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--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2009

A Brief History of the Rapture--Ice
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2009

One of the most often cited objections to pretribulationism is that it is a new teaching in church history, having only come on the scene in the 1830s. It is often argued that if the pre-trib Rapture were biblical, then it would have been taught earlier, and throughout church history. In the last decade, individuals have found a number of pre-1830 references to a pre-trib Rapture. Here is a summary of that evidence.

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Will the Antichrist be a Muslim?--Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2009

The traditional viewpoint has been that the Antichrist will be a European of Roman descent. This view is based on a statement in Daniel 9:26 which says that the Antichrist, referred to as "the prince who is to come," will be from "the people who destroy the Temple." Those people proved to be the Romans who destroyed the Temple in 70 AD.

Gentile or Jew?

Scholars have been divided as to whether or not this person of Roman heritage will be a Gentile or a Jew. Many have pointed to John 5:43 to argue that the Antichrist will be a Jew. That verse quotes Jesus as saying, "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him." The argument drawn from this statement is that the Antichrist must be a Jew in order for the Jews to accept him as their Messiah.

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The End Times According to Isaiah--Kelley
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2009

This Week’s feature Article by Jack Kelley

Although he wrote during the period of 740 to 700 BC, Isaiah is the prophet most often quoted in the New Testament. He was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom at the same time as Hosea, Amos and Micah. Isaiah was of the tribe of Judah, and according to Rabbinic tradition was closely related to several Kings. He was part of the aristocratic class and may have been raised in the King’s palace in Jerusalem. Often called the greatest of Israel’s writing prophets, Isaiah’s book is exceeded in length only by the Psalms and (just barely) Jeremiah. As the Bible has 66 books Isaiah has 66 chapters, The first 39 of them, equal to the books of the Old Testament, speak of judgment.
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Revisiting the "Burden of Damascus"--Hal Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for December, 2008

Revisiting 'the burden of Damascus'

Exclusive: Hal Lindsey lays out scenario in which Israeli nukes take out Syria's capital

Posted: December 05, 2008

By Hal Lindsey

For most of this past election year, Israeli military planners have been wrestling with the twin problems of Iran and a change of administrations in Washington. The Israeli military was more comfortable with the idea of continued diplomacy with Iran under a McCain administration than it is an Obama administration. McCain was a known quantity. Obama is not.

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Crossing the Rubicon--Hal Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2008

Crossing the Rubicon

Exclusive: Hal Lindsey links Iran's uranium advancement to end times, Israeli attack

Posted: November 21, 2008
By Hal Lindsey

Ancient Rome had in place a law similar to America's posse comitatus law that prohibits U.S. military forces from being used inside U.S. borders. To prevent the Roman republic from the threat posed by its own military, Roman legions were prohibited from crossing into Roman territory past the boundary line marked by the Rubicon River.

In 49 B.C., when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon on his way to Rome, his action made armed conflict inevitable. Crossing the Rubicon became a idiom for passing a point of no return. Once one has crossed the Rubicon, there is no turning back.

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Review of Hanegraaff's "Apocalypse Code"--Geisler
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2008

In general The Code repeatedly takes the Old Testament promises to Jews out of their original context by replacing Israel with the New Testament church. The “Replacement Theology” is a classic example of taking texts out of their context. In particular, The Code also takes a quote from our book out of context in an attempt to support their view by showing that I believe John was written before AD 70 (154-156). I never said any such thing. View Full Article

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The Antichrist and Obama--Jack Kelly
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2008

The Anti-Christ And Mr. Obama
This Week’s Feature Article by Jack Kelley

Since the election I’ve been asked a number of times to comment on the likelihood that Mr. Obama could be the anti-Christ. Let me begin by saying that having been elected President he’s Mr. Obama now, not just Obama. As for him being the anti-Christ I’ve discouraged that thought because I don’t believe it’s time for the anti-Christ to be revealed yet. But apart from that there’s no Biblical reason I can find that would absolutely disqualify him. And based on the things we know about the anti-Christ there’s a fit in several important places. The anti-Christ will have to burst on the scene quickly and powerfully to accomplish so much in the little time he has, so maybe he’ll need a head start. If that’s the case, maybe Mr. Obama is on his way to becoming the anti-Christ. Let’s find out.
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Literal vs Allegorical--Ice
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2008

The primary way critics of our prophecy views attack what we believe the Bible teaches is to distort our view of literal interpretation. They like to paint literal interpreters of the Bible as being believers in “wooden literalism,” which they now simply label as literalism. Our critics assume this method of interpretation to be a naïve, sophomoric understanding of biblical literature. Many have answered these claims and have tried to set the record straight, but their words have increasingly fallen upon the deaf ears of opponents who simply refuse to listen.
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The Three Quarters Rapture Theory
--> Posted to Prophecy for October, 2008

Robert Van Kampen was the inventor of the three-quarters rapture theory in the late 1970s. According to one who was there, he first eliminated pretribulationism and then excluded posttribulationism. Thus, he had to come up with another view. That view is what he called the "pre-wrath" rapture theory. That title is a misnomer, since pretribulationism is 100% pre-wrath. If we follow consistency in labeling, Van Kampen's view should be called the three-quarters rapture position, since he teaches that the church will be raptured somewhere in the middle of the last three and a half years of the 70th week of Daniel.

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End-Times Politics
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

Every election season in America brings the same troubling thought: “This is the most critical election this nation has faced.” The declaration can be validated as true in the case of each, because the world moves ever deeper into the end of days, and humanity’s future becomes more precarious with each decision made within the political process.

Powerful dynamics impact our present time, and are forcefully shaping our future in ways that can’t be fully anticipated. End-times politics are upon this generation, as is understood by those with spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear. But, to senses caught up in the ephemeral forces that gush society and culture along at breakneck speed, such matters of eternal consequence are beyond comprehension.

Internal politics of each nation of the world move this generation of earth-dwellers inexorably toward the final seven years of human history that will culminate with the return of Jesus Christ. Yet the politicians and the self-iconizing politics the majority of them practice generates hubris that prevents them from thinking in terms other than those that flow from humanistic pridefulness.

Love of Money the Common Thread:

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What is Going to Happen to America?--David Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

By Dr. David R. Reagan

Where is the United States in Bible prophecy? It is only natural that we should wonder since the United States is not mentioned specifically by name in Bible prophecy. We are covered by general prophecies that relate to all nations, but beyond that, our end time destiny must be a matter of speculation. View Full Article

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Wall Street's Meltdown & Prophecy
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

Terry and I believe the financial system will likely hold together until the rapture occurs. Jesus said He would come at a time when the Church is not expecting Him. If America fell into a deep economic depression, interest in prophecy would soar, which in turn would create a conflict with the prediction of apathy at the time of the rapture.

I see this record level of economic chaos as a warning sign from God. Money is the greatest idol that people worship. By bringing Wall Street to its knees, the Lord is clearly trying to get the world’s attention. If man ignores this latest warning, as he has done with all the other ones, we are certain to proceed towards judgment.
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The Obama Prophecy
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

On July 22, 2008, while visiting the Middle East, presidential hopeful Barack Hussein Obama declared that Jerusalem should be the "undivided capital" of Israel. The very next day, he lauded the Jewish state as being a "miracle."

Then, one week later, on July 30, unknowingly echoing a large chorus of top prophecy scholars, he was quoted on ABC television as stating:

"Israel will launch a military attack on Iran if nuclear sanctions don't work."

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Reasons I Believe We're in the Last Days
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

GARY FRAZIER

Everywhere I go someone asks the question, why do you believe we are living in the last days? I am of the opinion they are right to ask this question. So, why do I believe we are in fact the terminal generation?

I want to share four primary reasons I believe so strongly that the hour of Christ’s coming is so very near.

First is the existence of the nation of Israel. The word of God is replete with promises regarding the re-gathering and return of the Jewish people to their traditional homeland. View Full Article

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The Battle of Gog and Magog--Hitchcock
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

The Left Behind series commences with the fulfillment of the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezek 38-39. The prominence this battle is given in the Left Behind series is fitting because undoubtedly the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezek 39-39 is one of the most dramatic prophecies in the Bible. Taken literally, it predicts an eschatological invasion of Israel from every direction by a vast horde of nations, and God's direct, supernatural intervention to annihilate the invaders.

The primary purpose of this paper is to examine current events or signs of the times that point toward this future battle. In order to achieve this purpose, the text of Ezek 38-39 must first be briefly considered. Any examination of current events in light of Bible prophecy should begin with the Biblical text and then move to how events in our world seem to be setting the stage for those events. Beginning with the biblical text is a safeguard against the temptation to twist the headlines to fit the Bible. To accomplish this purpose, Ezek 38-39 will be examined using the six standard questions of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

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While We're Not Looking--Hal Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

While we're not looking ...

Exclusive: Hal Lindsey sees prophetic action by Iran as U.S. is distracted by politics

Posted: September 05, 2008

By Hal Lindsey

One of the earliest and most effective strategies to emerge from the study of warfare was the application of diversionary tactics to misdirect or distract an enemy in order to achieve a tactical advantage.

That all sounds somewhat stuffy.

How about the magician who declares, "Nothing up my sleeve!" to distract his audience away from the real trick? America's attention is focused on the presidential primaries, conventions, debates and the upcoming election. But while we're not looking, our enemies are not resting.

They're taking full advantage of the diversion.

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The Woman in Revelation 12--Ice
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

By Thomas Ice

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.
—Revelation 12:1–2

Down through church history virtually all Christian interpreters of Revelation 12 have understood the symbol of the woman in labor as the church. This began to change about 200 years ago when literal hermeneutics were more rigorously applied to the Book of Revelation and Bible Prophecy in general. It took this long for some within the church to begin to overcome the stranglehold that replacement theology or supersessionism had on the church. View Full Article

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Prophecies Currently Being Fulfilled--Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2008

Prophecies Currently Being Fulfilled

We are living in exciting times when we can witness Bible prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes. Many of these prophecies relate to the Jewish people and their nation. Below is a summary of prophecies concerning the Jews that are currently being fulfilled and those that are yet to be fulfilled.

Prophecies Currently Being Fulfilled
The Jewish people will be regathered in unbelief from the four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:11-12). Fulfillment: 20th Century and continuing.

The state of Israel will be re-established (Isaiah 66:7-8 & Ezekiel 37:21-22). Fulfillment: May 14, 1948.

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Oh, My Gog!--Hal Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for August, 2008

More than 2,500 years ago, a captive of the Babylonian Empire named Ezekiel penned a prophecy, dated for some future era called "the latter days," saying an alliance will arise, which Ezekiel calls collectively, "Gog, the land of Magog, the ruler of Rosh, Meschech and Tubal." It, together with an alliance led by Persia, including Turkey, makes up much of the Baltic region and the Mediterranean Middle East.

Without taking up too much time, "Gog" refers to modern Russia, from Moscow (Meshech) to Siberia. (Tubal). "Magog" refers to the states along the Black Sea, and in particular, the Republic of Georgia.

I outlined Ezekiel's prophecy in 1969 in my book "The Late, Great, Planet Earth" at a time most of this territory was a well-entrenched part of the Soviet Union.

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The Tribulation's Purpose: Kelly
--> Posted to Prophecy for July, 2008

The Tribulation's Purpose Vs. The Church's Nature
Selah » Prophecy

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matt. 25:13)

Those who shy away from the study of prophecy are fond of quoting this verse as their reason for it. But earlier in the same passage, the Lord had admonished all who read His words of prophecy to understand them. (Matt 24:15) In addition the Apostle Paul wrote that the events leading up to the end of the age should not take believers by surprise (1 Thes. 5:4) implying that we should be familiar with them.
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The Importance of Bible Prophecy--Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for July, 2008

The Importance of Bible Prophecy

A playground for fanatics or green pastures for disciples?

Although prophecy constitutes almost one-third of the Bible, its importance is constantly downplayed by those who dismiss it as having no practical significance or by those who object to it on the grounds that it is a "fad" that takes people's eyes off Jesus.

Revelation 19:10 says that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Thus, if prophecy is properly taught, there is no reason for it to divert anyone's attention away from Jesus. In fact, it should serve to emphasize the centrality of Jesus.

Is prophecy practical? Consider that all the New Testament writers testify to the fact that the study of prophecy will motivate holy living. What could be more practical than that?

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The Last Days are "Imminent"--WND--June 23
--> Posted to Prophecy for June, 2008

'Last days' are imminent

Jonathan Falwell points to Middle East, urges prayer for Jerusalem

Posted: June 21, 2008

By Jonathan Falwell

This week, the Associated Press reported that a recent Israeli military exercise may have been intended to show the nation's abilities to attack Iranian nuclear facilities.

The International Herald Tribune called it a "major military exercise" that "appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran's nuclear facilities," with more than 100 F-16 and F-15 fighters joining the maneuvers over the eastern Mediterranean earlier this month.

The reason for this training mission is Israel's belief that Iran is attempting to build nuclear weapons that could be used against it. Iran – whose president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has vowed to wipe Israel off the face of the earth – counters that its nuclear enrichment facility is simply meant to generate power for the nation.

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The Moral Necessity of Eschatology--Mohler
--> Posted to Prophecy for June, 2008

Put simply, the Christian story unravels unless God brings the entire course of human history under His visible and perfect judgment, unless God's justice is perfectly displayed, unless the Christ is revealed in glory so that every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father [Phil. 2:11], unless Christ claims His redeemed people, unless God's triumph in Christ over death, sin, evil, and injustice is made universal. Put simply, unless every eye is dry and every tear is wiped away.

There is no Christian Gospel if history simply unwinds into a meaningless puddle, if the cosmos simply escapes into a cataclysmic black hole, or if the universe finally dies of exhausted energy. Without belief in a biblical eschatology, there is no Christian hope. Without a sense of perfect moral judgment in the end, the human heart is homeless.

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The Genealogy of the Antichrist--Missler
--> Posted to Prophecy for May, 2008

The Genealogy of the Antichrist

by Chuck Missler

Waiting in the wings of the forthcoming global turmoil is the Man with a Plan--the one whom the world will welcome to resolve its many problems. The Bible gives us many provocative clues to his identity1, and from many prophetic glimpses his genealogical line may prove to be traceable.

Daniel Chapters 7, 8 and 11 describe the career of Alexander the Great and his successors so vividly they constitute some of the most remarkable prophecies in the Bible. We also find that Alexander's four generals--Lysimachus, Cassander,Ptolemy, and Seleucus--divide the empire after his death just as the passages indicated.2

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Last Days' "Birth Pangs" Have Begun--Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for May, 2008

'Birth pains' have begun

Exclusive: Hal Lindsey cites recent disasters
as evidence of last days spoken of by Christ

Posted: May 16, 2008

By Hal Lindsey

The world has endured an almost mind-numbing series of shocks in recent weeks, from the unprecedented swarm of tornadoes across the American Midwest to the death and destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis as it tore a path through Myanmar, better known as Burma.

There were 368 documented tornadoes in the U.S. in January and February of this year, shattering the previous record of 243 over that two-month period, set in 1999. February's total of 232 tornadoes also shattered previous records.

Cyclone Nargis ripped Burma apart, killing at least 128,000, according to Red Cross estimates, and creating some 2.5 million refugees.

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The Rider on the Black Horse--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for May, 2008

More than a billion people living on this earth today do so on a dollar a day or less, according to the latest UN poverty statistics. They qualify as 'poor' whereas those persons living on $2 a day are classed as 'middling' poor.

To those of us living in the 'First World' of developing nations, (the "West", Australia, NZ, Japan, etc) it is unthinkable. The poorest person in the developed world couldn't imagine living on a dollar a day -- even two dollars a day.

In America, the official 'poverty threshold' for a single American, on average, is $10,400 per year, or $28.00 per day. As to the wealthy in America, well . . . it is estimated that 28% of the total net wealth is held by the richest 2% of families in the U.S. The top 10% holds 57% of the net wealth.

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The 144,000 of Revelation 7 and 14
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2008

The 144,000 of Rev 7 and 14

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.

Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. Rev 7:1-4

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Psalm 83: A Preview of a Coming Attraction
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2008

Psalm 83 ... Preview Of A Coming Attraction

Perspective by Jack Kelley

Hezbollah says that Israel's disappearance after the next war is an established fact. Iran's President calls Israel a dirty microbe and a savage animal that will soon disappear in a flash. The commander in chief of Iran's army predicts that millions will soon receive the joyous news of Israel's destruction. Israel's chief of staff warns of a “tough ordeal” coming soon. Israels' ambassador asks the UN to condemn Iran. With all the rhetoric flying around the Middle East following the death of arch terrorist Imad Mughniyeh, a closer look at Psalm 83 could reveal some details of a coming attack against the Jewish state.

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Are We in the Days of Noah?--Hal Lindsey
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2008

Are we in the 'days of Noah'?

Exclusive: Hal Lindsey compares cloning, other science to 'hybrids' from Genesis 6

Posted: February 15, 2008

By Hal Lindsey

A company in South Korea has taken an order for what will be the first commercial cloning of a pet dog. The company, RNL Bio, said earlier this week that it is cloning a pit bull terrier for a lady in California. The lady wants her dead pet cloned and is willing to cough up the $150,000 fee. The cloning will be conducted by a research team from Seoul National University. The Seoul National University team produced the world's first cloned dog, Snuffy, in 2005. RNL Bio is the university's business agent. RNL's CEO expects as many as 500 orders within a few years from rich pet owners in the United States, Japan and Europe.

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Temple Institute Working on Third Temple
--> Posted to Prophecy for December, 2007

Temple Institute working on blueprints for Third Temple

Sunday, 02 December 2007

Following last weeks announcement by the Temple Institute, that craftsmen have completed the manufacture of the Golden Crown of the High Priest, Rabbi Chaim Richman has provided further details on the organization's preparations for the building of the Third Temple. In an interview with Arutz 7 regarding the completion of the Golden Crown, Richman comments that the vessels presently being manufactured for use in the Temple are impure, until the day Israel is in possession of a Red Heifer and they can be cleansed according to the Law. "For one thing," he said, "they are made in impurity - for now we are impure, and will remain impure until we are able to have a Red Heifer whose ashes can be used in the Torah-prescribed purification ceremony. If no Red Heifer is available, then the High Priest must even serve in the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur in a state of impurity". He also says the Temple Institute is presently engaged in several other projects relating to the rebuilding of the Temple...

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Why the Re-Birth of Israel is an End-Time Sign
--> Posted to Prophecy for October, 2007

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (Matt. 24:32-33)

Students of prophecy often identify the Lesson of the Fig Tree in Matt. 24 as a reference to Israel. While the fig tree is sometimes used to symbolize Israel, this is not one of those times.

The fig tree is one of the last trees to bud in the spring, so when it begins to get leaves people know that summer is right around the corner. There'll be no more false starts, no more cold snaps. Summer is now certain and soon. Jesus used this analogy to tell people who'll be on Earth at the time that when they see the things he described beginning in Matt. 24:15, they'll know that His coming is really near.

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The King of the North and South
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2007

The Kings Of The North And The South
Commentary by Jack Kelley

"At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood." (Daniel 11:40)

Three separate kings are in view in this one verse and their identities must be discovered to fully understand what will happen in the days leading up to the end. They are the King of the North, the King of the South, and the one who was identified in Daniel 11:36 as the king who exalts himself. We call him the anti-Christ. All of Daniel 11:4-35 has been taken up with a discussion of various generations of the King of the North and the King of the South, but this King is neither, and subdues them both.
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Come, Lord Jesus, but Not too Soon--Markell
--> Posted to Prophecy for June, 2007

Come, Lord Jesus, but Not Too Soon

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

What is motivating the Muslims around the world and particularly in Iran and Iraq to cause violence, death, and destruction? A simple five-word explanation: The return of the Mahdi. He is the Muslim messiah who is supposed to return to earth possibly as soon as this March. Iran's Ahmadinejad is obsessed with the Mahdi. Iraq's cleric al-Sadr, having fled to Iran to avoid the surge, says, "America's primary purpose for the war is preventing the return of the Mahdi."

This is no small offense! It doesn't matter that the non-Muslim world thinks this is nonsense. It only matters that parts of the Islamic world will go to any length to hasten it. Thus, on earth we have a war of biblical proportions with Islamofascism
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A Time Like no Other: Are These the Last Days?
--> Posted to Prophecy for May, 2007

A Time Like No Other

Are These The Last Days?

by Jerry Robinson

Each and every day, we are nearing the day of Christ’s return. Living to see this event, and to witness God’s Word come to pass in our own lifetime, is a desire that many Christians have had throughout history. In fact, many Christians in former centuries fully anticipated that Christ would indeed return in their own lifetimes. However, this perpetual expectation of Christ’s return has exhausted the hope many Christians throughout the ages. In addition, a large number of false prophets have set dates which led to initial excitement and to eventual disillusionment.

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Muslims Enthusiastic, Christians Apathetic, About "End-Times"--Markell
--> Posted to Prophecy for March, 2007

Muslims Enthusiastic, Christians Apathetic About End Times
By Chad Groening, OneNewsNow.com

Pro-Israel ministry leader Jan Markell says she is frustrated that She believes "seeker-sensitive" churches are partly to blame.

Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, says Muslims around the world, particularly in Iran and Iraq, are causing death, violence, and destruction in attempts to hasten the return of the one they regard as the ultimate savior of mankind, their so-called twelfth Imam or Mahdi.

"When I look at the enthusiasm and, if I can use the word, barbarism that some of the Islamic people are perpetrating for this Islamic Mahdi to return, they are absolutely adamant that there's a great day coming," the ministry spokeswoman says, "and that the Islamic messiah ... is going to transform the Earth." Unfortunately, she notes, she does not see the same kind of enthusiasm among Christians for the prophesied return of the biblical Messiah.

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The Cleansing of the Kingdom--Dominion Theology
--> Posted to Prophecy for March, 2007

A sure sign of religious authoritarianism is a zealousness to rid the world of its opposition. In the minds of many Charismatic Dominionists, the authority of the apostles and prophets cannot be questioned by anyone, friend or foe. Their placement of rulership in the Kingdom of God is to be free from dissenters or the new unity will be broken. Therefore it will be necessary that those who challenge their teachings and their authority to be removed. Of course many have been labeled as anti Christ or committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Paulk comments on not recognizing what is happening “Therefore, the spirit of antichrist refuses to recognize that GOD IS HERE IN THE FLESH.” View Full Article

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The Abomination of Desolation--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2007

The Abomination of Desolation

Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor

"And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate." (Daniel 11:31)

Six hundred years after Daniel, Jesus Christ also made reference to both the 'abomination' and the Prophet who foretold it.

"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:)" (Matthew 24:15)

There are those who argue that, because of Daniel's astonishing accuracy in foretelling the rise and fall of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Alexander the Great's Greek Empire, the Book of Daniel must be a forgery written long after the prophet's death.

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The Church Age and the Rapture
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2007

To start with, I would say that this study is not done to be dogmatic about all these concepts. Instead I would rather present this as further evidence for a Pre Trib Rapture of the Church. To show that there is plenty of Scriptural support for the Rapture of the Church coming before the Seven year Tribulation. The Book of Revelation in chapters 4 & 5 have some very enlightening verses in them as it concerns, the Rapture of the Church, the Heavenly scene, and the Judgment that follows. Most Bible commentaries would agree that chapter 3 closes out the Church age, as it is seen in history. View Full Article

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Seven Major Signs of the Second Coming
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2007

Seven Major Prophetic Signs Of The Second Coming

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Sixth Annual Year End Update 12-30-06

There are seven major prophetic signs of the Second Coming, and for the first time in history all seven are in some stage of fulfillment. As in years past, I'll list the seven with their primary biblical references and offer commentary from current events.

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The Powerful Delusion--Kelly
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2006

The Powerful Delusion
Commentary by Jack Kelley

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. (2 Thes. 2:9-12)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's mystical pre-occupation with the coming of a Shiite Islamic messiah figure - the Mahdi (divinely guided one) - is raising concerns that a nuclear-armed Iran could trigger the kind of global conflagration he believes will be necessary to set the stage for the Mahdi's return.

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The End Times According to Daniel
--> Posted to Prophecy for October, 2006

The End Times According To Daniel ... Part Three, Chapters 11-12

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

In chapter 10, Daniel tells of a revelation he received in 539 BC concerning a great war that was coming. It was still over 200 years away and would last nearly 200 years after that, and would pit the Seleucids against the Ptolemys. Remember from our previous study that Seleucus and Ptolemy were two of the four generals who assumed power at the death of Alexander the Great and divided the Greek Empire among them. Seleucus took parts of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and later Iran and Iraq, while Ptolemy got Egypt, Israel, and Jordan.

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Revelation 21-22
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2006

Revelation 21-22
A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Having carried his thoughts concerning Satan's destiny and the resurrection of unbelievers to their conclusions in chapter 20, John now returns to the beginning of the Millennium to describe the new home of the Church in chapter 21 and the new Earth in chapter 22. We know this because the phrase "new heaven and new earth" also appears in Isaiah 65:17 at the beginning of a passage describing Israel during the Millennium.

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How Muslims, Jews, and Christians View the End-Times
--> Posted to Prophecy for August, 2006

All three major monotheistic religions have teachings regarding the end-times. The following chart reveals some of the similarities and differences in the eschatological prophecies of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

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Defending the Pre-Trib Rapture (Again)
--> Posted to Prophecy for August, 2006

Defending The Pre-Trib Rapture (Again)

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Some body asked me a great question the other day. "Does Scripture actually promise a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, or is it just an opinion passed along from teacher to student?" Then he challenged me to cite even one Bible verse that would lead a person to believe the Pre-Trib position if they hadn't already heard about it from some Bible teacher. He said that in all his studies he's not been able to find one. Let's see if he's right.

First, Some General Points

The Rapture is not another name for the Second Coming. As 1 Thes. 4:15-17 and John 14:1-3 explain, the Rapture is an unscheduled secret event where Jesus comes part way to Earth to meet His Church in the air and take us to be with Him where He now is. I say unscheduled and secret because its specific timing will remain unknown until it actually happens.

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There Shall Come Scoffers--Kinsella---Aug. 10
--> Posted to Prophecy for August, 2006

There Shall Come Scoffers

In Defense of the Faith

Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor

Last week, I watched a segment on a Fox News program that featured guests discussing Bible prophecy and the end of the world. One of the featured guests was a Roman Catholic priest and the other the head of a midwestern Baptist seminary.

It was an interesting, albeit short, discussion that opened with the priest noting that people have 'been predicting the end of the world for centuries,' a position that was immediately echoed by the Baptist guest.

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The Woman on the Beast in End Time Prophecy Has Dominion Theology
--> Posted to Prophecy for July, 2006

The Woman On The Beast In End Time Prophecy Has Dominion Theology

By Don Koenig

Dominion Theology is sometimes also called “Christian Reconstructionism” or “Kingdom Now” but there are significant differences among these theologies. I have lumped all the theologies together in this article under the name Dominion Theology because popular dominionist leaders that bridge denominations and movements have blurred the distinctions. This also is the case with most of their critics. They often lump together beliefs of “Kingdom Now, Christian Reconstructionism” and “Latter Rain Theology” as if everyone agreed. There are many different religious doctrines within Dominion Theology so I include the words “many”, “most” or “some” in this article for good reason.

Much of Christianity is now traveling on very different bandwagons of dominionism but all paths lead to some form of a Christian or religious world under a government theonomy (under the law of God) or theocracy, before the return of Jesus Christ. How they get there within their own various creeds and how much control Christians will actually establish on the earth before the return of Jesus are the main differences.

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Why God's Purpose for the Tribulation Excludes the Church--Ice
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2006

Why God's Purpose for the Tribulation excludes the Church

by Thomas Ice
"And the LORD your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. And you shall again obey the Lord, and observe all His commandments which I command you today."

-Deuteronomy 30:7-8

God's purpose for the tribulation (i.e., the seven-year, 70th week of Daniel) revolves around His plan for Israel and does not include a earthly presence for the church. Why? Because God's plan for Israel is unfinished at this point in history. When the role of the church is completed she will be taken as a completed body to heaven in an instant-at the rapture. This will clear the way for a restoration and resumption of progress toward the completion of our Sovereign Lord's plans for His elect nation-Israel.

The Tribulation Focuses on Israel
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Prophetic Stage Setting--Ice
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2006

Russian President Vladimir Putin has shocked the world by inviting the radical Islamic terrorist organization, Hamas, to visit Russia. Putin has said that Russia never considered Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Even the French have not gone that far. Russia is developing very strong relations with Iran and Syria, two of the Islamic nations that are most militant in their policies against Israel and the United States. Why is this development potentially important for Bible prophecy? It is important because we are witnessing a growing alliance between Russia and many in the Muslim world. Just such an alliance by Russia and a group of nations will come down to invade Israel in the latter days according to Ezekiel 38-39.

Critics

It is not surprising that liberals and unbelievers would be critical of Bible prophecy since they usually reject the notion of a supernatural and sovereign God. However, there are many critics within the evangelical community that also despise and speak out against our views of Bible prophecy. Barbara Rossing, a Lutheran seminary professor from Chicago says, "It sounds biblical, but it's a made-up framework." She insists that we, "distort the meaning of a handful of Bible verses to justify wild theological conjecture."[1] "Apparently these prophecy enthusiasts are not aware of the dismal track record of so man 'prophecy experts,'"[2] barks fellow critic, Gary DeMar.

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Shaking the Powers of the Heavens--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2006

Shaking the Powers of Heaven [Jack Kinsella]

Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)

Last month, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration reported its findings that "nine of the ten warmest years on record have occurred since 1995." View Full Article

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The War Against Bible Prophecy--Markell
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2006

The War Against Bible Prophecy
In Defense of the Faith

Jan Markell

I wasn’t born all that long ago so I still recall wonderful prophecy conferences in my Baptist church some twenty years ago. But in the last ten to fifteen years the message that the King is coming has become a downer with implications that the issues surrounding it are “gloom and doom.” When did you last hear it preached in your church? When did you last hear radio or TV preachers talk about it unless they were an eschatology-related ministry?

Recently a Christian publishing house advised me that he had learned that most Christian houses were dropping newly-submitted Bible prophecy books with a few exceptions. LaHaye/Jenkins will likely continue to sell as well as Mark Hitchcock through Multnomah, and sadly, Hannegraff’s false Preterism books. Harvest House seems open only to Dr. J. Randall Price on Temple issues. Teachers like Hal Lindsey, Grant Jeffrey, and Dave Hunt, and David Reagan, have resorted to forming their own publishing houses or just self-publishing.

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America in Bible Prophecy--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for December, 2005

The Bush administration has started firing back at its critics, both at home and abroad, but it is the international criticism that is doing America the most damage.

When a Democrat says something outrageous like America can't win the war or our forces routinely torture prisoners or that the terrorists are winning, the domestic audience reacts with a yawn and chalks it up to 'political partisanship'.

And to 21st century America, THAT means it is either true or not true, depending on what you want to be true. But in any case, Americans have a grasp of the context of the debate.

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The Judgment Seat of Christ (BEMA)--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2005

There are many ministries and church denominations that either ignore Bible prophecy as being useful to the Church or argue that all Bible prophecy has already been fulfilled.

In many churches, those members who study Bible prophecy are relegated to the 'lunatic fringe' -- politely -- and sometimes not so politely -- dismissed out-of-hand for wasting their time trying to divine the future.

The Bible says that there are rewards for those who dedicate themselves to Christ in a number of different theological disciplines.

Christians must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ that we might receive a reward for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be bad.

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What is the Purpose of the Great Tribulation?--Fruchtenbaum
--> Posted to Prophecy for June, 2005

What is the Purpose of the Great Tribulation?

There are three main purposes for the Great Tribulation. The first of these purposes is to make an end of wickedness and wicked ones. "The earth is utterly broken, the earth is rent asunder, the earth is shaken violently. The earth shall stagger like a drunken man, and shall sway to and fro like a hammock; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again." (Isaiah 24:19-20) The closing words of this verse state that the basic reason for the judgments of the Tribulation is that the transgression worldwide shall fall and not rise again. Its purpose is to make an end of wickedness.

The second purpose of the Tribulation is to bring about a worldwide revival. This purpose is given and fulfilled in Revelation 7:1-17. In this passage, John states that 12,000 Jews will be selected from each of the Twelve Tribes, adding up to a total of 144,000 Jews. It is by means of these Jewish evangelists that God will bring about the worldwide revival and accomplish another goal of the Tribulation.

The third purpose of the Tribulation is to break the power or the stubborn will of the Jewish nation. The Tribulation will continue and will not end until this happens. So from this, the third purpose of the Tribulation can be deduced: God intends to break the power of the holy people in order to bring about a national regeneration. The means by which God will perform this is given in Ezekiel 20:33-38. In this passage, Ezekiel draws a simile with the Exodus. After God gathers the Jews from around the world, He will enter into a period of judgment (the Tribulation) with them. The rebels among the Jewish people will be purged out by this judgment. Only then will the whole new nation, a regenerate nation, be allowed to enter the Promised Land under King Messiah.

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The Decline of America--Missler
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2005

By many reckonings, it appears to be the best of times in America: We enjoy a robust economy, reinforced by continually advancing technologies. At least one computer in every home, and a personal telephone on almost everyone’s belt. People are buying their 3rd and 4th cars. Our military is the most feared throughout the world. Indeed, in many ways, it seems like the best of times.

Judgment on the Horizon?

However, let’s assess the State of the Union in the mirror of God’s Word. Homosexuality is accepted as simply “an alternative lifestyle.” We murder babies that are socially inconvenient. We change marriage partners like a fashion statement. We have abandoned the sanctity of commitments in our families and in our businesses. Immorality and deceit have come to characterize the highest offices in our land; our politics have condoned and covered up more murders than we dare list. Our public enterprises have been prostituted to the convenience of the elite. Our mainline media takes pride in forming public opinion rather than informing it, which had been its sacred role in a representative republic. Our culture has disconnected character from destiny. Our entertainments celebrate adultery, fornication, violence, aberrant sexual practices and every imaginable form of evil. We have become the primary exporters of everything that God abhors.

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An Overview of End-Times Views
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2005

An Overview of End Times Views

When you read the Left Behind series you're getting a fictionalized depiction of how things could play out using one of the major interpretations of the end times.

Different Perspectives

There are three major views of the end times, with many variations. These views are something like the accounts of witnesses to an accident that are all different because they describe the same event from different perspectives. In eschatology—the study of end times—those perspectives come from different ways of interpreting the Bible and historical events.

The Bible contains a great deal of prophecy that relates to the people of Israel, the coming of a Messiah, or other events. One of the wonders of the Bible is that God has revealed himself both very clearly and very mysteriously. What some scholars see clearly as the prediction of future events, others see as strong symbolic language to warn or encourage people, and still others see as layers of meaning that combine both a present and future purpose.

Revelation is a good example of these perspectives. John was in exile for his preaching when he wrote Revelation and the church was suffering persecution. There are differences of opinion about exactly when John wrote Revelation and how to interpret its symbolism. Some see John's vision as a prediction of future events. Some see it as a highly symbolic picture of God's ultimate control suitable for any reader at any time. Still others see the symbolism in Revelation as a more obscure way for John to communicate during a time of severe persecution—a kind of secret message.

Possible End Times Events

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The One World Religion--Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2005

The most popular apostasy in Christendom today is the teaching that God has revealed Himself in many different ways to different cultures and that, therefore, all religions worship the same god, but just use different names. From this viewpoint, the Allah of Islam is the same as the Yahweh of Judaism and both are the same as the Krishna of Hinduism. The natural conclusion that is drawn from this apostate idea is that there are many different paths to God, Jesus being only one of them. This has led liberal leaders of groups like The National Council of Churches in the United States and the World Council to condemn missionary activity as "arrogant" and "anti-cultural."1

The Bible teaches that these apostate Christian leaders are eventually going to succeed, at least temporarily. Their triumph will occur when the Antichrist forms his one world religion (Revelation 13:12).

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The World's Longing for a Leader
--> Posted to Prophecy for April, 2005

The greatest political actor of our time leaves us the challenge of moral globalisation

Monday April 4, 2005
The Guardian

The world lived this death. It was a global Calvary. People from every corner of the earth gathered in St Peter's Square, peering up at those two windows of the papal apartment, illuminated against the night sky. Across five continents, Christians, Jews and Muslims joined them through television. Marcello, from Rio de Janeiro, emailed CNN: "We are watching the agony of the greatest man of our time." Mohamed, from Birmingham, emailed the BBC: "He will be missed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike."
What does this tell us? It tells us that Pope John Paul II was the first world leader. We talk of Bush, Blair or Hu Jintao as "world leaders", but they are merely national leaders who have a world impact. That's true even of Nelson Mandela, his closest contender for Marcello's title of "greatest man of our time".
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The Great Escape Misunderstanding--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for February, 2005

One of the principle misunderstandings concerning the Rapture revolves around its purpose. Critics of a pre-Tribulation Rapture deride it as some pie-in-the-sky 'Great Escape' for Christians living in the last days.

There is no such promise of 'escape' from tribulation, they argue, and (correctly) point out the Bible's promise that 'in this world ye shall have tribulation' so the pretribulational hope of a 'Great Escape' is not only delusional, it is unscriptural.

The fact is, if the pretribulational hope WAS for a 'Great Escape' from tribulation, they would be correct. There is NO promise that the Church will escape tribulation, but there is an iron-clad promise that the Church will not go through the seven years of tribulation described by Jeremiah as the 'Time of Jacob's Trouble' or outlined by Daniel as Israel's '70th Week.'

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100 Million Church Members Don't Understand Bible Prophecy--Koenig
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2005

Approximately 100 Million American Church Members Have Very Little to No Understanding of Bible Prophecy –
Bill Koenig

Today there are approximately 100 million American church members who have very little to no understanding of Bible prophecy. These church members are from replacement theology churches that don’t teach Bible prophecy and who look at prophetic scriptures as allegorical and not literal. Consequently, they do not understand the importance of Israel to the God of Israel or God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the nations. (To Read "The Error of Replacement Theology" - By Clarence H. Wagner Jr. click here.)

These church members also have no understanding of the biblical significance of what is transpiring today in Israel, Russia, China, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and in other Middle East nations. They are also not aware of the significance of the formation of the European Union, new ID technologies and much more.

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Why A Millennium?--David Reagan
--> Posted to Prophecy for November, 2004

When I first began studying Bible prophecy, the question, "What purpose would the Millennium serve?" really bothered me. The Word clearly taught that the Lord is coming back to this earth to reign for a thousand years. But I kept asking, "Why?"

I have since discovered that most amillennialists feel that same way. "Why," they will ask, "would the Lord want to come back to this rotten world? What could possibly be His purpose in returning to this world to reign for a thousand years? Why does the Lord or the world need a Millennium?"

My study of the Word has led me to conclude that God has several vitally important purposes for the Millennium.

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Imminency: The Key To The Pre-Trib Rapture
--> Posted to Prophecy for September, 2004

What Is Imminency?

In doing some research on the doctrine of imminency, I noticed few people take the time to actually define what prophetic imminency means. First, let us look at the general definition of the key word "imminent": "The quality or condition of being about to occur."

Imminency, as it relates to Bible prophecy, simply means that the return of Jesus Christ for the Church can happen at any moment. No warning signs will indicate a short-term countdown. We as Christians remain on alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If a wife knows her husband normally gets home from work shortly after 4:00 PM, she knows that beginning at 4:00 PM, his arrival is imminent. If the woman knows her husband has to work overtime, the imminency of his 4:00 PM return is then in doubt.

The only way for the rapture to be truly imminent is to have it transpire before the tribulation. If the Church were required to wait until after the manifestation of certain events, then there would be no doctrine of imminency.

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Did Margaret MacDonald's "Vision" Invent The Pre-Trib Rapture?--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for July, 2004

Answering the Skeptic: Dispensationalism is an Invented Doctrine

One of the most common objections to Dispensationalism offered by
Preterists and Covenant theologians is that, according to them, it was an
invention based on a 'vision' ascribed to a young Scottish girl named
Margaret MacDonald.

As they tell it, in 1830, she had a vision about the end of the world and
when she came out from under her trance, she wrote it down. This account
attracted the attention of Edward Irving and his church later claimed
Margaret as one of their own prophetesses.

Irving also had an interest in prophecy and held prophetic conferences.
The historian of Irving's church claimed that Margaret was the first
person to teach a two stage second coming of Christ.

John Darby traveled to Scotland to visit the MacDonald home. Darby was a
lawyer until a year after his conversion when he was ordained a deacon in
the Church of England. Soon after entering the ministry he became
disillusioned with the institutional church and started the Brethren
movement in Plymouth, England.

Darby became known as the 'father' of Dispensationalism, the first
eschatology to incorporate the 'prophecy' of Margaret MacDonald. Darby
continued to develop this new view by becoming the first to make a radical
distinction between Israel and the Church.

Darby taught that God has two special groups of people (or two Brides) and
a separate plan for each of them. This meant Christ would have to return
twice.

Covenant theologians sneer that, "this secret rapture was so secret that
no one had ever heard of it for 1800 years!"

Assessment:

First, let's clearly define what Dispensationalism means; "the act of
dispensing or something dispensed; a specific arrangement or system by
which something is dispensed."

Moses dispensed the Law. The word 'dispensation' does not mean a period of
time. It means the dispensing of a particular message or ministry. For exa
mple, the Church Age began at Pentecost and will end at the Rapture.

". . .Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same
Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like
manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

The Margaret MacDonald story has been told and retold so many times that
most Covenant theologians can recite it in their sleep. There is something
about Dispensationalism that makes them see red.

Most Dispensationalists couldn't care less whether or not a segment of the
Church believes it will go through the Tribulation. I am among that group.

If somebody trusts Christ for his salvation, but disagrees with the
timing, (or even the doctrine) of a secret Rapture, they are still saved.

But I've yet to discuss Dispensationalism with Covenant (or replacement)
theologians without being called names like 'false teacher' and 'liar'.
The Margaret MacDonald story is included in every missive, so that
'ignorant' can be added to the list.

Is it true? Was the doctrine of Dispensationalism born out of the vision
of a Scottish schoolgirl and nurtured by a church who proclaimed her a
'prophetess'? Is Dispensationalism, as replacement theology teaches, such
a secret that nobody had heard of it for 1800 years?

In 177 AD, which is, ummm, like 1827 years ago, Irenaeus wrote in 'Against
Heresies (1.10) "What the church believes: One God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of all things; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became
incarnate for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who PROCLAIMED
THROUGH THE PROPHETS THE DISPENSATONS OF GOD, and the advents, and the
birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the resurrection from the dead,
and the ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus,
our Lord, and His future manifestation from heaven."

In addressing the teachings of an heretical sect called 'Montanists"
(today we'd call them 'replacement theologians) Irenaeus wrote, Montanists
set at naught the gift of the Spirit, which in the latter times has been,
by the good pleasure of the Father, poured out upon the human race, do not
admit that aspect of the EVANGELICAL DISPENSATION presented by John's
Gospel, in which the Lord promised that He would send the Paraclete (John
16); but set aside at once both the Gospel and the prophetic Spirit."

In 'Against Heresies' 3:15 Irenaeus wrote, 'Jesus and the Father are the
only true God. Jesus gave Moses the dispensation of the Law."

And, "Some of the orthodox are ignorant of God's dispensations." (Against
Heresies 5.32)

Clement of Alexandria (192 AD -- 1,812 years ago) in his 'Stromata (5.3)
identified seven distinct Dispensations of God, including the present Age
of Grace.

Origin taught Dispensationalism in 230 AD (1,774 years ago). Justin Martyr
taught in the 1st century that there were four phases, or dispensations'
of human history; Adam to Abraham, Abraham to Moses, Moses to Christ, and
Christ to the eternal state.

So, if the early Church fathers taught Dispensationalism, then why so much
focus on Margaret MacDonald? How come nobody was teaching it, say, in
1492?

An honest reading of history provides the answer.

When the Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the state Church of
Rome, he set into motion a codification process in which ultimately
resulted in the Bible being restricted to members of the clergy. This
period is known to history as the 'Dark Ages'. It wasn't until the Bible
was made available to the common man that the Protestant Reformation began
to take place in the 15th century.

And the Protestant Church was born out of the Roman Catholic Church.
While it rejected Catholicism's teaching of salvation by works, it carried
with it much of its doctrine, including that of replacement theology.

For almost three hundred years, the Protestant Church continued to accept
the Catholic doctrine of replacement theology without challenge. Until
Dr. C. I. Schofield reviewed and advanced the teachings of the early
Church, publishing his findings in the Schofield Reference Bible.

The Scofield Reference Bible attempted to set in order the right divisions
of God's purpose as Scofield understood it. And it is important to note
that there is very little similarity between the writings of Scofield and
the writings of Darby, despite being assigned joint credit for 'inventing'
the doctrine by its critics.

As Christians, we are obligated to search the Scriptures and see if the
Bible teaches different dispensations, and if it does, we are obligated to
embrace its teaching. If it does not, we are bound to reject it.

There are three things to keep in mind about dispensational teaching.
First, it maintains a distinction between Israel and the Church,
recognizing God has an eternal, unchanging, Plan for Israel and a
different Plan for the Church during the Church Age.

The second is that Dispensationalists hold to a literal interpretation of
the Bible, instead of spiritualizing a text or making everything a 'type'.

Thirdly, Dispensationalists believe God's purpose is much bigger than the
salvation of mankind. God's purpose centers in His glory.

It was at the Cross we get in on God's blessings and Purpose. However, the
Cross is not the center or the end of God's Plan.

The Bible teaches that there have been and will be saved Jews and Gentiles
who are not part of the present body of Christ. Moses and Abraham come to
mind. So does the Gentile King, Melchizidek. And the Bible teaches that
Enoch was not only saved, he was raptured early.

After the Church Age, the Bible teaches that all Israel will be saved at
the end of the Tribulation.

Dispensationalists also believe in a literal thousand-year rule of Christ
on earth. During that time, Scripture says Israel will be the head of
nations and Jerusalem will be the center of government.

The Bible is all about God's kingdom and His Son ruling over it. This is
the part where the replacement theologians start turning red.
Dispensationalists believe that there is a place for the Jew, the Gentile
and the Church of God in this eternal purpose. Those saved in this age are
in the church, the body of Christ.

Replacement theology cuts the Jew out of God's Plan, blurs the line
between Christian and Gentile, and assumes unto the Church the Promises of
God to Israel.

Therefore, according to the modern interpretation of replacement theology,
modern-day Israel isn't really the Israel of the Bible. It has no special
spiritual connection to the Land. This theological worldview is behind
most mainstream Protestant churches sharing the Vatican's unwavering
support for the Palestinian cause.

Replacement theology is also the root cause of modern anti-Semitism. This
is why those who hold to it get so nasty when attacking Dispensationalism.
If Dispensationalist truth IS truth, then they have a problem with Genesis
12:3.

"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."

*****************************************************

Archives of past issues of The Omega Letter Intelligence Digest

plus many other Omega Letter member features can be found at:

The Omega Letter Website: www.omegaletter.com

The Omega Letter is published daily by Jack Kinsella

and exists through subscriptions and free will contributions.

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What About About An End-Time Revival?--Kinsella
--> Posted to Prophecy for March, 2004

The Omega Letter Intelligence Digest

Vol: 30 Issue: 9 - Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - Plain Text

The Start of a Spiritual Revival?

Many Bible prophecy teachers anticipate a world-wide Christian revival in
the last days, but just as many others believe it will be a spiritual or
religious revival instead.

On the Day of Pentecost, at the birth of the Christian Church, Peter
explained the miracle that took place when the preached and everyone who
heard them heard the message in their own tongue;

"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come
to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all
flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men
shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants
and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they
shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the
earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:" (Acts 2:16-19)

In Scripture, the 'last days' refers to the whole of the Church Age, in
the sense that it began with the Ascension of Jesus and it will end with
His return at the Rapture. But the 'last days' have a starting point, and
they have an ending point.

"And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up;
and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked
stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in
white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up
into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts
1:9-11)

Since Jesus could have returned at any time, in any generation, from the
days of the Apostles until this moment, the 'last days' refer to the
Dispensation before the Milliennial Kingdom is set up according to Isaiah
66.

So those who argue for a 'last days' Christian revival conclude that, just
as the Church swelled at its birth at Pentecost, so too, will it swell
with believers just before Jesus' return, as part of the general
connecting of all the dots and tying up all the referential loose ends.

Those who argue AGAINST a true Christian revival in the last days point to
the Scriptures for the last days that warn of a great 'falling away' and
the rise of an apostate Church in last days.

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils;" (1 Timothy 4:1)

They argue that the spiritual revival of the last days refers to the
counterfeit religion of Revelation 13:11: "And I beheld another beast
coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake
as a dragon."

Assessment:

No matter which view you take, revival is in the news. A recent column
published in Insight on the News carried the title, "Analysis: Start of a
Spiritual Revival?"

The column relies on the findings of Christian pollster George Barna, who
has determined "that we are witnessing a slow but steady development of
more traditional religious behavior in the Western states."

According to Barna's survey, the share of adults reporting they had read
from the Bible during the last week -- not including Sunday service --
rose from 37 percent in 1994 to 44 percent this year.

It was in this category that the increase was most noteworthy in
California, Oregon and Washington state, where Bible study among residents
rose from 29 to 44 percent in the last decade.

Similarly, participation in small groups for prayer, Bible study and
fellowship shot up from 11 percent to 26 percent in the West, Barna
reported. Nationwide, it rose from 12 percent to 20 percent.

But at the same time, Barna found, weekly church attendence has remained
relatively stagnant over the same period. It also found that those who say
they shared their faith with non-believers fell between 1999 and 2004 from
58% to 55%.

It would seem, from Barna's polls, that the revival sweeping America is
divided into two factions. Barna calls them, the 'Mainstream' Church, and
the 'Parachurch'. Bible study groups have more than doubled, but weekly
organized church attendence is flat. The signs of the times have many
people seeking Jesus, but they are bypassing pre-packaged religion and
going directly to the Bible.

And no wonder. In many mainstream churches, God has many names, including
Allah, or Buddha, as well as Jesus Christ. The Bible, as a doctrinal
source, is secondary to church law or tradition. There are mainstream
churches that embrace homesexuality, others that question the Deity of
Christ, and still more that reject doctrines like the Virgin Birth.

Leaders of mainstream 'Christian' denominations have gone on record as
doubting the Death and Resurrection.

There are two forms of Christianity in the world today. The cultural
Christianity of the mainstream, and the growing Bible Christianity of the
parachurch.

While the fields are truly 'white with the harvest' the labourers within
the parachurch of one-on-one evangelists remain few, and the competition
is fierce.

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it," Jesus said. (Matthew 9:37)

The enemy wants to keep that gate locked. That is the reason for the
existence of the Omega Letter. To teach people how to teach people to find
the key.

We are living in the last of the last days, and the responsibility we bear
on our collective shoulders is enormous.

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the
people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among
them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at
the watchman's hand." (Ezekiel 33:6)

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Archives of past issues of The Omega Letter Intelligence Digest
plus many other Omega Letter subscriber features can be found at:
The Omega Letter Website: www.omegaletter.com

The Omega Letter is published daily by Jack Kinsella
and exists through subscriptions and free will contributions.

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Refuting The Darby Myth
--> Posted to Prophecy for January, 2004

Examining an Ancient Pre-Trib Rapture Statement

by Thomas Ice

All the saints and elect of God are gathered together before the tribulation, which is to come, and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins.
-Pseudo-Ephraem (c. 374-627) (Read the Full Sermon Here)

Critics of pretribulationism sometimes state that belief in the rapture is a doctrinal development of recent origin. They argue that the doctrine of the rapture or any semblance of it was completely unknown before the early 1800s and the writings of John Nelson Darby. One of the most vocal and sensational critics of the rapture is Dave MacPherson, who argues that, "during the first 18 centuries of the Christian era, believers were never 'Rapture separaters' [sic]; they never separated the minor Rapture aspect of the Second Coming of Christ from the Second Coming itself."1

A second critic, John Bray, also vehemently opposes a pretribulational rapture, writing, "this teaching is not a RECOVERY of truth once taught and then neglected. No, it never was taught-for 1800 years nearly no one knew anything about such a scheme."2 More recently, pre-trib opponent Robert Van Kampen proclaimed, "The pretribulational rapture position with its dual parousias was unheard of in church history prior to 1830."3 In our previous issue of Pre-Trib Perspectives, I noted that pre-wrath advocate Marvin Rosenthal has also joined the chorus.4

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Jerusalem: The Lord's Time Clock
--> Posted to Prophecy for July, 2003

The Lord's Time Clock

Note from Bill:

Jerusalem is the Lord's time clock. The Bible tells us that Jerusalem will only have lasting peace at the time when Jesus Christ returns and begins His millennial reign.

Let us pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!

Thanks to our Kathy Jones and Robert Durand for compiling these Scriptures.

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