El Primer Ministro Binyamin Netanyahu se mostró preocupado por los acontecimientos ocurridos en Egipto los últimos días y advirtió que si los extremistas de ese país llegan al poder se podría convertir en un nuevo Irán.
Egipto es uno de los pocos países árabes que mantenían un acuerdo de paz con Israel y esta revuelta podría cambiar el rumbo de la política de ese país con respecto a Israel por la posible toma del poder de la Hermandad Musulmana.
Durante el fin de semana se informó que un ataque provocó el corte de suministro de gas desde ese país hacia Israel.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Revuelta Egipcia
The Egyptian Riots-
What's next?
The media's biased coverage of the protests in Egypt are not coming close to explaining what's really going on in the Middle East. It all is tied into Israel's future. To understand that, let's first do a brief historical review.
In 2066 BC, the Arab lineage began from the offspring of Sarah's handmaiden Hagar, who had an illicit child with Abraham. The Bible, in no uncertain terms, warns us that the descendents of that child, Ishmael, would
1) Multiply like rabbits
2) Live to the east of Israel
3) Always be fighting
In a word, they will simply be irrational (Gen 16:10-12). And to this day, that they are.
About 600 AD the false prophet Muhammad begins the Islamic religion. It's a nasty, works oriented religion that worships the moon god Baal. It requires submission to the Qur'an, which is a fake bible written by Muhammed through encouragement and inspiration by what can only be a demon disguised as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14).
With blind devotion by its followers, Islam spread throughout the middle east, blunted only slightly by the Crusades around 1000-1200 AD. By late nineteenth century, the largest block of Muslims were in the Ottoman Empire who controlled an area from Southern Europe to the Arabian Sea.
In 1917, at the end of World War l, the French and the British defeated the Ottomans and divided the
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| Ottoman Empire |
land into smaller countries. Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iraq, Yeman, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Israel were all part of the Ottoman Empire up until the British and French conquered them. But this breakup caused a major problem with the Arabs: the hated and despised Jews were now allowed back into their ancestral homeland.
Getting Israel (Jehovah God) out of the Middle East became the chief concern of the Arabs (Satan). The Arabs began immediately demanding to be given the land apportioned to Israel. In fact, all of
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| Land for Israel originally included all of Jordan-the pink shaded area was given to th |
Jordan was originally included in the land given to Israel as their homeland. The Arabs were able to wrestle 2/3s of the land away that was given to Israel, and called it Trans-Jordan (today simply called Jordan). But, much to the horror of the Arabs, Israel managed to keep what are basically her borders today.
This led to the formation of the "The Muslim Brotherhood" in 1928. They were formed as a terrorist group to push Israel out of her land, although their official motto/creed says only:
"Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. The Qur'an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope."
The Muslim Brotherhood is bent on carrying out the commands of the Qur'an. Since they were founded in 1928, they have fought tooth and nail against the Jews and anyone supporting them...chiefly the United States. But the Muslim Brotherhood not only 
The Muslim Brotherhood has many offshoots visible today. Through the years they are responsible for setting up terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah, al Qaeda, Black September and Islamic Jihad. They are responsible
So that brings us up to today. The Egyptians are not protesting in order to reform the Egyptian government. Oh, the network cameras have found a few demonstrators who have actually voiced that
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| Israel has peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan covering 80% of her borders. |
desire, but the Satanic roots of what is happening in the Middle East run much deeper. This change of power has to do with the fact that Israel has two peace treaties with Muslim countries - Egypt and Jordan. These two peace treaties cover over 80% of Israel's borders. The Muslim Brotherhood loathes cooperation with Israel and wants to gain political power in Egypt to put an end to it.
So it's not about electing a democracy, but rather, gaining control of Egypt which includes all the military hardware the U.S. has been supplying for the last 30 years. Egypt has a fleet of F-16 Fighter Jets and modern, state-of-the-art tanks. Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, came out this week and said if the Muslim Brotherhood gets elected in Egypt, they will immediately trash the peace agreement with Israel and begin to plan for war.
This is why Israel is screaming with disbelief at the United States for abandoning a stable Egyptian government. The U.S. is not only abandoning Mubarak, they are encouraging the terrorist group,
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| Obama was the first U.S. President to ever bow to a Muslim shiek |
the Muslim Brotherhood. The Obama Administration, just last month gave a huge world wide signal as they lifted a ban preventing Muslim Professor Tariq Ramadan from entering the U.S. Ramadan, an Egyptian living in Europe, is a leader in Europe's Muslim Brotherhood. President Bush had blocked him from entering the U.S., but not anymore. And this week, the Obama Administration has stated that if the Muslim Brotherhood were to win elections in Egypt, they would work with them. Work with terrorists?
Something smells. If elections were held in Egypt, who do you think would get elected? It is estimated that the Muslim Brotherhood would garner 
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| More than just words! |
So why in the world would we be abandoning Egypt, who controls the Suez Canal/oil flow, for the possibility of it ending up like Iran? Let's look at what the Bible says happens in the latter days.
Israel will have no allies.
"And it will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. Zech. 12:3
"For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle" Zech. 14:2
All means 
Great riches? In the post-Rapture vacuum, Ezek 38/39 says a Russia/Iran alliance will invade Israel from the north. They invade to get the riches in the land. Hmm, there are no riches that we know of, so it's possible oil will be discovered in Israel in the near future.
There are currently two oil drilling companies drilling in Israel and both believe it's only a matter of time when the largest oil field in the world will be 
But regardless of the shape or form of the "riches" that Russia and Iran desire, Israel goes to war with the invaders and wipes out 5/6ths of their armies using some kind of nuclear weapons. Alone and backed into a corner, her destiny at stake and nothing to lose, Israel takes matters into her own hands. She has no choice and begins to systematically take out her enemies. She strikes quickly at those surrounding her borders using her considerable nuclear arsenal.
"In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples ..." Zech. 12:6
So it's at this time that a man stands up with a plan to save the world, save the Arabs. He pleads with Israel that if she stops nuking the nations around her, he will guarantee her peace through a seven year treaty.
Israel is bargaining from a strength position and adds a twist to the treaty. Sensing the hand of God 
So watch the Egyptian protests play out while keeping the end of the story in mind. Whether the Rapture is now, or 30 years from now, we know how it ends. What an incredible time in which to live!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Debe romperse el tratado de paz Egipcio-Israeli
White House looking for immediate regime change in Egypt
Vicious street fighting continues in Cairo
The New York Times reported on Thursday evening that the White House is in communication with officials close to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in an effort to convince the embattled leader to step aside immediately instead of finishing out his current term in September as he would prefer.
According to the report, the US plan would see newly-appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman placed in charge of a transitional government supported by the Egyptian Army. The transitional government would include representatives from "a broad range of opposition groups, including the banned Muslim Brotherhood."
Officials tempered the announcement by reminding reporters that the talks were in a preliminary stage and that neither Suleiman or the Army had made any commitments.
Mubarak gave a defiant interview to ABC News 's Christiane Amanpour Thursday evening, saying he would "never run away" and would "die on the soil of Egypt."
"I am fed up. After 62 years in public service, I have had enough. I want to go," Mubarak insisted, while saying that he could not step down now because if he did the country would descend even further into chaos, echoing his words to US President Barak Obama earlier in the day.
Protesters say the regime has organized the violence unleashed over the last few days while regime officials have blamed "foreigners" and newly appointed Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq gave a televised apology for the violence and promised an investigation.
The street fights in and around Tahrir Square in Cairo were intense Thursday evening, with journalists and rights workers being targeted, at least 8 people were reported killed and hundreds more wounded as massive fires burned out of control, looters ransacked stores and blood ran freely in the streets and the Army moved in fits and starts to separate rival groups. But in the morning anti-Mubarak forces were still in control of the square and vowed to renew protests after Friday prayers in the city's mosques.
"All of the sectarian violence is dissolving - Christians, Copts and Muslims are all working together," said one protester. "It makes you wonder where all the hatred came from; maybe it was just created by the regime."
Elsewhere, a spokesman for Egypt's banned Moslem Brotherhood organization made a statement Thursday evening in which he refused to promise that if his party comes to power it will honor the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt signed in 1979, or even recognizing Israel diplomatically, although he conceded that this was an issue that would be decided by an elected parliament representing all Egyptians.
Finally, US officials continue to keep a close eye on events on the ground in Cairo, with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen telling reporters on Thursday that he has been in communication with his Egyptian counterpart and received assurances that the Army will not fire on demonstrators. The Pentagon has also announced in recent days that it has no plans at this time to cut military aid shipments to Egypt.
Headlines
Iranian leader cheers on "Islamic awareness" in Egypt
Opposition group announces sabotage campaign
"This is what was always referred to as ... Islamic awareness in connection with Iran's great Islamic Revolution," he insisted, adding his encouragement to the Egyptian protesters to overthrow President Mubarak just as he and his comrades overthrew the Shah in 1979, replacing him with a hardline Islamist government. He also gloated that such an outcome in Egypt would be an "irreparable defeat" for the US and Israel.
His remarks have been heavily criticized by government officials in Iran's Arab neighbors, and came a day after an Iranian opposition group calling itself the "Green Wave" announced plans to bring Khamenei's government "to its knees" by sabotaging the strategic energy sector, after attempts at popular protests in late 2009 and early 2010 were brutally crushed by the regime.
The Green Wave movement is led by an exiled Iranian businessman named Amir Jahanshahi, the son of a minister in the Shah's government, who has expressed hope that by hitting their business interests it might turn the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"In the next 12 months, there will be action taken to destabilise the energy sector, which has been plundered by Ahmadinejad and his entourage for personal profit and to finance terrorist groups overseas," Jahanshahi said in Paris on Thursday. "I take responsibility for everything that will happen in the energy sector, but I can't say more."
He was joined at the press conference by Mohammad Reza Madhi, a former IRGC general who leads the dissident "Circle of the People" group, which claims to have thousands of sympathizers in the IRGC and other government agencies.
In related news, the reputable International Institute for Strategic Studies in London released a study on Thursday estimating that Iran was capable of building a nuclear weapon in one to two years, but that its progress had been stymied by the Stuxnet computer worm and other problems.
"The diplomatic parlor game for the last couple of years has been guessing when the US or Israel might attack Iran's nuclear program," said IISS Director General John Chipman. "But it appears they already did but used a cyber munition with much less publicity and collateral damage."
Israeli Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy Dan Meridor was coy when speaking about the possibility that Israel might have been responsible for the Stuxnet worm while speaking at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs on Thursday, acknowledging that Israel needed to find new ways to fight its enemies that would not involve graphic pictures of battle being beamed around the world by cable news.
"The cyberworld ... becomes more important in the conflict between nations. It is a new battleground, if you like, not with guns but with something else," he said.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Bible Prophecy Signs to Watch For
I maintain that the best approach is to study the Bible diligently, ask for God's wisdom and understanding, and to discuss ideas with others as we cautiously watch for signs of the end times. Then, when led by the Spirit, we should tell others in a level-headed, educated manner.
Undoubtedly a balance must be had, as we should not fear telling people about God's Word either. What makes this all the more interesting to me is that myself and many others that carefully study Bible prophecy can not help but notice prophetic events seem to be culminating faster than ever before. It would seem that a sense of urgency to discuss how the events going on around us are prophetic, and it is being put upon the hearts and minds of many to share that information.
In 2 Peter 3:9-10 we read that the Lord is patient; but one day, like a thief, a literal end to the world as we know it will happen:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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.
The Rapture
Before I begin discussing signs that we can watch for as we approach what the Bible calls "the time of the end" (Daniel 12:8-9), I want to be sure an important concept is understood, and that is that the Rapture is imminent! The Rapture is when Christians will be taken from the earth (1 Thes 4:16-17) and then, some time afterward, many catastrophic events will happen on earth: a time known as "The Tribulation". The Bible tells us that the Rapture will come “like a thief in the night,” when “no one knows,” and at a time when people are going about their usual lives (as in the days of Noah). Thus, it could happen before you finish reading this sentence, complete this article, or it may happen the next time you are asleep. If that concept seems unsettling to you (that is, you do not consider that a "blessed hope" like we read about in Titus 2:11-14), please be sure to read "Are You Ready?"
With an understanding that The Rapture is imminent, it’s important to realize that when we discuss the signs of the end times, we are really looking for signs that point to events that happen during the tribulation and Second Coming because there will not necessarily be any signs that precede the Rapture. However, because the Rapture will precede the tribulation, we can expect to observe some foreshadows to the final end-time events foretold in the Bible.
Below is an illustration that may help anyone new to the terms. We are now living in what is referred to as the "Church Age", with "The Rapture" something that can happen at any time now. The "7 Years" depicted in the illustration below is essentially the tribulation period which will be followed by "The Second Coming":
My friend Dr. Tim LaHaye (co-author of the best-selling Left Behind series) explains how the signs of the Second Coming relate to the Rapture with a clever illustration. He says it is like observing merchants putting up Christmas decorations. While that obviously points to the soon coming of Christmas, given that it occurs several weeks prior to Christmas (even before Thanksgiving), when we see merchants putting up Christmas decorations, we can use that as a sign that Thanksgiving is very near. Similarly, when we see signs of the tribulation, we can use that as an indication that the Rapture is more near than ever.1
Chapter 3 of Pray That You May Escape describes all the major end-times events in much greater detail than I can provide in this article.
The Nation of Israel
One of the most notable prophetic events in recent history has set the stage for many other end-times events to begin unfolding; and, as seen in current headlines, that is exactly what is happening. Namely, after being dormant for nearly 2,000 years, Israel became a nation again. It's important to recognize that notable event happened just recently (1948). The following chart demonstrates how that was just a relatively short time ago in history:
Jesus explained to us that once end-times events began to happen, they would also conclude within the same generation:
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened (Matthew 24:32-34)
We can see that the issue is important because of Jesus’ own words: “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (emphasis added). I add the emphasis because that is exactly what Jesus did. Of course, all of what Jesus says is absolutely true and not to be taken lightly, but the fact that He precedes His statement with “I tell you the truth” (a common way to provide emphasis in the language of Jesus’ time) and then also includes the word “certainly” should cause one to take note of how strongly He wanted to get His point across.
It is abundantly clear that we should continue to watch Israel because Scripture tells us that God has chosen Israel for special purposes, both historically and for the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. Chapter 2 of Pray That You May Escape explains that idea in eye-opening detail and Chapter 3, particularly the subsection entitled "Daniel's 70th Week", discusses some fundamental concepts about end times Bible prophecy in relation to Israel, the Church, and the timing of those critical end times events. Those are events that are very important to Christians and non-Christians alike, especially in light of the times in which we live.
Natural Disasters and Signs from Heaven
Also discussed in Pray That You May Escape is a concept that scientists have been observing for a few years now: the earth's magnetic core is shifting. Within the past few weeks headlines are finally catching up to the topic because we are beginning to see some results of that: airport navigation problems and other phenomenon that may be a direct result. That's not surprising given the magnetic pole is not just shifting a few inches, or even a few feet, per year; rather, it is shifting about 40 miles a year towards Russia! To make matters worse, every 11 years the sun has a noticeable increase in solar flare activity and the earth's magnetism helps alleviate the harmful impact of that; but the shift that is occuring this time may lessen that "defense". The next solar flare activity is expected to increase at the end of 2011 and continue through 2012.
As a result, we can likely expect our solar grid and communication processes to be compromised, and potentially quite severely. Another side effect of the earth's core shifting is that it may be what is causing the animal death phenomenon, as it's disrupting the birds' ability to navigate properly, schools of fish to swim to their deaths, and herds of other animals to behave abnormally. That would explain why it happens to large groups at once (animals that travel in flocks, schools, and herds) and not affect other animals around them.
It may be also the reason for the increase in natural disasters, such as earthquakes and storms, which the Bible specifically predicts will happen in the end times (Matthew 24:8, as one example). Current headlines are reporting an increase in earthquake activity, record-breaking storms, floods, etc. Not only do humans feel their immediate impact, but those events lead to food shortages: which leads to inflation, and eventually famine. Again, specific end-times events foretold to happen in the Bible!
Another curious event is that the Euphrates River is drying up according to a recent article in the New York Times. Some of it is a result of water policy mismanagement by Iraq, a two-year drought, and the use of various dams.3 Revelation 16:12 foretells that the Euphrates will dry up in preparation for the Battle of Armageddon. If you observe a map of the Middle East, you will see how the removal of the Euphrates River as a natural barrier would permit nations east of Israel easier land access to Israel. Interestingly enough, it also could be achieved via man-made technology as well. In 1990 Turkey completed the construction of the Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates. The dam has been used to cut off the flow of the river in order to fill up the lake behind the dam.
As a result, we can likely expect our solar grid and communication processes to be compromised, and potentially quite severely. Another side effect of the earth's core shifting is that it may be what is causing the animal death phenomenon, as it's disrupting the birds' ability to navigate properly, schools of fish to swim to their deaths, and herds of other animals to behave abnormally. That would explain why it happens to large groups at once (animals that travel in flocks, schools, and herds) and not affect other animals around them.
It may be also the reason for the increase in natural disasters, such as earthquakes and storms, which the Bible specifically predicts will happen in the end times (Matthew 24:8, as one example). Current headlines are reporting an increase in earthquake activity, record-breaking storms, floods, etc. Not only do humans feel their immediate impact, but those events lead to food shortages: which leads to inflation, and eventually famine. Again, specific end-times events foretold to happen in the Bible!
Another curious event is that the Euphrates River is drying up according to a recent article in the New York Times. Some of it is a result of water policy mismanagement by Iraq, a two-year drought, and the use of various dams.3 Revelation 16:12 foretells that the Euphrates will dry up in preparation for the Battle of Armageddon. If you observe a map of the Middle East, you will see how the removal of the Euphrates River as a natural barrier would permit nations east of Israel easier land access to Israel. Interestingly enough, it also could be achieved via man-made technology as well. In 1990 Turkey completed the construction of the Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates. The dam has been used to cut off the flow of the river in order to fill up the lake behind the dam.
The interesting topic of natural disasters, solar flares, and the earth's magnetic core shifting and more are all explained further in chapter 4 of Pray That You May Escape.
The Rebuilding of the Temple
Without a doubt, the rebuilding of the holy temple in Jerusalem would be a significant prophetic sign that we are in the end of times. At this point in time, it would be nothing short of a miracle for that to happen, given all the unrest and conflict concerning the Temple Mount right now. Yet, statistically, we have a much greater chance now than has ever been possible because in 1967 Israel took control of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War.
Of course, just as the Bible has been right in all its prophecies, we know this is going to happen because Scripture tells us it will. In essence, the rebuilding of the temple will set up the “abomination that causes desolation” described so clearly in Daniel 9:27, explicitly referred to by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, and later mentioned by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Therefore, it’s interesting that currently many Jews want to rebuild the temple, and even now are preparing to do so. According to the Temple Institute’s Statement of Principles,
Of course, just as the Bible has been right in all its prophecies, we know this is going to happen because Scripture tells us it will. In essence, the rebuilding of the temple will set up the “abomination that causes desolation” described so clearly in Daniel 9:27, explicitly referred to by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, and later mentioned by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Therefore, it’s interesting that currently many Jews want to rebuild the temple, and even now are preparing to do so. According to the Temple Institute’s Statement of Principles,
The Temple Institute is dedicated to all aspects of the Divine commandment for Israel to build a house for G-d’s presence, the Holy Temple, on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The range of the Institute's involvement with this concept includes education, research, activism, and actual preparation. Our goal is firstly, to restore Temple consciousness and reactivate these “forgotten” commandments. We hope that by doing our part, we can participate in the process that will lead to the Holy Temple becoming a reality once more.2
A Seven Year Peace Treaty with Israel
Related to the aforementioned rebuilding of the temple, we can also watch for early signs of a seven-year peace treaty with Israel. This very important event will start Daniel's 70th Week and set the stage for the “abomination that causes desolation” (Daniel 9:27).
Wars and Rumors of War
Before peace, however, we can expect war, as that is the sequence of events described in prophecy. Specifically, we know there will be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Historically, there is war and the threat thereof before there is peace.
In an interview with David Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries, Bill Salus says this about Israel’s neighbors being conspicuously absent:
It is intriguing that Israel’s most observable opponents over the last 60 years since the restoration of the nation are not enlisted in the Ezekiel 38 nine member consortia of nations. This has puzzled the scholar[s] a lot recently. These are the very nations that border Israel through which the Russian invasion would be trespassing into to get into Israel to invade. So, why are they [not] listed? And, of course, what we are referring to are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and what has evolved out of those entities are Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinians, and other terrorist entities could be included in that list.
Major Geopolitical Shifts
A ten-nation alliance that is, or could easily become, aligned against Israel. This alliance likely will involve some component of the original “Iron Empire,” which we know was the Roman Empire (Daniel 7:23; Revelation 13:1-2; and others).
The global power of the United States declining (economically, politically, and/or militarily) and/or the U.S. becoming less friendly to Israel. We know that in the end times, Israel will not have any nation on its side (Zechariah 12); thus, we can conclude the U.S. will either be diminished as a major superpower and/or will not support Israel as it has in the past.
Hyperinflation as described in Revelation 6:5-6. The worldwide economic turmoil we are now facing, coupled with food shortages and natural disasters that would cause increased stress on our food supplies will contribute to that concept. An increase in the price of oil would also substantially contribute to higher prices at the pump and in stores.
A one-world government and banking system that, when controlled by the Antichrist, would control commerce, religion, etc. (Revelation 13:17).
The rise of a prominent figure who becomes head of the aforementioned ten-nation alliance and will eventually be revealed as the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1). I have not found definitive proof that the Bible tells us the Antichrist will come from any certain religion, country, etc. (so I will not mislead by saying otherwise).
Chapters 7 and 8 of Pray That You May Escape discuss geopolitics and what role the United States plays in end-times Bible prophecy.
A rise in apostasy and false teachings will be prevalent in end times, (Matthew 24:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is something anyone sensitive to the topic knows is happening at an increasing and alarming rate. Chapter 6 of Pray That You May Escape discusses that topic with an especially prolific amount of scripture.
As described in detail in chapter 5 Pray That You May Escape, the end times will be marked with a continued decay of morals in society (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The study is fascinating and eye-opening.
A rather curious, albeit scary, event is described in Revelation 6:7-8, wherein we learn that wild beasts also will be the cause of many deaths.
More Events to Watch For
The preaching of the gospel to all nations as described in Matthew 24:14, where we read, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Today's technology is making that possible. Pray That You May Escape discusses technology in relation to the end times (Chapter 9).
A rise in apostasy and false teachings will be prevalent in end times, (Matthew 24:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is something anyone sensitive to the topic knows is happening at an increasing and alarming rate. Chapter 6 of Pray That You May Escape discusses that topic with an especially prolific amount of scripture.
As described in detail in chapter 5 Pray That You May Escape, the end times will be marked with a continued decay of morals in society (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The study is fascinating and eye-opening.
A rather curious, albeit scary, event is described in Revelation 6:7-8, wherein we learn that wild beasts also will be the cause of many deaths.
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
The Purpose of the Millennium
By Jeffrey R. Camino
Many people think that eternity in heaven is going to start immediately after the Second Coming of Christ; however, that's not quite the case. Christ will reign for eternity; but first some other end-times events will happen.
The Millennium has some special purposes. First, one must understand that when the Millennium begins, only believers will be alive on earth, as unbelievers will be in hell (Revelation 19:17-21). In other words, the inhabitants of earth will be comprised of two groups of Christians: Those that survived the tribulation and became Christians, and those that came back to earth with the Lord at His Second Coming (Revelation 19:14).
During the Millennium, earth will experience peace like never before (Isaiah 2:4; Joel 3:10; Micah 4:3). Jesus will be ruling on the throne of David and imposing a benevolent theocracy on all of His creation. Everyone's needs will be fulfilled, and sin will not be tolerated (Psalm 2:7-12; Revelation 2:26-29; 12:5; 19:11-16).
While the believers that return from heaven with Christ will have their "heavenly" bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), the believers who lived through the Tribulation will remain mortal; thus that group of people will procreate and repopulate the earth during that 1,000 years on earth. Since there will not be food shortages, pestilence, natural disasters, and otherwise death like we know today because of sin, the human population will grow very quickly.
Consequently, a totally different third group of people will soon exist: those that are born during the Millennium. That will bring about an interesting situation: Although Satan and the evils of the world will not be an enemy to mankind, the third and final enemy, man's own sinful nature, will still exist within those that are born during the Millenium. At the end of the 1,000 years they will have to make a choice to either serve God or to serve their sinful nature because Satan will be loosed for a "short time" (Revelation 20:3) to give them that choice.
That is why we learn that Satan is tied up during that period and then released one final, brief time. It would seem all along, and up until the very end before Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire for Eternity, he has been serving God's purpose to give mankind a choice. God does not want people to turn to Him because they have to, but because they want to explicitly make that choice. Consequently, another choice has to be represented to make the choice valid.
Below is an illustration that helps visually represent some of the major terms used in end times Bible prophecy. In essence, we're now living in what is referred to as the "Church Age", with "The Rapture" something that can happen at any time now. The "7 Years" depicted in the illustration below is essentially the tribulation period which will be followed by "The Second Coming". After that there will be a 1000 Year Kingdom on earth (a.k.a. "the Millennium"), and then eternity:
The Millennium has some special purposes. First, one must understand that when the Millennium begins, only believers will be alive on earth, as unbelievers will be in hell (Revelation 19:17-21). In other words, the inhabitants of earth will be comprised of two groups of Christians: Those that survived the tribulation and became Christians, and those that came back to earth with the Lord at His Second Coming (Revelation 19:14).
During the Millennium, earth will experience peace like never before (Isaiah 2:4; Joel 3:10; Micah 4:3). Jesus will be ruling on the throne of David and imposing a benevolent theocracy on all of His creation. Everyone's needs will be fulfilled, and sin will not be tolerated (Psalm 2:7-12; Revelation 2:26-29; 12:5; 19:11-16).
While the believers that return from heaven with Christ will have their "heavenly" bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), the believers who lived through the Tribulation will remain mortal; thus that group of people will procreate and repopulate the earth during that 1,000 years on earth. Since there will not be food shortages, pestilence, natural disasters, and otherwise death like we know today because of sin, the human population will grow very quickly.
Consequently, a totally different third group of people will soon exist: those that are born during the Millennium. That will bring about an interesting situation: Although Satan and the evils of the world will not be an enemy to mankind, the third and final enemy, man's own sinful nature, will still exist within those that are born during the Millenium. At the end of the 1,000 years they will have to make a choice to either serve God or to serve their sinful nature because Satan will be loosed for a "short time" (Revelation 20:3) to give them that choice.
That is why we learn that Satan is tied up during that period and then released one final, brief time. It would seem all along, and up until the very end before Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire for Eternity, he has been serving God's purpose to give mankind a choice. God does not want people to turn to Him because they have to, but because they want to explicitly make that choice. Consequently, another choice has to be represented to make the choice valid.
At the very end, there will be a "Great White Throne Judgment", when unbelievers are judged for their sins. As for those that accepted Christ beforehand, they will not be part of the judgment!
In fact, praise God that one judgment has already happened: the judgment of believers! What that means is that if you are truly born again, then the judgement for your sins has already been made at the Cross. That is a phenomenal thing to understand: Jesus became our substitute and, therefore, took all the judgment intended for our sins upon Himself (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:13). That is the deep meaning of grace through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
Now, that doesn't mean we are to rest easy. The Bible tells us in Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Much more about that important subject can be read in the article entitled "Eternal Salvation" which will be part of the "Related Links" cited at the end of this article.)
So, then, what will Christians be judged for? Understanding that we do not work to be saved; but, rather, we work because we are saved and want to please God, we can then comprehend that the Bible says we are saved to do good works (Ephesians 2:10 and Titus 2:14). The Holy Spirit will empower us to do so (1 Peter 4:11), all for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Returning to that final judgment of nonbelievers, once that happens and the Millennium concludes, then true eternity will begin. For believers, it's something very much to look forward to!
As for the "here and now", there's still a lot ahead of us. Christians will experience the Rapture, and then earth will experience the tribulation — a time so bad that the Bible explains it has never been experienced before nor shall it ever be experienced again (Matthew 24:21). If you are a Christian, you should help share God's Word with others and if you are not, then you should evaluate where you want to spend eternity, and do so soon.
I'd like to leave you with the words of Jesus in Luke 21:36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man”. Maranatha!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Preparativos para el Tercer Templo
Confeccionan los hábitos para los sacerdotes!
Un grupo de sastres comenzó a confeccionar los hábitos de medio centenar de voluntarios que confían en convertirse en sacerdotes del Tercer Templo de Jerusalén, cuya construcción es uno de los más viejos anhelos del judaísmo.
Los destinatarios de las prendas son los “cohanim”, casta descendiente de Aarón, sumo sacerdote en la época de Moisés, y responsable de los oficios en el Primer y Segundo Templo, destruidos hace 2.500 y 2.000 años, respectivamente. Los sastres trabajan en el Instituto del Templo, ubicado cerca del único vestigio del segundo de los santuarios, el Muro, y que tiene como objetivo concienciar a los judíos de todo el mundo que el Tercero está al caer.
“Por esta razón -dice Iehuda Glick, su director- hay que prepararse y conocer bien toda la obra que se hacía hace dos mil años, así como los instrumentos necesarios para las labores sagradas”.
La confección de estos hábitos es una labor titánica, porque la gama de los colores púrpura, blanco y celeste de estos ropajes, según los describe la Biblia, es arcaica.
El rojo púrpura para los cinturones de 16 metros, por ejemplo, proviene del llamado “gusano carmesí”, en realidad un insecto, y que finalmente han encontrado en Turquía. La investigación requerió la participación de cientos de expertos en textiles y colores alrededor del globo, lo que, sin embargo, no disipa la ambición de completar estas prendas sacerdotales, ni las decenas de instrumentos que se exhiben en el museo, todas ellas en el metal y con el diseño exigido.
Y es que Glick está convencido que, tras la “milagrosa” creación del estado de Israel en 1948, la reconstrucción del santuario está en el horizonte.
“No sé cuando, sé que Dios lo facilitará, El encontrará el momento”, defiende el director de una entidad que existe desde hace dos décadas y que gastó más de 25 millones de dólares en esta misión.
Tradiciones ortodoxas, algunas más inspiradas en la Cábala que en documentos litúrgicos, hablan que el Tercer Templo será “obra divina” y que mientras tanto el hombre no debe interceder más que volviendo al camino de la fe para ganarse el favor de Dios, que después enviará a su Mesías… y con él el templo. Además, ningún ultraortodoxo osaría subir al lugar donde se hallaba el santuario, considerado “lugar prohibido” por no conocerse los límites exactos del Sancta Sanctorum, y únicamente está autorizado para ello el Gran Sacerdote y, sólo, en el Día del Perdón (Iom Kipur).
Hoy, en esa explanada se alzan las mezquitas del Domo de la Roca y de Al-Aksa, y cualquier tentativa de expropiación conduciría a un conflicto religioso que traspasaría los límites de la región.
Conocida por éstos como Haram Al-Sharif -El Noble Santuario-, es para el Islam su tercer lugar más sagrado después de La Meca y Medina, y para los palestinos el corazón espiritual de sus reivindicaciones
políticas de un estado independiente. “Los que creen que el Templo descenderá de los cielos, por arte de
magia o elemento cósmico, eluden el precepto bíblico de prepararse y participar en la construcción” , asegura Glick.
Para ellos, visitar lo que el judaísmo denomina el “Monte del Templo” y considera su lugar más sagrado, es una forma de reivindicar una potestad histórica y política para los judíos sobre ese lugar, en particular ahora que se decide el futuro de Jerusalén en las negociaciones de paz. (EFE)
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