The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a jihadist group, announced on Wednesday that Christians in the Syrian city of Raqa will have to conform to Islamic Shari’a, paying taxes in return for protection.
Mind you, in the chaos that is the Syrian inflict, this is the side that the United States and John McCain in particular has been empowering.
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I Saw This Report And Thought How Sad. I Saw a Report About a Week Earlier Highlighting That Iran Was Going To Supply Iraq With Weapons. Now We Have The U.S Supplying Al-Qaeda With Weapons And Iran supplying the Levant.
If I were In Iraq I Would Move.
Hey Joel,
It is like reading you’re book again, surreal.
What do you make of the popularity of ISIS and their leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi who claims to be a descendant of Mohammed. I appreciate predictions are not a good idea but he/they tick a lot of boxes.
Could the takeover of Raqqa, Alleppo Falujah and Ramadi spread to more areas and become the beast kingdom described in the end times?
Grace and Peace
Strings
I suppose so, but my guess is his end comes with a drone strike. Time will tell.
Joel hello
First thank you for allowing my post on your previous post. i have been blest to find some where that is not pre trib and also does not try to make Ezekiel 38 39 before the tribulation.
I was wondering if at all i could ask you two questions, i realise you are a busy man and understand if you dont have time, to be honest i literally dont have anyone here to ask. its just that i have been trying to understand something in regards to the pre wrath that to me does not seem to fit (its been breaking my brain).
you do not have to post my question as i do not desire to gender confusion, and i know its not a salvation issue, but would be truly
grateful for the help.
Linda,
You may surely ask your question. I may not have time to answer, but will see what I can do.
Blessings
Thank you so much Joel,
Here goes (smiley face)
It would appear that the understanding of the pre wrath is that all of the trumpets and bowls are poured out after we are raptured at the sixth seal.
I can see that the sixth seal ends with the day of the Lord,which
means our resurrection and the destruction of the wicked (thats when we receive our crown 1pet5v4 ). no problem there.
However, to say that the trumpets and bowls fall one after the other after we are raptued is causing me a brain-strain (un smiley face).
Staight to the bowls, in v10 the beast still has a seat, but paul says he will be slain by the brightness of Jesus appearing, rev16v1-12, these first six bowls are as i see it before the day of the Lord, the sixth bowl v12 is the gathering of the hords to the battle of the great day of God, they are gathered to Armageddon v16 ,(even given our modern travel advances, this will surely take at least a bit of time) v15 Jesus gives the “i come as a thief” warning, i can only see that He gives that warning once, then its to late, He would not need to give it again when he is already here, the 7th bowl v17-19 results in the earthquake that happens at the day of the Lord.
The trumpets, i just cannot see how these sound after the rapture,to be short,ch9v5 men are tormented for five months, and i can see no reason for these months to be symbolic, then when the 6th trump sounds men are tortured again and very many die but not all v20.I can only understand that when Jesus comes back as a thief the wicked will be slain and not left alive. When the seventh trump sounds its the end again,ch11v15, time for us to be rewarded again.
I have read and re read it so many times and i can only see that the first 6 seals cover the whole 7 years, where as the trumpts and bowls are near the end of the 7 years ending at the end again but with a bit more detail.
I know that it may not be that important, but if what i am sharing with my friends is not right, i am open to correction, i have not quoted some one else’s thoughts, its what i see myself, my brain wont let me rest till my heart is happy, i am just an ordinary christian i dont have any position or qualifications, so would be interested in any feed back.
Thank you so much,(no need to post the question)
You know, on second thought, the Antichrist comes in peaceably and uses deception. I do not see someone like an Al-Qaeda leader doing this. I wouldn’t put my money on Baghdadi. I’m putting my money on a drone strike for him. Again, time will tell.
Takes Some Time To Adjust Our Thinking On Satan And His Antichrist. Its Easy To Think Of Them As The Face Of Evil. hGruesome, Ugly, Power Hungry, Full Of Hate Speech, Throwing Up Symbols, etc.
The Most Evil Beings pretend To Be Good At First Too Put Down Your Gaurd Then As They Are Trusted With More And More Power The Switch Trips And Total Chaos Happens.
Its a Simple Idea, Gain Complete Trust And Then Stab Them In The Back. You Can Kill More People In The Long Run This Way.
If People Know Who The Enemy Is Then They Have a Target.
Check Out Iron Man 3, the Mandarin Was Just a Puppet. The Real Bad Guys Always Prefer To Be Behind The Scenes.
Hi Joel,
If you have 42 minutes to spare, have a look at this video by Doug Bachelor from Amazing Facts. He asserts that prophecy is being fulfilled in the form of a “one world religion” as a result of a recent message by the Pope to a gathering of Protestant church leaders, calling for unity between Catholics and Protestants.
I don’t doubt the Catholic Church will play some role in the end times, but I don’t know how it can be stated with certainty that prophecy is being fulfilled concerning the establishment of a one world religion based in Europe, when scripture is not explicit in that claim.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsF2q-8ez08&app=desktop
I’ve always been taught antichrist comes in peacefully and deceiving but I’m not so sure of that. Rev. 6 shows the lifespan of antichrist as the four horses. He has four rides, no more. The first ride is the white horse and that is his debut. It says he comes as a conqueror with a bow (weapon of war) and is given a crown and he goes out and conquers. The following three horses are the results of his position and agenda. Also of interest, the first three horses it always refers to ‘he’, but on the fourth it becomes ‘they’. That’s also when one fourth of the world is given over to them. He conquers no more than that as that’s his final ride. So much for a one world this and one world that.
Hi Joel,
The only reason I mentioned him is I keep seeing that tribes Iraqi and Syrian tribes are pledging oath to ISIS and you see Muslims from Indonesia, Somalia, Nigeria to Palestine holding up the ISIS black flag showing their support.
I also have read that Jihadis are referring to him as amir al-mu’minin “commander of the faithful” and throw into the mix the Mo ancestry claim, it makes you think.
I hope for the sake of the Syrian/Iraqi beleivers he is stopped.
Another grisly medieval contribution from ISIS below.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2570535/Syrian-extremists-cut-mans-hand-punishment-stealing-post-pictures-Twitter.html
In Him.
Steve,
To a degree, it is both. He may be at war with some of the surrounding nations, but he gains Israel’s trust via false peace. The AC will be a man of some political capital. According to Isaiah, Israel will even to come to lean on him for their own peace and security. Speaking of the messianic kingdom, we are told:
Daniel has much to say concerning the AC’s mode of operation in relating to Israel:
Needless to say, I do not see any al-Qaeda leader fulfilling these descriptions. But God knows best.
I hope this has helped.
Blessings
Steve, when the AC rides the white horse he carries a bow but no arrows. I think Saddam gave us a picture or type of this with the missing weapons of mass destruction. Hitler may be another picture of this bluff strategy. Early in he could have been stopped but the Chamberlin strategy of appeasement led to WWII. I think the bow without arrows image speaks to a similar scenario for the AC. He will conquer without arrows at first.
Joel
i do apologise if i appeared to be being awkward, i wasnt, i just dont understand, i guess i will try to leave it be for now.
Just watched your interview with mr Adjan Oktar from turkey, bought tears to my eyes, seems such a sincere man, trust God to grant him his Damascus road.
much blessings
Joel and Nelson, thanks for the responses. I’m aware of the missing arrows, but don’t know if we would be reading too much into that imagery. I also know by the fourth horse the sword is present. I do know when the bible uses certain words it’s for a reason. Time will tell. Daniel 9:27 says he will confirm the covenant with many, therefore he won’t be the only one to fool Israel into false peace. Out of those liars he will emerge and begin his career. I don’t think he will be a butcher from Al Qaeda either. His tactics will certainly wow and amaze people, but I also believe those in the know won’t be fooled. Sadly, I believe that remnant is a minority. We’ll be able to narrow it down as to who he is, if we’re still around, when we see those who confirm a 7 year treaty with Israel.
Linda,
Not at all. I can”t respond right now. Too busy, but I’m hoping some others may assist you in understanding your questions / concerns.
Blessings
One Thing I Noticed About The Anti-Christ Is He Will Be The Exact Opposite Of Jesus.
Jesus Said He Did Not Come To Bring Peace But a Sword! He Sent Out His Disciples With No Money. He Performed No Miracles For a Sign, Which Many requested. He Came To Serve, Not Be Served.
The Antichrist Will Be All That He Wasnt.
Christopher,
Those are very astute observations!
Blessings,
Jeanne
Linda, I appreciate your comment / question. As I have sought out some explanation of the pre wrath theory I have found some of the arguments against basic post trib rapture theory less than convincing. For example, the chronological sequence of seals, trumpets and bowls. On the other hand, I think the pre wrath theory may supplement a small bit to the broad post trib rapture view, that is, the events immediately following the rapture. Haven’t you ever wondered if we meet Christ The Lord in the sky only to immediately come back down? Maybe we are suspended in mid heavens for some time while wrath is poured out on the unbelieving.. These things are spiritually discerned, may we all grant The Spirit time to teach us.
Linda,
I think Bob is correct. There is mystery about the end times. Daniel is sealed and will only be unsealed when God decides it is time. The Olivet Discourse and Revelation are not sealed so these explain to some extent what is happening. But full understanding is not yet for our time.
Part of the mystery may be that the Day of Lord is longer than a day. I believe the Lord descends and is on the Earth for a period of time prior to the destruction of the Antichrist. How much longer I am not yet sure.
Bob & Linda,
You are both starting off on the wrong foot. If you would just do a little research on acient scrolls you would find what I did. Archaeological finds show that scrolls were rolled up, tied with string, then a clay “stamp” was put on it. Then the seal was pressed into the clay. It would harden, then you would have to “break” each seal in order to open the scroll. The scroll is shown open in Rev 10. This has to be the same scroll because it is the only one being talked about. And John is telling us the “rest of the story”, after he eats the book. I won’t use my smiley face. But I am still happy, and try to live in the joy of the Lord. Peace!
Linda,
Here are some thoughts that may help you. I don’t present these as the definitive answer by any means, just my own current understanding at this time. We are all pressing in to know the truth regarding the end time prophecies and no doubt there is much we do not fully understand at this time. All will be revealed at the appointed time, but we are wise to seek these things out.
I feel that part of the confusion is caused by considering the trumpets to be part of the wrath. I do not think they are, rather they are part of the escalating judgements from heaven intended to bring as many as possible to repentance. The bowls are the wrath of God and I do believe that the saints will be raptured at the end of the trumpets, just before the bowls are poured out. As you have noted, the trumpets occur over time, but the bowls seems to be poured out in quick succession. The final bowl destroys the infrastructure of this present evil age, making way for a restoration of society according to Jesus’ rule from Jerusalem. I also believe (as you seem to) that the times and numbers given in Revelation are literal and should not be symbolized.
We should remember, when seeking to establish a chronology of the seals, trumpets, and bowls that when the wicked cry out that “the day of His wrath has come” at the sixth seal that these are unregenerate people who are darkened in their understanding. Just because they interpret the signs at that time as “the wrath of the lamb” doesn’t mean that it actually is!
My own studies have led to me conclude for the present time that the seals, trumpets, and bowls are chronological, and that the wrath occurs during the pouring out of the bowls at the very end of the tribulation. I believe we will be raptured just prior to the bowls and will partner with Jesus as He cleanses the earth from wicked kings and their government, and rescues His Jewish remnant in Jerusalem. So I am both post-trib and pre-wrath.
Finally, I would encourage you to not feel as though you must nail down every detail in order to speak truth to your friends. We have more than enough detail about this coming shaking and tribulation to warn and preach to those who will hear. Bless you as you carry the message of redemption to your friends through the blood of Jesus.
Bob and Linda,
In regard to the redeemed and raptured spending time in the air, the true story of Noah may act as a parable of the Day of the Lord and give us information on that. There are two other true stories from the OT that may give us Day of the Lord information as well, Sodom and Gomorrah and the Battle of Jericho. God used these events to paint pictures, especially with Jericho with the “crazy” battle plan. This becomes clear when you compare it to events in Revelation.
Now in the story of Noah, Jesus directly tells us that the Rapture will be as in the days of Noah. In this story the waters were upon the Earth 150 days. (might this be the time of the Wrath of God?) Notice God kept Noah and his family in the Ark 1 year and 10 days. Might we be off the earth for a year and ten days as well? 10 days is an interesting amount of time, it’s equal to the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Anytime I see correlations with the Feasts I pay attention. So this is guess work but it seems to fit with a pre-wrath rapture very well.
Thanks Bob,
Actually yes i have wondered about that, obviously cant be dogmatic,
but may be when He comes at Armageddon it will be a quick work, so we will only be suspended a ‘little moment’ as Isaiah 26v20 says,
remember Jesus says his coming will be like lightning, that’s quick! Paul did say ‘even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God BRING with him.’
which does seem to imply of a bringing us with Him when he comes, so to be honest im not hundred percent exactly sure, only all the bowls do seem to be poured out before the armies are gathered at Armageddon.
You are right, The holy spirit Himself will Grace us with truth if we walk with him, it is a fearful thing to answer, as Paul, will we be able to say, i have fought a good fight when he comes. That scripture in corinthians has been much in my heart, that all our works will be tried as by fire , and we can suffer loss. so between now and then lets do our best to draw near, as on that day all things will become clear.
Bless you Bob
Thank you everyone,
I posted thanks to Bob, then came home and saw your comments, i did thankyou all last night on nieghbours phone as i cant post on mine, maybe it did not work. I think i agree with Greg about the trumpets,but i am sorry if i frustrated you Steve, i do honestly understand what you are saying about the order of the openings,its just that i dont have a problem with when they are opened, that they reveal a little more detail, kind of like the star wars precequal.
so i thank each one of you for your input and i wont mention it again.
I trust that when that time comes if i am still here, i will have people like you around me.
Bless you all.
Just a thought. While carrying a bow, but NO arrows, is it possibly like saying, “I come in peace.” We will all know this person has weapons, but he is coming with outstretched open hands to fool everyone? I am just now studying Revelation and must stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before me. I am learning by leaps and bounds from Joel & Walid’s books, The Mideast Beast and God’s War on Terror, what a blessing they are. They have changed my western view, which wasn’t solid to begin with, to eastern since I watched them on the Rabbi Jonathan Bernis’ show and ordered their books. I am also reading The Chronological Gospels by Michael Rood to help me with the sequence of events. Linda W
Hey Joel showing cult like support for ISIS in Indonesia.
New event in Jakarta #Indonesia in support of #ISIS on March 16: free trinkets and DVD’s for attendants http://t.co/48jvzsV3pA
(https://twitter.com/p_vanostaeyen/status/443796422702661632)
Linda, I think a bow is not a symbol of peace. Plus Rev 6 he conquering and to conquer, also not peaceful endevors. Two possibilities:
1. He conquers without firing a shot (no arrows). We know from numerous references he comes to power due to “intrigue and deception.”
2. He is not yet fully armed and conquers thru deceiving the world that he is armed fully. Saddam might be a “type” of this. Hitler as well during his early conquets in WWII.
I have just read a very interesting piece about old testament references to the antichrist, I have not heard this before, any thoughts?
They said that the first mention of the antichrist was in Gen 3v15.
They reason that the seed of a woman was a specific “He” meaning Jesus, and the seed of the serpent(satan) was also a specific he antichrist.
Any thoughts? or is this over stretching it.
LInda,
This is referred to as the protoevangelium. The first reference to both Jesus and the AC in seed form.
Ah! Thank you Joel,
It did make sense to me, but not hearing it before i did wonder.
The Lords Blessings on you and yours.