Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Prophecy Fulfilled

2 Thessalonians 2:3 – Prophecy Fulfilled

What are the signs that tell us that Jesus’ return is near? In Matthew 24, Jesus talked about men claiming to be Him. Wars and rumors of wars. He references the days of Noah, a time when men’s evil bent had run amok. No doubt, the days we live in are very similar. But when this happens, the end is not yet. Famines, earthquakes, pestilences around the world – these are the beginning of sorrows. Then things start to get real – real bad. Christians hated because of their relationship with Jesus. Can you say ISIS? My heart breaks for the families of these 21 Coptic Christians beheaded simply because of their faith in Jesus. My heart burns at the powers that be that sit idly by and do nothing to protect these people and refuse to even acknowledge that their deaths were caused by radical Muslims who hate Christians and Jews. Jesus also says that many will be offended by Christians standing on their biblical beliefs and standing against all that is ungodly. Sound familiar? False prophets will multiply – prophets who tell us that they have a new revelation, that the Bible is wrong or has been wrongly translated or interpreted, that Christianity is outdated and irrelevant. And because of all this, lawlessness will abound, and the love of many will fade.

Wow! In my opinion, Jesus was looking at 21st century America. Of course, many, if not all of these things, have happened in other parts of the world before now, but it seems that it is more widespread than ever before. Add to all of this that since the time Jesus spoke these words, Israel was destroyed and basically disappeared for 2000 years, and now it is becoming one of the strongest nations in the Middle East (military and economically, anyway). Truly the Jewish people are causing the deserts to bloom. How many times since 1948 has Israel faced military annihilation with overwhelming forces coming against them only to come through the fray as victors? The only way any of this is possible is because God’s hand has covered this nation. Why? Because Israel is the epicenter of God’s plan in the last days. In fact, His plan has been set in motion for the purpose of bringing the Jews back to the Holy Land (a fulfillment of prophecy) and drawing them to their Messiah. And when Jesus returns, many eyes will be opened and Israel will be awakened spiritually. A great revival will begin and the Old Testament people of God will become the true people of God, born again by the Spirit, trusting in their true Messiah – His name is Jesus!

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