Looking at world events through the lens of the Word of God, let’s look at some headlines from today’s news that point to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, today, under the Sign category of WARS & RUMORS OF WARS — According to Reuters, North Korea is preparing to test a long-range missile which it believes can reach the west coast of the United States. A Russian lawmaker returning from a visit to North Korea told Russia’s RIA news agency, “They are preparing for new tests of a long-range missile. They even gave us mathematical calculations that they believe prove that their missile can hit the west coast of the United States.” He added the mood of officials in the country is “rather belligerent.” Tensions have risen in recent weeks over North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs as the country test-fired several missiles and conducted what it said was an explosion of a hydrogen bomb. After saying that his secretary of state was “wasting his time” trying to talk to North Korea, President Trump declared that “only one thing will work” to resolve the standoff, although he didn’t specify what that “one thing” was.
Second, today, under the Sign category of PESTILENCES AND EPIDEMIC DISEASES — According to the Los Angeles Times, health officials have said that California’s outbreak of hepatitis A, already the nation’s second largest in the last 20 years, could continue for many months, even years. At least 569 people have been infected and 17 have died of the virus since November. Doctors say that people with hepatitis A could travel and unknowingly infect people in new areas, creating a ripple effect of deadly regional outbreaks.
Third, today, under the Sign category of EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES — According to The Mirror, Japan has been hit by a double earthquake strike as a 5.4 magnitude struck off the coast just hours after a first earthquake hit. Shaking was felt in the capital of Tokyo and the epicenter registered just 35 miles away from the damaged nuclear reactor at Fukushima. Officials have warned that several strong aftershocks could follow.
You can read these stories in more detail and get more Second Coming-related news on our website at Second Coming Herald.com
Now, it’s time for Prophecy Bootcamp.
Prophecy Bootcamp is where we deal with the basics of prophecy, the Second Coming of Christ, and what will happen in the future according to the Bible. Our aim here is not to make predictions but to help you get prepared by understanding how things will unfold in the end times.
Our topic for today is titled “The Great Harlot and the Scarlet Beast (Part 3)” from Dr. Ed Hindson’s book “Revelation: Unlocking the Future.” And, I want to remind you to take advantage of our special offer. If you enjoy this podcast, please feel free to purchase a copy of this book — “Revelation: Unlocking the Future” by Dr. Ed Hindson. Dr. Hindson simplifies the message of the Revelation so that you can easily understand it for yourself. You need this book in your library. It is available on our website for just $30. You can make your purchase today at SecondComingHerald.com.
Babylon is still in ruins in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Saddam Hussein’s attempt to “rebuild” it as a tourist trap hardly qualifies it as the great city of the Last Days. Besides, his attempts failed. Babylon has no sacred significance to the religion of Islam. Muslims are interested in protecting only their holy sites. They have no interest in rebuilding ancient pagan sites, including Babylon. Therefore, it will likely remain in ruins.
A basic survey of the Revelator’s description of Babylon quickly reveals that it cannot be ancient Babylon in modern Iraq. Remember, it is portrayed as the city of the Antichrist who rules the whole world. It is a center of commerce, enterprise, and trade. And it is the city that shed the blood of the “witnesses of Jesus.” Babylon does not qualify in any of these regards. Notice also the characteristics of apocalyptic Babylon.
Rich and prosperous
Immoral and drunken
Associated with Satan and the beast
City that sits on seven mountains
Leader of a ten-nation confederacy with Roman (European) roots
City that reigns over many nations
Center of commercial enterprise
Sailors cross the sea to get there
An entertainment capital
Burns up in one hour
Lord willing, in our next episode, we will begin answering the question, “Who is This Great Mystery?”
In closing, let’s consider what God wants you and I to do in light of His Second Coming.
Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:13 to “Occupy till I come.” In light of that, we are continuing our journey through the book, “Coming Events and Present Duties,” by J.C. Ryle. It is a collection of what he called “prophetical tracts” that focus on the believer’s duty in light of the signs which point to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
This section is titled, “Occupy Until I Come!” (Part 27) based on the parable of the nobleman who went away and left talents for his servants to use in his absence. J.C. Ryle writes:
As we await the return of Christ, we must maintain a healthy state of soul by loving others and doing good works. There is nothing like the exercise of our graces for promoting our spiritual vigor. Alas, there are not a few of God’s saints who complain that they lack spiritual comfort in their religion, while the fault is altogether in themselves. “Occupy,” “Occupy,” I would say to such people. Lay yourselves out more heartily for the glory of God, and these uncomfortable feelings will soon vanish away.
Nothing, under God, has such an effect on unconverted people as the sight of a real, thorough-going live Christian. There are thousands who will not come to hear the Gospel, and do not know the meaning of justification by faith — who yet can understand an uncompromising, holy, consistent walk with God.
There will be no idleness in the kingdom of Christ: the saints and angels shall there wait on their Lord with unwearied activity, and serve Him day and night. It is a fine saying of Bernard, that Jacob in his vision saw some angels ascending, and some descending — but none standing still. “Occupy,” “Occupy,” I say again, if you would be thoroughly trained for your glorious home.
If the Lord tarries His Coming and we live, we will continue looking at this topic in our next broadcast/podcast.
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CLOSING PRAYER
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Remember the words of the Lord in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:44 says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
If you are not ready for the Return of Jesus Christ, may I encourage you to get ready today by receiving Him as your Savior. Here is how:
First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…” Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Now that is bad news, but here is the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.
Romans 10:9-13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh. Let us join in the prayer of John the Revelator — “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” God bless you.
Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books including the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com national bestseller, Letters to Young Black Men. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry.
He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity (formerly Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary). He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree.
He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.
BCNN1 WP 