People Are Funny – Ten true stories guaranteed to make you laugh
*WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?*
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package.
Perhaps it’s not Walter who’s lacking intelligence.
*WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:*
Police in Oakland , CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, ‘Please come out and give yourself up.’
*WHAT WAS PLAN B?*
An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.
*THE GETAWAY!*
A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.5. *DID I SAY THAT?* Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn’t control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: ‘Give me all your money or I’ll shoot’, the man shouted, ‘that’s not what I said!’
*ARE WE COMMUNICATING?*
A man spoke frantically into the phone: ‘My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart’. ‘Is this her first child?’ the doctor asked. ‘No!’ the man shouted, ‘This is her husband!’
*HERE’S A MEATY STORY* A New Jersey man whose last name is Bacon was arrested after a dispute over sausage, according to police.
Thomas Bacon, 19, allegedly attacked another person at a Madison home on May 12 for eating the last piece of sausage. Bacon was charged with simple assault and released pending a court appearance. The man Bacon attacked said when being interviwed “Bacon is a weenie!”
*AND HERE’S ANOTHER STORY ABOUT WHAT’S IN A NAME*
Equifax, a credit reporting agency, lost a whole lot of money because they didn’t believe in God.
A New York City man whose first name is God has settled a lawsuit with Equifax because they had refused to recognize his name as legitimate. Under the agreement reached in a Brooklyn federal court this week, Equifax will enter God Gazarov’s name into its database. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Gazarov now has a robust 820 credit score. He says he was shocked by Equifax’s refusal to acknowledge his moniker.
The Russian native is a Brooklyn jewelry store owner who is named after his grandfather. He says it’s a relatively common name in Russia.
He told the New York Post he’s relieved that the matter has been settled and he plans to buy a new BMW.
Lawyers for Equifax declined to comment.
*NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED!*
In Modesto, CA, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (hellooooooo)!
*THE GRAND FINALE!* Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of
Bakersfield, CA, some folks new to boating were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t get their brand new 22 foot boat going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver no matter how much power they applied.
After about an hour of trying to make it go they putted into a nearby marina, thinking someone there may be able to tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out-drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
*Now remember these are all true stories and these people VOTE!
People Are Funny – Ten true stories guaranteed to make you laugh
The U. S. National Debt increases $500 million every day. See National Debt clock: http://www.usdebtclock.org/
Most Democrats Believe Illegal aliens should vote in American elections.
The United States has already taken in one-fourth of Mexico’s entire population — and maybe a lot more.
Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard said this week:”Our Founding Fathers never intended for us to have a professional political class.” ~~ Deaths, gang activity surge as illegal aliens flood border, 30,000 expected.
Marco Rubio said this week homosexual same-sex marriage is a “clear and present danger to Christianity.”
Scientists confirm there has been no global warming in the past 28 years. Common Core Curriculum teaches kindergarten through grade 12 that global warming is man-made but does not teach that 30,000 scientists signed a declaration that global warming is just a lot of hot air.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state and the Pope’s top lieutenant, said that Ireland’s vote to allow homosexual marriage was a “defeat for humanity.”
New York Times declares that traditional marriage is “absurd.”
********
The President’s Continuing Legal Problems
President Obama for six years has sought to bypass Congress and create new laws through executive actions. However, now several of those actions are tied up in the courts.
Same-sex marriage, Obmacare, Climate Change — all are before the U. S. Supreme Court. And then there is immigration. This week the Fifth U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals dealt the President a stunning defeat saying his executive order granting amnesty to five million illegal aliens was illegal. The case ultimately will also before the Supreme Court.
Comment: President Obama has ruled like a dictator rather than a man elected by WE THE PEOPLE. He has ruled as though he is above the law rather than abiding by the law. Now his arbitrary decisions — and his legacy — are in jeopardy.
Rethinking Those Military Tributes at Ballparks
There are some new doubts about all those military tributes at National Football League games and other ballparks.
Most of us feel a real surge of patriotism when we see the patriotic celebrations before the games begin. I am always impressed by the giant American flag that covers most of the playing field and the military personnel in their uniforms. I thought the ceremonies were a tribute to the owners of the various teams and a revelation of their patriotism.
But voila! Now we learn that the Pentagon has been paying the professional sports teams for the ceremonies. Pentagon officials have not told us he truth of the matter.
Comment: I decry the idea of paid patriotism! The owners of the professional football and baseball teams are some of the wealthiest men and women in America. They pay their players obscene amounts of money, some in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet you and I — Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer — have to pay for them to be patriotic. Amazing.
Rev. Franklin Graham: Gates’ Call to Allow Homosexual Scout Leaders Puts Scouts at Risk
Last week Robert Gates, president of the Boy Scouts of America, voiced his support for homosexual scout leaders.
However, Newsmax reports the Reverend Franklin Graham says such action would place the young scouts “at risk.”
“Robert Gates, shame on you for not having the moral courage to do what is right,” Graham said.
“What are you thinking?” Graham wrote in response to Gates. He added, “We shouldn’t shift as the winds of cultural change blow through society; we need to stand for God’s truth and things that are morally right…This move is bending to LGBT activist groups…”
Graham encouraged every former Boy Scout and every parent involved in the Boy Scouts to let Robert Gates know how displeased you are and that if he leads the organization down this road, “they may lose their support, their participation — and your sons.”
Comment: Last week we reported that the Boy Scouts of America has dozens of cases of scout leaders who in the past sexually abused young scouts. I can’t imagine any mother or father who would feel comfortable sending their sons on camping trips with homosexual scout leaders.
Ferguson Protesters Paid to Protest
Remember the terrible riots in Ferguson, Missouri?
According to Newsmax many of the protesters were paid to go to Ferguson and wreak havoc.
Ultra Left wing billionaire George Soros — one of President Obama’s strongest supporters and in whose home Chelsea Clinton was married — funded many of the rioters through the organization known as Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) and offered protesters $5,000 a month to go to Ferguson and join in the looting and the burning.
The Washington Times reports that some 500 protesters from Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, Portland, Tucson, Washington, D.C., and Winston-Salem, North Carolina rushed to Ferguson — believing they were to be paid $5,000 — to join in the rioting and destruction of property.
However, some of the rioters are now protesting because MORE has not paid them.
Comment: George Soros wants to turn this country into a Western-European-type socialist government and is spending millions of dollars to accomplish his evil designs. However, it appears to me for him to pay people to riot is inciting a riot and he ought to be prosecuted for what he has done. But being a close friend of President Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, that’s not likely.
Feds to Provide Internet Service for Low-Income Families
According to the Hill the Federal Communications Commission plans to help low-income families pay for internet service as part of the fraud-ridden Lifeline program that already provides cell phones to this group.
The program just for phones — and the monthly service — costs taxpayers nearly $2 billion a year and has been racked with lingering waste, the Hill pointed out.
They continued “The program received harsh criticism during President Obama’s first term due to fraud and abuse that stemmed from the expansion to mobile phones.”
Investigators learned that there was $500 million in fraud in the phone program by those ineligible who received the phones.
Comment: When I was a boy, my mom and dad couldn’t afford a phone, but we got by just fine. But today, liberals in government believe that all low-income families in this land deserve mobile phones and some 12 million have received them. So the taxpayers take another hit.
Now the liberal FCC plans to help the low-income families with internet service. Yet, as usual, they leave us with several questions:
Why is the internet service necessary?
Who will purchase the computers for them?
Will this program also be racked with fraud?
One thing that characterizes liberals/progressives is how many people are on some kind of government programs. The internet service program will add a lot of people. And again, taxpayers take a hit.
Ann Coulter: Immigration Most Important Issue Facing America Today
New York Times bestselling author and political activist Ann Coulter has written a new book entitled Adios America/the Left’s Plan to Turn Our Country into a Third World Hell Hole.
The Breitbart News Network says in her book Coulter is “more fearless than ever” as she takes on the issue of illegal immigration.
Breitbart reports In Adios, America she attacks the groups she says are the most fervent supporters of amnesty for illegal aliens. That group includes “La Raza, the Democrats, a media determined to cover up immigrants’ crimes, churches that get paid by the government for the ‘charity,’ and greedy Republican businessmen and campaign consultants — all of whom are profiting handsomely from mass immigration that is tearing this country apart.”
Comment: At last, someone has the courage to “tell it like it is.” Ann Coulter is that person.
This is Ray Mossholder. If you appreciated Bill’s report please tell him so by striking LIKE.
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And if you’d like to share this with your friends, the easiest way is to put it on your social media. Bill Keith is the author of 42 books – one of which Hollywood plans to turn into a movie soon. If you would like to ask Bill any questions or see his books, you can email him at
Thanks Bill for another outstanding report. You take the pulse of America and it is very very sick.
God bless America. Please.
The Bill Keith Report and Commentary: America In Turmoil
Left Behind – The Kids: Death Strike Chapters 5&6 Race To The Top, Podium Drama
Four Months Later
Judd looked at the test questions, and his heart sank. He knew the answers, but the truth wasn’t what his teacher, Mister Syncrete, wanted. Judd had no problems all year in trigonometry or English. He had a running feud with the biology teachers over evolution, but he could back up his beliefs with scientific data. Religion class threatened his dream of becoming valedictorian.
Judd proudly wore the cross in Mister Syncrete’s class. The Global Community required religious education for graduation. Judd struggled not to make waves, but at times he couldn’t keep silent.
The class had begun with an overview of the Enigma Babylon One World Faith. Mr. Syncrete praised its leader, Pontifex Maximus Peter, for ushering in what he called a “new era of tolerance and unity” among all major religions. Mr. Syncrete spend hours on Eastern religions and spoke in glowing terms of animistic beliefs – that even objects have souls. Guest lecturers explained everything from worship of ancestors to yoga. But the teacher’s demeanor soured when he covered Judaism. And when Christianity finally came up, his attitude got even worse.
“The Jews believe in one God who let them be annihilated in the Holocaust,” Mr. Syncrete said with a sneer. “And the Christians have three Gods who did the same. It’s an irrational, superstitious belief system.”
According to Mr. Syncrete, the biggest enemies of the new OneWorld faith were the millions who believed Jesus was the only way to God. He scoffed at those who dared disagree. He read word for word the statement of Pontifex Maximus Peter concerning Christians:
To say arbitrarily, Pope Peter wrote,“that the Jewish and Protestant Bible, containing only the Old and New Testaments, is the final authority for faith and practice, represents the height of intolerance and disunity. It flies in the face of all we have accomplished. Those who agree with that false doctrine are hereby considered heretics.”
Left Behind – The Kids: Death Strike Chapters 5&6 Race To The Top, Podium Drama
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL."”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.
He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”
Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.
Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
“A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
For The Entire Text and or Images: www.reachmorenow.com
Editor’s Note: Pastor Roger Barrier’s “Ask Roger” column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople, or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions atroger@preachitteachit.org.
Dear Roger,
Our small group had a long discussion about the Battle of Armageddon. This was not the assigned topic for the night but when Becky mentioned how ridiculous for the President to guarantee that Iran would not ever have a nuclear weapon based on their newly reached treaty with Iran, everyone had something to say!
One thing we tried to discuss with intelligence was the Battle of Armageddon and the maneuvering of the nations in battle for the end times. We wondered where and how Jesus fit in with the Battle? Will America be involved? We read Jesus’ Olivet Discourse inMatthew 24 where He describes the times and the signs preceding the Second Coming. With wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and genocide occurring all over the earth, do you believe that these things are being fulfilled today?
Could you please shed some light on this for us? We would really appreciate it.
Sincerely, Christopher
Dear Christopher,
“Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon” (Revelation 16:13-16).
Christopher, I would be delighted to give you some thoughts regarding the Battle of Armageddon; but, with several caveats.
First, God has not chosen to give us all of the details regarding the end times. In other words, no one can answer this question exactly, not with absolute certainty.
Second, I’ve been fascinated by this study for years. I’m going to present to you the best picture I can give of what the Bible does say about the Battle of Armageddon and the events leading up to it.
Third, I will be sharing with you a simple summary of the events as I see them.
Fourth, I am taking a literal perspective as if these events are indeed still in our future. This is based on Ezekiel 37.
Fifth, if I could meet with your small group, we could expand this answer of mine to a two- or three-hour teaching. Since we can’t, I hope this summary will at least answer some of your questions while I know it will bring up many new ones.
Sixth, I have made a lot assumptions in my description of Armageddon and the events preceding it. Others will look at my answer and disagree with most everything I’ve written. Nevertheless, what I present to you is something I’ve worked on for several decades. Hopefully you’ll find my perspective interesting and helpful to your group.
Okay, ready?
Napoleon called the geographical Armageddon the greatest natural battlefield in the world.
But the fact is that no one knows exactly where the battlefield is located. Most likely the Valley extends for some 15 to 20 miles north and south in the northern part of present-day Israel.
The Book of Daniel provides some of the foundational truths that make up any study of the end times.
Daniel 2 – God’s plan for the Gentile nations begins with King Nebuchadnezzar and follows the historical sequence of human governments from him to a 10-nation confederacy during the end times which occupies the area of the old Roman Empire. The Antichrist will gain control of these nations and, after guaranteeing Israel’s peace and security, will break that treaty 3 ½ years later and will launch an attack against Israel.
Daniel 9 – God’s plan of 490 years for Israel predicts to the very day on April 6, 30 A.D when the Messiah will enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This time period begins with the decree from Persia to rebuild and restore Jerusalem. This time period lasts for 483 years. Hence, there is one seven year-time-period left.
On Palm Sunday, God stopped the prophetic clock with seven years to go. The clock will restart when the Antichrist makes his peace treaty with Israel. The first 3 ½ years are peaceful between the ten-nation coalition in Israel. Although, during this time, Israel may be under attack from Rosh – a nation that lies due north of Jerusalem. The Antichrist breaks the treaty after 3 ½ years and then all hell breaks loose with what is called the time of Great Tribulation. This is the time of:
The seven seals of man’s destruction upon himself,
And finally, the seven bowls of God’s wrath which are poured out on mankind.
Now, at what point during this time will The Rapture occur? Some argue at the beginning of the seven years, some argue in the middle of the seven years, and some argue at the end of the seven-year Tribulation. You can make your own choice. Remember that the Rapture need not necessarily be tied to the seven years at all. It may occur before the seven years’ time clock even begins.
Revelation 16:17-21: The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. …The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
“It is done” is followed by a great earthquake. This reminds me of the words of Christ on Calvary, “It is finished.” Jesus statement there was followed by a great earthquake, too.
We must realize here that every man or woman stands in the face of one of these two statements. If a person doesn’t want, “It is done” at Calvary, then he or she will hear “It is done” at Armageddon.
I WOULD NOW LIKE TO DESCRIBE, AS I SEE THEM, THE EVENTS WHICH LEAD UP TO THE BATTLE
Ezekiel 37 — EZEKIEL’S VISION OF THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES coming together to make a skeleton and being covered with flesh and then coming alive is a prediction of the Jewish people coming together from places all over the world to become a living, breathing soul. This prediction became a reality in 1948 with Jews all over the world returning to Israel and establishing a nation.
EZEKIEL 38-39 — THE GOG AND MAGOG INVASION INTO PALESTINE
Ezekiel 381-4: The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of[b] Meshek and Tubal. 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.
Magog, Mesheck, and Tubal were all sons of Jepheth (the son of Noah) who migrated to the area of modern-day Russia – (Genesis 10:2-3).
Magog means the “Chief Prince” or “Prince of Rosh.” Rosh is the old root word for the name Russia.
Meshek corresponds to the old name for the capital of Western Russia, which is today the city of Moscow.
Tubal was the ancient name of one of the dominant Asiatic provinces of Russia.
Ezekiel 38:15 — “You will come from your place in the far North (the Hebrew word means “the uttermost part of the North”). What’s north of Jerusalem? Moscow. What is further north than Russia? Nothing.
Ezekiel 38:5-6 identifies the rest of the participants.
Persia is a reference to modern-day Iran which changed its name in 1935.
Cush describes present day Ethiopia and the black nations of Central Africa.
Put is Libya, located in northern Africa.
Gomer are the people who settled in Germany.
Beth Togarmah is Asia Minor and Turkey.
MAGOG’S DECISION TO INVADE ISRAEL (EZEKIEL 38:7-13).
Ezekiel 38:14-16:“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.”
In other words, this occurs at a time when Israel dwells in peace… When is that? Probably during the first 3 ½ years before the Antichrist breaks his treaty with Israel.
At that time, the people of “Rosh from the North” will seize the opportunity to quickly invade Israel. Rosh and the nations with her will be utterly destroyed by God. In other words, these nations will have no part in the battle of Armageddon; they have already been defeated. It is my guess at the Antichrist is the one who engages these nations in battle and destroys them.
In the rest of Ezekiel 38-39 God describes his destruction on Gog and Magog. We see in these verses what seems to eerily describe a nuclear holocaust. Fire and brimstone fall from the sky. The earth shakes. The faces of the invading soldiers melt like hot wax. It takes Israel seven years to decontaminate the land. The burial of radiation-contaminated men and women injures even more.
Thousands of invading soldiers lie unburied. God sends the birds of the air to pluck the flesh right off their bodies.
This sounds just like the grisly feast of God in Revelation 19 at the Battle of Armageddon.
The Antichrist uses this move by Russia against Israel to set up the Abomination of Desolation and move his forces into Israel. The nations which comprise the land area of the old Roman Empire include England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Greece, Macedonia, Belgium, and the Netherlands, among others.
3 ½ years into the final seven year period the Antichrist places what Jesus called the Abomination of Desolation in the holy place in the temple in Jerusalem. This is a small statue of the Antichrist which comes alive and desecrates the place of sacrifice.
The Abomination of Desolation compels Jews to worship the Antichrist. This is crucial to his plan for world dictatorship.
Jesus said, “When you see the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet set up in the Holy place, Run! …Woe if you are pregnant. Run away as fast as you can.” The Antichrist demands to be worshiped and brands all of his followers with the number 666. John tells us that those who will worship the Antichrist and take the number will avoid economic sanctions but will be doomed to hell. Those who refuse to take the number and won’t follow or worship the beast will be put to death as martyrs.
In the middle of Tribulation, Satan is cast from Heaven and personally indwells the Antichrist. The Great Tribulation (the final 3 ½ years) has begun.
The rest of Daniel 11 describes a massive battle between the king of the North and the King of the South. The king of the North is obviously the Antichrist and the King of the South refers to an Arab-African Confederacy.
The battles are intense with the King of the South initially victorious. But the Antichrist builds a massive army and moves into Israel and utterly defeats the King of the South and his forces.
The Antichrist is in full control of Israel, killing Christians and Jews quickly and mercilessly. Then, tidings from the East warn the Antichrist of a gigantic invasion of the Kings of East which comprise an army of 200 million soldiers. In Revelation 9 the Euphrates River impedes the movement of the Kings from East. This is the sixth trumpet.
In Revelation 16 the sixth cup of God’s wrath is poured out as the Euphrates dries up and allows the Kings of the East to March into Israel to battle with the Antichrist.
“Tidings from the North” refers to Russia restored which then returns for a second time to invade Israel.
At this point all the armies move into the Middle-East and spread out along the entire length and breadth of Israel, with the greatest concentration poised for the fiercest and final battle on the Plains of Armageddon.
Some feel that these verses are descriptive, poetic pictures of Armageddon. I am taking the literal position here.
The islands flee away. God rearranges the surface of the earth. Just as Africa, Europe, South America, and North America used to be one land mass, God will speed up the process and change it all.
The mountains will not be found. This would indicate a complete renovation of the earth, which may be a fulfillment of 2 Peter 3:10, which predicts that the entire earth will be destroyed and “the elements shall melt with fervent heat: the earth and also the works that are in it, shall be burned up.”
While this great battle is raging, every city in the world is going to be leveled. This will take place by what is called an “earthquake” (seismos in the Greek), but that’s not the only meaning. The word itself simply means “a great shaking of the earth.” The earth could be shaken either by a literal earthquake or by a full-scale nuclear exchange.
Just think of the great cities of the world: London, Rome, Paris, Berlin, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Tokyo… all of these great cities are going to be judged at that time!
ZECHARIAH 14:1-13 DESCRIBES WHAT OCCURS AT THE VERY MOMENT OF THE SECOND COMING
Jesus sets foot on the Mount of Olives and a great Earthquake takes place which splits Israel from East to West and brings water from the Mediterranean Sea all the way to Jerusalem. By the way, there is a fault line that runs from the Mount of Olives all the way to the Mediterranean Sea…
Jesus then enters the fray and destroys the forces of the Antichrist, the King of the East and the king of the North as recorded in Zachariah 14:12-13:
“This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.On that day people will be stricken by the Lord with great panic. They will seize each other by the hand and attack one another.”
For hundreds of years, students of Bible prophecy have wondered what kind of plague could produce such instant ravaging of humans while still on their feet. Until the advent of the atomic bomb such a thing was not humanly possible. But now everything Zechariah predicted could come true instantly in a thermonuclear exchange.
At the Second Coming, the nonbelieving Jews of Israel will see the nail prints in Jesus’s hands, feet, and side and realize that they crucified their Messiah. It will break their hearts:
ZECHARIAH 12:10:“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look onme, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”
FINALLY, THE TWO SUPPERS OF GOD AT END OF TIME!
The Supper of God — Revelation 19:17-18: “And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, ‘Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small."”
The Wedding Supper of the Lamb — Revelation 19:9: Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” This is the marriage feast when Jesus, as the Bridegroom, takes His church for His Bride. It is a tremendous time of fellowship and praise!
There is a telling word picture here and we all have a choice: We can enjoy the wedding supper with Jesus or we can be the supper.
Revelation 20 and 21 wrap up the story with the destruction of Satan and his followers, the 1000-year reign of Christ on Earth (the Millennium), and the new Heaven and the new Earth which are designed for eternity.
Well, Christopher, I hope this gives you some insight into the battle of Armageddon and to the extra material beyond your question that you may find helpful.
May God bless you in your studies of the Book of Revelation and please remember that God promises a blessing for those who read it often.
Sincerely, Roger
Dr. Roger Barrier retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Churchin Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands ofpastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. His popular book, Listening to the Voice of God, published by Bethany House, is in its second printing and is available in Thai and Portuguese.His latest work is, Got Guts? Get Godly! Pray the Prayer God Guarantees to Answer, from Xulon Press. Roger can be found blogging atPreach It, Teach It, the pastoral teaching site founded with his wife, Dr. Julie Barrier.
Ray LIVE – John the Baptist the wailing preacher Mt 1:7-2-3:17
Matthew 2:1-3:17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Visit of the Magi
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, [t]magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the [u]Messiah was to be born.5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written [v]by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who willshepherd My people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them [w]the exact time the star appeared.8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they [x]fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
The Flight to Egypt
13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
14 So [y]Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.15 He [z]remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I calledMy Son.”
Herod Slaughters Babies
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”
19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,20 “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”21 So[aa]Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,23 and came and lived in a city calledNazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
The Preaching of John the Baptist
3 Now in those days John the Baptist *[ab]came, [ac]preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven [ad]is at hand.”3 For this is the one referred to [ae]by Isaiah the prophet when he said,
“The voice of one[af]crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’”
4 Now John himself had [ag]a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan;6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.10 The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “As for me, I baptize you [ah]with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you [ai]with the Holy Spirit and fire.12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”15 But Jesus answering said to him,“Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *permitted Him.16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and[aj]he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and[ak]lighting on Him,17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is [al]My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Footnotes:
Matthew 2:1A caste of wise men specializing in astronomy, astrology, and natural science
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one.
I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.
Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.
But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more.
For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it–for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while–
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.
So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God.
For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth.
His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.
I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
