For 2,000 years Christians have believed they were living in the end-times. What has prophecy told us to look for; is it now?

I read where Iran and Russia, bitter enemies for centuries, have become allies for the first time in history. It has made me concerned. If you study Ezekiel chapters 36 through 39 it sounds like a war against Israel could breakout anytime. Should that happen no one will come to Israel’s rescue, (Does that surprise you?) and Scripture says that God will destroy the armies from the north. Everyone will know that it was a “God Thing”.

If you follow current events you may be aware that Moscow has aggressively pursued political, economic and military ties to Iran in defiance of U.S. and European protests. Russia has authorized the sale of nuclear technology to Iran. They are training nuclear scientists and are providing them with the latest in armament.

Since May 14, 1948 when Israel was established, Middle-Eastern nations have tried to destroy them. The Bible says that before the Russian and Iran led war, Israel will live in a time of calm and will accumulate great wealth. Isaiah 45:3 says: “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (Referring to this time in history) Foreign energy companies are finding enormous reserves of gas and an adequate amount of oil in Israel’s possession.

Scripture tells us that (Magog) Russia and (Persia) Iran and others will be led to invade Israel. Ezekiel 38:4 – “I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.” Ezekiel goes on in 38:9 – “You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.”

Russia has hugely increased their defense budget, including new aircraft, rockets and the size of their army. The Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes it is his duty to prepare the way for the Islamic messiah by destroying the Jews and Christians. Thus, he has vowed to annihilate the U. S. and Israel and is preparing his military and nuclear weapons to accomplish that. As we continue in Ezekiel 39:2 & 4 – “I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.” How close are we getting to the time when Ezekiel’s vision will come to pass?

It is possible that Israel could launch a massive, pre-emptive nuclear strike against Moscow, Tehran, Damascus and other enemy cities. However, Russia could launch a nuclear attack that would leave no one standing.
Ezekiel 38:18 – 22 – “This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.”

Ezekiel raises many questions: Will Russia supernaturally be destroyed? The Bible says the devastation will be like something we have never seen before. It is believed that we will see a resurgence of religions worldwide. We assume this will give the world one last chance for salvation before the War of Armageddon.

Afterwards, we believe the Jews will begin their building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2 – “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. “ We believe Scripture teaches that until the Jews and the Jewish people turn to Christ in huge numbers and get excited about His Second Coming Jesus said he would delay His return.

Should this war occur, as we believe it will, it could start a spiritual crisis for Muslims around the world. When they see God protecting Israel their faith will be shaken. Think of the response churches will encounter. Acts 2:17 & 18 – “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

Do you believe that it is possible for a revival to take place worldwide? Are today’s churches ready?

If this blog does not create comment I will be surprised. I can’t think of anything more controversial than this. Please respond!