“The Kingdoms of this world will Crumble, but Gods Kingdom will last forever!” - Author and Writer Ronald Nelson

BIBLE MEDITATION:

Daniel 7:14; “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.”

ENCOURAGING WORD:

There have been hundreds, maybe thousands of kingdoms since the beginning of time. There is one thing that they all have in common, none of them exist today. I believe that we are living in the last earthly kingdom before the return of Jesus Christ. So, the  question that I am going to start out with is this. What kingdom do you want to retire too. The choice is yours. You either spent your eternity in heaven, or you will perish with the world. 1 John 2:17; “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

2 Peter 3:10; “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

The “Day of the Lord” starts with the rapture of the church. The verse above is not saying that immediately after the rapture that the heavens will pass away and the earth will be burned up. After the rapture of the church, there has to be seven years of tribulation before the end can come. Another misconception is that the tribulation starts right after the rapture. That is not totally true. All we know for sure is that the rapture has top take place before the tribulation. How much time is in between, we can only speculate. It could be soon after or it could be a year or so down the road. The beginning of the tribulation starts at the signing of a seven year peace treaty between Israel and the Muslim world that will be enforced by the Antichrist. At the end of the tribulation, that is when the earth and its works will be burned up. This still isn’t the end; this will be the beginning of the one thousand year Kingdom that will be ruled by Jesus Christ Himself.

The millennium (also known as the Millennial Kingdom) is the 1,000-year reign of Jesus on earth after the tribulation and before the Great White Throne Judgment. Those who did not receive the free gift of grace that was offered to all who would be believe in Jesus Christ and become born again into the Holy Spirit will be present at this judgement. During the Millennial Kingdom Jesus Christ will reign as King over Israel and all the nations of the world. It will be the most perfect environment imaginable and peaceful as we read in the following Bible Verse.  Isaiah 2:4; “ He (Jesus) shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”               

Isaiah 42:1; “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”  

The world will live in peace, Isaiah 11:6–9; “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.”

There are those that teach that all these events have already happened. Can someone please enlighten me as to when this happened. I’ll make it easy for you…it hasn’t! It is cleary an event that will happen in the near future, a time that we refer to as the Millennial Kingdom of Christ!

Isaiah 32:18; “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places, Israel has not lived in peace since the beginning of time, but they will!

Jeremiah 23:3-8; “Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;

And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.” Once again, when did this happen? Never!

Satan will be bound during the one thousand years of peace and justice. Revelation 20:1–3; “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” 

I can ask this same question all day, when did these things happen. If you belong to a sect of Christianity that teach that these things have already taken place, ask them when did these things happen. If they have to allegories it, or spiritualize it, which they will, then they are lying to you. It’s time that you make a choice, do you believe what the Bible teaches, or do you believe what the false teachers that you are listening too are teaching you. You will be held accountable for what you believe. Blaming the lies that you have been taught on someone else will not cut it when you stand before Jesus Christ at the white throne judgement.

At the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom, everyone that enters in will worship God, Isaiah 2:2–3; “Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

The purpose of the 1,000-year reign is to fulfill various promises God made to the Jews and to the rest of the world. Some of these promises, called covenants, were given specifically to Israel. Others were given to Jesus, the nations of the world, and creation. Jesus’ 1,000-year reign will be a time of promises kept.

I’m going to share with you what I believe is going to take place in the next five to ten years. I say that because there has to be at least seven years before Jesus returns to the earth and I believe that seven years period could start anytime in the next couple of years. Now, I may be wrong with the timing, but the events are sure.

I believe that the next event on the prophetic calendar of God is the rapture of the church, and I believe that will happen within the next few years. Now, once again, this is just speculation on my part because of what is taking place in Israel. Israel has always been the corner stone of Bible prophecy, and everything that is taking place there as we speak, is leading up to the Gog and Magog invasion. For those of you that do not know what that is referring to, let me explain. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied about a war that would take place in the end days, which we are clearing living in. All the world will go up against Israel, and miraculously, Israel will win that war without firing a shot. God, Himself will intervene and destroy 5/6 of all the enemies that come up against Israel. If you are watching the events that are taking place in Israel, it is very clear that all the nations spoken of in this prophecy that will take place, are aligned up to fulfill that prophecy. That could easily happen any day, but I believe the rapture of the church has to take place before that war and I’ll tell you why.

Zechariah 12:3; “And in that day (The days in which we are living) will I (God) 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.”

When it says all the nations of the world will go up against Israel, that includes America. The only way that America will be part of this invasion is if the Christians are gone. As long as the Christians are still on this earth, this war cannot take place. That is why I believe the rapture is right around the corner. It could happen any day now, or it could be a little while yet. I personally believe that we are going to see a small revival in our nation, but I also believe it will be short lived. The Bible says that when we least expect it, that is when He is coming for His church.

Matthew 24:44; “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This is in reference to the rapture. If anybody teaches you anything else about this verse, he’s blind. Here is why I believe we will see a temporary peace. When things are looking bad, that is when people start talking about the rapture, but what does the verse that I just read say? “When we least expect it” When will we least expect it? When everything is going well, and no one is running in fear. Things will be going very well, and the (BANG), Millions of people disappear from the face of the earth in the twinkle of an eye. If you are still here when that event happens, that should strike fear in your heart for what lies ahead. Luke 21:26; “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

1 Thessalonians 5:3; “For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

What does it say, “Peace and safety!”  Then sudden destruction. Think about it, Millions of people just vanish from the face of the earth, that would certainly cause sudden destruction.

Now, once the believers are gone, this is when I believe the battle between Israel and the surrounding nations will take place because there will be no nation that will stand in Israels defence defense. 

In the Book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, Gog is described as the prince of Magog and is foretold to lead a grand coalition of armies against Israel in the end times. This alliance includes various nations, some identifiable with known historical regions or peoples, while others remain speculative. God is said to lure Gog into attacking Israel, only to intervene then supernaturally, destroying Gog's forces and showcasing His power and sanctity to the nations, thus leading to a recognition of His sovereignty. The detailed prophecy includes descriptions of divine judgments such as earthquakes, disease, torrential rains, hailstones, fire, and sulfur falling upon Gog's armies.

Ezekiel 38:1-6; “The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, (Russia and the nations that are lined up against Israel) of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him  and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. (Turkish areas)  I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army, your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, (Modern Day Iran) Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops, the many nations with you.”

In the context of Ezekiel 38, Persia refers to the ancient empire located in what is now modern-day Iran. Historically, Persia was a significant power in the ancient near east, known for its vast empire and influence. In biblical prophecy, Persia is often associated with the Medes and is mentioned in relation to the fall of Babylon. The inclusion of Persia in this prophecy suggests a coalition of nations coming together for a significant event, often interpreted as a future battle or conflict.

Cush is traditionally identified with the region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia. In biblical times, Cush was known for its warriors and was a significant power in the region. The mention of Cush in this passage indicates the involvement of African nations in the prophesied coalition. This reflects the widespread nature of the alliance, encompassing regions beyond the immediate vicinity of Israel.

Put is generally identified with the region west of Egypt, possibly corresponding to modern-day Libya. In ancient times, Put was known for its skilled archers and was often allied with Egypt The inclusion of Put in this prophecy highlights the diverse origins of the coalition, suggesting a gathering of nations from different parts of the known world.

These nations along with other Islamic countries will come up against Israel in the very near future.

I have to share these next verses with you so you know what Gid says will happen to Israel in the end days.

Ezekiel 38: 10-23; “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind, and you (Russia) will devise an evil scheme. You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; (Israel) I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people, all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. (This is proof that there has to be peace before this invasion can take place) I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.” Sheba and Dedan (Saudi Arabia) and the merchants of Tarshish (Spain and/or the British Isles) and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?”

“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: (Russia) ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. (Israel) This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble, and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog (Russia) on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’

This has to happen before the tribulation can start. Once the Antichrist signs the seven year peace treaty, that will start out as a false sense of peace. I don’t believe that Russia will invade Israel right after this world leader declares peace. I believe when God intervenes on Israel’s behalf and the world sees it, he (The Antichrist) will appear to be the Messiah with a message of peace. The Jews will accept him as their Messiah at that time. Here is where I am not sure what happens after the signing of the peace treaty. I’ll tell you what I believe, but keep in mind, this just my thoughts based on what the Bible says.

I have always thought that the anti-Christ would be revealed at the signing of the peace treaty between himself and the leader of Israel. And that the rapture would take place right before. And that the first 3 1/2 years of the antichrist's rule would be peaceful, then he would be indwelt by Satan for the last 3 1/2 years of the Great Tribulation.

The man who confirms the 7 year treaty with Israel won’t be recognized as the anti-Christ at that time, because all those that know the truth will be gone. He will be thought of as a great leader and peace maker. I believe this will happen after both the Rapture and the Battle of Ezekiel 38 have taken place. Later, he will be indwelt by Satan and declare Himself to be God. According to; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; “ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”  This is when he (The Antichrist) officially becomes Satan in the flesh, and this is when the Great Tribulation begins. The last three and a half years.

As for the first 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th Week being a time of peace, at least 1/3 of the world’s population will die during the Seal and Trumpet judgments, both of which take place during the first 3 1/2 years. I think the time of peace that begins Daniel’s 70th week will be brief indeed. Between the signing of the seven year peace treaty and the Abomination of Desolation takes place, which is at the midway point of the tribulation, I’m not sure how the Seal and Trumpet judgments play out.

Sometime during the first 3-1/2 years the Antichrist will institute the mark of the beast. This will be the turning point of when Christians will be persecuted for not taking the mark of the beast. If you take the mark, and you pledge your allegiance to the Antichrist, your eternal fate will have been determined. You will suffer more than you could ever imagine at the hands of God almighty during the second half of the tribulation. Gods wrath will be poured out on all those that took the mark of the beast. This will be a literal mark placed on either their hand or their forehead. Without it they will not be able to sell or buy anything.

Revelation 13:16-17; “And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”

Now, if you do not take the mark of the beast you will most likely be hunted down and killed for your faith in Jesus Christ. These are those that did not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior before the rapture of the church. There will be, however, a great revival during this time. This might be a good time to mention this, you can forgo all this evil if you give your life over to Jesus Christ while there is still time. In other words, pay now or pay later. I personal choose the rapture over the tribulation. If you are wise, you will do the same.

Now, while God is pouring His wrath out on all those that took the mark, Satan will once again turn on the Jewish people to make his last effort to thwart the plan of God by  killing as many as he can in the short time that he will have left. But as the Bible declares, God will spiritually preserve 1/3 of the Jews while 2/3 of the Jews will be killed. This will be blood shed that will make the Holocaust look like a walk in the park. The 1/3 of the Jews that will survive will be those that will populate the one thousand year Millennial Kingdom. The last 3-1/2 years will be a time like no other as we read in the following Bible verse. Matthew 24:21; “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” These are the words from Jesus Christ Himself. If you believe that the Bible is the true and inerrant word of God, than listen to what Jesus is saying. If you don’t believe in what the Bible teaches to be true, then you will have no excuse when you go through this horrible time.

Think hard and long about what Jesus said in the last verse. This horrible time will be worse than all the wars, all the whether disasters and the holocaust. When Jesus speaks,, we need to listen. This time is coming, but the good news is this, there is still time to repent and turn to Jesus Christ and give what’s left of your life here on earth to Him. Once millions of people mysteriously disappear from earth, then it will be too late. There will be no escape. Let me share a prophecy from; Luke 21:36; “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke is telling us that we can escape all these things that will come to pass, but it is your choice whether or not you go through this time.

One last thing. When we pray the Lords prayer, and we say, "They Kingdom Come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" what do you believe that is referring to. It certainly isn't referring to the world that we are living in now, it is the world that we will be living in during the 1,000 year tribulation. If you don't know what you are saying when you say the Lords prayer, don't say it. It is using the name of the Lord in vain. If it has become vain repetition, hear what Jesus has to say about that. Matthew 6:7-13; "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words." Are you one of those that just say words and don't have a clue what you are saying? If you don't know what you are praying for, stop it, God knows whats in your heart.

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever." Amen.