Rapture or Tribulation?

First, let me say that, although I have come back to my previous conclusions, I did go on a journey several days ago, with regards to my beliefs about ‘The Rapture’ and its timing. There is a video going around (Heaven Awaits 2011) that will probably ‘go viral’–among Christians at least. It contains some amazing information relating to Bible prophecies, signs in the heavens, current events, and Jewish feasts. It definitely states that there will be a preTribulation Rapture . . . and that its coming could be imminent.

I too am weary of this sin filled world. I would love to be able to have my heart lifted up with joy in the belief that Jesus could be coming to get me in just a couple of months. This is the attitude with which I watched the video. I truly wanted to believe it was right. However, a couple of things I heard seemed to conflict with what I already knew, so I went to the Scriptures to see.

After all consideration, I believe the video DOES put forth a very compelling argument . . . for the beginning of The Tribulation possibly being around September 29th of 2011 . . . but unfortunately, not for a Rapture to occur at, or before, that time. I too, am disappointed, after allowing myself that brief time of hope in ‘what if’.

As I said, I’ve come back around to my belief that ‘the gathering together of the saints’ occurs when the Lord returns–just before the 7th trumpet (Revelation 10:7 ) . . . which is the ‘last trumpet of God ‘–not of men (I Corinthians 15:52).

I had previously written about this on my blog, so in part, I will cut and paste from that article. I will also share fresh revelations on the subject, from the last few days.

“But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:7)

 

Here is the mystery that God revealed to his prophets:

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ [Isaiah 25:8]

‘Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting? ‘” [Hosea 13:14]

(I Corinthians 15: 51-55)

 

The last trumpet is the seventh trumpet.

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.’ ”

(Revelation 11:15)

 

Also, notice the parallel wording of the following three passages:

1.   “The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ ” (Revelation 16:17) This is also what Jesus said, on the cross, when He gave up His spirit.
2.   “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:7)
3.   “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,and he will reign for ever and ever.’ ” (Revelation 11:15)

At the seventh trumpet, the mystery of God’s grace towards the Gentiles, through Jesus’ death, will be complete. The time of man’s rule will be done. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2: 34-35 (and 2: 44-45) will be fulfilled. At the seventh trumpet, Jesus returns, to strike down the nations and then, to rule them with an iron scepter. And at the seventh trumpet, the body of/bride of Christ will go up to meet Him in the air, as He arrives.

 

The day of His return is also referred to as ‘The Day of the Lord’. When He returns, He will

1.   do battle with the wicked, who have gathered to fight against Him (and against the nation of Israel) in the Valley of Armageddon. After defeating them, He will
2.   take the throne and rule over the Earth for a thousand years.

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.

“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!'” (Revelation 16: 12-17)

Right there, sandwiched in between the sixth and seventh bowls, is Jesus telling us to be ready, that He is coming like a thief! Notice how out of place this verse is, in the context of the passage.

 

Now, here is a rather long passage, from Revelation 19, after the Tribulation period has already been described.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” [Psalms 2:9] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [refers to Revelation 14: 17-20, which immediately follows the harvest of the righteous–Rev. 14: 14-16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.” [Jesus makes reference to this in Matthew 24:28–another very interesting, out-of-context verse]

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. [Revelation 16: 12-14] But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. [Matthew 24:28 fulfilled]” (Revelation 19: 11-21)

 

The Bible is pretty clear that we will be here (those of us who survive) through all but the very end of the Tribulation. The pre-Tribulation Rapture teaching is a dangerous fallacy that has the potential to strip many Americans of their faith when persecution arrives. It will also confuse many, with regards to the identity of The Antichrist, because those who believe in a pre-Tribulation Rapture may dismiss the Antichrist as ‘impossible that he’s the one’ because ‘we are still here’.

However, II Thessalonians 2 makes it clear that we WILL see the ‘man of sin’ (Antichrist) revealed. This will take place after a great ‘falling away’. Jesus will NOT return until these two events have taken place.

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” (II Thessalonians 2: 1-4)

 

In the ‘Heaven Awaits 2011’ video, the speaker explicitly says that the coming of Jesus and our being gathered to Him are two separate events. THIS IS WRONG! Matthew 24 and Mark 13 show plainly that it is one event:

“Immediately after the distress of those days *

‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ [Isaiah 13:10 & 34:4]

At that time ** the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24: 29-31)

*Immediately after the distress of wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecution, and the flight of Israel into the wilderness for three and a half years . . .

** at that time = a time when the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. I believe this corresponds with Rev. 6: 12-14

“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place” (Rev. 6: 12-14)

So, after the distress, these signs will occur in the heavens. And then (at that time) Jesus will appear in the sky . . . and all the nations will mourn.

Let me go back to the verses in Revelation 6 that follow the ones I just gave . . .

“Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?’ ” (Revelation 6: 15-17)

When they see either these signs in the heavens, or Jesus Himself coming, everyone hides in caves [and ‘bunkers’] and among the rocks of the mountains–because the great day of God’s wrath has come . . . the day of the Lord . . . the day He comes to strike down the nations (then He will ‘rule them with an iron scepter’).

I believe that these are the same people who, in Revelation 16:16 (after the pouring out of the 6th bowl of God’s wrath), have gathered in the plain of Megiddo . . . Armageddon. Remember again, Jesus’ out of context words in Revelation 16:15, because I believe it shows that these (Revelation 6: 12-17 and Revelation 16: 14-16 and Matthew 24: 29-31) are parallel passages:

“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16: 15)

But back to the point–yes, Jesus comes at the last trumpet, to strike down the nations . . . but, as Matthew 24 and Mark 13 clearly show, this is ALSO when he gathers the elect.

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24: 30-31)

and again in the gospel of Mark

“But in those days, following that distress,

‘‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ [Isaiah 13:10 & 34:4]

At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” (Mark 13: 24-27)

 

Many people talk about a preTribulation Rapture where Jesus ‘comes as a thief in the night’. But both First Thessalonians and Second Peter show that they are misapplying the phrase.  It is the day that Jesus returns to the Earth (aka The Day of the Lord), that will come as a thief–not a secret Rapture.

” . . . for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (I Thessalonians 5: 2-3)

and

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare . . . That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.” (II Peter 3: 10-12)

This also lines up with Rev. 6: 12-14:

” . . . The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red . . . The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.”

Because, with the Earth’s atmosphere rolled back, everything on Earth will certainly be laid bare and be destroyed by the heat of the sun.

 

More about the LORD’s return is found in First Thessalonians:

“We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (I Thessalonians 4: 14-17)

“God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him”–this means that when Jesus returns, He will bring with Him all the Christians who have already died. But listen to how this happens: “the Lord himself will come down from heaven . . . and the dead in Christ will rise first.” Then, together with all the resurrected Christians, Jesus continues to proceed towards the Earth (bringing with Him all the Christians who have already died).

Then “we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord” . . . “we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”.

First Corinthians tells us the same thing:

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (I Corinthians 15: 51-52)

 

These Scriptures outline the reasons I say that The Tribulation and The Second Coming are one and the same. I’m sorry that I can’t give you ‘better news’. But does this mean all hope is lost? By no means. God does not intend for us to suffer wrath.

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5: 9)

 

” . . . and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (I Thessalonians 1:10)

 

Not only will He rescue us, He will be with us.

” . . . And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 20)

 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 4)

 

“The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, O king.”

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ” (Daniel 3: 22-28)

” . . . if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.” (II Peter 2: 9)

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21: 36)

Jesus would not have told us to pray that we would be counted worthy to escape, if it were not possible for some.

“I know your deeds . . . I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name . . . Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” (Revelation 3: 8-10)

 

We must understand that the wrath of God is not the same as tribulation. Jesus promised that, in this world, we would have tribulation. Trials and hardship come to each of us at different times. Although we do not understand it, we know that suffering has its place.

Suffering can solidify our faith.

” . . . though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (I Peter 1: 6-7)

 

Suffering can put our priorities in the right order, and help us to see–and live–life from a spiritual perspective.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (I Peter 4: 1-2)

 

Suffering can mature us.

” . . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5: 3-5)

 

Suffering can purify us.

“ . . . ‘Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.” (Daniel 12: 9-10)

 

But, besides the benefits that it can provide us, God sometimes has another reason for allowing us to suffer.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [Proverbs 11: 31]

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (I Peter 4: 12-19)

 

If we don’t deal with sin in our lives, God will.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” (Proverbs 3: 11-12)

 

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12: 7-11)

 

Jesus tells the church at Laodicea (the ‘lukewarm church’ which represents the condition of the American Church today):

“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” (Revelation 3: 18-19)

At least a portion of today’s American Church is going to suffer during The Tribulation. Revelation 3: 17-22 tells us we are not pleasing to Him right now. Jesus is warning those who will listen to repent. However, verse 19 promises us that He is going to rebuke and discipline those who don’t.

 

Our Lord’s desire for His Church, and the purpose for everything He does in our lives is this:

that we be “a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5: 27)

 

The Lord knows how to deal with His children. For those who are not walking in righteousness, The Tribulation will produce the outcome He desires.

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction . . . ” (Isaiah 48: 10)

 

“This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.'” (Zechariah 13: 9)

 

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 24-25)

The Heavens Declare

This is from an ancient manuscript.  It was part of a collection of ancient writings, held among the descendents of the Israelite tribe of Ephraim.  It is not ‘Holy Scripture’, it is not part of the Bible.  It has been regarded as ancient truth that has been passed down through the ages.  If you choose to read further, consider it prayerfully, that God might confirm or deny to you its validity.

I am posting it here, with my comments, because it speaks as an eyewitness account of things that have passed, that are soon to return.  It seems that it may  link what is prophesied in the Bible with events that are happening now.

There is much interest today about a supposed comet named Elenin, a planet named Nibiru or Planet X, and a dwarf star/neutron star/carbon star that is a companion to our sun.  There is much confusion as to the relationship between them, or if they are one and the same.  I believe that time and astronomical observation will make that all clear.  What follows are my opinions.

The coming of whatever is approaching us (now on the other side of the sun)  is said to be in September of this year, 2011, through November of the same.  In that same time frame are also predicted to arrive 2 comets (3 if Elenin is indeed a comet), and 3 asteroids–one which is expected to scarcely miss impact with the moon.

Whether Elenin is a harbinger, and a precursor to the coming of  ‘The Destroyer’, or whether Elenin IS ‘The Destroyer’, I do not know.  But I do believe that ‘The Destroyer’ is what causes the events of ‘the sixth seal’ and (some or all of)  ‘the seven trumpets’ in the book of Revelation.

“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,  and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.  The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains . . . ”  (Revelation 6: 12-15)

” . . . it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc . . . ”  (Isaiah 54:16)

Right now, it seems that Elenin may be a planet orbiting the dwarf star (and possibly our sun, as well), and that the dwarf star, or possibly another one of the seven planet that orbits it, when it arrives later, will cause the events known as the ‘seven bowls of God’s wrath’, later in the book of Revelation (chapter 16).

Because of the trajectory of its approach*, most people will not be aware of what is coming, until it is actually upon us and obscures the face of the sun.  Its position, and size, is expected to be such that it will totally eclipse the sun.

Before reading further, I would ask you to watch the video below.  This is the best understanding of men, so far.  The words of the speaker are not prophecy.  The fear in his voice reflects the ancient accounts of the effects that ‘The Destroyer’ has on men when it arrives.  The speaker has glimpsed it from a distance.  He had an opportunity, through a telescope, to go forward in time if you will.  What he has seen coming is what we will all see one day.

Jesus said that:

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”  (Luke 21: 25-26)

I believe the video gives some crucial information in putting together the pieces of this puzzle.  After watching it, please continue reading.  I will post the ancient text below, with numbers in parentheses to refer to my notes, which will follow it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBkuu-Tck6E

THE DESTROYER – PART 3

FROM THE SCROLL OF ADEPHA

The Doomshape, called the Destroyer, in Egypt, was seen in all the lands whereabouts. In colour it was bright and fiery, in appearance changing and unstable. It twisted about itself like a coil, like water bubbling into a pool from an underground supply, and all men agree it was a most fearsome sight. It was not a great comet or a loosened star, being more like a fiery body of flame. (1)

Its movements on high were slow, below it swirled in the manner of smoke and it remained close to the sun whose face it hid. There was a bloody redness about it, which changed as it passed along its course. It caused death and destruction in its rising and setting. It swept the Earth with grey cinder rain (2) and caused many plagues, hunger and other evils. It bit the skin of men and beast until they became mottled with sores.

The Earth was troubled and shook, the hills and mountains moved and rocked. The dark smoke-filled Heavens bowed over Earth and a great howl came to the ears of men, borne to them upon the wings of the wind. It was the cry of the Dark Lord, the Master of Dread. Thick clouds of fiery smoke passed before him and there was an awful hail of hot stones and coals of fire. (3) The Doomshape thundered sharply in the Heavens and shot out bright lightings. The channels of water were turned back unto themselves when the land tilted, and great trees were tossed about and snapped like twigs. Then a voice like ten thousand trumpets was heard over the wilderness (4), and before its burning breath the flames parted. The whole of the land moved and mountains melted.  (5) The sky itself roared like ten thousand lions in agony, and bright arrows of blood sped back and forth across its face. Earth swelled up like bread upon the hearth. (6)

This was the aspect of the Doomshape called the Destroyer, when it appeared in days long gone by, in olden times. It is thus described in the old records, few of which remain. It is said that when it appears in the Heavens above, Earth splits open from the heat, like a nut roasted before the fire. Then flames shoot up through the surface and leap about like fiery fiends upon black blood.  (7) The moisture inside the land is all dried up, the pastures and cultivated places are consumed in flames and they and all trees become white ashes. (3)

The Doomshape is like a circling ball of flame which scatters small fiery offspring in its train (8). It covers about a fifth part of the sky and sends writhing snakelike fingers down to Earth (9). Before it the sky appears frightened, and it breaks up and scatters away.  (10) Midday is no brighter than night. (11) It spawns a host of terrible things.

These are things said of the Destroyer in the old records, read them with a solemn heart, knowing that the Doomshape has its appointed time and will return. It would be foolish to let them go unheeded. Now men say, “Such things are not destined for our days”. May the Great God above grant that this be so. But come, the day surely will, and in accordance with his nature man will be unprepared.

(numbered notes below)

These events, in the heavens–the position of the sun, stars, moon, planets, etc. in the sky–are also called ‘signs in the heavens’.  They are stories, being told by the stars, of what is happening on Earth.  If you have read Revelation 12 , you probably got the gist of it from the written account–the birth of Jesus, persecution, the protection of Israel, etc.  But, until recently, most of us didn’t know that it was actually ALSO a description of the position of heavenly bodies at the time these events are unfolding.  ‘The Destroyer’ aka ‘The Red Dragon’ is now nearly in place in the heavens, in accordance with John’s vision.

Both God’s Word, and the heavens declare — for those who have ‘eyes to see’!

* If you picture the solar system from above, the sun in the center, the planets revolve counterclockwise around it (except Mercury).  According to Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the trajectory of Elenin, is coming from both beneath the sun (and moving upwards) and behind the sun, moving counterclockwise around it also–coming out from behind it on the left side.  As it sweeps around the sun, it crosses the orbital paths of Mercury, passes directly between us and the sun, continues to remain on our  right side as it sweeps past us and upward.  Eventually we pass between it and the sun.  This whole chain of events is predicted to take place from early September to late November.

Our distance from Elenin is not the only factor to be considered.  The Earth responds to the gravitational pull of the sun, other planets and, during this time, Elenin.  When any number of these players are aligned in a straight line, I picture it as a ‘tug of war’ rope (or ropes) attached to the Earth.  Each player takes hold of the (imaginary) rope and pulls.  When the Sun, Mercury, and Elenin all line up on one side of the Earth (Sept. 26-28)–there is a stronger than usual pull in that direction.  When the Earth is between the Sun and Elenin (Nov. 11), we are being pulled from both sides.

As Elenin passes through our solar system, a number of different alignments occur. Their effects on the Earth will depend on who the ‘players’ are.  Approximately 20 major earthquakes, so far, have been correlated with the approach of Elenin.  They can only be expected to grow in intensity as it nears.  The position of Elenin, with respect to the Earth, on November 22 will mirror its position on March 11th–the day of the great quake in Japan.  However, Elenin will be four times closer to Earth on November 22 than it was then.

1.  As described in the video above–an [magnetic] iron planet surrounded by an enormous cloud of iron oxide dust, orbited by asteroids, and with a tremendous tail of meteors following behind it.

2.  Possibly ash from the volcanic eruptions it caused.

3. Rev. 8: 7–the first trumpet judgment:

“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.”

4. The trumpet judgments begin.

5.  Revelation 6: 14:

” . . . and every mountain and island was removed from its place.”

6. The Earth expands, and the surface cracks, from the gravitational pull.

7.  Iron rich, basaltic lava flows

8.  Meteors

9.  Tornadoes?

10.  Revelation 6: 14:

“The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up . . . “

11.  Revelation 6: 12:

” . . .The sun turned black like sackcloth . . . “

(This post was edited / updated 7-29-11)

UPDATE:
I now strongly suspect that the entire ‘Nibiru’ theory is a hoax.  This 3 hour series covers many things, including the Nibiru theory.  If you are seeking truth, please consider watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9w-i5oZqaQ

No Fear

There is a great foolishness in our culture today.  It is the idea of  ‘no fear’.  It seems to manifest itself in two ways

1. Avoidance
2. Experimentation

Both are foolish.  God has given us the ability to feel fear for a reason.  It is part of our innate nature, to help protect us.  Fear warns us of danger–danger to our body or soul . . . and danger to our spirit.

The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  I would go so far as to suggest a dual interpretation:

1. fear of the awesome power and judgment of God
2. the intuitive fear given to us, by God, when we are in the presence of danger or evil

Perhaps it is because we live in such perilous times, that people grow weary of fear . . .  we could say they suffer from ‘fear overload’.  So, many have made a point of trying to combat fear.

Some people will close their eyes to anything that makes them afraid–we call this denial.  They create–to whatever degree–an alternate reality where their fear doesn’t exist.  (Drugs and alcohol are common means to that end.)  But if denying fear doesn’t work–or someone pierces their alternate reality with truth–they become angry and confrontational.

The problem is, fear is not the enemy to be overcome.  Nor is truth the enemy.  The enemy is what is lurking behind the fear:  evil.

There are many ‘good people’ who hate the impact that evil has in this world.  They don’t understand it, nor do they want to.  They try to avoid it, and be kind, positive and good.  They don’t understand that the tiniest seeds of evil are present in each of us at birth.

Many of them also don’t understand that evil has a promoter, one who embodies it and cultivates it in us.  By being ignorant of this, many ‘good people’ unwittingly become pawns in his hands.

Fear is a symptom.  Fear points to the problem . . . evil.  Evil cannot be overcome by avoidance.  Evil cannot be escaped.  It finds each one of us, because it is within each of us.

Evil can only be overcome by God.  We cannot overcome evil through good alone–but we can submit ourselves to God, and allow ourselves to be tools in His hands.  Only God is good.  Only God’s goodness can overcome evil.

If you are an ‘avoider’, begin to allow yourself to feel fear . . . but with a different perspective.  When you feel fear, examine why.  Are you in the presence of danger . . . or potential danger?  Are you in the presence of something evil?

God is the antidote for fear.  God can protect you, give you wisdom and direction, and even deliverance from evil forces.

If it is God you are afraid of–good!  You’re on the right track.  If you haven’t ‘gotten right with God’, the fear of God you feel is natural.  If we are not right with God, we have His judgment to fear.

If you have repented and are living right, then fear is warning you of something evil or dangerous in your life.  Pray that God will make it known to you where that fear is coming from–then deal with it!  Hiding from fear will not remove the danger or the evil it is trying to warn you of!

If, on the other hand, you are not an avoider . . . you probably pride yourself on your lack of fear.  You tend to confront fear head on.  Whatever makes you (or others) afraid, you will jump right into.  Bravo! . . . maybe.

There is a brand of fearlessness that many demonstrate today, that is rooted in foolishness.  People that behave this way have the mistaken belief that they are immune to the danger or the evil that lurks behind fear.  It seems to be their mission to demonstrate to others that their fears are unfounded.  They will do foolish things to defy danger, and will survive many of them .  But in most cases, if they persist long enough, they will perform one feat too many, and become an interesting story that will illustrate why certain things shouldn’t be done.

That’s all well and good, when we’re talking about risking one’s life . . . and when one is aware of the inherent risk in what they are doing.  The problem today, is that many are diving into things which threaten their eternal soul, without understanding the risk.

(Now, it should be understood, that if you have not accepted Jesus’ atoning death on your behalf, and if you have not surrendered your life to God in return, then you are already damned . . . because all of us are condemned once we begin to sin.  But if you have accepted Jesus, and have continued in [or gone back to] sin, then you have turned back to damnation too.)

This foolish attitude has led many to continue to be involved in activities which are spiritually dangerous and/or evil.  Rather than grounding their beliefs in sound doctrine, their overridding motto is ‘no fear’, and they latch onto any teaching that allows them to do as they please, and that downplays the danger.  ‘No fear’ of God’s judgment (because of faith in a false doctrine of ‘once saved always saved’), ‘no fear’ of disobeying God’s laws, ‘no fear’ of the powers of darkness, ‘no fear’ of evil, etc.

These are people who have made a practice of hardening their heart to their God-given natural fears.  Because of this, they perceive things incorrectly.  But, because they neither fear God, nor man, nor spiritual forces, it is impossible to reason with them.  These people are harboring a spirit of rebellion, which becomes evident when one attempts to confront them with the truth, being met with accusations of ‘fear mongering’ or ‘legalism’, rather than repentance.

Satan’s ‘no fear’ propaganda campaign has done much to set the stage for his rise to power.  Many people (including many professed ‘Christians’) are opening the door to him through rebellion, others have simply stifled their intuitive fear  of evil and no longer possess the discernment to see what is happening, and a vast multitude are living in a fantasy world that denies the very existence of evil.  Brilliant.

Truth Must Always Trump Unity

We are seeing a great move towards ecumenism–the joining (and blending) of all religions.  Many Christians may see the move towards unity, and away from denominational differences, as a good thing.  However, there is a problem.

God created ONE truth and in that truth there are no divisions.  Over the last few hundred years, when a group of people went astray on a point, a denomination would form.

The problem with the current movement towards unity is that there is a strand of error, or deception, running through each denomination.  Denominations are not backing up to a place of unity (100% truth).  Instead, each denomination has continued to proceed farther away from truth.  They have now wandered far enough away, that they can be comfortable opening wide their arms to embrace the deceptions that are a part of other denominations and false religions.

One might adopt the attitude of many others and say ‘millions of people can’t be wrong’ . . . but they would be incorrect.  Consensus does not equal truth.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7: 13 -14)

The ‘Father of Lies’ has created a multitude of false religions over the centuries, tailored to the places, times, and cultures of the world.  He has been quietly weaving his web, linking those religions together little by little.  The closer each of those religions gets to HIS core beliefs, the closer they are drawn to one another.

Have you ever thought about that?  Satan has beliefs.  He has rejected truth.  He has opinions and beliefs that he has invented.  They are woven together with the lies he tells himself.  Any truth he sees is distorted through his false perceptions.  He may see things that are going on, but his beliefs about these things and their meanings are twisted by his stubborn opposition to God and His truth.

Just like the rest of us, Satan freely shares his beliefs.  He is always proselytizing and evangelizing for his version of reality.  He is constantly pouring out propaganda in his war against God.  Because he is the prince of this world, he has wide influence and vast resources at his disposal.

I’m not saying this to elevate him, because he is certainly not more powerful than God.  But he IS more powerful than men, and billions are unaware of his influence in their lives.  It is important, that you not underestimate how wide his influence is, or how desperate his mission–because his time is short.  It is advantageous to him to shift the focus away from the battle of evil vs. good, and strive to make things relative instead.

Now, much good can come of unity when those involved are actually grounded in truth and submitted to God–but there is no unity between truth and lies.  Truth doesn’t cause division–sin and rebellion do.  But truth exposes the lies and stirs up the wrath of deceivers.  Jesus told His followers that He came to bring division, not peace.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”   (Luke 12: 50)

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  (Matthew 10: 34)

Jesus is The Word (God’s truth) made flesh.  The truth will always bring division between the righteous and the unrighteous.  There will be no peace, until truth alone prevails.  In God’s kingdom, truth always trumps unity.

Truth is important enough to God that He Himself has come to bring it to us–first in the flesh (Jesus), and then in the spirit (the Holy Spirit).

“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”   (John 15: 26)

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”  (John 16: 13)

Christianity is meant to be synonymous with ‘truth’  (2 Peter 2: 2).

The Bible outlines the road that truth will take, before Jesus’ return:

• The world will not accept truth, but truth will be found inside of believers  (” . . . the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”  John 14: 17)
• Among Christians, leaders will arise that lead believers away from truth  (“Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”  Acts 20: 30 and 1 Timothy 6: 3-5)
• Many believers will not like the truth, and will turn away from it.  This is what is referred to as ‘the great falling away’ or ‘the great apostasy’.  (“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”  2 Timothy 4: 4)
• God will send a powerful delusion to those who refuse to love the truth.  (“For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”  2 Thessalonians 2: 12)
• The Antichrist will come.  He will be in accord with Satan and counterfeit signs, wonders and miracles will be displayed.  (“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders . . . ”  2 Thessalonians 2: 9)
• Those who refuse to love the truth will believe the lie, and they will be damned.  (“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”  2 Thessalonians 2: 10)

These are not things that are going to happen ‘some day’–they are already in progress!

 

A word of warning, to those who think they will escape judgment just by being sure they don’t take  The Mark . . .

If you don’t LOVE the truth, you WILL believe the lie–because God will send you the delusion Himself.  You may not even realize what The Mark is, when it comes along.  And you certainly won’t believe anyone who warns you . . . because you will not be  able  to believe the truth . . . no matter how often you are told!

 

Beware of those who would compromise truth–for unity, or anything else.  Truth is valuable, and truth concerning God’s kingdom is priceless!  It is something to be pursued, even if it costs you everything to obtain it (and not having it, in these last days, WILL cost you everything)!

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”  (Matthew 13: 44-46)

 

What Is ‘The Great Deception’?

The Watchman’s Cry, program #39