My name is Daniel Whyte III here to remind you that Jesus Christ is coming back soon and that you need to be prepared. This broadcast is not about predictions, nor is it about setting dates as some foolishly have done, however it is all about preparation.
First, today, let’s look at some Signs of His Coming in the news.
The disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus Christ gave them (and us) clear signs that show us when we can begin to expect to see the Coming of the Lord and the end of the world. 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 Israel Hayom, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel was preparing for a ‘broad and surprising’ military campaign in the Gaza Strip in the event of a major escalation. During a meeting in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, an area heavily targeted in previous flare-ups, Netanyahu stated: “I want there be calm, but we are not under the illusion that we can reach a political agreement with Hamas who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. We are preparing for a campaign that is not only broad but also surprising. I am not going to hesitate to do what is necessary.” A new truce agreement between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas was meant to restore calm on the border and bring to an end the launch of incendiary devices across the border but it has only partially been enforced by the terrorist group.
Second, today, under the Sign category of PESTILENCES — According to the New York Daily News, the CDC issued a vital signs warning as it prepares for a potential outbreak of the “polio-like” illness Acute Flaccid Myelitis in the fall. Since 2014, AFM has struck children in increasing numbers from August to October with peak outbreaks occurring on even-numbered years. Although doctors have linked a number of cases in the initial 2014 outbreak to enterovirus D-68, health officials have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the illness that has caused many children to become paralyzed. Ahead of the outbreaks, the CDC issued a warning including information on AFM and what doctors should do if cases are suspected. Although rare, the illness is serious, doctors have warned.
Third, today, under the Sign category of THE RISE OF GOG AND MAGOG — According to BBC News, Turkey has received the first parts of a Russian S-400 missile defence system despite opposition from the US. The shipment arrived in an airbase in the capital Ankara on Friday, the Turkish defence ministry says. The move will anger the US, which has warned that Turkey cannot have both the S-400 anti-aircraft defence system and US F-35 fighter jets. US defence officials called the Turkish action “a troubling signal of strategic alignment with Putin’s Russia” and said they did not want the F-35 jets to be near S-400 systems because they feared Russian technicians would be able to access the F-35’s vulnerabilities.
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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 4)” from Dr. Ed Hindson’s book “Revelation: Unlocking the Future.”
The very fact that John calls Babylon’s identity a “mystery” ought to be enough to indicate that he does not intend us to take “Babylon” literally. His subsequent description of this great city makes that point all the more clear. David Hocking also emphasizes that she is a “mystery and says, “This suggests that neither ancient Babylon nor its site is intended. It teaches us to look deeper and to see it figuratively rather than literally.”
John’s imagery is drawn from Jeremiah 51:7-8, where Babylon is referred to as a “golden cup” that made the nations drunk with the intoxicating desire for power. Thus, John takes the name of Israel’s ancient enemy, Babylon, and uses it for Rome. Robert Mounce writes, “Whether Jezebel or Cleopatra sat for the portrait John is now painting makes little difference. The harlot is Rome. Adorned in luxury and intoxicated with the blood of the saints, she stands for a dominant world system based on seduction for personal gain over and against the righteous demands of a persecuted minority.”
The real tragedy is that she could well be America! While there is no clear prophecy about the United States in the Bible (nor Canada, Australia, South Africa, etc.), it is possible to infer nations that are European transplants from “[the young lions] of Tarshish.” It is certainly probable that if a European alliance were to form in fulfillment of these prophecies anytime soon, it would most likely include all the major Western powers. That an American leader could head them is certainly possible, even probable.
Lord willing, we will continue looking at this topic in our next podcast.
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 “prophetic 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, “What Time Is It?” (Part 4). J.C. Ryle writes:
It is a cold time for believers. They meet with much to chill and damp their zeal, and little to cheer and warm their hearts. They have to put up with many crosses and disappointments. They see iniquity abounding, and their own love is apt to become cold. And why? It is night.
It is a lonely time to believers. They find little company on the way that leads to heaven. Here and there they fall in with one who loves the Lord Jesus, and lives by faith. A few of God’s children may be found in one town and a few in another. But on the whole the children of the world seem like the Syrian army, which filled the country, and the children of God are like a few scattered sheep in a wilderness. And why? It is night.
It is a dangerous time to believers. They often stumble, and scarcely discern their path. They often stand in doubt, and know not which way to turn. They sometimes see not their tokens, and lose sight of their landmarks. At best they travel on in continual fear of enemies. And why? It is night.
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.
BCNN1 WP 