hell. We have seen throughout history that man can be every bit as evil as demons, because they are instigated by demons (Eph. 6:12); e.g. the holocaust.  

Rev 9:19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.  (NIV)

So, who are the 200 million? Some, including myself, lean toward China, especially today’s China, who in the 21st century has become a powerful economic and military force. Especially if the USA withdraws from its leadership role in the world, which seems to be happening. But again, it's pure speculation on who the 200 million may be. Many like myself, believe born-again Christians will be raptured before the Antichrist’s reign of power. I don’t know how we can exclude an atheistic Communist China in these events.

One map on the web came to the same conclusions, showing China invading the Middle East, especially with a further weakened America, both politically and militarily. 

Examples of why I think China’s military may be part of the Gog and Magog army, even though there is no mention of them. China has been increasing the size of its military including the latest state-of-art weapons. Being “mounted” as noted in Rev. 9:6, could be enough tanks and other military vehicles to transport such a large army, just as seen in WWII by Nazi Germany and also by Soviet Russia in their invasion of Berlin, and East Germany. 

Rev 9:16 The number of the mounted troops was two hundred million. I heard their number. (NIV)

China, with perhaps others like Iran, even Russia, could easily fit the description “Kings of the East” in Rev. 16:12.

Rev 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.  (NIV)

The Bible refers to it as Armageddon (Rev. 16:16), which is the biblical name for a particular place, but in our vernacular, some refer to the events leading up to Armageddon as being equivalent to World War III. 

Rev 16:14, 16 – 14 They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty ….16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.  (NIV)

Rev 16:16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.  (NIV)

Armageddon (Megiddo) – har-ma-ged'-on (Harmagedon from Hebrew har meghiddo, "Mount of Megiddo"; the King James Version Armageddon): This name is found only in Revelation 16:16. It is described as the rallying-place of the kings of the whole world who, led by the unclean spirits issuing from the mouth of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet, assemble here for "the war of the great day of God, the Almighty."

In spite of their military might, the Antichrist and his armies didn’t stand a chance against the Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev. 17:14)

Rev. 19:11-21 the heavens opened up and Jesus returns with His heavenly army, to destroy the Antichrist and False Prophet and their armies. 

Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast [Antichrist] was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse [Jesus Christ], and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.  (NIV)

Satan gets bound and cast into the abyss after Armageddon, and the 1,000-year Millennium will be totally free of his influence. 

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.  (NIV)

Jesus’ return ushers in the 1,000-year Millennium. At its end, Satan will be released and once again incite rebellion against God and the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 20:7). That final conflict focuses on Gog and Magog (next slide).

Rev 20:7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  (NIV)

We will resume with Gog and Magog next week.

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 40-minute sermon: The Midnight Cry and Rapture of the Church.

https://youtu.be/E3YQMmHvIEc

(copy and paste into your web browser)

Pray that the American people and leadership turn back to God. Pray for our church, our pastor and his family, our congregation and their families. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #8

The Sovereignty of God #7

For those who are not on my email list, there's a new posting available every Saturday using the same link: https://johngps.blogspot.com 

This is our next-to-last Two more postings to go on the sovereignty of God and the End Times, which concludes with next week's posting. 

The United States of American was founded and sustained by the grace of a sovereign God. It didn’t just happen. It was founded under difficult circumstances and great sacrifice against a formidable and powerful Nation, Great Britain as explained in Week #4 (01/24-01/31). 

America’s roots go deep, squarely anchored in the Bible and biblical values. How would our founders react to today’s America? The world as we know it has changed for several reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 election. What future lies ahead for the United States? Will God bless or punish America? I believe as 2021 unfolds, it will answer that very question.  

The Constitutional Convention, met on May 25 through September 17, 1787 in the old Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. I can only wonder what their reaction would be to today’s Congress. Each founding member willingly made sacrifices and agreed to necessary compromises both in drafting and approving the U.S. Constitution. It is as right for America today as it was then. 

Today’s Congress is openly split as readily shown over the last four years and especially during the recent impeachment effort and trial of former president Donald J. Trump. Rep. Bennie Thompson D-Miss. (photo), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, demonstrated his unabated hatred for President Trump by filing suit, alleging that Trump incited the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, without proof and even after Trump's acquittal at the Senate trial. Can a nation and its congressional leadership, being so divided and filled with such vitriol and hatred, move forward as one indivisible nation? It’s obvious that America is in need of some serious prayer to a sovereign God. He can let us slide down the slippery slope or redeem us. I think the answer rests in the Church at large, and individual Christians across this land. 

Will America continue to serve as a bastion of freedom, as it did in two world wars and afterwards? Only as the next four years unfold will we know.  The American people have always had the will, the determination and perseverance to protect and defend liberty as One Nation Under God. But there is also a spiritual aspect to today's battle against the powers in this dark world, as Paul tells us in Ephesians. 

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

A dysfunctional congress raises the question, is the stage being set for the Antichrist’s rise to power? What are the signs? The Bible tells us he’s coming, we just don’t know when. No one knows for sure how everything will unfold in a one-party federal government (President, Senate and House of Representatives) over the next four years; some of which is starting to look rather bleak. Maybe it’s a wakeup call and Americans will realize we need to turn back to God as a people and as a nation. Since Jesus taught us to pray, we can be certain God hears prayer (Luke 11:2). I would hope that every Christian in America is praying for our country and that God hears our collective prayers enough to bring blessings rather than wrath. 

A sign of the End Times is the world’s animosity toward Israel, readily apparent in the United Nations, even that there is an Israel. The UN General Assembly adopted 17 resolutions against Israel in 2020 compared with six resolutions for the rest of the world, more than North Korea or Communist China’s treatment of minorities and actions against Hong Kong. We can be certain that Satan is active behind the scene with an intense hatred and desire to destroy Israel. I think this alone adds to the relevance of modern Israel in prophecy. He is also out to destroy the Church, even from within with false gospels--the ultimate lie. 

Satan’s hatred of Israel is manifest in many different ways. President Biden has already advocated a two-party state split between Israel and Palestine. Sounds good; except that the Palestinians have stated many times for many years, that the only solution is the destruction of Israel and elimination of all Jews from the land, which certainly is not a plan for peace. Something like Hitler’s final solution. 

Back to my basic question from last week: “Are we there yet?” What do the End Times encompass? Some believe it includes the entire Church-age going back to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Pentecost, and that we are in it now. Some believe it began at the rebirth of Israel in 1948 as the fulfillment of Bible prophecy (shown on this chart). There have been many efforts to portray the End Times in charts. Those holding a premillennial view reassure us that we will be raptured before the Antichrist’s reign and seven-year Tribulation, which concludes with the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. The Tribulation is immediately followed by the 1,000-year Millennium marking the close of world history, concluding with God’s creation of a New Heaven and New Earth. 

The End Times is not just in the Book of Revelation and Matthew 24. It encompasses a series of prophecies that run through the Old and New Testaments, which is a study in and of itself, but not right now. What the chart shows is that there’s a lot involved. Every aspect of history is under God’s sovereignty, carefully laid out and decreed by a holy and righteous God. This chart, one of many, shows the Church age beginning after the crucifixion of Christ at Pentecost and continuing to the rapture. The church is removed via the rapture, just prior to the Tribulation and returns with Jesus at His second coming to reign with Him during the 1,000-year Millennium. 

Daniel 9:27 prophesied the Tribulation, and the Antichrist desecrating the third Jerusalem temple that is yet-to-be-built, which we had looked at in an earlier study. The one week in Daniel 9:27 equals 7 years. There are efforts currently underway in Israel for rebuilding of the third temple. The End Times is totally irrelevant to the secular world; not only irrelevant, but strictly in the category of fiction. Nobody expected a rebirth of Israel in 1948, not even the Church, which was an aftermath of the Holocaust to destroy Europe’s Jews. A rebirth that was only possible by God’s sovereign decree. 

The chart is pretty self-explanatory. Just two points: 62 of Daniel’s 70 weeks lead up to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The 70th week concludes with the Tribulation, which includes the building of third temple in Jerusalem. Will we be here or will we be raptured? I vote for raptured. 

Picture depicts the yet-to-be-built 3rd Jerusalem temple. The End Times is something the Church can’t quite agree on, especially in regard to the Rapture and modern Israel’s relevance. When the 3rd temple is being built, the Antichrist will already be on the scene and supporting its construction. For those who believe in a Pre-Trib Rapture, they/we won’t be here when that temple is built. The first was build by King Solomon in the 10th century BC and destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC. The second by King Herod in 516 BC, in existence during Jesus’ time, and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. 

Picture depicts a rendition of the second temple that existed in Jesus’ day, believed to be on the site of the original temple, now occupied by two mosques. I think we can be certain, a Jewish temple would never stand unmolested in a Muslim controlled Jerusalem. Another piece of Bible prophecy: the rebirth of Israel in 1948 and on June 27, 1967 the Israeli Knesset extended Israel’s legal and administrative jurisdiction to all of Jerusalem, and expanded the city’s municipal borders (Amos 9:14-15; Ezekiel 36-37)

This is what the temple mount looks like today, with two mosques, which most believe was the site of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It's where some now believe a Roman fortress stood. The next slide tells that very different story. 

Another view that is gaining support: This slide shows the temple site in the City of David, as noted on the slide, and the Roman Antonia Fortress on what is currently believed to be the temple mount as explained in the attached video--link posted below. The Coming Temple—which is a full documentary. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTO8YYs29c

(copy and paste into your web browser)

All of which takes us to Armageddon, the final battle on earth of man-revolting against God, following Satan's released from the abyss (Rev. 20:7-8), where we will pick up next week. 

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 37-minute sermon: The signs of the times and the beginning of the End. Does it sound familiar? Keep one thing in mind, a pandemic is a plague. 

https://youtu.be/cZVGyNA9QSs

(copy and paste into your web browser)

Pray for our nation and people; our church, pastor and his family; and our own families and congregation. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #7

 

The Sovereignty of God #6

For those who are not on my email list, there's a new posting available every Saturday using the same link: https://johngps.blogspot.com 

God is not a bystander watching a play. Nor is He a puppet master pulling the strings for man’s actions. God is not the author of sin, which man freely commits by his own choice. Yet, God decrees the actions of man to accomplish His purpose; such as Judas betraying Jesus and Pontius Pilot having Jesus crucified. The evil came from within them of their own free will. 

Dan 4:17 "'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.’  (NIV)

This has been a very unusual and unprecedented week for the United States of America. Is the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, just political discord or does it extend into the realm of spiritual warfare? I think the answer would be/is obvious to anyone who watched the trial. It is the very basis of this week’s blog posting. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual, with the “spiritual forces of evil” extending their influence into the political activities of the U.S. Congress. 

While watching the impeachment trial, it became apparent to me that a level of moral corruption has crept into Congress. Deceit that was readily demonstrated by the House managers use of manipulated and deceitful material including edited-videos and deliberately misquoted tweets being offered as evidence against President Trump. So, is it just political discord or is it the powers of this dark world at work? (Eph. 6:12) 

The spiritual realm is unseen but nevertheless, very real. Since God is sovereign, why is He allowing this to happen? Will it lead to blessing or punishment for these United States? The future of America is in His hands—with punishment or with blessings. All of which led me to this week’s blog posting. Though unseen the spiritual realm is intertwined in the affairs of man, even in the manipulation of important trial evidence. It can’t be any clearer than what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 in reference to ”the powers of this dark world”.

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

If this is spiritual warfare—and I believe it is—how do we respond to it? Two important defensive weapons for God’s people are prayer and God’s Word. In Ephesians 6 we are told to put on the full armor of God; in other words, we are not defenseless against Satan. 

Eph 6:13, 16 … 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand….16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  (NIV)

With everything that has taken place in 2020, and the presidential and senatorial elections being rife with alleged voter fraud, and now Congress’ second attempt to impeach a president who is no longer in office, I can’t help but see Satan’s hand on America. Has God removed His restraint from Satan like He removed the protective hedge from Job? (Job 1:10). What will America’s response be going forward? In both good times and bad, Job trusted God. Will America turn to God as it had in WWII, and 9/11 world towers? 

Job 1:9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.  (NIV)

There is both good and evil in the world. God allows both good and evil for a purpose. God’s blessings encompass good, though undeserved and unmerited. Evil is man following his own unrestrained sinful desires, in defiance of God. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual darkness being manifested in the political realm. 

Looking at the current situation in American I can’t help but wonder, how did we get here? When my kids were young, on family car trips, their frequently asked question was: “Are we there yet?” I can’t help but reflect on the America I grew up in, which was still somewhat evident on January 1, 2020. Just one year later the America that emerged on January 1, 2021, is a very different America, which prompts that very same question: “Are we there yet?” ….. 

Nothing happening in our Nation is a surprise to God. Nevertheless, even the rise and potential fall of America have been decreed by God, even before it was founded as a nation. Are we seeing a prelude to the End times? God was aware of the End Times even from the Garden of Eden; He was sovereign in the Fall of Adam and Eve. There is no way created beings could have remained in a perfectly holy state forever of their own accord. Without the sovereignty of God, nothing would make sense and it would be a time of, not only uncertainty and concern, but of outright despair. So, Are we there yet? Are we in the biblical End Times? The entire history of man has been decreed by God, including the rise and fall of empires and nations. God will allow unabated sin to continue for just so long before His wrath is unleased. 

The Bible refers to it as “the last days”, the “time of the end,” or “end times,” depending on the translation. In Daniel chap 8 and again in chap. 9, Daniel had a vision from the angel Gabriel of the end times—i.e., the final events in history. 

Dan 8:19 "I am here," he said, "to tell you what is going to happen in the last days of the coming time of terror-for what you have seen pertains to that final event in history.  (TLB)

After Jesus and His disciples left the temple, they went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple, where they asked Him about the signs of His Second Coming, which of course is in reference to what constitutes the End Times. Yes, that was more than 2,000 years ago, and we are still waiting. Will it be yet another 2,000 years, or 200 years, or perhaps 20 years, or even 2 years. God’s timing is perfect, nevertheless, the Church is to stay alert as if it was tomorrow. 

Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars—e.g., WWI & WW II, and the decades-long cold war with the former Soviet Union including the threat of nuclear war. Perhaps the final signs are yet to come, with famines and earthquakes as well as war(s). We also see reference to it in Dan. 8:19 (below) and 2 Timothy 3:1 (next slides). 

Dan 8:19 He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.  (NIV)

2 Timothy tells us that during the End Times sinful behavior will intensity to such a degree that it will be openly and undeniably evil. The evening news provides a daily glimpse of our society and its behavior. This behavior has always existed, but when it becomes the norm, it’s a warning that we are getting that much closer. So, what do we as the Church do about it? Paul explains in Ephesians 6

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

We can be certain that the End Times will come, maybe not today or tomorrow, but it will come. What does all of this mean for us today? Are we at the threshold of the End Times or not? Throughout history, Christians have pondered that same question, especially during times of war and major disasters. Some may be asking that same question even now, with the covid-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and dramatic shift in national politics and policies. All of which raises that question once again: “Are we there yet?” 

A word of caution. We need to be mindful that there have been many End Time predictions that never occurred. So, is that a valid reason to ignore today’s signs? I think not. The Church should always be on the alert. We are called to share the Gospel whenever the opportunity arises; not stick our heads in the sand. 

U.S. military troops, capitol police, secret service, and other federal agencies, were called to protect Congress and the presidential inauguration of Joseph R. Biden. The first presidential inauguration that denied public’s participation, other than a select and limited number of invited guest. 

“Land of the free and home of the brave.” Sound familiar? No more school trips to our National Capitol or Capitol tours for the foreseeable future. When in our history has the U.S. Capitol been closed to Americans? Not that I can remember. Barbwire fences and military troops are everywhere limiting access to the Capitol building and national monuments. Does God have a message for the Church or even individual Christians? 

National Guard troops are still in Washington DC during the Senate impeachment trial. Does Congress have a legitimate fear of the American people? Or will it serve as political theater for the 2024 election? 

As the Senate impeachment trial goes on, will the political vitriol, hatred and division be the end of America as we know it? Our hope as a Nation and as a people rest solely on the sovereignty of God. My hope is that the American people will be willing to take the time to understand the issues and what’s at stake when they go to the voting booth in 2022 and 2024; and may God help us, please. 

Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

The election of Donald J. Trump in 2016, as a political outsider, upset the Washington DC establishment. Everything possible has been done beginning on day one of his four years in office, focused on removing him from office; and continuing even now, to rescind his policies, tarnish his legacy, and destroy his personal life. Why is a sovereign God allowing it to happen? There is a spiritual battle raging in America. Without God’s restraint, sin will abound, which may be happening. What is the lesson for us? If Christians don’t take an interest and role in the establishment of national issues and policies, Satan has a whole cohort that will. 

1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  (NIV)

When Christians do not take the time to know the issues, who’s running for office and what they stand for, this will inevitably be the end result. 

Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  (NIV)

Ps 34:1-3 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.  (NIV)

If Christians took an interest, One Nation Under God could look like this …

… And not like this. 

1 Samuel 12 was for Israel. In the same way it should be a plea to God, that He doesn’t reject America as a Nation, and that the American people turn to Him with prayer and repentance. 

1 Sam 12:22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." (NIV)

Jonathan Cahn: A 13-minute Prophetic Message to Joe Biden!  A very appropriate message for our Nation, its political leaders, the Church, and the people. What does it mean for us? Definitely a call to prayer. 

https://youtu.be/hrCtoQUXnmc

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Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 40-minute sermon: Will God Impeach America? It couldn’t be more timely. Tough words, but true to where we are heading as a Nation and as a people. It hit a cord with me. Adrian dies in 2005, has it gotten better or worse? Does it help explain our current state of affairs? I think so.

https://youtu.be/XpETdHZ8AQc

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The only reason we pray is because we know God is sovereign over everything and can make it happen. 

Pray for our nation, our church and our pastor. Pray also that the Church will use this time for evangelism, sorely needed in today’s America and world.. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #6