A friend shared a link to the video below, and it stirred my heart - prompting me to immediately send it along to you. First, let’s set the stage with a couple of prophetic truths:
When Daniel predicted (over 2500 years ago!) seven years of tribulation for Israel and the entire world, his words distinctly foretold of the Jewish Temple having been rebuilt and the sacrificial system resumed. The “he” is the antichrist, who after negotiating a Middle East peace agreement, will three and 1/2 years later denounce Israel and suspend the offering of sacrifices.
“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator (Daniel 9:27)."
Resumption of the Temple sacrifices calls for the offering of a perfect red heifer .
“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: 2 Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and on which a yoke has never come … 4 And Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and sprinkle some of its blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. 5 And the heifer shall be burned in his sight. Its skin, its flesh, and its blood, with its dung, shall be burned (Numbers 19:2, 4,5).”
The false Messiah - the antichrist - will enter the rebuilt Temple and declare himself to be God.
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5)?”
With these passages in mind, view this portion of a story produced by CBS:
What we are seeing in the Middle East is a conflict incited by religious beliefs. And because our LORD is at the bull’s eye of attack, it’s ultimately a conflict of spiritual proportions … satan versus the God of the Universe. A recent article in the Jerusalem Post offers a helpful analysis, explaining Islam’s persistent ambition to wage war against Jews and Christians:
If you would like a basic understanding of Islamic beliefs, the above article offers a concise and clear description. We encourage you to take a few moments to read it and make special note of these key points:
“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is primarily a religious, messianic struggle and not a political struggle. This is particularly evident in the current war with Hamas.”
“Iran’s majority Shi’ite sect is the Twelvers. They believe that the twelfth imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is yet alive and will remain hidden until the End of Days.”
“Hamas is from the Sunni branch of Islam. Its prime aim is the destruction of Israel as part of an apocalyptic vision involving the elimination of its Jews and the replacement of Israel with a religious Islamic state.”
The writer of this article, Arnold Slyper, concludes with a look at progressives in America who have formed an alliance with Hamas while voicing their antisemitism. A strange partnership indeed, when considering the antagonistic response of most Muslims to the LGBTQ and same sex agenda.
End times prophecy is unfolding before our eyes - possibly as never before. Each day brings additional signs pointing to the Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl Judgments described in the Book of Revelation. With the convergence of manifold stage setting events one can easily conclude that time is short.
Your prayers for us would be deeply appreciated as we long to reach more and more people with the gospel of grace. Your prayers are the key to our impact during these critical times.
Our commitment to THE TRUTH found in the Word of God remains steadfast more than four decades since the inception of this ministry. Your partnership with us will make it possible for us to have a greater impact now than ever before. Thank you for your support.
Waiting for our Blessed Hope,
Pastor John Nieder
Thanks for the connection. The Jews are serious about rebuilding the temple and so is God. It is part of His sovereign plan. We must definitely pray.