How close are we? You don’t need to read this blog to find out. Just pay attention to the evening news on FOX, Newsmax or One America News (OAN). Are we beginning to see the signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Revelation is full of signs, much of which have piqued the interest of many Christian radio and TV show hosts and guests. This blog posting isn’t intended as study of Revelation, but portions of it that seem to be especially relevant, such as the invasion of the Ukraine, which in and of itself isn’t a sign, but when we look at everything taking place in the world, including the Covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented government lockdowns, empty supermarket shelves, rising energy costs and gas prices, one can’t help but see a pattern. 

Russia is continuing its unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, savagely destroying a wide range of civilian areas, and killing civilians—even the elderly, women and children. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. Does that have significance? I believe so, especially in him asking Israel to step into the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which we will look at. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:8, what we are seeing is only the beginning of the birth pains leading to the End Times. The key sign is an increase in intensity and frequency. 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. It’s said that talks are taking place between Ukraine and Russia officials, yet Russian troops continue their aggression again civilian targets, even hospitals, as intense bombing of Ukraine cities continue. We can be certain that Satan is heavily involved in this degree of evil, as we are told in Ephesians 6:12. Is Putin one of the antichrists in 1 John 2:18? I can’t help but believe so. 

The seals in Revelation 6, could only be opened by the Lamb—Jesus Christ—to release God’s wrath carried out by the four horsemen of the apocalypse. As shown on the slide, the four Horsemen’s destruction ends with these martyrs calling out from under the altar, referred to as the martyrs’ prayer. The 7 trumpets of further wrath are still to come. 

Jerusalem and the Jewish homeland were destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. For well over 1,800 years there was no Israel. Since there were yet unfulfilled Old Testament prophecies, Christians believed that the Church was the new Israel, because God’s Word will never be discarded and will ultimately be fulfilled. No one for all of that time, anticipated the following event…

In 1948 everything changed. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, head of what was known as the Jewish agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on that same day. It showed the importance of America on the world stage. But, sadly, in just a year, America has relinquished its leadership position, even its prestige and influence in world events, becoming nothing more than a paper tiger in the eyes of its enemies. Which means, anything goes, with little fear of consequences. Is that significant? Absolutely!

Almost immediately after the state of Israel was proclaimed, it was attacked by the armies of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Transjordan, and Egypt (map), yet Israel prevailed and drove the invaders back. Was it their might? Absolutely not, because they lacked might. It was by the hand and providence of God. Even that there was an Israel was by the hand of God. Satan, through Hitler and others, tried to destroy all Jews via the Holocaust and other atrocities, yet it was the Holocaust that drove successful Jews, from a comfortable lifestyle in Europe, to create a new state in a barren Middle East land. 

At many times and in many places, Satan tried to destroy the Jews.   1 John 2:18 tells us there would be many antichrist in the world. We can be certain that Adolf Hitler was one of them, with satanic influence and intense hatred of the Jews as God’s Chosen people. When destroyed by Rome, the Jews were scattered across the Roman Empire and beyond. As successful merchants, lawyers, doctors and scholars, throughout Europe, without the Holocaust there would be no compelling reason for them to return to the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s promise to the Jews was not short lived or hollow. It was and is very real. 

Chapter 5 of Revelation opens with this verse (slide)… No one was worthy to open the scroll. One of the elders told John, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." The scroll was given to a Lamb “looking as if it had been slain”. We know that Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ. The significance being, He was from the Tribe of Judah, and the Root of David. Sometimes we forget that Jesus was a Jew. No, God is not finished with the Jewish people, which He will fulfill during the Great Tribulation. 

The seven seals were fixed to the scroll. The significance of the seven seals, are outlined on the chart. Briefly ponder each one in regard to these last two years and now the attack on the Ukraine, and where it could lead. The U.S. government continues its efforts to take control of the American people, something unheard of or even imagined, just a year ago. What is its significance? It is exactly the type of situation in which the Antichrist will rise to power. 

Will God rescue His people, the Body of Christ? Many believe so. But, Christians interpret Revelation from different perspectives. If the Church is the new Israel, than the Church will go through the Tribulation. Christians following history from the 2nd to the 19th century could very well come to that conclusion, since there was no Israel. No one during that time would ever have expected that there would, against all odds, be a restored Israel. Satan tried to kill the Jews via the Holocaust and Russian pogroms, but God used it to bring the Jews home to the land He promised Abraham. Jews are even returning from China—yes China—and now the Ukraine. There will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation, who will accept Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah, and evangelize with a passion. God isn’t finished with His Chosen People. 

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Two years ago, Revelation was the farthest thing from my mind as a study. We all read it at some time or other, but the images were baffling and not easily understandable, and consequently we didn’t see it as relevant to living a Christian life. But times and conditions have changed rapidly and dramatically. One can’t help but wonder, where will it all lead? It also raises the question, are we beginning to see signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Such events have peaked an End Times’ interest for many Christian radio and TV hosts, and mine too.  

Who are we as a Nation today? Does it matter? This is a very different America than it was just a couple of years ago, but certainly one that not only deserves, but captures one’s attention. The series of events beginning with the covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented government lockdowns, and now a weakening of American’s resolve on the world stage that may potentially have led to the invasion of Ukraine. When America lacks resolve, tyrants will take advantage with little concern of consequences. Does it have anything to do with Revelation? 

No one can deny that now more than ever, except for the Civil War, we are a deeply divided America—not between north and south, but between two opposing ideologies—left vs. right. These blog postings are looking for the prophetic signs noted in Revelation, that seem to be especially relevant now. Is the invasion of the Ukraine such a sign? Not in and of itself, but when one factors everything else in, one has to wonder.  

Can we ignore the warnings in Revelation, especially when we look at everything taking place: such as the Covid-19 pandemic and unprecedented government lockdowns; empty supermarket shelves; rising energy cost and gas prices. We can’t help but wonder where is it all leading. If we know the signs and pay attention, one can’t help but see a pattern that raises the question, “How close are we?”.

Prophetic signs appear in chapter 5 of Revelation, beginning with a scroll with seven seals. This is what the scroll described by John, would look like. The significance of which is worth exploring…

Opening of the seals begins in chapter 6. In studying Revelation, one can’t help but ask, are current events, signs of the End Times? Let me answer this way: As Americans, there has never been a time in our Nation’s history, that is so totally in sync with the events in the Book of Revelation. Just a couple of years ago, who would have believed it was even possible?  

The four horses in Revelation are introduced by the seals. They indicate a rapid flowing out of God’s judgements. They did not just occur randomly but systematically and sequentially. Since they are never recalled, it’s believed that these four judgements continue throughout the Tribulation period. So, what are they? Are they relevant for today?

Let’s begin with Russia’s unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, destroying civilian areas and indiscriminately killing civilians, even children, including the bombing of a children hospital and a maturity hospital. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. Does that have significance? We will explore its relevance next week and how it plays into Revelation. So, are we in the End Times? Only God knows. 

We are told in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Which is exactly what we are doing. With those words, God is encouraging us to read Revelation. For us, the words may be more relevant that they have ever been. Don’t just read this blog; but read the Book itself. Or join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge. 

I’m certain some are wondering, what does the Ukraine have to do with Revelation? In studying Revelation, not just reading it, one becomes more aware of possible signs of the End Times. Some have already declared Russia’s attack on the Ukraine, as just such a sign. In and of itself, that’s a stretch. Nevertheless, based on what Jesus told us about wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24, there’s a lot more to it, as we’ll see with Jesus’ own words in the next two slides. 

Jesus told us that there would be wars and rumors of wars. Wars, like in the Ukraine, will happen time and again, which in and of itself, isn’t a sign of the End Times. Just as WWII was a step closer, but not a sign of the End Times. Nevertheless, it does contain a sign, with the Holocaust, which certainly fits Bible prophecy, in bringing European Jews to create a new state of Israel. Something that otherwise never would have happened. Let’s look at these verses within context on the next slide. 

Jesus didn’t tell us we shouldn’t be concerned, only that we shouldn’t be alarmed. He equates it with birth pains occurring with greater frequency and increased intensity over shorter intervals, which brings us closer to the End Times. Why would He even say it, if He did not want us to stay alert? I am not saying we are there yet. What I am saying is we are getting closer with each passing day. Maybe next year or ten years? It will depend on seeing the signs occurring as Jesus tells us in v.8. It is also the role of the Church to share the Gospel, before the End comes. 

Beside Revelation, the Bible is full of signs. Why would there even be a Book of Revelation? Is Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 any indication? Just as He tells us in v.8, there will be wars and rumors of wars, which are the beginning of birth pains. Can we equate these current events to such birth pains? I believe so. There are other warnings, as there was in “the days of Noah”, and days of deception, famines and pestilence, as we are told in the Gospel of Matthew. In other words, God is giving us a lot of signs to be aware of and even study. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is seen as the greatest ground war in Europe since WWII. How’s that for birth pains? Map shows the rising number of refugees leaving the Ukraine,. Even Ukrainian Jews have recently immigrated to Israel. God is still calling His people to the land He promised Abraham and his descendants. The men are staying behind to fight for their country. Consequently, some of their children will be left fatherless. 

There is growing concern that Russia could potentially use chemical weapons, and even tactical nuclear weapons. We know Russia has nuclear weapons, but where would those chemical weapons come from? The next slide tells us…

There are no less than 8 bio labs in the Ukraine, which if not kept in check, could potentially be used as a weapon, leading to another worldwide pandemic. Let’s pray that they stop this madness. Where is U.S. leadership? How does this tie into Revelation and the End Times? Only time will tell. Birth pains? 

Another concern raised in the media, is food shortages. Russia is a major exporter of wheat and fertilizes. Economists are predicting major food shortages and price increases due to the conditions associated with Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and all the sanctions from both sides. Yet, the White House refuses to open U.S. oil productions, which are affecting prices on almost everything. We are getting a small taste of what the Tribulation will be like. One has to wonder, why isn’t our president reacting to solve, not exacerbate, these problems? 

The significance of the seven seals on the scroll are noted on this chart, where we will pick up with next week’s posting. Before we leave, ponder each one in regard to these last two years and the attack on the Ukraine, and where it could lead. All of which we will explore further. Unprecedented government efforts to control the American people was unheard of or even imagined, just two years ago. Similar lockdowns are happening across the Western world, which is exactly the situation in which the Antichrist can and will rise to power. 

Will God rescue His people? Many believe so, and so do I. People interpret Revelation from different perspectives. If the Church is the new Israel, than the Church will go through the Tribulation. Christians who follow church history from the 2nd to the 19th century could very well come to that conclusion. No one during that time even expected that there would ever be a new Israel. Satan tried to kill the Jews via the Holocaust, but God used it to bring the Jews home to the land He promised Abraham. Jews are even returning from China and now from the Ukraine. There will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation, who recognize Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah, and evangelize with a passion. God isn’t finished with His Chosen People. 

Let’s close with this question: If Jesus was to return tonight, would you join Him as Lord and Savior? If you can’t answer yes, be prepared for the Tribulation, because that might be what it takes for you to turn to Him. Join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge for a verse-by-verse study of Revelation. 

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Just when we thought we saw it all, with a pandemic, inflation and rising prices, and now the uncertainty of an aggressive Russia. Are we beginning to see the signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Revelation is full of signs. It is up to us as the church to be aware and alert; and just as importantly, to pray. 

Regardless of the circumstances, even during a war, God is in control. 

The end result is still uncertain, but most likely Russia will take over the Ukraine. What does that mean for Europe and America going forward? 

Is it a sign of the times when ¼ of the UN refuses to condemn Russia’s attack on the Ukraine? Perhaps. Nevertheless, it is very telling regarding the disposition of the ideology of the UN, all of which does fit into the Revelation scenario. 

It can be very telling going forward. Eritrea is a country in North East Africa across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia. 

Where is the Christian church in all of this? What influence will the Christian Church have as we approach the End Times, if we’re not already there. Stay tuned as we look for any signs regarding the End Times. 

The slide shows recent headlines on FOX News. In other words, we haven’t seen anything yet. Economic warfare can turn very painful for everyone, both Russia and the Free World. 

Message on the slide was released by Kremlin. If I had to look for a sign in regard to Revelation, this would be one. TEL AVIV-As fighting continues between Ukrainian & Russian troops, Israeli Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett offered to mediate between Moscow & Kyiv in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to senior Israeli official.

Remember, Belarus is one of the UN countries that did not condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine. It was also reported that dozens of Jewish immigrants arrived in Israel from the Ukraine. The white horse in Revelation signifies a proposed peace that leads to a world dictator. If you want to know more, join us this Sunday at 9:00 in Heritage Lounge. 

Regardless of the events, we need to remain mindful that the Lord is alongside of us, no matter what the circumstances. Pray for the Ukrainians whose country is being destroyed by a tyrant and war criminal who is having tens of thousands of civilians being killed indiscriminately.  

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With the Covid-19 pandemic and now the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia, some are speculation that we are entering the End Time prophesied in the Book of Revelation. Are we? How will we know?

What events led up to this invasion? Could it have been prevented? Why now and not two years ago when Donald Trump was in office? A strong United States is a strong defense against tyranny. As the U.S. loses its influence on the world state, it opens the door for exactly this situation. Definitely a time for prayer. 

Nevertheless, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 24, there will be wars and rumors of wars, which must first come to pass before the floodgates of Revelation are poured out. 

Understanding and recognizing the signs of the End Times in Revelation is the reason we decided to study Revelation. Join us each Sunday at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge. 

This posting isn’t about politics or to claim that the Antichrist is already at our doorstep, but Revelation is in the Bible for a reason. These postings are about current events, and how I see them, even those at our borders, north (oppression against truckers) and south (over 2 million illegal immigrants last year). Why am I taking the time to even post it? It reflects conditions that I believe could, and will at the right time, give rise to the Antichrist. It’s important for me to say, it’s only my opinion of things as I see and interpret them, and certainly not a special revelation from God. If anything, it shows the need of prayer for our nation. Whatever happens is by God’s decree and it’s all in His hands. 

Only God knows the time of his coming, nevertheless, God gave us the Book of Revelation to awaken His Church, so we can be watchful, vigilant and prayerful. The Antichrist’s rise to power will be paved by circumstances, some of which are apparent. We can be certain that those in government who covet power will welcome him if it secures and enhances their own power. Only God knows when he will come. This generation is closer to his coming than any other generation. We don’t know when he will come, but we do know he will come. 

Nevertheless, it isn’t a time for worry or fear, but a time for hope and prayer. Our hope and strength as individuals and as a Nation, come from God. Everyone of us has been given a spiritual gift by God to use for His glory and in His church. Pray to know your gift and then put it to use to make a difference as He would have each one of us do. Ephesians 4:11-17 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God's people for service and for building up the body of Christ. It can make all the difference for tomorrow’s America. 

Our freedom as a Nation began with prayer and devotion to God. Something that too many of our young people are no longer aware of. It will take sincere and heartfelt prayer to retain it. The rise of the Antichrist will be in response to a world that has turned its back on God; and a world that has instead, embraced every form of evil deserving of a Holy God’s wrath.  

Presidential inauguration of George Washington took place on April 30,1789 on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. The inauguration of John Adams as vice president was on April 21, 1789, when he assumed his duties as presiding officer of the United States Senate. President Washington and members of Congress then retired to the Senate Chamber, where Washington delivered the first inaugural address to a joint session of Congress. Washington humbly noted the power of the nation’s call for him to serve as president and the shared responsibility of the president and Congress to preserve "the sacred fire of liberty" and a republican form of government. 

When our government ignores our founding documents, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, it becomes by definition, a police state. All of which leads to an opening for the Antichrist’s influence and power. If you wonder how a European dictator can influence or control the United States, we can be certain, he will win over those in government and other positions of power, who covet power and desire to retain it at all cost, will certainly cooperate with him if it secures their own position. If you doubt that, I would certainly like to hear why. 

An excerpt from George Washington’s Inaugural Address, reminds us, that in the Old Testament, when the Chosen People turned away from God, their freedom and way of life were no longer under God’s grace and protection. It is the very environment in which Satan seeks to instill and encourage the dominance of evil. 

At one time this began a typical school day across America—while professing, “One Nation Under God”. Most of us grew up with a sense of country, God, and what America stood for. Yes, there were problems in our history, including slavery. But our history includes a war that cost the Union Army over 624,511 killed in battle, 224,580 died of disease, 2,226 wounded, 32 generals killed—the price to end slavery and pave the way for racial equality. We’re not perfect as a Nation or as a people, that’s because no human being, except Jesus Christ, is or ever has been perfect from the time of Adam and Eve. Nevertheless, America has done better in regard to individual freedom, than any other nation in the history of mankind. 

The Church is the Body of Christ. Over the last 20 years, church attendance in the USA, has been on a steady decline as shown on the chart. As the Church declines, its influence on the Nation also declines in every area, including governance, education, and culture with a corresponding rise in Satan’s influence and crime.  

The greatest threat facing America and the Western world is a declining Christian faith. Will God abandon His Church? Absolutely not! But the Church might be abandoning our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It certainly is a breach in the door for a dictator to gain power and to rule and rein.

President Ronald Reagan’s words remind us that we are just one generation away from losing our freedom. The loss of America’s freedom will certainly influence the entire Western World and clearly open the door for the rise of the Antichrist. 

Anyone following truthful news has witnessed firsthand, a dark cloud descend over the United States Capitol; a split Congress showing no willingness to reach equitable solutions for national issues. We are also seeing dictatorial policies that have little regard for the well being of the Nation or the people. Some sitting members of Congress have become multimillionaires during their time in Congress. Add to that a weakened military. China now has the largest modern navy in the world, surpassing the USA.  As Abraham Lincoln reminded us, a divided nation cannot stand. And as Jesus said, a house divided against itself, cannot stand. Definitely a wakeup call for every American that cares. There is little doubt that a weakened America will pave the path for the Antichrist’s rise to power. 

The comment on the slide was printed by The Washington Post on February 11. Read it carefully. That “freedom” is intertwined with Whiteness and a component of White supremacy. This is the mainstream media. It’s no wonder that people can not believe the media. They are literally advocating that “freedom is racist” and consequently undesirable. Add that to the welcome mat for the Antichrist

Unlike FDR leading America against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, today, as a divided nation and weak president, America will have little influence on the world stage as to who gains power in Europe. We are reminded of Ephesians 6:12 that we are facing the powers of this dark world. 

Ayn Rand’s insight in the 60s applies very much to how today’s government operates at the state and national levels. With all the shutdowns, restrictions and mandates we truly have entered into a dark period, unprecedented in American history.

Wonders and signs will come before his arrival, as we are told in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. And the world will welcome him because of them.

The entire Western world, including the United States, will be readily deceived by his counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders (Revelation 13).

So how is the rest of the world doing? The decline in church attendance isn’t only in America but stretches across the entire Free World, especially Western Europe that once was referred to as Christendom, which historically referred to the “Christian world”. If you have ever visited Europe, the churches are now mostly tourist attractions rather than houses of worship. They were Christian majority countries, in which Christianity was prevalent and culturally intertwined with society’s norms and values. The Antichrist is said to rise in Europe, which has certainly opened the door for him. 

When freedom of speech is stifled in any manner or by any organization, so is liberty. We are seeing that in Ontario, Canada. 

Who would have thought? Canada has literally taken a giant step toward becoming a police state in regard to the truckers’ convoy. Tell me those in power would not cooperate with the Antichrist to enhance and preserve their own power? 

Worth repeating, but yes Canada has taken a step closer to becoming a police state. Truckers’ fuel and wood, to keep warm, were confiscated by police under government orders. Even bank accounts are being frozen, not just for the truckers, but for those donating to them.  

Police arrested an elderly spectator for honking his horn in support of the truckers. He was dragged out of his car and led away in handcuffs. If these tactics of government police powers are taking place in Canada, why wouldn’t such a government cooperate with the Antichrist to consolidate their power even more? Exactly how the Antichrist can and will dominate through governments across the Western world.  Governors on this side of the line and the President expressed support of Canada’s actions against the truckers. 

As noted on the slide, the woman was cautioned that her Facebook posting could be considered a cause for inciting insurrection. Is this really a big deal? Who was monitoring her Facebook page as such? A FB friend? The police? In either case, it shows how the Antichrist will extend his power and control through local governments, police departments and even neighbors. If these tactics of government police powers are taking place in Canada, why wouldn’t such a government cooperate with the Antichrist to consolidate their power even more? An example of exactly how the Antichrist can and will dominate through governments across the Western world.  

Will government heavy-handedness become the new normal? Let’s hope not. 

The Holy Spirit will not hold back Satan and the Antichrist forever. The solution is Jesus Christ through His church and prayer. The state of the church will have an influence on the state of the nation. Sadly, statistics show that the Christian Church is having less and less influence on the culture and national policy. So, what next? We will pick up again next week by following the path being laid…

We will continue our focus on the Antichrist and signs of the End Times next week.