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Three battles called Gog and Magog
Three battles called Gog and Magog
The nations rebel against the God of Israel
By Craig C. White
Yes Gog is Turkey and Magog is it’s ruler. There are three battles that the Bible refers to as “Gog and Magog”. The first is described in Ezekiel chapter 38. In this battle God repels the invaders by using a terrible earthquake, torrential rain, disease, and infighting. I think that this first battle will happen soon. I think that this first battle represents a Turkish led invasion into the Golan Heights in northern Israel. I think that this first battle of Gog and Magog will happen after Turkey invades northwestern Syria and then destroys Damascus. I think that the first battle of Gog and Magog will happen around the time that the Tribulation begins.
The second battle called Gog and Magog is described in Ezekiel chapter 39. In the second battle Jesus kills all of the invaders so that the birds eat their rotting flesh. This is the same as the battle of Armageddon that happens at Jesus second coming at the end of the seven year long Tribulation. There is something to understand here. These first two battles called Gog and Magog have already been modeled for us in the Assyrian conquests of Syria and also northern Israel in 734 BC and then their subsequent conquest of southern Israel in 701 BC. That is why Isaiah chapter 10 and 11:1 connect the ancient Assyrian invasions to the coming day that Jesus takes his throne in Jerusalem. That is why the Antichrist is compared to the ancient Assyrian kings.
Revelation chapter 20 mentions another battle of Gog and Magog that happens after Jesus rules on earth for one thousand years. Here is wisdom! The three battles called Gog and Magog all represent Turkish led invasions into Israel. But that’s not all! These are not regional wars. Turkey is joined by nations from the four quadrants of the old world. The battles of Gog and Magog represent the whole of the gentile world as they all fight against God’s chosen people Israel. That doesn’t mean that every modern nation must be involved in these wars. These wars include nations from multiple regions of the old world.
Turkey is in the geographical center of the old world. As a matter of fact civilization restarted from Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey after Noah landed his ark there. Turkey is surrounded by Europe to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, Africa to the southwest, and Asia to the southeast. These are the four quadrants of the old world. Turkey is also the geopolitical and spiritual center of all of the nations that have rebelled against the God of Israel.
So the three battles called Gog and Magog are three Turkish led invasions into Israel. In each of these invasions Turkey will lead nations from multiple regions of the old world into Israel. The three battles called Gog and Magog all represent mankind’s rebellion against the one true God, the God of Israel.
Here is something else to consider. We are told that Satan is loose on earth during the Battle of Armageddon and also during the post millennial battle called Gog and Magog mentioned in Revelation chapter 20. Satan directs the nations to war against Israel. It is very possible that Satan will be cast out of heaven before Turkey leads their invasion into the Golan Heights. I am convinced that Turkish President Erdogan is indeed the Antichrist. He has already threatened to remove Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus. He has also threatened to take the Golan heights away from Israel. The Antichrist is already identifiable but the Antichrist will be revealed in a specific way after Satan is cast out of heaven and empowers him directly.
The first battle that is called Gog and Magog in Ezekiel chapter 38 is about to happen. Every nation that is mentioned in Ezekiel chapter 38 is already fighting in Syria. After Turkey invades Syria and destroys Damascus then they will lead these forces into northern Israel. The seven year Tribulation period will follow. The Church will be rescued from the terrible time of trouble that is coming upon the earth. The Resurrection and Rapture must be very near! It is High Time to Awake because our salvation is nearer than when we first believed!
Read my commentary titled Magog Made Easy!
Read all about the battle of Gog and Magog in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Revelation Wrath Path
© 2011 Craig C. WhiteRevelation Wrath Path
Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Mat 2:15
by Craig C. White
We get the word Revelation from the Greek word apokalupsis (ap-ok-al’-oop-sis). Apokalupsis or Apocalypse is translated as Revelation. It means to reveal or disclose. So the Revelation of Jesus Christ is when Jesus returns to earth in all his glory and in judgment. The whole world will see the glory of God in Jesus. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will reveal God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment. During the Revelation or “second coming”, Jesus Christ will subdue all the armies that have gathered against Israel. While dispensing God’s wrath, Jesus will take a prescribed route. Many bible students think that Jesus will descend out of heaven and touch down on the Mount of Olives.
Zec 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Jesus will in fact stand on the Mount of Olives but not at first. I think Jesus will take a more circuitous route during his Revelation. His route will be one that we have seen before. The route of Jesus Christ’s Revelation will be very similar to the route that Israel followed out of Egypt as God led them. Come with me as I follow the Revelation Wrath Path.
This commentary chronicles Jesus’ path of Revelation and vengeance at the end of the tribulation. Surprisingly this journey does not begin in Jerusalem. As a matter of fact it doesn’t end in Jerusalem either. Instead God begins the Revelation of Jesus out of Egypt!
Num 24:8-9 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
Hos 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
When Jesus was a boy God called him out of Egypt. Like many prophecies this one has two distinct applications separated by time. At Jesus’ second coming God will again call his son out of Egypt! That will be a day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Mat 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Jesus will ride out of heaven into Egypt on a cloud. Trust me this is a scary cloud. The following verse was written long after God delivered the nation of Israel from Egypt; so it cannot pertain to Israel’s exodus out of Egypt.
Isa 19:1-2 The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. 2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
Verse 2 (above) sounds like what is happening in Egypt today, however when Jesus passes through Egypt; the people will be completely confounded. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will be terrifying.
Jer 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
Christ’s return is a whirlwind tour! Habakkuk prophesies about Jesus next location. Check out the Revelation Wrath Path map bellow for these bible locations. Remember that the route of the Revelation of Jesus is very similar to the route that Israel took out of Egypt.
Hab 3:3-7 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. 6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
Notice that Habakkuk is telling us where Jesus is coming from! Habakkuk’s vantage point is in southern Edom (Jordan) as he describes Jesus’ path of fury across Eastern Egypt, then northwestern Saudi Arabia, and into Southern Jordan. “The Holy One” is on the march!
Revelation Wrath Path Map: Map of Jesus Christ’s return trip at the end of the 7 year tribulation period. Called “the day of the LORD”, or “the day of the LORD’S wrath”. Jesus will destroy all the armies that have come against Israel! It is a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Rom 2:5).Teman is the southernmost city in ancient Edom (southern Jordan). Jesus continues his Revelation Wrath Path from the Red Sea into Edom.
Jer 49:19-22 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? 20 Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them. 21 The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea. 22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Reading carefully we can see that Jesus is coming “up” from the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba) north to Bozrah. Jesus has spread his vengeance over all of Edom (southern Jordan). Notice that Jesus’ path is circumnavigating the land of Israel just as the nation of Israel did in the exodus. Jesus’ Revelation Wrath Path follows the same route as the exodus!
Note: Edom (which is the land of Esau, Jacobs’ brother) would not let Israel pass through their land during the exodus out of Egypt. Israel had to go around Edom through the desert on the east side (Num 20:14-21).
Edom (southern Jordan) has demonstrated his hatred for Israel at other times. Esau and his descendants ransacked their brother Israel after he was defeated. Read about it in Obadiah (it is just one chapter).
The Revelation Wrath Path continues below; the prophet Isaiah prophesies about Jesus coming from Edom and Bozrah. Isaiah’s vantage point is from Moab near today’s Amman, Jordan. Isaiah sees Jesus just after he has poured out his wrath on all of Edom.
Isa 63:1-4 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
Some people say that in Isa 63:3 (above) Jesus is sprinkled with the blood of the cross. He isn’t. Christ shed his own blood on the cross. Here his garments are stained with the blood of Israel’s enemies. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will be terrible. Here the armies are amassed in Edom (see note below).
Note: Bozrah is a suitable site for the armies from the east of the Euphrates River to gather for their invasion of Israel. It is on a large desert plain on the west side of the North Arab Desert. U.S. armed forces gathered on the east side of this desert plain to invade Iraq during Desert Storm.
Below; the prophet Jeremiah foretells of the year of Moab’s visitation. Notice the similar imagery as in Jer 4:13 (see previous chapters); Jesus will spread his wings over Moab like an eagle taking his prey.
Jer 48:40-44 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab. 41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD. 43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. 44 He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
Note: When Israel reached Moab during the exodus they subdued several Kingdoms and lived in their land until they entered the land of Israel. Moab was against them during this time. Israel finally pitched their camp on the east side of the Jordan River near Jericho (Num 33:50).
Jesus is now in Moab which is just across from Jericho east of the Jordan River. This is where the nation of Israel entered the land of Israel during the exodus and forty year wilderness wandering. The Revelation Wrath Path continues to follow the path of the Exodus. Jesus is about to turn west to enter the land of Israel. Below; Zechariah tells us that Jesus will save “the tents of Judah” before he saves the city of Jerusalem!
Zec 12:7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
It may be that “the tents of Judah” (above) are those of Judea who fled to the mountains (see below). They have been living there for 3 ½ years.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
“Wings of a great eagle” (above) refers to God’s supernatural help given to Israel in time of flight. This idiom is applied to Israel during the exodus in Exo 19:4. It is also applied to Israel’s deliverance from Jerusalem at the end of the tribulation in Isa 40:31. At the end of the tribulation Jerusalem will be devastated; however there will still be a remnant of believing Jews.
Zec 14:2-5 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
At last Jesus arrives in Jerusalem! He stands on the Mt. of Olives and saves the believing Israeli remnant that is bunkered at Mt. Zion (read my commentary “The last Jews in Jerusalem“).
Let me take a moment and make a side point. In Isa 63:3 Jesus proclaims that he has vanquished the enemies of Israel alone (see previous chapters). This verse specifically references the battle at Bozrah in Edom. I think that Jesus will fight alone until he will “save the tents of Judah first” (Zec 12:7), he then continues with the inhabitants of Judea into the city of Jerusalem. From Jerusalem Jesus sends armies into Gaza and up the coast of Israel to the cities of Ashkelon and Ekron (see chapters below). Jesus himself continues north out of Jerusalem.
Zec 12:5-6 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. 6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.
Above “The LORD of hosts (armies)” ignites the inhabitants of Judea to fight against their enemies in Jerusalem.
Zec 14:14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
Guess what, the fight doesn’t end in Jerusalem. After Jesus delivers Jerusalem he will speak from Jerusalem, and send armies to Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
Amo 1:2-10 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither. 3 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. 5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. 6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: 7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: 8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. 9 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: 10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.
In verse 4 (above) “Hazael” was the King of Syria. In verse 7 “sending a fire” means that God will stir up a devouring army. In this case I think that the men of Judea will fight Israel’s enemies in Gaza then fight their way up the Mediterranean coast to the Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Ekron. This similitude of “sending a fire” is often used in the bible to mean that God ignites an army to overtake a city or region. In verse 4 above Jesus may also be sending an army into Syria and Lebanon. I think that Jesus will now tread the wine press inside the land of Israel! In Zephaniah (below) God gives us a time schedule for accomplishing the wars described in Amos 1:6-8 (above). It sounds like the inhabitants of Judea will vanquish their enemies in one day!
Zep 2:4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
After Jesus saves the stranded remnant in Jerusalem he will journey north to tread the winepress of his wrath; he will tread inside the land of Israel but outside the city of Jerusalem (Revelation 14:20). This portion of the Lord’s crusade is called “the battle of Armageddon”. This battle is fought in the valley of Megiddo in northern Israel (see map above). God will gather the armies of Israel’s enemies there. The battle of Armageddon is a demonstration of God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Jesus crushes the armies of Israel’s enemies like grapes. Their blood flows like wine for one hundred eighty miles; the distance from Dan to Beersheba in Israel.
Revelation 14:19-20 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
The Lord Jesus Christ will go “out of his place” (namely, out of Jerusalem) to punish Israel’s enemies. All of Israel’s enemies will see the Revelation of Jesus Christ’s righteous indignation.
Isa 26:21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Jesus will punish the nations for their rebellion towards him. Then he will rule all nations forever. Amen.
Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
We have mainly looked at the path of Revelation and vengeance that Jesus will take when he returns to earth to destroy Israel’s enemies. “The day of the Lord” is a terrible day. It is a subject that deserves thorough study. It is a day to escape by all means.
Joel 2:10-11 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: 11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Jesus died so all people could escape this day of wrath.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Wrath is the punishment of non-believers.
Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Do not harden your heart towards God!
Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Because we sin, Jesus Christ’s blood was spilled so our life could be preserved.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Jesus has saved us from the wrath of “the day of the Lord” and from the punishment of our sin.
1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ will reveal God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts,
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read the companion story to “Revelation Wrath Path” titled Road to Perdition in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hopefacebook YouTube
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The Name of Jesus!
The Name of Jesus!
Image credit: bible-history.com
yeh-ho-shoo’-ah ha maw-shee’-akh
By Craig C. White
The name of Jesus is a special name. It means “God Saves”. God saves people from the penalty of sin. The penalty of sin is death, plus the everlasting torment of hell. Jesus has power to save. He is the only person who has the power to save us from our sins.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The English name Jesus is derived from the Greek name Iēsous (ee-ay-sooce’). The Greek name Iēsous comes from the Hebrew name yehôshûa‛ (yeh-ho-shoo’-ah), or in English: Joshua. The name Joshua consists of two parts. The first part is the Hebrew word yehôvâh (yeh-ho-vaw’), or in English: Jehovah. Jehovah means the self–Existent or eternal. Jehovah is the Hebrew name of God. The second part of the name Joshua is the Hebrew word yâsha‛ (yaw-shah’). Yasha literally means to be open, wide or free. In the old testament Yasha is used 205 times, it is translated in English as save, rescue, deliver, defend, avenge, preserve, help, savior, victory, safe, and salvation.
So the name Jesus means “God saves”.
The apostle Peter said that Jesus was the Christ.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Christ is English for the Greek word Christos (khris-tos’). Christos means anointed. The Hebrew word for anointed is mâshı̂yach (maw-shee’-akh). In the bible, kings and priests were anointed with oil to show that they were set apart to a special position (1Ch 11:3). Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to show that he was set apart to save the nation of Israel; and to save people from their sins (Mat 3:16-17).
When you say the Hebrew word mâshı̂yach into English you get the word Messiah. In Hebrew one could say “Yehoshua ha Mashiakh” (yeh-ho-shoo’-ah ha maw-shee’-akh). In English you say “Jesus the Messiah”; or “God saves”, plus his title “the anointed”.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
What are you waiting for?! Call on the name of Jesus and be saved!
Read Jesus Claimed to be God in my book God’s Great Expectationsfacebook YouTube
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A Soul is like a Seed
Almonds photo credit Vassilis http://www.flickr.com/A Soul is like a Seed
It must open in order to produce new life.
By Craig C. White
A soul is like a seed. Or perhaps I should say that a seed is like a soul. I think that God created seeds to illustrate how life renews itself and how our own souls live and also all too often die. God gave the first living thing a seed!
Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
A seed is designed to produce new life. It has a hard outer shell and a center that is capable of becoming a whole new plant. Our souls are similar. Our hearts house and protect our spirit. Our spirits are capable of growing into something greater. Regrettably, most souls never yield new life. Jesus compared a person’s soul to a wheat seed.
John 12:24-25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
In order for a seed to grow it needs to open its outer shell. If it doesn’t open its shell then it cannot become anything more than a seed and it dies. In the same way, our hearts must open to God’s spirit in order to renew our life. If our hearts remain closed then our spirits cannot be renewed by the Holy Spirit of God.
Did you know that a seed opens from the inside? When conditions are right the embryo swells and breaks open the outer shell. Our hearts must also open from the inside. The Spirit of God is always outside of our hard hearts beckoning us. When we hear him we must push our shell apart in order to let him in.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
When you sow seeds into the ground you have expectations that they will grow back up out of the ground and produce new life and fruit. The seed will be gone but a new plant will grow in its place. If a seed represents a soul then the fleshy fruit represents our body. In the same way that a seed becomes a plant, our bodies will become something greater. If our bodies are sown into the ground they will be raised up again but they will be changed. Our bodies will be raised in much better condition. They will endure forever!
1Corinthians 15:42-44 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
A seed doesn’t just become another seed, but it becomes something much more. If our souls are germinated by God’s Spirit then we will also become something greater.
1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Because of sin our spirits cannot regenerate our bodies alone. We need God’s everlasting Spirit. Without God’s spirit our souls and bodies will wither and die. If our souls hold the Spirit of God, then even though our bodies die they will be made alive again!
Romans 8:10-11 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Jesus’ own resurrection is proof that if we receive God’s Spirit in our souls then our bodies will also be made whole. Our body may wither and die but because our soul has been made alive by God’s everlasting Spirit, our body will also one day be renewed.
1Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
If a person never receives the Spirit of God then he will never be renewed. He will be dead forever. As you can imagine, being dead forever is really bad. Unfortunately it’s even worse than that. When a plant is dead it is used for firewood to be burned. When a person is dead God also tosses him into the fire.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Just like the rain falls on every seed, God’s Spirit is offered to every heart. If a person hardens their heart to God’s Spirit, then their soul and body are cast into hell to be burned.
Hebrews 6:7-8 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
If the soul of a man resembles a seed, and man was also made in God’s image (Gen 1:26), then perhaps God is like a seed. Does that sound farfetched?
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
In the verse below, the apostle John calls Jesus the Word. The Word was with God. The English word with is translated from the Greek word pros. Pros means to be facing or toward. Pros can be translated literally as being face to face. So the Word (Jesus) was face to face with God.
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
If you have ever cracked open an almond you have noticed that the nut has two halves. Just as the two halves of a seed are face to face; Jesus was face to face with God. Jesus was very near to God. Jesus was God. You know, you might even say that God was a nut! But you probably shouldn’t say that in church!
A soul is the spiritual seed of a man. It can grow into something new or it can wither and die.
God has Great Expectations that he would know you!
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Erdogan is honoring the God of forces in his palace!
Erdogan is honoring the God of forces in his palace!
The Antichrist is a gentile
Daniel 11:38
By Craig C. White
There is a widely held thought that the Bible teaches that the Antichrist will be Jewish. I do not agree at all. The Antichrist will be the ruler of the next world empire. Just like the ruler of every past world empire; he will be from a gentile nation.
Some say that the Antichrist must be Jewish because only a Jew could get the nation of Israel to follow him as their new messiah. They get that idea by assuming that the term “anti-Christ” means a counterfeit messiah. That is not the meaning that the Bible portrays. The prefix “anti” means against. The Antichrist will stand against the God of Israel. The Antichrist will not come as an imitation Jewish messiah but he will come as the oppressive ruler of the next world empire. Like most rulers of past world empires he will also claim that he is god.
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.
Folks that say that the Antichrist will be Jewish use the following verses to support their view. They say that the phrase “the God of his fathers” refers to the God of Israel. If you ask me, that argument is hardly conclusive. First of all every nation has its own God or Gods. So the God of his fathers could describe a person from any nation. Second, the word translated as God in English is actually the plural form in Hebrew. So the following verse may be better translated as “the gods of his fathers”. That would definitely exclude Israel since they have only one God.
Daniel 11:37-38 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Now let’s look at what else these verses say. In verse 38 it says that in his estate the Antichrist will honor the God of forces. The word translated as “estate“ can mean a base or place of operation.
*Estate: used as a noun; a stand, that is, pedestal or station: – base, estate, foot, office, place, well.
The word translated as forces refers to military power.*Forces; a fortified place; figuratively a defence: – force, fort (-ress), rock, strength (-en), (X most) strong (hold).
Reading the rest of Dan 11:38 we see that the Antichrist will honor the God of military power with gold and silver and other luxurious things. Where will the Antichrist display all of this wealth as he attempts to honor his god? The Antichrist may in fact honor the God of military power in his base of operation. Where do the rulers of world empires operate? They operate out of palaces.
Let me tell you a true story that is happening right now. Newly elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has built a new 1,000 room, 3.1 million square foot palace for himself that cost the Turkish government $615 million dollars! President Erdogan’s new palace is the most expensive palace in the world today! It is a palace worthy of biblical mention.
As you might expect Turkish citizens as well as Turkish leaders have protested the costliness of Erdogan’s new palace. Erdogan responded by saying, “No one can prevent the completion of this building. If they are powerful enough, let them come and demolish it.”
The palace is known as the “White Palace” and sits upon a hilltop overlooking Turkey’s capital city of Ankara. The White Palace is bigger than the Whitehouse. It is bigger than the Kremlin. It is bigger than the palace of Versailles. This is where President Erdogan now lives. Inside his new home President Erdogan often has Turkish soldiers dress in the period correct armor of Ottoman Empire era military. He isn’t honoring his Islamic religion but instead Turkish President Erdogan is honoring the world conquest of the old Ottoman Empire!
In February 2015 Erdogan announced that he will rename the “White Palace” as the “Presidential Kulliye”. A kulliye is the name of the grounds surrounding a mosque. These grounds typically house support services for the mosque such as kitchens and guest quarters. The new name gives the presidential home religious significance. President Erdogan says that the palace symbolizes a resurgent Turkey. What he means to say is, “The palace is the headquarters of a revived Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire”. He has already publicly declared his intentions to create a new Turkish led Islamic Union.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan describes himself as a moderate Muslim while he ardently proclaims himself to be a Turk. He served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014. He was elected as President of Turkey in December 2014. Inside his base of operation he doesn’t honor the gods of his fathers but instead he honors the armies of his countries past. He honors the Turkish conquest of the world. I hope that by now you have guessed that I think that Turkish President Erdogan is the top candidate to be the ruler of the next world empire.
The Bible tells us that the man we call the Antichrist will be from a gentile nation.
Throughout Bible prophecy a beast represents a gentile ruled government that is rebellious towards the God of Israel. Gentile simply means nation. A beast is often described as coming out of the sea. The sea represents the gentile nations of the world. These are primarily the nations of the ancient world. In Revelation 13:1 below a beast rises out of the sea. Daniel 7:3 also describes the final gentile world empire as coming out of the sea.
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Beasts in the Bible usually describe world empires that are ruled over by gentile nations. There have been seven world empires throughout world history. They are in order; the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, Roman, and Turkish Ottoman Empire. There will be one more world empire ruled by the gentile nations. Every ruler of every world empire was a gentile from out of these ancient nations. Not one ruler was Jewish. The ruler of the next world empire that we call the Antichrist will be a gentile out of a gentile nation. The Antichrist will be a gentile. The Antichrist will not be Jewish.
Turkish President Erdogan is poised to attack Damascus and then to invade Israel. These are things that the Bible tells us that the Antichrist will do! Must I say it again? It is High Time to Awake!
*Definitions are from the Strong Hebrew Dictionary.
Read all about the coming Turkish led invasion into Israel in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Elkosh O’Gosh!
Elkosh O’gosh!
God the ensnarer
By Craig C. White
When Hebrew prophets talk about the burden of a city or nation they are describing the portion of God’s judgment that it must endure. The book of Nahum is describing Nineveh’s plight. In 612 BC God sent a flood of water to destroy Nineveh. I think that Nahum is also describing the plight of ISIS in Mosul today!
Nahum 1:1 The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The name Nahum means comfort. He didn’t comfort the city of Nineveh but he did comfort the nation of Israel by telling them that one of their enemies would be vanquished by God. Nahum was one of the Israeli captives that were taken away by the Assyrian Empire around 740 BC. So during the time that Nahum wrote his book he lived in Assyria or what we call northern Iraq today. Nahum lived in a town called Elkosh. Today the small town of Elkosh is known as Alqosh. Alqosh is located about twenty miles to the north of the city of Mosul. As a matter of fact Alqosh overlooks the Mosul dam. If the Mosul dam was ever to burst, Alqosh is as close as you could get to the dam without drowning. What does the name Elkosh mean? Elkosh means God the ensnarer.
To ensnare means to catch something in a trap. God set a trap for Nineveh. God ensnared the city of Nineveh by planting it by the Tigris River. In 612 BC God sent a torrential rain which overflowed the banks of the Tigris River flooding the city. The city of Mosul is sitting in an even worse trap. In 1985 construction of the Mosul dam was completed. Ever since the dam was put into service there have been concerns about its stability and safety. It seems that the ground it was built on is dissolving! The dam requires constant upkeep to prevent it from failing. The Mosul dam is located just north of the city. If the dam burst it would send a sixty foot high wave of water over the city of Mosul. So Nahum the comforter represents God the ensnarer; otherwise known as Elkosh!
Listen to my verse by verse Bible study through the Old Testament book of Nahum titled The End of ISIS is near!
https://www.spreaker.com/embed/player/standard?episode_id=8076847&autoplay=false
Read all about ISIS in bible prophecy in my book The End of ISIS is near!
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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.
Listen to “The nations are disquieted over Syria” on Spreaker.https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js
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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The destruction of Damascus is still future!
The destruction of Damascus is still future!
Jeremiah prophesied long after Isaiah
By Craig C. White
Please allow me to defend the future fulfillment of the destruction of Damascus. Many 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. These Bible teachers argue that the Assyrian conquest of Damascus happened shortly after Isaiah gave his prophecy about the destruction of Damascus.
Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
It is true that the Assyrians conquered Damascus and wreaked havoc on surrounding towns shortly after Isaiah predicted the event. I am certain that much of Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in 734 BC, BUT long after Isaiah gave his prophecy the Prophet Jeremiah also predicted the destruction of Damascus.
Jeremiah 49:23-25 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. 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. 25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!
Jeremiah was a prophet of Israel around 600 BC. Jeremiah gave his prophecy one hundred years after Assyria conquered Damascus in 734 BC. So the Assyrian conquest of Damascus cannot possibly fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy. The destruction of Damascus is still future.
I think that Jeremiah is prophesying about an invasion of Damascus that is forming now. Turkey will destroy Damascus!
Read my verse by verse Bible commentary through Jeremiah 49:23-27 titled The nations are disquieted over Syria
Read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy
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Kir is Kerak – Damascus refugees will soon flee to Kerak, Jordan!
Kir is Kerak
Damascus refugees will soon flee to Kerak, Jordan!
By Craig C. White
The Prophet Amos condemned Damascus. He said that God would send an army against Damascus and that the Syrian people would become refugees in Jordan. This prophecy was fulfilled when Tiglath-pileser the Assyrian king conquered Damascus (734 B.C.) and carried the Syrian (Aramean) captives away to Kir (mountainous region in western Jordan). However, like many bible prophecies this may also refer to a current event. Today the city of Kir in Jordan is called Kerak. Kerak is in south western Jordan east of the Dead Sea. It has a population of about 20,000. Not including the tens of thousands of Syrian refugees already there.The citizens of Kerak are poor and mostly Christian. By the way Kerak is in the Moab region of Jordan and is very likely where the Judean refugees will flee during Jerusalem’s Great Tribulation!
There are about 600,000 Syrian refugees in western Jordan today. This is further evidence that the destruction of Damascus as described in the bible is eminent. It is also evidence that the God of Israel is the one true God and that we all had better heed his word and we had also better humble ourselves before him while there is still time! In Amos 1:5 the plain of Aven is a valley in the northeast part of Lebanon near the Syrian border. Today it is called the Bekaa valley. It has been suggested that Saddam Hussein hid WMD’s here before the invasion of Iraq.
Amo 1:3-5 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. 5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.
God used the terminology to send a fire to mean that the Assyrian army would besiege the city. Just as the ancient Assyrians assaulted the city in 734 BC, I think that the Turkish army will do likewise soon. The palaces of Benhadad refer to the ancient thrones of Syrian Kings in Damascus. Like the ancient invasion, this future invasion will also destroy Damascus’ seat of government in the old part of Damascus.
Tens of thousands of Syrians have already taken refuge in Kir (or Kerak) in western Jordan. Many more will join them as Damascus flees. Bible prophecies are coming true. There is a terrible time of Satan’s anger and of God’s judgement coming on all of the world. It is High Time to surrender your soul into God’s care.
Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49 also predict the destruction of Damascus, Syria. They both offer details that can be observed today!
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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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
https://www.spreaker.com/embed/player/standard?episode_id=9560320&autoplay=false
High Time to Awake 