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It’s easy to see who the Antichrist is
It’s easy to see who the Antichrist is
Because the Bible tells us what he will do
By Craig C. White
Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. Top Muslim clerics from almost every Islamic nation have already pledged their allegiance to Erdogan as their promised Mahdi. Erdogan has built the largest Mosque in Turkey for himself on the Bosphorus between the seas in Istanbul (Dan 11:45). Erdogan is the “Assyrian” which is a type of the Antichrist. The Antichrist isn’t from Assyria (or northern Iraq today). The Antichrist will do the same things that the Assyrian kings did. He will conquer Syria (and destroy Damascus; Jeremiah 49:23). He will then invade northern Israel (Ezekiel 38).
Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.
The Turkish Army is already amassed near Tell-Rifaat (or Arpad in Jer 49:23). Erdogan said that the Turkish Army could attack Tell-Rifaat at any moment. The Turkish Army is now moving towards Idlib, Syria. Idlib is located just to the north of Hamah. The Turkish Army is about to attack Hamah and Tell-Rifaat (Arpad) just like the Prophet Jeremiah said. Then the Turkish Army along with its Al-Qaeda allies will march southward to destroy Damascus.
After Turkey destroys Damascus they will lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into Israel. Every nation that Ezekiel 38:5 lists is now fighting in Syria; namely Iran (Iranian Guard and Hezbollah), Sudan and Libya (Free Syrian Army).
Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
It is no secret that Turkish President Erdogan intends to reestablish the Ottoman Empire with himself as its ruler. The seventh world empire will be healed (Rev 13:3). The first nation on Erdogan’s hit list is Syria with Egypt following closely behind. Once Turkey conquers Syria, Erdogan will install a Muslim Brotherhood leader there. Then Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran will form an Union (Rev 9:14) with other Islamic nations following like Libya and Sudan.
The next thing that will happen is the attack on Hamah and Tell-Rifaat along with the closely following destruction of Damascus. Then Turkey will lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into the Golan Heights of Israel only thirty miles away from Damascus. I would expect to see Jesus Christ at that time!
Read my commentary titled The nations are disquieted over SyriaRead my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy
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Jesus celebrated Hanukkah!
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah!
2300 days
Hanukkah Menorah photo courtesy of Shoshana
Hanukkah 2023: Evening of Thu, Dec 7 – Fri, Dec 15
By Craig C. White
The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication”. Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration of the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev. While Hanukkah is not one of the appointed Jewish holy days (Leviticus 23, Numbers 29); it is mentioned in the Bible. It was prophesied in Daniel 8:14, also Jesus attended a Hanukkah celebration in John 10: 22-23.
In 175 B.C. Israel was under the rule of a wicked Grecian king named Antiochus Epiphanes. He was king over one quarter of the Grecian empire known as the Seleucid dynasty, headquartered in Syria. Antiochus Epiphanes robbed the temple in Jerusalem of its gold and holy vessels. He ended the daily sacrifice, and sacrificed pigs on the Jewish alter. Then he declared that he should be worshiped as God instead of the God of Israel. In 171 B.C. the high priest of Israel (Onias III) was murdered and false Priests were installed in temple worship.
In 167 B.C. a group of Hebrew rebels from Judea (which is the region around Jerusalem), known as the Maccabees began to fight the Syrian authorities in Jerusalem. The Maccabees regained control of the temple, and in 165 B.C. on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev the Jewish people resumed the daily sacrifice (1 Maccabees 4:52). This is the day that Israel celebrates Hanukkah (the dedication of the temple).
Hanukkah, or the day that the temple sacrifice would continue was prophesied in Daniel 8:14. God told Daniel about Hanukkah in 551 B.C. (Daniel 8: 1).
Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Daniel 8:14 says that the temple will be defiled for 2300 days; or that sacrifices will be interrupted for 2300 days. If you count 2300 days from the day that the high priest Onias III was murdered in 171 B.C. you come to Kislev 25, 165 B.C. That is the day of Hanukkah!
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah! In verse 22 below, the “feast of the dedication” is the same as Hanukkah.
John 10:22-30 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
Happy Hanukkah from High Time to Awake!
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Erdogan says “They have commenced a struggle between the cross and crescent”
Erdogan says “They have commenced a struggle between the cross and crescent”
Turkish President makes stand against Europe and Christendom
By Craig C. White
Turkish President Erdogan has declared war between cross and crescent, between Christianity and Islam. Erdogan threatened that Turks in Europe will rise up against Europeans.
Erdogan along with his supporters plan to convert the ancient Christian cathedral Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Erdogan plans to lead Muslim prayers there even though it is unlawful for a secular leader to do so. By leading Muslim prayers Erdogan is proclaiming himself as an Islamic Imam. For eight decades the Hagia Sophia has stood as a symbol of Turkey’s dedication to a secular society, accepting of both Islam and Christianity. Converting the old church into a Mosque will declare that Turkey and Islam have usurped Christianity. The war between cross and crescent will have officially begun.
In the attached article, Walid Shoebat suggests that this could fulfill 2Thessalonians 2:4. I think that this is worth considering.
2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
There will obviously be a physical temple building during the Tribulation period. In Revelation the Apostle John was instructed to measure its physical dimensions.
Rev 11:1-2 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
I wonder if the following two passages are describing two separate events.
Mat 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Verses
2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Matthew 24:15-16 could be referencing theses verses Dan 9:27, Dan 12:11.
Dan 9:27 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.
2Thessalonians 2:4 could be referencing these verses Isa_14:13; Eze 28:2, Dan 7:25, Dan 8:9-11, Dan 11:36; Rev 13:6.
Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
I wonder if the Antichrist standing in the temple of God (2Thess 2:4) is a separate event than the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (Mat 24 15:16). I wonder if Turkish President Erdogan standing in the Hagia Sophia showing himself that he is God could fulfill 2Thessalonians 2:4.
Read this article by Walid Shoebat Erdogan Is Planning To Convert Hagia Sophia To A Mosque Declaring A War Between The Crescent And The Cross
Read my commentary titled Erdogan is the Antichrist
Read my book Presenting the Antichrist and False Prophet
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Shane Brown speaks with guest Craig C. White
Shane Brown speaks with guest Craig C. White
If you haven’t heard this then you are falling behind.
Monday night I talked with Pastor Shane Brown and his prayer line callers. They were all fantastic. We discussed the nearness of the Rapture of the Church and I was allowed to answer caller’s questions. Thank you Shane. It is apparent that you love Jesus and that you also love your prayer line callers. Follow Shane on Twitter https://twitter.com/shanebrownmedia and on facebook https://www.facebook.com/shanebrownmedia
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The nations are disquieted over Syria
The nations are disquieted over Syria
verse by verse through Jeremiah 49:23-27
By Craig C. White
The Prophet Jeremiah asks the question “How is Damascus not there?”. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. One day it will no longer exist.
Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.
What is Jeremiah telling us? Obviously this prophecy is concerning Damascus, Syria. In the verse above, Jeremiah mentions two cities. Hamath and Arpad (or modern day Tell Rifaat) are both located in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border. Today Hamah is Syria’s fifth largest city.. Hamah is further south but still close to the Turkish border. Arpad is modern day Tell Rifaat located about 25 miles north of Aleppo and about 20 miles south of the Turkish border. These cities are located along the path of an invasion launched from Turkey headed towards Damascus.
According to Jeremiah 49:23 the people of northwestern Syria will hear intelligence reports that the Turkish army is about to invade Syria. The army’s target is Damascus and they are coming through their cities! The people of northwestern Syria are terrified. Their hearts faint with fear
There is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. The sea in Bible prophecy can refer to the Mediterranean Sea when it is accompanied with the definite article “the”. The sea can also refer to the nations. There is no article used here in the original Hebrew. I think that Jeremiah is saying that the nations will have great anxiety over the coming Turkish invasion into Syria. The Hebrew word translated sorrow means anxiety, fearfulness, carefulness, or heaviness.
So the nations will be very nervous concerning the coming Turkish invasion into Syria. The Turkish army’s goal is the destruction of Damascus. The English says it well here. The nations will not be able to be still. The Hebrew word translated quiet is defined below. The nations of the world will not be able to be at rest. They are already feeling uneasy concerning Syria.
quiet – shâqat, shaw-kat’
A primitive root; to repose (usually figuratively): – appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet (-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still.
Jeremiah 49:24 Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.
Damascus is waxed feeble. This is the idea of failing in your old age. Damascus is about to die. Damascus turneth herself to flee. This could refer to the city preparing to relinquish its life and it could also refer to the cities inhabitants as they attempt to escape.
The Hebrew word translated fear means to tremble with terror. Anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail; literally Damascus is feeling a localized tightness like a woman about to give birth.
Jeremiah 49:25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!
Two different Hebrew words for city are used in the verse above. The city of praise is a fortified city that has been celebrated in song. When God says “how is the city not left” he could be communicating his astonishment that even after a terrible assault on Damascus, the city has still not surrendered. When God calls Damascus “the city of my joy!” he is specifically saying that he delights in the cities old buildings. So we are looking for the destruction of the old part of the city. The neighborhood of “Old Damascus” is the capital of Syria. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. It was founded by the Aramaeans over four thousand years ago, and was inhabited two thousand years before that. Damascus is a living depiction of human history.
Jeremiah 49:26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.
In this verse the young men are contrasted to the men of war. The men of war obviously represent the Syrian Army. Lately Syrian citizens have joined Assad and the Syrian Army to help defend their country. The Syrian National Defense Force is a newly formed civilian guard. I think that the Syrian National Defense Force could be represented by the young men in this verse.
It sounds like the young men of Damascus will stay behind to defend the city. Perhaps they will be the first line of defense. The young men of Damascus will die in its streets. The Syrian Army will be bunkered in Damascus. When God says that all the men of war shall be cut off he means that every Syrian soldier will die defending Damascus.. Jeremiah isn’t necessarily saying that this assault on Damascus will last only one day. That day refers to the entire duration be it one day or longer.
Jeremiah 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.
The phrase “kindle a fire” leads many to imagine a nuclear explosion but that is not what is pictured here. The terminology “kindle a fire” is used in several other Bible passages. The terminology “kindle a fire” mean that God will send an army against a city or a nation. I think that God will send the Turkish army against Damascus.
Many so called Bible scholars claim that the destruction of Damascus has already taken place. They say that the Assyrian conquest of Damascus in 734 BC fulfills the Damascus prophecy. Well Damascus was conquered by Assyria in 734 BC and several cities around Damascus were burned with fire but Damascus has never been completely destroyed.
Jeremiah was a prophet around 600 BC. Jeremiah gave his prophecy one hundred years after Assyria conquered Damascus. So the Assyrian conquest of Damascus can not possibly fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy. The Assyrians conquered Damascus in 734 BC. I think that Jeremiah is prophesying about an invasion of Damascus that is forming now.
In Jeremiah 49:27, The palaces of Benhadad refer to the ancient thrones of Syrian Kings in Damascus. Like the ancient invasion, this future invasion will also destroy Syria’s seat of government in the neighborhood of Old Damascus.
So the Turkish army will march down from Syria’s northwestern border terrorizing cities along the way. Their goal is the destruction of Damascus. The nations of the world will be in a tumult. They will not be able to calm down. Damascus will prepare to die. The people will flee and the young men and army will fight to the death never surrendering. The oldest city on earth will be destroyed along with its historical buildings. Jeremiah describes a city under siege not a city obliterated by a single bomb.
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For a verse by verse study read Isaiah 17 predicts the destruction of Damascus
Read my new book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy
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Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
A book written just for Jerusalem.
This book is written and dedicated to the Jews living in Jerusalem and Judea. There is a surprise ambush coming! When you are living your lives in relative peace an army will sweep in and overtake you.
Matthew 24:15-18 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
For my regular readers, the commentaries in this book are published throughout my other books. These Bible commentaries all concern Jerusalem during their time of Tribulation. There are some excellent Bible studies grouped together in this book. Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait! provides insights into portions of the New Testament that few Christians understand. Perhaps the major message of Jesus Christ’s ministry was to warn Jerusalem and Judea about the coming day of ambush.
Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
now available on amazon
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Silly Russians – Magog is the chief prince of Turkey
Silly Russians!
Magog is the chief prince of Turkey
By Craig C. White
So many Bible prophecy teachers say that Gog in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 represents Russia. This is silly. They reach their conclusion by tracing the spread of civilization from region to region. They conclude that Ezekiel doesn’t identify the nations where they once existed but that Ezekiel really means to identify a few of their relatives that may have moved abroad. In Ezekiel 38:2 the identities of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are in question.
Ezekiel 38:1-2 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him
Let’s not confuse population with migration. People groups haven’t migrated. Assyrians still live in Nineveh (look it up). Egyptians still live in Egypt. Ammon, Edom, and Moab are still in Jordan. Persians still live in Iran, The Medes are today’s Kurds. They are still living in the same region of northern Syria and Iraq, and southeastern Turkey. Nowhere else in Bible prophecy interpretation do we need to follow the “migration” of people groups in order to identify a nation. The princes that are listed in Ezekiel chapter 38; namely Magog, Meshech, and Tubal identify the provinces of Turkey. The “chief prince” or primary governor of Turkey will lead the Islamic nations into Israel. Turkish President Erdogan is the primary governor of Turkey. Erdogan is the end time invader of Israel. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist.
Read my commentary titled Magog Made Easy!
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Temple Template
Temple Template
The temple represents Jesus Christ’s everlasting Kingdom on earth.
verse by verse through Zechariah chapter 4
By Craig C. White
Zechariah chapter 4 is filled with symbolism. It describes the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of the temple began in 535 BC, and was completed nineteen years later in 516 BC. The Jews rebuilt the temple under the direction of the Persian Empire. While the Persian King Cyrus commanded the temple to be rebuilt, many stood in opposition. God told Zechariah the prophet that the temple symbolized Jesus Christ’s everlasting kingdom on earth.
Two people were in charge of managing the rebuilding of the temple; Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest. Ezra the scribe wrote a history of its building.
Zerubbabel laid the stones of the foundation. He also finished the temple some years later by placing the head-stone. The head-stone or corner-stone was the last stone that was placed on the very top of the temple. It was somewhat decorated and was the crowning completion of the temple.
The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was a big deal. The temple was the conduit of Israel’s right relationship with their God. In Ezra 3 below the Jewish people praised God and were moved when the foundation was laid.
Ezr 3:8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
Ezr 3:10-13 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
God told the prophet Zechariah about the significance of the rebuilding of the temple. God explained that the temple represented God’s everlasting kingdom on earth.
In the verses below the “BRANCH” refers to a descendant of King David who will sit on the throne in Jerusalem forever (Jer 23:5, Isa 11:1). In other words the “BRANCH” refers to Jesus Christ. The stone that God laid before Joshua in verse 9 is the actual head-stone of the rebuilt temple. As we will see, the head-stone also represents Jesus.
Zechariah 3:8-10 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. 9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
God is saying that he will bring forth Jesus Christ. God will bring forth Jesus on two occasions. First Jesus will come to earth and be killed for the payment of man’s sin; a human life for human sin. That is God’s life as the payment for all sin of every person for all time. Jesus’ death can be seen as the foundation of the temple, and also as the foundation of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth. The second time that Jesus comes to earth, God will place Jesus on his everlasting throne in Jerusalem to rule the world forever. The placement of the temple’s head-stone symbolizes the coronation of Jesus in Jerusalem at his second coming. This is the completion of the temple as well as the completion of God’s kingdom. At Christ’s second coming, Israel will live in peace.
The seven eyes on the head-stone (Zechariah 3:9), and the seven lamps Zechariah 4:2 & 20) are seven special angels of God who travel about the earth doing God’s work (Zechariah 4:10). I think that they are the same seven angels who are mentioned throughout Revelation as the angels of the churches. These angels represent God’s heavenly throne and authority.
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Zechariah 4:1-2 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
OK now it’s time to explain some symbolism. The temple represents Jesus Christ’s everlasting Kingdom on earth. The laying of the temple head-stone is symbolic of God’s authority. That is to say that by the Spirit, will, and power of God his earthly kingdom will be founded and then established; not by the might of men. The candlestick of Gold is Jesus Christ the Messiah. He supplies the olive oil which represents the Holy Spirit of God.
Zechariah 4:3-5 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
We will discover that the two olive trees and two branches represent two men who are employed by God in the preparation of his temple and again later in establishing his everlasting kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem.
These two olive branches are God’s two servants on earth. Zerubbabel was the head of the tribe of Judah which represents Israel’s royal line of King David, and Joshua the high priest was from the tribe of Levi. The building of this temple is a foretelling of the establishment of Jesus Christ’s everlasting kingdom on earth. Just as Zerubbabel and Joshua were employed by God in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, two other servants will fulfill these roles when Jesus returns and finally takes his place on his throne in Jerusalem. Revelation 11 explains.
Rev 11:3-4 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
We know that one of these witnesses will be the prophet Elijah. Elijah never died, but was taken up into heaven by God (2Kings 2:11). Elijah will return to earth to prepare the way before Jesus Christ at his second coming.
Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
The prophet Elijah is one of the witnesses. Most people suppose that the other witness may be Moses. Revelation 11:16 below describes several miracles that these two witness will perform.
Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Most people think that Moses will be the second witness because he performed several of these miracles when the Jews were exiting Egypt. Moses and Elijah also appeared together during the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mat 17:1-4).
Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Mountains in Bible prophecy represent world empires. In verse 7 above the great mountain represents two world empires. First it represents the Persian Empire that stood against the rebuilding of the temple in Zerubbabel’s day. Second, the great mountain represents the final gentile world empire that will be in place at Jesus’ second coming. In both cases God is showing his higher authority over world powers. In both cases God will establish his earthly kingdom! The great mountain, or empire of men will become a plain. In other words, the Empires of men will be leveled flat!
In Zechariah 4:7 God is declaring that his temple and his earthly kingdom will be completed! Zerubbabel will finish the building by placing the head-stone on the pinnacle of the temple. At the end of verse 7 God declares that there will be praise at the placing of the head-stone. The Jews will shout Grace, grace unto it. The placing of the head-stone represents the coronation of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem at his second coming.
The Jews had some support for rebuilding the temple from the Persian Empire. Cyrus the king of the Persian Empire decreed that the Jews should rebuild the temple.
Ezra 1:2-4 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was a long hard process. The Jews had an order from Cyrus to rebuild the temple but they also had a lot of resistance.
Ezra 4:1-5 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Zechariah 4:8-10a Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things?
Small things are the same as humble beginnings. The temple ground lay bare. Things looked bad for the Jews and for their God. Even though things looked bad, God declared that the temple would be finished by Zerubbabel.
Remember that the foundation of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth is the crucifixion of Jesus. Things also looked bad on that day. But because Christ died and rose again, all people have hope for reconciliation with God and life everlasting! Do not despise the day of small things!
Zechariah 4:10b for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
The verse above describes Zerubbabel with a plummet in his hand. A plummet is a stone mason’s tool. Zerubbabel is seen rebuilding the temple. The seven eyes are carved into the head-stone. This verse describes God’s servant Zerrubbabel as he completes the building of the temple by placing the head-stone on its pinnacle!
Zechariah 4:11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Remember that the two anointed ones are two men who assist in the building of the temple; namely Joshua the high priest and Zerrubbabel the governor. They are also two witnesses who usher in Jesus Christ’s everlasting earthly kingdom in Jerusalem at Jesus’ second coming (Rev 11:3-4). In verse 14 above the words “stand by” doesn’t mean that these two are standing in heaven, but that they are servants or employed by God on earth.
The laying of the temple foundation and Jesus’ crucifixion represent the beginning of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth. The placing of the head-stone and Jesus’ coronation represents the completion of God’s kingdom. Just as Zerubbabel began and finished the building of the temple in Jerusalem, God by his own power will begin and finish building his kingdom on earth. Jesus Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords on earth!
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read about Israel during the Tribulation period and the second coming of Jesus in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope
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Magog is a Turkish ruler. Magog is not Russia!
Magog is a Turkish ruler. Magog is not Russia!
By Craig C. White
Who is “Magog” the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal? The word translated as “chief’ in Ezekiel 38:2 is the Hebrew word “rosh”. Is Magog really Russia as so many Bible teachers say? They say that the Hebrew word “rosh” means Russia. Rosh might sound a bit like Russia but the Hebrew word rosh means “first or primary”. Nowhere else in Bible prophecy is a verse interpreted by identifying an English homophone; or a word that sounds the same as another word. The Hebrew word “rosh” doesn’t identify a nation at all.
Ezekiel 38:1-6 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
I am familiar with the view that Magog represents Russia. I like Hal Lindsey but he is wrong on this one. Ezekiel chapter 38 is about a Turkish led invasion into Israel. Turkey will lead Iran. Sudan, and Libya into Israel. These nations are already gathered in the Golan Heights of Syria today! The battle called Gog and Magog as described in Ezekiel chapter 38 will happen soon. Ezekiel chapter 39 describes another Turkish led battle into Israel. Ezekiel chapter 39 describes the battle of Armageddon.
Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
Syria is not mentioned at all in Ezekiel chapter 38. Even though the name “Ethiopia” is listed in Ezekiel 38:5; Ethiopia does not really represent modern day Ethiopia. The Hebrew word that is translated as Ethiopia in Ezekiel 38:5 is the name “Cush”. Cush settled in the land south of Egypt which is Sudan today.
Meshech and Tubal are Magog’s brothers. they can be found in the genealogies. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were the first princes that were set over provinces in the land that we call Turkey today. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were the names of provinces in the land that we call turkey today. Look at any Bible map. Magog the “chief prince” of Meshech and Tubal is the “primary governor” of Turkey. Ezekiel chapter 38 tells us that a leader of Turkey will lead Iran, Libya, and Sudan into Israel. Read my commentary titled “Magog Made Easy!”
Military forces from Iran, Libya, and Sudan are fighting in the Golan Heights of Syria today! Turkish President Erdogan has declared to the Islamic world that the Golan Heights must be taken away from Israel. The Turkish Army has already entered Syria. Soon the Turkish Army will enter Syria in force. They will first fight against Hamah and Tell Rifaat as foretold in Jeremiah 49:23. Then the residents of Damascus will flee and Damascus will be destroyed.
After the destruction of Damascus then Turkish President Erdogan will lead the forces that are now fighting in the Golan Heights of Syria into the Golan Heights of Israel. This is the battle of Gog and Magog that is described in Ezekiel chapter 38. By the way Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist!
Russia has a place in end time Bible prophecy but it is not described by Ezekiel. Russia is the bear of Daniel 7:5. Russia will create an end time Russian Union. They have already begun doing just that. Read my commentary titled “The Leopard is Upon Us!”
Read my commentary titled Magog Made Easy!
Read all about the now forming Turkish led invasion into Israel in my book Turkey Invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Is the flooding of Mosul associated with the Rapture?
Is the flooding of Mosul associated with the Rapture?
By Craig C. White
OK peeps consider this. The theme of the book of Jonah is the salvation of the gentiles. Jonah spent three days inside of the big fish just like Jesus spent three days inside of the grave. This signifies the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jonah was sent to the Assyrians in Nineveh. The people of Nineveh repented and were saved. Nineveh was finally destroyed by a flood in 612 BC. This was predicted by the Prophet Nahum. Today Mosul is Nineveh. The Mosul dam is in danger of bursting. God may once again destroy Nineveh with a flood.
Jesus said that he would give Israel one sign that he was truly their Messiah. He would give them the sign of Jonah. Jonah was sent to the gentiles in Nineveh. The flooding of ISIS in Mosul would remind Israel of the Prophet Jonah. It would also remind them of Jesus’ promise to give them the sign of Jonah.
Maybe the flooding of ISIS in Mosul will happen at the same time as the Rapture of Church age GENTILE believers! The resurrection of gentiles would be the greatest sign possible to Israel that Jesus Christ has the power to raise the dead to eternal life. The Rapture would prove to Israel that Jesus truly is their Messiah! The resurrection of gentiles in conjunction with the flooding of Mosul would remind Israel about Jesus’ promise to give them the sign of Jonah and also demonstrate Jesus’ authority over sin and death.
Curiously Jesus is described coming in a whirlwind in the book of Nahum.
Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum also says that as he comes in his anger that he knows who belongs to him (Nahum 1:7). Could this be describing the Rapture?
Nahum 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Will Jesus Christ be angry as he collects his Church? The Rapture is designed to save believers from a seven year period of God’s wrath on earth. Will the Rapture of Christians happen in conjunction with the flooding of ISIS in Mosul? The resurrection of Christians would prove Jesus Christ’s divine authority. The book of Jonah is all about death and resurrection, then preaching to the gentiles that results in repentance unto salvation. Just like Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead on the third day, the resurrection of gentiles would fulfill the sign of Jonah. Witnessing the resurrection of gentiles would be the ultimate sign to Israel that Jesus is truly their Messiah.
Read my commentary titled The sign of Jonah
Read my book The End of ISIS is near!
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High Time to Awake 