August 4, 2005

Comments
The Gaza pullout is around the corner and looks to be the first phase of a series of withdrawals.  Personally, I can't see the Lord allowing this to go on much longer.  This withdrawal is a part of God's plan but ultimately will serve to destroy Israel's enemies.

Unfortunately, the United States will have to suffer for their part in dividing Israel.  Historically, they've stood by Israel for years vetoing every ill-fated sanction against them since their rebirth (1948).  But that seems to be changing as they have played a major role in forcing Israel into accepting deep concessions so that the roadmap to a Palestinian state can stay on course.  Next, will be the West Bank and who knows what may follow.  

I've always believed that Mystery Babylon would turn out to be the United States and here are a few reasons why.  One, they have turned their back on God playing the harlot with others nations, not only in commerce, but also accepting their gods as real.  This will magnify one hundredfold during the tribulation period.  Two, they are in the beginning stages of turning their back on Israel by forcing them to withdraw from their land making them vulnerable to their enemies.  For this and other reasons, God will destroy them.

There are a number of possibilities that could come to past concerning the disengagement:  

1. Israel could refuse at the eleventh hour, even in the face of international pressure, to go through with the withdrawal.  That could prove to be disastrous in terms of their relationship with the U.S. and E.U.  Both are vital to their long-term survival.  

2. Israel could bow to pressure and proceed with the withdrawal.  This I believe will also serve to produce disastrous results bringing the Arab world into Israel's very home.  It's all a part of their long-term plan to destroy Israel once and for all.  To their peril, the Bible is clear that when they (Russia and Arab world, Ezekiel 38 & 39) do attack, it will be their final war.  

Either way, five things must happen in the near future:

First, the rapture of the church (I Thessalonians 4:13-18) must take place.  This is when all who are in Christ will rise to meet the Lord in the air.  I believe this will happen before the tribulation period begins. 

Second, the attack on Israel by Russia and the Arab world (Ezekiel 38 & 39).  It's possible that this could occur before the beginning of the tribulation period.  It's also very possible that it could be due to a great Israeli oil discovery that will literally siphon the oil deposits away from Russia and the Arab countries Article# 276.  This would devastate both the Arab and Russian economies.  

If you haven't heard, Russia is now the second leading producer of oil in the world.  Scripture also declares that the reason for their attack will be to take a spoil (Daniel 38:11 & 12) and, at the time of this attack, Israel will be dwelling at rest and in safety (Ezekiel 38:11).  This leads me to believe that they could already be at peace with the Arabs, but not necessarily with the antichrist.  That agreement could come later in the form of E.U. membership.  But it's most probable that they will be at peace with both at the time of the attack.  

Third, the antichrist will put down or subdue three nations (Daniel 7:22-24).  Although remote, it's possible that this could occur before the tribulation period during the antichrist's rise to power.  If you remember, I believe there will be a space of time between the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation period.  During this time, satan will be free to work out his plan and build his kingdom (Holy Spirit will be removed-II Thessalonians 2:2-11).  He may have to subdue a few nations to accomplish his will.  But it's more likely that Daniel is speaking of this happening during the tribulation period toward the middle.  There maybe an uprising when the antichrist declares himself to be God (Revelation 13).

Fourth, Israel will sign a peace agreement with the antichrist (Daniel 9:24-27).  This agreement will probably coincide with the Middle East peace agreement.  It might even be an incentive for Israel to make peace with the Arab world.  I lean toward this theory.  It will probably include Palestinian statehood, land concessions, the sharing of Jerusalem, rebuilding the Jerusalem temple, and E.U. membership.   They (Palestine) are in serious talks about the possibility of making East Jerusalem their capital as we speak.

Fifth, the third Jewish temple must be rebuilt (Matthew 24:15, II Thessalonians 2:4, and Revelation 11:1).  As previously stated, the rebuilding of the temple will probably be a concession the Palestinians will have to agree to as part of the ultimate Middle East agreement.  

Many believe that (I'm one of them) the antichrist will be instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple.  That's likely true, but not necessarily a must.  If the Russian-Arab alliance is defeated prior to a Middle East agreement, Israel will immediately rebuild its temple.  It could be years down the road that the E.U. finally makes a seven-year trial membership agreement with Israel.  After three and one half years the antichrist will break the agreement and stop the sacrifices in the temple.

One more thing, archeologist Dr. Jones claims that he will find and reveal the Ark Of The Covenant sometime toward the middle of August.  If anyone has updated information regarding this event please forward it to me.