God Considers Prophecy Important
He put so much of it in the Bible. Although prophecy constitutes a large part of the Bible, its importance is constantly downplayed by those who dismiss it as having no practical significance, that it can't be understood, or by those who object to it on the grounds that it is a "fad" that takes people's eyes off Jesus. Ignoring the study of biblical prophecy means ignoring the study of a large part of the Bible.
You cannot study Scripture without studying prophecy.
Every fourth verse in the Scripture deals with prophecy.
The coming of the Lord is a truth of such importance that it is mentioned 318 times in the 260 chapters of the NT (on an average of once every 25 verses).
The only subject mentioned more frequently than the second coming is the subject of salvation.
Paul mentioned the communion ordinance only twice in his 13 epistles and baptism only 13 times, but he mentions the return of our Lord 50 times!
Jesus Christ Is Coming
It was prophecy that really began the process leading up to the very first Christmas, since it was an angel that appeared to Mary to tell her that she was going to have a son. After Jesus was born, it was angels who appeared to the shepherds in the fields, announcing the good news of the coming of the Messiah. And an angel also came to the wise men that had travelled to see the baby Jesus, warning them to go home by another route. Angels have always been known in the Holy Bible as God’s messengers who reside with God in heaven when they are not doing his bidding on earth. It makes sense that a character that is so prevalent throughout biblical history would find a place in the Christmas celebrations of today.
Jesus Christ Is Coming Again
The last book of the Bible (Revelation) describes His return in graphic detail and the next to the last verse says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
The Bible stands as a witness to the events unfolding before our eyes. Instead of trying to understand it all or finding rational explanations, you only need to rest at the Savior's feet and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart through His written word.
Wake Up!
In the wake of increasing violence, violent weather, natural disasters, and other calamities befalling mankind, some might ask, "What does it all mean?" Many of the signs of His soon return we are witnessing today are designed to wake us from our slumber. He is trying to get our attention. God does not pour out His wrath without first warning us.
God wants us to know He will return. God's seeming delay in bringing about the consummation of all things is a result not of indifference but of patience in waiting for all who will come to repentance. God is giving us every chance to repent of our sin and return to Him. He is being patient with us because He wants everyone to come to repentance.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [2Peter 3:9]
The delay of Christ's return is also related to the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. God wants everyone to hear the gospel and does not desire anyone to perish eternally (1Tim. 2:4). This does not mean that all will be saved, for if a person rejects God's grace and salvation, then he or she remains lost.
Spirit of Lawlessness
There is a pattern of lawlessness and increase of wickedness dominating our society today that throughout history was found in civilizations in the process of decline. It is a pattern evident in nations that rejected God's Word as ultimate authority in their lives and is a pattern prevailing in many Americans today. This too, is a sign of His soon return!
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. - [Matthew 24:12]
Emergence of the AntiChrist
The high level of apathy among the population and ignorance of Bible prophecy is paving the way for the Antichrist. It would appear he will easily deceive people who only want to hear what tickles their ears and feeds their selfish desires. We are witnessing events today that would appear to be setting up the antichrist new world order with hardly a whimper from most people.
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [2 Timothy 4:3-4]
Showing posts with label BIBLE PROPHESIES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BIBLE PROPHESIES. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The coming economic crash caused by world debt
The coming economic crash caused by world debt
By Don Koenig - 2000 with 2008 update
Almost every nation of the world has such severe debt that just making the interest payments takes a large amount of their financial resources. Much of this world debt is owed to world bankers that then dictate their own economic policy to these countries. These policies do not favor the poor.
The largest economy in the world is the United States. The US government is currently 10 trillion dollars in debt and that is projected to go to 11 trillion or more in two years. Paying the interest on that huge debt in future years will cost about as much as what is spent on national defense (using modern historical interest rates and the cost of defense under normal peace time conditions).
The United States is now by far the biggest debtor nation in the world. For many years we have been importing hundreds of billions more dollars in goods and services than we are exporting each year. In 2005 through 2008 the trade imbalance averaged well over 700 billion dollars per year! Trillions of US dollars are now in the hands of foreign investors who at any time could dump the dollar causing a devaluation of the currency.
Just a few years ago, the US government was forecasting surpluses of trillions of dollars based on the stupid assumption that there would not be a downturn in the economy for decades. This foolish assumption was of course proven wrong and deficit spending has returned to well over "four hundred billion dollars" a year. The only reason the United States is not feeling the pinch of spending beyond its means has been the record low interest rates. The low interest rates were brought about by Federal Reserve manipulation to stimulate the economy but interest rates now will rise. Soon all who need loans will be making higher payments and the US government will be paying much more to service the national debt.
Debt and unfunded liabilities promised through entitlement programs is now over 50 trillion dollars. This amount of money in non inflationary dollars is impossible to raise! Thus, the US is now technically bankrupt. In order to keep up the facade that the US is solvent for even another decade or two one or more of the following must happen.
1. Taxes must be raised.
2. Government spending will have to be drastically cut.
3. Deficit spending will dramatically increase.
If taxes are raised, it will kill the economy and the debt load will get worse and not better. Spending will not be drastically cut because these types of cuts would never get through the political system. Therefore, massive deficit spending will take place. The monetary system will be inflated so that this debt can be paid by using a dollar worth only a fraction of what it is today. This means a much weaker dollar in the future and much higher prices for all goods and services imported to the United States (in short it means we should expect hyper-Inflation). The recent rise in all commodity prices might just be the start of what is to come.
The best long term scenario is that the economy will expand for decades and we will partly grow our way out of this debt crunch (like we temporarily did under Ronald Reagan). But, I do not see stability for that length of time as even a remote possibility in this world full of crises. I think it is only a matter of time before a downturn in the economy or an unforeseen world event brings about the collapse of this house of cards.
The catalyst for a crash can come in any number of ways. One likely scenario is that confidence in the US dollar will falter. When this happens interest rates will have to rise dramatically to try to lure foreign investors to re-service our debt. Higher interest rates will then shut down our economy and less tax money will be raised. The debt will still have to be paid at the higher interest rate so the government will print even more money and deficit spending will increase. The dollar will fall in value against other currencies bringing about an inflation spiral in the United States and even more dumping of US dollars for a more stable currency.
Banks and financial institutions holding today's unrealistic low interest loans on property will go under, causing a collapse of pension systems and/or a taxpayer bailout that will worsen the deficits even further. Many with adjustable rate mortgages will not be able to make the payments and they will default on their loans. The foreclosed houses will be dumped on the market bringing a collapse in all home values. All this in effect will cause an inflationary depression in the largest economy in the world.
The fall of the US economy will have a domino effect and bring about a worldwide depression that will further depress the US economy and bring a full fledged inflationary depression worse than the great depression of the 1930's. When this happens most companies will go bankrupt and will be nationalized.When I first wrote about the coming economic crash caused by debt in the year 2000, the stock market was 300 percent overvalued. Since then the market has gone down and has gone back up and is now in a bear market. When inflation and the fall of the dollar over the past seven years are factored in stocks are doing much worse then in the year 2000. If investors today had a proper perspective on interest rates, the falling dollar, record oil prices, record deficit spending, the housing crash, terrorism and the coming conflict with Iran the value of stocks would decline to less then half of what it is in the summer of 2008. They will!
Paper money is only worth what it can be traded for in real goods and services. The United States record deficit spending is putting cash into the economy but like all who spend beyond their means the bill will come due. Soon foreign investors will lose confidence and others that hate the US will deliberately cause more pain and the dollar will fall like a rock. The fall of the dollar has already begun. The US dollar only buys half of what it did in Europe only a few years ago. Only time will tell if the current fall of the dollar will briefly stop or continue descending into a worse crises. Meanwhile, if there is another downturn anytime soon caused by economics or terrorism, or further collapse of housing we will not be able to buy our way out of it again without hyper-inflation.
Inflationary depression worse than the great depression
Two thirds of the families in the US are now invested in the stock market compared to three percent in the great crash of 1929. When the economic crash comes, retirement accounts, mutual funds and most paper wealth will be wiped out. Most banks and financial institutions will fail, be bailed out, or be taken over by the government (causing further devaluation of the dollar). Most people making a living on the service sector of our economy will be unemployed. Prices on everything made in this country will either deflate or paper money will lose most of its value. The resultant depression will affect everyone and it will be the worst that this nation has ever known.
When the US economy goes down it will take the world economy with it. This economic collapse will cause great civil unrest all over the world, cities will be filled with riots and later with troops. Democracy will be dead and people will look to demigods to solve their problems. When the economy of the West crashes Russia may get ideas to invade the Middle East to seize its riches. This day will not take some of the elite of the world by surprise. They know that this day is coming (Satan pulls their strings). At the appropriate time, the solution to the crises will be to abolish almost all debt and all savings and to start over with a new world economic system that will set the stage for the end time economic system described in the book of Revelation.There is little question that the world debt crash is coming. It does not even have to start in the United States (it could begin in Japan, China, Europe or elsewhere). The only question is the timing of this crash. The world debt situation is so bad now, that a deliberate or accidental crash could occur at any time. The world bankers and world leaders have been putting off the inevitable by huge bailouts and extensions of debts but with these bailouts there is loss of sovereignty to world government and world bankers. They will continue in this mode until the house of cards collapses of its own weight, someone pulls a card, or some large scale economic disruption blows this house of cards over.
Students of Bible prophecy know that a new world economic system will be set up under a world government where no one will be able to buy or sell unless they take the "mark of the Beast". The formerly debt ridden world will embrace this worldwide cash-less monetary system after the crash because a new system will wipe out most debt and all nations will start afresh. This new economic system will promise great prosperity to the world.
Signs of the time
There is unparalleled greed and foolishness happening in the financial markets of today. People have lost their ability to reason. Like gamblers at casinos the day traders believe that they cannot lose. They think the stock market will always go up. When they take a loss they just double up on their bets. At the high roller's table there are the derivative speculators that are gambling trillions and whole corporations on the wheel of fortune.
We allow government to spend more than it collects and thus defer the bills to our children with little thought to the consequences it will have for them. The scripture says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Even many Christians have embraced these evils. The number one message preached today in Christian media and in pulpits is "give us money". God has blessed the United States because of His people but greed will ultimately bring correction.
The massive world debt load argues that borrowers have become enslaved by the lenders and will do their wishes. On a temporal national level this means that debt ridden nations must fall in line with the agenda of the globalist socialist elite or they will find themselves in a depression. In the longer term when Satan is ready for his man to take control of the world, this generation will see a total crash of the old economic system. The solution of the new economic system will bring the 666 mark of the Beast and enslavement.
By Don Koenig - 2000 with 2008 update
Almost every nation of the world has such severe debt that just making the interest payments takes a large amount of their financial resources. Much of this world debt is owed to world bankers that then dictate their own economic policy to these countries. These policies do not favor the poor.
The largest economy in the world is the United States. The US government is currently 10 trillion dollars in debt and that is projected to go to 11 trillion or more in two years. Paying the interest on that huge debt in future years will cost about as much as what is spent on national defense (using modern historical interest rates and the cost of defense under normal peace time conditions).
The United States is now by far the biggest debtor nation in the world. For many years we have been importing hundreds of billions more dollars in goods and services than we are exporting each year. In 2005 through 2008 the trade imbalance averaged well over 700 billion dollars per year! Trillions of US dollars are now in the hands of foreign investors who at any time could dump the dollar causing a devaluation of the currency.
Just a few years ago, the US government was forecasting surpluses of trillions of dollars based on the stupid assumption that there would not be a downturn in the economy for decades. This foolish assumption was of course proven wrong and deficit spending has returned to well over "four hundred billion dollars" a year. The only reason the United States is not feeling the pinch of spending beyond its means has been the record low interest rates. The low interest rates were brought about by Federal Reserve manipulation to stimulate the economy but interest rates now will rise. Soon all who need loans will be making higher payments and the US government will be paying much more to service the national debt.
Debt and unfunded liabilities promised through entitlement programs is now over 50 trillion dollars. This amount of money in non inflationary dollars is impossible to raise! Thus, the US is now technically bankrupt. In order to keep up the facade that the US is solvent for even another decade or two one or more of the following must happen.
1. Taxes must be raised.
2. Government spending will have to be drastically cut.
3. Deficit spending will dramatically increase.
If taxes are raised, it will kill the economy and the debt load will get worse and not better. Spending will not be drastically cut because these types of cuts would never get through the political system. Therefore, massive deficit spending will take place. The monetary system will be inflated so that this debt can be paid by using a dollar worth only a fraction of what it is today. This means a much weaker dollar in the future and much higher prices for all goods and services imported to the United States (in short it means we should expect hyper-Inflation). The recent rise in all commodity prices might just be the start of what is to come.
The best long term scenario is that the economy will expand for decades and we will partly grow our way out of this debt crunch (like we temporarily did under Ronald Reagan). But, I do not see stability for that length of time as even a remote possibility in this world full of crises. I think it is only a matter of time before a downturn in the economy or an unforeseen world event brings about the collapse of this house of cards.
The catalyst for a crash can come in any number of ways. One likely scenario is that confidence in the US dollar will falter. When this happens interest rates will have to rise dramatically to try to lure foreign investors to re-service our debt. Higher interest rates will then shut down our economy and less tax money will be raised. The debt will still have to be paid at the higher interest rate so the government will print even more money and deficit spending will increase. The dollar will fall in value against other currencies bringing about an inflation spiral in the United States and even more dumping of US dollars for a more stable currency.
Banks and financial institutions holding today's unrealistic low interest loans on property will go under, causing a collapse of pension systems and/or a taxpayer bailout that will worsen the deficits even further. Many with adjustable rate mortgages will not be able to make the payments and they will default on their loans. The foreclosed houses will be dumped on the market bringing a collapse in all home values. All this in effect will cause an inflationary depression in the largest economy in the world.
The fall of the US economy will have a domino effect and bring about a worldwide depression that will further depress the US economy and bring a full fledged inflationary depression worse than the great depression of the 1930's. When this happens most companies will go bankrupt and will be nationalized.When I first wrote about the coming economic crash caused by debt in the year 2000, the stock market was 300 percent overvalued. Since then the market has gone down and has gone back up and is now in a bear market. When inflation and the fall of the dollar over the past seven years are factored in stocks are doing much worse then in the year 2000. If investors today had a proper perspective on interest rates, the falling dollar, record oil prices, record deficit spending, the housing crash, terrorism and the coming conflict with Iran the value of stocks would decline to less then half of what it is in the summer of 2008. They will!
Paper money is only worth what it can be traded for in real goods and services. The United States record deficit spending is putting cash into the economy but like all who spend beyond their means the bill will come due. Soon foreign investors will lose confidence and others that hate the US will deliberately cause more pain and the dollar will fall like a rock. The fall of the dollar has already begun. The US dollar only buys half of what it did in Europe only a few years ago. Only time will tell if the current fall of the dollar will briefly stop or continue descending into a worse crises. Meanwhile, if there is another downturn anytime soon caused by economics or terrorism, or further collapse of housing we will not be able to buy our way out of it again without hyper-inflation.
Inflationary depression worse than the great depression
Two thirds of the families in the US are now invested in the stock market compared to three percent in the great crash of 1929. When the economic crash comes, retirement accounts, mutual funds and most paper wealth will be wiped out. Most banks and financial institutions will fail, be bailed out, or be taken over by the government (causing further devaluation of the dollar). Most people making a living on the service sector of our economy will be unemployed. Prices on everything made in this country will either deflate or paper money will lose most of its value. The resultant depression will affect everyone and it will be the worst that this nation has ever known.
When the US economy goes down it will take the world economy with it. This economic collapse will cause great civil unrest all over the world, cities will be filled with riots and later with troops. Democracy will be dead and people will look to demigods to solve their problems. When the economy of the West crashes Russia may get ideas to invade the Middle East to seize its riches. This day will not take some of the elite of the world by surprise. They know that this day is coming (Satan pulls their strings). At the appropriate time, the solution to the crises will be to abolish almost all debt and all savings and to start over with a new world economic system that will set the stage for the end time economic system described in the book of Revelation.There is little question that the world debt crash is coming. It does not even have to start in the United States (it could begin in Japan, China, Europe or elsewhere). The only question is the timing of this crash. The world debt situation is so bad now, that a deliberate or accidental crash could occur at any time. The world bankers and world leaders have been putting off the inevitable by huge bailouts and extensions of debts but with these bailouts there is loss of sovereignty to world government and world bankers. They will continue in this mode until the house of cards collapses of its own weight, someone pulls a card, or some large scale economic disruption blows this house of cards over.
Students of Bible prophecy know that a new world economic system will be set up under a world government where no one will be able to buy or sell unless they take the "mark of the Beast". The formerly debt ridden world will embrace this worldwide cash-less monetary system after the crash because a new system will wipe out most debt and all nations will start afresh. This new economic system will promise great prosperity to the world.
Signs of the time
There is unparalleled greed and foolishness happening in the financial markets of today. People have lost their ability to reason. Like gamblers at casinos the day traders believe that they cannot lose. They think the stock market will always go up. When they take a loss they just double up on their bets. At the high roller's table there are the derivative speculators that are gambling trillions and whole corporations on the wheel of fortune.
We allow government to spend more than it collects and thus defer the bills to our children with little thought to the consequences it will have for them. The scripture says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Even many Christians have embraced these evils. The number one message preached today in Christian media and in pulpits is "give us money". God has blessed the United States because of His people but greed will ultimately bring correction.
The massive world debt load argues that borrowers have become enslaved by the lenders and will do their wishes. On a temporal national level this means that debt ridden nations must fall in line with the agenda of the globalist socialist elite or they will find themselves in a depression. In the longer term when Satan is ready for his man to take control of the world, this generation will see a total crash of the old economic system. The solution of the new economic system will bring the 666 mark of the Beast and enslavement.
BIBLE PROPHESIES INVOLVING END TIMES
BIBLE PROPHESIES INVOLVING END TIMES
This selection of prophecies from the Bible involve the end times or involve events leading up to the end times, when Jesus is to return and judge the living and the dead.
1. Jesus will return (to judge the living and the dead)Bible passage: Matthew 24:29-31Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:29-31, as well as in other places within the New Testament, Jesus revealed about 2000 years ago that he would return in the future. Christians believe that when Jesus returns, he will judge the living and the dead. This belief is reflected in the Apostle's Creed, which is a summary of Christian beliefs that was written many centuries ago. The Apostle's Creed is recited by Christians during Christian worship services.Matthew 24:29-31:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days " 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
2. No one will know the hour or the day of Jesus' returnBible passage: Matthew 24:36-37Written: During the first century ADWhen Jesus lived in the land of Israel about 2000 years ago, he gave a very simple and concise answer when someone asked him when he would return: He explained that no one knows the hour or the day, except for God the Father (Matthew 24:36). Even so, many people throughout history have falsely insisted that they knew the day of Jesus' return, only to be proven wrong. During the past few centuries, for example, there have been some very influential people who have misled many people with their false predictions, including: • William Miller, who is credited with the beginning of the Adventist movement, which includes the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He claimed Jesus would return " sometime between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844." • After his prediction had failed, a colleague named Samuel S. Snow, claimed that the true date would be October 22, 1844. That prediction also proved false. • Nelson H. Barbour, a Millerite Adventist who lived from 1824 to 1905, wrote a book entitled Evidences for the Coming of the Lord in 1873, and was involved in other date-setting attempts with Charles Taze Russell. • Russell continued attempts at setting dates for the return of Jesus and spoke of invisible fulfillments. Russell is credited as being the founder of a religious organization called Jehovah's Witnesses.• Herbert W. Armstrong, who lived from 1892 to 1986 and founded a religious organization called the Worldwide Church of God, wrote a book called 1975 in Prophecy! The book warned of a catastrophic drought, enslavement of Americans and Britons, nuclear war and the return of Jesus as a dictator. • Joseph Smith, the founder of a religion called Mormonism, claimed that Jesus would return by 1891.Matthew 24:36-37:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
3. Jesus' return will be unexpectedBible passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18Written: During the first century ADIn 2 Peter, which is the name of an epistle (letter) in the New Testament of the Bible, we are told that the last days will take people by surprise, that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief." The author, Peter, who was one of Jesus' apostles, reminds Christians to live righteously (2 Peter 3:11 and 2 Peter 3:14) and to view the end times with joy rather than fear (2 Peter 3:12-13).2 Peter 3:1-18:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
4. The "day of the Lord" will take people by surpriseBible passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9Written: About 50 AD ADIn a letter addressed to the church of the Thessalonians, from Paul, Silas and Timothy, we are reminded that the end times, which is referenced here as the "day of the Lord," will take people by surprise. In fact, we are told that the day will come "like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2), during a time when people were talking about peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3).1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Before the end comes, the Gospel will be preached to the entire worldBible passage: Matthew 24:14Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:14, the Bible says that the Gospel (the news about Jesus and his offer of salvation and eternal life, as explained in the New Testament of the Bible) will be preached throughout the world. The Bible also says that after this happens, the end times will come. The Bible has been preached throughout the world for a long time. But now, with the increasing worldwide availability of television and the Internet, there is greater potential for the Gospel to be preached to everyone, everywhere.Matthew 24:14:And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
6. There will be false messiahs before Jesus returns.Bible passage: Matthew 24:23-25Written: During the first century ADJesus proclaimed in Matthew 24 that there would be false messiahs and history has provided us with many examples. Here are some of the more intriguing examples of false messiahs: Perhaps the most destructive of the false messiahs was Simon bar Kochba, who unleashed such great harm on his people that the injuries are still visible today. Kochba lived during the second century. With the help of the highly revered Rabbi Akiva, who declared that Kochba was the promised messiah, Kochba organized a rebellion against the Romans who occupied and controlled the land of Israel. The Romans, at great cost to themselves, eventually defeated Kochba's rebellion, and destroyed villages, towns and settlements throughout the land of Israel, and forced a new exile of Jews from the land of Israel, the effects of which are felt today. Even now, the majority of Jewish people live outside of the land of Israel.Matthew 24:23-25:23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
7. Jesus spoke of a day of unequaled destruction and suffering.Bible passage: Matthew 24:21-22Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus says there will come a time when a calamity strikes that will be unequaled by anything that has ever taken place. Many people have offered their opinions about this prophecy, claiming that it points to a time of worldwide turmoil, or widespread disease and famine, or terrorism, or nuclear war, etc. And, so, it can be easy to overlook the good news contained in this prophecy: No matter what happens in this world, no matter how bad things get, God ultimately is in control and God ultimately will intervene and save those who serve him.Matthew 24:21-22:21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
8. Jerusalem will be trampled uponBible passage: Luke 21:23-24Written: During the first century Jesus prophesied that the Gentiles, which is a word that refers to non-Jews, would trample upon Jerusalem until the end times. It is interesting to note that when Jesus gave this prophecy during the first century of this era, the Jews had considerable control over the city of Jerusalem, even though they were forcibly incorporated into the Roman Empire. The Jews had a Temple in Jerusalem and were able to carry out various functions associated with Judaism. But, about 40 years after Jesus prophesied about Gentiles trampling upon Jerusalem, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and forced Jews into exile. Even today, nearly 2,000 years later, the Jews still do not have enough control over Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple on the Temple Mount.Luke 21:23-24:23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
9. All who believe in Jesus will be saved.Bible passage: John 3:16Written: During the first century In John 3:16, Jesus says that anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved.John 3:16:For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.Notes: The commentaries above are copyright protected. The copyright owners are George Konig, Ray Konig and 100prophecies.org. All rights reserved. Bible verses are from the New International Version (NIV) translation.
Copyright ©1999-2008 George Konig and 100prophecies.org.
Email address is: ohpquestions@yahoo.com
This selection of prophecies from the Bible involve the end times or involve events leading up to the end times, when Jesus is to return and judge the living and the dead.
1. Jesus will return (to judge the living and the dead)Bible passage: Matthew 24:29-31Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:29-31, as well as in other places within the New Testament, Jesus revealed about 2000 years ago that he would return in the future. Christians believe that when Jesus returns, he will judge the living and the dead. This belief is reflected in the Apostle's Creed, which is a summary of Christian beliefs that was written many centuries ago. The Apostle's Creed is recited by Christians during Christian worship services.Matthew 24:29-31:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days " 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
2. No one will know the hour or the day of Jesus' returnBible passage: Matthew 24:36-37Written: During the first century ADWhen Jesus lived in the land of Israel about 2000 years ago, he gave a very simple and concise answer when someone asked him when he would return: He explained that no one knows the hour or the day, except for God the Father (Matthew 24:36). Even so, many people throughout history have falsely insisted that they knew the day of Jesus' return, only to be proven wrong. During the past few centuries, for example, there have been some very influential people who have misled many people with their false predictions, including: • William Miller, who is credited with the beginning of the Adventist movement, which includes the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He claimed Jesus would return " sometime between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844." • After his prediction had failed, a colleague named Samuel S. Snow, claimed that the true date would be October 22, 1844. That prediction also proved false. • Nelson H. Barbour, a Millerite Adventist who lived from 1824 to 1905, wrote a book entitled Evidences for the Coming of the Lord in 1873, and was involved in other date-setting attempts with Charles Taze Russell. • Russell continued attempts at setting dates for the return of Jesus and spoke of invisible fulfillments. Russell is credited as being the founder of a religious organization called Jehovah's Witnesses.• Herbert W. Armstrong, who lived from 1892 to 1986 and founded a religious organization called the Worldwide Church of God, wrote a book called 1975 in Prophecy! The book warned of a catastrophic drought, enslavement of Americans and Britons, nuclear war and the return of Jesus as a dictator. • Joseph Smith, the founder of a religion called Mormonism, claimed that Jesus would return by 1891.Matthew 24:36-37:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
3. Jesus' return will be unexpectedBible passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18Written: During the first century ADIn 2 Peter, which is the name of an epistle (letter) in the New Testament of the Bible, we are told that the last days will take people by surprise, that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief." The author, Peter, who was one of Jesus' apostles, reminds Christians to live righteously (2 Peter 3:11 and 2 Peter 3:14) and to view the end times with joy rather than fear (2 Peter 3:12-13).2 Peter 3:1-18:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
4. The "day of the Lord" will take people by surpriseBible passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9Written: About 50 AD ADIn a letter addressed to the church of the Thessalonians, from Paul, Silas and Timothy, we are reminded that the end times, which is referenced here as the "day of the Lord," will take people by surprise. In fact, we are told that the day will come "like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2), during a time when people were talking about peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3).1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Before the end comes, the Gospel will be preached to the entire worldBible passage: Matthew 24:14Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:14, the Bible says that the Gospel (the news about Jesus and his offer of salvation and eternal life, as explained in the New Testament of the Bible) will be preached throughout the world. The Bible also says that after this happens, the end times will come. The Bible has been preached throughout the world for a long time. But now, with the increasing worldwide availability of television and the Internet, there is greater potential for the Gospel to be preached to everyone, everywhere.Matthew 24:14:And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
6. There will be false messiahs before Jesus returns.Bible passage: Matthew 24:23-25Written: During the first century ADJesus proclaimed in Matthew 24 that there would be false messiahs and history has provided us with many examples. Here are some of the more intriguing examples of false messiahs: Perhaps the most destructive of the false messiahs was Simon bar Kochba, who unleashed such great harm on his people that the injuries are still visible today. Kochba lived during the second century. With the help of the highly revered Rabbi Akiva, who declared that Kochba was the promised messiah, Kochba organized a rebellion against the Romans who occupied and controlled the land of Israel. The Romans, at great cost to themselves, eventually defeated Kochba's rebellion, and destroyed villages, towns and settlements throughout the land of Israel, and forced a new exile of Jews from the land of Israel, the effects of which are felt today. Even now, the majority of Jewish people live outside of the land of Israel.Matthew 24:23-25:23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
7. Jesus spoke of a day of unequaled destruction and suffering.Bible passage: Matthew 24:21-22Written: During the first century ADIn Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus says there will come a time when a calamity strikes that will be unequaled by anything that has ever taken place. Many people have offered their opinions about this prophecy, claiming that it points to a time of worldwide turmoil, or widespread disease and famine, or terrorism, or nuclear war, etc. And, so, it can be easy to overlook the good news contained in this prophecy: No matter what happens in this world, no matter how bad things get, God ultimately is in control and God ultimately will intervene and save those who serve him.Matthew 24:21-22:21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
8. Jerusalem will be trampled uponBible passage: Luke 21:23-24Written: During the first century Jesus prophesied that the Gentiles, which is a word that refers to non-Jews, would trample upon Jerusalem until the end times. It is interesting to note that when Jesus gave this prophecy during the first century of this era, the Jews had considerable control over the city of Jerusalem, even though they were forcibly incorporated into the Roman Empire. The Jews had a Temple in Jerusalem and were able to carry out various functions associated with Judaism. But, about 40 years after Jesus prophesied about Gentiles trampling upon Jerusalem, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and forced Jews into exile. Even today, nearly 2,000 years later, the Jews still do not have enough control over Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple on the Temple Mount.Luke 21:23-24:23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
9. All who believe in Jesus will be saved.Bible passage: John 3:16Written: During the first century In John 3:16, Jesus says that anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved.John 3:16:For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.Notes: The commentaries above are copyright protected. The copyright owners are George Konig, Ray Konig and 100prophecies.org. All rights reserved. Bible verses are from the New International Version (NIV) translation.
Copyright ©1999-2008 George Konig and 100prophecies.org.
Email address is: ohpquestions@yahoo.com
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