Is the Psalm 83 Battle Looming on the Horizon?

 - Pastor Bill Hoganson -

 

We are now witnessing increased military strikes by Israel against Iranian proxies located in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza. With what's now happening, one may wonder if the so-called Psalm 83 battle is near. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with Psalm 83's prayer concerning Israel's conflict with the "surrounding" nations. If so, you may want to read this article.

 

In recent years, very good Bible prophecy students have been fussing among themselves over the nature and meaning of Psalm 83. The fuss is primarily over whether, or not, Psalm 83 concerns an actual military battle between Israel and the surrounding nations. Some students believe that Psalm 83 lays the foundation for Israel becoming a Super State that will dominate the region. And, all of this is to take place "before" the Tribulation. Is this a solid, Biblical view? Let's check it out.

 

So, the current on-going debate is over whether Psalm 83 is simply 1) an imprecatory prayer, 2) and/or a prophecy that has already been fulfilled, 3) and/or a prophecy waiting to be fulfilled. These three views can be summarized as follows:

 

1) Psalm 83 is an Imprecatory Prayer: This view holds that Psalm 83 is "only" a prayer, and not a prophecy, written around 1000 BC by Asaph, King David's chief musician (1 Chr. 16:5-7). Asaph's prayer implores God to deal harshly with the surrounding nations that had been attacking Israel over the previous four hundred years (cf Judges).

 

2) Psalm 83 had a "past" fulfillment - two basic views are summarized, as follow:

a. Psalm 83 is prophetic prayer that was already fulfilled in the "ancient" past. This view claims King Jehoshaphat's army defeated the surrounding Psalm 83 nations in the 9th Century BC (2 Chron. 20).

b. Still, others believe Psalm 83 was fulfilled in 1948 when Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded Israel. They claim all "ten" Psalm 83 people groups, described in Psalm 83, are connected to the 1948 Arab nation's invasion.

 

3) Psalm 83 is awaiting "future" fulfillment - two basic views are summarized, as follows:

a. Psalm 83 will be fulfilled when the Ezekiel 38-39 Russian Coalition invades Israel during the Tribulation. This view claims Ezekiel 38:6's use of the phrase "many people are with you" is conclusive evidence that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups are included in the Russian Coalition.

b. This next view lines up with the one identified in the opening paragraph, claiming that Psalm 83 is an actual battle that is to be understood in the context of many O.T. prophecies still awaiting fulfillment, including Ezekiel 25:14; Zephaniah 2:9; Zechariah 12:6; Obadiah 17-18; Isaiah 11:14 and 19:16-18; Isaiah 17 (in conjunction with Jeremiah 49:23-27). All these Scriptures have one thing in common: they all support the idea of Israel having an "exceedingly great army" (Ezk. 37:10) which will, directly or indirectly, defeat and take control of the "surrounding" nations turning Israel into a Super State. (Bill Salus popularized this view in his book "Israelestine." View 3b., presented here, is similar to his book, but with a slightly different spin.)

 

In any case, let's now consider the Biblical efficacy of each of these views...

 

Which of the above Views best Fits Israel's "Last Days" Scenario?

 

Psalm 83 as an Imprecatory Prayer View

 

It is true that Psalm 83 is a prayer; however, this view ignores the following: 1) Asaph was a prophet (2 Chr. 29:30---seer), 2) the Psalms can be prophetic (e.g., Psa. 2, 16, 22, etc.), and 3) God will answer Asaph's prayer. Psalm 83 can be both a prayer and a prophecy that God can, and will, answer and fulfill.

 

Psalm 83 had a "Past" fulfillment View

 

View 2a. teaches that 2 Chronicles 20 fulfilled Psalm 83 in the ancient past. It sounds good, but it doesn't line up with Psalm 83. How so? At most, only six people groups can be counted there, while Psalm 83 identifies ten people groups. So, they don't match up...  

View 2b. teaches Psalm 83 was fulfilled in 1948, which is on the right track, but it falls short in at least four areas, as follows:   1) Today, the people groups that invaded Israel in 1948 (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq) continue to seek Israel's destruction, so that "the name of Israel be remembered no more" (Psa. 83:4), suggesting Psalm 83 is still open for fulfillment. Egypt and Jordan currently have a peace agreement with Israel, but, for how long; especially since their majorities hate Israel?   2) The same 1948 Arab nations continue to push for a Palestinian State, even quoting Psalm 83, saying, "let us take for ourselves [for the Palestinians] the pastures of God for a possession" (Psa. 83:11). On this point, Psalm 83 remains unfulfilled.   3) Asaph's prayer that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups be destroyed "as fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire (Psa. 83:14)" still needs God's answer. And 4) Today, these same 1948 nations reject the LORD God, thus, leaving Asaph's prayer unanswered (Psa. 83:16-18).

 

On the surface, View 2b. sounds good. But to claim that the 1948 Arab invasion of Israel, by itself, fulfills the Psalm 83 prophecy, is insufficient, still lacking fulfillment as demonstrated above.

 

Psalm 83 is awaiting "Future" fulfillment View

 

View 3a. - to conclude that the "ten" Psalm 83 people groups are found in the phrase ""many people are with you (Ezk 38:6)" is going way too far! This vague and inferential conclusion stretches itself into a non-sequitur. Yes, it is true that inference is used in the other views, but not to this presumptive degree.

View 3b. raises interesting points. Israel's powerful military does play a major literal role in the "last days" as seen in the listed O.T. verses under 3b. on page 1.

We will spend the remainder of this article on View 3b., by analyzing the future role of Israel's powerful military in Bible prophecy.

 

What Role does Israel's Military Play in the "Last Days?"

 

Israel's military play a "significant" role in the last days, but "when" does Israel's military have a role?

 

Zechariah describes Israel's military role in the "last days" when the "surrounding" nations seek to take control of Jerusalem, as follows: Zechariah 12:2 (NKJV) - "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem." Jerusalem will come under attack by the "surrounding" nations.

 

And then we read in Zechariah 12:6 (NKJV) - "In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited..." Notice, the "surrounding" nations will fail to take control of Jerusalem, why? Israel's powerful military will "devour" them.

 

So, at this point, it is Israel's powerful military that defeats the "surrounding" nations.

 

But later, Israel's powerful military is absent, as follows: Zechariah 14:2 (NKJV) - "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city."

 

What happened to Israel's powerful military? They were present in Zechariah 12, but they are no longer present in Zechariah 14. Don't bail out on this article now. Please keep reading...

 

Israel does have powerful military that defeats the "surrounding" nations in the "last days." But, when do they defeat the "surrounding" nations? Consider the following:

 

#1   "After" the Tribulation

#2   "During" the Tribulation

#3   "Before" the Tribulation

 

#1 - "After" the Tribulation View - this view can be rejected forthright because Isaiah tells us that after Jesus comes "neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isa. 2:4). There will be no need for armies during the Millennium.

#2 - "During" the Tribulation View: Many good prophecy students "assume" that Israel's "exceedingly great army" will exist "during" the Tribulation (Rev. 6-19). However, Israel's powerful military is absent when Jerusalem is overrun (Zec. 14:2). Where did they go? In fact, Revelation 6-19 provides no hint that Israel's powerful military even exists. Certainly, Israel will have underground Jewish militias (Zech. 14:14), but there is no indication in Revelation 6-19 that Israel has a powerful IDF-like military.

 

Revelation 6-19 reveals that Israel's Jews will be delivered from their enemies in four ways, as follows:

1)   Israel will be delivered by God's "two witnesses" during the Tribulation's first 3½ years (Rev. 11:3-6)  

 

2) Many Jews are delivered from Antichrist forces by fleeing out of Judea into the wilderness (Matt. 24:15-16), where God will supernaturally protect them during the Tribulation's final 3½ years (Rev. 12:14-17)  

 

3)   After Jerusalem is captured, Jewish underground militias (Zech. 14:2, 14) will attempt to deliver Israel. But they will fail! Two-thirds of the Jews will die (Zech. 13:8), mostly during the latter half of the Tribulation  

 

4)   In the end, Jesus Himself will deliver the Jews after a majority finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah. They will cry out to Him "blessed is He that comes in the name of the LORD" (Matt. 23:39). Jesus responds "delivering" them from their enemies, and all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26-29; Rev. 19:11-21).

 

It is clear in Revelation 6-19 that Israel's Jews do not rely on a powerful IDF-like military to deliver them from Satan's wrath. It is safe to assume that Israel's military is absent during the entire seven-year Tribulation. At the very least, Israel's powerful military is absent during the Tribulation's final 3½ years.

 

The "Before" the Tribulation View: This view has that greatest Scriptural support. Multiple unfulfilled O.T. prophecies are in the process of coming to pass before our very eyes. The majority of these O.T. prophecies require that Israel have a powerful IDF-like military. Let's get into it...

 

Multiple O.T. prophecies require that Israel have a powerful IDF-like military in the "last days." Check out the following yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies requiring Israel to have a powerful military in the "last days":

 

*         Isaiah 11:14 (NKJV) -   "But they [Israel] shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west [Gaza]; Together they shall plunder the people of the East [Syria]; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab [Jordan]; And the people of Ammon [Jordan] shall obey them.

*         Zephaniah 2:9 (NKJV) - Therefore, as I live," Says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, And the people of Ammon like Gomorrah- Overrun with weeds and saltpits, And a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, And the remnant of My people shall possess them."

*         Zechariah 12:6 (NKJV) - In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place-

*         Obadiah 18 (NKJV) - "The house of Jacob shall be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau," For the LORD has spoken.

*         Ezekiel 25:14 (NKJV) - "I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, that they may do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance," says the Lord GOD.

 

Today, Israel's powerful military continues to defeat and hold off the "surrounding" nations, keeping them from driving them into the Sea. However, many of the above O.T. prophecies are still awaiting fulfillment. How so? Israel has yet to take control of the surrounding nations.

 

Let's just take one example of the above unfulfilled prophesies. Consider Isaiah 11:14 (NKJV) "But they [Israel] shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; Together they shall plunder the people of the East; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; And the people of Ammon shall obey them."

 

This prophecy has never been fulfilled. How so? In context, verse 14 is to be fulfilled "after" Israel comes back to the LAND a second time (Isa. 11:11). Israel's Jews came back to the LAND the "first time" beginning in 537 BC under Zerubabbel and Joshua. The Jews came back to the LAND a "second time" during the 20th Century, becoming a nation in 1948. Verse 14 will be fulfilled "after" 1948, when Israel is back in the LAND for a second time. Is the stage being set for fulfillment of this prophecy now? Let's take a look...

 

Isaiah 11:14 can be broken down into three parts, as follows:

 

1)   Firstly, we are told that Israel will "swoop down on the shoulder of the Philistines..." The "shoulder" of the Philistines describes the location of their power, which is the same location as today's Gaza Strip. Israel will "fly down" upon the Gaza Strip like a bird swoops down on its prey to devour. Is Israel about to "swoop down" upon Gaza to bring it under military control, perhaps setting up military garrisons to be used in the same way Jewish settlers were used prior to 2005?

 

2)   Secondly, verse 14 tells us Israel will "plunder" the "peoples of the east." The "peoples of the east" includes Syria (cf Gen. 29:1; Num. 23:7). Israel will "plunder" Syria. Perhaps, the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy fits here, when Damascus becomes "a heap of ruins, a city no more." After plundering Syria, perhaps Israel will set up garrisons, much like King David did (2 Sam. 8:6). Is Israel on the verge of plundering Syria?

 

3)   Thirdly, verse 14 tells us that Israel will "lay their hand on Edom and Moab (Jordan)" and "the people of Ammon (Jordan) shall obey them." It appears Israel takes control of Jordan, in the same way David took control of the Edomites, by setting up military garrisons there (2 Sam. 8:14). On a side note: during the Tribulation, a Jordanian puppet government to Israel allows Jewish "fugitives" to "take refuge" in Petra/Sela (Isa. 16:1-4), apparently after the Antichrist invades the region (Dan. 11:41).

 

Is Isaiah 11:14 just one of the many O.T. Scriptures that describe what may be an answer to Asaph's Psalm 83 prayer? If so, then Israel may very well be on its way to becoming a Super State----which appears not to be too far off in the future!

 

God bless you as you seek Him... Pastor Bill Hoganson

 

HAS GOD CAST AWAY ISRAEL? PART 2

BY Pastor Mike  Taylor



“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”(Romans 11:1-4)

The apostle Paul answers the question proposed, “Has God cast Israel away?” in this eleventh chapter of  Romans. It would seem the present main stream churches teach, with an exception of a few enlightened Christians who actually read and believe their bible, that God has done away with Israel because of their unbelief. Since the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Israel has endured intense persecution for nigh 2000 years. As scripture tells the story of the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, when asked what to do with Jesus, the Jewish authorities and their cohorts spoke prophetically of their coming fate. 24  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.25  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”(Matthew 27:24-25)

And so it has been. From that time forward and their refusal to accept their Messiah and the eventual destruction of their nation and Temple, these people were hated by all men around them. The early Roman Catholic church called them “Christ killers” and they were sorely persecuted. The fact is, we are all killers of our Lord, as Jesus came for one purpose and that was to die for the sins of mankind. They are Christ killers, speaking of Israel. You are a Christ killer, I am a Christ killer, and the world is a Christ killer. As it had to be and was planned before the foundation of the world. But realizing that we are all to blame and we all sent our Lord to the cross to die, the question still remains, “Has Israel been cast away” from our Lord and has now been replaced by someone else? You know what I speak of. The misguided doctrine of Replacement Theology would have us believe that Israel is no longer God’s chosen people. That distinction has passed onto the Church in their view. But has it? Let us look at the final authority to that question and look in God’s Holy Word, because truth is found in God, not in men.
WHY IS ISRAEL IN UNBELIEF?

The answer is right there in the pages of your Bible, and Paul addresses here in Romans 11 and gives the reason. It was God’s doing. Why is this so, you may be wondering?7  “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election (the church) hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (Israel) my emphasis
8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”(Romans 11:7-8)

Did you catch that? God hath given them a spirit of slumber, so they cannot see or hear. Today there are very few that have accepted the knowledge of the truth of Jesus as their Messiah, Lord and Savior, except by God’s grace and the working of the Holy Spirit. But as a nation, (as a people individually) they still are blind and deaf to the realization that they have rejected the Lord of glory to their own error.

Paul goes into great detail of why this is so. The answer? It is for our benefit. That’s right you read that correctly. It is for the Gentile nations to bring them in as first fruits of God’s plan of salvation. God has called for a people who were not His people, because of grace. Continuing in Romans 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.12  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?13  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:14  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.15  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?(Romans 11:11-15)

Paul is saying that in the fullness of time, that God is able to bring Israel in as well. But since that time Paul wrote these words, God has been calling a people who are to be the bride of Christ, in this age of grace, or Church Age. It has been going on now almost 2000 years and my friend, that age is drawing to a fast completion. The coming Tribulation will be the period of time when Israel is redeemed through intense persecution.
ISRAEL AS A NATURAL OLIVE TREE

Israel is compared to an olive tree in the following verses of this 11th chapter of Romans. Because of unbelief, they have been broken off, and we, the Church, have been grafted in. How so? By the blood and body of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Sacrifice upon that cross is how we were grafted in. By faith and repentance, we have come to  know Jesus as Savior of our souls. It was all designed by Divine will for one reason and that so God would have mercy on a people who were not His people, and in the end, save all of Israel and they be grafted back into the Olive Tree, which is Jesus Christ, the root of that tree. Paul writes this in Romans 11, continuing on:16  “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”(Romans 11:16-21)

Paul warns of the church being prideful and thinking that somehow we are special and that Israel is accursed. To believe that is to be misguided at best, and blasphemous at the worst. Because in essence what you are doing is calling God a liar to say that His Word lies. The Bible affords those of us called now not even the slightest room for pride because only God knows the reasons for His mercy toward us.

24 “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.”(1^st Corinthians 1:24-29)

That preceding verses make it pretty plain that it is certainly not because we are better than others are. God has called the weak, the poor, and the humble, not the mighty, the proud, or the noble has God called. God intends that we be humbled by understanding our privilege in having such an awesome gift fall into our laps, and be motivated to respond to Him in submission to His commandments, because we love Him who first loved us.JACOBS TROUBLES

I wish to turn  your attention for a moment to a time that is rapidly approaching and that I have written extensively about. The coming 7 year period called the Tribulation, and the Great Tribulation, are also referred to as Jacob’s troubles.

This period of time is when God will deal with Israel one on One and bring them to a knowledge of their Savior who they crucified in unbelief 2000 years ago. Zechariah details of the realization that comes to the nation of Israel and it’s heritage scattered around the world. Zechariah:7 “The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

8 In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.

9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”(Zechariah 12:7-10)

Through persecution and being refined, “as silver is refined in the fire”, (Malachi chp.3) Israel will come to realize that their Messiah is/was Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and they shall weep bitterly and mourn, as Zechariah said by God’s Holy Spirit. Zechariah prophesied in the beginning of the 12th chapter.12:1  “The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.2  Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.3  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.”(Zechariah 12:1-3)

Leading to this fulfillment of prophecy, Israel has cried out to the Messiah that they had rejected and triggered the King of Kings to come and fight for them, by fulfilling what Jesus said when he finished chastising the Pharisees as hypocrites:37  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!38  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.39  For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord.”(Matthew 23:37-39)

Satan has tried to destroy Israel many times, as if they are not here, then Jesus will not come as He promised in the above verses to set up His Kingdom on earth and Satan in his warped thinking believes he can make God out a liar and suspend his eventual demise in the Lake of Fire. . He will attempt the same in the Tribulation, but God will intervene and Israel will be blessed in the end, but through much persecution that will turn their hearts to the Savior they rejected 2000 years ago.
All ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED

The Bible confirms in many passages, that Israel will be grafted back into the Olive Tree which is Christ. Continuing in Romans:11:22  “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.23  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.24  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.”(Romans 11:22-28)

If Israel has been cast away, then how does God bring them back in and graft them back into their own natural Olive Tree, which is Christ? How plainer can God be, through having Paul write down these passages? Some will say that “we are now the new Israel of God” and have replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. Characteristically, God's true church is a spiritual organism whose members, with God's help, will ultimately prevail over their own sinful natures, over the world, and over Satan. The Israel of God, like Jacob, prevails with God. Christ certainly remembered His wrestling match with the unrelenting Jacob when He inspired Paul to call His church "the Israel of God." But to cast away Israel is not what Paul meant in Galatians ,

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”(Galatians 6:15-16)

As the last verse of the preceding passage should destroy that notion.  God does not lie, and He gave a promise to the “fathers” of the nation of Israel. He will not cast away Israel for one reason and one reason only….His Holy Name and the promises He has made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Repeating that verse:

28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.”(Romans 11:28)

God does not change and to cast away Israel would impugn His glorious Name. Israel does not deserve this mercy and grace on God’s part, then again….neither do we, the Church, the Bride of Christ. But the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was accomplished for all mankind, with the offer coming to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles. But I submit to you, that God had a different idea that would accomplish His perfect plan, as He wanted to be the God of the whole world, not just the Jews, as they had proven themselves unreliable to spread the Gospel to other nations.

29 'For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Romans 11:29-32)

God made a promise to all people, Jew and Gentile alike and proclaimed what He came to do:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”(John 3:16-17)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

Both passages are the essence of the Bible, to all who believe, Jew and Gentile the same, but in God's timing.

REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY, DOCTRINE OF DEMONS

Satan the great deceiver, has attempted to make God out a liar. He has filled men of the modern day church with false premises that God has cast away His chosen people. If God can be shown a liar by Satan’s deception, then Satan, in his warped thinking, feels he can unravel his own punishment for sinning against God. Modern “enlightened” evangelist and pastors across the world have fallen into this trap by not supporting the nation of Israel who has been gathered back into her own land. I become angry and a little frustrated at fellow “believers” that profess that God has cast away Israel and that the Zionist regime are occupiers of the Palestinian land. First, there never  was a Palestinian people. It’s a made up title for squatters who were occupying land that was never theirs. The land has always belonged to God Almighty and He gave that title land deed to Israel when He made that promise to Abraham. Genesis chapter 17:17:7  And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.8  And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”(Genesis 17:7-8)

My God said that it would be an “everlasting” covenant..that’s eternal, forever and ever, as long as this world is in existence. For a so called preacher of the Gospel to spew Replacement Theology and support this fictitious group of land squatters called “Palestinians” is to go against God Himself. God plainly said in Genesis

  “2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”(Genesis 122-3)

And in another passage God says plainly in Zechariah:2:8  “For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”(Zechariah 2:8)

You touch Israel, you touch God and if you bless her, He will bless you. You plunder her, abuse her, or not defend her, then you encourage the wrath of God.

This is so what worried me about the USA and the past “idiot in chief” the so called POTUS. He had turned a blind eye to the needs of Israel. Of all the presidents in our modern era, this “usurper in chief” was the biggest enemy that Israel had ever had apart from the Arabs in the Middle East. We have always supported Israel since her birth in 1948 and Harry Truman was President, but this nation, the past administration of Anti-Semites and Muslim sympathizers had taken a crooked path that most assuredly would have led to this nation’s  eventual destruction. Thank God for the present administration who realizes that Israel is the only friend we have in the Middle East and an ally to control to what is happening in the land of the Bible.

Men of conscious, men and women of faith, and bible believing brethren must pray for the peace of Israel and stand on the side of God Almighty. It is not ours to judge the Jewish people, as that is left solely up to God. He will accomplish all that He has said, and it will be done. God will bring in Jew and Gentile into one big family in the fulfillment of all things. Praise be to our God, the God of the Jewish people and Gentile alike. Whatever we do, we must keep an eye on Israel, God's chosen people, and bless her as it will solely depends on our blessings here at home.

This is  Pastor Mike Taylor, praying blessing upon you and your family, as you support Israel in thought and in deed. If you need counseling, prayer, or just a listening ear, then email me at  pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com, , or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspost.com, . God bless you all ,

till we meet at Jesus feet. 

DEBATING THE COMING RAPTURE

''These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'' (John 16:33)

According to the publication of the “Word Christian Encyclopedia” which is a comparative survey of churches and religions, that from AD 30 to 2019 “There are 19 major world religions which are subdivided into 270 large religious groups, and many other smaller ones..

For eighteen of the world's major religions and its 270 sub-divisions, the concept of the sudden and instantaneous translation of millions of adherents from one form of existence into the next is completely unheard of. It is even a controversial doctrine within Christianity. There are entire huge subdivisions, or denominations within Christianity that totally dismiss the concept of the Rapture or harpazo as spoken of by the Apostle Paul in his epistles.

I read on the internet a column which is appropriately named “Againstdispensationalism.com” that argues that the rapture is nothing more than the “arrogance of the West”. So we are the ones who came up with this theory of the instantaneous removal of the Church of the Living God and it was never spoken of until the 1880s by one, John Darby from the rantings of a mentally disturbed young girl, Margaret McDonald....I chose this article because it focuses on why the rapture is so controversial.

In another article, a one Jerry Johnson who is president of some so called Nicene Council, the rapture is nothing more than “paperback theology” and a recent concoction that was never taught by the historic church.

For context, the so called “historic church” is the one that embraces replacement theology and Anti-semitism and my bible is the paperback. Why do I say that? Because it can be easily proven that the 1^st century church did indeed teach a sudden “catching away” of the Church of the Living God. I will address that momentarily.

Note this Johnson fellow lashes out that “one is hard pressed to link all of the great minds from St. Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Charles Spurgeon about the so-called coming rapture of the church. As each read 1^st Thessalonians 4 and 1^stCorinthians where Paul spoke of this “mystery” that had not been revealed to the OT prophets, Paul reveals a teaching that had not been taught, but was learned by revelation of Jesus Christ who taught Paul in the Arabian desert for 3 years after his conversion. Reading the Gospels, Jesus did not teach it, nor any of the apostles, till Paul revealed this information, and modern “theologians” failed to understand the important teachings of a pre-millennial, pre-Tribulation rapture of the church, called the “Harpazo” in scripture when read in Greek. It was Jesus our Lord and Savior's revealing to Paul to tell the world how the redemption of mankind would be accomplished and our Lord coming for His bride at the rapture, before the Tribulation and the outpouring of His wrath on a rebellious world.

This Johnson fellow further denigrates the doctrine of the rapture, calling it “a foundation of conceited theology”. Amazing how those who fail to understand Bible prophecy lash out at things they do not understand. But he gave it his best “Sunday punch”. 

3 'Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men' (2^nd Peter 3:3-7)

Looking at this Johnson fellow, his main objection, and frankly, the objection of many nay-sayers of the opponenets of this doctrine, is the misconception that the rapture is nothing but a “Great Escape”. They reason why do Christians of this age get to escape the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation while others do not? They site that this is not fair, and this would make God unfair.

I wonder sometimes, if they find it equally unfair that some go to heaven and others go to hell. Not being a betting man, but I would wager that they find it totally unfair that God would send anyone to such an awful place called hell, but all would agree that murdering dictators of this age, such as Hitler, or Pol Pot do not deserve to go to heaven. What they fail to realize, God does not send you to hell, you do by rejecting His offer at salvation through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. God just gives you what you want because of that rejection. Oh, the conflict in their arguments as I go on will prove.

That's why God is God and theologians are not.

LET US DISCUSS WHERE THIS DOCTRINE CAME FROM

As noted, no other religion has anything resembling a Rapture doctrine, including whatever 'historic church' Jerry Johnson was referring to.  So where did it come from and why is it there?

The first thing nay-sayers will do is to hopelessly complicate the issue so that whatever they come up with, is practically impossible to decipher.

First let us address where the doctrine actually came from and it wasn't by John Darby, but he did revive the belief that had been squashed during the Dark Ages by none other than the ruling theocracy of the Roman Catholic Church. It was the purpose of this ruling theocracy to blind the population and make them totally dependent on them, not God the Father, or Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

PROPONENTS OF THE HARPAZO

In the first Century, men like Irenaeus (130 A.D. – 202 AD) was a bishop of the church in Lyons, France. He was an eyewitness to the Apostle John (who wrote the Book of Revelation) and a disciple of Polycarp, the first of the Apostle John’s disciples. Irenaeus is most-known for his five-volume treatise, “Against Heresies” in which he exposed the false religions and cults of his day along with advice for how to share the Gospel with those who were a part of them.

In his writings on Bible prophecy, he acknowledged the phrase “a time, times and dividing of times” in Daniel 7 to signify the 3 ½ year reign of the Antichrist as ruler of the world before the Second Coming of Christ. He also believed in a literal Millennial reign of Christ on earth following the Second Coming and the resurrection of the just. In his writings noted above. Irenaeus writes:

““Those nations however, who did not of themselves raise up their eyes unto heaven, nor returned thanks to their Maker, nor wished to behold the light of truth, but who were like blind mice concealed in the depths of ignorance, the word justly reckons “as waste water from a sink, and as the turning-weight of a balance — in fact, as nothing;”(1) so far useful and serviceable to the just, as stubble conduces towards the growth of the wheat, and its straw, by means of combustion, serves for working gold. And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, “There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.”(2) For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption.”

Irenaeus in this passage describes the church leaving the sinful world just before unprecedented disasters. Note his use of the term “caught up” which is Rapture terminology as that is the meaning of harpazo, the term for “caught up” in the King James Bible describing the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4. He then quotes Matthew 24:21 where The Lord Jesus Christ says: “

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

And it is during this time that those who convert to Christianity during the final years will receive the incorruptible crown mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:25. In Irenaeus’ belief, the Rapture took place prior to the end times GreatTribulation.  (beginningandtheend.com)

This is but one of the early church fathers who believed in the doctrine of a pre-tribulation rapture or “catching away” of the Church, as others such as Cyprian and Ephraim the Syrian which wrote:

“With a sense of urgency and strong warning, Ephraim writes that the end times are upon this world and could start at any moment. This text very clearly states the saints and elect of God, all born again believers in The Lord Jesus Christ, will be “taken to the Lord” before the Great Tribulation. Ephraim also identifies the Old Testament “Day of The Lord” and the end times Great tribulation as the same event (in line with the teachings of the Beginning and End Rapture Series). Ephraim quotes Amos 5:18 which says: “

​”Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.”

TWISTING SCRIPTURE TO YOUR OWN END

But if you ignore these early church fathers, that some say was not taught during this period, and their writings disprove this absurd position of the church going through the Tribulation, you can take enough verses from the different places throughout the bible, and taking them out of context, make a case for Rapture, against a Rapture, for Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, Post-Trib, amillennial, premillenial, or post millennial, with or without the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ.

If you do enough research, you will find that there are scholars that adhere to each and every position I have quoted and they have names for them, and I refuse to believe that they hold these varied views without hanging some sort of scripture to hang from them. But of course, they must take them out of context, and twist them to fit their preconceived notions that their position is the true one.

If one disbelieves in the rapture of the Church and believes that it is some kind of “Great Escape,” then it is easy to take verses from all over the Bible to refute it. Not because the Rapture is false doctrine, but because that isn't the purpose of the Rapture and knowing why provides valuable clues to when and how.

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NEVER LEAVE US

Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ promised His disciples that when He ascended into Heaven, the Holy Spirit would come upon them and indwell them and empower them.  That indwelling Power would come upon and indwell all who believed.

16 “ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)

Jesus promised that “the Comforter” would be with me and those He indwells forever and would never leave us.

SO DID JESUS TELL A WHOPPER? NO!

Let's examine the simplest questions first.

What does it mean when Jesus Christ makes a promise to the Church? Is it reliable? What does "forever" mean?  Is there a time constraint on forever? When would forever run out?  Does abide forever mean "abide forever for every generation but one?" Meaning our generation as the tribulation begins?

Houston, we have a problem. According to my paperback theology, the Comforter is:

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."  (John 14:7)

So the Comforter, known as the Holy Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth and He indwells me. That's what the Bible, my “paperback” theology teaches me which is part one of that promise. Part two of that promises is again in the Gospel of John repeated here:

"I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." (John 14:18)

Jesus plainly told the Apostle John in Revelation 3:

10 “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

As I have spoken time and time again, the phrase in that preceding verses is the phrase “KEEP THEE FROM the hour of temptation”...which in Greek is the small, descriptive word “EK”...which if you do a Google search of that word, you will find this definition:

ἐκ • (ek) (governs the genitive)

1. (of place)
   1. (of motion) Out of, from
   2. from, with the source of
   3. to denote change from one place or condition to another
   4. to express separation of distinction from a number
   5. (of position) outside, beyond
2. (of time)
   1. from, since
   2. (of particular points of time) just, after
   3. during, in
3. (of origin)

That is a long definition that was taken from a secular publication, but it gives the thought of being separated from the time and place of an event, even as “Harpazo” means being taken by force as Paul spoke of in 1^st Corinthians 15 and 1^st Thessalonians chp. 4 and ....Jesus told us plainly that we will be removed from the time and place of His coming wrath.

Do you as you read this message, see a contradiction in scripture from what the main stream religions spue out as their version of the Truth? So how do we resolve this obvious contradition? There is only one way. First one way, is the Holy Spirit indwells me throughout the Tribulation period. Therefore, by the authority of God's Holy Spirit and the Word of God, specifically 1^st John that covers that authority:

4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” (1^st John 4:4-6)

Since the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than the powers of this world, and since He will never leave me or forsake me during the Tribulation, (if that position were true), then it is not possible that the Anti-Christ to overcome me and the Spirit of Truth indwelling in me, and making me pledge allegiance to him.

But that contradicts Revelation 13:

7 “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.” (Revelation 13:7-9)

For the antichrist to overcome an indwelt child of the Living God, he must defeat the Indweller.  Unless the Holy Spirit no longer indwells me.  And if He doesn't, did He ever? And if He did, and we know from scripture that all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, receive the Holy Spirit, then where did He go? And if He left me, how then can He do that and not break the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ to not leave us Comfortless? Remember that the Tribulation will be the greatest spiritual trial in all of human history.

And all through the history of the Church Age from those thrown to the lions in the Coll0sseum in Rome, to those that were massacred by ISIS and other terrorist groups in the Middle East today, had the benefit of the Holy Spirit and I have to go through the Tribulation without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and God will leave me Comfortless when I need Him the most?

Talk about contradictions. How does that work? If the rapture is the “great escape” from Tribulation for Christians, then wouldn't the opposite be when I need God and His support the most in all of human history and my mortal life and is suddenly without warning taken away?

For argument sake, if I am in the Tribulation and indwelt by God's Holy Spirit, then why are there 144,000 Jewish evangelist, the two witnesses at the temple in Jerusalem, and the angels of God preaching the Gospel to mankind during this time? Is that not my job? What's wrong with using me and others like me who have God's Holy Spirit also? That was the Great Commission delivered to the Apostles by Jesus before He ascended back to the Father:

18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

SO WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

If you take the positions noted above, the only one that makes sense and does not contradict what I just spoke of, in that the Holy Spirit will be with me always...and when God pulls His Holy Spirit from holding back rampant evil on this earth, then those who have God's Holy Spirit as a deposit of future glorification, will be removed at the same time. THEN, and only then will God reveal the Anti-Christ as Jesus opens the 1^st seal of the title deed of His creation that He has bought with His own blood.

6 “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” (2^ndThessalonians 2:6-9)

The only Power that is holding back rampant evil being loosed on this world during the coming Tribulation, is God's Holy Spirit, and He dwells in every born again, washed in the blood Christian on this planet. And If God's Holy Spirit is being pulled back so that evil on this world can have full sway on an unbelieving, rebellious world, then those who have that deposit of God's Spirit dwelling within our own, will be removed as well. Either that then the Lord Jesus lied, and we know He cannot lie. SO HOUSTON to ground control, we are outta here when Jesus comes for His bride at the rapture.

THE GAP PERIOD BETWEEN RAPTURE & TRIBULATION

How long will the period be between the removal of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation? It could be immediate, it could be days, or even years, as we are not plainly told. All we k now from Revelation chp. 4 forward, that the Saints of God are not called the Church, not one time. They are called the elect or elders. That means, if that amount of time is months or years, then we have less time than what Jesus spoke of in parable of the fig tree.

29 “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:29-32)

We are that generation that saw the fig tree bloom, which is Israel in 1948. And the Psalms say that a generation is 70 years, 80 years by strength then we fly away, as written in Psalm 90....Note that Israel is 70 years old last year...so if we take the Lord literally, as I believe He was speaking as such, then 80 years is just around the corner. But we must subtract the coming 7 year Tribulation that I believe, the church will not see or go through. Simple math tells us we are in the last of the last days, and if there is a “gap period” we could be even closer than that. Only God knows.

Repeating that verse for emphasis about the church being removed:

10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:10-11)

Remember all these verses and hold onto them in faith with both spiritual hands and never let go, never waver, but believing.

Note that God will KEEP us from this hour of temptation, or tribulation that will try all who dwell upon the earth....these are called the nations, and they are separate from God's people.

SUMMARY OF WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

The age of Grace began at Pentecost with the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit on those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their life. That's a given.

God will remove His Holy Spirit back to Pre-Pentecostal times and the Anti-christ will be revealed as scripture reveals.

Those who have God's Holy Spirit will be removed at the precise time that God pulls back from holding evil at bay and Satan will have full sway over the destiny of mankind to destroy them and those who worship the Beast.

Jesus promised He would never leave us Comfortless, or leave us forever.

Israel is the door to end time prophecy and Jerusalem the key per the fig tree parable Jesus spoke of.

The Anti-Christ, will overcome the saints of the Tribulation, as God's Holy Spirit has been pulled back. The AC cannot overcome the Church, as he can't overcome God, so it is another point for confirmation of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church.

The Promise to the Church is kept precisely as it was given by the Lord Himself.

Now, if one really works at it, one can find creative ways to portray the Rapture as the Great Escape and from there, all kinds of creative ways to dismiss it as paperback theology.  

But the simplest answer is still the only one that makes sense using Occam's razor as the simplest answer is probably the most correct. What does the idea of Occam razor tell us? Definition follows:

 “Occam's razor. : a scientific and philosophical rule that entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily which is interpreted as requiring that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex or that explanations of unknown phenomena be sought first in terms of known quantities.” Sum it up as “keep it simple”...you know the rest.

One other point to consider. We all know that when Jesus comes to rule and reign for a 1000 years, that He will destroy all rebellion on earth and change those who are His into immortal/spiritual beings. If those who are in rebellion are destroyed and those who belong to our Lord are changed to spirit beings.. In the Post-Tribulation model, then who is alive to enter the Millennium as mortals? Answer!!..NO ONE...Jesus is not coming back to rapture the Church, as that has been done 7 years prior, but is coming back to set up His kingdom on earth and those who have survived the “holocaust” of the AC and environmental disaster will repopulate the earth for that 1000 year reign and live extremely long lives, as Jesus will restore this planet as it was in the Garden of Eden and those who lived pre-antediluvian lived lives approaching 900 years and beyond...The only model that makes sense and lines up with Bible Prophecy is the Pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church.

SO WILL YOU BE LEFT ON YOUR OWN?

It will be the most trying spiritual time in all of mankind's history upon the earth. Many will take the easy way out and be damned because of them taking the Mark of the Beast. Will you, if you be so unfortunate to endure that time?

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. “ (Revelation 14:11)

It will be a time, when one can actually loose their salvation, because of all the trials and the threats of death by the Anti-Christ and his henchmen. With all the delusions that seem right, but are dead wrong, and those who actually have pleasure in their unrighteousness and think it's party time in the beginning at the rapture, as those who stood in the way of their “Utopia” have been removed.. But quickly will realize that the time comes to be “hell on earth” and there is no party, but severe physical, emotional, and spiritual torment that no man or woman should have to live through.

But since the offer is open and the gift is free, why not take God at His Word and accept His mercy and grace? Avoid something we deserve but do not receive because of His mercy, and receive grace or something we cannot earn, but is given freely by a Loving and Righteous Creator, God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. His mercy and grace is only a prayer away, when you repent of your sins and take Him at His Word.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17, or God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18, He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “ (John 3:16-18)

If you believe the above verses, then confess them to God and make that decision for Christ today.

8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

In the end, let them scoff that it is a “Great Escape” as you and I know that it is not what God has it designed for, but I believe it can be summed up in three words...not the “Great Escape” but “VICTORY IN JESUS”. All we can do is pray for them and witness while we have time the wondrous glory of God's love for all of mankind. We are His ambassadors and it is up to us to reach those around us, our family, our friends, our co-workers, and the man/woman on the street. Jesus is coming soon, so don't be left behind.

This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying you make that decision for Christ today, and join me and others like me when we stand before our Savior. If you need prayer, counseling, or just a listening ear, email me at pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com, . God bless you all.

TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET