Prophetic....?

[Hoofer]

Mentioned this to the kids over the weekend, "Do you realize Bible prophecy is being fulfilled in our time?"

Revelation 20:4 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

ISIS loves beheading infidels.   Several authors are speculating Mystery Babylon is not the ancient city in Iraq, but possibly Mecca, or Dubai.  One of the issues is how can ships at sea, stand afar off and witness the sudden destruction of Mystery Babylon?   good question, and of the "7 hills" are man-made, I guess that could rule out Rome.


Revelation 18:9+
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate."

Just 5% of Dubai's trade is in oil, the rest is mentioned above.  Worth considering... Dubai, one of the Seven United Arab Emerites.  (a city of Seven hills or a city that represents seven ???)   I think it's a bit of a stretch to suggest Rome or America or any other nation has this kind of wealth concentrated at a location visible to the sea.


Revelation 17:6 "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration."

Until recently, many of us assumed this was referring to Roman Catholicism, the times of persecution of Protestants.  With the rise of Radical Islam, the horrible slaughter of *anyone* who professes Jesus Christ...   The Apostle John (who penned this), may have wondered in amazement, "Who are these people, where did they come from, what is this VERY wealthy place by the sea?"  Islam would not have existed at the time of John.   A place so steeped in wealth, they build islands, indoor downhill ski slopes and gold dispensing vending machines dot the city - doesn't sound like any place in America, or the Vatican.

The question for many people, "Is America in Bible Prophecy?  If so, where, what, when?"   I haven't read anything to suggest America has any place in end-time events, it's almost like we 'cease to exist, or cease to exercise any political or military strength'.   Maybe America collapses economically, and just struggles in weakness?  20 Trillion in debt finally comes due?  The Soviet Union collapsed, who's to say we're joining the ranks of 3rd world countries next?  It is interesting to note, despite the collapse of the USSR... where did all those Russian Billionaires come from?   If America becomes economically challenged, will a handful of American Billionaires rise out of the ashes?   A few Authors suggested, decades ago... America would just sort of slowly fizzle out of the sphere of world-wide influence, with endless possible scenarios.

I am reminded of this verse, when I hear Islamic Terrorists praising their god, while killing innocents.
Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Matthew 24:9-12 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." 

This applies to *anyone* who associates themselves with Jesus... even casually, IMO.  These people will attempt to "stamp out" even the mention of "Jesus".
 
Every day I read/listen to the Bible, I say to myself, we are so close, what is left to be fulfilled before the return of Jesus Christ?

[zewazir]

Let's not forget Romans 1:26-32

Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed, and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery, and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know the just decree of God that all who practice such things deserve death, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Anything familiar about this description?

[Solar]

Let's not forget Romans 1:26-32Anything familiar about this description?

In the form of a question. What is the Democratic party?

[Hoofer]

Let's not forget Romans 1:26-32Anything familiar about this description?

Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

A verse I emphasize to my kids, a sure sign they themselves are turning away from the God they claim to know:

Not glorifying God, recognize Him and failing to to THANK Him.   

In general, "thankless" people offer little hope and encouragement.

An old friend of mine, prime example, I'll start the conversation with a....

"Hey man, great to hear from you, how's it going?"

"Not so good.  blah, blah, blah everything is wrong with the world, everyone hates me, I'm alone for the Holidays again, debts are piling up, my life is miserable, women hate me, dogs bite me, and my bed is a haven for bed bugs."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but, we're doing GREAT, God has been very good to me!"

Not to disappoint any women, but, I'm still a male-chauvinist pig & wifey is the hog-herder - we have debts from starting a business, most of the kids were home for the holidays, and one of our dogs bit an otherwise really nice visitor.

When I mention God, this guy goes into "religious mode" - and starts talking about "baby Jesus in the arms of Mary".  How he tries and fails, tries and fails... Christianity is sheer misery for him, pain, suffering, punishment - he probably thinks God pisses on him instead of sending rain... really, he's a sad sack, through and through.

We're not talking about "dumb happy christians", nor the "I thank God - 'cause things could be a-whole-lot-worse!  Take the kids-suffering-in-Africa", mantra...

Being thankful to God is not about US, but all about HIM.

WHY....?  If you honestly believe there IS a God, by faith you'll probably want to get-to-know-Him, and seek Him through the Scriptures.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

The more you seek God, the more often & openly He rewards you.   This lifelong relationship, through Jesus Christ is ultimately the only relationship with eternal merit - He loves you, wants you, died for your sin, and is preparing a mansion for you.  How hard is it to say, "Thank you, Lord?"

[zewazir]

Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

A verse I emphasize to my kids, a sure sign they themselves are turning away from the God they claim to know:

Not glorifying God, recognize Him and failing to to THANK Him.   

In general, "thankless" people offer little hope and encouragement.

An old friend of mine, prime example, I'll start the conversation with a....

"Hey man, great to hear from you, how's it going?"

"Not so good.  blah, blah, blah everything is wrong with the world, everyone hates me, I'm alone for the Holidays again, debts are piling up, my life is miserable, women hate me, dogs bite me, and my bed is a haven for bed bugs."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but, we're doing GREAT, God has been very good to me!"

Not to disappoint any women, but, I'm still a male-chauvinist pig & wifey is the hog-herder - we have debts from starting a business, most of the kids were home for the holidays, and one of our dogs bit an otherwise really nice visitor.

When I mention God, this guy goes into "religious mode" - and starts talking about "baby Jesus in the arms of Mary".  How he tries and fails, tries and fails... Christianity is sheer misery for him, pain, suffering, punishment - he probably thinks God pisses on him instead of sending rain... really, he's a sad sack, through and through.

We're not talking about "dumb happy christians", nor the "I thank God - 'cause things could be a-whole-lot-worse!  Take the kids-suffering-in-Africa", mantra...

Being thankful to God is not about US, but all about HIM.

WHY....?  If you honestly believe there IS a God, by faith you'll probably want to get-to-know-Him, and seek Him through the Scriptures.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

The more you seek God, the more often & openly He rewards you.   This lifelong relationship, through Jesus Christ is ultimately the only relationship with eternal merit - He loves you, wants you, died for your sin, and is preparing a mansion for you.  How hard is it to say, "Thank you, Lord?"

My wife and I are always chiding our kids (two of whom are adults now, one with three of her own) to be thankful for what we have, rather than sad for what we do not have. Those who dwell on what they want will ALWAYS live in misery, because there will ALWAYS be something we wish we had - even if it is a billionaire wishing there were even such a thing as FTL spaceships.

In family prayer, when it is our youngest's turn to pray, we prompt her, "what are you thankful for?" Sometimes 8-10 times in a row to point out there is always much to be thankful for, no matter how badly things seem to be going at the time.

Funny thing: if you meet two people on the street, one of whom displays a general satisfaction with life - even while changing a flat tire in a snow storm - and one whom displays a general dissatisfaction with life - even while climbing into their $50,000 SUV with a shopping bag full of #10 crab legs; you can probably guess how they vote with about 99% accuracy.

[Hoofer]

My wife and I are always chiding our kids (two of whom are adults now, one with three of her own) to be thankful for what we have, rather than sad for what we do not have. Those who dwell on what they want will ALWAYS live in misery, because there will ALWAYS be something we wish we had - even if it is a billionaire wishing there were even such a thing as FTL spaceships.

In family prayer, when it is our youngest's turn to pray, we prompt her, "what are you thankful for?" Sometimes 8-10 times in a row to point out there is always much to be thankful for, no matter how badly things seem to be going at the time.

Funny thing: if you meet two people on the street, one of whom displays a general satisfaction with life - even while changing a flat tire in a snow storm - and one whom displays a general dissatisfaction with life - even while climbing into their $50,000 SUV with a shopping bag full of #10 crab legs; you can probably guess how they vote with about 99% accuracy.

If thankfulness is defined in "things" apart from God the Provider - that's a huge problem of Covetness.
Romans 1 is being thankful *for* and *to* God, Who He is, What He is, Why He is, etc.   Many Psalms of praise are just that, praising God for His wonderful attributes, loving kindness, justice, mercy, care, etc.... seldom heard.

When I say, "God has been so GOOD to me!" and launch into His knowing me, providing the perfect wife, kids, a job, knowledge to do that job, an honest boss, a wonderful farmette, etc., those things - and then thank Him for loving me, sending His Son to pay my penalty of sin, opening my eyes and understanding to His Word, etc., IMO, there's Someone worth heaping praise and honor to.   We're so "stuck" in the New Testament, the Old Testament praises are almost forgotten.... an indicator, we are creeping towards secularism & forgetting the God who saves us.

One of the purposes of commercials, is to motivate the listener to spend, invest, trade what they have for something else.   One of  those ways is FEAR of impending doom.   (the market is gonna collapse, buy gold, silver, dehydrated food, water filters, generators, etc).   Another motivator is ENVY & COVET.  (Buy this car, it turns heads, see how sexy it looks, be cool, drive fast, feel free again, show the world you're a man in a big truck, a flashy woman in a red car, a rebel in a black car, etc, etc.)

We were watching TV once, and there was this big Beer Commercial - a big party, 3 sex crazed women for each sex crazed guy, "Hey kids - if you *ever* attend a party like that commercial, take a few pictures, 'cause they never last like that for more than 30 minutes...   Notice there are few chairs, sofas, everybody is fit, trim and just dancing the whole night away with seemingly endless energy?  Yeah, it's fake."   When I was of that crowd, it usually involved someone doing something stupid, someone passing out, and occasionally a neighbor calling the cops.

My point - rejoicing in God is being replaced, the media is not on the right side, IMO.

[Hoofer]

Here's an interesting note, remember, when the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation, he was telling of future events, some of which he said were "unlawful to speak of" or possibly "words could not describe" - because those "mechanical things" didn't exist.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2578439/u-s-military-unleashes-swarm-of-tiny-intelligent-micro-drones/

More than 100 of tiny drones were released from three F/A-18 Super Hornets in a test which took place last year.

Here's the interesting part, and listen to the sound of the video, about half way, and imagine the Apostle John, having never heard the sound of a mechanical device - trying to describe *that* sound.

"Perdix are not pre-programmed synchronised individuals, they are a collective organism, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature," said William Roper, director of the Strategic Capabilities Office.

"Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can gracefully adapt to drones entering or exiting the team."

A total of 103 drones took part in the test, where they demonstrated "collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing".

Does this sound familiar from Revelation 7:3-10?

3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

I've always assumed these were living creatures, but...verse 4  "should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree..."  - sounds like they don't EAT ANYTHING like a Locust/Grasshopper we're familiar with.   They might *sound* like Locusts, per the video, but how do they survive without eating?  "...out of the smoke locusts..." could be a description of the sheer multitude, a "swarm of drones" - viewed from a distance, what looks like smoke, as it gets closer - is a swarm of these micro-drones.

Have you ever accidently touched one of those spinning propellers?  Yup, it really does hurt, but I've never been stung by a scorpion...., so I cannot make a comarison.  However, the notion of these things chasing you around for 5 months, would drive anyone crazy enough to attempt suicide.

[Hoofer]

The "Mark of the Beast" has been stirring up quite a bit of controversy lately.

  Revelation 13:16-18
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

a "score" = 20....  hence the 666.   The conrtoversy being, the "mark" or "name of the beast" or "number of his name" is like a brand, or literal brand in the hand or forehead that represents:

a.  an organization
b.  the name of a religion
c.  the number of a religious movement
d.  or simply the number 666 - which is assumed to be a demonic figure.

This loaded with stuff... Walid Shoebat has an interesting take on Revelation 13.
http://shoebat.com/2014/12/19/new-discovery-antichrist-nation-turkey-now-reviving-mark-beast/

One Kurdish writer was upset “Needless to say, the success of a political project that aims to revive the past, much like bringing the dead to life, is impossible. Any impossible mission or project is better understood for what it is against, rather than what it wants to achieve.” But this speaks of the miracle, its not something to be expected or is easily accomplished, that even the Antichrist’s followers will marvel: “The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.” (Revelation 17:8)

Folks are not all convinced of our report regarding the revival of an Ottoman beast. But perhaps The following promotional video by the Turkish government can reverse this view. It shows several things; an old Ottoman head was removed “the head that was wounded” and its time to put it back. Pay close attention to the map that quickly flashed which shows exactly the sphere of influence of Antichrist’s commonwealth as predicted in Scripture coming out of the Great Sea as Daniel predicted (the Mediterranean). Scenes from the last Ottoman wars are shown in which one receives a head wound (1:31) depicting the death of the sick man of Europe and sudden scenes of death and mayhem depicting Islam’s 7 years of turmoil prior to the rise of Mahdi (caused primarily by ISIS). The solution to all this Muslim suffering is not to recognize that the same devil of Islam caused all this mayhem, but that a re-risen Ottoman aspiration is seen as the solution in which the whole earth is made to marvel at the Ottoman reviving from the dead in which all will bow to Islam’s image. Scenes are flashed depicting the Ottomans in the past and the Ottomans reviving in the near future with Medina, the second major city in Saudi Arabia being a focal point in a map which depicts the spread of Islam in its glory days. The solution is that the whole world must bow to Islam and Istanbul Turkey will lead the way for this global endeavor. In the end it shows the solution, a Turkish military aspiration and an Ottoman modern war machine fighting while they all bow. In essence they will challenge the world with Ottoman military might: “they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” (Revelation 13:4). But in order to accomplish all this, the wounded head must be remounted as it was in the glory days:

As I've already stated, IMO, America is absent from Bible Prophecy, no point to speculate about it, we're just not mentioned - it's anyone's guess why, how.... or when we become a non-factor.

The real focus needs to be given to that old conflict between Jacob and Esau, being continually lived out several millenial later.  Israel and the Arabs.... the two nations

Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord.
23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

Here's the rub....

26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:
28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.

Jacob got God's the blessing, Esau got the shaft.... almost, but blessed with the fatness of the earth.. could it be oil?

Genesis 25:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
......
39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

With that Biblical foundation in mind, recognizing the revival of the Ottoman Empire, with it's interesting symbolism and literal symbols...  Walid Shoebat might be on to something.

The "end time" Prophetic focus is around Israel, period.  The Christian and/or Church is "grafted into the tree of Israel" - we got "lucky" so-to-speak.   Understanding that region of the world, the customs, history and then understanding "how" what we see developing fits into Biblical Prophecy .... well, that's the really difficult, but important part!

Walid Shoebat has some really interesting things to say about the "mark of the beast", but this post is getting long.

[Hoofer]

America is NOT in Bible Prpohecy - nowhere to be found, nope, not in the battle in the valley of Armageddon.

We may be financially neutered,
We may be militarily defeated,
We may be a completely different nation by that time.

Why...?

With the Rapture of the church, the Church Age is OVER, God's attention returns to Israel and the l-o-n-g drawn out conflict, between the two brothers, their descendants, Jacob and Esau begins coming to a head - better known today as the Jews and Arabs.

Nobody is ever going to bring lasting peace between the two, or even a forced militarily controlled peace.  It would appear the peace pauses.... just give both sides to "arm back up" with the latest weaponry.   No joke, this conflict is viewed as IRRATIONAL by most of us, but it's real, and isn't going away any time before Jesus settles it.   

Here's proof - watch it to the end, please.



Remember, this is AMERICA - a nation with largely Christian roots, protecting Jews - once the Christians are GONE, Raptured, the general "American mood" is probably going to change - and God is going to call all the Jews back to the homeland.   The influence of the Holy Spirit as the "restrainer" will also be removed - further hastening the Jews return to Israel - the world probably will not be a pleasant place for Jews, unless they're living in Israel.

Israel will become the singular place where God will continue to protect the Jews, but it looks like even that will be short lived, 3 1/2 years, then the Temple will be defiled - that's further down stream in prophecy though.

While it may be hard to imagine America ever turning our back on Israel - it'll happen, once the Christians are gone.

[Hoofer]

While it's tempting to the Doom-n-gloom, end-time prophet ... blame America first for God's impending judgement, the Bible just doesn't include America... anywhere.  Like we don't exist, never did existed.  Neither does No. America, So. America, Japan, England, Spain - so don't feel bad if God has "neglected us" in end time prophecy as a nation - there'll be enough trouble.

But for a World Power Nation to be "snubbed" by God ... OK, so we understand end time prophecy is about the two brothers, Jacob & Esau, the Jews & Arabs, the Older serving the Younger - until the yoke is broken off the older...  it's a family affair!  The Hatfields and the McCoys.

Meanwhile, America might be taken out by a Volcano.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/02/the-scary-state-of-volcano-monitoring-in-the-united-states/518124/
MEH... they reference 2005 data which the USGS web site link, no longer works.  No problem, we know between Yellowstone, the two faults, San Andreas, New Madrid - yeah... the USA could become a non-factor in world events... *overnight*.

God certainly has blessed America, but He also blessed Joseph in Egypt with 7 years of plenty, before 7 years of famine.  Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream translated Egypt from a competing region into a world power, rich with wealth, slaves, land & had the rest of the world begging for food.  What *didn't* Egypt own by the end of the Famine?  My... how the mighty have fallen.


End-time Bible Prophecy has a *context*, which is curiously distributed in "chunks" across both Old Testament and New Testament books.  Matthew chapter 24 is a "couple of chunks" of end time events, but the emphasis is to BE READY... when you see these things, expect this.

Matthew 24:3-44

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

BE READY!  is the message, and nowhere Jesus say to His disciples:  'buy gold, arm yourselves to the hilt, store up 7 years of dehydrated food, build an underground bunker & shoot to kill anyone not related to you.'  The example, if you knew a thief was stalking your estate, is really, "If you knew exactly when Jesus would return, you would ...." ie., be prepared to meet Him.  (but nobody knows), Get ready NOW, because when He does return, it'll happen speedily, like a thief breaking into your house.   When the thief is breaking down the door, it's too late to run out and buy a gun.

Jesus is describing two a future events, the Rapture of the Church & end of Jacob's Troubles (Tribulation), an event that's a slice out of the Jewish historical time-line.  (more on that later, it's very important to understand the 70 weeks prophecy)  In the very next chapter, Jesus emphasizes the need to prepare AHEAD OF TIME, with a Jewish wedding - the bridegroom shows up at an unexpected time, and whisks his bride away - be READY, is the point.

Matthew 25:1-13
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

If you're NOT ready, the door is -never- opened to you, there is no second chance, rear entrance, or friend on the inside who can sneak you in.  You screwed yourself.

Note they call Him, "Lord Lord!!  Please let us in!" (they know who He is) - but the answer through the locked door, "I never knew you."
Familiar words....?  Yes, and repeated OFTEN.

Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

A couple of things to note:
a.  Some of these people locked out were preachers.
b.  Some performed exorcisms, casting out devils.
c.  Locked out after performing miracles, like faith healings, speaking in tongues, giving all their money to the poor, preacher or ministry.
d.  Nowhere does He say "only perfect people are accepted".   Whoever started that rumor, will die with it.
e.  Nowhere does He say "only church-goers, preachers, and sweet old ladies can get in".   

He does say, "He that does the WILL OF THE FATHER which is in heaven", enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
What is the WILL of the Father...?

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not based on "what you do", but "who you know".  Believe on Jesus.

The best way to prepare for end-times, is to know the right Person.  Many know *about* Him, a collection of facts, what He did, when He lived, where He was Crucified, that He died for our sins, that He rose from the dead & the church age started in Acts chapter 2.  Knowing facts and/or working your tail off = nothing.

The "door" is either already opened to each one of us, as an individual, or eternally closed, "Go away, we don't know eachother."
Do you know Jesus?   Personally?   Every great relationship has a beginning, an introduction, you meet, shake hands, hug, etc., and so it beings.  But the best you can do from a distance, knowing *about* someone you admire - is of little personal value.   I know about Ronald Reagan, and I've even had a conversation with his son, Michael which I recall very well.  We talked about his Budwiser sponsorship & racing boats, yeah, I could've talked to him for hours, but we never personally met... I just knew a few facts about him and his father.

Do you know Jesus personally?  You can, and a multitude of us can attest, He loves you...  what a great way to start off a relationship.

[Hoofer]

Next time you crack open a Bible, turn to Revelation chapter 8 - it's about the Trumpet Judgments.

"Time" as we live it, isn't suppose to exist in eternity, yet, there is a moment of silence for 1/2 hour in heaven.

Why?  It's as if everything pauses for 1/2 hour.  The Prayers of the Saints are offered up before God with incense... then immediately afterward, like God is responding, one disaster after another hits the earth, much of it coming "down from above".

Maybe those prayers of the saints are begging for help in a time of need, unanswered by neighbors, friends, and those who could, but because of the hardness of their own hearts, did nothing.   Could it be the Lord is creating a dire need in their life (the non-helpers), and their cries go completely unanswered ... those who would have stepped in to help, the Christians, are already Raptured.

In anger, those remaining, rather than cry out to God, hide in holes, caves, within the earth, and cry out for the 'rocks to fall upon them, to hide them from the face of God.'   Unwilling to recognize God's Sovereignty, Mercy, Judgement & Love - even to give Him a look, they're rather deny Him altogether.  Yet, there will be no place to hide. 

Converted Missile Silos, Caves in Afghanistan, deep within the earth - still crying aloud for the rocks to fall upon them and hide them from God.   As God takes away one blessing after another, things in nature we've taken for granted, and neglect to thank God for - they still will not honor the Creator and life Sustainer.   Oceans become polluted beyond measure, Fishes die, crops die, the sun scorches man and beast - punishing man doesn't "bring them around & recognize God exists" other than to curse the One God who is pouring out His judgement.

It doesn't seem possible without realizing the work of the "Restrainer" - the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, as Jesus said, is the One who will "convict of sin, convince of righteousness, bring things into remembrance, give words to testify, etc., but during this period of time, the Holy Spirit has been removed.   Sort of like having your moral compass, or conscience obliterated.   You've probably met or know someone, possibly a drunk, who blames everyone but him/herself for their ill state of affairs.  It's hard for me to imagine the remainder of the Earth's inhabitants - the mentality of an Alcoholic, "It's all GOD'S FAULT!!!"

Recently, I heard of one guy, with a 6-figure income, crawling into a Vodka bottle to pass out.   He's been warned by his employer, wife, siblings, even his young children beg him to stop drinking - get help, they want their father back.   He was their hero.  Now as they lose faith in their daddy, passed out on the sofa, it's better he's passed out - than listen to him blame mommie, his employer, friends & loved ones, for his problem.  He's close to losing his wonderful job, his wife sees what's coming, and has gone back to work, realizing she'll probably be on-her-own soon.   She's all but given up on him... her prayers are unanswered, but that's for now.
He, has a "Mistress", her name is "Vodka", and she's quite demanding of his time, money and affection.   Like any marriage or affair, his Mistress is slowly changing him, hardening him, relentlessly pulling him away from his first love, into her clutches.   She doesn't care for him, but, he thinks she gives him all the pleasure and relief beyond what anyone else could give.  His mind is nearly polluted, conscience nearly dead, he does not care about anyone, but himself.  The ultimate selfishness - he first turned away from God, rejected His love and mercy, now ignores the pleas of his earthly family.  As he rolls over, falling off the sofa, he curses God for his error - he dare not call out to the greatest helper of all, no, he crawls back into bed with his Mistress, "Vodka", cursing God as he descends into loneliness & despair.

An example of a man, a society without conscience, without the influence of the Holy Spirit - this is the setting for the Book of Revelation.  That every-man-for-himself-mentality finally flourishes, the Restrainer is gone, God has sent those who remain a strong delusion that they would easily believe the lie.  They wanted no God, noone to answer to, and earnestly wished for a world without God, never giving Him any thanks - they couldn't see anything He'd ever done for them, their eyes, understanding is so darkened, like a blind man.
God gives them what they want, He leaves.   What they get are wars, rumors of wars, political unrest, famine, drought, massive earthquakes, poisoning of natural resources, everything they took-for-granted falls apart.  Funny, the Bible does say, everything is held together, maintained, held in check, by Jesus... He just let-it-go, it's what the remainder of mankind wanted.   

There is a LOT of prophetic passages, outside of Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel.  Putting the pieces together isn't easy, but God does say those who seek Him will be rewarded, and there is a special blessing for those who read Revelation (last book of the Bible).   One thing of note:  There is no sense of "time" as we understand it.   When we come across the word, "And" separating specific events, it could be a progression of one event after another, -or- parallel events happening at the same time, ie., "all hell broke loose!"   I think Revelation chapter 8 is one of those "pauses" for a specific purpose, that 1/2 hour of silence, is God honoring the Prayers of the Saints, and then everything collapsing on earth as a single event, many things at the same moment.   Why?   In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus stood as Stephen was about to be martyred.  There are other passages indicating He does not take lightly the death of the Saints (nor takes "pleasure" in the death of the wicked).   So, I think that is the reason for the 1/2 hour silence, God honoring the offering, the lives, prayers of the Saints - pausing to hear each one intently, answers those prayers, in both heaven .... and on earth with Trumpet judgments, in one tremendous event.

There is no place to hide.

If you have a modern vehicle, with a SD slot, or even MP3 player, get a copy of the Audio Bible, New Testament is great - and simply play it while you're driving around.  There are a multitude of men & women who have recorded it over the years, each "voice" adds a little different "voice inflection" which may give you pause to think about and gain new insight.  Best of all, you're hearing it in the context, even if some of the historical setting is not said.  It also helps to simply ask God, "Help me to understand what I'm hearing" - that's a simple prayer, He answers.  Don't expect to become a Bible Scholar on the first or tenth listen, there's far more there than we can absorb easily, so keep repeating, and this huge puzzle of future events starts fitting together.

One other word ... listen like you would in a normal conversation, sometimes your mind drifts to other things/thoughts, but just playing the Bible on tape, somethings will stand out, "Hmmm... didn't see that before..." while you ponder what you're hearing.  It'll help settle your spirit during troublesome times, and you'll understand the earthly ministry of Jesus, like never before.

[Hoofer]

Back to the first message in this thread for a few moments - Does Dubai fit the picture of Mystery Babylon?

Revelation 18:9+

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate."

Watch this slide show (yeah, it's an Ad, but makes the point, nicely)
http://deposts.com/9-amazing-things-youll-see-dubai

Know someone who flys out of there - he says the only people who do any work are "imported workers".   It is wealth & debauchery taken to the extremes by anyone's standards...  Whatever you can soul can imagine, they have tried it.

[Hoofer]

Pay attention, this is probably going to be the next church, immediately after the Rapture.

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/26/mark-zuckerberg-compares-facebook-to-church-little-league.html

Mark Zuckerberg wants Facebook groups to play an important role that community groups like churches and Little League teams used to perform: Bringing communities together.
....
"A church doesn't just come together. It has a pastor who cares for the well-being of their congregation, makes sure they have food and shelter. A little league team has a coach who motivates the kids and helps them hit better. Leaders set the culture, inspire us, give us a safety net, and look out for us."
....
Now that he's seen how powerful a tool Facebook can be for spreading disinformation, Zuckerberg is pushing to use Facebook's artificial intelligence algorithm to make the site even better at organizing online communities.

"We started a project to see if we could get better at suggesting groups that will be meaningful to you. We started building artificial intelligence to do this. And it works.
....
Bringing people closer together is so important that "we're going to change Facebook's whole mission to take this on," Zuckerberg said in Chicago.

Er... like Communism?   A world without God...?  That's the goal, bring people together, like building the towel of Babel, reaching out to goodhood?

I'll be here soon enough, Mark, about 1 second after the rapture of the church - hey, you can become it's pastor!

Fact is, the Church is the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the called out assembly, Zuckerberg doesn't see or understand that.
To Mark, the church is a social club, a bingo hall, a friday fish fry, a bowling league or happy hour at the local pub.

[Hoofer]

What is missing from this picture of Menlo Park a Fake Book entity?  Designer community?


http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/07/facebook-campus-expansion-includes-offices-retail-grocery-store-housing/

Well, they can't all be employees of Fake Book, there's kids.  An open community, in a City Park like setting, lacking the elderly.
The Millennial paradise... no dirty farm or garden (Produce is to be trucked in), no manufacturing (all built elsewhere), I'd venture to say, any kid who grows up in this atmosphere, will never know where food comes from.   The best they'll be able to say, with a smug smile, "It's imported from (blank)" - as if those Serfs work in the heat of the day for "us", at our pleasure.   Of course, they won't need a Police presence, it's one big, happy Fake Book family.

The void of common sense to be filled to overflowing with political correctness.  Reminds me of the Millennial, "I don't care about 'history' - dead white guys - I'm making my OWN history."

MENLO PARK — Aiming to address long-neglected community needs and to accommodate its burgeoning workforce, Facebook has proposed a vast expansion of its Menlo Park campus.

The new campus would include several office buildings, hundreds of homes, retail, a grocery store, and parks and plazas, all part of what the social network giant envisions as a new center for the neighborhood.

“This will be a village,” said Ryan Patterson, a real estate manager with Facebook. “The community benefits will be open and accessible to everyone.”

Menlo Park-based Facebook intends to develop 1.75 million square feet of offices, 1,500 units of housing, 125,000 square feet of retail space including a pharmacy, as well as a cultural and visitor center.

When Fake Book collapses - this will look like a 1960's Chicago housing project.   I honestly feel sorry for the kids raised in the city, and safety cocoons that mimic Disney's dreamlands - they quickly become targets for crime when the money starts to dwindle.  The kids become dull and near deaf to the living in the real world.   Ask a seasoned Summer Camp counselor, how these kids are utterly lost without their electronic drugs (Iphone, TV, radio, etc), it's a pathetic sight of emptiness and creativity in the natural world.

[Hoofer]

A bit of a side track, but consider the "Mark" again.   I cannot see any way this happens overnight, everyone gets a mark or they can't buy or sell.

Revelation 13 the Mark of the Beast

Verse 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

From this passage, it is obvious:

There is a controlling authority over the world economy.  Question is... is anything happening NOW, look like we're moving in that direction?

Obamacare -> Single Payer.   Really, seriously, consider the ramifications of moving from Obamacare to a Single Payer System.

a.  How do you accurately administer a single payer system - everyone needs to be individually identified (so you can ration care).
b.  Everyone's health will need to be tracked, for the best possible outcome, no... not for us, but for the state who will ration care effectively & fairly.
c.  You will be assigned a "value quotient" based on your production & health scores.  Barak said, 'maybe surgery is not for you, take a pill.'
c.  The all-caring, record-keeping State will be interested in YOUR health, and habits... good and not-so-good habits, monitoring life-style decisions that effect the health of their subjects.
d.  Remember, the authorities goal is to keep you a happy, compliant, productive and contributing member of society - after that ...meh.  "It's for our own good!"
e.  To prevent THEFT or falsifying data ... there'll be a need to "affix" your identifying information to you permanently with a eligibility "mark".



It won't take too many ID thefts to roll out a system of RFID or biometrics that can't be copied or forged.  After all, it's for the good of a collective society, for everyone to be healthy, fit and contributing.   Those who cheat the State sponsored health care system, who become a drain of the system, might be given an opportunity to shape-the-hell-up, before they are involuntarily whisked away for "health care reeducation" - unless of course, the politicians, will have their own... for life, free, platinum, exclusive care.