Please turn in your Bibles this morning to Revelation chapter 16 as we look at part 2 of our study on The Coming Judgment. Last time our focus was on the lost and how all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God apart from Christ. And we saw how God was righteous in His judgment of sinful man, He is fair! This morning we are going to focus on what the churches responsibility is in the days we are living in and we will look at how close we are to the Lord’s return, how things are heating up! You see, we are accountable to the Lord and if the Lord’s return is drawing closer, it should spur us on to share our faith.
Before we get to our study this morning, let me share with you this report that I received from Lighthouse Trails from March 31, 2007. It is called, “A Line Crossed by Christian Leaders . . . No Turning Back?” It is a little long but you need to understand the battle we are facing to bring salvation to the lost. It is a battle that is coming from within the church and it is not bringing people to Jesus, but they are leading them to Hell! I know, that is a bold statement, but listen to what this report says and then I will expound on it. We are told:
Right before our very eyes mainstream Christendom is converging with the New Age movement. In 2007, two events are scheduled, and if they occur without a strong public response by Christian leaders, then we will have entered into a full-fledged paradigm shift, and a line will have been crossed that will very likely mean no turning back.
The first event will take place in August. It is the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It is no news that Willow Creek has been plunging head first into mystical spirituality (known also as spiritual formation or contemplative spirituality) for some time. Ruth Haley Barton’s and John Ortberg’s spiritual formation curriculum for Willow Creek has helped to immerse thousands in contemplative spirituality. Willow Creek has also been a catalyst for the emerging church movement. But by all outward appearances they have at least worn a cloak of evangelical Christianity. That might be changing. While the speaker line up for the leadership Summit this year includes contemplative proponent John Ortberg (that’s indicting enough), it also includes former president Jimmy Carter. Carter’s message for the event is “Building Humanity.” According to an interview, Carter believes that everyone will be saved, with or without faith in Christ, so “building humanity” has an interspiritual premise for Carter. In other talks, he has stated things like:
There is an intense hunger among Christians around the world for a healing of the differences that now separate us from one another.
I think the main impediment is not knowing each other, not understanding each other, not recognizing that basic truth . . . that every religion emphasizes truth and justice and benevolence and compassion and generosity and love.
In the past, Willow Creek has not hesitated in lining itself up with those who promote mystical spirituality. In their 2005 Leadership Summit, speakers included Rick Warren and Ken Blanchard. Warren promotes contemplative spirituality as well as the emerging church (not to mention his interspiritual efforts), and Blanchard has been consistently endorsing and promoting eastern meditation for over twenty years. At last year’s Leadership Summit, Willow Creek invited mediation promoter Jim Collins (who incidentally teamed up with Mikhail Gorbachev, Peter Drucker, and Ken Blanchard a few years ago for a global peace conference). Collins wrote the foreword for a 2005 book called My Highest Goal (by Michael Ray). Here is an excerpt from that book:
I attended a meditation-intensive day at an ashram (Hindu spiritual center) to support a friend. As I sat in meditation in what was for me an unfamiliar environment, I suddenly felt and saw a bolt of lightning shoot up from the base of my spine out the top of my head. It forced me to recognize something great within me . . . this awareness of my own divinity. (p. 28)
And it is this very notion of “the awareness of my own divinity” that should cause any discerning Christian great concern. It is the heart of both New Ageism and contemplative spirituality, and it is the belief that divinity (or a divine spark as some refer to it) is within every human being, and he or she just must realize it.
Speaking of a divine spark, the second line-crossing event will take place in September, and the theme is: “It Only Takes a Spark.” It is Ken Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus conference. Why is this one so significant? Well, since 2005 when it came out that Blanchard was a New Age sympathizer, leaders who were teaming up with him (like Rick Warren and David Jeremiah) backed right off and halted their public appearances with Blanchard. It may have looked to many that Warren and Jeremiah saw the fallacy of Blanchard’s spirituality and decided to remove themselves from such influence.
But neither Warren nor Jeremiah made any public stance against Blanchard’s spiritual affinities. In fact, both of them defended Blanchard (and incidentally publicly scorned Lighthouse Trails at the same time). Now, two years have passed, and this year’s Lead Like Jesus will be including Erwin McManus. What’s the big deal about that, some may ask? Isn’t McManus an emerging church leader? Wouldn’t such a teaming up be expected? Yes, but must we also expect major Christian leaders to promote McManus when his spiritual proclivities [an inherent inclination, especially toward something objectionable] are so obvious?
Laurie Beth Jones is also one of the speakers at the 2007 Lead Like Jesus event. Jones, who has participated in the very New Age Business and Consciousness conference promotes New Age ideologies. Listen to a few of her statements:
My personal mission and vision is to Recognize, Promote and Inspire Divine Connection in Myself and Others.
Jesus regularly visualized the success of his efforts . . . “I always do what pleases God.” . . . Was this conceit? Or was it enlightened creativity and self-knowledge? . . . Jesus was full of self-knowledge and self-love. His “I am” statements were what he became. (p. 7 & 8 of Jesus CEO)
I proudly say I AM. I shape my own destiny. What I believe, I become. What I believe, I can do. (From back of Jesus CEO)
Today, two years after our report that Blanchard was teaming up with Rick Warren yet was heavily promoting New Age, Blanchard is still endorsing New Age authors and teachers (like his recent foreword for Jon Gordon’s new book), and he is still part of the Hoffman Institute (a think tank for New Age thought). And yet, Erwin McManus sees nothing wrong with speaking at Blanchard’s conference, and Christian leaders (such as the Assemblies of God Southeastern University and CCN) see nothing wrong with promoting McManus.
But McManus by his own admission says that his spirituality is based on mysticism. Of his book, The Barbarian Way, he says it has a core of mysticism. And according to McManus’ friend Jon Gordon, McManus had some positive things to say about The Secret, which is a film based on the channeled works of spirit guides. In truth, it makes sense that McManus is part of Blanchard’s conference. But it makes no sense that Christian leaders are promoting Erwin McManus.
Thus, 2007 is a significant year. With Willow Creek’s Leadership Summit and Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus, bold steps are being taken to help bring about a convergence that will lead many people down an interspiritual road, which will ultimately deny the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
And in case you are wondering (like we are) how such delusion could take place within Christendom, perhaps the words of New Ager Wayne Dyer are right:
When enough of us align in a certain way, reaching a critical mass, then the rest of us will begin to be affected and align that way also. (Interview from Science of Mind magazine, 01/93)
And perhaps the words of Alice Bailey (who personified the New Age movement) were right also when she said that the Age of enlightenment (when everyone realizes they are one with each other and God) will come, not around the Christian church but rather through it.
- Lighthouse Trails
Now some may argue that I am being too critical, maybe even too judgmental. Some may feel that there is some good that will come out of this even if they are wrong in some areas. Folks, these are major areas! Just leave it alone and see what happens. I can’t do that because I don’t believe that is what God wants!
Let me illustrate it like this. Imagine you have an eight-year-old child and this child loves to play with dogs. In the neighborhood there is this cute little dog but there is a problem. This dog has rabies. Now, would you let your child play with that dog? Of course you wouldn’t! Aren’t you being a little critical? Aren’t you being a little judgmental? There might be some good that comes from this relationship with this dog for your son. Yes, your child can play with him but what happens when he gets bit and is infected with the deadly rabies? You see, you would never let your child play with a dog that has rabies and yet, when it comes to the salvation of men and women, we give them things that bring them death and destruction, not abundant life, not Jesus!
Jude warned us by saying, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4. Folks, it is time to expose the false doctrine and stand up for the truth because people’s eternal souls are on the line! Os Guinness put it like this:
Countless “Christians” today believe . . . “because it works” (pragmatism), because they “feel it is true in their experience” (subjectivism), because they sincerely believe it is true “for them” (relativism), and so on . . . The Christian faith is not true because it works; it works because it is true. It is not true because we experience it; we experience it – deeply and gloriously – because it is true.
- Os Guinness, Time for Truth, 58
I realize that was a long introduction, but I needed to lay down the background information. With that said, let’s begin reading in Revelation chapter 16, starting in verse 9 and see what the Lord has for us this morning.
As you read this you can see the hardness of man’s heart, their refusal to turn to God. And it is easy, as Christians to look down upon them, be critical of them, say things like, “They are only getting what they deserve!” That is not the right heart attitude we are to have. Let me show you what I mean by looking at a good king, a godly king from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Hezekiah.
One day the prophet Isaiah came to the king and told the king to get his house in order, the Lord was calling him home. Well, after Isaiah left, that did not sit too well and he complained before the Lord and as Isaiah came back he told the king that God had granted him 15 more years to live. In those added years, the permissive will of God not the perfect will of God, Hezekiah had a son named Manasseh who was one of the most wicked kings in the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
Not only that, but the Babylonians sent some representatives to the king, wishing him well and the king showed them all the wealth of the kingdom. Big mistake! The Babylonians were not a superpower yet, but they would be one day. And in II Kings 20:16-19 we are told, “Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD: “Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,” says the LORD. "And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”’ So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, ‘The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!’ For he said, ‘Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?’”
You see, that was a very selfish attitude to have. He didn’t care about his children, grandchildren, anyone except himself. Folks, may we not develop that kind of attitude towards the lost. We need to bring them the Gospel of Jesus Christ because that is the only thing that will transform their lives, bring them everlasting life. Yes, we are saved, we won’t endure the judgment of God, but don’t let that stop you from sharing your faith. Don’t be like Hezekiah who said, “‘The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!’ For he said, ‘Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?’” II Kings 20:19.
Paul put it like this in II Corinthians 4:5-7, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
The focus is Jesus, and because He has given us light we now can shine brightly for Him. Yes, these things are not easy and if it was the result of our power and might we would not be able to accomplish it. But with God working in us and through us it can be done. Paul once again tells us in II Corinthians 3:5-6, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” May we shine for Him!
Now, how close are we? For some of you, it truly is not important, Bible prophecy is not important to you! That is sad because over 25% of the Scriptures are prophetic in nature. Thus, would you tear out 25% of a book you were reading? Of course not because you would not be able to understand it! Exactly the point with Scripture for the promise of the coming Messiah began in Genesis chapter 3, it was partially fulfilled when Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. And it will be completely fulfilled when He comes again as the Lion from the tribe of Judah to put away the wicked and establish His kingdom on this earth!
In fact, Jesus rebuked the Jewish religious leaders for not being students of prophecy. He told them, “ . . . ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’” Matthew 16:2-3. And think about it, because you know the things that are coming, because you know the signs of the times, you are not anxious, fearful because you see that what God has said is coming to pass.
That brings us back to the question, “How close are we to the Lord’s return?” One of the biggest signs, prophetically speaking, is the Jewish people returning to the land that God had promised them, the land of Israel. For almost 2,000 years they wandered without a homeland and yet they preserved their ethnicity. They even preserved the Hebrew language that was dead but God brought it back to life just as God said He would do!
Now, you can read of Israel becoming a nation again in Ezekiel chapter 37 as Ezekiel sees this valley of dry bones and the Lord asks him if these bones can live again. And Ezekiel says that only the Lord knows and before his eyes he saw these bones come together, muscle and skin and life come into them. And what God showed Ezekiel has come to pass as Israel became a nation once again in 1948 and then in 1967 they recaptured the city of Jerusalem, which is now their capitol. Now some may doubt that God was speaking of Israel, but you tell me what this means, “ . . . Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.’” Ezekiel 37:11.
In saying that, do you know what comes after Ezekiel 37? Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39! I know, not impressive but important. It is these chapters we see Russia and her Muslim allies come down against Israel to destroy her, and this is to take place in “the last days.” after Israel is back in the land. Now, is this the battle of Armageddon or does this take place prior to the start of the Tribulation Period and the Rapture of the Church? I believe it is the later and I will show you why.
First of all the nations mentioned in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 are only a few. You see, in the battle of Armageddon the nations of the world come together in the valley of Megiddo. Secondly, some of the nations that are not in this battle will say to Russia and her allies, “Bad boys, stop that!” They won’t have the power to stop them and they just give them a tongue lashing. But again, in the battle of Armageddon all the nations of the world come against Israel and the Lord. And the third point, which seals it for me, is that for seven years Israel will burn the weapons of war they took from this invading army. How long is the Tribulation Period? It is seven years and I don’t believe in the Kingdom Age they will be burning these implements, it makes no sense.
So I believe this war with Magog, this Russian and Muslim invasion upon Israel where 5/6th’s of this army is wiped out (Ezekiel 39:2 KJV), will occur prior to the start of the seven year Tribulation Period.
Now we don’t have time to go through this list of Muslim nations that will invade Israel in the last days but you can check out our Ezekiel study for yourself and see these nations. The ones I want to focus on are Magog, which is Russia and Persia, which is Iran. Also, keep your eye on Turkey because it is not as radical as some of these other nations in their Islamic beliefs, but I believe that is going to change. You see, they have been rejected from joining the European Community and I believe that will be the catalysts to see radical Islam take control of that country. I believe this is the only player left to join forces in this invasion and I think it is getting close!
Now, interestingly enough, there is one nation that is not mentioned with this group and that is Syria. Why is Syria not involved since they too what Israel destroyed? Because I believe they will be destroyed before this battle begins as Isaiah 17:1-2 tells us, “The burden against Damascus. ‘Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”
I truly believe this could be the hook that draws Russia and the Muslim nations into war as Israel destroys Damascus! Not only that, but the “cities of Aroer” or as it is better translated, the “cites thereof shall be forsaken” and this is probably the Hezbollah strongholds in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon!
Let me set the stage on how this is being played out today and I think you will see how close we are. This is from Hal Lindsey’s Omega Letter dated July 23, 2006. Listen to part of what he wrote in this article called, Uncovered: Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis, and this is what it said:
Russia, Iran and Syria have entered a defense pact that is in the process of alter[ing] the balance of power in the entire Middle East. Russia’s part in the pact has been kept relatively secret for a long time. But the facts reveal a long steady Russian commitment to the Iranian nuclear program and arms supply to Syria.
Russia has helped the Iranian nuclear program from its inception. Hundreds of Russian scientists with their families live around the some twenty scattered nuclear related facilities. Russian “Spetznaz soldiers” (special forces) guard all the key nuclear facilities.
So here are the disturbing hard facts about what is taking place in what can only be viewed as a dangerous anti-western strategy in the form of a Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis.
The first part of this strategy was, as I said above, Russia enabling Iran to produce deliverable nuclear warheads.
The second part was the forming of the recent mutual defense pact between Iran and Syria. The foreign ministers of Iran and Syria, Mostafa Najjar and Hassan Turkmani, signed the pact in Tehran on June 15th, 2006.
Debka’s intelligence sources unveiled a disturbing clause in the agreement that was reported to President Bush by US Intelligence. This report disclosed:
“The clause speaks of more than one battery of upgraded SHEHAB-3 surface-to-surface missiles to be deployed on the 13,000-foot Jabal Ash Shanin ridges towering over central Syria.
“The latest Syrian-Iranian exchanges are reported by DEBKA-Net-Weekly’s intelligence sources as auguring the early dispatch from Tehran of a deputation of officers to take up position at al Qadnus, east of the Syrian port of Tartus, and along the road linking the port to Jabal Ash Shanin.
“This team will act as the vanguard of the Iranian missile force to operate the missiles station, will check out the ground and fix its precise location. Senior intelligence officials warned the US President that this deployment would not just throw the entire Middle East balance of strength out of kilter, but directly menace American bases as far as West and East Europe and the Central Asian republics, including those located in the shores of the oil-rich Caspian Sea.”
This puts virtually all of Europe within range of the soon-coming nuclear tipped Iranian missiles – and at the whim of Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Remember him? He is the one who believes Allah has chosen him to fulfill an “end time” Muslim prophecy by starting a world apocalypse in which the long-awaited ‘Mahdi’ (Muslim Messiah) will appear and subject all survivors to Allah.
As if this isn’t bad enough news, there is something even more alarming developing within this new axis of evil.
Russia is now making moves to protect Syria and its Shehab-3 missile base. This is what DEBKA-News-Weekly reported:
“Our sources have observed the Russians dredging the port of TARTUS, Syria’s second most important Mediterranean port, with a view of expanding their logistical supply point there to a fully-equipped naval base, possibly to serve the Black Sea Fleet warships when they are redeployed from the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol.
It is designed to be built up into the permanent base for the fleet led by the RFS Msokva (TG Flag) missile cruiser and the RFS Azov landing ship within the next 3 years.
“The arrival of the Russian task force in TARTUS in March marked the opening of the Russian base. Our military experts note that the Missile Cruiser MOSKVA is armed with the weapons, radar and electronic ear of an [aircraft] carrier hunter.
“The American intelligence briefing for the US President further disclosed that sophisticated Russian air defense systems are to be installed for the dual purpose of protecting the TARTUS NAVAL BASE and the SHEHAB-3 missile emplacements. DEBKA-Net-Weekly’s military sources identify the system as the S-300PMU-2. It will be operated by Russian military crews and not put in Syrian hands.
“This air defense system is comparable to the American Patriot, but is more effective. The version to be deployed in Syria is geared to intercept ballistic missiles. It has the great advantage of being ready to fire five minutes after receiving orders . . .”
This explains why Iran has blatantly defied the world and continued developing nuclear warheads, which are closer to becoming operational than we dare believe.
Second, it explains the reason why the Iranian and Syrian defense ministers signed a mutual defense pact last June 15th.
Third, it gives the reason for Hezbollah launching a war with Israel when they did. It was to divert the G-8 leaders from seriously debating action about the Iranian nuclear threat. And Vladimir Putin played a masterful game of concealing what his forces are doing.
Fourth, it explains why Syria and Iran are unafraid to openly support Hezbollah in their war with Israel and support terrorist who target US troops in Iraq. Russia is in the background guaranteeing their protection.
What is most important is that all this is setting up Ezekiel’s 2600-year-old prophecy in Ezekiel chapter 38. Persia, or modern Iran, is listed a chief among the Muslim nations Russia will lead into an all-out assault against Israel. . . .
The one nation that does not seem to be listed is Syria. I believe this is because as a result of actions it is now taking against Israel, Isaiah’s prophecy about Damascus in the last days is going to be soon fulfilled. . . .
To establish the time of this event, look at these factors. First, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously populated cities on the earth. It has never been totally destroyed – yet. Second, it is in a context of events that lead up to the catastrophes that precede the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming. Third, it is far enough away from that event that Jacob (Israel) is enduring terrible circumstances. Fourth, Syria and the tribal name of its forefathers are not mentioned in the Russian led Muslim Confederacy . . .
All of this leads me to believe that Damascus will be destroyed before the Tribulation begins. I believe that Damascus is about to so threaten Israel’s existence by either launching or furnishing bio-chemical weapons or radioactive dirty bombs, that Israel will nuke them. Israel has sworn that it will implement the Samson-Option against any nation that attacks them with any form of weapons of mass destruction. That means a thermonuclear strike. This may soon happen to Syria.
- Hal Lindsey, The Omega Letter, July 23, 2006
Not only that, but Jack Kelley tells us in his article, Isaiah 17 Countdown:
France and Italy have agreed to sell Lebanon their jointly developed Aster 15 anti-aircraft missile system to prevent Israeli unmanned surveillance aircraft from spying on military activities in Lebanon. (The UN has promised not to shoot down Israeli surveillance aircraft. But the French, who lead the UN forces, have threatened just the opposite.)
Russian intelligence personnel, protected by Russian infantry, have all but taken over the southern Lebanese town of Sidon near Israel’s Northern border. The intelligence they gather will be shared with Syria and Iran. Sidon was at the northern extreme of the land given to the Tribe of Asher, and was yielded to the Phoenicians in violation of God’s commandment. (Leviticus 25:23) Sidon’s destruction is promised in Ezekiel 28:20-26. . .
Syria and Iran have restored all of Hezbollah’s pre-war offensive capabilities, and with the permission of the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers Hezbollah has regained control of its pre-war strongholds along Israel’s northern border as well.
Syria is working with Hezbollah to topple the government of Lebanon in favor of one more friendly toward them, perhaps led by Hezbollah. Syria has also maintained combat ready forces along its border with Lebanon and is openly discussing the merits of a pre-emptive attack on Israel.
Iran has begun to upgrade the 7500 man Hamas militia into a Hezbollah like attack force with $90 million worth of training and weaponry. Since the beginning of 2006, Hamas has smuggled over 20 tons of air and surface missiles, ordinance, and weaponry into Gaza through 15 recently discovered tunnels built since Egypt took control of the Southern border. Much of this armament has come from Iran. Syrian instructors arrived in Gaza for the first time last week to begin the training. The Iranian/Syrian goal is to have trained attack forces ready and waiting on both the northern and southern borders with Israel.
Syria is a far different foe than Hezbollah, with 220,000 soldiers, 3,500 battle tanks, 600 combat aircraft and thousands of short and intermediate range missiles. 150-200 of these missiles are believed to have chemical or biological warheads. Israel’s discovery that Syria was getting ready to launch one of these CBW’s would likely trigger a pre-emptive strike of the kind mentioned in Isaiah 17. Israel would not only have to prevent Syria’s actions but also demonstrate the consequences to any other country thinking of doing so. With such a build up of hostile intent all around, Israel has been deprived of any “measured response” option and will have to employ overwhelming force to any threat.
- Jack Kelley, Isaiah 17 Countdown
Folks, the Golan Heights are a strategic point for Israel. Prior to them recapturing this land, Syria would fire down up the Jewish people from these mountains. Now it is a buffer zone and there is no way that Israel will give the Golan Heights back to Syria! And in saying that, this may be the spark for war! How soon before this war with Syria begins? According to some reports, it may be as close as this summer! This is from WorldNetDaily, April 23, 2007, Syria Preps For Summer War. This is what they said:
Syria aided by Iran is making preparations for a summer war with Israel, including acquisition of advanced weaponry, placement of missiles near the Jewish state’s boarder, and training and movements of strategic troop battalions, Israeli security officials told WND. . .
In addition to longer range Scuds, Syria is in possession of shorter range missiles such as 220 millimeter and 305 millimeter rockets, some of which have been passed on to Hezbollah.
In addition, Israel has information Syria recently acquired and deployed Chinese-made C-802 missiles, which were successfully used against the Israeli navy during Israel’s war against the Lebanese Hezbollah militia this past July and August. The missiles were passed to Syria by Iran, Israeli security officials told WND. . .
Israeli security officials don’t rule out the possibility Syria may start a low-grade military conflict with Israel over the Golan Heights, noting multiple Syrian officials in recent months warned if Israel doesn’t vacate the territory, Damascus will launch “resistance.”
In one recent example, Syrian information Minister Moshen Bilal last month announced, “If in the next coming months there will not be a political solution, military resistance will be the only solution for the Syrians.”
Israeli security officials note in recent months, state-run Syrian media have been broadcasting regular warlike messages unseen since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which Syria and Egypt launched invasions from the Golan and the Sinai desert.
“The tone [in Syria] is one of preparing the public for war,” said one senior security official.
He said any Syrian provocation would likely be coordinated with Iran. Tehran and Damascus, which both support Hezbollah, have signed military pacts.
- WND, Syria Preps For Summer War, April 23, 2007
I can go on but I think you can clearly see, Damascus, Syria will be destroyed just like God said and I believe this could be the spark or the hook that draws Russia into war with Israel as they have made these treaties with these Muslim nations and are thus, bound to help them! As you look at these reports, as you see what is happening, you know that something big is brewing in the Middle East!
Now, what does this mean to us as Christians? Paul put
it like this in Romans 13:11-14, “And do this, knowing
the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for
now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night
is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the
works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us
walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness,
not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill
its lusts.” And listen to how The Amplified Bible
puts these verses, “Besides this you know what [a critical]
hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of
your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance)
is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted
in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). The night is far gone
and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the
works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.
Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as
in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness,
not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness),
not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourself with the Lord
Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging]
the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your
physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).”
Folks, it is not time to sleep, it is time to walk in the Lord, to allow His light to shine through us and touch the lives of those around us. It is not time to become like the world or to ignore those who are going to Hell apart from Christ. But it is time to bring to them the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message!
It is as Jesus said in Luke 14:16-24, “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, “Come, for all things are now ready.” But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.” And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.” Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.” And the servant said, “Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.” Then the master said to the servant, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.”’”
May we invite people to partake of Jesus and then it is up to them to receive Him or reject Him. Yes, some will have all kinds of excuses for not coming to Jesus, but there will be those who see the need and will ask Him to be Lord and Savior of their lives. May we not negate our responsibility because the time is short!