Edition 126: June28^th 2012

Kingdoms in conflict

News events and commentary:

My comment begins with ***

●The next edition God-willing; will ruffle some feathers! It’s titled “refuting the post tribulation rapture position.”

●Russia’s Putin meets Israeli leadership. He refused to step up pressure on Iran and Syria.

●Egypt’s new Muslim Brotherhood presidency is ominous for Israel. Consider these facts: The Muslim Brotherhood (M.B.) speaks peace on one hand, but this is there credo, which is still active today. “Allah is our objective, the Quran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader and Jihad is our way. Death for the sake of Allah is our highest aspiration.” The M.B. repeated this just a few weeks ago.

M.B “Hamas is our role model.” In fact Hamas grew out of the M.B. in the 1960s

Apart from Egypt the M.B. has a large presence in Gaza, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and others.

One of Morsi’s first statements as leader of Egypt was: “We will expand ties with Iran.

Some are calling the advance of the M.B. as the “Islamic awakening” Israel is calling it “approaching darkness”  - Yediot Aharonot  25^th June

Here are some quotes from Egypt’s new leader, M.B.s Morsi compiled by YNet News:

“The Zionists are seeking to destroy Egypt because they believe the revolution is more dangerous than a nuclear bomb.”

“The Palestinian issue is close to my heart, I will defend it with my heart and soul.”

I am proud and happy that I didn’t get a single vote amongst voters living in the Zionist entity.”

***Don’t think that because M.B. comes into power chanting “peace” that peace is what will follow! Islam often comes with the smokescreen of peace. It’s part of a strategy.

Do you want to know what the future holds for Egypt? The context of this whole chapter is the great end-time salvation of many Arabs which still lies ahead.  Here it is: Isaiah 19:4 “I will give the Egyptians into the hands of a cruel master and a fierce king will rule over them.”

This doesn’t mean that Morsi is this new “fierce king” (although it could) It will most probably be the next Egyptian leader. This verse could also be referring to the coming antichrist. Either way Egypt is in trouble!

●The Israeli police have banned The Temple Institute’s head, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, from the Temple Mount. He has been trying for time to lay a “cornerstone” for the new Temple. He was one of the Israeli soldiers who liberated Jerusalem from Arab control in the 1967 war. (21^st June)

●The Bible becomes the best seller in China.

●China, Russia and Iran are to hold huge joint military manoeuvres in Syria.

● Al-Qaeda calls for Egypt to cancel all treaties with Israel, so that Jerusalem will not continue to be a Jewish city. “Jerusalem must become Islamic,” they said! (Mid East News 17^th June) ***Isn’t it interesting how Islam is manoeuvring to place Jerusalem in the centre of things? (So far, Egypt has said it will honour the peace treaty)

►Iran’s Ahmadinejad says he will step down from power in 2013. He says “God has chosen my successor.” Although he didn’t say so in as many words, he hinted that his Chief of Staff, Esfandiar Rahim Masheai will be the next leader of Iran.

Here is Ahmadinejad with Masheai behind him. (He looks like Mr. Bean!)

Masheai is an Islamic extremist with religious nationalistic views.

He was fired in 2008 for making what was perceived as a pro-Israel statement. He said that Iran was really a friend of Israel. He later said that he made that remark only for the sake of Israel but he didn’t really mean it. He said it was part of his psychological warfare plan. Ahmadinejad said that Masheari’s statement was taken out of context.

Here are some of Masheari’s other comments:

“The Zionist regime is dead, it just needs a funeral.”

“Iranian Islam will shape the future. Without Iran Islam would be lost”

In a statement to Press TV, Masheai made a militant call to destroy Israel.

Masheai is reported to believe that he has a direct link to Islam’s expected Iman (their Messiah figure, also referred to as the Mahdi) and is in contact with him.

He has made various statements calling for Iran to prepare for the Iman / Mahdi. He is no fan of Iran’s clerics believing that he has a superior view and position. These beliefs are almost the same as Ahmadinejad’s.

Masheai’d daughter is married to Ahmadinejad’s son.

On Iran’s nuclear program, Masheai echoes and supports the views of Ahmadinejad.

Ahmadinejad once said of Mashead “One of the virtues and glories God has bestowed on me was to become acquainted with this great, honest and pious man.”

***There are so many similarities with this man and his beliefs and those of Ahmadinejad, that it’s quite amazing indeed.

In terms of the unfolding of the end-time scenario, whether it’s Ahmadinejad or Masheai in power it makes absolutely no difference. They’re both chips off Satan’s block! Either one of these two figures will be hugely significant in the upcoming war of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38 & 39)

●Iran’s Ahmadinejad congratulates Egypt’s Morsi : “This marks Egypt’s Islamic awakening.”

●Hamas says of Morsi’s win: “We will look to Egypt to play a new role in helping the Palestinians get freedom. We are ready to sacrifice our blood to protect Egypt’s soldiers.”

●There are many rumours that Ratzinger may step down soon as head of the Catholic Church. There are dozens of reports, but nothing substantial at this stage. It’s worth keeping an eye on. According to the prophecy of St Malachi, the next head will be “Peter the Roman” the last one.

●The ongoing dramas in Syria and the world’s inability to do anything about it, is not a good sign for Iran’s nuclear weapons program. It seems the world has a blind spot to the real important issues!

●Europe may reform into a tighter fiscal union with a new EU leader as well.

●It’s all very interesting that we’re seeing “musical chairs” on so many very important political fronts that will become prophetic fronts all at the same time!

Kingdoms in conflict

Introduction:

The Kingdoms of God and Satan are obviously miles apart in many ways, least of all in eternal destinies.

These two kingdoms are primarily in conflict in the spirit realm, out of sight of the natural eye, but the manifestation of the spiritual conflict in the natural world is about to intensify.

The war is already on the go. It’s starting to move closer and closer. The conflict and battle for the souls of people is about to explode into high gear!

Joel 3:14 “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, for the Day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”

Isaiah 13:6-7 “Wail for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, everyman’s heart will melt and they will be afraid with pangs and sorrow...their faces will be like flames.”

Isaiah 34:2 “For the indignation of the Lord is against all nations; and His fury against all their armies...He has given them over to slaughter.”

Joel 2:11 “The Lord thunders before His army; for His camp is great; Strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it.”

The nature of the two kingdoms:

God’s kingdom:

God’s kingdom is essentially where His own nature is manifest, which is purity, holiness, love, peace,  joy and all that it truly Godly good and right.

It is all on the far side of the cross!

If there’s one big take away from this edition here it is: Holiness is the place of peace. It’s required for peace and required in God’s kingdom.

The problem today is that most believers live for the moment, with a materialistic outlook. To really be successful in the kingdom of God we need to set our sights on eternity. As we look into the eternal future kingdom by faith, so we’re lifted more and more out of this world and its problems.

In fact to really be successful in the kingdom of God we also need to have eyes to see and recognise hell. It’s there, it’s real and it’s coming for many people.

On a personal level, I often feel lifted out of this world to some degree. In many respects I can’t feel at home here! It’s a funny thing...on one hand I really love so many things here. I love all things beautiful, and on the other hand, I know that what lies ahead is infinitely greater.

God’s kingdom is one where Godly authority is manifest.

This is of vital importance. True Godly authority comes from the very heart of God Himself. You can’t manufacture it, or pretend that you have it. It only comes as the living God of glory fills your life.

A person with Godly authority is exclusively one who is under His authority.

Godly authority comes from knowing our God deeply and intimately and by being known by Him. Godly authority only comes to those who walk in holiness and walk God’s way.

Few people today really represent God’s authority. O yes there are many behind many pulpits preaching and teaching God’s word, but very few have the real authority of God behind them.

Godly authority is something you can recognise and sense in someone’s life even while their mouths are shut.

There is great safety in the presence of people who are full of God’s authority.

The reason Godly authority is so important is because it takes the reality of this invisible authority to defeat Satan’s kingdom. You can’t do it in your own strength and you can’t do it while filled with worldliness. You can only be effective in God’s kingdom and against Satan’s kingdom, God’s way!

God’s kingdom has values and absolutes:

Truth reigns supreme in God’s kingdom.

In this regard I think it’s appropriate to answer some questions I often get about the validity of other prophecy teachers.

Prophecy teachers:

Unfortunately there aren’t too many of what we would call “watchmen” out there today, and now is the time that they’re needed, like never before!

I have great respect and love for the majority of prophecy teachers or watchmen out there, with a few exceptions. We may not all agree on every little detail, but most are close enough. Besides, a bit of disagreement on minor issues is no big deal.

What I’ve noticed is that over the last 30 years or so, many prophecy watchmen and teachers are coming into agreement more and more.

Isaiah 52:8 “Your watchmen shall lift up their voices; they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion.”

The above verse is quite amazing. It joins prophetic insight with the return of the Jews to the land and the Lord. This is the key to knowing which watchmen are the ones to listen to!

Most of the significant watchmen out there are people who’ve been followers of our Lord for many, many years. In fact you can really sense deep spiritual maturity and a real deep love for our Lord and His word in these men of God.

I have no time or respect for churches and ministries that ignore and remove prophecy teaching from their midst. If you’re in a church that doesn’t touch on prophecy and ignores the watchmen...get out fast!

There are a number of frauds out there as well. They’re in it for the money or personal fame. Also some use their position illegitimately to propagate Catholicism or other church doctrine.

Some are really of a different spirit and quite dangerous.

As said and according to the verse above the prophecy teachers and watchmen whose voices you need to take not of are those who deal with Israel, Jerusalem and the Jewish people.

Don’t be concerned about minor differences.

Satan’s kingdom:

Satan’s kingdom is essentially one of chaos, fear, torment, stress, hatred and the like. Sometimes Satan’s kingdom manifests as “good” but this is always human good, devoid of the Spirit of God. It’s a disguise and deception.

It is a kingdom of evil, but in these modern days many people call what is evil, good. Because modern man calls or labels something good and right, doesn’t make it so.

Satan’s kingdom is characterised by the opposite of holiness and resulting peace. It’s characterised by sin and its fruits.

Satan’s kingdom is one of counterfeit love. What is that you say? Its love with all the severity removed. God is love, but the Bible says consider both the goodness and severity of God. So love then has two sides to it. An easy way to spot the Satanic counterfeit is that it removes the severe side.

For example, I know many believers who won’t hear or have anything to do with end-time prophecy, because “it’s not love” according to them. So they reject it all, to their own peril!

Satan’s kingdom is one of illegitimate authority. It might look like the real thing sometimes, but as always, the fruits of evil will manifest somewhere down the line.

Illegitimate authority often works hand in hand with legalism.

The authority in Satan’s kingdom works through demonic forces to bring about control. This always happens through the forces of manipulation, intimidation and domination. Whenever you encounter these, know that Satan is at work.

Satan’s kingdom is of man-made and variable values.

There are no absolutes in Satan’s kingdom in terms of values and morality. Anything goes and anything that this person or that decides is okay is okay in Satan’s kingdom.

Satan’s kingdom is ruled by democracy. What the majority does and decides carries.

“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law” is the key of life in the Satanic Bible. This phrase has become the central tenant of new age religions. Alistair Crowley developed it.

Satan’s kingdom is one of disorder and rebellion to God, but it’s essentially a kingdom of great deception. If the unsaved could see Satan’s kingdom, they would get saved in a flash.

A good image of the deceptive nature of Satan’s kingdom is the Roman god Janus. He is always depicted as two-faced. His name means “archway” or “bridge”. He represents the bridge between good and evil, hell and heaven and right and wrong.

Janus represents true humanism. It’s also the origin of “January”

The god Janus represents the unity of god and the devil. This is the force behind the Multi-Faith movement today.

Janus the two faced deceiver:

Luke 16:26 “(Between heaven and hell) there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you, cannot.”

Sorry, new age crowd...heaven and hell will forever be separate and apart and never the twain shall meet!

Gates to the kingdoms

The entrance gates or doors to the two kingdoms are as different as you could imagine.

Let’s have a brief look at them from the Biblical perspective

The gate to the kingdom of God:

There is only one entrance gate to God’s kingdom. It is narrow, confined, and has restricted access. It will be shut soon!

Inside is great wonder that eyes, ears or the mind has never comprehended. Inside is the light of God’s glory and majesty, bathed in holiness, righteousness and purity. Inside is supreme, warm love, purpose and much activity.

There is no sorrow, tears, regret, envy, bitterness or division. There is perfect unity, in this sin-free, new world of eternal magnificence.

Inside are spectacular creatures of great wonder and angels of awe. All of the senses are alive and sensitive like never before. Beautiful sound emanates and echoes from its source filling the atmosphere with vibrant vibrations.

Every flower, creature, bird, animal, fruit and in fact all creation in this place is filled with the essence of life. Nothing can die here and nothing wants to.

God’s purpose and plan for you only begins once you get here. Wonder of wonders, your domain will open up from here into the entire universe!

Matthew 16:18 “...I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

Matthew 19:24 “It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The “eye of the needle” in the verse above was a term used for the small door in the large gates on the city wall. If a traveller arrived late after the shutting of the big gates, he who could still get in through the small door or “eye.” The problem was that the rich man with his camel decked out with his goods couldn’t fit through the “eye”. So he had to take everything off the camel and push it through the “eye”.

The analogy is that you can still come in, but you need to dethrone all your things of the world!

The gates to Satan’s kingdom:

There are numerous gates all wide open. Every religion, even atheists have their gates, making access easy. Anyone can enter, with no restrictions, except that you can’t be a believer in the true God through the cross of Christ. The gates to Satan’s kingdom are always open inviting and welcoming.

Inside is eternal torment, regret weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth in anger and hostility. Inside there is every foul demon creature, all sin and all evil.

Inside is hatred, screaming noise in confused purpose. Inside everyone would kill Satan and his demons, but there is no death in this eternal prison.

Be very sure of this: Both of these gates open one way only!

The final manifestation of kingdoms in conflict:

Let’s begin with a pin-point and move outwards:

●The Temple Mount ●Jerusalem ●Israel ●The Jewish people ●The world ●The universe

This is where kingdoms in conflict are going to soon explode into deadly disastrous conflict. In fact the only spot where there is no conflict of any description is in heaven itself!

The real big earth-shattering conflict of kingdoms is coming soon to a life near you!

It’s commonly held that the verse below relates to the Third Temple soon to be built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Micah 4:1-2 “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountains of the Lord’s house shall be established on top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, “Come let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion the law shall go forth and the word of the Lord will go forth from Jerusalem.”

In the verse below, a “sceptre,” although a physical thing, refers to authority and ruler ship. Note that it’s called a sceptre of wickedness. It’s widely held that this “sceptre” refers to Islam.

Psalm 125:3 “The sceptre of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous.”

Isaiah 14:5 “The Lord has broken the sceptre of the wicked.”

There’s been simmering conflict over the Temple Mount for ages. It will intensify soon. The Third Temple will be built at some point on the Mount. Exactly where and when is unknown right now. Something very dramatic will have to happen so that this can take place, but take place it will!

The politics of the Palestinians (backed by the world) and the religion of Islam are on a collision course with the living God. It’s going to soon be a lot more than an argument!

It will soon manifest as kingdoms collide!

The coming Temple on the Temple Mount

The image above is an artist’s representation of the rebuilding of the Temple.

Rebuilding the Third Temple (click to see the video)

Many Christians say, and they’re partly right, that there will be no new Temple in Jerusalem, because we as believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Nothing wrong with the second half of that! But there will be a new physical Temple, simple because God’s word says there will be in numerous places.

We as believers are the temple, but this new physical temple in Jerusalem has much to do with the Jewish people.

Why do we have communion? It’s convocation of remembrance isn’t it? In the same manner the new Temple will be set up looking both backwards to the sacrifice of our Messiah and looking forward to His coming again.

But here’s perhaps the big thing. The Temple will again demonstrate what pure holiness is. Much of the church today has no idea what true holiness is!

But there’s more to the Temple.

This Third Temple then will have a role in the tribulation period.

When our Lord and Savour returns to this earth, He comes back to the Mount of Olives, which is directly across the valley from the Temple Mount. Our Lord will then enter the Temple Mount through the Golden Gate. This gate also called the “eastern gate” is still closed today as it has been for hundreds of years, fulfilling prophecy.  (Ezekiel 44:1-3)

He will enter the rebuilt Temple, from which the antichrist has set up ruler ship and in which he proclaimed himself God.

Our Lord will in some way cleanse the Temple and from here He will destroy all the works of Satan and cast all the unsaved off this earth. The Bible isn’t clear on these things in a step by step way, but there’s enough to get the big picture.

The conflict spreads:

Okay, so the Temple Mount is where kingdoms will clash at the Second Coming of our Lord.

But before this these two kingdoms will be in the most violent conflict the world has ever seen.

It will manifest in all of Jerusalem, in all of Israel and in all the world. This is the fateful seven year tribulation period.

This kingdom clash manifests in WW111, the coming Holocaust and much more.

The answer:

These two kingdoms will never meet in peace.

In many respects all of us have kingdoms in conflict in our own hearts. This is simply because as believers we are born from this earth below and born from heaven above.  As new believers we have a great identity crisis on the go.

As we move forward with our Lord so, our identity changes more and more into glory. This is right and must be so. If you have not had that great identity crisis to deal with, you need to go back to the spiritual drawing board.

Please understand that this conflict of the ages will soon come to an eternal end. Don’t give up. Don’t capitulate to the god of this world.

Daniel 9:27 “Then he (antichrist) shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (7 years) but in the middle the week he shall bring an end sacrifice and offering and on the wings of abomination shall be one who makes desolate...”

2 Thessalonians 2:4 “He (antichrist) opposes and exalts himself above all that is called god, so that he sits as God in the temple of God showing himself that he is God.”

Here’s a painting by Francesco Hayez depicting the destruction and looting of the temple in 70AD

Shalom and grow in grace!