Lately, I have had a number of people email me asking my opinion on when the Lord will come.  Of course, I would be guessing if I gave even a round about date.  

Personally, I don’t think we would even be talking about this if Yasser Arafat had not died.  Since his death, there is a great deal of optimism in the air and many are embracing the real prospect of peace. 

Many prophecy experts are calling this a monumental event and I have to agree.  I’ve always believed that the Lord has given ample warning through many Bible believing ministers and preachers regarding Biblical events…and this no exception. 

Yes, many who frequent my website are constant watchers and see the direction the world is going.  They realize and have identified that God used Yasser Arafat as a tool to bring about His will in His time. 

Is the Lord about ready to rapture the church and plunge the world into tribulation?  Are we on the brink of witnessing something monumental?  And what will follow? 

Today, I am going to share with you what I believe will take place from this day forward.  Of course this is speculation and should be considered as such.  That doesn’t take away from the events that will be mentioned.  They all must happen as foretold in the Bible. 

For many, the events that are taking place in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine is the promise of the peace agreement between the antichrist and Israel.  Here is the primary scripture from which this alliance is prophesied: 

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.  (Daniel 9:27)” 

As you know, I am not fully convinced that this will turn out to be the prophesied covenant that the antichrist will confirm with many.  Of course, if it lingers on it could become part of the European Neighborhood Policy.   If you remember, Israel has signed a neighborhood agreement with the European Union that is designed to bring neighboring countries into the E.U. culture.   Although, the agreement is in the beginning stages, the real benefits won’t begin until the present financial instrument has expired at the end of 2006.   The new financial assistance plan known as the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) runs from 2007-2113.  This is a seven-year plan that will include between 17-20 neighboring countries.   

Both Palestine and Israel will take part in this agreement.  It’s possible that the peace process may hit a few of snags between now and 2007.  If that’s the case, peace and Palestinian statehood maybe integrated into the ENPI as a prerequisite.  Right now they only have to be at peace with their neighbors to take part.  That will likely change if things have not been sorted out by 2007.  Israel has a long way to go before that is achieved.  

If a peace plan is established before the end of 2006 (roadmap) look for Israel to be attacked by the Russian-Arab alliance within a year (Ezekiel 38 & 39).  The Bible says that this attack will end in disaster for the alliance.  

At some point, after the establishment of the peace agreement, a great world war will take place (Revelation 6:3-8).  The origin of this war is unknown, but when it is over, one-quarter of the world’s population will be wiped out.   

It’s possible that the Russian-Arab attack may take place as part of this great war.  It’s also possible that the three kings (Daniel 7:24) and Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17 & 18) will be put down at this time.  

When it’s over, Israel, the antichrist and his kingdom will have survived.  It’s my belief that this is when he will begin to impose his will on the rest of the world and declare himself to be God.  When this happens, there will probably be some opposition not only throughout the world but also within his kingdom.  This could be when he crushes the three kings of Daniel 7:24.  

It’s hard to say what shape the U.S. will be in after the war.  Since there is no real Biblical evidence of their existence (by name) I am assuming they will have been destroyed at this point.  As you know, I have always believed that the United States would turn out to be Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17 & 18).  

Through force he will impose his will and cause the nations of the world to take his mark and to worship him.  Then the Lord will bring about His judgment upon the world.   

It should also be noted that from the beginning of the tribulation period God will have a witness on the earth and many will come to the Lord…but under great tribulation.  

In the future, I hope to explore what the different possibilities are on how this major war could come about.

Are you ready to meet the Lord?  If not your time is running out!

Pastor Malone